Achieving Good Outcomes for Asthma Living (GOAL): mixed methods feasibility and pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of a practical intervention for eliciting, setting and achieving goals for adults with asthma

Agenda-setting in the clinical encounter: A systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Agenda-setting is a collaborative communication strategy used by a clinician before or at the start of a clinical encounter to work together with the patient to "elicit, propose, and organize" topics to be discussed during the encounter. While clinical visit agenda-setting has been acknowledged as an important element of patient-centered communication, the effectiveness of agenda-setting interventions in improving healthcare outcomes is unclear. To our knowledge, no systematic review has examined clinical visit agenda-setting interventions.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The primary aim of the systematic review will be to assess the effects of agenda-setting interventions on outcomes relating to the clinical encounter itself, patients, and clinicians, as well as any other study-specified outcomes. Our secondary aims will be to examine the characteristics and delivery attributes of agenda-setting interventions, as well as how agenda-setting has been operationalized and measured. We will search selected databases (APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE via PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science) and gray literature from inception until date of search. All studies comparing a clinical visit agenda-setting intervention with either usual care or another agenda-setting intervention will be included. Two independent reviewers will complete article screening and data extraction, with a third independent reviewer resolving any conflicts. We will assess all studies' methodological quality and the quality of their evidence using standardized criteria. If a sufficient number of studies report the same outcomes, we will pool their results and perform a meta-analysis of those outcomes. We will also synthesize all results qualitatively, regardless of whether we are able to complete a meta-analysis.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023468045.

The experience of shared decision-making for people with asthma: A systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative studies

OBJECTIVES

To identify, describe and synthesise the views and experiences of adults living with asthma regarding shared decision-making (SDM) in the existing qualitative literature METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of 10 databases (list databases) from inception until September 2023. Screening was performed according to inclusion criteria. Tools from the Joanna Briggs lnstitute were utilised for the purposes of data extraction and synthesis in this study. The data extraction process in this study employed the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Model of Behaviour (COM-B model) as a framework, and a pragmatic meta-aggregative approach was employed to synthesise the collected results.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included in the metasynthesis. Three synthesised themes were identified: the capability of people living with asthma, the opportunities of people living with asthma in SDM, and the motivation of the people living with asthma in SDM.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified specific factors influencing people living with asthma engaging in SDM. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for the implementation of SDM in people living with asthma and provide insights for the development of their SDM training programs. The ConQual score for the synthesised findings was rated as low. To enhance confidence, future studies should address dependability and credibility factors.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This review contemplates the implementation of SDM from the perspective of people living with asthma, with the aim of providing patient-centred services for them. The results of this review can benefit the implementation of SDM and facilitate information sharing. It offers guidance for SDM skills training among adults living with asthma, fosters a better doctor-patient relationship and facilitates consensus in treatment decisions, thereby enabling personalised and tailored medical care.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Three nursing graduate students participated in the data extraction and integration process, with two students having extensive clinical experience that provided valuable insights for the integration.

Supporting translation of research evidence into practice-the use of Normalisation Process Theory to assess and inform implementation within randomised controlled trials: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The status of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) as the 'gold standard' for evaluating efficacy in healthcare interventions is increasingly debated among the research community, due to often insufficient consideration for implementation. Normalisation Process Theory (NPT), which focuses on the work required to embed processes into practice, offers a potentially useful framework for addressing these concerns. While the theory has been deployed in numerous RCTs to date, more work is needed to consolidate understanding of if, and how, NPT may aid implementation planning and processes within RCTs. Therefore, this review seeks to understand how NPT contributes to understanding the dynamics of implementation processes within RCTs. Specifically, this review will identify and characterise NPT operationalisation, benefits and reported challenges and limitations in RCTs.

METHODS

A qualitative systematic review with narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed journal articles from eight databases was conducted. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported sufficient detail on the use of NPT within RCTs in a healthcare domain. A pre-specified data extraction template was developed based on the research questions of this review. A narrative synthesis was performed to identify recurrent findings.

RESULTS

Searches identified 48 articles reporting 42 studies eligible for inclusion. Findings suggest that NPT is primarily operationalised prospectively during the data collection stage, with limited sub-construct utilisation overall. NPT is beneficial in understanding implementation processes by aiding the identification and analysis of key factors, such as understanding intervention fidelity in real-world settings. Nearly three-quarters of studies failed to report the challenges and limitations of utilising NPT, though coding difficulties and data falling outside the NPT framework are most common.

