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Kaizik MA, Hancock MJ, Herbert RD. DiTA: helping you search for evidence of diagnostic test accuracy in physical therapy. Braz J Phys Ther 2024; 28:101082. [PMID: 38848626 PMCID: PMC11192776 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2024.101082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical therapists use diagnostic tests in a variety of settings. Choosing the best diagnostic test to apply in a particular situation can be difficult. The choice of diagnostic test should be informed, at least in part, by evidence of test accuracy. Finding evidence of diagnostic test accuracy has, until recently, been challenging. Ideally, there would exist a database that comprehensively indexes evidence on diagnostic tests relevant to physical therapy practice, is free to access, and is easy to use. OBJECTIVE This Masterclass will describe the DiTA (Diagnostic Test Accuracy) database (dita.org.au) including its development and search interface, and provide advice on how to search and retrieve records. DISCUSSION DiTA indexes more than 2400 primary studies and systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy relevant to physical therapy practice. Users can search DiTA using text fields and dropdown lists to find evidence of diagnostic test accuracy. The database is freely accessible on the internet. Since its launch, DiTA has been accessed from almost every country in the world, the largest number of searches having been conducted from Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Kaizik
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Mark J Hancock
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert D Herbert
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney, Australia
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Jermini-Gianinazzi I, Blum M, Trachsel M, Trippolini MA, Tochtermann N, Rimensberger C, Liechti FD, Wertli MM. Management of acute non-specific low back pain in the emergency department: do emergency physicians follow the guidelines? Results of a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071893. [PMID: 37541755 PMCID: PMC10407374 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical guidelines for acute non-specific low back pain (LBP) recommend avoiding imaging studies or invasive treatments and to advise patients to stay active. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of acute non-specific LBP in the emergency departments (ED). SETTING We invited all department chiefs of Swiss EDs and their physician staff to participate in a web-based survey using two clinical case vignettes of patients with acute non-specific LBP presenting to an ED. In both cases, no neurological deficits or red flags were present. Guideline adherence and low-value care was defined based on current guideline recommendations. RESULTS In total, 263 ED physicians completed at least one vignette, while 212 completed both vignettes (43% residents, 32% senior/attending physicians and 24% chief physicians). MRI was considered in 31% in vignette 1 and 65% in vignette 2. For pain management, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol and metamizole were mostly used. A substantial proportion of ED physicians considered treatments with questionable benefit and/or increased risk for adverse events such as oral steroids (vignette 1, 12% and vignette 2, 19%), muscle relaxants (33% and 38%), long-acting strong opioids (25% and 33%) and spinal injections (22% and 43%). Although guidelines recommend staying active, 72% and 67% of ED physicians recommended activity restrictions. CONCLUSION Management of acute non-specific LBP in the ED was not in agreement with current guideline recommendations in a substantial proportion of ED physicians. Overuse of imaging studies, the use of long-acting opioids and muscle relaxants, as well as recommendations for activity and work restrictions were prevalent and may potentially be harmful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Jermini-Gianinazzi
- Emergency Department, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli Bellinzona, Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Blum
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Trachsel
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Alen Trippolini
- School of Health Professions, Berne University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
- Evidence-based Insurance Medicine (EbIM), Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Tochtermann
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Rimensberger
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Dominik Liechti
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria M Wertli
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Baden AG, Baden, Aargau, Switzerland
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Morgan S, Kongsted A, Nørgaard B. User perspectives on systematic data collection regarding back pain managed in general practice - a qualitative study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:684. [PMID: 35854291 PMCID: PMC9294778 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05613-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Back pain is a main driver of disability and the most prevalent reason why people in Demark visit a general practitioner (GP). However, little is known about back pain management in primary care. For new strategies to be sustainable and to accommodate the recommendations for evidence-based practice, patients' perspectives are paramount to complement clinical expertise and research evidence. This study aimed to identify recommendations for systematic data collection in a nationwide cohort regarding the management of back pain in general practice from the perspectives of GPs and patients. METHOD We applied an adapted exploratory sequential design using focus groups and individual interviews. Seven GPs and ten patients with back pain participated, and four focus groups and seventeen individual interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using abductive reasoning. RESULTS Both GPs and patients with back pain found that 1) recruitment to a cohort should take place through the GPs, 2) the heterogeneity of patients with back pain and their need for individualized treatment and care should be considered, and 3) data from the cohort should feed into a flowchart or guideline to illustrate a generic patient pathway and visually assist both the patient and GP to obtain an overview and, thus, structure the patient pathway. CONCLUSION GPs and patients with back pain both considered the nationwide cohort with the overall aim to investigate back pain management as being extremely relevant in relation to improve t the patient pathway. User perspectives should be explored and integrated into health care interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Morgan
- Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9B, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Alice Kongsted
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Nørgaard
- Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9B, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
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Chu L, Bhogal SK, Lin P, Steele A, Fuller M, Ciaccia A, Abitbol A. AWAREness of diagnosis and treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease in adults with Type 2 Diabetes (AWARE-CKD in T2D). Can J Diabetes 2022; 46:464-472. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Sorondo D, Delpierre C, Côté P, Salmi LR, Cedraschi C, Taylor-Vaisey A, Lemeunier N. Determinants of clinical practice guidelines' utilization for the management of musculoskeletal disorders: a scoping review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:507. [PMID: 34074285 PMCID: PMC8170973 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04204-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Many clinical practice guidelines have been developed for the management of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, there is a gap between evidence-based knowledge and clinical practice, and reasons are poorly understood. Understanding why healthcare providers use clinical practice guidelines is essential to improve their implementation, dissemination, and adherence. Aim To identify determinants of clinical practice guidelines’ utilization by health care providers involved in the assessment and management of MSDs. Method A scoping review of the literature was conducted. Three databases were searched from inception to March 2021. Article identification, study design, methodological quality, type of healthcare providers, MSDs, barriers and facilitators associated with guidelines’ utilization were extracted from selected articles. RESULTS: 8671 citations were retrieved, and 43 articles were selected. 51% of studies were from Europe, and most were quantitative studies (64%) following a cross-sectional design (88%). Almost 80% of articles dealt with low back pain guidelines, and the most studied healthcare providers were general practitioners or physiotherapists. Five main barriers to guideline utilization were expressed by providers: 1) disagreement between recommendations and patient expectations; 2) guidelines not specific to individual patients; 3) unfamiliarity with “non-specific” term, or with the bio psychosocial model of MSDs; 4) time consuming; and 5) heterogeneity in guideline methods. Four main facilitators to guideline utilization were cited: 1) clinician’s interest in evidence-based practice; 2) perception from clinicians that the guideline will improve triage, diagnosis and management; 3) time efficiency; and 4) standardized language. Conclusion Identifying modifiable determinants is the first step in developing implementation strategies to improve guideline utilization in clinical practice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04204-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Sorondo
- UMR1295, Toulouse III University, Inserm, Equipe EQUITY, Equipe constitutive du CERPOP, Toulouse, France. .,Institut Franco-Européen de Chiropraxie, 72 chemin de la Flambère-31,300, Toulouse, France.
| | - Cyrille Delpierre
- UMR1295, Toulouse III University, Inserm, Equipe EQUITY, Equipe constitutive du CERPOP, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Côté
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation at Ontario Tech University and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Oshawa and Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louis-Rachid Salmi
- Univ. Bordeaux, ISPED, Centre INSERM U1219-Bordeaux Population Health, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Pôle de santé publique, Service d'Information Médicale, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christine Cedraschi
- Division of General Medical Rehabilitation, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anne Taylor-Vaisey
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation at Ontario Tech University and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Oshawa and Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadège Lemeunier
- UMR1295, Toulouse III University, Inserm, Equipe EQUITY, Equipe constitutive du CERPOP, Toulouse, France.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
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Doucett J, Hayden J, Magee KD, Ogilvie R. Are Emergency Medicine Provider Characteristics Associated With Diagnostic Imaging for Low Back Pain? Cureus 2021; 13:e13628. [PMID: 33816027 PMCID: PMC8011620 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for presentation to the emergency department (ED). LBP is most commonly non-specific or mechanical in nature yet can be debilitating. Diagnostic imaging (DI) is commonly ordered contrary to guideline recommendations for patients with LBP. This study seeks to determine if physician characteristics are associated with ordering of DI for patients with non-specific or mechanical LBP in the ED. These characteristics include physician sex, age, experience level, location of residency training, and full-time status. Methodology We included all patients presenting to the ED of a Canadian tertiary care center with a diagnosis of non-specific or mechanical LBP between January 2015 and June 2018. We tracked the use of DI for physicians caring for patients presenting to the ED over this period. Simple and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, controlling for patient characteristics, to identify provider characteristics that were independently associated with DI use. Results Internationally trained physicians were less likely to order diagnostic radiographs than Canadian trained physicians (odds ratio [OR], 0.625; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-0.95), while middle-aged physicians ordered more computed tomography scans (OR, 6.34; 95% CI, 1.52-26.52) compared to younger physicians; there was no significant difference between younger and older physicians. Conclusions Few physician characteristics were associated with any DI ordering for non-specific or mechanical LBP. The likelihood of receiving DI for non-specific or mechanical LBP may be more strongly related to unmeasured patient characteristics, settings, or logistical factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jill Hayden
- Research, Dalhousie University, Halifax, CAN
| | - Kirk D Magee
- Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, CAN
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Dogan H, Aydin H. Effect of triage on physicians’ clinical decision: A prospective, observational, single-center and cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF ACUTE DISEASE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/2221-6189.330740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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van Dulmen SA, Naaktgeboren CA, Heus P, Verkerk EW, Weenink J, Kool RB, Hooft L. Barriers and facilitators to reduce low-value care: a qualitative evidence synthesis. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e040025. [PMID: 33127636 PMCID: PMC7604848 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess barriers and facilitators to de-implementation. DESIGN A qualitative evidence synthesis with a framework analysis. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Rx for Change databases until September 2018 were searched. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included studies that primarily focused on identifying factors influencing de-implementation or the continuation of low-value care, and studies describing influencing factors related to the effect of a de-implementation strategy. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS The factors were classified on five levels: individual provider, individual patient, social context, organisational context, economic/political context. RESULTS We identified 333 factors in 81 articles. Factors related to the individual provider (n=131; 74% barriers, 17% facilitators, 9% both barrier/facilitator) were associated with their attitude (n=72; 55%), knowledge/skills (n=43; 33%), behaviour (n=11; 8%) and provider characteristics (n=5; 4%). Individual patient factors (n=58; 72% barriers, 9% facilitators, 19% both barrier/facilitator) were mainly related to knowledge (n=33; 56%) and attitude (n=13; 22%). Factors related to the social context (n=46; 41% barriers, 48% facilitators, 11% both barrier/facilitator) included mainly professional teams (n=23; 50%) and professional development (n=12; 26%). Frequent factors in the organisational context (n=67; 67% barriers, 25% facilitators, 8% both barrier/facilitator) were available resources (n=28; 41%) and organisational structures and work routines (n=24; 36%). Under the category of economic and political context (n=31; 71% barriers, 13% facilitators, 16% both barrier/facilitator), financial incentives were most common (n=27; 87%). CONCLUSIONS This study provides in-depth insight into the factors within the different (sub)categories that are important in reducing low-value care. This can be used to identify barriers and facilitators in low-value care practices or to stimulate development of strategies that need further refinement. We conclude that multifaceted de-implementation strategies are often necessary for effective reduction of low-value care. Situation-specific knowledge of impeding or facilitating factors across all levels is important for designing tailored de-implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A van Dulmen
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - C A Naaktgeboren
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrech, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pauline Heus
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eva W Verkerk
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J Weenink
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf Bertijn Kool
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lotty Hooft
