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Sykes M, Rosenberg-Yunger ZRS, Quigley M, Gupta L, Thomas O, Robinson L, Caulfield K, Ivers N, Alderson S. Exploring the content and delivery of feedback facilitation co-interventions: a systematic review. Implement Sci 2024; 19:37. [PMID: 38807219 PMCID: PMC11134935 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-024-01365-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policymakers and researchers recommend supporting the capabilities of feedback recipients to increase the quality of care. There are different ways to support capabilities. We aimed to describe the content and delivery of feedback facilitation interventions delivered alongside audit and feedback within randomised controlled trials. METHODS We included papers describing feedback facilitation identified by the latest Cochrane review of audit and feedback. The piloted extraction proforma was based upon a framework to describe intervention content, with additional prompts relating to the identification of influences, selection of improvement actions and consideration of priorities and implications. We describe the content and delivery graphically, statistically and narratively. RESULTS We reviewed 146 papers describing 104 feedback facilitation interventions. Across included studies, feedback facilitation contained 26 different implementation strategies. There was a median of three implementation strategies per intervention and evidence that the number of strategies per intervention is increasing. Theory was used in 35 trials, although the precise role of theory was poorly described. Ten studies provided a logic model and six of these described their mechanisms of action. Both the exploration of influences and the selection of improvement actions were described in 46 of the feedback facilitation interventions; we describe who undertook this tailoring work. Exploring dose, there was large variation in duration (15-1800 min), frequency (1 to 42 times) and number of recipients per site (1 to 135). There were important gaps in reporting, but some evidence that reporting is improving over time. CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneity in the design of feedback facilitation needs to be considered when assessing the intervention's effectiveness. We describe explicit feedback facilitation choices for future intervention developers based upon choices made to date. We found the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change to be valuable when describing intervention components, with the potential for some minor clarifications in terms and for greater specificity by intervention providers. Reporting demonstrated extensive gaps which hinder both replication and learning. Feedback facilitation providers are recommended to close reporting gaps that hinder replication. Future work should seek to address the 'opportunity' for improvement activity, defined as factors that lie outside the individual that make care or improvement behaviour possible. REVIEW REGISTRATION The study protocol was published at: https://www.protocols.io/private/4DA5DE33B68E11ED9EF70A58A9FEAC02 .
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lisa Robinson
- Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Karen Caulfield
- Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Cotterill S, Tang MY, Powell R, Howarth E, McGowan L, Roberts J, Brown B, Rhodes S. Social norms interventions to change clinical behaviour in health workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr08410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
A social norms intervention seeks to change the clinical behaviour of a target health worker by exposing them to the values, beliefs, attitudes or behaviours of a reference group or person. These low-cost interventions can be used to encourage health workers to follow recommended professional practice.
Objective
To summarise evidence on whether or not social norms interventions are effective in encouraging health worker behaviour change, and to identify the most effective social norms interventions.
Design
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Data sources
The following databases were searched on 24 July 2018: Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to week 2 July 2018), EMBASE (1974 to 3 July 2018), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (1937 to July 2018), British Nursing Index (2008 to July 2018), ISI Web of Science (1900 to present), PsycINFO (1806 to week 3 July 2018) and Cochrane trials (up to July 2018).
Participants
Health workers took part in the study.
Interventions
Behaviour change interventions based on social norms.
Outcome measures
Health worker clinical behaviour, for example prescribing (primary outcome), and patient health outcomes, for example blood test results (secondary), converted into a standardised mean difference.
Methods
Titles and abstracts were reviewed against the inclusion criteria to exclude any that were clearly ineligible. Two reviewers independently screened the remaining full texts to identify relevant papers. Two reviewers extracted data independently, coded for behaviour change techniques and assessed quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. We performed a meta-analysis and presented forest plots, stratified by behaviour change technique. Sources of variation were explored using metaregression and network meta-analysis.
Results
A total of 4428 abstracts were screened, 477 full texts were screened and findings were based on 106 studies. Most studies were in primary care or hospitals, targeting prescribing, ordering of tests and communication with patients. The interventions included social comparison (in which information is given on how peers behave) and credible source (which refers to communication from a well-respected person in support of the behaviour). Combined data suggested that interventions that included social norms components were associated with an improvement in health worker behaviour of 0.08 standardised mean differences (95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.10 standardised mean differences) (n = 100 comparisons), and an improvement in patient outcomes of 0.17 standardised mean differences (95% confidence interval 0.14 to 0.20) (n = 14), on average. Heterogeneity was high, with an overall I
2 of 85.4% (primary) and 91.5% (secondary). Network meta-analysis suggested that three types of social norms intervention were most effective, on average, compared with control: credible source (0.30 standardised mean differences, 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.47); social comparison combined with social reward (0.39 standardised mean differences, 95% confidence interval 0.15 to 0.64); and social comparison combined with prompts and cues (0.33 standardised mean differences, 95% confidence interval 0.22 to 0.44).
Limitations
The large number of studies prevented us from requesting additional information from authors. The trials varied in design, context and setting, and we combined different types of outcome to provide an overall summary of evidence, resulting in a very heterogeneous review.
Conclusions
Social norms interventions are an effective method of changing clinical behaviour in a variety of health service contexts. Although the overall result was modest and very variable, there is the potential for social norms interventions to be scaled up to target the behaviour of a large population of health workers and resulting patient outcomes.
Future work
Development of optimised credible source and social comparison behaviour change interventions, including qualitative research on acceptability and feasibility.
