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Farber R, Houssami N, McGeechan K, Barratt A, Bell KJL. Breast Cancer Stage and Size Detected with Film versus Digital Mammography in New South Wales, Australia: A Population-Based Study Using Routinely Collected Data. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024; 33:671-680. [PMID: 38407377 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-0813] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital mammography has replaced film mammography in breast-screening programs globally, including Australia. This led to an increase in the rate of detection, but whether there was increased detection of clinically important cancers is uncertain. METHODS In this population-wide retrospective cohort study in New South Wales, Australia spanning 2004 to 2016 and including 4,631,656 screens, there were 22,965 cancers in women screened with film (n = 11,040) or digital mammography (n = 11,925). We examined the change in tumor characteristics overall and how these rates changed over time, accounting for changes in background rates using an interrupted time-series. Comparisons were made with unscreened women (n = 26,326) during this time. RESULTS We found increased detection of in situ cancer (3.36 per 10,000 screens), localized invasive, and smaller-sized breast cancers attributable to the change in mammography technology, whereas screen-detected intermediate-sized and metastatic breast cancers decreased. Rates of early-stage and intermediate-sized interval cancers increased, and late-stage (-1.62 per 10,000 screens) and large interval cancers decreased. In unscreened women, there were small increases in the temporal trends of cancers across all stages. CONCLUSIONS At least some of the increased detection of smaller early-stage cancers may have translated into a reduction in larger and late-stage cancers, indicating beneficial detection of cancers that would have otherwise progressed. However, the increased detection of smaller early-stage and small cancers may also have increased over-diagnosis of lesions that would otherwise have not caused harm. IMPACT Robust evaluation of potential benefits and harms is needed after changes to screening programs. See related In the Spotlight, p. 638.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Farber
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nehmat Houssami
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, A Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kevin McGeechan
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Ackermann DM, Hersch JK, Janda M, Bracken K, Turner RM, Bell KJL. Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to identify barriers and targeted strategies to improve adherence in randomised clinical trials: The example of MEL-SELF trial of patient-led surveillance for melanoma. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 140:107513. [PMID: 38537902 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107513] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to self-management interventions is critical in both clinical settings and trials to ensure maximal effectiveness. This study reports how the Behaviour Change Wheel may be used to assess barriers to self-management behaviours and develop strategies to maximise adherence in a trial setting (the MEL-SELF trial of patient-led melanoma surveillance). METHODS The Behaviour Change Wheel was applied by (i) using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COMB) model informed by empirical and review data to identify adherence barriers, (ii) mapping identified barriers to corresponding intervention functions, and (iii) identifying appropriate behaviour change techniques and developing potential solutions using the APEASE (Affordability, Practicability, Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, Acceptability, Side-effects and safety, Equity) criteria. RESULTS The target adherence behaviour was defined as conducting a thorough skin self-examination and submitting images for teledermatology review. Key barriers identified included: non-engaged skin check partners, inadequate planning, time constraints, low self-efficacy, and technological difficulties. Participants' motivation was positively influenced by perceived health benefits and negatively impacted by emotional states such as anxiety and depression. We identified the following feasible interventions to support adherence: education, training, environmental restructuring, enablement, persuasion, and incentivisation. Proposed solutions included action planning, calendar scheduling, alternative dermatoscopes, optimised communication, educational resources in various formats to boost self-efficacy and motivation and optimised reminders (which will be evaluated in a Study Within A Trial (SWAT)). CONCLUSION The Behaviour Change Wheel may be used to improve adherence in clinical trials by identifying barriers to self-management behaviours and guiding development of targeted strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deonna M Ackermann
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Jolyn K Hersch
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Monika Janda
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Karen Bracken
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Robin M Turner
- Biostatistics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
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3
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Bell KJL, Stancliffe R. Less is more for greener intensive care. Intensive Care Med 2024; 50:746-748. [PMID: 38587554 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-024-07378-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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Williams JTW, Bell KJL, Morton RL, Dieng M. Methods to Include Environmental Impacts in Health Economic Evaluations and Health Technology Assessments: A Scoping Review. Value Health 2024:S1098-3015(24)00092-5. [PMID: 38462223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.02.019] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The environmental impacts of healthcare are important factors that should be considered during health technology assessments. This study aims to summarize the evidence that exists about methods to include environmental impacts in health economic evaluations and health technology assessments. METHODS We identified records for screening using an existing scoping review and a systematic search of academic databases and gray literature up to September 2023. We screened the identified records for eligibility and extracted data using a narrative synthesis approach. The review was conducted following the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. RESULTS We identified 2898 records and assessed the full text of 114, of which 54 were included in this review. Ten methods were identified to include environmental impacts in health economic evaluations and health technology assessments. Methods included converting environmental impacts to dollars or disability-adjusted life years and including them in a cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, or cost-benefit analysis, calculating an incremental carbon footprint effectiveness ratio or incremental carbon footprint cost ratio, incorporating impacts as one criteria of a multi-criteria decision analysis, and freely considering impacts during health technology assessment deliberation processes. CONCLUSIONS Methods to include environmental impacts in health economic evaluations and health technology assessments exist but have not been tested for widespread use by health technology assessment agencies. Further research and implementation work is needed to determine which method can best aid decision makers to choose low environmental impact healthcare interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake T W Williams
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael L Morton
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mbathio Dieng
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Williams JTW, Bell KJL, Morton RL, Dieng M. Correction: Exploring the Integration of Environmental Impacts in the Cost Analysis of the Pilot MEL-SELF Trial of Patient-Led Melanoma Surveillance. Appl Health Econ Health Policy 2024; 22:271-272. [PMID: 38214849 PMCID: PMC10864505 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-023-00868-8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jake T W Williams
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachael L Morton
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Mbathio Dieng
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Bell KJL, Glasziou PP, Doust JA. Gestational Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health. JAMA 2024; 331:167. [PMID: 38193964 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.23251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paul P Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jenny A Doust