CONCLUSIONS

NPT appears to be a consistent and generalisable framework for explaining the dynamics of implementation processes within RCTs. However, operationalisation of the theory to its full extent is necessary to improve its use in practice, as it is currently deployed in varying capacities. Recommendations for future research include investigation of NPT alongside other frameworks, as well as earlier operationalisation and greater use of NPT sub-constructs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol for this systematic review was accepted for public registration on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022345427) on 26 July 2022.

Acceptance and Dropout Rates of Individuals with Asthma Approached in Self-management Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective

The objectives of this systematic review were to assess the acceptability of self-management interventions for people with asthma and identify contributing factors.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE (OVIDWEB), CINAHL and Cochrane databases. Clinical trials design was included if they met specified criteria. A random-effect meta-regression analysis was conducted to estimate the overall acceptance and drop-out rates and to assess the potential factors that may influence the outcomes.

Results

A total of 64 studies were included and 8,092 participants were recruited and participated in the trials. The estimated acceptance rate was 51.1%, while the estimated drop-out rates in the intervention and control groups were 18.2% and 15.6%, respectively. Lack of interest was the main reported reason for refusing to participate and dropping out from the program. Study-related and program-related factors influenced the acceptance and drop-out rates statistically and clinically.

Conclusion

The acceptance rate of self-management programs among asthmatic people was not high and the dropout rate was somewhat low. The review suggests optimizing the design of self-management studies and modifying the implemented self-management programs to increase the acceptance rate and decrease the dropout rate.

A qualitative study of patient perspectives of care management services in Comprehensive Primary Care Plus

BACKGROUND

Care management has the potential to improve quality of care and health outcomes for chronic conditions, but questions remain about how patients perceive care management. Understanding patient perceptions is critical for ensuring care management can successfully engage patients and improve management of chronic conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To understand high-risk patients' experiences and perceptions of care management.

METHODS

We conducted 1-h phone interviews with 40 patients receiving care management at 12 practices participating in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Comprehensive Primary Care Plus model. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.

RESULTS

Most patients reported discussing health goals with their providers that aligned with their values and care preferences; a few reported that goal setting did not result in desired action steps. Most reported positive experiences receiving behavioural health support; a few reported unmet behavioural health needs that they had not expressed to their practice. Patients reported financial and transportation barriers to following care managers' recommendations. Care managers' active listening skills, accessibility, and caring personalities facilitated patient engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Practices should consider patient perspectives as they improve care management activities. Future research is needed to confirm our findings about patient perspectives regarding goal setting, behavioural health support, and barriers and facilitators to engagement.

Using Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) to develop an intervention to improve referral and uptake rates for self-management education for patients with type 2 diabetes in UK primary care

Background

Referral and uptake rates of structured self-management education (SSME) for Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the UK are variable and relatively low. Research has documented contributing factors at patient, practitioner and organisational levels. We report a project to develop an intervention to improve referral to and uptake of SSME, involving an integrative synthesis of existing datasets and stakeholder consultation and using Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) as a flexible framework to inform the development process.

Methods

A three-phase mixed-methods development process involved: (1) synthesis of existing evidence; (2) stakeholder consultation; and (3) intervention design. The first phase included a secondary analysis of data from existing studies of T2DM SSME programmes and a systematic review of the literature on application of NPT in primary care. Influences on referral and uptake of diabetes SSME were identified, along with insights into implementation processes, using NPT constructs to inform analysis. This gave rise to desirable attributes for an intervention to improve uptake of SSME. The second phase involved engaging with stakeholders to prioritise and then rank these attributes, and develop a list of associated resources needed for delivery. The third phase addressed intervention design. It involved translating the ranked attributes into essential components of a complex intervention, and then further refinement of components and associated resources.

Results

In phase 1, synthesised analysis of 64 transcripts and 23 articles generated a longlist of 46 attributes of an embedded SSME, mapped into four overarching domains: valued, integrated, permeable and effectively delivered. Stakeholder engagement in phase 2 progressed this to a priority ranked list of 11. In phase 3, four essential components attending to the prioritised attributes and forming the basis of the intervention were identified: 1) a clear marketing strategy for SSME; 2) a user friendly and effective referral pathway; 3) new/amended professional roles; and 4) a toolkit of resources.

Conclusions

NPT provides a flexible framework for synthesising evidence for the purpose of developing a complex intervention designed to increase and reduce variation in uptake to SSME programmes in primary care settings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08553-7.

