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Keogh RJ, Harvey H, Brady C, Hassett E, Costelloe SJ, O'Sullivan MJ, Twomey M, O'Leary MJ, Cahill MR, O'Riordan A, Joyce CM, Moloney G, Flavin A, M Bambury R, Murray D, Bennett K, Mullooly M, O'Reilly S. Dealing with digital paralysis: Surviving a cyberattack in a National Cancer center. J Cancer Policy 2024; 39:100466. [PMID: 38176467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2023.100466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cyberattacks represent a growing threat for healthcare delivery globally. We assess the impact and implications of a cyberattack on a cancer center in Ireland. METHODS On May 14th 2021 (day 0) Cork University Hospital (CUH) Cancer Center was involved in the first national healthcare ransomware attack in Ireland. Contingency plans were only present in laboratory services who had previously experienced information technology (IT) failures. No hospital cyberattack emergency plan was in place. Departmental logs of activity for 120 days after the attack were reviewed and compared with historical activity records. Daily sample deficits (routine daily number of samples analyzed - number of samples analyzed during cyberattack) were calculated. Categorical variables are reported as median and range. Qualitative data were collected via reflective essays and interviews with key stakeholders from affected departments in CUH. RESULTS On day 0, all IT systems were shut down. Radiotherapy (RT) treatment and cancer surgeries stopped, outpatient activity fell by 50%. hematology, biochemistry and radiology capacity fell by 90% (daily sample deficit (DSD) 2700 samples), 75% (DSD 2250 samples), and 90% (100% mammography/PET scan) respectively. Histopathology reporting times doubled (7 to 15 days). Radiotherapy (RT) was interrupted for 113 patients in CUH. The median treatment gap duration was six days for category 1 patients and 10 for the remaining patients. Partner organizations paused all IT links with CUH. Outsourcing of radiology and radiotherapy commenced, alternative communication networks and national conference calls in RT and Clinical Trials were established. By day 28 Email communication was restored. By day 210 reporting and data storage backlogs were cleared and over 2000 computers were checked/replaced. CONCLUSION Cyberattacks have rapid, profound and protracted impacts. While laboratory and diagnostic deficits were readily quantified, the impact of disrupted/delayed care on patient outcomes is less readily quantifiable. Cyberawareness and cyberattack plans need to be embedded in healthcare. POLICY SUMMARY Cyberattacks pose significant challenges for healthcare systems, impacting patient care, clinical outcomes, and staff wellbeing. This study provides a comprehensive review of the impact of the Conti ransomware attack on cancer services in Cork University Hospital (CUH), the first cyberattack on a national health service. Our study highlights the widespread disruption caused by a cyberattack including shutdown of information technology (IT) services, marked reduction in outpatient activity, temporary cessation of essential services such as radiation therapy. We provide a framework for other institutions for mitigating the impact of a cyberattack, underscoring the need for a cyberpreparedness plan similar to those made for natural disasters and the profound legacy of a cyberattack on patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Keogh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland; Cancer Research @UCC, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland.
| | - Harry Harvey
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - Claire Brady
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland; Cancer Research @UCC, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; Cancer Trials Cork, Cork University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Edel Hassett
- Cancer Research @UCC, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; Cancer Trials Cork, Cork University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Seán J Costelloe
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - Martin J O'Sullivan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Ireland; University College Cork, College Road, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria Twomey
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Mary Jane O'Leary
- Palliative Medicine, Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Cork, Ireland; Palliative Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Mary R Cahill
- Department of Haematology, Cork University Hospital, Ireland
| | | | - Caroline M Joyce
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland; INFANT Centre, University College Cork, Ireland; Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Cork, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Ger Moloney
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department, Cork University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Aileen Flavin
- Bon Secours Radiotherapy Cork in Partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, Cork, Ireland
| | - Richard M Bambury
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland; Cancer Research @UCC, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; Cancer Trials Cork, Cork University Hospital, Ireland; Cancer Research @UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Kathleen Bennett
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maeve Mullooly
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dublin, Ireland
| | - Seamus O'Reilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland; Cancer Research @UCC, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; Cancer Trials Cork, Cork University Hospital, Ireland; Cancer Research @UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Skally M, Bennett K, Humphreys H, Fitzpatrick F. Rethinking Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) surveillance definitions based on changing healthcare utilisation and a more realistic incubation period: reviewing data from a tertiary-referral hospital, Ireland, 2012 to 2021. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300335. [PMID: 38333935 PMCID: PMC10853979 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.6.2300335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BackgroundCommunity-associated Clostridioides difficile infections (CA-CDI) have increased worldwide. Patients with CDI-related symptoms occurring < 48 hours after hospitalisation and no inpatient stay 12 weeks prior are classified as CA-CDI, regardless of hospital day attendances 3 months before CDI onset. Healthcare-associated (HA) CDIs include those with symptom onset ≥ 48 hours post hospitalisation.AimTo consider an incubation period more reflective of CDI, and changing healthcare utilisation, we measured how varying surveillance specifications to categorise patients according to their CDI origin resulted in changes in patients' distribution among CDI origin categories.MethodsNew CDI cases between 2012-2021 from our hospital were reviewed. For patients with CA-CDI, hospital day attendances in the 3 months prior were recorded. CA-CDI patients with hospital day attendances and recently discharged CDI patients (RD-CDI; CDI onset 4-12 weeks after discharge) were combined into a new 'healthcare-exposure' category (HE-CDI). Time from hospitalisation to disease onset was varied and the midpoint between optimal and balanced cut-offs was used instead of 48 hours to categorise HA-CDI.ResultsOf 1,047 patients, 801 (76%) were HA-CDI, 205 (20%) CA-CDI and 41 (4%) were RD-CDI. Of the CA-CDI cohort, 45 (22%) met recent HE-CDI criteria and, when reassigned, reduced CA-CDI to 15%. Sensitivity analysis indicated a day 4 cut-off for assigning HA-CDI. Applying this led to 46 HA-CDI reassigned as CA-CDI. Applying both HE and day 4 criteria led to 72% HA-CDI, 20% CA-CDI, and 8% HE-CDI (previously RD-CDI).ConclusionCDI surveillance specifications reflecting healthcare exposure and an incubation period more characteristic of C. difficile may improve targeted CDI prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairead Skally
- Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Clostridioides difficile - ESGCD, Basel Switzerland
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first/last authorship
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hilary Humphreys
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fidelma Fitzpatrick
- Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Clostridioides difficile - ESGCD, Basel Switzerland
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first/last authorship
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Lynch T, Ryan C, Presseau J, Foster DE, Huff C, Bennett K, Cadogan C. Development and validation of a theory-based questionnaire examining barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term benzodiazepine receptor agonist use. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024; 20:163-171. [PMID: 37919219 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term use of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) is a persistent healthcare challenge and poses patient safety risks. Interventions underpinned by behaviour change theory are needed to support discontinuation of long-term BZRA use. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to examine mediators of behaviour change relating to the discontinuation of long-term BZRA use. METHODS An initial 52 item questionnaire was developed using the 14 domains of TDF version 2 and iteratively refined over two rounds. The questionnaire was disseminated online via online support groups that focused on BZRAs to community-based adults with either current or previous experience of taking BZRAs on a long-term basis (≥3 months). Confirmatory factor analysis was undertaken to assess the questionnaire's reliability, discriminant validity and goodness of fit. The Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) were calculated. RESULTS Following an iterative process of adjustment, the results obtained from confirmatory factor analysis resulted in the final questionnaire consisting of 29 items across nine theoretical domains. The internal consistency reliability values across these domains ranged from 0.62 to 0.85. For the final model, the SRMR was 0.23, the RMSEA was 0.11 and the CFI was 0.6. CONCLUSIONS The questionnaire offers a potential tool that could be used to identify domains that need to be targeted as part of a behaviour change intervention at an individual patient level. Further research is needed to assess the questionnaire's acceptability and usability, and to develop a scoring system so that domains can be prioritised and subsequently targeted as part of an intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Lynch
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Ireland
| | - Cristín Ryan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Justin Presseau
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - D E Foster
- Benzodiazepine Action Work Group, Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christy Huff
- Benzodiazepine Information Coalition, Midvale, UT, USA
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cathal Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
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O'Donovan B, Malone A, Horgan F, Bennett K. A scoping review protocol of the rehabilitation needs of people with brain tumours. HRB Open Res 2024; 6:45. [PMID: 38304095 PMCID: PMC10831223 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13773.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Every year 480 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour in Ireland. Brain tumours can vary in type, location, treatment, and progression but neurological impairments are a consistent feature. Such neurological disability creates significant symptom burden that can seriously impact peoples' functional ability and quality of life. Rehabilitation can improve functional prognosis (motor and cognitive) and quality of life in people with brain tumours. However, research and experience consistently show that people with brain tumours can have difficulties accessing rehabilitation services. Our scoping review will investigate the research evidence concerning the rehabilitation needs of people with brain tumours. Methods The scoping review will be conducted in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting guidelines. Relevant databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL+, PsychINFO, PEDro) and grey literature sources will be searched. Publications relating to international rehabilitation practices will be included. A data extraction table will be created to facilitate narrative synthesis of the results. Conclusions This scoping review will examine the scope of the literature on the rehabilitation needs of people with brain tumours. The findings will inform a research project entitled "Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, but now what? Exploring the rehabilitation needs of people with brain tumours in Ireland". An article reporting the results of the scoping review will be submitted to a scientific journal and presented at relevant national and international conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. O'Donovan
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A. Malone
- School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - F. Horgan
- School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - K. Bennett
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Fowler K, Mayock P, Byrne E, Bennett K, Sexton E. "Coming home was a disaster, I didn't know what was going to happen": a qualitative study of survivors' and family members' experiences of navigating care post-stroke. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38265039 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2303368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Understanding navigational barriers and facilitators has the potential to advance equitable stroke care delivery. The aim of this study was to explore, using a qualitative study, the experiences of stroke survivors and their families as they journey through the stroke care system, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 stroke survivors and 12 family members during 2021 and 2022. Participants were recruited through voluntary organisations, social media, and stroke support groups. Data analysis followed a systematic process guided by the framework method with steps including familiarisation, coding, framework development, and charting and interpretation. RESULTS The experiences of navigating stroke care were particularly challenging following discharge from hospital into the community. Barriers to stroke care continuity included insufficient appropriate services and information, unsatisfactory relationships with healthcare professionals and distressed mental health. There were particular navigational challenges for survivors with aphasia. Facilitators to effective navigation included having prior knowledge of the health system, harnessing support for care co-ordination, and being persistent. CONCLUSION Greater support for patient navigation, and person-centred referral pathways, particularly during times of increased pressure on the system, have the potential to improve access to services and wellbeing among stroke survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Fowler
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paula Mayock
- School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elaine Byrne
- Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eithne Sexton
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Sexton E, Fowler K, Hickey A, Williams DJ, Horgan F, Byrne E, Macey C, Cuffe P, Timmons S, Bennett K. Priorities for developing stroke care in Ireland from the perspectives of stroke survivors, family carers and professionals involved in stroke care: A mixed methods study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297072. [PMID: 38241235 PMCID: PMC10798447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasing numbers of people are living with stroke, due to population ageing and improved survival, leading to a need for evidence to inform future policy decision-making. This study aimed to engage with stakeholders in Ireland to identify priorities for stroke services development. METHODS A sequential mixed methods design was used. Phase 1 (qualitative) was exploratory, involving initial priority gathering via an online qualitative survey and interviews, with stroke survivors, family/main carers, and professionals working in stroke care. Framework analysis was used to generate a long-list of improvements to stroke services. Phase 2 involved a quantitative survey, where stakeholders selected five priority improvements from the long-list. Results were discussed in a stakeholder meeting. RESULTS In-depth interviews were completed with 18 survivors, 13 carers and 8 professionals, while 80 professionals took part in a qualitative survey (phase 1). Priority areas of care were identified and a long-list of 45 priority improvements was generated. In phase 2, 34 survivors, 19 family carers and 42 professionals completed a survey. The highest priority improvements (selected by >20% of respondents) were access to specialist neuro-rehabilitation, ongoing support for life after stroke, recruitment/retention of specialist staff, improved information and support for health system navigation, and access to specialist acute care. Stroke survivors/carers prioritised exploring ways to improve access for strokes with atypical presentation, while professionals prioritised specialist inpatient rehabilitation and early supported discharge. Neither group prioritised stroke prevention. Based on discussions in the stakeholder meeting (n = 12), it was decided that support for mental health should also be included as a priority. DISCUSSION The development of stroke services benefits from exploring the priorities of those receiving and delivering stroke care. Findings emphasise the need for equitable access to high quality adequately-staffed services, particularly post-discharge, that are easy to navigate, with good communication, and effective information provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eithne Sexton
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen Fowler
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Hickey
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J. Williams
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Frances Horgan
- School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elaine Byrne
- Centre for Positive Health Science, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Padraic Cuffe
- Irish Heart Foundation, Dublin, Ireland
- Patient Collaborator, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Timmons
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Brannigan R, Hughes JE, Moriarty F, Wallace E, Kirke C, Williams D, Bennett K, Cahir C. Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing and Potential Prescribing Omissions and Their Association with Adverse Drug Reaction-Related Hospital Admissions. J Clin Med 2024; 13:323. [PMID: 38256457 PMCID: PMC10816937 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) and their association with ADR-related hospital admissions in patients aged ≥ 65 years admitted acutely to the hospital. METHODS Information on medications and morbidities was extracted from the Adverse Drug Reactions in an Ageing Population (ADAPT) cohort (N = 798: N = 361 ADR-related admissions; 437 non-ADR-related admissions). PIP and PPOs were assessed using Beers Criteria 2019 and STOPP/START version 2. Multivariable logistic regression (adjusted odds ratios (aOR), 95%CI) was used to examine the association between PIP, PPOs and ADR-related admissions, adjusting for covariates (age, gender, comorbidity, polypharmacy). RESULTS In total, 715 (90%; 95% CI 87-92%) patients had ≥1 Beers Criteria, 555 (70%; 95% CI 66-73%) had ≥ 1 STOPP criteria and 666 patients (83%; 95% CI 81-86%) had ≥ 1 START criteria. Being prescribed at least one Beers (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.00-2.77), or meeting STOPP (aOR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.79-1.45) or START (aOR = 0.72; 95%CI = 0.50-1.06) criteria or the number of PIP/PPO criteria met was not significantly associated with ADR-related admissions. Patients prescribed certain drug classes (e.g., antiplatelet agents, diuretics) per individual PIP criteria were more likely to have an ADR-related admission. CONCLUSION There was a high prevalence of PIP and PPOs in this cohort but no association with ADR-related admissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Brannigan
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (R.B.); (K.B.)
| | - John E. Hughes
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (R.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Frank Moriarty
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Emma Wallace
- Department of General Practice, University College Cork, T12 R229 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Ciara Kirke
- National Quality and Patient Safety Directorate at Health Service Executive, D08 W2A8 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - David Williams
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland;
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine Beaumont Hospital, D05 E840 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (R.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Caitriona Cahir
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (R.B.); (K.B.)