- Australian Women and Girls' Health Research (AWaGHR) Centre, School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
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Bell KJL, Kazda L, Parker G. Asthma in Adults. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:10.1056/NEJMc2312345#sa3. [PMID: 38048202 DOI: 10.1056/nejmc2312345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Katy J L Bell
- University of Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luise Kazda
- Healthy Environments and Lives National Research Network, Canberra, Australia
| | - Gillian Parker
- University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Canada
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Bell KJL, Glasziou PP, Doust JA. A call to reconsider the new diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus. CMAJ 2023; 195:E1307. [PMID: 37788840 PMCID: PMC10637336 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.148614-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katy J L Bell
- Clinical epidemiologist, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paul P Glasziou
- Director of the Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jenny A Doust
- General practitioner, clinical professorial research fellow, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Zhu L, Bell KJL, Hayen A. Methods to address selection bias in post-trial studies of legacy effects were evaluated. J Clin Epidemiol 2023; 160:110-116. [PMID: 37295734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2023.05.028] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Post-trial follow-up studies have become increasingly important to investigate the long-term effectiveness of interventions after randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Legacy effects refer to intervention effects that are only observed after the trial has ended and are not the direct effects observed during the trial period. However, limited attention has been given to the potential selection bias in post-trial studies. METHODS Using directed acyclic graphs, we illustrated potential sources of selection bias in post-trial studies of cardiovascular disease preventative interventions. We constructed scenarios where selection bias was present and undertook simulations to assess the ability of different modeling approaches to correct for this bias: no adjustment, adjustment for trial baseline covariates, adjustment for post-trial covariates and inverse probability weighting (IPW) methods. Using empirical data from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial and post-trial study, we demonstrated application of different modeling approaches. RESULTS In the presence of selection bias, modeling without adjustment always resulted in biased estimates. Modeling with adjustment and IPW methods were able to correct the selection bias. The ACCORD study also demonstrated that while the direct effects were potentially beneficial, all models attempting to address selection bias revealed larger potential legacy effects when compared to unadjusted estimates. CONCLUSION Post-trial follow-up studies have the potential to provide valuable information for clinical practice by detecting legacy effects. However, it is important to consider and address selection bias that may arise from the post-trial study. This study highlights the importance of using an appropriate analysis method and identifying the potential bias sources to ensure that the findings are reliable and generalizable to the target population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Hayen
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
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Drabarek D, Ackermann D, Medcalf E, Bell KJL. Acceptability of a Hypothetical Reduction in Routinely Scheduled Clinic Visits Among Patients With History of a Localized Melanoma (MEL-SELF): Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial. JMIR Dermatol 2023; 6:e45865. [PMID: 37632976 PMCID: PMC10335154 DOI: 10.2196/45865] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After treatment for a localized melanoma, patients attend routinely scheduled clinics to monitor for new primary or recurrent melanoma. Patient-led surveillance (skin self-examination with patient-performed teledermoscopy) is an alternative model of follow-up that could replace some routinely scheduled visits. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the acceptability of a hypothetical reduction in routinely scheduled visits among participants of the Melanoma Self Surveillance (MEL-SELF) pilot randomized clinical trial of patient-led surveillance (intervention) versus usual care (control). METHODS Patients previously treated for localized melanoma in New South Wales who were participating in the MEL-SELF pilot randomized clinical trial were asked to respond to a web-based questionnaire at baseline and after 6 months on trial. We used mixed methods to analyze the data. The main outcome of interest was the acceptability of a hypothetical reduction in routinely scheduled visits for melanoma surveillance. RESULTS Of 100 randomized participants, 87 answered the questionnaire at baseline, 66 answered the questionnaire at 6 months, and 79 provided a free-text explanation at either time point. At 6 months, 33% (17/51) of the control group and 35% (17/49) of the intervention group indicated that a hypothetical reduction in routinely scheduled visits with all melanoma doctors was at least slightly acceptable (difference in proportions -1%, 95% CI -20% to 17%; P=.89). Participants suggested that prerequisites for a reduction in routinely scheduled visits would include that sufficient time had elapsed since the previous diagnosis without a new primary melanoma or recurrence, an unscheduled appointment could be made at short notice if the patient noticed something concerning, their melanoma doctor had suggested reducing their clinic visit frequency, and patients had confidence that patient-led surveillance was a safe and effective alternative. Participants suggested that a reduction in routinely scheduled visits would not be acceptable where they perceived a very high risk of new or recurrent melanoma, low self-efficacy in skin self-examination and in the use of technologies for the patient-led surveillance intervention, and where they had a preference for clinician-led surveillance. Some patients said that a partial reduction to once a year may be acceptable. CONCLUSIONS Some patients may be receptive to a reduction in routinely scheduled visits if they are assured that patient-led surveillance is safe and effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001716459; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371865&isReview=true; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03581188; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03581188. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.4704.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Drabarek
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Deonna Ackermann
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ellie Medcalf
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Semsarian CR, Ma T, Nickel B, Barratt A, Varma M, Delahunt B, Millar J, Parker L, Glasziou P, Bell KJL. Low-risk prostate lesions: An evidence review to inform discussion on losing the "cancer" label. Prostate 2023; 83:498-515. [PMID: 36811453 PMCID: PMC10952636 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24493] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active surveillance (AS) mitigates harms from overtreatment of low-risk prostate lesions. Recalibration of diagnostic thresholds to redefine which prostate lesions are considered "cancer" and/or adopting alternative diagnostic labels could increase AS uptake and continuation. METHODS We searched PubMed and EMBASE to October 2021 for evidence on: (1) clinical outcomes of AS, (2) subclinical prostate cancer at autopsy, (3) reproducibility of histopathological diagnosis, and (4) diagnostic drift. Evidence is presented via narrative synthesis. RESULTS AS: one systematic review (13 studies) of men undergoing AS found that prostate cancer-specific mortality was 0%-6% at 15 years. There was eventual termination of AS and conversion to treatment in 45%-66% of men. Four additional cohort studies reported very low rates of metastasis (0%-2.1%) and prostate cancer-specific mortality (0%-0.1%) over follow-up to 15 years. Overall, AS was terminated without medical indication in 1%-9% of men. Subclinical reservoir: 1 systematic review (29 studies) estimated that the subclinical cancer prevalence was 5% at <30 years, and increased nonlinearly to 59% by >79 years. Four additional autopsy studies (mean age: 54-72 years) reported prevalences of 12%-43%. Reproducibility: 1 recent well-conducted study found high reproducibility for low-risk prostate cancer diagnosis, but this was more variable in 7 other studies. Diagnostic drift: 4 studies provided consistent evidence of diagnostic drift, with the most recent (published 2020) reporting that 66% of cases were upgraded and 3% were downgraded when using contemporary diagnostic criteria compared to original diagnoses (1985-1995). CONCLUSIONS Evidence collated may inform discussion of diagnostic changes for low-risk prostate lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R. Semsarian