Study registration
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016045718.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 8, No. 41. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cotterill
- Centre for Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Mei Yee Tang
- Centre for Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Rachael Powell
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Howarth
- Centre for Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura McGowan
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Jane Roberts
- Outreach and Evidence Search Service, Library and E-learning Service, Northern Care Alliance, NHS Group, Royal Oldham Hospital, Oldham, UK
| | - Benjamin Brown
- Health e-Research Centre, Farr Institute for Health Informatics Research, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Rhodes
- Centre for Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Thiem U, Wilm S, Greiner W, Rudolf H, Trampisch HJ, Müller C, Theile G, Thürmann PA. Reduction of potentially inappropriate medication in the elderly: design of a cluster-randomised controlled trial in German primary care practices (RIME). Ther Adv Drug Saf 2020; 12:2042098620918459. [PMID: 32435445 PMCID: PMC7225783 DOI: 10.1177/2042098620918459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) is considered to have potentially more harmful than beneficial health effects in elderly patients. A German example for a PIM list is the PRISCUS list that has been available since 2010. PIMs are associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation and adverse health outcomes. Furthermore, drug–drug interactions (DDI) may pose additional risks to patients. It is not yet clear how numbers of PIM and DDI can be reduced in community-dwelling seniors in primary care; nor is it clear whether patients would benefit from such deprescribing. Methods: The cluster-randomised controlled study on the “Reduction of potentially Inappropriate Medication in the Elderly” (RIME study) is designed to examine whether an intervention based on the PRISCUS list can lower the proportion of community-dwelling people of ⩾70 years taking at least one PIM and/or medication inducing at least one dangerous DDI. The intervention consists of professional education and training on the reduction of PIM and DDI, and will be offered to either general practitioners (GPs) alone or GPs and their office staff in the experimental study arm. The control group will be offered professional education and training on more general issues of prescribing in the elderly, not specifically addressing PIM or DDI. The primary endpoint is the difference in the proportion of patients with at least one PIM or DDI between the start of the study and study closure after 12 months as compared between intervention and control group. Secondary endpoints include overall mortality, number of hospitalisations during the course of the study, quality of life and costs. Secondary analyses will be explorative, with the cluster randomisation being factored in. Discussion: The RIME study will contribute to answering the question of whether an intervention based on the PRISCUS list can reduce the proportion of community-dwelling seniors aged ⩾70 years with at least one PIM and/or DDI, and whether this will result in positive health effects, for example, as regards hospitalisations. Trial registration The Study has been registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) under the number DRKS00003610.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Thiem
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stefan Wilm
- Institute of General Practice, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Greiner
- Department of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Henrik Rudolf
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Universitaetsstrasse 150, Bochum, 44801, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Trampisch
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christiane Müller
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Petra A Thürmann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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Dyrkorn R, Langaas HC, Giverhaug T, Espnes KA, Rowett D, Spigset O. Academic detailing as a method of continuing medical education. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2019; 10:717-725. [PMID: 31507335 PMCID: PMC6719842 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s206073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Academic detailing is an interactive educational outreach to prescribers to present unbiased, non-commercial, evidence-based information, mostly about medications, with the goal of improving patient care. Academic detailing in Norway is an approach for providing continuing medical education to general practitioners (GPs). The basis of academic detailing is a one-to-one discussion between a trained health professional (the academic detailer) and the GP at the GP's workplace. METHOD Our first campaign was named "Better use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)", which aim was to reduce the use of diclofenac due to the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse events. At the same time we advised the GPs to use naproxen as the drug of choice if an NSAID was needed. We did a one-to-one intervention in two cities, where a trained academic detailer met the GP during office hours. A total of 247 GPs were invited to participate and 213 visits (86%) were completed. This article reviews the theoretical framework underlying the method and describes the development and implementation of academic detailing to GPs in Norway. RESULTS More than 90% the participating GPs considered academic detailing a suitable method for providing up-to-date evidence-based, manufacturer-independent information, and nearly all would most likely or probably welcome another visit. After the intervention there was a reduction of diclofenac prescribing of 16% and 18%, respectively, in the two cities. CONCLUSION We consider that academic detailing is a suitable method to bring the best available evidence to the point at which care is delivered, to achieve the best for the patients. According to the Norwegian GPs' evaluation, it is a key supplement to other methods of continuing medical education. To have maximum impact, it is important that academic detailing is practiced according to the consensus that has evolved in the USA and Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roar Dyrkorn
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Correspondence: Roar DyrkornDepartment of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, 7006Trondheim, NorwayEmail
| | - Harald Christian Langaas
- Regional Medicines Information and Pharmacovigilance Centre (RELIS), Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Trude Giverhaug
- Regional Medicines Information and Pharmacovigilance Centre (RELIS), University Hospital of North-norway, Tromsoe, North-Norway
| | - Ketil Arne Espnes
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Debra Rowett
- Repatriation General Hospital, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Olav Spigset
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Fossum GH, Lindbæk M, Gjelstad S, Kværner KJ. Relationship between Maternal and First Year of Life Dispensations of Antibiotics and Antiasthmatics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2018; 7:E84. [PMID: 30227607 PMCID: PMC6164589 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics7030084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are the most frequent prescription drugs used by pregnant women. Our objective was to investigate if the dispensation of antibiotics and antiasthmatics in children less than 1 year of age is associated with prenatal antibiotic exposure. A secondary aim was to explore the incidence of dispensed antibiotics in pregnancy and dispensed antibiotics and antiasthmatics in children. We conducted an observational study using the Peer Academic Detailing study database to select patients eligible for match in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, a total of 7747 mother-and-child pairs. Details on antibiotic and antiasthmatic pharmacy dispensations were obtained from the Norwegian Prescription Database. One quarter (1948 of 7747) of the mothers in the study had been dispensed antibiotics during pregnancy. In their first year of life, 17% (1289) of the children had had an antibiotic dispensation, 23% (1747) an antiasthmatic dispensation, and 8% (619) of the children had had both. We found a significant association between dispensed antibiotics in pregnancy and dispensed antibiotics to the child during their first year of life; OR = 1.16 (95% CI: 1.002⁻1.351). The association was stronger when the mothers were dispensed antibiotics at all, independent of the pregnancy period; OR = 1.60 (95% CI: 1.32⁻1.94). We conclude that the probability for dispensation of antibiotics was increased in children when mothers were dispensed antibiotics, independent of pregnancy. Diagnostic challenges in the very young and parental doctor-seeking behavior may, at least in part, contribute to the association between dispensations in mothers and children below the age of one year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guro Haugen Fossum
- Antibiotic Center for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1130 Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Morten Lindbæk
- Antibiotic Center for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1130 Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Svein Gjelstad
- Antibiotic Center for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1130 Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kari J Kværner
- C3-Centre for Connected Care, Oslo University Hospital, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.
- BI Norwegian Business School, 0484 Oslo, Norway.
