Evaluation of a quality improvement intervention to reduce anastomotic leak following right colectomy (EAGLE): pragmatic, batched stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial in 64 countries

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak affects 8 per cent of patients after right colectomy with a 10-fold increased risk of postoperative death. The EAGLE study aimed to develop and test whether an international, standardized quality improvement intervention could reduce anastomotic leaks.

METHODS

The internationally intended protocol, iteratively co-developed by a multistage Delphi process, comprised an online educational module introducing risk stratification, an intraoperative checklist, and harmonized surgical techniques. Clusters (hospital teams) were randomized to one of three arms with varied sequences of intervention/data collection by a derived stepped-wedge batch design (at least 18 hospital teams per batch). Patients were blinded to the study allocation. Low- and middle-income country enrolment was encouraged. The primary outcome (assessed by intention to treat) was anastomotic leak rate, and subgroup analyses by module completion (at least 80 per cent of surgeons, high engagement; less than 50 per cent, low engagement) were preplanned.

RESULTS

A total 355 hospital teams registered, with 332 from 64 countries (39.2 per cent low and middle income) included in the final analysis. The online modules were completed by half of the surgeons (2143 of 4411). The primary analysis included 3039 of the 3268 patients recruited (206 patients had no anastomosis and 23 were lost to follow-up), with anastomotic leaks arising before and after the intervention in 10.1 and 9.6 per cent respectively (adjusted OR 0.87, 95 per cent c.i. 0.59 to 1.30; P = 0.498). The proportion of surgeons completing the educational modules was an influence: the leak rate decreased from 12.2 per cent (61 of 500) before intervention to 5.1 per cent (24 of 473) after intervention in high-engagement centres (adjusted OR 0.36, 0.20 to 0.64; P < 0.001), but this was not observed in low-engagement hospitals (8.3 per cent (59 of 714) and 13.8 per cent (61 of 443) respectively; adjusted OR 2.09, 1.31 to 3.31).

CONCLUSION

Completion of globally available digital training by engaged teams can alter anastomotic leak rates. Registration number: NCT04270721 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Patient satisfaction with primary health care services in two districts in Lower and Upper Egypt

Thistudy compares patient satisfaction with primary health care services and identifies factors associated with patient satisfaction in two health districts in Egypt where a project for upgrading primary health care services had been running for three years. An exit interview was conducted for 1108 patients using a structured questionnaire. The results revealed that most clients using primary health care services were females. Patient satisfaction was high for accessibility, waiting area conditions and performance of doctors and nurses. The main complaints centred on the availability of prescribed drugs and laboratory investigations. Additionally, level of privacy in the consultation room was described as unsatisfactory by 33% of patients. There was no association between overall patient satisfaction and age, gender, education level or type of service received

The Role of the Psychooncology Team in the Multidisciplinary Team Management of Breast Cancer Patients - From Diagnosis to After Treatment: A Qualitative Study at MISR Cancer Center

Background: According to the cultural and socioeconomic factors, breast cancer patients (BCP) experienced a relatively low health-related quality of life (Qol) during the journey of breast cancer treatment, that influence patient adaptation to the situation from diagnosis to after treatment. And the further effect on either starting the treatment or its continuation. This merited conducting a qualitative study to explore the importance of the psychooncological approach to BCP and the impact on commencing and continuation of treatment and follow-up. Aim: To describe the impact and importance of the psychooncology team in the cancer center and the effect of their approach on the BCP's Qol. Methods: The study involved 114 interviewed participants, excluding patients with wide variety of chronic illnesses, only 91 patients are the focused study group. Of which 11 patients group (1) refused to join the psychooncological approach due to cultural, and socioeconomic issues, and 80 patients group (2) joined and followed up by the team. Both groups are regularly surveyed. Qualitative and quantitative measurements were used. Data were collected as follows, at time of diagnosis, after surgery and after chemo-radiation therapies from group (1) and for group (2) after the psychooncology team management and care. Developing the psychooncology team for the cancer center. 2 psychooncologists, 5 psychoeducating nurses and a group therapy sessions at a world standard levels of care with ethics committee approvals, and caring for patients' privacy. Close follow-up and evaluation of the performance and Qol of our BCP, raising the awareness about psychoeducation and psychological approach importance for BCP that would help them cope with daily life challenges to improve Qol. Results: Category Group N. Diagnosis related depression N. Surgery related depression N. Treatment related depression Free of depression Group (1) No= 11 3 (27%) 2 (18%) 5 (45%) 1 (10%) Group (2) No= 80 12 (15%) 9 (11.3%) 23 (28.7%) 36 (45%) Conclusion: Results indicate that the most critical depressing points is at time of diagnosis and chemo-radiation therapy. Group (2) has positive indication and alternation on the level of Qol and a significant improvement on level of depression when compared with group (1). This study highlighted the importance of psychooncology team in BCPs' survivorship. It also brings to attention the important role of the government, health policy makers and health plans toward enriching all cancer centers with the psychooncology team. To maximize health and health care for BCP.