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Tara Ma
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Brooke Nickel
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Murali Varma
- Department of Cellular PathologyUniversity Hospital of WalesCardiffUK
| | - Brett Delahunt
- Wellington School of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of OtagoWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Jeremy Millar
- Alfred Health Radiation Oncology, The AlfredMelbourneAustralia
| | - Lisa Parker
- Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
- Department of Radiation OncologyRoyal North Shore HospitalSt LeonardsAustralia
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence‐Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and MedicineBond UniversityGold CoastAustralia
| | - Katy J. L. Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
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Ma T, Semsarian CR, Barratt A, Parker L, Pathmanathan N, Nickel B, Bell KJL. Should low-risk DCIS lose the cancer label? An evidence review. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 199:415-433. [PMID: 37074481 PMCID: PMC10175360 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-06934-y] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population mammographic screening for breast cancer has led to large increases in the diagnosis and treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Active surveillance has been proposed as a management strategy for low-risk DCIS to mitigate against potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment. However, clinicians and patients remain reluctant to choose active surveillance, even within a trial setting. Re-calibration of the diagnostic threshold for low-risk DCIS and/or use of a label that does not include the word 'cancer' might encourage the uptake of active surveillance and other conservative treatment options. We aimed to identify and collate relevant epidemiological evidence to inform further discussion on these ideas. METHODS We searched PubMed and EMBASE databases for low-risk DCIS studies in four categories: (1) natural history; (2) subclinical cancer found at autopsy; (3) diagnostic reproducibility (two or more pathologist interpretations at a single time point); and (4) diagnostic drift (two or more pathologist interpretations at different time points). Where we identified a pre-existing systematic review, the search was restricted to studies published after the inclusion period of the review. Two authors screened records, extracted data, and performed risk of bias assessment. We undertook a narrative synthesis of the included evidence within each category. RESULTS Natural History (n = 11): one systematic review and nine primary studies were included, but only five provided evidence on the prognosis of women with low-risk DCIS. These studies reported that women with low-risk DCIS had comparable outcomes whether or not they had surgery. The risk of invasive breast cancer in patients with low-risk DCIS ranged from 6.5% (7.5 years) to 10.8% (10 years). The risk of dying from breast cancer in patients with low-risk DCIS ranged from 1.2 to 2.2% (10 years). Subclinical cancer at autopsy (n = 1): one systematic review of 13 studies estimated the mean prevalence of subclinical in situ breast cancer to be 8.9%. Diagnostic reproducibility (n = 13): two systematic reviews and 11 primary studies found at most moderate agreement in differentiating low-grade DCIS from other diagnoses. Diagnostic drift: no studies found. CONCLUSION Epidemiological evidence supports consideration of relabelling and/or recalibrating diagnostic thresholds for low-risk DCIS. Such diagnostic changes would need agreement on the definition of low-risk DCIS and improved diagnostic reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Ma
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Caitlin R Semsarian
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Parker
- Sydney School of Pharmacy, Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nirmala Pathmanathan
- Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brooke Nickel
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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Karki S, Bell KJL, Hayen A, Liu B, Cust AE, Olynyk JK, Irving DO. Regular high-frequency whole blood donation and risk of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and older blood donors in Australia. Transfusion 2023; 63:1012-1022. [PMID: 37057641 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17358] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous mixed findings on the associations between whole blood (WB) donation and risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) may in part reflect inadequate adjustment for the "healthy donor effect" (HDE). METHODS We used the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study linked with blood donation history and other health-related databases to examine the association between regular, high-frequency WB donation and the risk of CVD. To mitigate the impact of HDE, we used a "5-years qualification period," in which donors must donate at least 1 WB donation in the 1st and 5th year of "qualification period." We then compared the risk of CVD in the years following the "qualification period" between the regular high-frequency WB donors (≥2 WB donation in each qualification year) and others using Cox proportional-hazards models. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders, such as sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related variables, and results are reported separately for male and female donors. RESULTS A total of 2736 male and 2917 female donors were included in the analyses. The median years of follow-up per donor was 5.84 years (Q1-Q3, 5.47-6.23). The rate of CVD hospitalization was 11.20 and 4.50 per 1000 person-years for males and females, respectively. In fully adjusted models, the risk (hazard ratio) of CVD in regular high-frequency donors compared to other donors was 0.93 (95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.68-1.29) for males and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.49-1.28) for females. CONCLUSIONS We did not observe a statistically significant reduction of CVD risk in regular, high-frequency WB donors when adjusted for potential confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Karki
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Population Health, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Hayen
- School of Public Health, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bette Liu
- School of Population Health, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne E Cust
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John K Olynyk
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Bull Creek, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David O Irving
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Ackermann DM, Bracken K, Janda M, Turner RM, Hersch JK, Drabarek D, Bell KJL. Strategies to Improve Adherence to Skin Self-examination and Other Self-management Practices in People at High Risk of Melanoma: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Dermatol 2023; 159:432-440. [PMID: 36857048 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.6478] [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: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Importance Adherence, both in research trials and in clinical practice, is crucial to the success of interventions. There is limited guidance on strategies to increase adherence and the measurement and reporting of adherence in trials of melanoma self-management practices. Objective This scoping review aimed to describe (1) strategies to improve adherence to self-management practices in randomized clinical trials of people at high risk of melanoma and (2) measurement and reporting of adherence data in these trials. Evidence Review Four databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and CINAHL, were searched from inception to July 2022. