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Weber A, Huysmans SMD, van Kuijk SMJ, Evers SMAA, Jutten EMC, Senden R, Paulus ATG, van den Bergh JPW, de Bie RA, Merk JMR, Bours SPG, Hulsbosch M, Janssen ERC, Curfs I, van Hemert WLW, Schotanus MGM, de Baat P, Schepel NC, den Boer WA, Hendriks JGE, Liu WY, Kleuver MD, Pouw MH, van Hooff ML, Jacobs E, Willems PCPH. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dynamic bracing versus standard care alone in patients suffering from osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: protocol for a multicentre, two-armed, parallel-group randomised controlled trial with 12 months of follow-up. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054315. [PMID: 35613823 PMCID: PMC9125700 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with osteoporosis may suffer from a fracture after minimal trauma. Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) are among the most common fractures, often leading to substantial pain. There is a need for evidence-based conservative treatment to aid in the management of OVCFs. The objective of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dynamic bracing in addition to standard care for improving quality of life (QoL) in patients suffering from an OVCF. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Ninety-eight postmenopausal women from two academic and four community hospitals with a recent symptomatic thoracolumbar OVCF will be randomised into either the standard care or dynamic bracing group. In the dynamic bracing group, the Spinova Osteo orthosis will be used in addition to standard care. Standard care comprises pain control with analgesics, physical therapy and osteoporosis medication. The primary outcome parameter is QoL 1 year after inclusion, as measured by the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-41). Secondary outcome parameters are pain, pain medication used, functional disability, sagittal spinal alignment, recurrence rate of OVCFs and physical activity in daily life. A trial-based economic evaluation consisting of both cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-utility analysis will be performed based on empirical data obtained in the RCT. A process evaluation will assess the feasibility of dynamic bracing. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been granted by the Medical Ethics Committee, University Hospital Maastricht and Maastricht University (METC azM/UM) (NL74552.068.20/METC 20-055). Patients will be included only after verification of eligibility and obtaining written informed consent. Results will be disseminated via the Dutch National Osteoporosis Patient Society and via publications and conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL8746.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarijn Weber
- Department of Orthopedics and Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie M D Huysmans
- Department of Orthopedics and Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander M J van Kuijk
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia M A A Evers
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M C Jutten
- Department of Orthopedics and Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel Senden
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aggie T G Paulus
- Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), School of Health Professions Education (SHE), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joop P W van den Bergh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Research School NUTRIM, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Rob A de Bie
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes M R Merk
- Department of Finance, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandrine P G Bours
- Department of Internal Medicine, Subdivision Rheumatology, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Hulsbosch
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Esther R C Janssen
- Department of Orthopedics and Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Inez Curfs
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Zuyderland Medical Centre, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter L W van Hemert
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Zuyderland Medical Centre, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn G M Schotanus
- Department of Orthopedics and Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Zuyderland Medical Centre, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul de Baat
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Niek C Schepel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Willem A den Boer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma, Maxima Medical Centre, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes G E Hendriks
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma, Maxima Medical Centre, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wai-Yan Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma, Maxima Medical Centre, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martin H Pouw
- Department of Orthopedics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eva Jacobs
- Department of Orthopedics and Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul C P H Willems
- Department of Orthopedics and Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Buchbinder R, Busija L. Why we should stop performing vertebroplasties for osteoporotic spinal fractures. Intern Med J 2020; 49:1367-1371. [PMID: 31713338 DOI: 10.1111/imj.14628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While vertebroplasty enjoys continued use in some settings, there is now high-moderate quality evidence based on systematic review that includes five placebo-controlled trials that it provides no benefits over placebo and these results do not differ according to pain duration (≤6 vs >6 weeks). A clinically important increased risk of incident symptomatic vertebral fractures or other serious adverse events cannot be excluded due to small event numbers. Serious harms including cord compression, ventricular perforation, pulmonary embolism, infection and death have been reported. This unfavourable risk-benefit ratio should be convincing doctors and patients to stop the use of vertebroplasty. At the very least, clinicians should fully inform their patients about the evidence including the likelihood of improving without vertebroplasty and the potential harms, so that patients can make evidence-informed decisions about their treatment. They should also warn patients about the pitfalls of relying on information sourced from the internet or from 'awareness raising' campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle Buchbinder
- Monash Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Cabrini Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucy Busija
- Monash Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Cabrini Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Biostatistics Consulting Platform, Research Methodology Division, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Pigna F, Calamai S, Scioscioli F, Buttarelli L, Nicolini F, Cervellin G. Thorned heart. Description of a near-fatal cardiac embolism after percutaneous Vertebroplasty. EMERGENCY CARE JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.4081/ecj.2020.8739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cement extravasation is a rather common complication of vertebroplasty, which can be observed in up to 30-40% of patients undergoing this procedure, further associated with venous leakage occurring in up to 24% of cases. Pulmonary embolism may eventually develop once the cement migrates within the pulmonary artery, and is the most common complication of cement extravasation (involving ~4.6% of patients). Intra-cardiac cement embolism is considerably less frequent, but is a potentially fatal complication, mostly managed with cardiac surgery. We describe here a rare case of near-fatal cardiac cement embolism, with a large fragment perforating the right ventricle and reaching the pericardium, who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) for syncope. The patient, who displayed this severe complication after a vertebroplasty procedure performed for osteoporotic compression fracture, needed cardiac surgery.