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Prescribing antibiotics when the stakes are higher — do GPs prescribe less when patients are pregnant? A retrospective observational study. BJGP Open 2018; 2:bjgpopen18X101505. [PMID: 30564716 PMCID: PMC6184091 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpopen18x101505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most oral antibiotics are prescribed by GPs, and they are therefore the most important influencers with regard to improving antibiotic prescription patterns. Although GPs’ prescription patterns in general are well-studied, little is known about antibiotic prescription patterns in pregnancy. Aim To study GPs’ antibiotic prescriptions in respiratory tract infections (RTIs) during pregnancy, and assess differences, if any, between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. Design & setting Retrospective observational study combining prescription data from the Norwegian Peer Academic Detailing (Rx-PAD) study database, pregnancy data from the Norwegian birth registry, and pharmacy dispension data from the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD). Method Records of patient contacts with 458 GPs, between December 2004 and February 2007, were screened for RTI episodes. Similar diagnoses were grouped together, as were similar antibiotics. Episodes were categorised according to whether the patient was pregnant or not, and included women aged 16–46 years. Logistic regression models were used to assess odds ratios (ORs), and calculated relative risks (cRRs) were produced. The authors also adjusted for clustering at various levels. Results Overall prescription rate for RTI episodes was 30.8% (n = 96 830). The cohort was reduced to include only episodes with women pregnant in the study period (n = 18 890). The antibiotic prescription rate in pregnancy was 25.9% versus 34.2% in the time before and after pregnancy (cRR = 0.66 [95% confidence intervals {CI} = 0.68 to 0.81]). During pregnancy, 83.0% of the antibiotic prescriptions were picked up at a pharmacy, compared to an 86.6% filling rate in non-pregnant patients. The difference was not significant when adjusting for clustering at the patient level. Conclusion Norwegian GPs prescribe fewer antibiotics overall when patients are pregnant and, when they do prescribe, choose more narrow spectrum antibiotics for RTIs. This indicates a possible lower target rate for GP prescriptions to females. A low antibiotic dispension rate during pregnancy may represent a discussion topic in the consultation setting, to address possible reasons and avoid under-treatment.
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Rognstad S, Brekke M, Gjelstad S, Straand J, Fetveit A. Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing to Older Patients: Criteria, Prevalence and an Intervention to Reduce It: The Prescription Peer Academic Detailing (Rx-PAD) Study - A Cluster-Randomized, Educational Intervention in Norwegian General Practice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 123:380-391. [PMID: 29753315 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIP) is drug treatment, which in general, at the group level for a median/mean patient, can be considered unfavourable meaning that the risks commonly may outweigh the benefits. This MiniReview reports and discusses the main findings in a large cluster-randomized educational intervention in Norwegian general practice, aimed at reducing the prevalence of PIPs to patients ≥70 years (The Rx-PAD study). Targets for the intervention were general practitioners (GPs) in continuing medical education (CME) groups receiving educational outreach visits (i.e. peer academic detailing). A Delphi consensus process, with a panel of medical experts, was undertaken to elaborate a list of explicit criteria defining PIPs for patients ≥70 years in general practice. Agreement was achieved for 36 explicit PIP criteria, the so-called Norwegian General Practice (NorGeP) criteria. Using a selection (n = 24) of these criteria during a 1-year baseline period on the prescribing practice of 454 GPs (i.e. those enrolled to participate in the intervention trial), we found a prevalence rate of 24.7 PIPs per 100 patients ≥70 years per year. In the Rx-PAD study, 449 GPs completed an educational intervention (96.6% of the included GPs), 250 in the intervention group and 199 in the control arm. Following the intervention, PIPs were reduced by 13% (95% CI 8.6-17.3), and the number of patients who were no longer exposed to one or more PIPs was reduced by 1173 (8.1%). The GPs who responded most strongly to the educational intervention were the oldest GPs (57-68 years), and these were the GPs with the highest prevalence of PIPs at baseline before the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sture Rognstad
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mette Brekke
- General Practice Research Unit, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svein Gjelstad
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørund Straand
- General Practice Research Unit, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arne Fetveit
- General Practice Research Unit, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Werner EL, Løchting I, Storheim K, Grotle M. A focus group study to understand biases and confounders in a cluster randomized controlled trial on low back pain in primary care in Norway. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2018; 19:71. [PMID: 29788920 PMCID: PMC5964728 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-018-0759-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Cluster randomized controlled trials are often used in research in primary care but creates challenges regarding biases and confounders. We recently presented a study on low back pain from primary care in Norway with equal effects in the intervention and the control group. In order to understand the specific mechanisms that may produce biases in a cluster randomized trial we conducted a focus group study among the participating health care providers. The aim of this study was to understand how the participating providers themselves influenced on the study and thereby possibly on the results of the cluster randomized controlled trial. Methods The providers were invited to share their experiences from their participation in the COPE study, from recruitment of patients to accomplishment of either the intervention or control consultations. Six clinicians from the intervention group and four from the control group took part in the focus group interviews. The group discussions focused on feasibility of the study in primary care and particularly on identifying potential biases and confounders in the study. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed according to a systematic text condensation. The themes for the analysis emerged from the group discussions. Results A personal interest for back pain, logistic factors at the clinics and an assessment of the patients’ capacity to accomplish the study prior to their recruitment was reported. The providers were allowed to provide additional therapy to the intervention and it turned out that some of these could be regarded as opposed to the messages of the intervention. The providers seemed to select different items from the educational package according to personal beliefs and their perception of the patients’ acceptance. Conclusion The study disclosed several potential biases to the COPE study which may have impacted on the study results. Awareness of these is highly important when planning and conducting a cluster randomized controlled trial. Procedures in the recruitment of both providers and patients seem to be key factors and the providers should be aware of their role in a scientific study in order to standardize the provision of the intervention. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12875-018-0759-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik L Werner
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ida Løchting
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI) Clinic for Surgery and Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti Storheim
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI) Clinic for Surgery and Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margreth Grotle
- Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo Metropolitan University/FORMI, Clinic for Surgery and Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Blandhol M, Tysland T, Blix HS, Høye S. Antibiotic switch during treatment with antibiotics against respiratory tract infections in ambulatory care in Norway. Infect Dis (Lond) 2017; 49:854-858. [DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2017.1350879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mari Blandhol
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Sigurd Høye
- Department of General Practice, Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