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials of self-monitoring interventions for early detection of melanoma in people at increased risk due to personal history (eg, melanoma, transplant, dysplastic naevus syndrome), family history of melanoma, or as determined by a risk assessment tool or clinical judgment. Findings From 939 records screened, 18 eligible randomized clinical trials were identified, ranging in size from 40 to 724 participants, using a range of adherence strategies but with sparse evidence on effectiveness of the strategies. Strategies were classified as trial design (n = 15); social and economic support (n = 5); intervention design (n = 18); intervention and condition support (n = 10); and participant support (n = 18). No strategies were reported for supporting underserved groups (eg, people who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, have low health literacy, non-English speakers, or older adults) to adhere to self-monitoring practices, and few trials targeted provider (referring to both clinicians and researchers) adherence (n = 5). Behavioral support tools included reminders (n = 8), priority-setting guidance (n = 5), and clinician feedback (n = 5). Measurement of adherence was usually by participant report of skin self-examination practice with some recent trials of digital interventions also directly measuring adherence to the intervention through website or application analytic data. Reporting of adherence data was limited, and fewer than half of all reports mentioned adherence in their discussion. Conclusions and Relevance Using an adaptation of the World Health Organization framework for clinical adherence, this scoping review of randomized clinical trials identified key concepts as well as gaps in the way adherence is approached in design, conduct, and reporting of trials for skin self-examination and other self-management practices in people at high risk of melanoma. These findings may usefully guide future trials and clinical practice; evaluation of adherence strategies may be possible using a Study Within A Trial (SWAT) framework within host trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deonna M Ackermann
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Bracken
- National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Monika Janda
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robin M Turner
- Biostatistics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jolyn K Hersch
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dorothy Drabarek
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Williams JTW, Bell KJL, Morton RL, Dieng M. Exploring the Integration of Environmental Impacts in the Cost Analysis of the Pilot MEL-SELF Trial of Patient-Led Melanoma Surveillance. Appl Health Econ Health Policy 2023; 21:23-30. [PMID: 36195819 PMCID: PMC9834124 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-022-00765-6] [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] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Human health is intrinsically linked with planetary health. But planetary resources are currently being degraded and this poses an existential threat to human health and the sustainability of our healthcare systems. The aims of this study were to (1) describe an approach to integrate environmental impacts in a cost analysis; and (2) demonstrate this approach by estimating select environmental impacts alongside traditional health system and other costs using the example of the pilot MEL-SELF randomised controlled trial of patient-led melanoma surveillance. METHODS Economic costs were calculated alongside a randomised trial using standard cost analysis methodology from a societal perspective. Environmental impacts were calculated using a type of carbon footprinting methodology called process-based life cycle analysis. This method considers three scopes of carbon emissions: Scope 1, which occur directly from the intervention; Scope 2, which occur indirectly from the intervention's energy use; and Scope 3, which occur indirectly because of the value chain of the intervention. In this study we only included emissions from patient transport to attend their melanoma clinic over the study period of 6 months. RESULTS The environmental impact per participant across allocated groups for patient transport to their melanoma clinic was estimated to be 10 kg carbon dioxide equivalent. Economic costs across the allocated groups indicated substantial health system costs, out-of-pocket costs, and productivity losses associated with melanoma surveillance. The largest cost contributor was health system costs, and the most expensive category of health system cost was hospital admission. CONCLUSION Calculating environmental impacts is worthwhile and feasible within a cost analysis framework. Further work is needed to address outstanding conceptual and practical issues so that a comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts can be considered alongside economic costs in health technology assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake T W Williams
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachael L Morton
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Mbathio Dieng
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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16
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Farber R, Houssami N, Barnes I, McGeechan K, Barratt A, Bell KJL. Considerations for Evaluating the Introduction of New Cancer Screening Technology: Use of Interval Cancers to Assess Potential Benefits and Harms. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:14647. [PMID: 36429373 PMCID: PMC9691207 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This framework focuses on the importance of the consideration of the downstream intermediate and long-term health outcomes when a change to a screening program is introduced. The authors present a methodology for utilising the relationship between screen-detected and interval cancer rates to infer the benefits and harms associated with a change to the program. A review of the previous use of these measures in the literature is presented. The framework presents other aspects to consider when utilizing this methodology, and builds upon an existing framework that helps researchers, clinicians, and policy makers to consider the impacts of changes to screening programs on health outcomes. It is hoped that this research will inform future evaluative studies to assess the benefits and harms of changes to screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Farber
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Nehmat Houssami
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, A Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Isabelle Barnes
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Centre for Women’s Health Research, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
- Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
| | - Kevin McGeechan
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Katy J. L. Bell
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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17
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Bell KJL, Zhu L, Glasziou P. Keeping Score-Appropriate and Timely Use of CACS-Reply. JAMA Intern Med 2022; 182:1233-1234. [PMID: 36066888 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.3826] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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18
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Medcalf E, Huang JY, Arah OA, Harhay MO, Leeder SR, Bell KJL. A survey of the use and impact of International Journal of Epidemiology's Education Corner. Int J Epidemiol 2022; 51:1687-1690. [PMID: 36001049 PMCID: PMC9557904 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyac160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ellie Medcalf
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan Y Huang
- Editorial Board, International Journal of Epidemiology, Sydney, Australia
- Biostatistics and Human Development, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Onyebuchi A Arah
- Editorial Board, International Journal of Epidemiology, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Statistics, UCLA College, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael O Harhay
- Editorial Board, International Journal of Epidemiology, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Clinical Trials Methods and Outcomes Lab, Palliative and Advanced Illness Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen R Leeder
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Epidemiology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Editorial Board, International Journal of Epidemiology, Sydney, Australia
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19