Person-Centered Goal Setting: A systematic review of intervention components and level of active engagement in rehabilitation goal setting interventions

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to examine 1) what components are used in current person-centered goal setting interventions for adults with health conditions in rehabilitation and 2) the extent to which the engagement of people in their rehabilitation goal setting is encouraged.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, SCOPUS, and Web of Science from inception to November 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Primary inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles that evaluated person-centered goal setting interventions for adults with health conditions in rehabilitation. Two independent reviewers screened 28,294 records, and 22 articles met inclusion criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently completed data extraction and quality assessment using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDRo) scale based on the original authors' descriptions, reports, and protocol publications. Any discrepancies were resolved by consensus or in consultation with another senior reviewer.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Using narrative synthesis, we found that current person-centered goal setting has variability in their inclusion of intervention components. A considerable number of components are under-implemented in current practice, with formulation of coping plan and follow-up being most commonly left out. The active engagement of people does appear to be promoted within the components that are included in the interventions. Nine studies were high-quality defined as a total PEDro scale score of 6 or above.

CONCLUSIONS

Although current person-centered goal setting encourages the active engagement of people, many of these interventions lack components considered important for supporting goal achievement and optimal outcomes. Future practice may be improved by incorporating a comprehensive set of goal setting components and encouraging the active engagement of people throughout the entire goal setting process. Together, these practices may facilitate the achievement of meaningful rehabilitation goals and improve rehabilitation outcomes for adults with health conditions.

More pilot trials could plan to use qualitative data: a meta-epidemiological study

Background

Pilot trials often use quantitative data such as recruitment rate and retention rate to inform the design and feasibility of a larger trial. However, qualitative data such as patient, healthcare provider, and research staff perceptions of an intervention may also provide insights for a larger trial.

Methods

As part of a larger study investigating the reporting of progression criteria in pilot studies, we sought to determine how often pilot studies planned to use qualitative data to inform the design and feasibility of a larger trial and the factors associated with plans to use qualitative data. We searched for protocols of pilot studies of randomized trials in PubMed between 2013 and 2017.

Results

We included 227 articles. Only 92 (40.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 34.1–47.2) reported plans to collect qualitative data. The factors associated with collecting qualitative data were large studies (defined as sample size ≥ 60; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.77; 95% CI 1.47–5.23; p = 0.002) and studies from Europe (aOR 3.86; 95% CI 1.68–8.88; p = 0.001) compared to North America and the rest of the world. Pilot trials with pharmacological interventions were less likely to plan to collect qualitative data (aOR 0.20; 95% CI 0.07–0.58; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Qualitative data is not used enough in pilot trials. Large pilot trials, pilot trials from Europe, and pilot trials of non-pharmacological interventions are more likely to plan for qualitative data.

Facilitators and "deal breakers": a mixed methods study investigating implementation of the Goal setting and action planning (G-AP) framework in community rehabilitation teams

BACKGROUND

High quality goal setting in stroke rehabilitation is vital, but challenging to deliver. The G-AP framework (including staff training and a stroke survivor held G-AP record) guides patient centred goal setting with stroke survivors in community rehabilitation teams. We found G-AP was acceptable, feasible to deliver and clinically useful in one team. The aim of this study was to conduct a mixed methods investigation of G-AP implementation in diverse community teams prior to a large-scale evaluation.

METHODS

We approached Scottish community rehabilitation teams to take part. Following training, G-AP was delivered to stroke survivors within participating teams for 6 months. We investigated staff experiences of G-AP training and its implementation using focus groups and a training questionnaire. We investigated fidelity of G-AP delivery through case note review. Focus group data were analysed using a Framework approach; identified themes were mapped into Normalisation Process Theory constructs. Questionnaire and case note data were analysed descriptively.

RESULTS

We recruited three teams comprising 55 rehabilitation staff. Almost all staff (93%, 51/55) participated in G-AP training; of those, 80% (n = 41/51) completed the training questionnaire. Training was rated as 'good' or 'very good' by almost all staff (92%, n = 37/41). G-AP was broadly implemented as intended in two teams. Implementation facilitators included - G-AP 'made sense'; repetitive use of G-AP in practice; flexible G-AP delivery and positive staff appraisals of G-AP impact. G-AP failed to gain traction in the third team. Implementation barriers included - delays between G-AP training and implementation; limited leadership engagement; a poor 'fit' between G-AP and the team organisational structure and simultaneous delivery of other goal setting methods. Staff recommended (i) development of training to include implementation planning; (ii) ongoing local implementation review and tailoring, and (iii) development of electronic and aphasia friendly G-AP records.

CONCLUSIONS

The interaction between G-AP and the practice setting is critical to implementation success or failure. Whilst facilitators support implementation success, barriers can collectively act as implementation "deal breakers". Local G-AP implementation efforts should be planned, monitored and tailored. These insights can inform implementation of other complex interventions in community rehabilitation settings.