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Waldron C, Hughes J, Wallace E, Cahir C, Bennett K. Contexts and mechanisms relevant to General Practitioner (GP) based interventions to reduce adverse drug events (ADE) in community dwelling older adults: a rapid realist review. HRB Open Res 2023; 5:53. [PMID: 38283368 PMCID: PMC10811420 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13580.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Older adults in Ireland are at increased risk of adverse drug events (ADE) due, in part, to increasing rates of polypharmacy. Interventions to reduce ADE in community dwelling older adults (CDOA) have had limited success, therefore, new approaches are required.A realist review uses a different lens to examine why and how interventions were supposed to work rather than if, they worked. A rapid realist review (RRR) is a more focused and accelerated version.The aim of this RRR is to identify and examine the contexts and mechanisms that play a role in the outcomes relevant to reducing ADE in CDOA in the GP setting that could inform the development of interventions in Ireland. Methods Six candidate theories (CT) were developed, based on knowledge of the field and recent literature, in relation to how interventions are expected to work. These formed the search strategy. Eighty full texts from 633 abstracts were reviewed, of which 27 were included. Snowballing added a further five articles, relevant policy documents increased the total number to 45. Data were extracted relevant to the theories under iteratively developed sub-themes using NVivo software. Results Of the six theories, three theories, relating to GP engagement in interventions, relevance of health policy documents for older adults, and shared decision-making, provided data to guide future interventions to reduce ADEs for CDOA in an Irish setting. There was insufficient data for two theories, a third was rejected as existing barriers in the Irish setting made it impractical to use. Conclusions To improve the success of Irish GP based interventions to reduce ADEs for CDOA, interventions must be relevant and easily applied in practice, supported by national policy and be adequately resourced. Future research is required to test our theories within a newly developed intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Waldron
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, D02 DH60, Ireland
| | - John Hughes
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, D02 DH60, Ireland
| | - Emma Wallace
- Department of General Practice, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, D02 DH60, Ireland
| | - Caitriona Cahir
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, D02 DH60, Ireland
| | - K. Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, D02 DH60, Ireland
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Jacob BM, Burns H, Chong MC, Clyne B, O'Connor L, Bennett K, Redmond P. Protocol for Establishing a Stakeholder Group for Primary Care Research into Cancer Using a Modified 7P Framework and an e-Delphi Process. HRB Open Res 2023; 6:53. [PMID: 38283946 PMCID: PMC10822037 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13750.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Currently, no group specifically supports and coordinates primary care focused cancer research in Ireland. The aim of this project is to establish an inclusive stakeholder group for primary care focused cancer research in Ireland, to coordinate research efforts and build capacity in researchers and institutions. Methods We will convene a stakeholder group, recruiting individuals with personal and professional experience of cancer care in a community setting. "Core stakeholders"-patients, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers-will attend regularly. Additional "specialist stakeholders", such as representatives of secondary care, private healthcare, health insurance, industry, cancer charities, and health research funders, will participate on an ad hoc basis. An e-Delphi consensus process will be used to assess the stakeholders' views on: (1) the relevance and importance of primary care focused cancer research; (2) the potential role and scope of the stakeholder group; (3) how best to engage with lived experience stakeholders and healthcare professionals affected by the research; (4) how to encourage the dissemination of results and the translation of findings into practice. Round 1 will be open-ended and will invite the independent suggestions of stakeholders; in Round 2 and 3, group members will vote on the inclusion of these suggestions in a position statement by the group, with consensus defined as ≥75% agreement. Discussion The formation of a broad stakeholder group to support primary care focused cancer research will ensure research is relevant, patient centered, and more readily translated into practice. It is also hoped that the group will support capacity building and strategic planning in this important research space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M. Jacob
- Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Heather Burns
- National Cancer Control Programme, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ming Chuen Chong
- Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barbara Clyne
- Department of Public Health & Epidemiology, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Primary Care PPI Group (HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network)
- Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- National Cancer Control Programme, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Public Health & Epidemiology, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Heath, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura O'Connor
- HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Heath, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick Redmond
- Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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O’Driscoll J, Burke A, Mooney T, Phelan N, Baldelli P, Smith A, Lynch S, Fitzpatrick P, Bennett K, Flanagan F, Mullooly M. A scoping review of programme specific mammographic breast density related guidelines and practices within breast screening programmes. Eur J Radiol Open 2023; 11:100510. [PMID: 37560166 PMCID: PMC10407884 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2023.100510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High mammographic breast density (MBD) is an independent breast cancer risk factor. In organised breast screening settings, discussions are ongoing regarding the optimal clinical role of MBD to help guide screening decisions. The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of current practices incorporating MBD within population-based breast screening programmes and from professional organisations internationally. METHODS This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The electronic databases, MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched. Grey literature sources, websites of international breast screening programmes, and relevant government organisations were searched to identify further relevant literature. Data from identified materials were extracted and presented as a narrative summary. RESULTS The search identified 78 relevant documents. Documents were identified for breast screening programmes in 18 countries relating to screening intervals for women with dense breasts, MBD measurement, reporting, notification, and guiding supplemental screening. Documents were identified from 18 international professional organisations with the majority of material relating to supplemental screening guidance for women with dense breasts. Key factors collated during the data extraction process as relevant considerations for MBD practices included the evidence base needed to inform decision-making processes and resources (healthcare system costs, radiology equipment, and workforce planning). CONCLUSIONS This scoping review summarises current practices and guidelines incorporating MBD in international population-based breast screening settings and highlights the absence of consensus between organised breast screening programmes incorporating MBD in current breast screening protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica O’Driscoll
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Beaux Lane House, Mercer St. Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Aileen Burke
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Beaux Lane House, Mercer St. Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Therese Mooney
- National Screening Service, Kings Inn House, 200 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - Niall Phelan
- BreastCheck, National Screening Service, 36 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - Paola Baldelli
- BreastCheck, National Screening Service, 36 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - Alan Smith
- National Screening Service, Kings Inn House, 200 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Lynch
- BreastCheck, National Screening Service, 36 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - Patricia Fitzpatrick
- National Screening Service, Kings Inn House, 200 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Beaux Lane House, Mercer St. Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Fidelma Flanagan
- BreastCheck, National Screening Service, 36 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - Maeve Mullooly
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Beaux Lane House, Mercer St. Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland
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11
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Skally M, Leonard M, O'Halloran PJ, Husien B, Bennett K, Burns K, Dinesh B, Humphreys H, Fitzpatrick F. Clostridioides difficile infection in neurosurgical patients in a national centre over 10 years: less common but associated with longer hospital stays. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2023; 165:3585-3592. [PMID: 37971621 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05883-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a leading cause of healthcare-associated (HA) diarrhoea, contributing to patient morbidity and prolonged length-of-stay (LOS). We retrospectively assessed CDI over a decade in a national neurosurgical centre, with a multi-disciplinary approach to CDI surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship, by comparing CDI patients with other patient groups. METHODS Data on CDI in neurosurgical inpatients between January 2012 and December 2021 were collated. Disease-specific variables were compared to other inpatients with CDI. Rates per 10,000 bed days used were calculated. Patient-specific differences were compared with neurosurgical patients without CDI. CDI rates by patient group were explored using odds ratio (OR) and χ2 analyses. Negative binomial regression was used to investigate CDI rates over time. RESULTS Of 50 neurosurgical patients with CDI, all were HA; the average age was 53 years (standard deviation (SD) 16.3 years), 49 were first-episode CDI, and three had severe CDI. The majority (76.7%) had received recent antimicrobials. Compared with non-neurosurgical CDI patients, neurosurgical CDI rates differed significantly (1.9 versus 3.6 per 10,000 bed days used, p < 0.05), neurosurgical patients were younger (p ≤ 0.01), C. difficile testing was more likely to be requested by neurosurgeons (OR 2.4; p ≤ 0.01), and the proportion of severe CDI was higher (6% versus 2%, OR 3.0, p = 0.07, confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 11.3). Within the neurosurgical cohort, CDI patients had an average LOS four times that of other patients (CI 15.2 to 35.1; p < 0.01) and were older (53.5 versus 47.8 years, CI 0.1 to 11 years; p < 0.05). Only one CDI outbreak was linked to neurosurgical patients. CONCLUSION CDI in neurosurgery patients differed from the wider hospital, with greater awareness of CDI testing. Longer LOS impacted bed utilisation with limited capacity. Robust surveillance supports proactive antimicrobial stewardship programmes in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairead Skally
- Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Clostridioides difficile - ESGCD, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Maeve Leonard
- Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Philip J O'Halloran
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ben Husien
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Sciences Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen Burns
- Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Binu Dinesh
- Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Hilary Humphreys
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Fidelma Fitzpatrick
- Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Clostridioides difficile - ESGCD, Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Guo MZ, Balaji A, Murray JC, Reuss JE, Steinke SM, Bennett K, Naidoo J. Infectious Complications in Patients With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Clin Lung Cancer 2023; 24:613-620. [PMID: 37419702 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are standard treatment for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the burden of infectious complications during ICI therapy is poorly described. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of patients with NSCLC treated with ICIs between 2007 and 2020 at a tertiary academic center. The incidence, characteristics, and healthcare utilization outcomes of infections during ICI therapy and within 3 months of ICI discontinuation are presented using descriptive statistics. Cox proportional hazard models are used to examine infection-free survival by demographic and treatment factors. Associations between patient or treatment characteristics and hospitalization or ICU admission are analyzed by logistic regression, presented as odds ratios (OR). RESULTS Of 298 patients, infections occurred in 54.4% (n = 162). Of these patients, 59.3% (n = 96) required hospitalization and 15.4% (n = 25) required ICU admission. The most common infection was bacterial pneumonia. Fungal infections occurred in 12 patients (7.4%). Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR 2.15, 95% CI, 1.01-4.58), corticosteroid treatment within 1 month prior to infection onset (OR 3.04, 95% CI, 1.47-6.30), and concomitant irAE and infection (OR 5.48, 95% CI, 2.15-14.00) had higher odds of hospitalization. Corticosteroid use was associated with higher odds of ICU admission (OR 3.09, 95% CI, 1.29-7.38). CONCLUSION In this large single-institution study we identify that more than half of patients with ICI-treated NSCLC develop infectious complications. We identify that patients with COPD, recent corticosteroid use, and concomitant irAE and infection have higher odds of hospitalization, and that unusual infections (eg, fungal) can occur. This highlights clinical awareness of infections as important complications during ICI therapy in patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Z Guo
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
| | - Aanika Balaji
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Joseph C Murray
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Joshua E Reuss
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Seema Mehta Steinke
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jarushka Naidoo
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Beaumont Hospital, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.
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Kelliher S, Gamba S, Weiss L, Shen Z, Marchetti M, Schieppati F, Scaife C, Madden S, Bennett K, Fortune A, Maung S, Fay M, Ní Áinle F, Maguire P, Falanga A, Kevane B, Krishnan A. Platelet proteo-transcriptomic profiling validates mediators of thrombosis and proteostasis in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. bioRxiv 2023:2023.10.23.563619. [PMID: 37961700 PMCID: PMC10634751 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.23.563619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) including polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) exhibit unique clinical features, such as a tendency toward thrombosis and hemorrhage, and risk of disease progression to secondary bone marrow fibrosis and/or acute leukemia. Although an increase in blood cell lineage counts (quantitative features) contribute to these morbid sequelae, the significant qualitative abnormalities of myeloid cells that contribute to vascular risk are not well understood. Here, we address this critical knowledge gap via a comprehensive and untargeted profiling of the platelet proteome in a large (n= 140) cohort of patients (from two independent sites) with an established diagnosis of PV and ET (and complement prior work on the MPN platelet transcriptome from a third site). We discover distinct MPN platelet protein expression and confirm key molecular impairments associated with proteostasis and thrombosis mechanisms of potential relevance to MPN pathology. Specifically, we validate expression of high-priority candidate markers from the platelet transcriptome at the platelet proteome (e.g., calreticulin (CALR), Fc gamma receptor (FcγRIIA) and galectin-1 (LGALS1) pointing to their likely significance in the proinflammatory, prothrombotic and profibrotic phenotypes in patients with MPN. Together, our proteo-transcriptomic study identifies the peripherally-derived platelet molecular profile as a potential window into MPN pathophysiology and demonstrates the value of integrative multi-omic approaches in gaining a better understanding of the complex molecular dynamics of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kelliher
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Haematology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Conway SPHERE Research Group, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sara Gamba
- Department of Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Luisa Weiss
- UCD Conway SPHERE Research Group, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zhu Shen
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marina Marchetti
- Department of Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Francesca Schieppati
- Department of Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Caitriona Scaife
- UCD Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen Madden
- Data Science Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Fortune
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Haematology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Su Maung
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Haematology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael Fay
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Haematology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fionnuala Ní Áinle
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Haematology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Conway SPHERE Research Group, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
| | - Patricia Maguire
- UCD Conway SPHERE Research Group, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Institute for Discovery, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anna Falanga
- Department of Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy
| | - Barry Kevane
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Haematology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Conway SPHERE Research Group, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anandi Krishnan
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
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14
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Durand L, Keenan E, O'Reilly D, Bennett K, O'Hara A, Cousins G. Prescription drugs with potential for misuse in Irish prisons: analysis of national prison prescribing trends, by gender and history of opioid use disorder, 2012 to 2020. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:725. [PMID: 37803285 PMCID: PMC10559424 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05195-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacotherapy is essential for the delivery of an equivalent standard of care in prison. Prescribing can be challenging due to the complex health needs of prisoners and the risk of misuse of prescription drugs. This study examines prescribing trends for drugs with potential for misuse (opioids, benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, and gabapentinoids) in Irish prisons and whether trends vary by gender and history of opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS A repeated cross-sectional study between 2012 and 2020 using electronic prescribing records from the Irish Prison Services, covering all prisons in the Republic of Ireland was carried out. Prescribing rates per 1,000 prison population were calculated. Negative binomial (presenting adjusted rate ratios (ARR) per year and 95% confidence intervals) and joinpoint regressions were used to estimate time trends adjusting for gender, and for gender specific analyses of prescribing trends over time by history of OUD. RESULTS A total of 10,371 individuals were prescribed opioid agonist treatment (OAT), opioids, benzodiazepines, Z-drugs or gabapentinoids during study period. History of OUD was higher in women, with a median rate of 597 per 1,000 female prisoners, compared to 161 per 1,000 male prisoners. Prescribing time trends, adjusted for gender, showed prescribing rates decreased over time for prescription opioids (ARR 0.82, 95% CI 0.80-0.85), benzodiazepines (ARR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.999), Z-drugs (ARR 0.90, 95% CI 0.88-0.92), but increased for gabapentinoids (ARR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05-1.08). However, prescribing rates declined for each drug class between 2019 and 2020. Women were significantly more likely to be prescribed benzodiazepines, Z-drugs and gabapentinoids relative to men. Gender-specific analyses found that men with OUD, relative to men without, were more likely to be prescribed benzodiazepines (ARR 1.49, 95% CI 1.41-1.58), Z-drugs (ARR 10.09, 95% CI 9.0-11.31), gabapentinoids (ARR 2.81, 95% CI 2.66-2.97). For women, history of OUD was associated with reduced gabapentinoid prescribing (ARR 0.33, 95% CI 0.28-0.39). CONCLUSIONS While the observed reductions in prescription opioid, benzodiazepine and Z-drug prescribing is consistent with guidance for safe prescribing in prisons, the increase in gabapentinoid (primarily pregabalin) prescribing and the high level of prescribing to women is concerning. Our findings suggest targeted interventions may be needed to address prescribing in women, and men with a history of OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Durand
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Eamon Keenan
- National Social Inclusion Office, Health Service Executive, Mill Lane, Palmerstown, Dublin 20, Ireland
| | - Deirdre O'Reilly
- Irish Prison Service, IDA Business Park, Ballinalee Road, Longford, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lower Mercer Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Andy O'Hara