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Pathirana TI, Pickles K, Riikonen JM, Tikkinen KAO, Bell KJL, Glasziou P. Including Information on Overdiagnosis in Shared Decision Making: A Review of Prostate Cancer Screening Decision Aids. MDM Policy Pract 2022; 7:23814683221129875. [PMID: 36247841 PMCID: PMC9558890 DOI: 10.1177/23814683221129875] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Overdiagnosis is an accepted harm of cancer screening, but studies of prostate cancer screening decision aids have not examined provision of information important in communicating the risk of overdiagnosis, including overdiagnosis frequency, competing mortality risk, and the high prevalence of indolent cancers in the population. Methods. We undertook a comprehensive review of all publicly available decision aids for prostate cancer screening, published in (or translated to) the English language, without date restrictions. We included all decision aids from a recent systematic review and screened excluded studies to identify further relevant decision aids. We used a Google search to identify further decision aids not published in peer reviewed medical literature. Two reviewers independently screened the decision aids and extracted information on communication of overdiagnosis. Disagreements were resolved through discussion or by consulting a third author. Results. Forty-one decision aids were included out of the 80 records identified through the search. Most decision aids (n = 32, 79%) did not use the term overdiagnosis but included a description of it (n = 38, 92%). Few (n = 7, 17%) reported the frequency of overdiagnosis. Little more than half presented the benefits of prostate cancer screening before the harms (n = 22, 54%) and only 16, (39%) presented information on competing risks of mortality. Only 2 (n = 2, 5%) reported the prevalence of undiagnosed prostate cancer in the general population. Conclusion. Most patient decision aids for prostate cancer screening lacked important information on overdiagnosis. Specific guidance is needed on how to communicate the risks of overdiagnosis in decision aids, including appropriate content, terminology and graphical display. Highlights Most patient decision aids for prostate cancer screening lacks important information on overdiagnosis.Specific guidance is needed on how to communicate the risks of overdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanya I. Pathirana
- Thanya I. Pathirana, School of Medicine and
Dentistry, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Sunshine Coast
University Hospital, 3 Doherty St, Birtinya QLD 4575, Australia;
()
| | - Kristen Pickles
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of
Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia
| | - Jarno M. Riikonen
- Department of Urology, Tampere University
Hospital, Tampere, Finland,Faculty of Medicine and Life Science,
University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kari A. O. Tikkinen
- Department of Urology, University of Helsinki
and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Surgery, South Karelia Central
Hospital, Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - Katy J. L. Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of
Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare,
Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast,
Australia
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20
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Arroyo N, Bell KJL, Hsiao V, Fernandes-Taylor S, Alagoz O, Zhang Y, Davies L, Francis DO. Prevalence of Subclinical Papillary Thyroid Cancer by Age: Meta-analysis of Autopsy Studies. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:2945-2952. [PMID: 35947867 PMCID: PMC9516102 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT It is not known how underlying subclinical papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) differs by age. This meta-analysis of autopsy studies investigates how subclinical PTC prevalence changes over the lifetime. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to May 2021 for studies that reported the prevalence of PTC found at autopsy. Two investigators extracted the number of subclinical PTCs detected in selected age groups and extent of examination. A quality assessment tool was used to assess bias. Logistic regression models with random intercepts were used to pool the age-specific subclinical PTC prevalence estimates. RESULTS Of 1773 studies screened, 16 studies with age-specific data met the inclusion criteria (n = 6286 autopsies). The pooled subclinical PTC prevalence was 12.9% (95% CI 7.8-16.8) in whole gland and 4.6% (2.5- 6.6) in partial gland examination. Age-specific prevalence estimates were ≤40 years, 11.5% (6.8-16.1); 41-60 years, 12.1% (7.6-16.5); 61-80 years, 12.7% (8-17.5); and 81+ years, 13.4% (7.9-18.9). Sex did not affect age-specific prevalence and there was no difference in prevalence between men and women in any age group. In the regression model, the OR of prevalence increasing by age group was 1.06 (0.92-1.2, P = .37). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis shows the prevalence of subclinical PTC is stable across the lifespan. There is not a higher subclinical PTC prevalence in middle age, in contrast to higher observed incidence rates in this age group. These findings offer unique insights into the prevalence of subclinical PTC and its relationship to age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Arroyo
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program (WiSOR), Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW 2050, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vivian Hsiao
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Sara Fernandes-Taylor
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program (WiSOR), Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Oguzhan Alagoz
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Yichi Zhang
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Louise Davies
- The VA Outcomes Group, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA
- Section of Otolaryngology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - David O Francis
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program (WiSOR), Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
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21
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McKinn S, Batcup C, Cornell S, Freeman N, Doust J, Bell KJL, Figtree GA, Bonner C. Decision Support Tools for Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Do Not Meet Health Literacy Needs: A Systematic Environmental Scan and Evaluation. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:11705. [PMID: 36141978 PMCID: PMC9517328 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A shared decision-making approach is considered optimal in primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Evidence-based patient decision aids can facilitate this but do not always meet patients' health literacy needs. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans are increasingly used in addition to traditional cardiovascular risk scores, but the availability of high-quality decision aids to support shared decision-making is unknown. We used an environmental scan methodology to review decision support for CAC scans and assess their suitability for patients with varying health literacy. We systematically searched for freely available web-based decision support tools that included information about CAC scans for primary CVD prevention and were aimed at the public. Eligible materials were independently evaluated using validated tools to assess qualification as a decision aid, understandability, actionability, and readability. We identified 13 eligible materials. Of those, only one qualified as a decision aid, and one item presented quantitative information about the potential harms of CAC scans. None presented quantitative information about both benefits and harms of CAC scans. Mean understandability was 68%, and actionability was 48%. Mean readability (12.8) was much higher than the recommended grade 8 level. Terms used for CAC scans were highly variable. Current materials available to people considering a CAC scan do not meet the criteria to enable informed decision-making, nor do they meet the health literacy needs of the general population. Clinical guidelines, including CAC scans for primary prevention, must be supported by best practice decision aids to support decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon McKinn
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Carys Batcup
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Samuel Cornell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Natasha Freeman
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Jenny Doust
- Australian Women and Girls’ Health Research Centre, School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia
| | - Katy J. L. Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Gemma A. Figtree
- Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, St Leonards 2065, Australia
| | - Carissa Bonner
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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22
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Stanaway FF, Bell KJL. Challenges of a stratified care approach to musculoskeletal pain. Lancet Rheumatol 2022; 4:e578-e579. [PMID: 38288890 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(22)00187-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona F Stanaway
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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23