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Chatterjee D, Sen S, Begum SA, Adhikari A, Hazra A, Das AK. A questionnaire-based survey to ascertain the views of clinicians regarding rational use of antibiotics in teaching hospitals of Kolkata. Indian J Pharmacol 2015; 47:105-8. [PMID: 25821321 PMCID: PMC4375802 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.150373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The objective was to assess the views of clinicians in teaching hospitals of Kolkata regarding the use of antibiotics in their own hospitals, focusing on perceived misuse, reasons behind such misuse and feasible remedial measures. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 clinicians from core clinical disciplines was approached in six teaching hospitals of Kolkata through purposive sampling. A structured, validated questionnaire adopted from published studies and modified to suit the responding population was completed by consenting respondents through face-to-face interaction with a single interviewer. Respondents were free to leave out questions they did not wish to answer. Results: Among 130 participating clinicians (65% of approached), all felt that antibiotic misuse occurs in various hospital settings; 72 (55.4% of the respondents) felt it was a frequent occurrence and needed major rectification. Cough and cold (78.5%), fever (65.4%), and diarrhea (62.3%) were perceived to be the commonest conditions of antibiotic misuse. About half (50.76%) felt that oral preparations were more misused compared to injectable or topical ones. Among oral antibiotics, co-amoxiclav (66.9%) and cefpodoxime (63.07%) whereas among parenteral ones, ceftriaxone and other third generation cephalosporins (74.6%) followed by piperacillin-tazobactam (61.5%) were selected as the most misused ones. Deficient training in rational use of medicines (70.7%) and absence of institutional antibiotic policy (67.7%) were listed as the two most important predisposing factors. Training of medical students and interns in rational antibiotic use (78.5%), implementation of antibiotic policy (76.9%), improvement in microbiology support (70.7%), and regular surveillance on this issue (64.6%) were cited as the principal remedial measures. Conclusions: Clinicians acknowledge that the misuse of antibiotics is an important problem in their hospitals. A system of clinical audit of antibiotic usage, improved microbiology support and implementation of antibiotic policy can help to promote rational use of antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dattatreyo Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sukanta Sen
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sabnam Ara Begum
- Department of Pharmacology, R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Anjan Adhikari
- Department of Pharmacology, R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Avijit Hazra
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Anup Kumar Das
- Department of Pharmacology, R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Baker R, Camosso‐Stefinovic J, Gillies C, Shaw EJ, Cheater F, Flottorp S, Robertson N, Wensing M, Fiander M, Eccles MP, Godycki‐Cwirko M, van Lieshout J, Jäger C. Tailored interventions to address determinants of practice. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 2015:CD005470. [PMID: 25923419 PMCID: PMC7271646 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005470.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tailored intervention strategies are frequently recommended among approaches to the implementation of improvement in health professional performance. Attempts to change the behaviour of health professionals may be impeded by a variety of different barriers, obstacles, or factors (which we collectively refer to as determinants of practice). Change may be more likely if implementation strategies are specifically chosen to address these determinants. OBJECTIVES To determine whether tailored intervention strategies are effective in improving professional practice and healthcare outcomes. We compared interventions tailored to address the identified determinants of practice with either no intervention or interventions not tailored to the determinants. SEARCH METHODS We conducted searches of The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, and the British Nursing Index to May 2014. We conducted a final search in December 2014 (in MEDLINE only) for more recently published trials. We conducted searches of the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) in March 2013. We also handsearched two journals. SELECTION CRITERIA Cluster-randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions tailored to address prospectively identified determinants of practice, which reported objectively measured professional practice or healthcare outcomes, and where at least one group received an intervention designed to address prospectively identified determinants of practice. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed quality and extracted data. We undertook qualitative and quantitative analyses, the quantitative analysis including two elements: we carried out 1) meta-regression analyses to compare interventions tailored to address identified determinants with either no interventions or an intervention(s) not tailored to the determinants, and 2) heterogeneity analyses to investigate sources of differences in the effectiveness of interventions. These included the effects of: risk of bias, use of a theory when developing the intervention, whether adjustment was made for local factors, and number of domains addressed with the determinants identified. MAIN RESULTS We added nine studies to this review to bring the total number of included studies to 32 comparing an intervention tailored to address identified determinants of practice to no intervention or an intervention(s) not tailored to the determinants. The outcome was implementation of recommended practice, e.g. clinical practice guideline recommendations. Fifteen studies provided enough data to be included in the quantitative analysis. The pooled odds ratio was 1.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27 to 1.93, P value < 0.001). The 17 studies not included in the meta-analysis had findings showing variable effectiveness consistent with the findings of the meta-regression. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Despite the increase in the number of new studies identified, our overall finding is similar to that of the previous review. Tailored implementation can be effective, but the effect is variable and tends to be small to moderate. The number of studies remains small and more research is needed, including trials comparing tailored interventions to no or other interventions, but also studies to develop and investigate the components of tailoring (identification of the most important determinants, selecting interventions to address the determinants). Currently available studies have used different methods to identify determinants of practice and different approaches to selecting interventions to address the determinants. It is not yet clear how best to tailor interventions and therefore not clear what the effect of an optimally tailored intervention would be.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Baker
- University of LeicesterDepartment of Health Sciences22‐28 Princess Rd WestLeicesterLeicestershireUKLE1 6TP
| | | | - Clare Gillies
- University of LeicesterUniversity Division of Medicine for the ElderlyThe Glenfield HospitalGroby RoadLeicesterUKLE5 4PW
| | - Elizabeth J Shaw
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)Level 1A, City PlazaPiccadilly PlazaManchesterUKM1 4BD
| | - Francine Cheater
- School of Health Sciences, University of East AngliaEdith Cavell BuildingNorwichNorfolkUK
| | - Signe Flottorp
- Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health ServicesBox 7004, St. Olavs plassOsloNorway0130
| | - Noelle Robertson
- Leicester UniversitySchool of Psychology (Clinical Section)104 Regent RoadLeicesterLeicestershireUKLE1 7LT
| | - Michel Wensing
- Radboud University Medical CenterRadboud Institute for Health SciencesPO Box 9101117 KWAZONijmegenNetherlands6500 HB
| | | | - Martin P Eccles
- Newcastle UniversityInstitute of Health and SocietyBadiley Clark BuildingRichardson RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE2 4AX
| | - Maciek Godycki‐Cwirko
- Medical University of LodzCentre for Family and Community MedicineKopcindkiego 20LodzPoland90‐153
| | - Jan van Lieshout
- Radboud University Medical CenterScientific Institute for Quality of HealthcareP.O.Box 9101NijmegenNetherlands6500 HB
| | - Cornelia Jäger
- University Hospital of HeidelbergDepartment of General Practice and Health Services ResearchVoßstr. 2, Geb. 37HeidelbergGermany69115
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Effects on antibiotic dispensing rates of interventions to promote delayed prescribing for respiratory tract infections in primary care. Br J Gen Pract 2014; 63:e777-86. [PMID: 24267861 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp13x674468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delayed antibiotic prescribing is an effective method of reducing the consumption of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). However, interventions to promote its use remain unexplored. AIM To measure the effects of a GP educational intervention and a computer delayed-prescribing pop-up reminder on antibiotic-dispensing rates. The study also aimed to identify factors influencing GPs' decisions to issue delayed prescriptions and patients' decisions to fill their prescriptions. DESIGN AND SETTING Controlled trial nested within a cluster-randomised controlled trial in urban and rural practices in 11 counties in southern Norway. METHOD Educational intervention and control groups were randomly populated from 81 continuing medical education groups. Within the intervention arm, 107 of the 156 participating GPs were assigned, based on the electronic patient-record system they used, to having a pop-up reminder installed on their computers. Data on prescribed and dispensed antibiotics from 1 year before, and 1 year during, the intervention were collected and linked. RESULTS Valid data were obtained from 328 GPs (75%). At baseline, 92.1% of prescriptions were filled at pharmacies. The effect of the educational intervention was a 1% reduction in approximated risk (risk ratio [RR] 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.96 to 1.01) of antibiotics being dispensed, while the combined effect of the educational and pop-up reminder intervention was a 4% reduction in approximated risk (RR 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94 to 0.98). In the pop-up intervention group, 11.0% of the prescriptions were issued as delayed prescriptions and 59.2% of these were filled. Upper RTI, sinusitis, and otitis gave highest odds for delayed prescribing and lowest odds for dispensing. CONCLUSION Promoting delayed prescribing among GPs results in a small decrease in antibiotic dispensing. The savings potential is greatest for upper RTI, sinusitis, and otitis.