National Egyptian Model of Breast Cancer Care Project As a Model for Low Resource–Setting Countries to Improve Outcomes From Early Screening Early Treatment

Background: 40% of Egyptians has access to public health system, 60% served by NGOs and private centers. The problem is the late presentation and inadequate access to services due to lack of a structured screening program and awareness. Aim: To present a model of breast cancer (BC) care in low resource setting (LRS) and to assess risk factors for BC in Egypt the high BC incidence country based on registry estimates stating that about 22000 new BC cases will be diagnosed by 2020. Strategy: In Giza region there used to be no mammographic (MMG) reference service. Women with breast symptoms were referred to the NCI, where they were offered the services (diagnosis, treatment). With very long waiting times. Women aged 20 years or older visiting one of the 5 participating centers were evaluated in a cross-sectional study, which included: (1) Data entry form questionnaire of risk factors for breast cancer - including family history of cancer - and presence of breast symptoms, and (2) Breast examination by a trained professional (nurse or medical doctor). All patients with breast complaints or an abnormal physical exam were referred to NCI, MISR Cancer Center, Kasr El Aini, Agouza and Bahia Hospital for further evaluation. Women 40-69 years of age were invited to participate in the screening both actively (digital invitations, Facebook groups, brochures distributed in governmental buildings and WhatsApp groups) and passively (women that attended for any reason to other hospitals in the region are called and delivered brochures and vouchers to join the project). The screening program is based on annual MMG in women between the ages of 40 and 69 years, which are always preceded by physical examination performed by a breast surgeon or a trained nurse. Program: Close control of the frequency of visits using a simple computer program with patient listing and reminder. The close contact and continuous feedback that helped adherence to the screening program. The proposal of the project includes the performance of all clinical, imaging and pathology exams, as well as clinical visits and surgical treatment, in the same center in the shortest time and the highest standards of care. The health care approach is multidisciplinary, including nurses, breast surgeons and a nutritionist. Outcomes: High rate of compliance is the main strength of project, achieved by patient education about the importance of the screening, intense contact with the primary trained staff, with provision of lists of patients who should come next visits. Free transportation for women with very low income is arranged. Every 3-4 months, we established jointly a charity workshops and projects of handmade cloths and bags for BCPs and encouraged social clubs and societies to adopt parties and to host educational BC advocacy campaigns. What was learned: A simple project is successful and its cost-effectiveness is balanced in Egypt as a developing country where the mortality associated with this disease is very high.

Patient satisfaction with primary health care services in two districts in Lower and Upper Egypt

This study compares patient satisfaction with primary health care services and identifies factors associated with patient satisfaction in two health districts in Egypt where a project for upgrading primary health care services had been running for three years. An exit interview was conducted for 1108 patients using a structured questionnaire. The results revealed that most clients using primary health care services were females. Patient satisfaction was high for accessibility, waiting area conditions and performance of doctors and nurses. The main complaints centred on the availability of prescribed drugs and laboratory investigations. Additionally, level of privacy in the consultation room was described as unsatisfactory by 33% of patients. There was no association between overall patient satisfaction and age, gender, education level or type of service received.

Hepatitis C virus infection in a community in the Nile Delta: risk factors for seropositivity

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a rural village in the Nile Delta with a high prevalence of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV). One half of the village households were systematically selected, tested for anti-HCV, and interviewed: 973 of 3,999 (24.3%) subjects were anti-HCV-positive (reflecting prior HCV infection but not necessarily current liver disease), with nearly equal prevalence among males and females. Anti-HCV prevalence increased sharply with age among both males and females, from 9.3% in those 20 years of age and younger to >50% in those older than 35, suggesting a cohort effect with reduced transmission in recent years. Multivariate regression was used to estimate independent effects of risk factors on seropositivity. Among those over 20 years of age, the following risk factors were significantly associated with seropositivity: age (P <.001); male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.3-4.7); marriage (OR = 4.1, 2.4-6.9); anti-schistosomiasis injection treatment (OR = 2.0, 1.3-2.9); blood transfusion (OR = 1.8, 1.1-2.9), invasive medical procedure (surgery, catheterization, endoscopy, and/or dialysis) (OR = 1.5, 1.1-1.9); receipt of injections from "informal" health care provider (OR = 1.3, 1.0-1.6); and cesarean section or abortion (OR = 1.4, 1.0-1.9). Exposures not significantly related to anti-HCV positivity in adults included: history of, or active infection with, Schistosoma mansoni, sutures or abscess drainage, goza smoking in a group, and shaving by community barbers. Among those 20 years old or younger, no risk factors were clearly associated with anti-HCV positivity; however, circumcision for boys by informal health care providers was marginally associated with anti-HCV (OR = 1.7, 1.0-3.0). Prevention programs focused primarily on culturally influenced risks in rural Egyptian communities are being implemented and evaluated.