- Cochrane Netherlands, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Sharma S, Traeger AC, Reed B, Hamilton M, O'Connor DA, Hoffmann TC, Bonner C, Buchbinder R, Maher CG. Clinician and patient beliefs about diagnostic imaging for low back pain: a systematic qualitative evidence synthesis. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e037820. [PMID: 32830105 PMCID: PMC7451538 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Overuse of diagnostic imaging for patients with low back pain remains common. The underlying beliefs about diagnostic imaging that could drive overuse remain unclear. We synthesised qualitative research that has explored clinician, patient or general public beliefs about diagnostic imaging for low back pain. DESIGN A qualitative evidence synthesis using a thematic analysis. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and PsycINFO from inception to 17 June 2019. Qualitative studies that interviewed clinicians, patients and/or general public exploring beliefs about diagnostic imaging for low back pain were included. Four review authors independently extracted data and organised these according to themes and subthemes. We used the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool to critically appraise included studies. To assess confidence in review findings, we used the GRADE-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research method. RESULTS We included 69 qualitative studies with 1747 participants. Key findings included: Patients and clinicians believe diagnostic imaging is an important test to locate the source of low back pain (33 studies, high confidence); patients with chronic low back pain believe pathological findings on diagnostic imaging provide evidence that pain is real (12 studies, moderate confidence); and clinicians ordered diagnostic imaging to reduce the risk of a missed diagnosis that could lead to litigation, and to manage patients' expectations (12 studies, moderate confidence). CONCLUSION Clinicians and patients can believe that diagnostic imaging is an important tool for locating the source of non-specific low back pain. Patients may underestimate the harms of unnecessary imaging tests. These beliefs could be important targets for intervention. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42017076047.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweekriti Sharma
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrian C Traeger
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ben Reed
- Monash Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Cabrini Institute, Malvern, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie Hamilton
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Denise A O'Connor
- Monash Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Cabrini Institute, Malvern, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tammy C Hoffmann
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carissa Bonner
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachelle Buchbinder
- Monash Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Cabrini Institute, Malvern, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris G Maher
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Javed H, Imran M, Nazir QUA, Fatima I, Humayun A. Increased trend of unnecessary use of radiological diagnostic modalities in Pakistan: radiologists perspective. Int J Qual Health Care 2020; 31:712-716. [PMID: 30476150 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzy234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past few years, a significant overuse of radiological investigations influenced the quality and cost of healthcare of the country as it may lead to non-compliance of the patient due to non-affordability and also may harm the patient in terms of radiation hazards. Pakistan, being a low-income, resource-constraint country, is facing financial impact on families as well as health system due to multiple reasons. OBJECTIVES The purpose of study is to identify reasons of unnecessary use of radiological diagnostic modalities in Pakistani hospitals as perceived by radiologists. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of all 105 radiologists, having at least 1 year experience of working in radiology, working in five tertiary care hospitals in Lahore. A self-constructed, self-administered, pretested 5-point Likert scale opinion-based questionnaire was administered after taking informed consent. It includes questions about excessive radiological use that may be attributed to the physicians, investigations, patients and other non-categorized causes. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 23. RESULTS Since the assessment forms were handed over and collected from the radiologists in person, the response rate was 100%. Of a total of 105 respondents, 78 (74.28%) respondentsagreed that there is an actual increase, 25 (23.80%) respondents disagreed and 2 (1.90%) respondents were unsure. Most important reasons for increased usage of radiological investigations are 'need of accuracy of diagnosis' (P = 0.009), 'trend of physicians to repeat tests in order to confirm preset diagnoses' (P-value = 0.03), 'lack of knowledge about proper usage of radiological advances' (P-value = 0.005) and 'lack of proper clinical examination' (P-value = 0.04). CONCLUSION Unnecessary use of radiological investigations is actually there as perceived by radiologists, which is attributed to inadequate knowledge, attitude and training of physicians to refer patients to radiological resources. This research can be a stepping stone for future researchers as it can be used for elaborating these causes individually and finding ways as to how each of these causes can be controlled and minimized to bring about a decline in excessive usage of these modalities for the betterment of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Javed
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Medical College, Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mahum Imran
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Medical College, Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Qurrat-Ul-Ain Nazir
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Medical College, Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iram Fatima
- Institute of Quality Management, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Humayun
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Medical College, Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
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Haimowitz S, Ruiz-Cordell K, Joubin K, Sih-Meynier R. A multi-level assessment of shared decision making: An evaluation of clinician and patient attitudes and behaviors and the identification of predictive profiles. COGENT MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/2331205x.2020.1786986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Al Zoubi FM, French SD, Patey AM, Mayo NE, Bussières AE. Professional barriers and facilitators to using stratified care approaches for managing non-specific low back pain: a qualitative study with Canadian physiotherapists and chiropractors. Chiropr Man Therap 2019; 27:68. [PMID: 31857892 PMCID: PMC6909494 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-019-0286-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent clinical practice guidelines for the management of non-specific low back pain (LBP) recommend using stratified care approaches. To date, no study has assessed barriers and facilitators for health professionals in using stratified care approaches for managing non-specific LBP in the Canadian primary care setting. This study aimed to identify and contrast barriers and facilitators to using the stratified care approaches for non-specific LBP among Canadian physiotherapists and chiropractors. Methods Individual telephone interviews, underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), explored beliefs and attitudes about, and identified barriers and facilitators to the use of stratified care approaches for managing non-specific LBP in a purposive sample of 13 chiropractors and 14 physiotherapists between September 2015 and June 2016. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by two independent assessors using directed content analysis. Results Three and seven TDF domains were identified as likely relevant for physiotherapists and chiropractors, respectively. Shared key beliefs (and relevant domains of the TDF) for both physiotherapists and chiropractors included: lack of time, cost, and expertise (Environmental Context and Resources); and consulting more experienced colleagues and chronic patients with important psychological overlay (Social Influences). Unique key domains were identified among physiotherapists: incompatibility with achieving other objectives (Goals), and chiropractors: confidence in using stratified care approaches (Beliefs about Capabilities); intention to use stratified care approaches (Intentions); awareness and agreement with stratified care approaches (Knowledge); assessment of readiness for change and intentional planning behaviour (Behavioural Regulation); and improving the management of non-specific LBP patients and the uptake of evidence-based practice (Beliefs about Consequences). Conclusions Several shared and unique barriers and facilitators to using the stratified care approaches for non-specific LBP among Canadian physiotherapists and chiropractors were identified. Findings may help inform the design of tailored theory-based knowledge translation interventions to increase the uptake of stratified care approaches in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi M Al Zoubi
- 1School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, H3G 1Y5, Montreal, QC Canada.,2Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation (CRIR), Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Simon D French
- 3Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW Australia.,4School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - Andrea M Patey
- 5Centre for Implementation Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Nancy E Mayo
- 1School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, H3G 1Y5, Montreal, QC Canada.,2Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation (CRIR), Montréal, QC Canada
| | - André E Bussières
- 1School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, H3G 1Y5, Montreal, QC Canada.,2Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation (CRIR), Montréal, QC Canada.,6Département chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC Canada
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Al-Dahery S, McGee A, Rainford L. A Comparison of MRI Radiographers' Knowledge in Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Ireland in Relation to Image Quality Management, for Abdomen and Pelvic MRI Examinations. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2019; 50:280-288. [PMID: 31176436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this article was to qualitatively compare current MRI radiographers' knowledge from Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Ireland in relation to MR image quality for abdominal and pelvic MRI examinations. METHODS AND MATERIALS Semistructured interviews were designed to investigate the professional role of radiographers towards image quality management, personal development in MRI, and training in relation to image quality improvement. Public, private, military, and academic hospitals in the Western region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated, as did a range of public and private Irish centres. Clinical specialist radiographers (CSRs)/supervisors, and MR radiographers working in MR completed the interviews. These were recorded, coded, and transcribed. RESULTS Sixty-one MR radiographers and CSRs/supervisors within 11 MRI departments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 11 MRI departments in the Republic of Ireland participated in this study. Three themes resulted by using a qualitative data analysis program called NVivo: (1) health care professional and the cultural attitudes with regards to the scope of professional roles, (2) factors affecting image quality, and (3) departmental policy. Participants' knowledge of image quality varied and challenges to achieving optimal quality levels were noted. Differences in clinical practice between countries were identified, as was the impact of clinical experience and levels of education. CONCLUSION Differences in attitude and clinical practice between Saudi and Irish radiographers and CSRs/supervisors working in MRI departments were identified. There is a need for further training and subsequent assessment of professional skills, including developing postgraduate opportunities, particularly for Saudi radiographers, to support radiographers in the routine management of MR image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrooq Al-Dahery
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Allison McGee
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Louise Rainford
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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Mota de Almeida FJ, Flygare L, Knutsson K, Wolf E. ‘Seeing is believing’: a qualitative approach to studying the use of cone beam computed tomography in endodontics in Sweden. Int Endod J 2019; 52:1519-1528. [DOI: 10.1111/iej.13144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - L. Flygare
- Department of Radiation Sciences Umeå University UmeåSweden
| | - K. Knutsson
- Department of Oral‐and‐Maxillofacial Radiology Malmö University MalmöSweden
| | - E. Wolf
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Odontology Malmö University Malmö Sweden
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Hall AM, Scurrey SR, Pike AE, Albury C, Richmond HL, Matthews J, Toomey E, Hayden JA, Etchegary H. Physician-reported barriers to using evidence-based recommendations for low back pain in clinical practice: a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Implement Sci 2019; 14:49. [PMID: 31064375 PMCID: PMC6505266 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-019-0884-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoption of low back pain guidelines is a well-documented problem. Information to guide the development of behaviour change interventions is needed. The review is the first to synthesise the evidence regarding physicians' barriers to providing evidence-based care for LBP using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Using the TDF allowed us to map specific physician-reported barriers to individual guideline recommendations. Therefore, the results can provide direction to future interventions to increase physician compliance with evidence-based care for LBP. METHODS We searched the literature for qualitative studies from inception to July 2018. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligibility and extracted data on study characteristics, reporting quality, and methodological rigour. Guided by a TDF coding manual, two reviewers independently coded the individual study themes using NVivo. After coding, we assessed confidence in the findings using the GRADE-CERQual approach. RESULTS Fourteen studies (n = 318 physicians) from 9 countries reported barriers to adopting one of the 5 guideline-recommended behaviours regarding in-clinic diagnostic assessments (9 studies, n = 198), advice on activity (7 studies, n = 194), medication prescription (2 studies, n = 39), imaging referrals (11 studies, n = 270), and treatment/specialist referrals (8 studies, n = 193). Imaging behaviour is influenced by (1) social influence-from patients requesting an image or wanting a diagnosis (n = 252, 9 studies), (2) beliefs about consequence-physicians believe that providing a scan will reassure patients (n = 175, 6 studies), and (3) environmental context and resources-physicians report a lack of time to have a conversation with patients about diagnosis and why a scan is not needed (n = 179, 6 studies). Referrals to conservative care is influenced by environmental context and resources-long wait-times or a complete lack of access to adjunct services prevented physicians from referring to these services (n = 82, 5 studies). CONCLUSIONS Physicians face numerous barriers to providing evidence-based LBP care which we have mapped onto 7 TDF domains. Two to five TDF domains are involved in determining physician behaviour, confirming the complexity of this problem. This is important as interventions often target a single domain where multiple domains are involved. Interventions designed to address all the domains involved while considering context-specific factors may prove most successful in increasing guideline adoption. REGISTRATION PROSPERO 2017, CRD42017070703.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Hall
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, Room 417
- Janeway Hostel, Health Sciences Centre, 300 Prince Philip Parkway, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada.