Application of normalisation process theory in understanding implementation processes in primary care settings in the UK: a systematic review

Background

Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) provides a framework to understand how interventions are implemented, embedded, and integrated in healthcare settings. Previous reviews of published literature have examined the application of NPT across international healthcare and reports its benefits. However, given the distinctive clinical function, organisational arrangements and the increasing management of people with a wide variety of conditions in primary care settings in the United Kingdom, it is important to understand how and why authors utilise and reflect on NPT in such settings to inform and evaluate implementation processes.

Methods

A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature using NPT in primary care settings in the United Kingdom (UK) was conducted. Eight electronic databases were searched using replicable methods to identify articles published between January 2012 and April 2018. Data were analysed using a framework approach.

Results

Thirty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. Researchers utilised NPT to explore the implementation of interventions, targeting a wide range of health services and conditions, within primary care settings in the UK. NPT was mostly applied qualitatively; however, a small number of researchers have moved towards mixed and quantitative methods. Some variation was observed in the use of NPT constructs and sub-constructs, and whether and how researchers undertook modification to make them more relevant to the implementation process and multiple stakeholder perspectives.

Conclusion

NPT provides a flexible framework for the development and evaluation of complex healthcare interventions in UK primary care settings. This review updates the literature on NPT use and indicates that its application is well suited to these environments, particularly in supporting patients with long-term conditions and co-morbidities. We recommend future research explores the receipt of interventions by multiple stakeholders and suggest that authors reflect on justifications for using NPT in their reporting.

Implementation of interventions to reduce preventable hospital admissions for cardiovascular or respiratory conditions: an evidence map and realist synthesis

Background

In 2012, a series of systematic reviews summarised the evidence regarding interventions to reduce preventable hospital admissions. Although intervention effects were dependent on context, the reviews revealed a consistent picture of reduction across different interventions targeting cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. The research reported here sought to provide an in-depth understanding of how interventions that have been shown to reduce admissions for these conditions may work, with a view to supporting their effective implementation in practice.

Objectives

To map the available evidence on interventions used in the UK NHS to reduce preventable admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory conditions and to conduct a realist synthesis of implementation evidence related to these interventions.

Methods

For the mapping review, six databases were searched for studies published between 2010 and October 2017. Studies were included if they were conducted in the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand; recruited adults with a cardiovascular or respiratory condition; and evaluated or described an intervention that could reduce preventable admissions or re-admissions. A descriptive summary of key characteristics of the included studies was produced. The studies included in the mapping review helped to inform the sampling frame for the subsequent realist synthesis. The wider evidence base was also engaged through supplementary searching. Data extraction forms were developed using appropriate frameworks (an implementation framework, an intervention template and a realist logic template). Following identification of initial programme theories (from the theoretical literature, empirical studies and insights from the patient and public involvement group), the review team extracted data into evidence tables. Programme theories were examined against the individual intervention types and collectively as a set. The resultant hypotheses functioned as synthesised statements around which an explanatory narrative referenced to the underpinning evidence base was developed. Additional searches for mid-range and overarching theories were carried out using Google Scholar (Google Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA).

Results

A total of 569 publications were included in the mapping review. The largest group originated from the USA. The included studies from the UK showed a similar distribution to that of the map as a whole, but there was evidence of some country-specific features, such as the prominence of studies of telehealth. In the realist synthesis, it was found that interventions with strong evidence of effectiveness overall had not necessarily demonstrated effectiveness in UK settings. This could be a barrier to using these interventions in the NHS. Facilitation of the implementation of interventions was often not reported or inadequately reported. Many of the interventions were diverse in the ways in which they were delivered. There was also considerable overlap in the content of interventions. The role of specialist nurses was highlighted in several studies. The five programme theories identified were supported to varying degrees by empirical literature, but all provided valuable insights.

Limitations

The research was conducted by a small team; time and resources limited the team’s ability to consult with a full range of stakeholders.

Conclusions

Overall, implementation appears to be favoured by support for self-management by patients and their families/carers, support for services that signpost patients to consider alternatives to seeing their general practitioner when appropriate, recognition of possible reasons why patients seek admission, support for health-care professionals to diagnose and refer patients appropriately and support for workforce roles that promote continuity of care and co-ordination between services.

Future work

Research should focus on understanding discrepancies between national and international evidence and the transferability of findings between different contexts; the design and evaluation of implementation strategies informed by theories about how the intervention being implemented might work; and qualitative research on decision-making around hospital referrals and admissions.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

The effect of goal setting in asthma self-management education: A systematic review

Background

Asthma self-management education combining with behavior therapy is considered to be more effective. Goal setting is a common behavior change technique used to help patients self-manage their symptoms. However, empirical evidence around its effectiveness on asthma management lacks clarity.