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Kushchayev SV, Wiener PC, Teytelboym OM, Arrington JA, Khan M, Preul MC. Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A History of Procedure, Technology, Culture, Specialty, and Economics. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2020; 29:481-494. [PMID: 31677725 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) progressed from a virtually unknown procedure to one performed on hundreds of thousands of patients annually. The development of VP provides a historically exciting case study into a rapidly adopted procedure. VP was the synthesis of information gained from spinal biopsy developments, the inception of biomaterials used in medicine, and the unique health care climate in France during the 1980s. It was designed as a revolutionary technique to treat vertebral body fractures with minimal side effects and was rapidly adopted and marketed in the United States. The impact of percutaneous vertebroplasty on spine surgery was profound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiy V Kushchayev
- Department of Radiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, North Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Philip C Wiener
- Einstein Healthcare Network, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA
| | - Oleg M Teytelboym
- Department of Radiology, Mercy Catholic Medical Center, 1500 Lansdowne Avenue, Darby, PA 19023, USA
| | - John A Arrington
- Department of Radiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Majid Khan
- Department of Radiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Mark C Preul
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
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Traeger AC, Buchbinder R, Elshaug AG, Croft PR, Maher CG. Care for low back pain: can health systems deliver? Bull World Health Organ 2019; 97:423-433. [PMID: 31210680 PMCID: PMC6560373 DOI: 10.2471/blt.18.226050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability globally. In 2018, an international working group called on the World Health Organization to increase attention on the burden of low back pain and the need to avoid excessively medical solutions. Indeed, major international clinical guidelines now recognize that many people with low back pain require little or no formal treatment. Where treatment is required the recommended approach is to discourage use of pain medication, steroid injections and spinal surgery, and instead promote physical and psychological therapies. Many health systems are not designed to support this approach. In this paper we discuss why care for low back pain that is concordant with guidelines requires system-wide changes. We detail the key challenges of low back pain care within health systems. These include the financial interests of pharmaceutical and other companies; outdated payment systems that favour medical care over patients’ self-management; and deep-rooted medical traditions and beliefs about care for back pain among physicians and the public. We give international examples of promising solutions and policies and practices for health systems facing an increasing burden of ineffective care for low back pain. We suggest policies that, by shifting resources from unnecessary care to guideline-concordant care for low back pain, could be cost-neutral and have widespread impact. Small adjustments to health policy will not work in isolation, however. Workplace systems, legal frameworks, personal beliefs, politics and the overall societal context in which we experience health, will also need to change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian C Traeger
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney, PO Box M179, Missenden Road, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Rachelle Buchbinder
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adam G Elshaug
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter R Croft
- Institute of Primary and Health Care Sciences, Keele University, Newcastle, England
| | - Chris G Maher
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney, PO Box M179, Missenden Road, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia
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ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: IMPACT OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN GERMANY. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2017; 33:420-423. [PMID: 29043949 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462317000861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to describe how a negative reimbursement decision-based on the health technology assessment (HTA) report of a nondrug intervention-affects healthcare providers in Germany. METHODS Knee arthroscopy was chosen as an example, because as of April 2016 this procedure is no longer reimbursed for osteoarthritis, but is still covered for other indications, including meniscal lesions. The exclusion followed an HTA report prepared by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Here, we examine how the decision to revoke reimbursement for arthroscopy was perceived by the surgical community. Information was collected from official hospital statistics, the internet, and informal interviews with orthopedic surgeons. RESULTS In 2015, a total of 37,920 arthroscopic procedures were performed for knee osteoarthritis in Germany. Several surgical societies were unhappy with the negative decision, which was issued as a directive in November 2015, and they challenged the decision-making process as well as the underlying scientific evidence. In March 2016, fifteen societies issued joint recommendations on how to differentiate osteoarthritis from other knee diseases and how to document other diseases in a way that inspections by representatives of health insurance funds would not detect any deficiencies. In informal interviews, orthopedic surgeons indicated that miscoding of the principal diagnosis (meniscal tear rather than knee osteoarthritis) is to be expected, especially in the hospital sector. CONCLUSIONS HTA can have a significant impact on the provision of health services, but various loopholes allow physicians to undermine policy decisions. Therefore, it is important to involve all stakeholders in HTA and to convince them of the benefits of evidence-based medicine.