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Prescription peer academic detailing to reduce inappropriate prescribing for older patients: a cluster randomised controlled trial. Br J Gen Pract 2014; 63:e554-62. [PMID: 23972196 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp13x670688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older patients are at particular risk for adverse drug reactions. In older people, interventions targeting potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) are considered important measures to minimise drug-related harm, especially in the general practice setting where most prescriptions for older patients are issued. AIM To study the effects of a multifaceted educational intervention on GPs' PIPs for older patients. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a cluster randomised, educational intervention study in Norwegian general practice. Pre-study data were captured from January 2005 to December 2005 and post-study data from June 2006 to June 2007. The educational intervention was carried out from January 2006 to June 2006. METHOD Eighty continuing medical education (CME) groups (465 GPs) were randomised to receive the educational intervention on GPs' PIPs for older patients (41 CME groups; 256 GPs) or another educational intervention (39 CME groups; 209 GPs); these two groups acted as controls for each other. GPs' prescription data from before and after the intervention were assessed against a list of 13 explicit PIP criteria for patients aged ≥70 years. In the CME groups, trained GPs carried out an educational programme, including an audit, focusing on the 13 criteria and their rationale. RESULTS A total of 449 GPs (96.6%) completed the study; 250 in the intervention group and 199 in the control group. After adjusting for baseline differences and clustering effects, a reduction relative to baseline of 10.3% (95% confidence interval = 5.9 to 15.0) PIPs per 100 patients aged ≥70 years was obtained. CONCLUSION Educational outreach visits with feedback and audit, using GPs as academic detailers in GPs' CME groups, reduced PIPs for older patients aged ≥70 years in general practice.
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Gjelstad S, Høye S, Straand J, Brekke M, Dalen I, Lindbæk M. Improving antibiotic prescribing in acute respiratory tract infections: cluster randomised trial from Norwegian general practice (prescription peer academic detailing (Rx-PAD) study). BMJ 2013; 347:f4403. [PMID: 23894178 PMCID: PMC3724398 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.f4403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of a multifaceted educational intervention in Norwegian general practice aiming to reduce antibiotic prescription rates for acute respiratory tract infections and to reduce the use of broad spectrum antibiotics. DESIGN Cluster randomised controlled study. SETTING Existing continuing medical education groups were recruited and randomised to intervention or control. PARTICIPANTS 79 groups, comprising 382 general practitioners, completed the interventions and data extractions. INTERVENTIONS The intervention groups had two visits by peer academic detailers, the first presenting the national clinical guidelines for antibiotic use and recent research evidence on acute respiratory tract infections, the second based on feedback reports on each general practitioner's antibiotic prescribing profile from the preceding year. Regional one day seminars were arranged as a supplement. The control arm received a different intervention targeting prescribing practice for older patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prescription rates and proportion of non-penicillin V antibiotics prescribed at the group level before and after the intervention, compared with corresponding data from the controls. RESULTS In an adjusted, multilevel model, the effect of the intervention on the 39 intervention groups (183 general practitioners) was a reduction (odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.61 to 0.84) in prescribing of antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections compared with the controls (40 continuing medical education groups with 199 general practitioners). A corresponding reduction was seen in the odds (0.64, 0.49 to 0.82) for prescribing a non-penicillin V antibiotic when an antibiotic was issued. Prescriptions per 1000 listed patients increased from 80.3 to 84.6 in the intervention arm and from 80.9 to 89.0 in the control arm, but this reflects a greater incidence of infections (particularly pneumonia) that needed treating in the intervention arm. CONCLUSIONS The intervention led to improved antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections in a representative sample of Norwegian general practitioners, and the courses were feasible to the general practitioners. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trials NCT00272155.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svein Gjelstad
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, P O Box 1130, Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway.