| | - Samantha R Scurrey
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, Room 417
- Janeway Hostel, Health Sciences Centre, 300 Prince Philip Parkway, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Andrea E Pike
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, Room 417
- Janeway Hostel, Health Sciences Centre, 300 Prince Philip Parkway, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Charlotte Albury
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helen L Richmond
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research in Oxford, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James Matthews
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elaine Toomey
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jill A Hayden
- Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Holly Etchegary
- Clinical Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Jenkins HJ, Moloney NA, French SD, Maher CG, Dear BF, Magnussen JS, Hancock MJ. Using behaviour change theory and preliminary testing to develop an implementation intervention to reduce imaging for low back pain. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:734. [PMID: 30249241 PMCID: PMC6154885 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3526-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imaging is overused in the management of low back pain (LBP). Interventions designed to decrease non-indicated imaging have predominantly targeted practitioner education alone; however, these are typically ineffective. Barriers to reducing imaging have been identified for both patients and practitioners. Interventions aimed at addressing barriers in both these groups concurrently may be more effective. The Behaviour Change Wheel provides a structured framework for developing implementation interventions to facilitate behavioural change. The aim of this study was to develop an implementation intervention aiming to reduce non-indicated imaging for LBP, by targeting both general medical practitioner (GP) and patient barriers concurrently. METHODS The Behaviour Change Wheel was used to identify the behaviours requiring change, and guide initial development of an implementation intervention. Preliminary testing of the intervention was performed with: 1) content review by experts in the field; and 2) qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 GPs and 10 healthcare consumers, to determine barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of the intervention in clinical practice. Results informed further development of the implementation intervention. RESULTS Patient pressure on the GP to order imaging, and the inability of the GP to manage a clinical consult for LBP without imaging, were determined to be the primary behaviours leading to referral for non-indicated imaging. The developed implementation intervention consisted of a purpose-developed clinical resource for GPs to use with patients during a LBP consult, and a GP training session. The implementation intervention was designed to provide GP and patient education, remind GPs of preferred behaviour, provide clinical decision support, and facilitate GP-patient communication. Preliminary testing found experts, GPs, and healthcare consumers were supportive of most aspects of the developed resource, and thought use would likely decrease non-indicated imaging for LBP. Suggestions for improvement of the implementation intervention were incorporated into a final version. CONCLUSIONS The developed implementation intervention, aiming to reduce non-indicated imaging for LBP, was informed by behaviour change theory and preliminary testing. Further testing is required to assess feasibility of use in clinical practice, and the effectiveness of the implementation intervention in reducing imaging for LBP, before large-scale implementation can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel J Jenkins
- Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. .,Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Niamh A Moloney
- Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Simon D French
- Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris G Maher
- Musculoskeletal Health Sydney, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Blake F Dear
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - John S Magnussen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark J Hancock
- Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Gransjøen AM, Wiig S, Lysdahl KB, Hofmann BM. Barriers and facilitators for guideline adherence in diagnostic imaging: an explorative study of GPs' and radiologists' perspectives. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:556. [PMID: 30012130 PMCID: PMC6048703 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3372-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnostic imaging has been a part of medicine for the last century. It has been difficult to implement guidelines in this field, and unwarranted imaging has been a frequent problem. Some work has been done to explain these phenomena separately. Identifying the barriers to and facilitators of guideline use has been one strategy. The aim of this study is to offer a more comprehensive explanation of deviations from the guideline by studying the two phenomena together. Methods Eight general practitioners and 10 radiologists from two counties in Norway agreed to semi-structured interviews. Topics covered in the interviews were knowledge of the guideline, barriers to and facilitators of guideline use, implementation of guidelines and factors that influence unwarranted imaging. Results Several barriers to and facilitators of guideline use were identified. Among these are lack of time, pressure from patients, and guidelines being too long, rigid or unclear. Facilitators of guideline use were easy accessibility and having the guidelines adapted to the target group. Some of the factors that influence unwarranted imaging are lack of time, pressure from patients and availability of imaging services. Conclusion There are similarities between the perceived barriers for guideline adherence and the perceived factors that influence unwarranted imaging. There may be a few reasons that explains the deviation from guidelines, and the amount of unwarranted imaging. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3372-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Mari Gransjøen
- Department of Health sciences in Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Gjøvik (NTNU), Teknologiveien 22, 2815, Gjøvik, Norway.
| | - Siri Wiig
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholmsgate 41, 4036, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kristin Bakke Lysdahl
- Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Pilestredet 46, 0167, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, PO Box 235, 3603, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Bjørn Morten Hofmann
- Department of Health sciences in Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Gjøvik (NTNU), Teknologiveien 22, 2815, Gjøvik, Norway.,Center for medical ethics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
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Toye F, Seers K, Barker K. A meta-ethnography of health-care professionals’ experience of treating adults with chronic non-malignant pain to improve the experience and quality of health care. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr06170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundPeople with chronic pain do not always feel that they are being listened to or valued by health-care professionals (HCPs). We aimed to understand and improve this experience by finding out what HCPs feel about providing health care to people with chronic non-malignant pain. We did this by bringing together the published qualitative research.Objectives(1) To undertake a qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) to increase our understanding of what it is like for HCPs to provide health care to people with chronic non-malignant pain; (2) to make our findings easily available and accessible through a short film; and (3) to contribute to the development of methods for QESs.DesignWe used the methods of meta-ethnography, which involve identifying concepts and progressively abstracting these concepts into a line of argument.Data sourcesWe searched five electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database) from inception to November 2016. We included studies that explored HCPs’ experiences of providing health care to people with chronic non-malignant pain. We utilised the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (GRADE-CERQual) framework to rate our confidence in the findings.ResultsWe screened 954 abstracts and 184 full texts and included 77 studies reporting the experiences of > 1551 HCPs. We identified six themes: (1) a sceptical cultural lens and the siren song of diagnosis; (2) navigating juxtaposed models of medicine; (3) navigating the patient–clinician borderland; (4) the challenge of dual advocacy; (5) personal costs; and (6) the craft of pain management. We produced a short film, ‘Struggling to support people to live a valued life with chronic pain’, which presents these themes (seeReport Supplementary Material 1; URL:www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/programmes/hsdr/1419807/#/documentation; accessed 24 July 2017). We rated our confidence in the review findings using the GRADE-CERQual domains. We developed a conceptual model to explain the complexity of providing health care to people with chronic non-malignant pain. The innovation of this model is to propose a series of tensions that are integral to the experience: a dualistic biomedical model compared with an embodied psychosocial model; professional distance compared with proximity; professional expertise compared with patient empowerment; the need to make concessions to maintain therapeutic relationships compared with the need for evidence-based utility; and patient advocacy compared with health-care system advocacy.LimitationsThere are no agreed methods for determining confidence in QESs.ConclusionsWe highlight areas that help us to understand why the experience of health care can be difficult for patients and HCPs. Importantly, HCPs can find it challenging if they are unable to find a diagnosis and at times this can make them feel sceptical. The findings suggest that HCPs find it difficult to balance their dual role of maintaining a good relationship with the patient and representing the health-care system. The ability to support patients to live a valued life with pain is described as a craft learnt through experience. Finally, like their patients, HCPs can experience a sense of loss because they cannot solve the problem of pain.Future workFuture work to explore the usefulness of the conceptual model and film in clinical education would add value to this study. There is limited primary research that explores HCPs’ experiences with chronic non-malignant pain in diverse ethnic groups, in gender-specific contexts and in older people living in the community.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fran Toye
- Physiotherapy Research Unit, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kate Seers
- Royal College of Nursing Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Karen Barker
- Physiotherapy Research Unit, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Brennan C, Greenhalgh J, Pawson R. Guidance on guidelines: Understanding the evidence on the uptake of health care guidelines. J Eval Clin Pract 2018; 24:105-116. [PMID: 28370699 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Regardless of health issue, health sector, patient condition, or treatment modality, the chances are that provision is supported by "a guideline" making professionally endorsed recommendations on best practice. Against this background, research has proliferated seeking to evaluate how effectively such guidance is followed. These investigations paint a gloomy picture with many a guideline prompting lip service, inattention, and even opposition. This predicament has prompted a further literature on how to improve the uptake of guidelines, and this paper considers how to draw together lessons from these inquiries. METHODS This huge body of material presents a considerable challenge for research synthesis, and this paper produces a critical, methodological comparison of 2 types of review attempting to meet that task. Firstly, it provides an overview of the current orthodoxy, namely, "thematic reviews," which aggregate and enumerate the "barriers and facilitators" to guideline implementation. It then outlines a "realist synthesis," focussing on testing the "programme theories" that practitioners have devised to improve guideline uptake. RESULTS Thematic reviews aim to provide a definitive, comprehensive catalogue of the facilitators and barriers to guideline implementation. As such, they present a restatement of the underlying problems rather than an improvement strategy. The realist approach assumes that the incorporation of any guideline into current practice will produce unintended system strains as different stakeholders wrestle over responsibilities. These distortions will prompt supplementary revisions to guidelines, which in turn beget further strains. Realist reviews follow this dynamic understanding of organisational change. CONCLUSIONS Health care decision makers operate in systems that are awash with guidelines. But guidelines only have paper authority. Managers do not need a checklist of their pros and cons, because the fate of guidelines depends on their reception rather than their production. They do need decision support on how to engineer and reengineer guidelines so they dovetail with evolving systems of health care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Brennan