- UISCE, National Advocacy Service for People who use Drugs in Ireland, 8 Cabra road, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - Gráinne Cousins
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
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15
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Tordon B, Drews SJ, Flahr F, Bennett K, Gaziano T, Anderson D, Nahirniak S, Gerges H, Tyrrell GJ, Mah J, Ndao M, Bigham M, Seftel M. Canadian Blood Services traceback investigation of a suspected case of transfusion-transmitted malaria. Transfusion 2023; 63:2001-2006. [PMID: 37715564 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 4-month-old infant hospitalized since birth received multiple blood transfusions. In March 2022, Plasmodium falciparum was confirmed with nucleic acid testing. As the mother was assessed as unlikely to be the source of infection, the blood operator initiated a traceback investigation for a potential blood donor source. The patient had received 13 red blood cell (RBC) transfusions (aliquoted from 11 donors), 4 apheresis platelet (PLT) transfusions and 16 buffy coat pooled PLT transfusions. The blood operator medical team developed a supplementary malaria infection risk questionnaire to identify donors at highest risk of life-time malaria infection, based on birthplace, residence, or travel in malaria-endemic regions. RESULTS With 79 donors initially implicated, initial focus was on donors of RBC components. The 11 RBC donors were contacted and assessed using the supplementary questionnaire. Three donors, all of whom met current malaria-related donor eligibility criteria, were deemed high risk of prior malaria infection. These donors consented to P. falciparum serology and nucleic acid testing (NAT). One donor who was born and had resided in an endemic West African country for 14 years, was positive for P. falciparum by serology (indirect fluorescent antibody test) and NAT-(Ct ≥32). Lookback of this donor's transfused fresh co-components and prior donation identified no other malaria cases. CONCLUSION This was a probable transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) case from an eligible donor who in retrospect was found to have unrecognized, asymptomatic, semi-immune malaria infection, and who was potentially infectious. Blood donor lack of recall of prior malaria infection does not negate the risk of TTM from those who have lived in malaria-endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Tordon
- Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steven J Drews
- Microbiology, Donation Policy & Studies, Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Susan Nahirniak
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hanan Gerges
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gregory J Tyrrell
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- APL Public Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jordan Mah
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark Bigham
- Canadian Blood Services, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthew Seftel
- Canadian Blood Services, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Bennett K, Cahir C, Sorensen J. Costs associated with adverse drug reactions in an older population admitted to hospital: a prospective cohort study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 79:1417-1424. [PMID: 37615688 PMCID: PMC10501947 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03552-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examines healthcare costs associated with adverse drug reactions (ADR) in an older population admitted acutely to an Irish tertiary hospital. METHODS Prospective cohort study involving older persons admitted to hospital with and without an ADR. Data was collected at baseline, during hospitalisation and post-discharge. Participants provided information on healthcare resource use three months before admission (baseline) and three months after discharge (follow-up). For each healthcare resource, unit costs were derived and applied. The average cost (standard deviation (SD)) associated with the hospital admission for the ADR and non-ADR are presented. In addition, baseline and follow-up care costs were compared using difference-in-difference analysis and presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Costs by preventability and severity of ADR are also presented. RESULTS A total of n = 230 participants were included (n = 93 ADR and n = 137 without ADR). The average cost associated with hospital admission for an ADR was €9538 (SD €10442) and €9828 (SD €11770) for non-ADR. The additional follow-up costs (difference-in-difference) associated with the ADR was estimated at €2047 (95% CI: -€889 to €4983). The mean incremental follow-up cost of definite preventable ADRs was estimated at €1648 (95% CI: -€4310 to €7605), possible preventable ADRs €2259 (95 CI: -€1194 to €5712) and unavoidable ADRs €1757 (95% CI: -€3377 to €6890). The mean incremental follow-up cost associated with moderate severe ADRs was estimated at €1922 (95% CI: -€1088 to €4932) and €3580 (95% CI: -€4898 to €12,058) for severe ADRs. CONCLUSION: ADRs leading to hospital admission are associated with modest incremental healthcare costs during and three months after admission. Severe and possibly preventable ADRs were associated with higher costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Caitriona Cahir
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jan Sorensen
- Healthcare Outcomes Research Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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Myers C, Waldron C, Bennett K, Cahir C. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women living with and beyond breast cancer: a qualitative study of women's experiences and how they varied by social determinants of health. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:867. [PMID: 37715181 PMCID: PMC10503161 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11351-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to explore the general impact of COVID-19 on the access and use of BC services and support and overall well-being in women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) and to investigate how these experiences varied by the social determinants of health (SDH). METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with women selected through stratified purposive sampling to ensure data were available on information-rich cases. Interviews were conducted in early 2021 during government restrictions due to COVID-19. Thematic analysis was conducted to obtain overall experience and variation of experience based on SDH. RESULTS Thirty seven women participated in interviews. Three major themes, with additional subthemes, emerged from analysis: 1. breast cancer services (screening, active treatment, and routine care); 2. breast cancer support and communication (continuity of care, role of liaison, and support services); and 3. quality of life (QoL) and well-being (emotional well-being; social well-being; and functional well-being). Women's experiences within the themes varied by socio-economic status (SES) and region of residence (urban/rural) specifically for BC services and support. CONCLUSION The pandemic impacted women living with and beyond BC, but the impact has not been the same for all women. This study highlights areas for improvement in the context of BC care in Ireland and the findings will inform further policy and practice, including standardized BC services, improved communication, and enhancement of cancer support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Myers
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Catherine Waldron
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caitriona Cahir
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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18
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Conlan K, McGrath J, Teeling M, MacAvin MJ, Bennett K, Gallagher L. Antipsychotic prescribing in GMS paediatric and young adult population in Ireland 2005-2015: repeated cross-sectional study. Ir J Psychol Med 2023; 40:343-352. [PMID: 33745473 DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2021.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the rates of antipsychotic prescribing in the Irish paediatric and young adult population enrolled in the Irish General Medical Services Scheme pharmacy claims database from the Health Service Executive Primary Care Reimbursement Services database, with a focus on age and sex differences. To examine concomitant prescribing of certain other related medicines in this population. METHODS Data were obtained from the Irish General Medical Services (GMS) scheme pharmacy claims database from the Health Service Executive (HSE) - Primary Care Reimbursement Services (PCRS). Participants included children aged <16 years and youth aged 16-24 years availing of medicines under the HSE-PCRS GMS scheme between January 2005 and December 2015. Outcome measures included prescribing rates of antipsychotics from 2005 to 2015, differences in prescribing rates between different ages and sexes, and percentage of concomitant prescriptions for antidepressants, psychostimulants, anxiolytics and hypnosedatives. RESULTS Overall the trend in prescribing rates of antipsychotic medications was stable at 3.94/1000 in 2005 compared with 3.97/1000 in 2015 for children <16 years, and 48.37/1000 eligible population in 2005 compared to 39.64/1000 in 2015 for those aged 16-24. There was a significant decrease in prescribing rates for males in the 16-24 age group. CONCLUSIONS While rates of antipsychotic prescribing have decreased or remained stable over the timeframe of the study, we did find a significant proportion of this population were prescribed antipsychotics. This study also shows that co-prescribing of antidepressants increased and highlights the need for guidelines for antipsychotic prescribing in children and youth in terms of clinical indication, monitoring, co-prescribing and treatment duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Conlan
- Linn Dara CAMHS Approved Centre, Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin 10, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - J McGrath
- ADMiRE Service, Lily Suite, Linn Dara CAMHS, Cherry Orchard Hospital, Ballyfermot, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - M Teeling
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - M J MacAvin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - K Bennett
- HRB Research Leader Unit, RCSI, Division of Population Health Sciences, Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - L Gallagher
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Beechpark Autism Services, Bryan S. Ryan Building, Main Road, Tallaght, Ireland
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19
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O'Donovan B, Kirke C, Pate M, McHugh S, Bennett K, Cahir C. Mapping the Theoretical Domain Framework to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research: do multiple frameworks add value? Implement Sci Commun 2023; 4:100. [PMID: 37620981 PMCID: PMC10464139 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00466-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation researchers often combine the Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF) and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) in their studies. However there is some debate on the merits of using multiple frameworks-whether they contribute to results or provide superfluous analysis. Our recent research combined the TDF and CFIR to identify determinants to widespread incorporation of patient held medication lists (PHML) in healthcare practice. The aim of this report is to provide guidance on the use of the TDF and CFIR; by assessing the degree of overlap between the two frameworks in their application to interviews about PHML. METHODS Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and non HCPs (people taking multiple medicines and caregivers).Interview data were transcribed and analysed using the TDF and CFIR. Within paired domains substantial intersection/overlap across constructs and domains within the two frameworks was classified as > 75% of coding references, consistent intersection/overlap was defined as > 50% and ≤ 75%, average intersection/overlap was defined as ≤ 50% and > 25% and non-substantial intersection/overlap was classified as ≤ 25% of coding references. RESULTS Interview data were collected from 39 participants - 21 HCPs and 18 non HCPs. Mapping of TDF domains to CFIR domains/constructs identified key determinants in six TDF domains: Environmental context & resources, Beliefs about capabilities, Beliefs about consequences, Social influences, Behavioural regulation and Social/professional role & identity; and five CFIR domains: Intervention Characteristics, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, Characteristics of Individual and Process. A pattern of substantial intersection/overlap in coding emerged with broad TDF domains such as Environmental context & resources often linked to well-defined CFIR domains and constructs (e.g. design quality & packaging within Intervention Characteristics). Broad CFIR constructs such as knowledge & beliefs about intervention within Characteristics of Individuals also linked to more descriptive TDF domains like Beliefs about capabilities. In addition there was some unexpected non-substantial intersection/overlap in coding with the TDF domain Social influences less frequently linked to the CFIR Inner Setting domain and constructs such as networks and communications. CONCLUSIONS Identifying intersections/overlaps in coding between CFIR and TDF can assist interpretation of findings in implementation research. The strengths of each framework were exploited in a reciprocal process which provided more information to broad/poorly defined domains and enabled identification of implementation determinants and innovation determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- B O'Donovan
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - C Kirke
- Quality Improvement Division, Health Service Executive (HSE), Medication Safety, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Pate
- Quality Improvement Division, Health Service Executive (HSE), Medication Safety, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S McHugh
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - K Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Cahir
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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20
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Myers C, Bennett K, Cahir C. Breast cancer care amidst a pandemic: a scoping review to understand the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on health services and health outcomes. Int J Qual Health Care 2023; 35:mzad048. [PMID: 37497806 PMCID: PMC10373113 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzad048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, health services for breast cancer (BC) have been disrupted. Our scoping review examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BC services, health outcomes, and well-being for women. Additionally, this review identifies social inequalities specific to BC during the pandemic. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews guidelines, the literature search was conducted using scientific databases starting from March 2020 through November 2021. Studies were identified and selected by two researchers based on inclusion criteria, and the relevant data were extracted and charted to summarize the findings. Ninety-three articles were included in this review. Main themes included are as follows: (i) the impact of COVID-19 on BC services; (ii) the impact of COVID-19 on health outcomes and well-being in women with BC; and (iii) any variation in the impact of COVID-19 on BC by social determinants of health. There were apparent disruptions to BC services across the cancer continuum, especially screening services. Clinical repercussions were a result of such disruptions, and women with BC experienced worsened quality of life and psychosocial well-being. Finally, there were social inequalities dependent on social determinants of health such as age, race, insurance status, and region. Due to the disruption of BC services during the COVID-19 pandemic, women were impacted on their health and overall well-being. The variation in impact demonstrates how health inequities have been exacerbated during the pandemic. This comprehensive review will inform timely health-care changes to minimize long-term impacts of the pandemic and improve evidence-based multidisciplinary needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Myers
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science, Dublin D02 DH60, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science, Dublin D02 DH60, Ireland
| | - Caitriona Cahir
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science, Dublin D02 DH60, Ireland
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21
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Myers C, Bennett K, Kelly C, Walshe J, O'Sullivan N, Quinn M, Lyons T, Weadick C, Cahir C. Impact of COVID-19 on health care and quality of life in women with breast cancer. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2023; 7:7167390. [PMID: 37199377 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to explore the impact of COVID-19 on health-care services and quality of life (QoL) in women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) in Ireland and whether the impact varied by social determinants of health (SDH). METHODS Women diagnosed with BC completed a questionnaire measuring the impact of COVID-19, disruption to BC services, QoL, SDH, and clinical covariates during COVID-19 restrictions. The association between COVID-19 impact and disruption to BC services and QoL was assessed using multivariable regression with adjustment for SDH and clinical covariates. An interaction between COVID-19 impact and health insurance status was assessed within the regression models. RESULTS A total of 30.5% (n = 109) of women reported high COVID-19 impact, and these women experienced more disruption in BC services (odds ratio = 4.95, 95% confidence interval = 2.28 to 10.7, P < .001) and lower QoL (β = -12.01, SE = 3.37, P < .001) compared with women who reported low COVID-19 impact. Health insurance status moderated the effect of COVID-19 on disruption to BC services and QoL. Women who reported high COVID-19 impact experienced more disruption to BC services and lower QoL compared with women with low COVID-19 impact; however, the magnitude of these unfavorable effects differed by insurance status (Pinteraction < .05). CONCLUSIONS There was a large disruption to BC services and decrease in QoL for women with BC in Ireland during the pandemic. However, the impact was not the same for all women. It is important that women with BC are reintegrated into proper care and QoL is addressed through multidisciplinary support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Myers
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catherine Kelly
- Department of Oncology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Janice Walshe
- Medical Oncology Department, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nollaig O'Sullivan
- Medical Oncology Department, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary Quinn
- Medical Oncology Department, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Therese Lyons
- Medical Oncology Department, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catherine Weadick
- Department of Oncology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caitriona Cahir
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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22
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Cahir C, Bennett K, Dombrowski SU, Kelly CM, Wells M, Watson E, Sharp L. Informing interventions to improve uptake of adjuvant endocrine therapy in women with breast cancer: a theoretical-based examination of modifiable influences on non-adherence. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:200. [PMID: 36869943 PMCID: PMC9985562 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07658-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To inform intervention development, we measured the modifiable determinants of endocrine therapy (ET) non-adherence in women with breast cancer, using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and examined inter-relationships between these determinants and non-adherence using the Perceptions and Practicalities Approach (PAPA). METHODS Women with stages I-III breast cancer prescribed ET were identified from the National Cancer Registry Ireland (N = 2423) and invited to complete a questionnaire. A theoretically based model of non-adherence was developed using PAPA to examine inter-relationships between the 14 TDF domains of behaviour change and self-reported non-adherence. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the model. RESULTS A total of 1606 women participated (response rate = 66%) of whom 395 (25%) were non-adherent. The final SEM with three mediating latent variables (LVs) (PAPA Perceptions: TDF domains, Beliefs about Capabilities, Beliefs about Consequences; PAPA Practicalities: TDF domain, Memory, Attention, Decision Processes and Environment) and four independent LVs (PAPA Perceptions: Illness intrusiveness; PAPA Practicalities: TDF domains, Knowledge, Behaviour Regulation; PAPA External Factors: TDF domain, Social Identity) explained 59% of the variance in non-adherence and had an acceptable fit (χ2(334) = 1002, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.03; CFI = 0.96 and SRMR = 0.07) Knowledge had a significant mediating effect on non-adherence through Beliefs about Consequences and Beliefs about Capabilities. Illness intrusiveness had a significant mediating effect on non-adherence through Beliefs about Consequences. Beliefs about Consequences had a significant mediating effect on non-adherence through Memory, Attention, Decision Processesg and Environment. CONCLUSIONS By underpinning future interventions, this model has the potential to improve ET adherence and, hence, reduce recurrence and improve survival in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitriona Cahir
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Heath Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Heath Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Mary Wells
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Eila Watson
- Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research (OxINMAHR), Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Linda Sharp
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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23