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Fossum GH, Lindbæk M, Gjelstad S, Dalen I, Kværner KJ. Are children carrying the burden of broad-spectrum antibiotics in general practice? Prescription pattern for paediatric outpatients with respiratory tract infections in Norway. BMJ Open 2013; 3:bmjopen-2012-002285. [PMID: 23299114 PMCID: PMC3549229 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the antibiotic prescription pattern and factors that influence the physicians' choice of antibiotic. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING Primary healthcare in Norway, December 2004 through November 2005. PARTICIPANTS 426 general practitioners, GPs, in Norway, giving 24 888 respiratory tract infection episodes with 19 938 children aged 0-6 years. OUTCOME MEASURES Assess antibiotic prescription details and patient and GP characteristics associated with broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum antibiotic use. RESULTS Of the 24 888 episodes in the study, 26.2% (95% CI 25.7% to 26.8%) included an antibiotic prescription. Penicillin V accounted for 42% and macrolide antibiotics for 30%. The prescription rate varied among the physicians, with a mean of 25.5% (95% CI 24.2% to 26.7%). Acute tonsillitis gave the highest odds for a prescription, OR 33.6 (95% CI 25.7% to 43.9%), compared to 'acute respiratory tract infections and symptoms' as a reference group. GPs with a prescription rate of 33.3% or higher had the larger probability for broad-spectrum antibiotic prescriptions, OR 3.33 (95% CI 2.01% to 5.54%). Antibiotic prescriptions increased with increasing patient age. CONCLUSIONS We found a low antibiotic prescription rate for childhood respiratory tract infections. However, our figures indicate an overuse of macrolide antibiotics and penicillins with extended spectrum, more so than in the corresponding study including the adult population. Palatability of antibiotic suspensions and other administrative challenges affect medication compliance in children. To help combat antibiotic resistance, guidelines need to be followed, in particular for our youngest patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER (CLINICALTRIALS.ORG): NCT00272155.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guro Haugen Fossum
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Surgery and Clinical Neuroscience, Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Lindbæk
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svein Gjelstad
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingvild Dalen
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari J Kværner
- Research, Innovation and Education Unit, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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McCulloh RJ, Alverson BK. The challenge--and promise--of local clinical practice guidelines. Pediatrics 2012; 130:941-2. [PMID: 23090345 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-2085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Russell J McCulloh
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
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Kristoffersen ES, Straand J, Benth JS, Russell MB, Lundqvist C. Study protocol: brief intervention for medication overuse headache--a double-blinded cluster randomised parallel controlled trial in primary care. BMC Neurol 2012; 12:70. [PMID: 22883540 PMCID: PMC3488483 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-12-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic headache (headache ≥ 15 days/month for at least 3 months) affects 2–5% of the general population. Medication overuse contributes to the problem. Medication-overuse headache (MOH) can be identified by using the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS). A “brief intervention” scheme (BI) has previously been used for detoxification from drug and alcohol overuse in other settings. Short, unstructured, individualised simple information may also be enough to detoxify a large portion of those with MOH. We have adapted the structured (BI) scheme to be used for MOH in primary care. Methods/Design A double-blinded cluster randomised parallel controlled trial (RCT) of BI vs. business as usual. Intervention will be performed in primary care by GPs trained in BI. Patients with MOH will be identified through a simple screening questionnaire sent to patients on the GPs lists. The BI method involves an approach for identifying patients with high likelihood of MOH using simple questions about headache frequency and the SDS score. Feedback is given to the individual patient on his/her score and consequences this might have regarding the individual risk of medication overuse contributing to their headache. Finally, advice is given regarding measures to be taken, how the patient should proceed and the possible gains for the patient. The participating patients complete a headache diary and receive a clinical interview and neurological examination by a GP experienced in headache diagnostics three months after the intervention. Primary outcomes are number of headache days and number of medication days per month at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include proportions with 25 and 50% improvement at 3 months and maintenance of improvement and quality of life after 12 months. Discussion There is a need for evidence-based and cost-effective strategies for treatment of MOH but so far no consensus has been reached regarding an optimal medication withdrawal method. To our knowledge this is the first RCT of structured non-pharmacological MOH treatment in primary care. Results may hold the potential of offering an instrument for treating MOH patients in the general population by GPs. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01314768
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Determinants of quinolone versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole use for outpatient urinary tract infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:1359-63. [PMID: 22232276 DOI: 10.1128/aac.05321-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Quinolones are increasingly favored over trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for empirical treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). This is associated with increasing resistance toward this broad-spectrum group of antibiotics. Our objective is to describe the prescribing patterns and identify determinants of the choice between TMP-SMX and quinolones for outpatient UTI treatment in Switzerland. An ongoing national Sentinel surveillance system was used to study 11,799 antibiotic prescriptions for UTI in adult outpatients and associated physician and patient factors between 2006 and 2008, to compare the prescription of quinolones versus that of TMP-SMX for treatment of UTI. Most UTI episodes were diagnosed as cystitis (90%). TMP-SMX was prescribed for one-fifth (22%) of UTIs. Independent predictors for prescribing quinolones were pyelonephritis and physicians with low thresholds for prescribing antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections ("high prescribers"), whereas female patients were more likely to receive TMP-SMX. High-prescribing physicians also more often cared for patients who themselves favor antibiotic treatment (P < 0.001). Quinolones are commonly prescribed to outpatients with UTI. Nonclinical factors influence the choice of quinolones versus TMP-SMX, which may provide opportunities for interventions to improve prescribing patterns and control quinolone resistance.
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Oppong R, Coast J, Hood K, Nuttall J, Smith RD, Butler CC. Resource use and costs of treating acute cough/lower respiratory tract infections in 13 European countries: results and challenges. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2011; 12:319-329. [PMID: 20364288 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-010-0239-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to estimate the resource use and cost of treating acute cough/lower respiratory tract infection (acute cough/LRTI) in 13 European countries, to explore reasons for differences in cost and to document the challenges that researchers face when collecting information on cost alongside multinational studies. Data on resource use and cost were collected alongside an observational study in 14 primary care networks across 13 European countries and a mean cost was generated for each network. The results show that the mean cost (standard deviation) of treating acute cough/LRTI in Europe ranged from euro23.88 (34.67) in Balatonfüred (Hungary) to euro116.47 (34.29) in Jonkoping (Sweden). The observed differences in costs were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Major cost drivers include general practitioner visits and drug costs in all networks, whilst differences in health systems and regional factors could account for differences in cost between networks. The major barrier to conducting multinational cost studies are barriers associated with identifying cost information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Oppong
- Health Economics Unit, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Public Health Building, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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Gjelstad S, Straand J, Dalen I, Fetveit A, Strøm H, Lindbæk M. Do general practitioners' consultation rates influence their prescribing patterns of antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections? J Antimicrob Chemother 2011; 66:2425-33. [PMID: 21784782 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkr295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine general practitioners' (GPs') antibiotic prescribing patterns for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) as compared with national guidelines. We also wanted to explore possible predictors of antibiotic prescription patterns. METHODS Observational study based on prescription data from 440 Norwegian GPs in December 2004 through to November 2005. Outcome measures were the type and frequency of antibiotic prescriptions for various ARTI diagnoses, with patients' and GPs' characteristics as explanatory variables. RESULTS In the study period, the 440 GPs treated a total of 142 900 ARTI episodes. In 33.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 31.9%-35.1%] of these episodes an antibiotic was issued, of which penicillin V (pcV) accounted for 41.2% (95% CI: 37.4%-44.9%). GPs with a high number of total annual encounters had higher antibiotic prescription rates for ARTIs and used more non-pcV antibiotics compared with GPs with fewer annual patient encounters. GPs in the highest quintile with respect to the total annual encounter rate had 1.6 times the odds of prescribing antibiotics compared with GPs in the lowest quintile. Correspondingly, the odds of choosing a non-pcV antibiotic were 2.8 times higher in the top quintile of GPs compared with GPs in the bottom quintile with respect to antibiotic prescription rates. CONCLUSIONS ARTIs are frequently treated with antibiotics and often with broader spectrum agents than pcV, which is the recommended first-line antibiotic in the Norwegian guidelines. GPs with a high practice activity are, in general, more liberal with respect to the prescription of antibiotics for ARTIs, and the higher the antibiotic prescription rate, the larger the share of non-pcV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svein Gjelstad
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130, Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway.