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Joanne Greenhalgh
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ray Pawson
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Toye F, Seers K, Barker KL. Meta-ethnography to understand healthcare professionals' experience of treating adults with chronic non-malignant pain. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e018411. [PMID: 29273663 PMCID: PMC5778293 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore healthcare professionals' experience of treating chronic non-malignant pain by conducting a qualitative evidence synthesis. Understanding this experience from the perspective of healthcare professionals will contribute to improvements in the provision of care. DESIGN Qualitative evidence synthesis using meta-ethnography. We searched five electronic bibliographic databases from inception to November 2016. We included studies that explore healthcare professionals' experience of treating adults with chronic non-malignant pain. We used the GRADE-CERQual framework to rate confidence in review findings. RESULTS We screened the 954 abstracts and 184 full texts and included 77 published studies reporting the experiences of over 1551 international healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses and other health professionals. We abstracted six themes: (1) a sceptical cultural lens, (2) navigating juxtaposed models of medicine, (3) navigating the geography between patient and clinician, (4) challenge of dual advocacy, (5) personal costs and (6) the craft of pain management. We rated confidence in review findings as moderate to high. CONCLUSIONS This is the first qualitative evidence synthesis of healthcare professionals' experiences of treating people with chronic non-malignant pain. We have presented a model that we developed to help healthcare professionals to understand, think about and modify their experiences of treating patients with chronic pain. Our findings highlight scepticism about chronic pain that might explain why patients feel they are not believed. Findings also indicate a dualism in the biopsychosocial model and the complexity of navigating therapeutic relationships. Our model may be transferable to other patient groups or situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Toye
- Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Kate Seers
- Royal College of Nursing Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Karen L Barker
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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O’Sullivan K, Grunau GL, Forster BB, O’Sullivan PP, Flynn T, Darlow B. I know what the imaging guidelines say, but... Br J Sports Med 2017; 53:267-268. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-098194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Tannor AY. Lumbar Spine X-Ray as a Standard Investigation for all Low back Pain in Ghana: Is It Evidence Based? Ghana Med J 2017; 51:24-29. [PMID: 28959069 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v51i1.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) has a prevalence of 84% in Africa. The commonest form of imaging is plain lumbar spine x-ray. It gives a radiation dose equivalent to 65 times a chest x-ray dose and sends one of the highest doses to the human reproductive organs. The commonest cause of LBP in Africa is degenerative disease. X-ray findings do not change mode of treatment yet most physicians still routinely request for x-rays. METHODS This is a systematic review of databases including The Cochrane, CINAHL plus, AMED, and MEDLINE. Key evidence was clinical guidelines on x-ray use for low back pain. Key search terms included low back pain, x-rays, guidelines, Ghana. RESULTS Four clinical guidelines on LBP emerged from two Systematic Reviews rated excellent and four good Randomized Controlled Trials: The European guidelines for acute and sub-acute non-specific Low Back Pain, The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society guideline for diagnostic imaging for Low Back Pain, The NICE guidelines for persistent non-specific Low Back Pain and the Ghana Standard Treatment Guidelines (GSTG). All the guidelines agree that a good history and clinical examination for all LBP patients helps in diagnosing. Only GSTG recommends routine plain spinal x-rays. CONCLUSION There is strong evidence indicating very little benefit from routine lumbar spine x-rays for all LBP. The GSTG needs to be revised considering the increased risks of radiation exposure and the x-ray costs. FUNDING None declared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abena Y Tannor
- Family Medicine Department, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box 1934, Kumasi, Ghana
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Allen L, Molloy E. The influence of a preceptor-student 'Daily Feedback Tool' on clinical feedback practices in nursing education: A qualitative study. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2017; 49:57-62. [PMID: 27888784 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feedback in clinical education is essential for the development of competent nurses. When the process is enacted well, it offers measured performance against standards required by the nursing health profession, promoting learning and behavioural change. Despite this, health literature describes numerous barriers to effective feedback processes. OBJECTIVE A qualitative descriptive design was used to determine whether the introduction of a Daily Feedback Tool addressing some of the barriers to effective feedback, influenced nursing students and clinical supervisors (preceptors) experiences in nursing clinical education. METHOD A total of eight semi-structured focus groups related to student and preceptors reported experiences were completed comprising of preceptor and student groups independently. The data was analysed using aspects of grounded theory including purposive sampling and system analysis informing the subsequent stages of data collection. RESULTS Participants reported that the introduction of the Daily Feedback Tool overcame some of the reported barriers, particularly relating to the frequency of feedback occasions, and the traditionally didactic, teacher-led feedback conversations. CONCLUSION The Daily Feedback Tool was reported to influence the development of trusting preceptor-student relationships which gave the learner agency to seek feedback promoting learning and overall performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Allen
- Federation University, Gippsland Campus, 1670 Lardner's Track, Lardner, Victoria 3821, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Molloy
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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Billis E, McCarthy CJ, Gliatis J, Matzaroglou C, Oldham JA. Attitudes and diagnostic practice in low back pain: A qualitative study amongst Greek and British physiotherapists. World J Orthop 2016; 7:561-569. [PMID: 27672569 PMCID: PMC5027011 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v7.i9.561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore current diagnostic practice and attitudes of Greek and United Kingdom physiotherapists (PTs) on assessing low back pain (LBP) patients.
METHODS Three focus groups were undertaken, followed by a structured questionnaire-type survey comprising 23 health professionals and a random stratified sample of 150 PTs, respectively. Twenty-nine themes relating to LBP diagnostic practice emerged. These were then given to 30 British PTs assessing their level of agreement with their Greek counterparts. Analysis was performed by percentage agreements and χ2 tests.
RESULTS The survey was divided into three subsections; PTs’ attitudes on LBP assessment, patients’ attitudes and diagnostic/healthcare issues, each constituting 14, 7 and 8 statements, respectively. Over half of the statements fell within the 30%-80% agreement between Greece and United Kingdom whereas, 5 statements reported low (< 10%) and 8 statements demonstrated high (> 90%) PT percentage agreement. Similarities across British and Greek PTs were detected in history taking methods and in the way PTs feel patients perceive physiotherapy practice whereas, re-assessment was undertaken less frequently in Greece. Diagnosis according to 91% of the Greek PTs is considered a “privilege” which is exclusive for doctors in Greece (only 17% British PTs agreed) and is accompanied with a great overuse of medical investigations. Forty percent of Greek PTs (compared to 0% of British) consider themselves as “executers”, being unable to interfere with treatment plan, possibly implying lack of autonomy.
CONCLUSION Although similarities on history taking methods and on patients’ attitudes were detected across both groups, gross differences were found in re-assessment procedures and diagnostic issues between Greek and British physiotherapists, highlighting differences in service delivery and professional autonomy.
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Barriers to Primary Care Clinician Adherence to Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Low Back Pain. Clin J Pain 2016; 32:800-16. [DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Gold R, Esterberg E, Hollombe C, Arkind J, Vakarcs PA, Tran H, Burdick T, Devoe JE, Horberg MA. Low Back Imaging When Not Indicated: A Descriptive Cross-System Analysis. Perm J 2016; 20:25-33. [PMID: 26934626 DOI: 10.7812/tpp/15-081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Guideline-discordant imaging to evaluate incident low back pain is common. OBJECTIVE We compared rates of guideline-discordant imaging in patients with low back pain in two care delivery systems with differing abilities to track care through an electronic health record (EHR), and in their patients' insurance status, to measure the association between these factors and rates of ordered low back imaging. DESIGN We used data from two Kaiser Permanente (KP) Regions and from OCHIN, a community health center network. We extracted data on imaging performed after index visits for low back pain from June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012, in these systems. Adjusted logistic regression measured associations between system-level factors and imaging rates. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Imaging rates for incident low back pain using 2 national quality metrics: Clinical Quality Measure 0052, a measure for assessing Meaningful Use of EHRs, and the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set measure "Use of Imaging Studies for Low Back Pain." RESULTS Among 19,503 KP patients and 2694 OCHIN patients with incident low back pain, ordered imaging was higher among men and whites but did not differ across health care systems. OCHIN's publicly insured patients had higher rates of imaging compared with those with private or no insurance. CONCLUSION Rates of ordered imaging to evaluate incident low back pain among uninsured OCHIN patients were lower than in KP overall; among insured OCHIN patients, rates were higher than in KP overall. Research is needed to establish causality and develop interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gold
- Investigator in the Science Program at the Center for Health Research and an Investigator for the Practice-Based Research Network for OCHIN, Inc, in Portland, OR.
| | - Elizabeth Esterberg
- Former Research Analyst in the Science Program at the Center for Health Research in Portland, OR.
| | - Celine Hollombe
- Project Manager in the Science Program at the Center for Health Research in Portland, OR.
| | - Jill Arkind
- Research Associate for OCHIN, Inc, in Portland, OR.
| | | | - Huong Tran
- Research Analyst for Utility of Care Data Analysis for the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan in Oakland, CA.
| | - Tim Burdick
- Chief Research Officer for the Practice-Based Research Network for OCHIN, Inc, in Portland, OR.
| | - Jennifer E Devoe
- Chief Clinical Research Informatics Officer for OCHIN, Inc, and an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR.
| | - Michael A Horberg
- Executive Director of Research and Community Benefit for the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute in Rockville, MD.