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Harhay MO, Bell KJL, Huang JY, Arah OA. IJE's Education Corner turns 10! Looking back and looking forward. Int J Epidemiol 2022; 51:1357-1360. [PMID: 35950800 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyac161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Harhay
- Editorial Board, International Journal of Epidemiology, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Clinical Trials Methods and Outcomes Lab, Palliative and Advanced Illness Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Editorial Board, International Journal of Epidemiology, Sydney, Australia.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan Y Huang
- Editorial Board, International Journal of Epidemiology, Sydney, Australia.,Biostatistics and Human Development, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore.,Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Onyebuchi A Arah
- Editorial Board, International Journal of Epidemiology, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Statistics, UCLA College, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Research Unit for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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24
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Medcalf E, Taylor A, Turner R, Espinoza D, Bell KJL. Can patient-led surveillance detect subsequent new primary or recurrent melanomas and reduce the need for routinely scheduled follow up? Statistical analysis plan for the MEL-SELF randomised controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 117:106761. [PMID: 35439647 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The MEL-SELF trial is a randomised controlled trial of patient-led surveillance compared to clinician-led surveillance in people treated for localised cutaneous melanoma (stage 0, I, II). The primary trial aim is to determine if patient led-surveillance compared to clinician-led surveillance increases the proportion of participants who are diagnosed with a new primary or recurrent melanoma at a fast-tracked unscheduled clinic visit. The secondary outcomes include time to diagnosis of any skin cancer, psychosocial outcomes, acceptability, and resource use. OBJECTIVE The objective of this report is to outline and publish the pre-determined statistical analysis plan before the database lock and the start of analysis. METHODS/DESIGN The statistical analysis plan describes the overall analysis principles, including how participants will be included in each analysis, the presentation of the results, adjustments for covariates, the primary and secondary outcomes, and their respective analyses. In addition, we present the planned sensitivity and subgroup analyses. A separate analysis plan will be published for health economic outcomes. RESULTS The MEL-SELF statistical analysis plan has been designed to minimize bias in estimating effects of the intervention on primary and secondary outcomes. By pre-specifying analyses, we ensure the study's integrity and believability while enabling the reproducibility of the final analysis. CONCLUSION This detailed statistical analysis plan will help to ensure transparency of reporting of results from the MEL-SELF trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12621000176864. Registered 18 February 2021, https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621000176864.aspx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie Medcalf
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aiya Taylor
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robin Turner
- Biostatistics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David Espinoza
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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25
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Bell KJL, White S, Hassan O, Zhu L, Scott AM, Clark J, Glasziou P. Evaluation of the Incremental Value of a Coronary Artery Calcium Score Beyond Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med 2022; 182:634-642. [PMID: 35467692 PMCID: PMC9039826 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.1262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) are used to help assess patients' cardiovascular status and risk. However, their best use in risk assessment beyond traditional cardiovascular factors in primary prevention is uncertain. OBJECTIVE To find, assess, and synthesize all cohort studies that assessed the incremental gain from the addition of a CACS to a standard cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk calculator (or CVD risk factors for a standard calculator), that is, comparing CVD risk score plus CACS with CVD risk score alone. EVIDENCE REVIEW Eligible studies needed to be cohort studies in primary prevention populations that used 1 of the CVD risk calculators recommended by national guidelines (Framingham Risk Score, QRISK, pooled cohort equation, NZ PREDICT, NORRISK, or SCORE) and assessed and reported incremental discrimination with CACS for estimating the risk of a future cardiovascular event. FINDINGS From 2772 records screened, 6 eligible cohort studies were identified (with 1043 CVD events in 17 961 unique participants) from the US (n = 3), the Netherlands (n = 1), Germany (n = 1), and South Korea (n = 1). Studies varied in size from 470 to 5185 participants (range of mean [SD] ages, 50 [10] to 75.1 [7.3] years; 38.4%-59.4% were women). The C statistic for the CVD risk models without CACS ranged from 0.693 (95% CI, 0.661-0.726) to 0.80. The pooled gain in C statistic from adding CACS was 0.036 (95% CI, 0.020-0.052). Among participants classified as being at low risk by the risk score and reclassified as at intermediate or high risk by CACS, 85.5% (65 of 76) to 96.4% (349 of 362) did not have a CVD event during follow-up (range, 5.1-10.0 years). Among participants classified as being at high risk by the risk score and reclassified as being at low risk by CACS, 91.4% (202 of 221) to 99.2% (502 of 506) did not have a CVD event during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This systematic review and meta-analysis found that the CACS appears to add some further discrimination to the traditional CVD risk assessment equations used in these studies, which appears to be relatively consistent across studies. However, the modest gain may often be outweighed by costs, rates of incidental findings, and radiation risks. Although the CACS may have a role for refining risk assessment in selected patients, which patients would benefit remains unclear. At present, no evidence suggests that adding CACS to traditional risk scores provides clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sam White
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Omar Hassan
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anna Mae Scott
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
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Luigjes-Huizer YL, Tauber NM, Humphris G, Kasparian NA, Lam WWT, Lebel S, Simard S, Smith AB, Zachariae R, Afiyanti Y, Bell KJL, Custers JAE, de Wit NJ, Fisher PL, Galica J, Garland SN, Helsper CW, Jeppesen MM, Liu J, Mititelu R, Monninkhof EM, Russell L, Savard J, Speckens AEM, van Helmondt SJ, Vatandoust S, Zdenkowski N, van der Lee ML. What is the prevalence of fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors and patients? A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Psychooncology 2022; 31:879-892. [PMID: 35388525 PMCID: PMC9321869 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [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: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective Care for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is considered the most common unmet need among cancer survivors. Yet the prevalence of FCR and predisposing factors remain inconclusive. To support targeted care, we provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and severity of FCR among cancer survivors and patients, as measured using the short form of the validated Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI‐SF). We also report on associations between FCR and clinical and demographic characteristics. Methods This is a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta‐analysis on the prevalence of FCR. In the review, we included all studies that used the FCRI‐SF with adult (≥18 years) cancer survivors and patients. Date of search: 7 February 2020. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Results IPD were requested from 87 unique studies and provided for 46 studies comprising 11,226 participants from 13 countries. 9311 respondents were included for the main analyses. On the FCRI‐SF (range 0–36), 58.8% of respondents scored ≥13, 45.1% scored ≥16 and 19.2% scored ≥22. FCR decreased with age and women reported more FCR than men. FCR was found across cancer types and continents and for all time periods since cancer diagnosis. Conclusions FCR affects a considerable number of cancer survivors and patients. It is therefore important that healthcare providers discuss this issue with their patients and provide treatment when needed. Further research is needed to investigate how best to prevent and treat FCR and to identify other factors associated with FCR. The protocol was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42020142185).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L Luigjes-Huizer