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Harris C, Green S, Ramsey W, Allen K, King R. Sustainability in Health care by Allocating Resources Effectively (SHARE) 9: conceptualising disinvestment in the local healthcare setting. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:633. [PMID: 28886735 PMCID: PMC5591535 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2507-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is the ninth in a series of papers reporting a program of Sustainability in Health care by Allocating Resources Effectively (SHARE) in a local healthcare setting. The disinvestment literature has broadened considerably over the past decade; however there is a significant gap regarding systematic, integrated, organisation-wide approaches. This debate paper presents a discussion of the conceptual aspects of disinvestment from the local perspective. DISCUSSION Four themes are discussed: Terminology and concepts, Motivation and purpose, Relationships with other healthcare improvement paradigms, and Challenges to disinvestment. There are multiple definitions for disinvestment, multiple concepts underpin the definitions and multiple alternative terms convey these concepts; some definitions overlap and some are mutually exclusive; and there are systematic discrepancies in use between the research and practice settings. Many authors suggest that the term 'disinvestment' should be avoided due to perceived negative connotations and propose that the concept be considered alongside investment in the context of all resource allocation decisions and approached from the perspective of optimising health care. This may provide motivation for change, reduce disincentives and avoid some of the ethical dilemmas inherent in other disinvestment approaches. The impetus and rationale for disinvestment activities are likely to affect all aspects of the process from identification and prioritisation through to implementation and evaluation but have not been widely discussed. A need for mechanisms, frameworks, methods and tools for disinvestment is reported. However there are several health improvement paradigms with mature frameworks and validated methods and tools that are widely-used and well-accepted in local health services that already undertake disinvestment-type activities and could be expanded and built upon. The nature of disinvestment brings some particular challenges for policy-makers, managers, health professionals and researchers. There is little evidence of successful implementation of 'disinvestment' projects in the local setting, however initiatives to remove or replace technologies and practices have been successfully achieved through evidence-based practice, quality and safety activities, and health service improvement programs. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the construct of 'disinvestment' may be problematic at the local level. A new definition and two potential approaches to disinvestment are proposed to stimulate further research and discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Harris
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Effectiveness, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sally Green
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wayne Ramsey
- Medical Services and Quality, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kelly Allen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Effectiveness, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard King
- Medicine Program, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Harris C, Green S, Elshaug AG. Sustainability in Health care by Allocating Resources Effectively (SHARE) 10: operationalising disinvestment in a conceptual framework for resource allocation. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:632. [PMID: 28886740 PMCID: PMC5590199 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2506-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This is the tenth in a series of papers reporting a program of Sustainability in Health care by Allocating Resources Effectively (SHARE) in a local healthcare setting. After more than a decade of research, there is little published evidence of active and successful disinvestment. The paucity of frameworks, methods and tools is reported to be a factor in the lack of success. However there are clear and consistent messages in the literature that can be used to inform development of a framework for operationalising disinvestment. This paper, along with the conceptual review of disinvestment in Paper 9 of this series, aims to integrate the findings of the SHARE Program with the existing disinvestment literature to address the lack of information regarding systematic organisation-wide approaches to disinvestment at the local health service level. Discussion A framework for disinvestment in a local healthcare setting is proposed. Definitions for essential terms and key concepts underpinning the framework have been made explicit to address the lack of consistent terminology. Given the negative connotations of the word ‘disinvestment’ and the problems inherent in considering disinvestment in isolation, the basis for the proposed framework is ‘resource allocation’ to address the spectrum of decision-making from investment to disinvestment. The focus is positive: optimising healthcare, improving health outcomes, using resources effectively. The framework is based on three components: a program for decision-making, projects to implement decisions and evaluate outcomes, and research to understand and improve the program and project activities. The program consists of principles for decision-making and settings that provide opportunities to introduce systematic prompts and triggers to initiate disinvestment. The projects follow the steps in the disinvestment process. Potential methods and tools are presented, however the framework does not stipulate project design or conduct; allowing application of any theories, methods or tools at each step. Barriers are discussed and examples illustrating constituent elements are provided. Conclusions The framework can be employed at network, institutional, departmental, ward or committee level. It is proposed as an organisation-wide application, embedded within existing systems and processes, which can be responsive to needs and priorities at the level of implementation. It can be used in policy, management or clinical contexts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-017-2506-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Harris