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Pawson R, Greenhalgh J, Brennan C. Demand management for planned care: a realist synthesis. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr04020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe task of matching fluctuating demand with available capacity is one of the basic challenges in all large-scale service industries. It is a particularly pressing concern in modern health-care systems, as increasing demand (ageing populations, availability of new treatments, increased patient knowledge, etc.) meets stagnating supply (capacity and funding restrictions on staff and services, etc.). As a consequence, a very large portfolio of demand management strategies has developed based on quite different assumptions about the source of the problem and about the means of its resolution.MethodsThis report presents a substantial review of the effectiveness of main strategies designed to alleviate demand pressures in the area of planned care. The study commences with an overview of the key ideas about the genesis of demand and capacity problems for health services. Many different diagnoses were uncovered: fluctuating demand meeting stationary capacity; turf protection between different providers; social rather than clinical pressures on referral decisions; self-propelling diagnostic cascades; supplier-induced demand; demographic pressures on treatment; and the informed patient and demand inflation. We then conducted a review of the key ideas (programme theories) underlying interventions designed to address demand imbalance. We discovered that there was no close alignment between purported problems and advocated solutions. Demand management interventions take their starting point in seeking reforms at the levels of strategic decision-making, organisational re-engineering, procedural modifications and behavioural change. In mapping the ideas for reform, we also noted a tendency for programme theories to become ‘whole-system’ models; over time policy-makers have advocated the need for concerted action on all of these fronts.FindingsThe remainder and core of the report contains a realist synthesis of the empirical evidence on the effectiveness on a spanning subset of four major demand management interventions: referral management centres (RMCs); using general practitioners with special interests (GPwSIs) at the interface between primary and secondary care; general practitioner (GP) direct access to clinical tests; and referral guidelines. In all cases we encountered a chequered pattern of success and failure. The primary literature is replete with accounts of unanticipated problems and unintended effects. These programmes ‘work’ only in highly circumscribed conditions. To give brief examples, we found that the success of RMCs depends crucially on the balance of control in their governance structures; GPwSIs influence demand only after close negotiations on an agreed and intermediate case mix; significant efficiencies are created by direct GP access to tests mainly when there is low diagnostic yield and high ‘rule-out’ rates; and referral guidelines are more likely to work when implemented by staff with responsibility for their creation.ConclusionsThe report concludes that there is no ‘preferred intervention’ that has the capacity to outperform all others. Instead, the review found many, diverse, hard-won, local and adaptive solutions. Whatever the starting point, success in demand management depends on synchronising a complex array of strategic, organisational, procedural and motivational changes. The final chapter offers practitioners some guidance on how they might ‘think through’ all of the interdependencies, which bring demand and capacity into equilibrium. A close analysis of the implementation of different configurations of demand management interventions in different local contexts using mixed methods would be valuable to understand the processes through which such interventions are tailored to local circumstances. There is also scope for further evidence synthesis. The substitution theory is ubiquitous in health and social care and a realist synthesis to compare the fortunes of different practitioners placed at different professional boundaries (e.g. nurses/doctors, dentists/dental care practitioners, radiologists/radiographers and so on) would be valuable to identify the contexts and mechanisms through which substitution, support or short-circuit occurs.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Pawson
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Joanne Greenhalgh
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Cathy Brennan
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Yang SY, Bogosian A, Moss-Morris R, McCracken LM. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of psychological treatment for chronic pain in Singapore: challenges, barriers, and the way forward. Disabil Rehabil 2015; 38:1643-51. [DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1107635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Darcy S, Rainford L, Kelly B, Toomey R. Decision Making and Variation in Radiation Exposure Factor Selection by Radiologic Technologists. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2015; 46:372-379. [PMID: 31052117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The goal of radiographic imaging is to produce a diagnostically useful image while minimizing patient radiation dose. This study aimed to review variations in exposure factor selection by radiologic technologists for virtual patients with varying body mass index characteristics. Eleven technologists were asked to assign exposure parameters (kVp, mAs, source-to-image receptor distance, and grid use) to 10 computer-generated patient images for each of four radiographic examinations (anteroposterior [AP] shoulder; AP lumbar spine; lateral lumbar spine; AP portable chest). The virtual patients represented five body mass index categories-underweight, healthy weight, overweight, obese, and superobese. As participants assigned exposures, their visual patterns were recorded by a Tobii TX300 eye-tracker. Significant (P < .05) correlation was found between radiographer age/experience and assignment of mAs for AP shoulder and lumbar examinations. Greater age/experience correlated with higher mAs for the AP shoulder examination, but with lower values for lumbar examinations. Strong correlations also existed between times to first fixations on relevant anatomic areas, and kVp/mAs values existed for the AP portable chest examination. Exposure selection differences related to age/experience highlight inconsistencies in the practice of exposure parameter setting. The reason for these inconsistencies requires further investigation, and how to address deficiencies in practice requires consideration to optimize safe patient care. Because of the small sample size used, further research into the relationship between visual factors and individual examinations is suggested, after the findings regarding the AP portable chest examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Darcy
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Louise Rainford
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Brendan Kelly
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Rachel Toomey
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Munigangaiah S, Basavaraju N, Jadaan DY, Devitt AT, McCabe JP. Do “Myths” of low back pain exist among Irish population? A cross-sectional study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND TRAUMATOLOGY 2015; 26:41-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00590-015-1698-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Makanjee CR, Bergh AM, Hoffmann WA. Healthcare provider and patient perspectives on diagnostic imaging investigations. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2015; 7:801. [PMID: 26245604 PMCID: PMC4666288 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v7i1.801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 04/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Much has been written about the patient-centred approach in doctor-patient consultations. Little is known about interactions and communication processes regarding healthcare providers' and patients' perspectives on expectations and experiences of diagnostic imaging investigations within the medical encounter. Patients journey through the health system from the point of referral to the imaging investigation itself and then to the post-imaging consultation. AIM AND SETTING: To explore healthcare provider and patient perspectives on interaction and communication processes during diagnostic imaging investigations as part of their clinical journey through a healthcare complex. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted, with two phases of data collection. Twenty-four patients were conveniently selected at a public district hospital complex and were followed throughout their journey in the hospital system, from admission to discharge. The second phase entailed focus group interviews conducted with providers in the district hospital and adjacent academic hospital (medical officers and family physicians, nurses, radiographers, radiology consultants and registrars). RESULTS Two main themes guided our analysis: (1) provider perspectives; and (2) patient dispositions and reactions. Golden threads that cut across these themes are interactions and communication processes in the context of expectations, experiences of the imaging investigations and the outcomes thereof. CONCLUSION Insights from this study provide a better understanding of the complexity of the processes and interactions between providers and patients during the imaging investigations conducted as part of their clinical pathway. The interactions and communication processes are provider-patient centred when a referral for a diagnostic imaging investigation is included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra R Makanjee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Radiography, University of Pretoria.
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Blank L, Baxter S, Woods HB, Goyder E, Lee A, Payne N, Rimmer M. What is the evidence on interventions to manage referral from primary to specialist non-emergency care? A systematic review and logic model synthesis. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr03240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundDemand management describes any method used to monitor, direct or regulate patient referrals. Several strategies have been developed to manage the referral of patients to secondary care, with interventions targeting primary care, specialist services, or infrastructure.ObjectiveThis research aimed to conduct an inclusive systematic review and logic model synthesis in order to better understand factors impacting on the effectiveness of interventions targeting referral between primary and secondary medical health care.DesignThe approach combined systematic review with logic modelling synthesis techniques to develop an evidence-based framework of factors influencing the pathway between interventions and system-wide changes.SettingPrimary health care.Main outcome measuresReferral from primary to secondary care.Review methodsSystematic searches were undertaken to identify recent, relevant studies. Quality of individual studies was appraised, with consideration of overall strength of evidence. A narrative synthesis and logic model summary of the data was completed.ResultsFrom a database of 8327 unique papers, 290 were included in the review. The intervention studies were grouped into four categories of education interventions (n = 50); process change interventions (n = 49); system change interventions (n = 38); and patient-focused interventions (n = 3). Effectiveness was assessed variously in these papers; however, there was a gap regarding the mechanisms whereby these interventions lead to demand management impacts. The findings suggest that, although individual-level interventions may be popular, the stronger evidence relates only to peer-review and feedback interventions. Process change interventions appeared to be more effective when the change resulted in the specialist being provided with more or better quality information about the patient. System changes including the community provision of specialist services by general practitioners, outreach provision by specialists and the return of inappropriate referrals appeared to have evidence of effect. The pathway whereby interventions might lead to service-wide impact was complex, with multiple factors potentially acting as barriers or facilitators to the change process. Factors related, first, to the doctor (including knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and previous experiences of a service), second, to the patient (including condition and social factors) and, third, to the influence of the doctor–patient relationship. We also identified a number of potentially influential factors at a local level, such as perceived waiting times and the availability of a specialist. These elements are key factors in the pathway between an intervention and intended demand management outcomes influencing both applicability and effectiveness.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the complexity of the referral process and multiple elements that will impact on intervention outcomes and applicability to a local area. Any interventions seeking to change referral practice need to address factors relating to the individual practitioner, the patient and also the situation in which the referral is taking place. These conclusions apply especially to referral management in a UK context where this whole range of factors/issues lies well within the remit of the NHS. This work highlights that intermediate outcomes are important in the referral pathway. It is recommended that researchers include measure of these intermediate outcomes in their evaluation of intervention effectiveness in order to determine where blocks to or facilitators of system-wide impact may be occurring.Study registrationThe study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42013004037.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Blank
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Susan Baxter
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Helen Buckley Woods
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Elizabeth Goyder
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrew Lee
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nick Payne
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Melanie Rimmer
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Adedeji AR, Tumbo J, Govender I. Adherence of doctors to a clinical guideline for hypertension in Bojanala district, North-West Province, South Africa. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2015; 7:776. [PMID: 26245596 PMCID: PMC4564892 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v7i1.776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical guidelines are systematically developed statements that assist practitioners and patients to make healthcare decisions for specific clinical circumstances. Non-adherence of doctors to guidelines is thought to contribute significantly to poor delivery of clinical care, resulting in poor clinical outcomes. Aim To investigate adherence of doctors in rural district hospitals to clinical guidelines using the South African Hypertension Guideline 2006 as an example. Setting Four district hospitals in Bojanala district of North-West Province, South Africa. Methods A cross-sectional study determined adherence practices of doctors from records of patients with established hypertension seen at the four district hospitals. Results Of the 490 total records documented by 29 doctors, screening for co-morbidity or associated factors was carried out as follows: diabetes mellitus 99.2%, obesity 6.1%, smoking 53.5%, dyslipidaemia 36.9%, abdominal circumference 3.3%; organ damage: eye 0, kidney 82%, heart 43.5%, chronic kidney disease 38.2%, stroke/transient ischaemic attack 15.9%, heart failure 23.5%, advanced retinopathy 0.2%, coronary heart disease 23.7%, peripheral arterial disease 13.9%. Critical tests/measurements were documented in the following proportions: blood pressure 99.8%, weight 85.3%, height 65.7%, body mass index 3.1%, urinalysis 74.5%, lipogram 76.1%, urea/creatinine 80.4%, electrocardiogram 42.9%, blood glucose 100%; risk determination and grading: diagnosis by hypertension severity 19%, low added risk 57.1%, moderate added risk 64.7%, high added risk 89.6%, very high added risk 89.2%. Adherence to therapies was as follows: first-line guideline drugs 69.4%, second line 84.7%, third line 87.8% and fourth-line 89.6%. Conclusion Overall adherence of doctors to treatment guidelines for hypertension was found to be low (51.9%). Low adherence rates were related to age (older doctors) and less clinical experience, and differed with regard to various aspects of the guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Indiran Govender
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.