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Butt ZA, Fitzgerald G, O'Dea G, O'Herlihy F, Casey A, Bennett K, Murphy RT, Sheahan R. Predictive value of high-sensitivity troponin for significant coronary artery disease in new-onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Coron Artery Dis 2023; 34:87-95. [PMID: 36720017 DOI: 10.1097/mca.0000000000001186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-sensitivity troponin-T (HS-cTnT) levels are often measured in patients presenting with atrial fibrillation (AF), with many subjected to unnecessary invasive assessments. The significance of a normal or mildly raised HS-cTnT in this context is poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the predictive value of HS-cTnT for significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in new AF with rapid ventricular response. We also compared the discriminative ability of HS-cTnT to suspected angina for significant CAD. METHODS We examined patients presenting with new AF to two tertiary Irish centers in a defined period. Those included had HS-cTnT taken at presentation and subsequent ischemic evaluation. RESULTS Of 5350 cases screened for inclusion, 281 were deemed eligible. Of these, 148 and 133 patients had a positive and negative index HS-cTnT, respectively. Of those with negative HS-cTnT, 13 (9.8%) had significant CAD versus 51 (34.5%) with positive HS-cTnT (P < 0.001). Positive Hs-cTnT status remained significant upon multivariate analysis (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.37-6.14; P = 0.005). A similar model where HS-cTnT was replaced with suspected angina produced an OR of 1.64 (95% CI, 0.75-3.59; P = 0.213). A logistic model determined optimal cutoff value for HS-cTnT to be less than 30 ng/l, producing a negative predictive value of 91.8% and area under the receiver operative curve of 83.36. CONCLUSION HS-cTnT exhibits potential as an effective screening biomarker to predict nonsignificant CAD in new rapid AF, allowing more targeted and rationalized ischemic testing. HS-cTnT may also be a more accurate predictor of significant CAD than clinically suspected stable angina.Graphical abstract: http://links.lww.com/MCA/A540.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaran A Butt
- Department of Cardiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin
| | | | - Grace O'Dea
- Department of Cardiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin
| | | | - Aoife Casey
- Department of Cardiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, Division of Population Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2
| | - Ross T Murphy
- Department of Cardiology, St. James' Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Richard Sheahan
- Department of Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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24
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Abstract
Although best known for its role in skeletal health, a deficiency of vitamin D has also been implicated in cancer formation and progression. The aim of this article was to review the relationship between circulating levels of vitamin D {25(OH)D} and both the risk of developing cancer and outcome from cancer. We also reviewed the effects of vitamin D supplementation on cancer risk and outcome. Our primary focus was on patients with colorectal and breast cancer, as these are two of the cancer types best investigated with respect to the effects of vitamin D on cancer risk and outcome. Based on our review of the literature, we conclude that although low circulating levels of 25(OH)D appears to be associated with an increased risk of developing breast and colorectal cancer, the available evidence suggests that supplementation of healthy subjects with vitamin D does not decrease cancer risk. Supplementation may however, improve outcomes in patients who develop cancer, but this finding remains to be confirmed in an appropriately powered randomized clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Duffy
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Clinical Research Centre, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maeve Mullooly
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Crown
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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25
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O'Reilly S, Kathryn Carroll H, Murray D, Burke L, McCarthy T, O'Connor R, Kilty C, Lynch S, Feighan J, Cloherty M, Fitzpatrick P, Falvey K, Murphy V, Jane O'Leary M, Gregg S, Young L, McAuliffe E, Hegarty J, Gavin A, Lawler M, Kavanagh P, Spillane S, McWade T, Heffron M, Ryan K, Kelly PJ, Murphy A, Corrigan M, Redmond HP, Redmond P, Walsh PM, Tierney P, Zhang M, Bennett K, Mullooly M. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care in Ireland - Perspectives from a COVID-19 and Cancer Working Group. J Cancer Policy 2023; 36:100414. [PMID: 36841473 PMCID: PMC9951610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2023.100414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Upon the COVID-19 pandemic onset in Ireland, cancer service disruptions occurred due to prioritisation of COVID-19 related care, redeployment of staff, initial pausing of screening, diagnostic, medical and surgical oncology procedures, staff shortages due to COVID-19 infection and impacts on the physical and mental health of cancer healthcare workers. This was coupled with reluctance among people with symptoms suspicious for cancer to attend for clinical evaluation, due to concerns of contracting the virus. This was further compounded by a cyber-attack on national health service IT systems on May 14th 2021. The Irish Cancer Society, a national cancer charity with a role in advocacy, research and patient supports, convened a multi-disciplinary stakeholder group (COVID-19 and Cancer Working Group) to reflect on and understand the impact of the pandemic on cancer patients and services in Ireland, and discuss potential mitigation strategies. Perspectives on experiences were gathered across domains including timeliness of data acquisition and its conversion into intelligence, and the resourcing of cancer care to address cancer service impacts. The group highlighted aspects for future research to understand the long-term pandemic impact on cancer outcomes, while also highlighting potential strategies to support cancer services, build resilience and address delayed diagnosis. Additional measures include the need for cancer workforce recruitment and retention, increased mental health supports for both patients and oncology professionals, improvements to public health messaging, a near real-time multimodal national cancer database, and robust digital and physical infrastructure to mitigate impacts of the current pandemic and future challenges to cancer care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seamus O'Reilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital and Cancer Research@UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Cancer Trials Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Hailey Kathryn Carroll
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital and Cancer Research@UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Murray
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; National Cancer Registry Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Louise Burke
- Department of Pathology, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Sonya Lynch
- PPI Contributor c/o Cancer Research, UCC University College Cork, T12 DCA4 Cork, Ireland
| | - Jennifer Feighan
- Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute, Airfield Estate, Overend Ave, Dundrum, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maeve Cloherty
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital and Cancer Research@UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Patricia Fitzpatrick
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; National Screening Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Mary Jane O'Leary
- Palliative Medicine, Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sophie Gregg
- Palliative Medicine, Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Cork, Ireland
| | - Leonie Young
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eilish McAuliffe
- UCD IRIS Centre, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Anna Gavin
- Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Mark Lawler
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK; DATA-CAN, the UK's Health Data Research Hub for Cancer, UK
| | - Paul Kavanagh
- National Health Intelligence Unit, Strategy and Research, Jervis House, Jervis St, Health Service Executive, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - Susan Spillane
- Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Terry McWade
- Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Karen Ryan
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and St Francis Hospice Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul J Kelly
- Bon Secours Radiotherapy Centre, Bon Secours, Cork, Ireland; UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aileen Murphy
- Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mark Corrigan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - H Paul Redmond
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Patrick Redmond
- Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Mengyang Zhang
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maeve Mullooly
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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26
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Coyle M, King G, Bennett K, Maree A, Hensey M, O’Connor S, Daly C, Murphy G, Murphy RT. The use of deformation imaging in the assessment of patients pre and post transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Echo Res Pract 2023; 10:3. [PMID: 36810286 PMCID: PMC9945603 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-023-00017-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deformation imaging represents a method of measuring myocardial function, including global longitudinal strain (GLS), peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and radial strain. This study aimed to assess subclinical improvements in left ventricular function in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) by comparing GLS, PALS and radial strain pre and post procedure. METHODS We conducted a single site prospective observational study of 25 patients undergoing TAVI, comparing baseline and post-TAVI echocardiograms. Individual participants were assessed for differences in GLS, PALS and radial strain in addition to changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (%). RESULTS Our results revealed a significant improvement in GLS (mean change pre-post of 2.14% [95% CI 1.08, 3.20] p = 0.0003) with no significant change in LVEF (0.96% [95% CI - 2.30, 4.22], p = 0.55). There was a statistically significant improvement in radial strain pre and post TAVI (mean 9.68% [95% CI 3.10, 16.25] p = 0.0058). There was positive trend towards improvements in PALS pre and post TAVI (mean change of 2.30% [95% CI - 0.19, 4.80] p = 0.068). CONCLUSION In patients undergoing TAVI, measuring GLS and radial strain provided statistically significant information regarding subclinical improvements in LV function, which may have prognostic implications. The incorporation of deformation imaging in addition to standard echocardiographic measurements may have an important role in guiding future management in patients undergoing TAVI and assessing response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Coyle
- Department of Cardiology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Gerard King
- grid.416409.e0000 0004 0617 8280Department of Cardiology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland ,grid.416409.e0000 0004 0617 8280Institute of Cardiovascular Science, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, University of Medicine and Health, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Maree
- grid.416409.e0000 0004 0617 8280Department of Cardiology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Hensey
- grid.416409.e0000 0004 0617 8280Department of Cardiology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen O’Connor
- grid.416409.e0000 0004 0617 8280Department of Cardiology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline Daly
- grid.416409.e0000 0004 0617 8280Department of Cardiology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gregory Murphy
- grid.416409.e0000 0004 0617 8280Department of Cardiology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ross T. Murphy
- grid.416409.e0000 0004 0617 8280Department of Cardiology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland ,grid.416409.e0000 0004 0617 8280Institute of Cardiovascular Science, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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27
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Mc Laughlin RA, Devoy C, moloney C, Bennett K, Mcmahon D, Conroy MR, Fitzpatrick O, Egan K, Grogan W, Breathnach OS, Morris PG, Murphy AG, Naidoo J, Tangney M, Hennessy BT. A prospective translational study investigating the association of gut microbiome (GM) diversity with pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant treatment in early stage rectal and esophageal cancers. J Clin Oncol 2023. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2023.41.4_suppl.tps819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
TPS819 Background: The gut microbiome (GM) is thought to influence host immunity by modulating multiple immunologic pathways. Studies have suggested that dysbiosis of the GM confers a predisposition to certain malignancies and influences response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, little is known about how the GM diversity influences complete pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy in gastrointestinal (GI) tumours. We hypothesize that a more diverse GM constitution at baseline will lead to improved pathological response at the time of definitive surgery. Methods: We designed a cross-institutional multi-center translational study investigating the impact of the GM diversity on the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy in GI cancers by assessing its association with pathological response. The study population will consist of patients with an early-stage rectal or esophageal cancer due to commence neoadjuvant therapy (including chemotherapy and chemoradiation) and planned for definitive surgery. Patients who received prior chemotherapy/monoclonal antibodies/immune checkpoint inhibitors or radiation will be excluded. The study assessments will include fecal sampling of the GM prior to neoadjuvant therapy, upon completion and again six months post completion of therapy. Fecal samples will be analysed by 16S RNA sequencing. Pathological response will be examined at time of surgery and patients will be classified as responders (complete pathological response) or non-responders. The primary endpoint of the study is to examine the association between the GM diversity and pathological response. 120 patients will be recruited over 18 months. Results: Species richness (Alpha Diversity) will be analysed using the Shannon diversity index and Jaccard similarity index to calculate beta diversity. Classification and clustering analysis will be performed with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Random Forest analysis. Comparison of taxa or functions between clinical cohorts will be performed using the two tailed Z test and corrected using the false discovery rate to determine Q-values. The association between GM and complete pathological response will be examined using logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounding factors. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals will be presented. Conclusions: This study will show preliminary insights into the role of GM as a potential biomarker for neoadjuvant therapy efficacy in patients with GI cancers. Recruitment is on-going.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kathleen Bennett
- Department of Data Science, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Keith Egan
- Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, Dublin, Ireland
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Cahir C, Curran C, Walsh C, Hickey A, Brannigan R, Kirke C, Williams DJ, Bennett K. Adverse drug reactions in an ageing PopulaTion (ADAPT) study: Prevalence and risk factors associated with adverse drug reaction-related hospital admissions in older patients. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1029067. [PMID: 36712658 PMCID: PMC9880441 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1029067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Older people experience greater morbidity with a corresponding increase in medication use resulting in a potentially higher risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Objectives: The aim of this study was to; 1) determine the prevalence and characteristics of ADR-related hospital admissions among older patients (≥65 years) in Ireland; and 2) identify the risk factors associated with ADR-related hospital admissions. Methods: A cross-sectional study of ADR prevalence in patients aged ≥65 years admitted acutely to hospital in Ireland over a 8 month period (November 2016- June 2017). A multifaceted review of each hospital admission was undertaken to assess the likelihood of an ADR being a reason for admission (cause of admission or contributing to admission) in the context of the patient's medication, clinical conditions, comorbidities and investigations. A number of decision aids were applied by two independent reviewers to assess ADR causality, avoidability and severity. A random sample of patients, determined not to have a suspected ADR on screening, were assigned to a non-ADR control group. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between potential risk factors for ADR-related admissions compared with non-ADR-related admissions. Results: In total, 3,760 hospital admission episodes (in 3,091 patients) were screened and 377 admissions were considered ADR-related (10.0%, 95% CI 9.1%, 11.0%). 219 (58.1%) ADR-related admissions were caused by an ADR, while ADRs contributed to 158 (41.9%) admissions. 268 (71.1%) of all ADR-related admissions were deemed definitely or possibly preventable/avoidable. 350 (92.8%) ADRs were classified as being of moderate severity, with 27 (7.2%) classified as severe. Antithrombotic agents, mainly aspirin and warfarin, were the drugs most frequently associated with ADR-related admissions (gastrointestinal and vascular haemorrhagic disorders). In multivariable analysis, immobility, frailty, having delirium or ulcer disease and taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication on admission were significantly associated with an ADR-related hospital admission. Conclusion: One in ten hospital admissions, among those aged 65 + years, were considered ADR-related, with approximately 70% potentially avoidable. Reliable and validated ADR detection and prediction tools are needed to develop prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitriona Cahir
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland,*Correspondence: Caitriona Cahir,
| | - Carmel Curran
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline Walsh
- National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland,Discipline of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Hickey
- Department of Psychology, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ross Brannigan
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciara Kirke
- National Quality and Patient Safety Directorate at Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J. Williams
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland,Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Murphy M, Bennett K, Wright M, O’Reilly M, Conroy M, Hughes C, McLean S, Cadogan CA. Potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults with cancer receiving specialist palliative care: a retrospective observational study. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:174-183. [PMID: 36378404 PMCID: PMC9664032 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01506-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults (≥ 65 years) with cancer receiving palliative care often have other health conditions requiring multiple medications. AIM To describe and assess the appropriateness of prescribing for older adults with cancer in the last seven days of life in an inpatient palliative care setting. METHOD Retrospective observational study of medical records for 180 patients (60.6% male; median age: 74 years; range 65-94 years) over a two-year period. Medication appropriateness was assessed using: STOPPFrail, OncPal deprescribing guideline and criteria for identifying Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing in older adults with Cancer receiving Palliative Care (PIP-CPC). RESULTS 94.5% of patients had at least one other health condition (median 3, IQR 2-5). The median number of medications increased from five (IQR 3-7) seven days before death, to 11 medications on the day of death (IQR 9-15). The prevalence of PIP varied depending on the tool used: STOPPFrail (version 1: 17.2%, version 2: 19.4%), OncPal (12.8%), PIP-CPC (30%). However, the retrospective nature of the study limited the applicability of the tools. Increasing number of medications had a statistically significant effect on risk of PIP across all tools (STOPPFrail (version 1: 1.29 (1.13-1.37), version 2: 1.30 (1.16-1.48)); OncPal 1.13 (1.01-1.27); PIP-CPC 0.70 (0.61-0.82)). CONCLUSION This study found that the number of medications prescribed to older adults with cancer increased as time to death approached, and the prevalence of PIP varied with the application of different tools. The study also highlights the difficulties of examining PIP in this patient cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Murphy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Carmel Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Cathal A. Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, D02PN40 Ireland
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Myers C, Cahir C, Bennett K. COVID-19, breast cancer care, and social determinants of health: a cross-sectional study to investigate the impact of a pandemic on health and health care. Eur J Cancer 2022. [PMCID: PMC9671786 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(22)01553-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Myers
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, School of Population Health, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C. Cahir
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, School of Population Health, Dublin, Ireland
| | - K. Bennett
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, School of Population Health, Dublin, Ireland
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Sexton E, Fowler K, Byrne E, Bennett K. 125 STROKE SURVIVOR AND CARER EXPERIENCES OF NAVIGATION OF STROKE SERVICES AND INFORMATION IN IRELAND: AN EXPLORATORY QUALITATIVE INTERVIEW STUDY. Age Ageing 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac218.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Patient navigation of stroke services is challenging, as survivors have diverse and complex needs, and clear care pathways are often lacking, particularly in the post-acute phase. Exploring the views of stroke survivors and main carers is critical to understanding these navigational challenges.