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. .,Centre for Clinical Effectiveness, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sally Green
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam G Elshaug
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Lown Institute, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA
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Wolman DN, Heit JJ. Recent advances in Vertebral Augmentation for the treatment of Vertebral body compression fractures. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-017-0162-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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11
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Harris C, Green S, Ramsey W, Allen K, King R. Sustainability in Health care by allocating resources effectively (SHARE) 1: introducing a series of papers reporting an investigation of disinvestment in a local healthcare setting. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:323. [PMID: 28472962 PMCID: PMC5418706 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2210-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first in a series of papers reporting Sustainability in Health care by Allocating Resources Effectively (SHARE). The SHARE Program is an investigation of concepts, opportunities, methods and implications for evidence-based investment and disinvestment in health technologies and clinical practices in a local healthcare setting. The papers in this series are targeted at clinicians, managers, policy makers, health service researchers and implementation scientists working in this context. This paper presents an overview of the organisation-wide, systematic, integrated, evidence-based approach taken by one Australian healthcare network and provides an introduction and guide to the suite of papers reporting the experiences and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Harris
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia. .,Centre for Clinical Effectiveness, Monash Health, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sally Green
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wayne Ramsey
- Medical Services and Quality, Monash Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kelly Allen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Effectiveness, Monash Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard King
- Medicine Program, Monash Health, Victoria, Australia
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Trends in Inpatient Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Volume in the United States, 2005-2011: Assessing the Impact of Randomized Controlled Trials. Clin Spine Surg 2017; 30:E276-E282. [PMID: 28323712 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000000207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2005-2011. OBJECTIVE To identify trends in procedural volume and rates in the time period surrounding publication of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the utility of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are frequently performed for vertebral compression fractures. Several RCTs have been published with conflicting outcomes regarding pain and quality of life compared with nonsurgical management and sham procedures. Four RCTs with discordant results were published in 2009. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Nationwide Inpatient Sample provided longitudinal, retrospective data on United States' inpatients between 2005 and 2011. Inclusion was determined by a principal or secondary International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code of 81.65 (percutaneous vertebroplasty) or 81.66 (percutaneous vertebral augmentation; "kyphoplasty"). No diagnoses were excluded. Years were stratified as "pre" (2005-2008) and "post" (2010-2011) in relation to the 4 RCTs published in 2009. Patient, hospital, and admission characteristics were compared using Pearson χ test. RESULTS The estimated annual inpatient procedures performed decreased from 54,833 to 39,832 in the pre and post periods, respectively. The procedural rate for fractures decreased from 20.1% to 14.7% (P<0.0001). Patient and hospital demographics did not change considerably between the time periods. In the post period, weekend admissions increased (34.2% vs. 12.4%, P<0.0001), elective admissions decreased (21.4% vs. 40.0%, P<0.0001), routine discharge decreased (33.0% vs. 52.1%, P<0.0001), and encounters with ≥3 Elixhauser comorbidities increased (54.5% vs. 39.1%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The absolute rate of inpatient vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures for fractures decreased 5% in the period (2010-2011) following the publication of 4 RCTs in 2009. The proportion of elective admissions and routine discharges decreased, possibly indicating a population with greater disease severity. Although our analysis cannot demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship, the decreased inpatient volume and procedural rates surrounding the publication of sentinel negative RCTs is clearly observed.