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Bussières AE, Al Zoubi F, Quon JA, Ahmed S, Thomas A, Stuber K, Sajko S, French S. Fast tracking the design of theory-based KT interventions through a consensus process. Implement Sci 2015; 10:18. [PMID: 25880218 PMCID: PMC4330935 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-015-0213-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite available evidence for optimal management of spinal pain, poor adherence to guidelines and wide variations in healthcare services persist. One of the objectives of the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative is to develop and evaluate targeted theory- and evidence-informed interventions to improve the management of non-specific neck pain by chiropractors. In order to systematically develop a knowledge translation (KT) intervention underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), we explored the factors perceived to influence the use of multimodal care to manage non-specific neck pain, and mapped behaviour change techniques to key theoretical domains. METHODS Individual telephone interviews exploring beliefs about managing neck pain were conducted with a purposive sample of 13 chiropractors. The interview guide was based upon the TDF. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by two independent assessors using thematic content analysis. A 15-member expert panel formally met to design a KT intervention. RESULTS Nine TDF domains were identified as likely relevant. Key beliefs (and relevant domains of the TDF) included the following: influence of formal training, colleagues and patients on clinicians (Social Influences); availability of educational material (Environmental Context and Resources); and better clinical outcomes reinforcing the use of multimodal care (Reinforcement). Facilitating factors considered important included better communication (Skills); audits of patients' treatment-related outcomes (Behavioural Regulation); awareness and agreement with guidelines (Knowledge); and tailoring of multimodal care (Memory, Attention and Decision Processes). Clinicians conveyed conflicting beliefs about perceived threats to professional autonomy (Social/Professional Role and Identity) and speed of recovery from either applying or ignoring the practice recommendations (Beliefs about Consequences). The expert panel mapped behaviour change techniques to key theoretical domains and identified relevant KT strategies and modes of delivery to increase the use of multimodal care among chiropractors. CONCLUSIONS A multifaceted KT educational intervention targeting chiropractors' management of neck pain was developed. The KT intervention consisted of an online education webinar series, clinical vignettes and a video underpinned by the Brief Action Planning model. The intervention was designed to reflect key theoretical domains, behaviour change techniques and intervention components. The effectiveness of the proposed intervention remains to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- André E Bussières
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, H3G 1Y5, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Département chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation (CRIR), Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Fadi Al Zoubi
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, H3G 1Y5, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Jeffrey A Quon
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Spine Program, Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Sara Ahmed
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, H3G 1Y5, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation (CRIR), Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Aliki Thomas
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, H3G 1Y5, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation (CRIR), Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Center for Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Kent Stuber
- Division of Graduate Education and Research, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Simon French
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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Ariss SM, Enderby PM, Smith T, Nancarrow SA, Bradburn MJ, Harrop D, Parker SG, McDonnell A, Dixon S, Ryan T, Hayman A, Campbell M. Secondary analysis and literature review of community rehabilitation and intermediate care: an information resource. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr03010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and designThis research was based on a reanalysis of a merged data set from two intermediate care (IC) projects in order to identify patient characteristics associated with outcomes [Nancarrow SA, Enderby PM, Moran AM, Dixon S, Parker SG, Bradburn MJ,et al.The Relationship Between Workforce Flexibility and the Costs and Outcomes of Older Peoples’ Services (COOP). Southampton: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Service Delivery and Organisation (SDO); 2010 and Nancarrow SA, Enderby PM, Ariss SM, Smith T, Booth A, Campbell MJ,et al.The Impact of Enhancing the Effectiveness of Interdisciplinary Working (EEICC). Southampton: NIHR SDO; 2012]. Additionally, the impact of different team and staffing structures on patient outcomes and service costs was examined, when possible given the data sets, to enable identification of the most cost-effective service configurations and change over time with service provision. This secondary analysis was placed within updated literature reviews focused on the separate questions.Research objectives(1) To identify those patients most likely to benefit from IC and those who would be best placed to receive care elsewhere; (2) to examine the effectiveness of different models of IC; (3) to explore the differences between IC service configurations and how they have changed over time; and (4) to use the findings above to develop accessible evidence to guide service commissioning and monitoring.SettingCommunity-based services for older people are described in many different ways, among which are IC services and community rehabilitation. For the purposes of this report we call the services IC services and include all community-based provision for supporting older people who would otherwise be admitted to hospital or who would require increased length of stay in hospital (e.g. hospital at home schemes, post-acute care, step-up and step-down services).ParticipantsThe combined data set contained data on 8070 patient admissions from 32 IC teams across England and included details of the service context, costs, staffing/skill mix (800 staff), patient health status and outcomes.InterventionsThe interventions associated with the study cover the range of services and therapies available in IC settings. These are provided by a wide range of professionals and care staff, including nursing, allied health and social care.Outcome measures(1) Service data – each team provided information relating to the size, nature, staffing and resourcing of the services. Data were collected on a service pro forma. (2) Team data – all staff members of the teams participating in both studies provided individual information using the Workforce Dynamics Questionnaire. (3) Patient data – patient data were collected on admission and discharge using a client record pack. The client record pack recorded a range of data utilising a number of validated tools, such as demographic data, level of care (LoC) data, therapy outcome measure (TOM) scale, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire and patient satisfaction survey.Results(1) The provision of IC across England is highly variable with different referral routes, team structures, skill mix and cost-effectiveness; (2) in more recent years, patients referred to IC have more complex needs associated with more severe impairments; (3) patients most likely to improve were those requiring rehabilitation as determined by levels 3, 4 and 5 on the LoC (> 40% for impairment, activity and participation, and > 30% for well-being as determined on the TOM scale); (4) half of all patients with outcome data improved on at least one of the domains of the TOM scale; (5) for every 10-year increase in age there was a 6% decrease in the odds of returning home. The chance of remaining or returning home was greater for females than males; (6) a high percentage of patients referred to IC do not require the service; and (7) teams including clinical support staff and domiciliary staff were associated with a small relative improvement in TOM impairment scores when compared with other teams.ConclusionsThis study provides additional evidence that interdisciplinary teamworking in IC may be associated with better outcomes for patients, but care should be taken with overinterpretation. The measures that were used within the studies were found to be reliable, valid and practical and could be used for benchmarking. This study highlights the need for funding high-quality studies that attempt to examine what specific team-level factors are associated with better outcomes for patients. It is therefore important that studies in the future attempt empirically to examine what process-level team variables are associated with these outcomes.FundingThe NIHR Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Ariss
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela M Enderby
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Tony Smith
- Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Susan A Nancarrow
- Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Mike J Bradburn
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Deborah Harrop
- Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stuart G Parker
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ann McDonnell
- Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Simon Dixon
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Tony Ryan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Alexandra Hayman
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael Campbell
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Gremeaux V, Coudeyre E, Viviez T, Bousquet PJ, Dupeyron A. Do Teaching General Practitioners' Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Influence Their Management of Patients with Low Back Pain? Pain Pract 2014; 15:730-7. [DOI: 10.1111/papr.12248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gremeaux
- Multithematic Clinical Investion Center (CIC-P) Inserm 803; University Hospital; Dijon France
- Inserm U1093; Dijon France
- Department of Rehabiliation; University Hospital; Dijon France
| | - Emmanuel Coudeyre
- Clermont University; University of Auvergne; Clermont-Ferrand France
- Department of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine; University Hospital; Hospital G. Montpied; Clermont-Ferrand France
| | | | | | - Arnaud Dupeyron
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; University Hospital; Nîmes France
- Movement to Health (M2H); Montpellier-1 University; Montpellier France
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Gavin L, Moskosky S. Improving the quality of family planning services: the role of new federal recommendations. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2014; 23:636-41. [PMID: 25045968 PMCID: PMC10482114 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2014.4865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides a brief overview of Federal guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Office of Population Affairs on how to deliver quality family planning services. This article describes how the recommendations were developed, summarizes key points, and outlines steps that will be taken to disseminate and increase the use of the recommendations by primary care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorrie Gavin
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan Moskosky
- Office of Population Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland
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Cahill NE, Day AG, Cook D, Heyland DK. Development and psychometric properties of a questionnaire to assess barriers to feeding critically ill patients. Implement Sci 2013; 8:140. [PMID: 24305039 PMCID: PMC4235036 DOI: 10.1186/1748-5908-8-140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To successfully implement the recommendations of critical care nutrition guidelines, one potential approach is to identify barriers to providing optimal enteral nutrition (EN) in the intensive care unit (ICU), and then address these barriers systematically. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a questionnaire to assess barriers to enterally feeding critically ill patients and to conduct preliminary validity testing of the new instrument. Methods The content of the questionnaire was guided by a published conceptual framework, literature review, and consultation with experts. The questionnaire was pre-tested on a convenience sample of 32 critical care practitioners, and then field tested with 186 critical care providers working at 5 hospitals in North America. The revised questionnaire was pilot tested at another ICU (n = 43). Finally, the questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of ICU nurses twice, two weeks apart, to determine test retest reliability (n = 17). Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach alpha, intraclass correlations (ICC), and kappa coefficients were conducted to assess validity and reliability. Results We developed a questionnaire with 26 potential barriers to delivery of EN asking respondents to rate their importance as barriers in their ICU. Face and content validity of the questionnaire was established through literature review and expert input. The factor analysis indicated a five-factor solution and accounted for 72% of the variance in barriers: guideline recommendations and implementation strategies, delivery of EN to the patient, critical care provider attitudes and behavior, dietitian support, and ICU resources. Overall, the indices of internal reliability for the derived factor subscales and the overall instrument were acceptable (subscale Cronbach alphas range 0.84 – 0.89). However, the test retest reliability was variable and below acceptable thresholds for the majority of items (ICC’s range −0.13 to 0.70). The within group agreement, an indices reflecting the reliability of aggregating individual responses to the ICU level was also variable (ICC’s range 0.0 to 0.82). Conclusions We developed a questionnaire to identify barriers to enteral feeding in critically ill patients. Additional studies are planned to further revise and evaluate the reliability and validity of the instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi E Cahill
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Carruthers Hall, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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Khoong EC, Gibbert WS, Garbutt JM, Sumner W, Brownson RC. Rural, suburban, and urban differences in factors that impact physician adherence to clinical preventive service guidelines. J Rural Health 2013; 30:7-16. [PMID: 24383480 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rural-urban disparities in provision of preventive services exist, but there is sparse research on how rural, suburban, or urban differences impact physician adherence to clinical preventive service guidelines. We aimed to identify factors that may cause differences in adherence to preventive service guidelines among rural, suburban, and urban primary care physicians. METHODS This qualitative study involved in-depth semistructured interviews with 29 purposively sampled primary care physicians (10 rural, 10 suburban, 9 urban) in Missouri. Physicians were asked to describe barriers and facilitators to clinical preventive service guideline adherence. Using techniques from grounded theory analysis, 2 coders first independently conducted content analysis then reconciled differences in coding to ensure agreement on intended meaning of transcripts. FINDINGS Patient epidemiologic differences, distance to health care services, and care coordination were reported as prominent factors that produced differences in preventive service guideline adherence among rural, suburban, and urban physicians. Epidemiologic differences impacted all physicians, but rural physicians highlighted the importance of occupational risk factors in their patients. Greater distance to health care services reduced visit frequency and was a prominent barrier for rural physicians. Care coordination among health care providers was problematic for suburban and urban physicians. Patient resistance to medical care and inadequate access to resources and specialists were identified as barriers by some rural physicians. CONCLUSIONS The rural, suburban, or urban context impacts whether a physician will adhere to clinical preventive service guidelines. Efforts to increase guideline adherence should consider the barriers and facilitators unique to rural, suburban, or urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine C Khoong
- Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Prevention Research Center in St. Louis, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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Reiman MP, Manske RC. The assessment of function. Part II: clinical perspective of a javelin thrower with low back and groin pain. J Man Manip Ther 2013; 20:83-9. [PMID: 23633887 DOI: 10.1179/2042618611y.0000000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of an individual's functional ability can be complex. This assessment should also be individualized and adaptable to changes in functional status. In the first article of this series, we operationally defined function, discussed the construct of function, examined the evidence as it relates to assessment methods of various aspects of function, and explored the multi-dimensional nature of the concept of function. In this case report, we aim to demonstrate the utilization of a multi-dimensional assessment method (functional performance testing) as it relates to a high-level athlete presenting with pain in the low back and groin. It is our intent to demonstrate how the clinician should continually adapt their assessment dependent on the current functional abilities of the patients.