Methods
In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted online or by phone with stroke survivors (n=16) and main carers (n=13) recruited through voluntary organisations and social media. Participants with communication or cognitive difficulties were included, and provided with accessible information materials. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Framework analysis was used, involving data familiarisation, coding, development of an analytic framework, charting and interpretation. Ryvicker’s (2018) behavioral-ecological conceptual framework for patient navigation was used to inform the analytic framework.
Results
Barriers to successful patient navigation at the healthcare system level included complex and unclear eligibility criteria for services and entitlements, including arbitrary age limits; geographical variation; and waiting times for services, particularly rehabilitation. Having a skilled or knowledgeable advocate, such as a family member with experience of the healthcare system, was a key enabling factor. Survivors and carers had to be pro-active and “push” or “battle” for needed services and information. Navigation often involved a substantial administrative burden, which survivors and caregivers had to manage in addition to the demands of the stroke itself, the recovery process, and in many cases other co-morbidities. Healthcare provider factors that supported navigation included clear communication with survivors/carers about services and the stroke itself. Staff who specifically supported care co-ordination were helpful, but this tended to be ad-hoc and limited in availability.
Conclusion
Dedicated staff to support patient navigation across the care continuum could make a significant difference to stroke survivor access to services and consequently outcomes. Clearer, standardised and more person-centred referrals pathways, that are widely publicised and understood, would also improve access.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sexton
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences , Dublin, Ireland
| | - K Fowler
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences , Dublin, Ireland
| | - E Byrne
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences , Dublin, Ireland
| | - K Bennett
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences , Dublin, Ireland
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O'Donovan B, Kirke C, Pate M, McHugh S, Bennett K, Cahir C. 145 ASSESSING MEDICINE LISTS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY WITH MULTIPLE STAKEHOLDERS. Age Ageing 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac218.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Multimorbidity and polypharmacy often result in numerous interactions with different Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) and many transitions of care. Keeping up-to-date medications list in people taking medicines and/or carers can reduce medication errors at care transitions. The HSE National Quality Improvement team is working on a national medication safety campaign which encourages people to keep lists. However, there is limited information about perceptions of Patient-Held Medication Lists (PHML) in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to examine attitudes to PHML among people taking/managing multiple medicines, HCPs; and how lists are used in practice.
Methods
Purposive sampling was employed and recruitment through relevant organisations, social media and snowballing methods. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 39 people; HCPs (N=21), patients/caregivers (N=18). Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed with behavioural frameworks - the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).
Results
Three core themes were identified: Attitudes to PHML; Function and preferred features of PHML and Barriers and facilitators to future use of PHML. All participants thought keeping medication lists had benefits for both people and HCPs (e.g. empowering, improving adherence). All who were taking medicines used lists and found them useful in particular situations (e.g. emergencies). However, HCPs and patient/caregiver groups expressed concerns about their accuracy. It was felt that some individuals may have difficulties keeping an accurate PHML (e.g. older adults, on multiple/changing medications). The participants also differed on the level of detail that should be included in PHMLs. Most patients favoured simple lists but HCPs reported the lack of detailed information in PHML may be an issue.
Conclusion
Common concerns about the accuracy of PHML and diverging opinions on list content need to be addressed. Health promotion strategies which focus on promotion of lists by key HCPs and provide people with a variety of list options could increase the wider implementation of PHMLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- B O'Donovan
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland , Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Kirke
- National Quality Improvement team, Health Service Executive , Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Pate
- National Quality Improvement team, Health Service Executive , Dublin, Ireland
| | - S McHugh
- University College Cork , Cork, Ireland
| | - K Bennett
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland , Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Cahir
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland , Dublin, Ireland
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Algeo N, Bennett K, Connolly D. Prioritising the content and delivery of a work-focused intervention for women with breast cancer using the nominal group technique. Work 2022; 73:1337-1345. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-211160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increased breast cancer survivorship has prompted a focus on optimising quality of life for this cohort, including re-integration into employment. Despite this, there remains a lack of work-focused interventions to support work outcomes for women living with and beyond breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to prioritise the content and delivery of a work-focused intervention for women living with and beyond breast cancer. METHODS: Twelve stakeholders including women living with and beyond breast cancer, healthcare professionals, cancer support centre staff, and policy informers were invited to participate in an online discussion using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to determine priorities for a work-focused intervention. The NGT seeks consensus through four steps; (i) idea generation, (ii) discussion among the group, (iii) refining ideas, and (iv) ranking preference for ideas through anonymised voting. RESULTS: Intervention content prioritised included managing cancer-related symptoms and work-specific factors. Consensus was made for a blended delivery format (mix of group and individual sessions), and blended delivery (face-to-face and online). Findings indicated a preference for a six-week intervention, with 90–120 minute sessions. Community-based settings were preferred over hospital-based services for the setting of a work-focused intervention. Zoom Video Communications Inc. was the preferred setting to deliver an online intervention. CONCLUSION: Stakeholder priorities informed the content and delivery of a work-focused intervention for women with breast cancer. A pilot of the proposed intervention will be conducted to test for feasibility and acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Algeo
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Connolly
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Evans RA, Leavy OC, Richardson M, Elneima O, McAuley HJC, Shikotra A, Singapuri A, Sereno M, Saunders RM, Harris VC, Houchen-Wolloff L, Aul R, Beirne P, Bolton CE, Brown JS, Choudhury G, Diar-Bakerly N, Easom N, Echevarria C, Fuld J, Hart N, Hurst J, Jones MG, Parekh D, Pfeffer P, Rahman NM, Rowland-Jones SL, Shah AM, Wootton DG, Chalder T, Davies MJ, De Soyza A, Geddes JR, Greenhalf W, Greening NJ, Heaney LG, Heller S, Howard LS, Jacob J, Jenkins RG, Lord JM, Man WDC, McCann GP, Neubauer S, Openshaw PJM, Porter JC, Rowland MJ, Scott JT, Semple MG, Singh SJ, Thomas DC, Toshner M, Lewis KE, Thwaites RS, Briggs A, Docherty AB, Kerr S, Lone NI, Quint J, Sheikh A, Thorpe M, Zheng B, Chalmers JD, Ho LP, Horsley A, Marks M, Poinasamy K, Raman B, Harrison EM, Wain LV, Brightling CE, Abel K, Adamali H, Adeloye D, Adeyemi O, Adrego R, Aguilar Jimenez LA, Ahmad S, Ahmad Haider N, Ahmed R, Ahwireng N, Ainsworth M, Al-Sheklly B, Alamoudi A, Ali M, Aljaroof M, All AM, Allan L, Allen RJ, Allerton L, Allsop L, Almeida P, Altmann D, Alvarez Corral M, Amoils S, Anderson D, Antoniades C, Arbane G, Arias A, Armour C, Armstrong L, Armstrong N, Arnold D, Arnold H, Ashish A, Ashworth A, Ashworth M, Aslani S, Assefa-Kebede H, Atkin C, Atkin P, Aung H, Austin L, Avram C, Ayoub A, Babores M, Baggott R, Bagshaw J, Baguley D, Bailey L, Baillie JK, Bain S, Bakali M, Bakau M, Baldry E, Baldwin D, Ballard C, Banerjee A, Bang B, Barker RE, Barman L, Barratt S, Barrett F, Basire D, Basu N, Bates M, Bates A, Batterham R, Baxendale H, Bayes H, Beadsworth M, Beckett P, Beggs M, Begum M, Bell D, Bell R, Bennett K, Beranova E, Bermperi A, Berridge A, Berry C, Betts S, Bevan E, Bhui K, Bingham M, Birchall K, Bishop L, Bisnauthsing K, Blaikely J, Bloss A, Bolger A, Bonnington J, Botkai A, Bourne C, Bourne M, Bramham K, Brear L, Breen G, Breeze J, Bright E, Brill S, Brindle K, Broad L, Broadley A, Brookes C, Broome M, Brown A, Brown A, Brown J, Brown J, Brown M, Brown M, Brown V, Brugha T, Brunskill N, Buch M, Buckley P, Bularga A, Bullmore E, Burden L, Burdett T, Burn D, Burns G, Burns A, Busby J, Butcher R, Butt A, Byrne S, Cairns P, Calder PC, Calvelo E, Carborn H, Card B, Carr C, Carr L, Carson G, Carter P, Casey A, Cassar M, Cavanagh J, Chablani M, Chambers RC, Chan F, Channon KM, Chapman K, Charalambou A, Chaudhuri N, Checkley A, Chen J, Cheng Y, Chetham L, Childs C, Chilvers ER, Chinoy H, Chiribiri A, Chong-James K, Choudhury N, Chowienczyk P, Christie C, Chrystal M, Clark D, Clark C, Clarke J, Clohisey S, Coakley G, Coburn Z, Coetzee S, Cole J, Coleman C, Conneh F, Connell D, Connolly B, Connor L, Cook A, Cooper B, Cooper J, Cooper S, Copeland D, Cosier T, Coulding M, Coupland C, Cox E, Craig T, Crisp P, Cristiano D, Crooks MG, Cross A, Cruz I, Cullinan P, Cuthbertson D, Daines L, Dalton M, Daly P, Daniels A, Dark P, Dasgin J, David A, David C, Davies E, Davies F, Davies G, Davies GA, Davies K, Dawson J, Daynes E, Deakin B, Deans A, Deas C, Deery J, Defres S, Dell A, Dempsey K, Denneny E, Dennis J, Dewar A, Dharmagunawardena R, Dickens C, Dipper A, Diver S, Diwanji SN, Dixon M, Djukanovic R, Dobson H, Dobson SL, Donaldson A, Dong T, Dormand N, Dougherty A, Dowling R, Drain S, Draxlbauer K, Drury K, Dulawan P, Dunleavy A, Dunn S, Earley J, Edwards S, Edwardson C, El-Taweel H, Elliott A, Elliott K, Ellis Y, Elmer A, Evans D, Evans H, Evans J, Evans R, Evans RI, Evans T, Evenden C, Evison L, Fabbri L, Fairbairn S, Fairman A, Fallon K, Faluyi D, Favager C, Fayzan T, Featherstone J, Felton T, Finch J, Finney S, Finnigan J, Finnigan L, Fisher H, Fletcher S, Flockton R, Flynn M, Foot H, Foote D, Ford A, Forton D, Fraile E, Francis C, Francis R, Francis S, Frankel A, Fraser E, Free R, French N, Fu X, Furniss J, Garner L, Gautam N, George J, George P, Gibbons M, Gill M, Gilmour L, Gleeson F, Glossop J, Glover S, Goodman N, Goodwin C, Gooptu B, Gordon H, Gorsuch T, Greatorex M, Greenhaff PL, Greenhalgh A, Greenwood J, Gregory H, Gregory R, Grieve D, Griffin D, Griffiths L, Guerdette AM, Guillen Guio B, Gummadi M, Gupta A, Gurram S, Guthrie E, Guy Z, H Henson H, Hadley K, Haggar A, Hainey K, Hairsine B, Haldar P, Hall I, Hall L, Halling-Brown M, Hamil R, Hancock A, Hancock K, Hanley NA, Haq S, Hardwick HE, Hardy E, Hardy T, Hargadon B, Harrington K, Harris E, Harrison P, Harvey A, Harvey M, Harvie M, Haslam L, Havinden-Williams M, Hawkes J, Hawkings N, Haworth J, Hayday A, Haynes M, Hazeldine J, Hazelton T, Heeley C, Heeney JL, Heightman M, Henderson M, Hesselden L, Hewitt M, Highett V, Hillman T, Hiwot T, Hoare A, Hoare M, Hockridge J, Hogarth P, Holbourn A, Holden S, Holdsworth L, Holgate D, Holland M, Holloway L, Holmes K, Holmes M, Holroyd-Hind B, Holt L, Hormis A, Hosseini A, Hotopf M, Howard K, Howell A, Hufton E, Hughes AD, Hughes J, Hughes R, Humphries A, Huneke N, Hurditch E, Husain M, Hussell T, Hutchinson J, Ibrahim W, Ilyas F, Ingham J, Ingram L, Ionita D, Isaacs K, Ismail K, Jackson T, James WY, Jarman C, Jarrold I, Jarvis H, Jastrub R, Jayaraman B, Jezzard P, Jiwa K, Johnson C, Johnson S, Johnston D, Jolley CJ, Jones D, Jones G, Jones H, Jones H, Jones I, Jones L, Jones S, Jose S, Kabir T, Kaltsakas G, Kamwa V, Kanellakis N, Kaprowska S, Kausar Z, Keenan N, Kelly S, Kemp G, Kerslake H, Key AL, Khan F, Khunti K, Kilroy S, King B, King C, Kingham L, Kirk J, Kitterick P, Klenerman P, Knibbs L, Knight S, Knighton A, Kon O, Kon S, Kon SS, Koprowska S, Korszun A, Koychev I, Kurasz C, Kurupati P, Laing C, Lamlum H, Landers G, Langenberg C, Lasserson D, Lavelle-Langham