- Helen Dowling Institute, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nina M Tauber
- Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gerry Humphris
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Nadine A Kasparian
- Cincinnati Children's Center for Heart Disease and Mental Health, Heart Institute and the Division of Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Wendy W T Lam
- Division of Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, and LKS Faculty of Medicine Jockey Club Institute of Cancer Care, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sophie Lebel
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sébastien Simard
- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Centre Intersectoriel en santé durable, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Allan Ben Smith
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research and South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Zachariae
- Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Yati Afiyanti
- Department of Maternity and Women Health, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - José A E Custers
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Niek J de Wit
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L Fisher
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jacqueline Galica
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheila N Garland
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Charles W Helsper
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mette M Jeppesen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jianlin Liu
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roxana Mititelu
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Evelyn M Monninkhof
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lahiru Russell
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research & Institute for Health Transformation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research - Eastern Health Partnership, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josée Savard
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Quebec, Québec, Canada
| | - Anne E M Speckens
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne J van Helmondt
- Helen Dowling Institute, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic diseases, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Sina Vatandoust
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas Zdenkowski
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marije L van der Lee
- Helen Dowling Institute, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic diseases, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Gregory G, Zhu L, Hayen A, Bell KJL. Learning from the pandemic: mortality trends and seasonality of deaths in Australia in 2020. Int J Epidemiol 2022; 51:718-726. [PMID: 35288728 PMCID: PMC9189967 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To assess whether the observed numbers and seasonality of deaths in Australia during 2020 differed from expected trends based on 2015–19 data. Methods We used provisional death data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, stratified by state, age, sex and cause of death. We compared 2020 deaths with 2015-19 deaths using interrupted time series adjusted for time trend and seasonality. We measured the following outcomes along with 95% confidence intervals: observed/expected deaths (rate ratio: RR), change in seasonal variation in mortality (amplitude ratio: AR) and change in week of peak seasonal mortality (phase difference: PD). Results Overall 4% fewer deaths from all causes were registered in Australia than expected in 2020 [RR 0·96 (0·95-0·98)] with reductions across states, ages and sex strata. There were fewer deaths from respiratory illness [RR 0·79 (0·76-0·83)] and dementia [RR 0·95 (0·93-0·98)] but more from diabetes [RR 1·08 (1·04-1·13)]. Seasonal variation was reduced for deaths overall [AR 0·94 (0·92-0·95)], and for deaths due to respiratory illnesses [AR 0·78 (0·74-0·83)], dementia [AR 0.92 (0.89-0.95)] and ischaemic heart disease [0.95 (0.90-0.97)]. Conclusions The observed reductions in respiratory and dementia deaths and the reduced seasonality in ischaemic heart disease deaths may reflect reductions in circulating respiratory (non-SARS-CoV-2) pathogens resulting from the public health measures taken in 2020. The observed increase in diabetes deaths is unexplained and merits further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Gregory
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia and
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia and
| | - Andrew Hayen
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia and
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Ackermann DM, Dieng M, Medcalf E, Jenkins MC, van Kemenade CH, Janda M, Turner RM, Cust AE, Morton RL, Irwig L, Guitera P, Soyer HP, Mar V, Hersch JK, Low D, Low C, Saw RPM, Scolyer RA, Drabarek D, Espinoza D, Azzi A, Lilleyman AM, Smit AK, Murchie P, Thompson JF, Bell KJL. Assessing the Potential for Patient-led Surveillance After Treatment of Localized Melanoma (MEL-SELF): A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol 2022; 158:33-42. [PMID: 34817543 PMCID: PMC8771298 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.4704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Patient-led surveillance is a promising new model of follow-up care following excision of localized melanoma. OBJECTIVE To determine whether patient-led surveillance in patients with prior localized primary cutaneous melanoma is as safe, feasible, and acceptable as clinician-led surveillance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This was a pilot for a randomized clinical trial at 2 specialist-led clinics in metropolitan Sydney, Australia, and a primary care skin cancer clinic managed by general practitioners in metropolitan Newcastle, Australia. The participants were 100 patients who had been treated for localized melanoma, owned a smartphone, had a partner to assist with skin self-examination (SSE), and had been routinely attending scheduled follow-up visits. The study was conducted from November 1, 2018, to January 17, 2020, with analysis performed from September 1, 2020, to November 15, 2020. INTERVENTION Participants were randomized (1:1) to 6 months of patient-led surveillance (the intervention comprised usual care plus reminders to perform SSE, patient-performed dermoscopy, teledermatologist assessment, and fast-tracked unscheduled clinic visits) or clinician-led surveillance (the control was usual care). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion of eligible and contacted patients who were randomized. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported outcomes (eg, SSE knowledge, attitudes, and practices, psychological outcomes, other health care use) and clinical outcomes (eg, clinic visits, skin surgeries, subsequent new primary or recurrent melanoma). RESULTS Of 326 patients who were eligible and contacted, 100 (31%) patients (mean [SD] age, 58.7 [12.0] years; 53 [53%] men) were randomized to patient-led (n = 49) or clinician-led (n = 51) surveillance. Data were available on patient-reported outcomes for 66 participants and on clinical outcomes for 100 participants. Compared with clinician-led surveillance, patient-led surveillance was associated with increased SSE frequency (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% CI, 0.9 to 14.0) and thoroughness (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.8 to 5.7), had no detectable adverse effect on psychological outcomes (fear of cancer recurrence subscale score; mean difference, -1.3; 95% CI, -3.1 to 0.5), and increased clinic visits (risk ratio [RR], 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.1), skin lesion excisions (RR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.6 to 2.0), and subsequent melanoma diagnoses and subsequent melanoma diagnoses (risk difference, 10%; 95% CI, -2% to 23%). New primary melanomas and 1 local recurrence were diagnosed in 8 (16%) of the participants in the intervention group, including 5 (10%) ahead of routinely scheduled visits; and in 3 (6%) of the participants in the control group, with none (0%) ahead of routinely scheduled visits (risk difference, 10%; 95% CI, 2% to 19%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This pilot of a randomized clinical trial found that patient-led surveillance after treatment of localized melanoma appears to be safe, feasible, and acceptable. Experiences from this pilot study have prompted improvements to the trial processes for the larger trial of the same intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION http://anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12616001716459.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deonna M. Ackermann