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Han PKJ, Klabunde CN, Noone AM, Earle CC, Ayanian JZ, Ganz PA, Virgo KS, Potosky AL. Physicians' beliefs about breast cancer surveillance testing are consistent with test overuse. Med Care 2013; 51:315-23. [PMID: 23269111 PMCID: PMC3596481 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0b013e31827da908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overuse of surveillance testing for breast cancer survivors is an important problem but its extent and determinants are incompletely understood. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent to which physicians' breast cancer surveillance testing beliefs are consistent with test overuse, and to identify factors associated with these beliefs. METHODS During 2009-2010, a cross-sectional survey of US medical oncologists and primary care physicians (PCPs) was carried out. Physicians responded to a clinical vignette ascertaining beliefs about appropriate breast cancer surveillance testing. Multivariable analyses examined the extent to which test beliefs were consistent with overuse and associated with physician and practice characteristics and physician perceptions, attitudes, and practices. RESULTS A total of 1098 medical oncologists and 980 PCPs completed the survey (response rate 57.5%). Eighty-four percent of PCPs [95% confidence interval (CI), 81.4%-86.5%] and 72% of oncologists (95% CI, 69.8%-74.7%) reported beliefs consistent with blood test overuse, whereas 50% of PCPs (95% CI, 47.3%-53.8%) and 27% of oncologists (95% CI, 23.9%-29.3%) reported beliefs consistent with imaging test overuse. Among PCPs, factors associated with these beliefs included smaller practice size, lower patient volume, and practice ownership. Among oncologists, factors included older age, international medical graduate status, lower self-efficacy (confidence in knowledge), and greater perceptions of ambiguity (conflicting expert recommendations) regarding survivorship care. CONCLUSIONS Beliefs consistent with breast cancer surveillance test overuse are common, greater for PCPs and blood tests than for oncologists and imaging tests, and associated with practice characteristics and perceived self-efficacy and ambiguity about testing. These results suggest modifiable targets for efforts to reduce surveillance test overuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul K J Han
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME 04101, USA.
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Physiotherapists' knowledge, attitudes, and intolerance of uncertainty influence decision making in low back pain. Clin J Pain 2012; 28:467-74. [PMID: 22673478 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0b013e31825bfe65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) remains a common health problem that is characterized by ambiguity and can progress to chronic disability. In recent years researchers have started to focus on understanding whether and how the attitudes and beliefs of the health care providers influence the management and the outcome of LBP. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to characterize Quebec physiotherapists' (PTs') knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about LBP and their intolerance of uncertainty (IU) to determine whether and how these characteristics predict judgments of assessment and treatment recommendations. METHODS A total of 108 PTs from Quebec, Canada completed the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists, the Fear of Pain Questionnaire, and the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Participants also read 2 vignettes that described patients with LBP and reported their assessment and treatment recommendations. RESULTS Only 13 PTs (12%) were able to identify clinical practice guidelines for LBP. In addition, PTs did not generally agree with recommendations to return to work or activity. A biomedical orientation was a significant predictor of clinical judgments of spinal pathology and was associated with an increased sense of IU. In contrast, a behavioral approach better predicted treatment recommendations for return-to-work or activity. Finally, the association between IU and treatment decisions was mediated by treatment orientation. DISCUSSION Health care practitioners play a significant role in the management of LBP. Research on the process of knowledge translation, clinical decision making, and dealing with uncertainty to avoid aggravating LBP disability is clearly warranted.
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Nabyonga Orem J, Bataringaya Wavamunno J, Bakeera SK, Criel B. Do guidelines influence the implementation of health programs?--Uganda's experience. Implement Sci 2012; 7:98. [PMID: 23068082 PMCID: PMC3534441 DOI: 10.1186/1748-5908-7-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A guideline contains processes and procedures intended to guide health service delivery. However, the presence of guidelines may not guarantee their implementation, which may be a result of weaknesses in the development process. This study was undertaken to describe the processes of developing health planning, services management, and clinical guidelines within the health sector in Uganda, with the goal of understanding how these processes facilitate or abate the utility of guidelines. Methods Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to collect and analyze data. Data collection was undertaken at the levels of the central Ministry of Health, the district, and service delivery. Qualitative methods included review of documents, observations, and key informant interviews, as well as quantitative aspects included counting guidelines. Quantitative data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel, and qualitative data were analyzed using deductive content thematic analysis. Results There were 137 guidelines in the health sector, with programs related to Millennium Development Goals having the highest number (n = 83). The impetus for guideline development was stated in 78% of cases. Several guidelines duplicated content, and some conflicted with each other. The level of consultation varied, and some guidelines did not consider government-wide policies and circumstances at the service delivery level. Booklets were the main format of presentation, which was not tailored to the service delivery level. There was no framework for systematic dissemination, and target users were defined broadly in most cases. Over 60% of guidelines available at the central level were not available at the service delivery level, but there were good examples in isolated cases. There was no framework for systematic monitoring of use, evaluation, and review of guidelines. Suboptimal performance of the supervision framework that would encourage the use of guidelines, assess their utilization, and provide feedback was noted. Conclusions Guideline effectiveness is compromised by the development process. To ensure the production of high-quality guidelines, efforts must be employed at the country and regional levels. The regional level can facilitate pooling resources and expertise in knowledge generation, methodology development, guideline repositories, and capacity building. Countries should establish and enforce systems and guidance on guideline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Nabyonga Orem
- Health systems and services cluster, WHO Uganda office, P.O. Box 24578, Kampala, Uganda.