L, Lawrie A, Lawson C, Lawson C, Layton A, Lea A, Lee D, Lee JH, Lee E, Leitch K, Lenagh R, Lewis D, Lewis J, Lewis V, Lewis-Burke N, Li X, Light T, Lightstone L, Lilaonitkul W, Lim L, Linford S, Lingford-Hughes A, Lipman M, Liyanage K, Lloyd A, Logan S, Lomas D, Loosley R, Lota H, Lovegrove W, Lucey A, Lukaschuk E, Lye A, Lynch C, MacDonald S, MacGowan G, Macharia I, Mackie J, Macliver L, Madathil S, Madzamba G, Magee N, Magtoto MM, Mairs N, Majeed N, Major E, Malein F, Malim M, Mallison G, Mandal S, Mangion K, Manisty C, Manley R, March K, Marciniak S, Marino P, Mariveles M, Marouzet E, Marsh S, Marshall B, Marshall M, Martin J, Martineau A, Martinez LM, Maskell N, Matila D, Matimba-Mupaya W, Matthews L, Mbuyisa A, McAdoo S, Weir McCall J, McAllister-Williams H, McArdle A, McArdle P, McAulay D, McCormick J, McCormick W, McCourt P, McGarvey L, McGee C, Mcgee K, McGinness J, McGlynn K, McGovern A, McGuinness H, McInnes IB, McIntosh J, McIvor E, McIvor K, McLeavey L, McMahon A, McMahon MJ, McMorrow L, Mcnally T, McNarry M, McNeill J, McQueen A, McShane H, Mears C, Megson C, Megson S, Mehta P, Meiring J, Melling L, Mencias M, Menzies D, Merida Morillas M, Michael A, Milligan L, Miller C, Mills C, Mills NL, Milner L, Misra S, Mitchell J, Mohamed A, Mohamed N, Mohammed S, Molyneaux PL, Monteiro W, Moriera S, Morley A, Morrison L, Morriss R, Morrow A, Moss AJ, Moss P, Motohashi K, Msimanga N, Mukaetova-Ladinska E, Munawar U, Murira J, Nanda U, Nassa H, Nasseri M, Neal A, Needham R, Neill P, Newell H, Newman T, Newton-Cox A, Nicholson T, Nicoll D, Nolan CM, Noonan MJ, Norman C, Novotny P, Nunag J, Nwafor L, Nwanguma U, Nyaboko J, O'Donnell K, O'Brien C, O'Brien L, O'Regan D, Odell N, Ogg G, Olaosebikan O, Oliver C, Omar Z, Orriss-Dib L, Osborne L, Osbourne R, Ostermann M, Overton C, Owen J, Oxton J, Pack J, Pacpaco E, Paddick S, Painter S, Pakzad A, Palmer S, Papineni P, Paques K, Paradowski K, Pareek M, Parfrey H, Pariante C, Parker S, Parkes M, Parmar J, Patale S, Patel B, Patel M, Patel S, Pattenadk D, Pavlides M, Payne S, Pearce L, Pearl JE, Peckham D, Pendlebury J, Peng Y, Pennington C, Peralta I, Perkins E, Peterkin Z, Peto T, Petousi N, Petrie J, Phipps J, Pimm J, Piper Hanley K, Pius R, Plant H, Plein S, Plekhanova T, Plowright M, Polgar O, Poll L, Porter J, Portukhay S, Powell N, Prabhu A, Pratt J, Price A, Price C, Price C, Price D, Price L, Price L, Prickett A, Propescu J, Pugmire S, Quaid S, Quigley J, Qureshi H, Qureshi IN, Radhakrishnan K, Ralser M, Ramos A, Ramos H, Rangeley J, Rangelov B, Ratcliffe L, Ravencroft P, Reddington A, Reddy R, Redfearn H, Redwood D, Reed A, Rees M, Rees T, Regan K, Reynolds W, Ribeiro C, Richards A, Richardson E, Rivera-Ortega P, Roberts K, Robertson E, Robinson E, Robinson L, Roche L, Roddis C, Rodger J, Ross A, Ross G, Rossdale J, Rostron A, Rowe A, Rowland A, Rowland J, Roy K, Roy M, Rudan I, Russell R, Russell E, Saalmink G, Sabit R, Sage EK, Samakomva T, Samani N, Sampson C, Samuel K, Samuel R, Sanderson A, Sapey E, Saralaya D, Sargant J, Sarginson C, Sass T, Sattar N, Saunders K, Saunders P, Saunders LC, Savill H, Saxon W, Sayer A, Schronce J, Schwaeble W, Scott K, Selby N, Sewell TA, Shah K, Shah P, Shankar-Hari M, Sharma M, Sharpe C, Sharpe M, Shashaa S, Shaw A, Shaw K, Shaw V, Shelton S, Shenton L, Shevket K, Short J, Siddique S, Siddiqui S, Sidebottom J, Sigfrid L, Simons G, Simpson J, Simpson N, Singh C, Singh S, Sissons D, Skeemer J, Slack K, Smith A, Smith D, Smith S, Smith J, Smith L, Soares M, Solano TS, Solly R, Solstice AR, Soulsby T, Southern D, Sowter D, Spears M, Spencer LG, Speranza F, Stadon L, Stanel S, Steele N, Steiner M, Stensel D, Stephens G, Stephenson L, Stern M, Stewart I, Stimpson R, Stockdale S, Stockley J, Stoker W, Stone R, Storrar W, Storrie A, Storton K, Stringer E, Strong-Sheldrake S, Stroud N, Subbe C, Sudlow CL, Suleiman Z, Summers C, Summersgill C, Sutherland D, Sykes DL, Sykes R, Talbot N, Tan AL, Tarusan L, Tavoukjian V, Taylor A, Taylor C, Taylor J, Te A, Tedd H, Tee CJ, Teixeira J, Tench H, Terry S, Thackray-Nocera S, Thaivalappil F, Thamu B, Thickett D, Thomas C, Thomas S, Thomas AK, Thomas-Woods T, Thompson T, Thompson AAR, Thornton T, Tilley J, Tinker N, Tiongson GF, Tobin M, Tomlinson J, Tong C, Touyz R, Tripp KA, Tunnicliffe E, Turnbull A, Turner E, Turner S, Turner V, Turner K, Turney S, Turtle L, Turton H, Ugoji J, Ugwuoke R, Upthegrove R, Valabhji J, Ventura M, Vere J, Vickers C, Vinson B, Wade E, Wade P, Wainwright T, Wajero LO, Walder S, Walker S, Walker S, Wall E, Wallis T, Walmsley S, Walsh JA, Walsh S, Warburton L, Ward TJC, Warwick K, Wassall H, Waterson S, Watson E, Watson L, Watson J, Welch C, Welch H, Welsh B, Wessely S, West S, Weston H, Wheeler H, White S, Whitehead V, Whitney J, Whittaker S, Whittam B, Whitworth V, Wight A, Wild J, Wilkins M, Wilkinson D, Williams N, Williams N, Williams J, Williams-Howard SA, Willicombe M, Willis G, Willoughby J, Wilson A, Wilson D, Wilson I, Window N, Witham M, Wolf-Roberts R, Wood C, Woodhead F, Woods J, Wormleighton J, Worsley J, Wraith D, Wrey Brown C, Wright C, Wright L, Wright S, Wyles J, Wynter I, Xu M, Yasmin N, Yasmin S, Yates T, Yip KP, Young B, Young S, Young A, Yousuf AJ, Zawia A, Zeidan L, Zhao B, Zongo O. Clinical characteristics with inflammation profiling of long COVID and association with 1-year recovery following hospitalisation in the UK: a prospective observational study. Lancet Respir Med 2022; 10:761-775. [PMID: 35472304 PMCID: PMC9034855 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(22)00127-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No effective pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions exist for patients with long COVID. We aimed to describe recovery 1 year after hospital discharge for COVID-19, identify factors associated with patient-perceived recovery, and identify potential therapeutic targets by describing the underlying inflammatory profiles of the previously described recovery clusters at 5 months after hospital discharge. METHODS The Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study recruiting adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital with COVID-19 across the UK. Recovery was assessed using patient-reported outcome measures, physical performance, and organ function at 5 months and 1 year after hospital discharge, and stratified by both patient-perceived recovery and recovery cluster. Hierarchical logistic regression modelling was performed for patient-perceived recovery at 1 year. Cluster analysis was done using the clustering large applications k-medoids approach using clinical outcomes at 5 months. Inflammatory protein profiling was analysed from plasma at the 5-month visit. This study is registered on the ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN10980107, and recruitment is ongoing. FINDINGS 2320 participants discharged from hospital between March 7, 2020, and April 18, 2021, were assessed at 5 months after discharge and 807 (32·7%) participants completed both the 5-month and 1-year visits. 279 (35·6%) of these 807 patients were women and 505 (64·4%) were men, with a mean age of 58·7 (SD 12·5) years, and 224 (27·8%) had received invasive mechanical ventilation (WHO class 7-9). The proportion of patients reporting full recovery was unchanged between 5 months (501 [25·5%] of 1965) and 1 year (232 [28·9%] of 804). Factors associated with being less likely to report full recovery at 1 year were female sex (odds ratio 0·68 [95% CI 0·46-0·99]), obesity (0·50 [0·34-0·74]) and invasive mechanical ventilation (0·42 [0·23-0·76]). Cluster analysis (n=1636) corroborated the previously reported four clusters: very severe, severe, moderate with cognitive impairment, and mild, relating to the severity of physical health, mental health, and cognitive impairment at 5 months. We found increased inflammatory mediators of tissue damage and repair in both the very severe and the moderate with cognitive impairment clusters compared with the mild cluster, including IL-6 concentration, which was increased in both comparisons (n=626 participants). We found a substantial deficit in median EQ-5D-5L utility index from before COVID-19 (retrospective assessment; 0·88 [IQR 0·74-1·00]), at 5 months (0·74 [0·64-0·88]) to 1 year (0·75 [0·62-0·88]), with minimal improvements across all outcome measures at 1 year after discharge in the whole cohort and within each of the four clusters. INTERPRETATION The sequelae of a hospital admission with COVID-19 were substantial 1 year after discharge across a range of health domains, with the minority in our cohort feeling fully recovered. Patient-perceived health-related quality of life was reduced at 1 year compared with before hospital admission. Systematic inflammation and obesity are potential treatable traits that warrant further investigation in clinical trials. FUNDING UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.
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Waldron C, Hughes J, Wallace E, Cahir C, Bennett K. Contexts and mechanisms relevant to General Practitioner (GP) based interventions to reduce adverse drug events (ADE) in community dwelling older adults: a rapid realist review. HRB Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13580.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Older adults in Ireland are at increased risk of adverse drug events (ADE) due, in part, to increasing rates of polypharmacy. Interventions to reduce ADE in community dwelling older adults (CDOA) have had limited success, therefore, new approaches are required. A realist review uses a different lens to examine why and how interventions were supposed to work rather than if, they worked. A rapid realist review (RRR) is a more focused and accelerated version. The aim of this RRR is to identify and examine the contexts and mechanisms that play a role in the outcomes relevant to reducing ADE in CDOA in the GP setting that could inform the development of interventions in Ireland. Methods: Six candidate theories (CT) were developed, based on knowledge of the field and recent literature, in relation to how interventions are expected to work. These formed the search strategy. Eighty full texts from 633 abstracts were reviewed, of which 27 were included. Snowballing added a further five articles, relevant policy documents increased the total number to 45. Data were extracted relevant to the theories under iteratively developed sub-themes using NVivo software. Results: Of the six theories, three theories, relating to GP engagement in interventions, relevance of health policy documents for older adults, and shared decision-making, provided data to guide future interventions to reduce ADEs for CDOA in an Irish setting. There was insufficient data for two theories, a third was rejected as existing barriers in the Irish setting made it impractical to use. Conclusions: To improve the success of Irish GP based interventions to reduce ADEs for CDOA, interventions must be relevant and easily applied in practice, supported by national policy and be adequately resourced. Future research is required to test our theories within a newly developed intervention.
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Myers CL, Waldron C, Bennett K, Cahir C. Abstract 5276: COVID-19 and breast cancer care in Ireland: A qualitative study to explore the perspective of breast cancer patients on their health and health care. Cancer Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-5276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
COVID-19 has heightened social inequalities, particularly for those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, and health services for NCDs have been significantly disrupted. Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer for women in Ireland, and the impact of the pandemic on BC care needs to be established. The purpose of this study is to explore the health care experience of women with BC during the pandemic and to investigate whether these experiences vary based on social determinants of health (SDH).
The study included semi-structured qualitative interviews with 37 women who had previously participated in a related quantitative study. Individuals were selected through stratified purposive sampling to ensure data was available on information-rich cases based on SDH. Interviews were conducted in early 2021 and thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software.
Three major themes, with additional subthemes, emerged from analysis: breast cancer services; breast cancer support and communication; and mental well-being. There were differences in women’s experiences within the themes that were dependent upon the SDH, including socio-economic status (SES), region, and time since diagnosis. For example, most women experienced disrupted BC services throughout the pandemic, but disruptions were more severe for women of lower SES. Table 1 provides quotation examples as evidence for these different experiences.
The pandemic has impacted women with BC considerably, but the impact differed by social inequalities and time of diagnosis. This study highlights areas for improvement in the context of BC care in Ireland and the findings will inform further policy and practice.