Aims

To systematically integrate and appraise the evidence for effectiveness of goal setting interventions on asthma outcomes.

Methods

Databases included CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Proquest Psychology Database were systematically searched for relevant intervention studies employing goal setting technique as a method in asthma education program for self-management. Characteristic of studies and outcomes in clinical, psychosocial and healthcare utilization outcome were extracted.

Results

From a total of 2641 citations, 45 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies were randomized controlled trial and one was before-after study. None studies have a high methodological quality. Goal-setting based intervention appeared to improve symptom control, quality of life and self-efficacy in adult patients with asthma.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlighted the potential of a goal setting technique in the asthma self-management education. However, due to the limitations of the quality and quantity of the included literature, more rigorous studies are needed. In the future, better effective study protocol combining with goal setting approach and other behavior technique is needed to further investigate.

Characterization of pharmacists' interventions in asthma management: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Pharmacists have adopted an active role in asthma management. This review aimed to analyze the intervention dose, understood as the "amount of program delivered," and core components of the intervention provided by pharmacists in asthma management.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search was conducted in December 2016 using PubMed.

STUDY SELECTION

A 2-stage approach was used. At the first stage, systematic reviews of pharmacists' interventions in asthma management were identified. At the second stage, primary studies included in the systematic reviews were selected.

DATA EXTRACTION

The DEPICT-2 (Descriptive Elements of Pharmacist Intervention Characterization Tool) was used for data extraction. In addition GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) guidelines were used as a reference to classify the interventions' core components.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies were included. In most of the studies, the pharmacist-patient intervention occurred at the community pharmacy setting (n = 22). The most common core components used in pharmacists' interventions were the provision of drug information and patient counseling (n = 27). Pharmacists' interventions frequently were targeted at assessing and improving the use of patient's inhaler technique (n = 27). Educational materials and written action plans were the materials most commonly used in the interventions (n = 20). The duration (n = 13) and the frequency (n = 16) of the intervention were the most frequent information about the intervention dose measure reported.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacists' interventions in asthma management are complex. Structured educational programs and patient counseling appear to be the most frequent core components of pharmacists' interventions. Interventions were focused on providing information about the condition and on inhaler technique assessment and training. However, most studies failed to report the intervention dose sufficiently to be reproduced. The reporting of this indicator is crucial to ensure the reproducibility of the interventions assessed and their implementation in practice. (Registration number CRD42016029181.).

Systematic meta-review of supported self-management for asthma: a healthcare perspective

BACKGROUND

Supported self-management has been recommended by asthma guidelines for three decades; improving current suboptimal implementation will require commitment from professionals, patients and healthcare organisations. The Practical Systematic Review of Self-Management Support (PRISMS) meta-review and Reducing Care Utilisation through Self-management Interventions (RECURSIVE) health economic review were commissioned to provide a systematic overview of supported self-management to inform implementation. We sought to investigate if supported asthma self-management reduces use of healthcare resources and improves asthma control; for which target groups it works; and which components and contextual factors contribute to effectiveness. Finally, we investigated the costs to healthcare services of providing supported self-management.

METHODS

We undertook a meta-review (systematic overview) of systematic reviews updated with randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published since the review search dates, and health economic meta-analysis of RCTs. Twelve electronic databases were searched in 2012 (updated in 2015; pre-publication update January 2017) for systematic reviews reporting RCTs (and update RCTs) evaluating supported asthma self-management. We assessed the quality of included studies and undertook a meta-analysis and narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

A total of 27 systematic reviews (n = 244 RCTs) and 13 update RCTs revealed that supported self-management can reduce hospitalisations, accident and emergency attendances and unscheduled consultations, and improve markers of control and quality of life for people with asthma across a range of cultural, demographic and healthcare settings. Core components are patient education, provision of an action plan and regular professional review. Self-management is most effective when delivered in the context of proactive long-term condition management. The total cost (n = 24 RCTs) of providing self-management support is offset by a reduction in hospitalisations and accident and emergency visits (standard mean difference 0.13, 95% confidence interval -0.09 to 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from a total of 270 RCTs confirms that supported self-management for asthma can reduce unscheduled care and improve asthma control, can be delivered effectively for diverse demographic and cultural groups, is applicable in a broad range of clinical settings, and does not significantly increase total healthcare costs. Informed by this comprehensive synthesis of the literature, clinicians, patient-interest groups, policy-makers and providers of healthcare services should prioritise provision of supported self-management for people with asthma as a core component of routine care.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

RECURSIVE: PROSPERO CRD42012002694 ; PRISMS: PROSPERO does not register meta-reviews.