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Abstract
We examine a recent dispute regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) refusal to unconditionally pay for amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for Medicare beneficiaries being assessed for Alzheimer's disease. CMS will only pay for amyloid PET imaging when patients are enrolled in clinical trials that meet certain criteria. The dispute reflects CMS's willingness in certain circumstances to require effectiveness evidence that differs from the Food and Drug Administration's standard for pre-market approval of a medical intervention and reveals how stakeholders with differing perspectives about evidentiary standards have played a role in attempting to shape the Medicare program's coverage policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Maschke
- a Research Scholar , The Hastings Center , Garrison , New York , USA
| | - Michael K Gusmano
- b Associate Professor of Health Policy , Rutgers University , New Brunswick , New Jersey , USA
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Wardle J. The Australian government review of natural therapies for private health insurance rebates: What does it say and what does it mean? ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Buchbinder R, Maher C, Harris IA. Setting the research agenda for improving health care in musculoskeletal disorders. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2015; 11:597-605. [DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2015.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Smieliauskas F, Lam S, Howard DH. Impact of Negative Clinical Trial Results for Vertebroplasty on Vertebral Augmentation Procedure Rates. J Am Coll Surg 2014; 219:525-33.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2014.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Dubois RW, Lauer M, Perfetto E. When is evidence sufficient for decision-making? A framework for understanding the pace of evidence adoption. J Comp Eff Res 2014; 2:383-91. [PMID: 24236680 DOI: 10.2217/cer.13.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Translation of medical evidence into practice has not kept pace with the growth of medical technology and knowledge. We present three case studies--statins, drug eluting stents and bone marrow transplantation for breast cancer--to propose a framework for describing five factors that may influence the rate of adoption. The factors are: validity, reliability and maturity of the science available before widespread adoption; communication of the science; economic drivers; patients' and physicians' ability to apply published scientific findings to their specific clinical needs; and incorporation into practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Dubois
- National Pharmaceutical Council, 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006, USA.
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Wathen CN, Macgregor JC, Sibbald SL, Macmillan HL. Exploring the uptake and framing of research evidence on universal screening for intimate partner violence against women: a knowledge translation case study. Health Res Policy Syst 2013; 11:13. [PMID: 23587155 PMCID: PMC3637368 DOI: 10.1186/1478-4505-11-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Significant emphasis is currently placed on the need to enhance health care decision-making with research-derived evidence. While much has been written on specific strategies to enable these “knowledge-to-action” processes, there is less empirical evidence regarding what happens when knowledge translation (KT) processes do not proceed as planned. The present paper provides a KT case study using the area of health care screening for intimate partner violence (IPV). Methods A modified citation analysis method was used, beginning with a comprehensive search (August 2009 to October 2012) to capture scholarly and grey literature, and news reports citing a specific randomized controlled trial published in a major medical journal on the effectiveness of screening women, in health care settings, for exposure to IPV. Results of the searches were extracted, coded and analysed using a multi-step mixed qualitative and quantitative content analysis process. Results The trial was cited in 147 citations from 112 different sources in journal articles, commentaries, books, and government and news reports. The trial also formed part of the evidence base for several national-level practice guidelines and policy statements. The most common interpretations of the trial were “no benefit of screening”, “no harms of screening”, or both. Variation existed in how these findings were represented, ranging from summaries of the findings, to privileging one outcome over others, and to critical qualifications, especially with regard to methodological rigour of the trial. Of note, interpretations were not always internally consistent, with the same evidence used in sometimes contradictory ways within the same source. Conclusions Our findings provide empirical data on the malleability of “evidence” in knowledge translation processes, and its potential for multiple, often unanticipated, uses. They have implications for understanding how research evidence is used and interpreted in policy and practice, particularly in contested knowledge areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Nadine Wathen
- Faculty of Information and Media Studies, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada.