Table 1. General experiences and variation of experience based on SDH for women receiving BC services during COVID-19 Diagnostic/screening services Active treatment services Post-treatment services General experiences “I felt a lump… so I went to my own GP. She saw me and she faxed a letter straight into [cancer centre]. Within a week, I was in [cancer centre] having seen the doctors and then followed on with biopsies and mammograms.” “Well, it was a stressful period of time because I felt it was growing. And I couldn''t do anything about it. And the hospitals weren''t really taking patients… But eventually I got called again into the… clinic. I had my operation there.” “…the safety net of going in and being told this is all normal, you’re okay. And yeah, that’s gone, even though I know I can pick up the phone if I want to. But it’s not the same.” Experience based on SDH “What happened was… I got an appointment sent out for October. And I phoned them and they said to me look, there’s probably other women that met the criteria, that needed the mammogram before me.” (low SES) “I’d wait for three months or such time until COVID was over… before he would do anything. And I, at that time, I just said “no, I can’t wait that long, that’s too long.” (low SES) “I haven''t had an MRI in about a year and I meant to be getting them every six months. So then when I did, [the lump] just showed up.” (low SES)
Citation Format: Charlotte L. Myers, Catherine Waldron, Kathleen Bennett, Caitriona Cahir. COVID-19 and breast cancer care in Ireland: A qualitative study to explore the perspective of breast cancer patients on their health and health care [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5276.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a multidimensional interdisciplinary diagnostic process focused on determining an older person's medical, psychological and functional capability in order to develop a co-ordinated and integrated care plan. CGA is not limited simply to assessment, but also directs a holistic management plan for older people, which leads to tangible interventions. While there is established evidence that CGA reduces the likelihood of death and disability in acutely unwell older people, the effectiveness of CGA for community-dwelling, frail, older people at risk of poor health outcomes is less clear. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of CGA for community-dwelling, frail, older adults at risk of poor health outcomes in terms of mortality, nursing home admission, hospital admission, emergency department visits, serious adverse events, functional status, quality of life and resource use, when compared to usual care. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, three trials registers (WHO ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov and McMaster Aging Portal) and grey literature up to April 2020; we also checked reference lists and contacted study authors. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised trials that compared CGA for community-dwelling, frail, older people at risk of poor healthcare outcomes to usual care in the community. Older people were defined as 'at risk' either by being frail or having another risk factor associated with poor health outcomes. Frailty was defined as a vulnerability to sudden health state changes triggered by relatively minor stressor events, placing the individual at risk of poor health outcomes, and was measured using objective screening tools. Primary outcomes of interest were death, nursing home admission, unplanned hospital admission, emergency department visits and serious adverse events. CGA was delivered by a team with specific gerontological training/expertise in the participant's home (domiciliary Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (dCGA)) or other sites such as a general practice or community clinic (community Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (cCGA)). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted study characteristics (methods, participants, intervention, outcomes, notes) using standardised data collection forms adapted from the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) data collection form. Two review authors independently assessed the risk of bias for each included study and used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence for outcomes of interest. MAIN RESULTS We included 21 studies involving 7893 participants across 10 countries and four continents. Regarding selection bias, 12/21 studies used random sequence generation, while 9/21 used allocation concealment. In terms of performance bias, none of the studies were able to blind participants and personnel due to the nature of the intervention, while 14/21 had a blinded outcome assessment. Eighteen studies were at low risk of attrition bias, and risk of reporting bias was low in 7/21 studies. Fourteen studies were at low risk of bias in terms of differences of baseline characteristics. Three studies were at low risk of bias across all domains (accepting that it was not possible to blind participants and personnel to the intervention). CGA probably leads to little or no difference in mortality during a median follow-up of 12 months (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76 to 1.02; 18 studies, 7151 participants (adjusted for clustering); moderate-certainty evidence). CGA results in little or no difference in nursing home admissions during a median follow-up of 12 months (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.14; 13 studies, 4206 participants (adjusted for clustering); high-certainty evidence). CGA may decrease the risk of unplanned hospital admissions during a median follow-up of 14 months (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.99; 6 studies, 1716 participants (adjusted for clustering); low-certainty evidence). The effect of CGA on emergency department visits is uncertain and evidence was very low certainty (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.59; 3 studies, 873 participants (adjusted for clustering)). Only two studies (1380 participants; adjusted for clustering) reported serious adverse events (falls) with no impact on the risk; however, evidence was very low certainty (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.17). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS CGA had no impact on death or nursing home admission. There is low-certainty evidence that community-dwelling, frail, older people who undergo CGA may have a reduced risk of unplanned hospital admission. Further studies examining the effect of CGA on emergency department visits and change in function and quality of life using standardised assessments are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Briggs
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anna McDonough
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Graham Ellis
- Medicine for the Elderly, Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, UK
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Desmond O'Neill
- Centre for Ageing, Neuroscience and the Humanities, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Robinson
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Algeo N, Bennett K, Connolly D. Breast cancer survivorship and employment in Ireland: Legislative systems and the return to work of women with breast cancer. Work 2022; 71:927-939. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-205044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in females worldwide. While work is important for well-being, 84% of women in Ireland temporarily or permanently cease working up to six months post-breast cancer diagnosis. Under Irish law, there is a right to reasonable work accommodations, however paid sick leave has only recently been state-mandated. Legislation internationally varies across nations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of women who have had breast cancer returning to, and/or remaining in work, in the context of employment legislation. METHODS: Fifteen women with breast cancer, fifteen healthcare professionals, and nine employers nationwide participated in a qualitative-descriptive design, using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and data analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants were recruited. A prominent theme from interviews was that most women with breast cancer and healthcare professional cohorts were not aware of employment rights in the context of cancer diagnoses. This is in contrast to employers. Experiences of sick leave and pay entitlements varied amongst women with breast cancer with financial pressure and expediated the return to work evident for some participants. Most women did not report any discrimination on returning to the workplace, although there were examples of indirect discrimination where unfair expectations were being placed on women by colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Education and awareness on employment rights and entitlements during and after cancer treatment is warranted. This could be incorporated into work-focused interventions to support those living with and beyond cancer to transition back into the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Algeo
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Connolly
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Miller IS, Khan S, Shiels LP, Das S, O' Farrell AC, Connor K, Lafferty A, Moran B, Isella C, Loadman P, Conroy E, Cohrs S, Schibli R, Kerbel RS, Gallagher WM, Marangoni E, Bennett K, O' Connor DP, Dwyer RM, Byrne AT. Implementing subtype-specific pre-clinical models of breast cancer to study pre-treatment aspirin effects. Cancer Med 2022; 11:3820-3836. [PMID: 35434898 PMCID: PMC9582689 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgorund Prior data suggest pre‐diagnostic aspirin use impacts breast tumour biology and patient outcome. Here, we employed faithful surgical resection models of HER2+ and triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), to study outcome and response mechanisms across breast cancer subtypes. Method NOD/SCID mice were implanted with HER2+ MDA‐MB‐231/LN/2‐4/H2N, trastuzumab‐resistant HER2+ HCC1954 or a TNBC patient‐derived xenograft (PDX). A daily low‐dose aspirin regimen commenced until primary tumours reached ~250 mm3 and subsequently resected. MDA‐MB‐231/LN/2‐4/H2N mice were monitored for metastasis utilising imaging. To interrogate the survival benefit of pre‐treatment aspirin, 3 weeks post‐resection, HCC1954/TNBC animals received standard‐of‐care (SOC) chemotherapy for 6 weeks. Primary tumour response to aspirin was interrogated using immunohistochemistry. Results Aspirin delayed time to metastasis in MDA‐MB‐231/LN/2‐4/H2N xenografts and decreased growth of HER2+/TNBC primary tumours. Lymphangiogenic factors and lymph vessels number were decreased in HER2+ tumours. However, no survival benefit was seen in aspirin pre‐treated animals (HCC1954/TNBC) that further received adjuvant SOC, compared with animals treated with SOC alone. In an effort to study mechanisms responsible for the observed reduction in lymphangiogenesis in HER2+ BC we utilised an in vitro co‐culture system of HCC1954 tumour cells and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). Aspirin abrogated the secretion of VEGF‐C in MSCs and also decreased the lymph/angiogenic potential of the MSCs and HCC1954 by tubule formation assay. Furthermore, aspirin decreased the secretion of uPA in HCC1954 cells potentially diminishing its metastatic capability. Conclusion Our data employing clinically relevant models demonstrate that aspirin alters breast tumour biology. However, aspirin may not represent a robust chemo‐preventative agent in the HER2+ or TNBC setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian S Miller
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland.,National Preclinical Imaging Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sonja Khan
- Discipline of Surgery, The Lambe Institute for Translational Research, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Liam P Shiels
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sudipto Das
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St Stepehen's Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alice C O' Farrell
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kate Connor
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adam Lafferty
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bruce Moran
- UCD School of Bimolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Claudio Isella
- Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paul Loadman
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Emer Conroy
- UCD School of Bimolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Susan Cohrs
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Roger Schibli
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Robert S Kerbel
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - William M Gallagher
- UCD School of Bimolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elisabetta Marangoni
- Translational Research Department, Institute Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Division of Population Health Science, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darran P O' Connor
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St Stepehen's Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Róisín M Dwyer
- Discipline of Surgery, The Lambe Institute for Translational Research, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Annette T Byrne
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland.,National Preclinical Imaging Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Bimolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Murphy M, Bennett K, Hughes C, Cadogan CA. Potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults with cancer receiving specialist palliative care: a retrospective analysis of medical records. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riac021.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Older adults (≥65 years) with cancer often have existing comorbidities requiring multiple medications (1). Optimising medications in palliative care requires clinicians to consider whether each medication is appropriate in relation to patients’ context, treatment goals and life expectancy. The reported prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) in general palliative care settings ranges from 15 to 92% (2). However, the application of tools that are specific to populations with limited life expectancy has been lacking in previous research (2).
Aim
To describe and assess the appropriateness of prescribing practices for older adults with cancer in the last seven days of life in an inpatient palliative care setting.
Methods
This was a retrospective observational study of medical records for older adults (≥65 years) with cancer who received inpatient specialist palliative care services in a hospice setting in Ireland in the final week of life over a two-year period. Data were extracted relating to patient demographics and prescribed medications using an electronic pro-forma. Medication appropriateness was assessed using the following tools: STOPPFrail (Version 2; consists of 25 deprescribing criteria for use in frail older adults with limited life expectancy), the OncPal deprescribing guideline (consists of eight medication classes for deprescribing in palliative patients with cancer) and criteria for identifying Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing in older adults with Cancer receiving Palliative Care (PIP-CPC; consists of 24 criteria for identifying potentially inappropriate prescribing of medications for symptomatic relief in older adults with cancer). These tools were retrospectively applied to the extracted data by the lead researcher. Data were analysed (Stata, Version 15) using descriptive statistics, including means (standard deviation, SD), medians (inter-quartile range, IQR) and frequency and percentage.
Results
One hundred and eighty older adults with cancer were included in this study. The majority were male (60.6%) and the median age was 74 years (range 65-94 years). The most common primary cancer diagnoses affected the digestive organs (31.7%), respiratory and intrathoracic organs (18.8%) and male genital organs (10%). Almost all patients (94.5%) had at least one comorbid condition (median 3, IQR 2-5). The median number of medications increased from five (IQR 3-7) seven days before death, to 11 medications on the day of death (IQR 9-15). The most prevalent drug classes were opioids, antipsychotics, antispasmodics, benzodiazepines and paracetamol. More than half of patients had at least one PIP identified by the tools (n=97, 53.9%). The identified prevalence of PIP per tool in the patient cohort was: STOPPFrail V2 (20.6%), OncPal (12.7%), PIP-CPC (32.8%). However, several criteria could not be applied due to the absence of clinical information.
Conclusion
This study highlights that the number of medications prescribed to older adults with cancer increased as time to death approached, and that more than half of patients received at least one medication which was considered potentially inappropriate during their last week of life. The absence of electronic prescribing records and retrospective nature of the study limited the applicability of some criteria. Interventions are needed to optimise medication prescribing and use in palliative care settings.
References
(1) Sharma M, Loh KP, Nightingale G, Mohile SG, Holmes HM. Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication use in geriatric oncology. J Geriatr Oncol. 2016;7(5):346-53.
(2) Cadogan CA, Murphy M, Boland M, Bennett K, McLean S, Hughes C. Prescribing practices, patterns, and potential harms in patients receiving palliative care: A systematic scoping review. Expl Res Clinic Soc Pharm. 2021;1(3):100050.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Murphy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - K Bennett
- Data Science Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - C A Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Hughes JE, Buckley N, Looney Y, Curran S, Mullooly M, Bennett K. Valproate utilisation trends among women of child‐bearing potential in Ireland between 2014 and 2019: a drug utilisation study using interrupted time series. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2022; 31:661-669. [PMID: 35285110 PMCID: PMC9315025 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to examine trends in valproate use among women of childbearing potential (WCBP) aged 16–44 years in Ireland following two European‐directed regulatory interventions in December 2014 and April 2018. Methods This was a repeated cross‐sectional study using monthly national pharmacy claims data, to examine trend changes in the prevalence of valproate use among WCBP pre and post two separate regulatory events in December 2014 and April 2018. Annual population estimates from the Central Statistics Office were used to calculate the prevalence rate per 1000 eligible women. Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series with negative binomial regression was used to examine rates for WCBP aged 16–44 years, and by 10‐year age groups. Prevalence ratios (PR) are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Among WCBP aged 16–44 years, there was no statistically significant change in the month‐to‐month prevalence ratio in the post‐ compared to pre‐December 2014 intervention period. A significant decline was, however, observed in the post‐, compared to pre‐April 2018 intervention period (PR = 0.998, [95% CIs: 0.996, 1.000]; p = 0.029). Among those aged 16–24 years, a significant decreasing trend in the month‐to‐month prevalence ratio was found in the post‐ compared to pre‐December 2014 intervention period (PR = 0.991, [95% CIs: 0.984, 0.998];p <0.01). A marginal effect was observed in the post‐ compared to pre‐April 2018 intervention period for those aged 25–34 years (PR = 0.996, [95% CIs: 0.992, 1.000]; p = 0.048). Conclusion Although no evidence of change was observed following the December 2014 intervention period, a significant decline in the prevalence ratio of valproate use was observed after the 2018 intervention, which may reflect the introduction of the most recent contraindication measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Hughes
- Division of Population Health Sciences Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Dublin Ireland
| | - Niamh Buckley
- Health Products Regulatory Authority, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2 Ireland
| | - Yvonne Looney
- Health Products Regulatory Authority, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2 Ireland
| | - Sinead Curran
- Health Products Regulatory Authority, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2 Ireland
| | - Maeve Mullooly
- Division of Population Health Sciences Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Dublin Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Division of Population Health Sciences Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Dublin Ireland
- RCSI Data Science Centre, Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin 2 Ireland
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Moriarty F, Bennett K, Fahey T. Opioid and analgesic utilization in Ireland in 2000 and 2015: A repeated cross-sectional study. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 10:e00899. [PMID: 34913613 PMCID: PMC8675152 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, opioid use has increased internationally and is a major public health concern. This study aims to characterize changes in opioid and other analgesic prescribing in Ireland over a 15‐year period (2000–2015). This is a repeated cross‐sectional study of administrative pharmacy claims data in 2000 and 2015. Individuals of all ages in Ireland's Eastern Health Board region who were eligible for the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme were included. This scheme covers 40% of the population, mostly those on lower incomes and older people. The primary outcome was dispensing of opioids, both prevalence of any use and rate per 1000 GMS eligible population (standardized to the 2015 population). Logistic regression was used to assess odds of opioid dispensing in 2015 versus 2000, controlling for demographic differences. The eligible study population was 364 436 in 2000 and 523 653 in 2015. In 2000, 19.4% of the eligible population had at least one opioid dispensing compared to 20.8% in 2015. The rate increased from 671 to 1098 dispensings per 1000 population. The increase was highest in the dispensing rates of codeine, tramadol, oxycodone, buprenorphine, and fentanyl. Compared to 2000, there was higher odds in 2015 of being dispensed a strong opioid (adjusted odds ratio 2.0, 95%CI 1.97–2.04) or long‐acting formulation (3.75, 95%CI 3.58–3.92). Increased prescribing of opioids, particularly strong opioids, between 2000 and 2015 is evident in Ireland. This is concerning due to the potential for misuse, and opioid‐related morbidity/mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Moriarty
- HRB Centre for Primary Care Research, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tom Fahey
- HRB Centre for Primary Care Research, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Sexton E, Hickey A, Williams DJ, Horgan F, Byrne E, Macey C, Cuffe P, Timmons S, Collins R, Bennett K. Identifying priority interventions for stroke in Ireland through stakeholder engagement to inform population-based modelling: a mixed methods protocol. HRB Open Res 2021; 4:109. [PMID: 38567097 PMCID: PMC10985459 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13413.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Improvements in stroke survival have resulted in increasing numbers of people living with stroke, and with a rapidly evolving evidence-base for stroke prevention and management, there is a need for robust data and evidence to inform future policy decision-making. Population-based modelling and economic evaluation of alternative policy options is a useful tool to support decision making. However, this process must be aligned to key stakeholder priorities. The aim of the proposed research is to engage with stakeholders in Ireland to identify their priorities for the development of stroke prevention and management strategies and policies. Methods The design is iterative, based on mixed methods. Phase 1 involves a qualitative approach for initial priority gathering, based on an open-ended online survey (target sample: 100-120) and interviews (target sample: 34-40). Stakeholders will include: 1) stroke survivors and family member/main carers, 2) healthcare professionals (HCPs) providing stroke care and 3) people working in stroke research, policy and advocacy. These data will be analysed qualitatively, with the aim of identifying a long-list of specific interventions. Phase 2 involves an interim priority-setting exercise, based on a quantitative online survey. Participants will be asked to rank the interventions on the initial long-list. These rankings will be used to inform a final priority-setting workshop (Phase 3), where a small stakeholder group will decide on the final set of priorities. Discussion The rich and detailed quantitative and qualitative data, based on the views of diverse stakeholders, will be directly relevant to policy makers and service planners involved in developing and improving stroke care in Ireland. The information provided will also be essential to inform the Scenario and Intervention Modelling in Ireland for Stroke (SIMI-Stroke) project, a population-based economic and epidemiological modelling study aimed at identifying cost-effective interventions for stroke across the prevention, acute and post-acute care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eithne Sexton
- Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Hickey
- Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J. Williams
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - F. Horgan
- School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elaine Byrne
- Graduate School of Healthcare Management, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Padraic Cuffe
- Irish Heart Foundation, Dublin, Ireland
- Patient collaborator, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Timmons
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Dementia Office, Health Service Executive, Tullamore, Co Offaly, Ireland
| | - Rónán Collins
- National Clinical Programme for Stroke, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
- Age-Related Health Care and Stroke Service, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - K. Bennett
- Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Power S, Biondi A, Saatci I, Bennett K, Mahadevan J, Januel AC, Singhara Na Ayudhaya SP, Agid R. Women in neurointervention, a gender gap? Results of a prospective online survey. Interv Neuroradiol 2021; 28:311-322. [PMID: 34516279 DOI: 10.1177/15910199211030783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Women's representation in medicine has increased over time yet the proportion of women practicing neurointervention remains low. We conducted an anonymous online survey through which we could explore the gender gap in neurointervention, identify potential issues, difficulties, or obstacles women might face, and evaluate if men encounter similar issues. METHODS An online questionnaire was designed in SurveyMonkey®. Invitation to participate was emailed through national and international neurointerventional societies as well as directly through private mailing lists to men and women working in neurointervention. Responses were collected from 10 May 2019 to 10 September 2019. RESULTS There were 295 complete responses, 173 (59%) male and 122 (41%) female. Most respondents (83%) fell within age categories 35-60 years, with representation from 40 countries across five continents. In all 95% were working full time, 73% had worked as a neurointerventionalist for >6 years, 77% worked in University-affiliated teaching institutions. Almost half of the respondents indicated no female neurointerventionalist worked in their center. Female respondents were younger and age-adjusted analysis was undertaken. Significantly fewer females than males were married and had children. Significantly fewer females held supervisory roles, held academic titles, and significantly less had a mentor. Females were less satisfied in their careers. More females felt they receive less recognition than colleagues of the opposite sex. Males had a greater proportion of work time dedicated to neurointervention. Similar proportions of both genders experienced bullying in work (40%-47%); however, sexual harassment was more common for females. There were no differences between genders in how they dealt with complications or their effects on mental well-being. CONCLUSION There are many potential reasons why women are underrepresented in neurointervention, however, the literature suggests this is not unique to our specialty. Multiple long-term strategies will be necessary to address these issues, some of which are discussed in the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Power
- Department of Radiology, 57978Beaumont Hospital, Ireland
| | - Alessandra Biondi
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Besançon University Hospital, France.,School of Medicine, 27000Franche Comté University, France
| | - Isil Saatci
- Interventional Neuroradiology Section, Koru Hospitals, Turkey
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, 8863Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Ireland
| | | | - Anne Christine Januel
- Service de Neuroradiologie Interventionnelle, 36760Hôpital Universitaire de Toulouse, France
| | | | - Ronit Agid
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto Western Hospital, Canada.,7938The University of Toronto, Canada
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Sexton E, Donnelly NA, Merriman NA, Hickey A, Wren MA, O'Flaherty M, Bandosz P, Guzman-Castillo M, Williams DJ, Horgan F, Pender N, Feeney J, de Looze C, Kenny RA, Kelly P, Bennett K. StrokeCog Markov Model: Projected Prevalent and Incident Cases of Stroke and Poststroke Cognitive Impairment to 2035 in Ireland. Stroke 2021; 52:3961-3969. [PMID: 34496624 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.034005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) and dementia are common stroke outcomes, with significant health and societal implications for aging populations. These outcomes are not included in current epidemiological models. We aimed to develop an epidemiological model to project incidence and prevalence of stroke, poststroke CIND and dementia, and life expectancy, in Ireland to 2035, informing policy and service planning. METHODS We developed a probabilistic Markov model (the StrokeCog model) applied to the Irish population aged 40 to 89 years to 2035. Data sources included official population and hospital-episode statistics, longitudinal cohort studies, and published estimates. Key assumptions were varied in sensitivity analysis. Results were externally validated against independent sources. The model tracks poststroke progression into health states characterized by no cognitive impairment, CIND, dementia, disability, stroke recurrence, and death. RESULTS We projected 69 051 people with prevalent stroke in Ireland in 2035 (22.0 per 1000 population [95% CI, 20.8-23.1]), with 25 274 (8.0 per 1000 population [95% CI, 7.1-9.0]) of those projected to have poststroke CIND, and 12 442 having poststroke dementia (4.0 per 1000 population [95% CI, 3.2-4.8]). We projected 8725 annual incident strokes in 2035 (2.8 per 1000 population [95% CI, 2.7-2.9]), with 3832 of these having CIND (1.2 per 1000 population [95% CI, 1.1-1.3]), and 1715 with dementia (0.5 per 1000 population [95% CI, 0.5-0.6]). Life expectancy for stroke survivors at age 50 was 23.4 years (95% CI, 22.3-24.5) for women and 20.7 (95% CI, 19.5-21.9) for men. CONCLUSIONS This novel epidemiological model of stroke, poststroke CIND, and dementia draws on the best available evidence. Sensitivity analysis indicated that findings were robust to assumptions, and where there was uncertainty a conservative approach was taken. The StrokeCog model is a useful tool for service planning and cost-effectiveness analysis and is available for adaptation to other national contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eithne Sexton
- Division of Population Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland (E.S., N.A.M., A.H., N.P., K.B.)