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Høye S, Frich JC, Lindbæk M. Use and feasibility of delayed prescribing for respiratory tract infections: a questionnaire survey. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2011; 12:34. [PMID: 21592334 PMCID: PMC3114766 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-12-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delayed prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) lowers the amount of antibiotics consumed. Several national treatment guidelines on RTIs recommend the strategy. When advocating treatment innovations, the feasibility and credibility of the innovation must be taken into account. The objective of this study was to explore GPs use and patients uptake of wait-and-see prescriptions for RTIs, and to investigate the feasibility of the strategy from GPs' and patients' perspectives. METHODS Questionnaire survey among Norwegian GPs issuing and patients receiving a wait-and-see-prescription for RTIs. Patients reported symptoms, confidence and antibiotics consumption, GPs reported diagnoses, reason for issuing a wait-and-see-prescription and their opinion about the method. RESULTS 304 response pairs from consultations with 49 GPs were received. The patient response rate was 80%. The most common diagnosis for the GPs to issue a wait-and-see prescription was sinusitis (33%) and otitis (21%). 46% of the patients reported to consume the antibiotics. When adjusted for other factors, the diagnosis did not predict antibiotic consumption, but both being 16 years or more (p = 0,006) and reporting to have a fever (p = 0,012) doubled the odds of antibiotic consumption, while feeling very ill more than quadrupled the odds (p = 0,002). In 210 cases (69%), the GP found delayed prescribing a very reasonable strategy, and 270 patients (89%) would prefer to receive a wait-and-see prescription in a similar situation in the future. The GPs found delayed prescribing very reasonable most frequently in cases of sinusitis (79%, p = 0,007) and least frequently in cases of lower RTIs (49%, p = 0,002). CONCLUSION Most patients and GPs are satisfied with the delayed prescribing strategy. The patients' age, symptoms and malaise are more important than the diagnosis in predicting antibiotic consumption. The GP's view of the method as a reasonable approach depends on the patient's diagnosis. In our setting, delayed prescribing seems to be a feasible strategy, especially in cases of sinusitis and otitis. Educational efforts to promote delayed prescribing in similar settings should focus on these diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigurd Høye
- Antibiotic Center for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130 Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway.
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Delayed prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections: a qualitative study of GPs' views and experiences. Br J Gen Pract 2011; 60:907-12. [PMID: 21144201 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp10x544087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delayed prescribing has been promoted as a strategy that meets patients' expectations and helps to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infections. AIM To explore GPs' views on and experiences with delayed prescribing in patients with acute upper respiratory tract infections. DESIGN OF STUDY Qualitative study involving focus groups. Setting Norwegian general practice. METHOD Qualitative analysis of data collected from five focus groups comprising 33 GPs who took part in a quality-improvement programme of antibiotic prescribing. RESULTS The views of GPs differed on the usefulness of delayed prescribing. GPs who endorsed the strategy emphasised shared decision making and the creation of opportunities for educating patients, whereas GPs who were negative applied the strategy mainly when being pressed to prescribe. Mild and mainly harmless conditions of a possible bacterial origin, such as acute sinusitis and acute otitis, were considered most suitable for delayed prescribing. A key argument for issuing a wait-and-see prescription was that it helped patients avoid seeking after-hours care. For issuing a wait-and-see prescription, the GPs required that the patient was 'knowledgeable', able to understand the indications for antibiotics, and motivated for shared decision making. GPs emphasised that patients should be informed thoroughly when receiving a wait-and-see prescription. CONCLUSION Not all GPs endorse delayed prescribing; however, it appears to be a feasible approach for managing patients with early symptoms of mild upper respiratory tract infections of a possible bacterial origin. Informing the patients properly while issuing wait-and-see prescriptions is essential.
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Baker R, Camosso-Stefinovic J, Gillies C, Shaw EJ, Cheater F, Flottorp S, Robertson N. Tailored interventions to overcome identified barriers to change: effects on professional practice and health care outcomes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010:CD005470. [PMID: 20238340 PMCID: PMC4164371 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005470.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 440] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the previous version of this review, the effectiveness of interventions tailored to barriers to change was found to be uncertain. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of interventions tailored to address identified barriers to change on professional practice or patient outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY For this update, in addition to the EPOC Register and pending files, we searched the following databases without language restrictions, from inception until August 2007: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, BNI and HMIC. We searched the National Research Register to November 2007. We undertook further searches to October 2009 to identify potentially eligible published or ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions tailored to address prospectively identified barriers to change that reported objectively measured professional practice or healthcare outcomes in which at least one group received an intervention designed to address prospectively identified barriers to change. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently assessed quality and extracted data. We undertook quantitative and qualitative analyses. The quantitative analyses had two elements.1. We carried out a meta-regression to compare interventions tailored to address identified barriers to change with either no interventions or an intervention(s) not tailored to the barriers.2. We carried out heterogeneity analyses to investigate sources of differences in the effectiveness of interventions. These included the effects of: risk of bias, concealment of allocation, rigour of barrier analysis, use of theory, complexity of interventions, and the reported presence of administrative constraints. MAIN RESULTS We included 26 studies comparing an intervention tailored to address identified barriers to change to no intervention or an intervention(s) not tailored to the barriers. The effect sizes of these studies varied both across and within studies.Twelve studies provided enough data to be included in the quantitative analysis. A meta-regression model was fitted adjusting for baseline odds by fitting it as a covariate, to obtain the pooled odds ratio of 1.54 (95% CI, 1.16 to 2.01) from Bayesian analysis and 1.52 (95% CI, 1.27 to 1.82, P < 0.001) from classical analysis. The heterogeneity analyses found that no study attributes investigated were significantly associated with effectiveness of the interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Interventions tailored to prospectively identified barriers are more likely to improve professional practice than no intervention or dissemination of guidelines. However, the methods used to identify barriers and tailor interventions to address them need further development. Research is required to determine the effectiveness of tailored interventions in comparison with other interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Baker
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Clare Gillies
- University Division of Medicine for the Elderly, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Elizabeth J Shaw
- National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, Manchester, UK
| | - Francine Cheater
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Signe Flottorp
- Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Oslo, Norway
| | - Noelle Robertson
- School of Psychology (Clinical Section), Leicester University, Leicester, UK