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Wallace J, Nwosu B, Clarke M. Barriers to the uptake of evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses: a systematic review of decision makers' perceptions. BMJ Open 2012; 2:e001220. [PMID: 22942232 PMCID: PMC3437427 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the barriers to the uptake of research evidence from systematic reviews by decision makers. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched 19 databases covering the full range of publication years, utilised three search engines and also personally contacted investigators. Reference lists of primary studies and related reviews were also consulted. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies were included if they reported on the views and perceptions of decision makers on the uptake of evidence from systematic reviews, meta-analyses and the databases associated with them. All study designs, settings and decision makers were included. One investigator screened titles to identify candidate articles then two reviewers independently assessed the quality and the relevance of retrieved reports. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers described the methods of included studies and extracted data that were summarised in tables and then analysed. Using a pre-established taxonomy, the barriers were organised into a framework according to their effect on knowledge, attitudes or behaviour. RESULTS Of 1726 articles initially identified, we selected 27 unique published studies describing at least one barrier to the uptake of evidence from systematic reviews. These studies included a total of 25 surveys and 2 qualitative studies. Overall, the majority of participants (n=10 218) were physicians (64%). The most commonly investigated barriers were lack of use (14/25), lack of awareness (12/25), lack of access (11/25), lack of familiarity (7/25), lack of usefulness (7/25), lack of motivation (4/25) and external barriers (5/25). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review reveals that strategies to improve the uptake of evidence from reviews and meta-analyses will need to overcome a wide variety of obstacles. Our review describes the reasons why knowledge users, especially physicians, do not call on systematic reviews. This study can inform future approaches to enhancing systematic review uptake and also suggests potential avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Wallace
- DPhil International Programme in Evidence-based Healthcare, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bosah Nwosu
- First Episode Psychosis Study, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mike Clarke
- MRC All-Ireland Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Queen's University, Belfast, Ireland
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Bussières AE, Patey AM, Francis JJ, Sales AE, Grimshaw JM, Brouwers M, Godin G, Hux J, Johnston M, Lemyre L, Pomey MP, Sales A, Zwarenstein M. Identifying factors likely to influence compliance with diagnostic imaging guideline recommendations for spine disorders among chiropractors in North America: a focus group study using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Implement Sci 2012; 7:82. [PMID: 22938135 PMCID: PMC3444898 DOI: 10.1186/1748-5908-7-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was developed to investigate determinants of specific clinical behaviors and inform the design of interventions to change professional behavior. This framework was used to explore the beliefs of chiropractors in an American Provider Network and two Canadian provinces about their adherence to evidence-based recommendations for spine radiography for uncomplicated back pain. The primary objective of the study was to identify chiropractors’ beliefs about managing uncomplicated back pain without x-rays and to explore barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based recommendations on lumbar spine x-rays. A secondary objective was to compare chiropractors in the United States and Canada on their beliefs regarding the use of spine x-rays. Methods Six focus groups exploring beliefs about managing back pain without x-rays were conducted with a purposive sample. The interview guide was based upon the TDF. Focus groups were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by two independent assessors using thematic content analysis based on the TDF. Results Five domains were identified as likely relevant. Key beliefs within these domains included the following: conflicting comments about the potential consequences of not ordering x-rays (risk of missing a pathology, avoiding adverse treatment effects, risks of litigation, determining the treatment plan, and using x-ray-driven techniques contrasted with perceived benefits of minimizing patient radiation exposure and reducing costs; beliefs about consequences); beliefs regarding professional autonomy, professional credibility, lack of standardization, and agreement with guidelines widely varied ( social/professional role & identity); the influence of formal training, colleagues, and patients also appeared to be important factors ( social influences); conflicting comments regarding levels of confidence and comfort in managing patients without x-rays ( belief about capabilities); and guideline awareness and agreements ( knowledge). Conclusions Chiropractors’ use of diagnostic imaging appears to be influenced by a number of factors. Five key domains may be important considering the presence of conflicting beliefs, evidence of strong beliefs likely to impact the behavior of interest, and high frequency of beliefs. The results will inform the development of a theory-based survey to help identify potential targets for behavioral-change strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- André E Bussières
- Population Health Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
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Adherence to pediatric asthma guidelines in the emergency department: a survey of knowledge, attitudes and behaviour among health care professionals. Can Respir J 2011; 17:175-82. [PMID: 20808976 DOI: 10.1155/2010/274865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite strong evidence for using clinical care pathways to manage acute pediatric asthma, adherence remains suboptimal. OBJECTIVES To elicit information from health care professionals regarding their knowledge, attitudes and use of a care pathway for acute childhood asthma. METHODS A cross-sectional, self-administered survey of physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists who worked in the emergency department at the Montreal Children's Hospital (Montreal, Quebec) from August to December 2007 was conducted. The survey assessed knowledge, attitude toward and agreement with the care pathway, as well as its use four years after its implementation. RESULTS Of the 128 health care professionals surveyed, 72 (56%) responded. Of these, 99% reported being familiar with the pathway, more than 90% agreed with its use for mild and moderate asthma, while 79% agreed with its use for severe asthma. For 99% of health care professionals, the advantages of using the pathway outweighed the disadvantages; however, 64% admitted to making variations to the pathway. Although 92% of respondents reported that they were quite comfortable with using the asthma severity Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure, only 53% and 36% correctly identified the severity score cut-offs for moderate and severe asthma, respectively. Seventeen per cent of respondents underestimated the delay of onset of action of oral corticosteroids, while 36% of physicians incorrectly believed that a higher than necessary dose was recommended for ipratropium bromide. CONCLUSIONS Results of the survey confirmed that the health care professionals queried had a positive attitude toward the pediatric asthma care pathway. Knowledge gaps and the balance between standardization versus individualization of care may be key elements to explain suboptimal adherence to the pathway.
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Derghazarian T, Simmonds MJ. Management of low back pain by physical therapists in quebec: how are we doing? Physiother Can 2011; 63:464-73. [PMID: 22942525 DOI: 10.3138/ptc.2010-04p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we characterized physiotherapists' attitudes and beliefs about the bio-psychosocial problem of low back pain (LBP), their use of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), and the extent to which their advice and treatment is in line with best-evidence CPGs. METHODS One hundred eight physiotherapists completed an online survey that included questionnaires exploring the strength of physiotherapists' biomedical and bio-psychosocial orientations toward the management of LBP: the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists and the Attitudes to Back Pain Scale for musculoskeletal practitioners. In addition, participants responded to questions about treatment recommendations for patients in two vignettes. RESULTS Only 12% of respondents were aware of CPGs. Physiotherapists with a stronger biomedical orientation scored the severity of spinal pathology higher in the patient vignettes. A stronger biomedical orientation was also associated with disagreement with recommendations to return to usual activity or work. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest limited awareness by physiotherapists of best-evidence CPGs and contemporary understandings of LBP that support early activation and self-management. Research to better understand and facilitate the implementation of best-evidence professional education and clinical practice is an urgent priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Derghazarian
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, QC
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Jeschke E, Ostermann T, Vollmar HC, Tabali M, Schad F, Matthes H. Prescribing patterns in dementia: a multicentre observational study in a German network of CAM physicians. BMC Neurol 2011; 11:99. [PMID: 21824429 PMCID: PMC3178479 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-11-99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is a major and increasing health problem worldwide. This study aims to investigate dementia treatment strategies among physicians specialised in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by analysing prescribing patterns and comparing them to current treatment guidelines in Germany. METHODS Twenty-two primary care physicians in Germany participated in this prospective, multicentre observational study. Prescriptions and diagnoses were reported for each consecutive patient. Data were included if patients had at least one diagnosis of dementia according to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases during the study period. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with a prescription of any anti-dementia drug including Ginkgo biloba. RESULTS During the 5-year study period (2004-2008), 577 patients with dementia were included (median age: 81 years (IQR: 74-87); 69% female). Dementia was classified as unspecified dementia (57.2%), vascular dementia (25.1%), dementia in Alzheimer's disease (10.4%), and dementia in Parkinson's disease (7.3%). The prevalence of anti-dementia drugs was 25.6%. The phytopharmaceutical Ginkgo biloba was the most frequently prescribed anti-dementia drug overall (67.6% of all) followed by cholinesterase inhibitors (17.6%). The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for receiving any anti-dementia drug was greater than 1 for neurologists (AOR = 2.34; CI: 1.59-3.47), the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AOR = 3.28; CI: 1.96-5.50), neuroleptic therapy (AOR = 1.87; CI: 1.22-2.88), co-morbidities hypertension (AOR = 2.03; CI: 1.41-2.90), and heart failure (AOR = 4.85; CI: 3.42-6.88). The chance for a prescription of any anti-dementia drug decreased with the diagnosis of vascular dementia (AOR = 0.64; CI: 0.43-0.95) and diabetes mellitus (AOR = 0.55; CI: 0.36-0.86). The prescription of Ginkgo biloba was associated with sex (female: AOR = 0.41; CI: 0.19-0.89), patient age (AOR = 1.06; CI: 1.02-1.10), treatment by a neurologist (AOR = 0.09; CI: 0.03-0.23), and the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AOR = 0.07; CI: 0.04-0.16). CONCLUSIONS This study provides a comprehensive analysis of everyday practice for treatment of dementia in primary care in physicians with a focus on CAM. The prescribing frequency for anti-dementia drugs is equivalent to those found in other German studies, while the administration of Ginkgo biloba is significantly higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Jeschke
- Havelhoehe Research Institute, Kladower Damm 221, 14089 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Ostermann
- Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany
| | - Horst C Vollmar
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Stockumer Str. 12, 58453 Witten, Germany
- Institute for General Practice and Family Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 50, 58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Manuela Tabali
- Havelhoehe Research Institute, Kladower Damm 221, 14089 Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Schad
- Havelhoehe Research Institute, Kladower Damm 221, 14089 Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Matthes
- Havelhoehe Research Institute, Kladower Damm 221, 14089 Berlin, Germany
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Higuchi M, Okumura J, Aoyama A, Suryawati S, Porter J. Application of standard treatment guidelines in rural community health centres, Timor-Leste. Health Policy Plan 2011; 27:396-404. [PMID: 21746735 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czr051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse nurses' and midwives' knowledge of and attitudes towards standard treatment guidelines (STGs), which were developed to help their practices at rural community health centres (CHCs) in Timor-Leste. METHODS Fifty-five nurses and midwives were individually interviewed. Data were analysed qualitatively using the Framework approach. RESULTS Overall, the standard treatments for acute respiratory tract infections, malaria and diarrhoea were well known by the respondents. Clinical nurses showed precise and detailed knowledge, especially for antibiotic use. The respondents were willing to use STGs and believed that they 'should' follow them. This feeling arose due to their self-awareness as frontline health workers and, at the same time, as peripheral civil servants. The changes brought about by the introduction of STGs were positively perceived. Three components of the change were observed: the concept, daily practice and perceived patient satisfaction. The respondents had previously felt a lack of confidence and hoped to improve their capacity as health care workers; they became confident in their practices by using STGs. Self-confidence was identified more clearly in the clinical nurse interviews. Few difficulties in using STGs were indicated, and the respondents suggested ways to deal with these difficulties. DISCUSSION By using the STGs, the nurses/midwives gained knowledge and self-confidence. The positive perception of the changes promoted further use of the STGs. Clinical nurse training positively influenced the knowledge of and attitudes towards the STGs. Few difficulties in applying STGs in daily practice were identified, which is contrary to previous studies that targeted physicians in the Western world. Development of STGs within a health policy framework was considered a key factor. The STGs exist across related policies and various programmes, which are interconnected. The Timor-Leste experience indicates the value of STGs for non-physician health care providers at the primary health care level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiyo Higuchi
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Cahill NE, Suurdt J, Ouellette-Kuntz H, Heyland DK. Understanding adherence to guidelines in the intensive care unit: development of a comprehensive framework. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2011; 34:616-24. [PMID: 21097762 DOI: 10.1177/0148607110361904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been hailed as a useful method of translating evidence into practice. Several CPGs have been published that provide recommendations for feeding patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Despite a rigorous development process and active dissemination of these guidelines, their impact on nutrition practice has been modest. The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive framework for understanding adherence to nutrition CPGs in the critical care setting. METHODS Multiple case studies were completed at 4 Canadian ICUs. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 7 key informants at each ICU site who were asked about their perceptions and attitudes toward guidelines in general and the Canadian Critical Care Nutrition CPGs specifically. Interview transcripts and related documents were analyzed qualitatively using a framework approach. RESULTS The 5 key components of the developed framework were characteristics of the CPGs, the implementation process, institutional factors, provider intent, and the clinical condition of the patient. These key themes encapsulate numerous itemized factors that contribute to guideline adherence either as barriers or enablers. CONCLUSIONS Adherence to nutrition CPGs is determined by a complex interaction of multiple factors that act as barriers or enablers. The comprehensive framework for adherence to CPGs in the ICU attempts to elucidate this process and provides a useful template for future research. Future quality improvement initiatives should assess local barriers to change and design interventions to overcome these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi E Cahill
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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