Hepatitis C in a community in Upper Egypt: I. Cross-sectional survey

The prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) was determined in a cross-sectional survey in a village in Upper Egypt. Exposure and demographic characteristics were obtained through a questionnaire. Antibody to hepatitis C virus was assessed using a second generation enzyme immunoassay, and the presence of HCV RNA was tested using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Collection of blood samples was targeted at those > or = 5 years old, and obtained from 62.8%. This report describes the community, the HCV infection characteristics of the subjects, and evaluates some factors associated with presence of anti-HCV. Of the 6,031 participants, 522 (8.7%) were anti-HCV positive. Prevalence was higher among males than females (11.3% versus 6.5%; P < 0.001). It was greater among those > 30 years of age than among those < or = 30 years of age (20.0% versus 3.6%; P < 0.001). Those who were less educated, farmed, provided health care, and were currently married had a significantly higher anti-HCV prevalence than those who were not; however, these associations were not significant after adjusting for age. Although active infections with Schistosoma haematobium were not associated with anti-HCV, a history of past infection was (age-adjusted risk ratio [RR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8, 2.4); 134 persons who had a history of receiving parenteral anti-schistosomal therapy had a higher age-adjusted RR (3.0; 95% CI = 2.5, 3.7) for anti-HCV than those who did not. Hepatitis C virus RNA was detected in 62.8% of the anti-HCV positive subjects, without significant variation by age, gender, education, or marital status. The prevalence of anti-HCV in Upper Egypt is high, albeit lower than in Lower Egypt, with continuing but limited transmission indicated by the lower prevalence in residents < or = 30 years old.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a community in the Nile Delta: population description and HCV prevalence

This report describes a cross-sectional survey of the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in a rural Egyptian community in the Nile Delta. One half of the village households were systematically selected and examined by questionnaire and testing sera for anti-HCV and HCV RNA. Blood samples were obtained from 3, 888 (75.4%) of 5,156 residents >/=5 years of age; an additional 111 samples were obtained from children younger than 5 years. Overall, 973 (24.3%) of 3,999 residents were anti-HCV-positive, and the age- and gender-adjusted seroprevalence was 23.7%. Anti-HCV prevalence increased sharply with age, from 9.3% in those 20 years of age and younger to >50% in those older than 35 years. Currently or previously married individuals were more likely to be seropositive than those never married, controlling for age (Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.6). Of the 905 anti-HCV-positive samples tested, 65% were also positive for HCV RNA. Active schistosomal infection was not associated with anti-HCV status; however, history of antischistosomal injection therapy (reported by 19% of anti-HCV positives) was a risk for anti-HCV (age-adjusted risk ratio = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.5). This study, the largest community-based survey to date, supports earlier reports of high levels of anti-HCV among adults in rural areas of Egypt, although many of those who are seropositive will not have active liver disease. The large reservoir of HCV infection in the community provides an opportunity to investigate risk factors for transmission, the natural history of infection and effectiveness of preventive methodologies, and raises concern about the prospect of an increasing incidence of chronic liver disease in the coming decades.

The role of parenteral antischistosomal therapy in the spread of hepatitis C virus in Egypt

BACKGROUND

The population of Egypt has a heavy burden of liver disease, mostly due to chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Overall prevalence of antibody to HCV in the general population is around 15-20%. The risk factor for HCV transmission that specifically sets Egypt apart from other countries is a personal history of parenteral antischistosomal therapy (PAT). A review of the Egyptian PAT mass-treatment campaigns, discontinued only in the 1980s, show a very high potential for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. We examine the relative importance of PAT in the spread of HCV in Egypt.

METHODS

The degree of exposure to PAT by cohort was estimated from 1961-86 Ministry of Health data. A cohort-specific exposure index for PAT was calculated and compared with cohort-specific HCV prevalence rates in four regions.

FINDINGS

HCV prevalence was calculated for 8499 Egyptians aged 10-50 years. A significant association between seroprevalence of antibodies to HCV and the exposure index (1.31 [95% CI 1.08-1.59]; p=0.007) was identified across four different regions. In all regions cohort-specific HCV prevalence was lowest in children and young adults than in older cohorts. These lower prevalence rates coincided with the gradual and final replacement of PAT with oral antischistosomal drugs at different points in time in the four regions.

INTERPRETATION

The data suggest that PAT had a major role in the spread of HCV throughout Egypt. This intensive transmission established a large reservoir of chronic HCV infection, responsible for the high prevalence of HCV infection and current high rates of transmission. Egypt's mass campaigns of PAT may represent the world's largest iatrogenic transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

Long term results of valvar replacement in Kuwaitis

The long term follow-up of 59 Kuwait citizens who underwent valve replacement is presented. There was an early mortality of 12% and late mortality of another 12% with actuarial survival of 76% at five years. These values compare well with earlier Western series. The mean age of 26 is about half that reported in the Western literature. The ratio of mitral valve involvement (pure or mixed) to aortic valve involvement is 2.5:1 indicating that rheumatic heart disease is still prevalent. However, no case was operated during rheumatic activity. Anticoagulation therapy was well tolerated among the Bedouin community with acceptable thromboembolic and bleeding complications. There was high foetal wastage with only two live births out of six pregnancies. Valve malfunctions, haemolysis and subacute bacterial endocarditis complications are also discussed and were little different from other series.