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Howard D, Brophy R, Howell S. Evidence of no benefit from knee surgery for osteoarthritis led to coverage changes and is linked to decline in procedures. Health Aff (Millwood) 2013; 31:2242-9. [PMID: 23048105 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2012.0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Patients and physicians may be reluctant to abandon widely used treatments that have been found to be ineffective. In 2002 and 2008 the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of clinical trials showing that arthroscopic debridement and lavage--surgical treatments to remove damaged tissue and debris--do not benefit patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. To determine whether the trials' publication was associated with changes in practice patterns, we examined ambulatory surgery data from Florida and found that the number of debridement and lavage procedures per 100,000 adults declined 47 percent between 2001 and 2010. The reduction translates into national savings of $82-$138 million annually. These reductions may be offset by increases in the use of other procedures. The results indicate that clinical trials of widely used therapies can lead to cost-saving changes in practice patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Howard
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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Itagaki MW, Talenfeld AD, Kwan SW, Brunner JW, Mortell KE, Brunner MC. Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty for Pathologic Vertebral Fractures in the Medicare Population: Safer and Less Expensive than Open Surgery. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2012; 23:1423-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2012.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Using health technology assessment to support optimal use of technologies in current practice: the challenge of "disinvestment". Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2012; 28:203-10. [PMID: 22792877 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462312000372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health systems face rising patient expectations and economic pressures; decision makers seek to enhance efficiency to improve access to appropriate care. There is international interest in the role of HTA to support decisions to optimize use of established technologies, particularly in "disinvesting" from low-benefit uses. METHODS This study summarizes main points from an HTAi Policy Forum meeting on this topic, drawing on presentations, discussions among attendees, and an advance background paper. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Optimization involves assessment or re-assessment of a technology, a decision on optimal use, and decision implementation. This may occur within a routine process to improve safety and quality and create "headroom" for new technologies, or ad hoc in response to financial constraints. The term "disinvestment" is not always helpful in describing these processes. HTA contributes to optimization, but there is scope to increase its role in many systems. Stakeholders may have strong views on access to technology, and stakeholder involvement is essential. Optimization faces challenges including loss aversion and entitlement, stakeholder inertia and entrenchment, heterogeneity in patient outcomes, and the need to demonstrate convincingly absence of benefit. While basic HTA principles remain applicable, methodological developments are needed better to support optimization. These include mechanisms for candidate technology identification and prioritization, enhanced collection and analysis of routine data, and clinician engagement. To maximize value to decision makers, HTA should consider implementation strategies and barriers. Improving optimization processes calls for a coordinated approach, and actions are identified for system leaders, HTA and other health organizations, and industry.
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Chalkidou K, Tunis S, Whicher D, Fowler R, Zwarenstein M. The role for pragmatic randomized controlled trials (pRCTs) in comparative effectiveness research. Clin Trials 2012; 9:436-46. [PMID: 22752634 DOI: 10.1177/1740774512450097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing appreciation that our current approach to clinical research leaves important gaps in evidence from the perspective of patients, clinicians, and payers wishing to make evidence-based clinical and health policy decisions. This has been a major driver in the rapid increase in interest in comparative effectiveness research (CER), which aims to compare the benefits, risks, and sometimes costs of alternative health-care interventions in 'the real world'. While a broad range of experimental and nonexperimental methods will be used in conducting CER studies, many important questions are likely to require experimental approaches - that is, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Concerns about the generalizability, feasibility, and cost of RCTs have been frequently articulated in CER method discussions. Pragmatic RCTs (or 'pRCTs') are intended to maintain the internal validity of RCTs while being designed and implemented in ways that would better address the demand for evidence about real-world risks and benefits for informing clinical and health policy decisions. While the level of interest and activity in conducting pRCTs is increasing, many challenges remain for their routine use. This article discusses those challenges and offers some potential ways forward.
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Ruiz Santiago F, Pérez Abela AL, Almagro Ratia MM. [The end of vertebroplasties]. RADIOLOGIA 2012; 54:532-8. [PMID: 22578911 DOI: 10.1016/j.rx.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2011] [Revised: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In 2009, two clinical trials that questioned the usefulness of vertebroplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic fractures compared with conservative treatment were reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, leading to wide debate in the literature. In this article, we provide a critical review of the scientific evidence in this field and discuss our own experience with this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ruiz Santiago
- Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España.
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Moynihan RN. A healthy dose of disinvestment. Med J Aust 2012; 196:158. [PMID: 22339512 DOI: 10.5694/mja12.10011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Accepted: 01/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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