| | - Nora-Ann Donnelly
- Social Research Division, Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland (N.A.D., M.A.W.)
| | - Niamh A Merriman
- Division of Population Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland (E.S., N.A.M., A.H., N.P., K.B.)
| | - Anne Hickey
- Division of Population Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland (E.S., N.A.M., A.H., N.P., K.B.)
| | - Maev-Ann Wren
- Social Research Division, Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland (N.A.D., M.A.W.)
| | - Martin O'Flaherty
- Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom (M.O., P.B., M.G.-C.)
| | - Piotr Bandosz
- Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom (M.O., P.B., M.G.-C.).,Department of Prevention and Medical Education, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland (P.B.)
| | - Maria Guzman-Castillo
- Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom (M.O., P.B., M.G.-C.).,Department of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finaland (M.G.-C.)
| | - David J Williams
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland (D.W.)
| | - Frances Horgan
- School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland (F.H.)
| | - Niall Pender
- Division of Population Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland (E.S., N.A.M., A.H., N.P., K.B.).,Department of Psychology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (N.P.)
| | - Joanne Feeney
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (J.F., C.d.L., R.A.K.)
| | - Céline de Looze
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (J.F., C.d.L., R.A.K.)
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (J.F., C.d.L., R.A.K.).,Department of Medical Gerontology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (R.A.K.)
| | - Peter Kelly
- Mater University Hospital/University College Dublin, Ireland (P.K.)
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Division of Population Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland (E.S., N.A.M., A.H., N.P., K.B.)
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Scott RHH, Glize K, Antonelli L, Khan M, Theobald W, Wei M, Betti R, Stoeckl C, Seaton AG, Arber TD, Barlow D, Goffrey T, Bennett K, Garbett W, Atzeni S, Casner A, Batani D, Li C, Woolsey N. Shock Ignition Laser-Plasma Interactions in Ignition-Scale Plasmas. Phys Rev Lett 2021; 127:065001. [PMID: 34420313 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.065001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We use a subignition scale laser, the 30 kJ Omega, and a novel shallow-cone target to study laser-plasma interactions at the ablation-plasma density scale lengths and laser intensities anticipated for direct drive shock-ignition implosions at National Ignition Facility scale. Our results show that, under these conditions, the dominant instability is convective stimulated Raman scatter with experimental evidence of two plasmon decay (TPD) only when the density scale length is reduced. Particle-in-cell simulations indicate this is due to TPD being shifted to lower densities, removing the experimental back-scatter signature and reducing the hot-electron temperature. The experimental laser energy-coupling to hot electrons was found to be 1%-2.5%, with electron temperatures between 35 and 45 keV. Radiation-hydrodynamics simulations employing these hot-electron characteristics indicate that they should not preheat the fuel in MJ-scale shock ignition experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H H Scott
- Central Laser Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Oxfordshire OX11 OQX, United Kingdom
| | - K Glize
- Central Laser Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Oxfordshire OX11 OQX, United Kingdom
| | - L Antonelli
- York Plasma Institute, Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - M Khan
- York Plasma Institute, Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - W Theobald
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - M Wei
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - R Betti
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - C Stoeckl
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - A G Seaton
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
| | - T D Arber
- University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - D Barlow
- University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - T Goffrey
- University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - K Bennett
- University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - W Garbett
- AWE, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PR, United Kingdom
| | - S Atzeni
- Dipartimento SBAI, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma 00161, Italy
| | - A Casner
- CELIA, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux F-33405, France
| | - D Batani
- CELIA, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux F-33405, France
| | - C Li
- MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - N Woolsey
- York Plasma Institute, Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
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Algeo N, Bennett K, Connolly D. Rehabilitation interventions to support return to work for women with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:895. [PMID: 34353286 PMCID: PMC8340442 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08613-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research recommends the development and evaluation of interventions to support women with breast cancer in returning to, or managing, work. Despite this, there has historically been a paucity of rehabilitation interventions to support women with breast cancer to maintain or return to their work role. The aim of this systematic review was to examine key characteristics of rehabilitation interventions, and their effectiveness on work outcomes for women with breast cancer, compared to usual care. Methods A systematic review was conducted of controlled studies of rehabilitation interventions with work outcomes for women with breast cancer. Six databases were systematically searched: EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Results are presented either as pooled odds ratio (OR) or pooled effect size (hedges g) between groups, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Narrative synthesis was conducted on intervention outcomes not suitable for meta-analysis. Results Five thousand, five hundred and thirty-five studies were identified. Nine out of 28 abstracts met inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes precluded meta-analysis for most outcomes. Of the interventions included in meta-analysis, no significant differences compared to usual care were found for sick leave (2 studies (12 months); OR 1.11 (95% CI: 0.66 to 1.87), number of sick days taken (2 studies (six months); difference in effect: − 0.08, (95% CI: − 0.48 to 0.38) or working hours (2 studies (12 months); 0.19, (95% CI: − 0.20 to 0.64). Only one study, with a multidisciplinary intervention, showed a significant difference for work outcomes when compared to usual care. Work-specific content featured in three interventions only, none of which provided conclusive evidence for improvement in work outcomes. Enhanced physical and psychological sequalae, and quality of life was observed in some studies. Conclusion There remains a lack of effective and methodologically rigorous rehabilitation intervention studies for breast cancer survivors. The development and evaluation of effective rehabilitation interventions to support return to work is warranted. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08613-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Algeo
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Connolly
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Cadogan CA, Murphy M, McLean S, Bennett K, Hughes CM. Development of criteria for identifying potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults with cancer receiving palliative care (PIP-CPC). J Geriatr Oncol 2021; 12:1193-1199. [PMID: 34144924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop criteria for identifying potentially inappropriate prescribing of medications for symptomatic relief in older adults (≥65 years) with cancer who are receiving palliative care and have an estimated life expectancy of <1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS A two-round Delphi exercise was conducted using web-based questionnaires. A panel of 18 expert stakeholders with expertise in palliative care, oncology and/or geriatric medicine across Ireland and the United Kingdom rated their level of agreement with each statement using a 5-point Likert scale and had the option of adding free-text comments throughout the questionnaire. A priori decision rules were used to accept or reject criteria. RESULTS Twenty-eight criteria were presented in Round 1. Group consensus was achieved for 15 criteria which were included in the final set of criteria. Following a review of the panel's ratings and additional comments for the remaining 13 criteria, four criteria were removed from Round 2. Group consensus was achieved for all nine criteria included in Round 2. The final set comprised 24 criteria relating to: anorexia-cachexia (n = 1); anxiety (n = 2); constipation (n = 5); delirium (n = 1); depression (n = 3); diarrhoea (n = 1); dyspnoea/breathlessness (n = 1); fatigue (n = 2); insomnia (n = 2); nausea and vomiting (n = 2); pain (n = 3); duplicate drug classes (n = 1). CONCLUSION A consensus-agreed set of prescribing criteria has been developed for identifying potentially inappropriate prescribing of medications for symptomatic relief in older adults with cancer who are receiving palliative care and have an estimated life expectancy of less than one year. Future studies should examine the application and validity of these criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathal A Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Melanie Murphy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah McLean
- St Vincent's Private Hospital, Merrion Road, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Carmel M Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Murphy M, Bennett K, Ryan S, Hughes CM, Lavan AH, Cadogan CA. A systematic scoping review of interventions to optimise medication prescribing and adherence in older adults with cancer. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 18:2392-2402. [PMID: 33903064 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults with cancer often require multiple medications (polypharmacy) comprising cancer-specific treatments, supportive care medications (e.g. analgesics), and medications for pre-existing health conditions. Increasing numbers of medications may increase risks of potentially inappropriate prescribing and non-adherence. OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of evaluations of interventions aimed at optimising medication prescribing and/or adherence in older adults with cancer. METHODS A systematic scoping review was undertaken. Four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were searched using relevant search terms (e.g. cancer, older adults). Eligible studies evaluated interventions seeking to improve medication prescribing and/or adherence in older adults (≥65 years) with cancer using a comparative evaluation. All outcomes for studies that met inclusion criteria were included in the review. Extracted data were collated using tables and accompanying narrative descriptive summaries. The review was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. RESULTS Nine studies met inclusion criteria comprising five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and four before-and-after study designs. Studies were primarily conducted in oncology clinics, ranging from single study sites to 109 oncology clinics. Sample sizes ranged between 33 and 4844 patients. Interventions most commonly involved patient education (n = 6) delivered by pharmacists or nurses. Three studies reported on prescribing-related outcomes and seven studies reported on adherence-related outcomes, using different terminology and assessment methods. Prescribing-related outcomes focused on medication appropriateness (using Beers criteria) and drug-related problems including drug interactions. Adherence-related outcomes included assessments of self-reported medication adherence and calculation of patients' medication possession ratio. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review highlights a lack of robust evaluations of interventions aimed at optimising medication prescribing and adherence in older adults with cancer. Future research should improve rigour during intervention development, evaluation and reporting in order to generate findings that could inform future practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Murphy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Population Health Sciences Division, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; Data Science Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Ryan
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Carmel M Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda H Lavan
- Department of Medicine for the Elderly, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cathal A Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Murphy M, Bennett K, Ryan S, Hughes C, Lavan A, Cadogan C. Interventions to optimise medication prescribing and adherence in older people with cancer: A systematic scoping review. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riab015.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Older adults with cancer often require multiple medications (polypharmacy) comprising cancer-specific treatments, supportive care medications (e.g. analgesics) and medications for pre-existing conditions. The reported prevalence of polypharmacy in older adults with cancer ranges from 13–92% (1). Increasing numbers of medications pose risks of potentially inappropriate prescribing and medication non-adherence.
Aim
The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of evaluations of interventions to optimise medication prescribing and/or adherence in older adults with cancer, with a particular focus on the interventions, study populations and outcome measures that have been assessed in previous evaluations.
Methods
Four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were searched from inception to 29th November 2019 using relevant search terms (e.g. cancer, older adults, prescribing, adherence). Eligible studies evaluated interventions seeking to improve medication prescribing and/or adherence in older adults (≥65 years) with an active cancer diagnosis using a comparative evaluation (e.g. inclusion of a control group). All outcomes for studies that met inclusion criteria were included in the review. Two reviewers independently screened relevant abstracts for inclusion and performed data extraction. As a scoping review aims to provide a broad overview of existing literature, formal assessments of methodological quality of included studies were not undertaken. Extracted data were collated using tables and accompanying narrative descriptive summaries. The review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines (2).
Results
The electronic searches yielded 21,136 citations (Figure 1). Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Included studies consisted of five randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including one cluster RCT, and four before-and-after study designs. Studies were primarily conducted in oncology clinics, ranging from single study sites to 109 oncology clinics. Sample sizes ranged from 33 to 4844 patients. All studies had a sample population with a mean/median age of ≥65 years, however, only two studies focused specifically on older populations. Interventions most commonly involved patient education (n=6), and were delivered by pharmacists or nurses. Five studies referred to the intervention development process and no studies reported any theoretical underpinning. Three studies reported on prescribing-related outcomes and seven studies reported on adherence-related outcomes, using different terminology and a range of assessments. Prescribing-related outcomes comprised assessments of medication appropriateness (using Beers criteria), drug-related problems and drug interactions. Adherence-related outcomes included assessments of self-reported medication adherence and calculation of patients’ medication possession ratio.
Conclusion
The main strength of this scoping review is that it provides a broad overview of the existing literature on interventions aimed at optimising medication prescribing and adherence in older adults with cancer. The review highlights a lack of robust studies specifically targeting this patient population and limited scope to pool outcome data across included studies. Limitations of the review were that searches were restricted to English language publications and no grey literature was searched. Future research should focus specifically on older patients with cancer, and exercise rigour during intervention development, evaluation and reporting in order to generate findings that could inform future practice.
References
1. Maggiore RJ, Gross CP, Hurria A. Polypharmacy in older adults with cancer. The oncologist. 2010;15(5):507–22.
2. Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O'Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, et al. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169(7):467–73.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Murphy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - K Bennett
- Population Health Sciences Division, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Ryan
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - C Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - A Lavan
- Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Medicine for the Elderly, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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