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Frich JC, Høye S, Lindbaek M, Straand J. General practitioners and tutors' experiences with peer group academic detailing: a qualitative study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2010; 11:12. [PMID: 20152015 PMCID: PMC2828999 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-11-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2009] [Accepted: 02/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background The Prescription Peer Academic Detailing (Rx-PAD) project is an educational intervention study aiming at improving GPs' competence in pharmacotherapy. GPs in CME peer groups were randomised to receive a tailored intervention, either to support a safer prescription practice for elderly patients or to improve prescribing of antibiotics to patients with respiratory tract infections. The project was based on the principles of peer group academic detailing, incorporating individual feedback on GPs' prescription patterns. We did a study to explore GPs and tutors' experiences with peer group academic detailing, and to explore GPs' reasons for deviating from recommended prescribing practice. Methods Data was collected through nine focus group interviews with a total of 39 GPs and 20 tutors. Transcripts from the interviews were analyzed by two researchers according to a procedure for thematic content analysis. Results A shared understanding of the complex decision-making involved in prescribing in general practice was reported by both GPs and tutors as essential for an open discussion in the CME groups. Tutors experienced that CME groups differed regarding structure and atmosphere, and in some groups it was a challenge to run the scheme as planned. Individual feedback motivated GPs to reflect on and to improve their prescribing practice, though feedback reports could cause distress if the prescribing practice was unfavourable. Explanations for inappropriate prescriptions were lack of knowledge, factors associated with patients, the GP's background, the practice, and other health professionals or health care facilities. Conclusions GPs and tutors experienced peer group academic detailing as a suitable method to discuss and learn more about pharmacotherapy. An important outcome for GPs was being more reflective about their prescriptions. Disclosure of inappropriate prescribing can cause distress in some doctors, and tutors must be prepared to recognise and manage such reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan C Frich
- Section for General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Barozzi N, Sketris I, Cooke C, Tett S. Comparison of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors use in Australia and Nova Scotia (Canada). Br J Clin Pharmacol 2009; 68:106-15. [PMID: 19660008 PMCID: PMC2732945 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2009.03410.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2008] [Accepted: 03/18/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors were marketed aggressively and their rapid uptake caused safety concerns and budgetary challenges in Canada and Australia. The objectives of this study were to compare and contrast COX-2 inhibitors and nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ns-NSAID) use in Nova Scotia (Canada) and Australia and to identify lessons learned from the two jurisdictions. METHODS Ns-NSAID and COX-2 inhibitor Australian prescription data (concession beneficiaries) were downloaded from the Medicare Australia website (2001-2006). Similar Pharmacare data were obtained for Nova Scotia (seniors and those receiving Community services). Defined daily doses per 1000 beneficiaries day(-1) were calculated. COX-2 inhibitors/all NSAIDs ratios were calculated for Australia and Nova Scotia. Ns-NSAIDs were divided into low, moderate and high risk for gastrointestinal side-effects and the proportions of use in each group were determined. Which drugs accounted for 90% of use was also calculated. RESULTS Overall NSAID use was different in Australia and Nova Scotia. However, ns-NSAID use was similar. COX-2 inhibitor dispensing was higher in Australia. The percentage of COX-2 inhibitor prescriptions over the total NSAID use was different in the two countries. High-risk NSAID use was much higher in Australia. Low-risk NSAID prescribing increased in Nova Scotia over time. The low-risk/high-risk ratio was constant throughout over the period in Australia and increased in Nova Scotia. CONCLUSIONS There are significant differences in Australia and Nova Scotia in use of NSAIDs, mainly due to COX-2 prescribing. Nova Scotia has a higher proportion of low-risk NSAID use. Interventions to provide physicians with information on relative benefits and risks of prescribing specific NSAIDs are needed, including determining their impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Barozzi
- College of Pharmacy, Steele Building, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Straand J, Fetveit A, Rognstad S, Gjelstad S, Brekke M, Dalen I. A cluster-randomized educational intervention to reduce inappropriate prescription patterns for elderly patients in general practice--The Prescription Peer Academic Detailing (Rx-PAD) study [NCT00281450]. BMC Health Serv Res 2006; 6:72. [PMID: 16764734 PMCID: PMC1525163 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-6-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2006] [Accepted: 06/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Age-related alterations in metabolism and excretion of medications increase the risk of adverse drug events in the elderly. Inappropriate polypharmacy and prescription practice entails increased burdens of impaired quality of life and drug related morbidity and mortality. The main objective of this trial is to evaluate effects of a tailored educational intervention towards general practitioners (GPs) aimed at supporting the implementation of a safer drug prescribing practice for elderly patients ≥ 70 years. Methods/design Approximately 80 peer continuing medical education (CME) groups (about 600 GPs) in southern Norway will be recruited to a cluster randomized trial. Participating groups will be randomized either to an intervention- or a control group. The control group will not receive any intervention towards prescription patterns in elderly, but will be the target of an educational intervention for prescription of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections. A multifaceted intervention has been tailored, where key components are educational outreach visits to the CME-groups, work-shops, audit and feedback. Prescription Peer Academic Detailers (Rx-PADs), who are trained GPs, will conduct the educational outreach visits. During these visits, a set of quality indicators (QIs), i.e. explicit recommendations for safer prescribing for elderly patients, will be presented and discussed. Software will be handed out for installation in participants' practice computers to enable extraction of pre-defined prescription data. These data will subsequently be linked to corresponding data from the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD). Individual feedback reports will be sent all participating GPs during and one year after the intervention. Feedback reports will include QI-scores on individual- and group levels, before and after the intervention. The main outcome of this trial is the change in proportions of inappropriate prescriptions (QIs) for elderly patients ≥ 70 years following intervention, compared to baseline levels. Discussion Improvement of prescription patterns in medical practice is a challenging task. Evidence suggests that a thorough evaluation of diagnostic indications for drug treatment in the elderly and/or a reduction of potentially inappropriate drugs may impose significant clinical benefits. Our hypothesis is that an educational intervention program will be effective in improving prescribing patterns for elderly patients in GP settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørund Straand
- Department of General Practice and Community Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Arne Fetveit
- Department of General Practice and Community Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sture Rognstad
- Department of General Practice and Community Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Svein Gjelstad
- Department of General Practice and Community Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mette Brekke
- Department of General Practice and Community Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingvild Dalen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Biostatistics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1122 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
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