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mbathio Dieng
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ellie Medcalf
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marisa C. Jenkins
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Monika Janda
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robin M. Turner
- Biostatistics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Anne E. Cust
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael L. Morton
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Les Irwig
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pascale Guitera
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - H. Peter Soyer
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Victoria Mar
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jolyn K. Hersch
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Donald Low
- Cancer Voices New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cynthia Low
- Cancer Voices New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robyn P. M. Saw
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard A. Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dorothy Drabarek
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Espinoza
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony Azzi
- Newcastle Skin Check, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Amelia K. Smit
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Murchie
- Academic Primary Care Research Group, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - John F. Thompson
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katy J. L. Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Ma T, Semsarian CR, Barratt A, Parker L, Kumarasinghe MP, Bell KJL, Nickel B. Rethinking Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancers < 1cm (Papillary Microcarcinomas): An Evidence Review for Recalibrating Diagnostic Thresholds and/or Alternative Labels. Thyroid 2021; 31:1626-1638. [PMID: 34470465 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Recalibrating diagnostic thresholds or using alternative labels may mitigate overdiagnosis and overtreatment of papillary microcarcinoma (mPTC). We aimed at identifying and collating relevant epidemiological evidence on mPTC, to assess the case for recalibration and/or new labels. Methods: We searched EMBASE and PubMed databases from inception to December 2020 for natural history, autopsy, diagnostic drift, and diagnostic reproducibility studies. Where a relevant systematic review was pre-identified, only new articles were additionally included. Non-English articles were excluded. One author screened titles and abstracts. Two authors screened full text articles, performed quality assessments, and extracted data. We undertook narrative synthesis of included evidence (pooled estimates from systematic reviews and single estimates from primary studies). Results: One systematic review of patients undergoing active surveillance found that after 5 years of follow-up, 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI 4.4-6.4%]) of the mPTC lesions had increased in size by ≥3 mm, and 1.6% [CI 1.1-2.4%] of patients had lymph node metastases. Among 7 new primary studies (including 3 updates on 2 studies included in the systematic review), 1-5% of patients undergoing active surveillance had lymph node metastases after a median follow-up of 1-10 years. One systematic review found that subclinical thyroid cancer incidentally discovered at autopsy is relatively common, with a pooled prevalence of 11.2% [CI 6.7-16.1%] among studies that examined the whole thyroid. Four diagnostic drift studies evaluated the new classification of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). Three studies of cases previously diagnosed as papillary thyroid cancer found 1.3-2.3% were reclassified as NIFTP (reclassifications were from follicular variation of papillary thyroid cancer [FVPTC]). One study of 48 cases previously diagnosed as mPTC found that 23.5% were reclassified as NIFTP. Thirteen reproducibility studies of papillary thyroid lesions found substantial variation in the histopathological diagnosis of thyroid lesions, including FVPTC and NIFTP classifications (no study evaluated mPTC). Conclusions: This review supports consideration of recalibrating diagnostic thresholds and/or alternative labels for low-risk mPTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Ma
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caitlin R Semsarian
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Parker
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marian Priyanthi Kumarasinghe
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brooke Nickel
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Loh TP, Smith AF, Bell KJL, Lord SJ, Ceriotti F, Jones G, Bossuyt P, Sandberg S, Horvath AR. Setting analytical performance specifications using HbA1c as a model measurand. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 523:407-414. [PMID: 34666026 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Analytical performance specifications (APS) for measurands describe the minimum analytical quality requirements for their measurement. These APS are used to monitor and contain the systematic (trueness/bias) and random errors (precision/imprecision) of a laboratory measurement to ensure the results are "fit for purpose" in informing clinical decisions about managing a patient's health condition. In this review, we highlighted the wide variation in the setting of APS, using different levels of evidence, as recommended by the Milan Consensus, and approaches. The setting of a priori defined outcome-based APS for HbA1c remains challenging. Promising indirect alternatives seek to link the clinical utility of HbA1c and APS by defining statistical confidence for interpreting the laboratory values, or through simulation of clinical performance at varying levels of analytical performance. APS defined based on biological variation estimates in healthy individuals using the current formulae are unachievable by nearly all routine laboratory methods for HbA1c testing. On the other hand, the APS employed in external quality assurance programs have been progressively tightened, and greatly facilitate the improved quality of HbA1c testing. Laboratories should select the APS that fits their intended clinical use and should document the data and rationale underpinning those selections. Where possible common APS should be adopted across a region or country to facilitate the movement of patients and patient data across health care facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tze Ping Loh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore.
| | - Alison F Smith
- Test Evaluation Group, Academic Unit of Health Economics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; NIHR Leeds In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Co-operative, Leeds, UK
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah J Lord
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia; NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ferruccio Ceriotti
- Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Graham Jones
- Department of Chemical Pathology, SydPath, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patrick Bossuyt
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, the Netherlands
| | - Sverre Sandberg
- Norwegian Organization for Quality Improvement of Laboratory Examinations (NOKLUS), Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Norwegian Porphyria Centre, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Institute of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Andrea Rita Horvath
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Endocrinology, New South Wales Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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LeClair K, Bell KJL, Furuya-Kanamori L, Doi SA, Francis DO, Davies L. Evaluation of Gender Inequity in Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis: Differences by Sex in US Thyroid Cancer Incidence Compared With a Meta-analysis of Subclinical Thyroid Cancer Rates at Autopsy. JAMA Intern Med 2021; 181:1351-1358. [PMID: 34459841 PMCID: PMC8406211 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.4804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men, but the associated causes of these differences are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE To compare sex-specific thyroid cancer rates in the US to the prevalence of subclinical thyroid cancer at autopsy. DATA SOURCES Data on thyroid cancer incidence and mortality by sex among US adults (≥18 years) were extracted from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) data for 1975 to 2017. Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies on the prevalence of subclinical thyroid cancer at autopsy of men and women, from inception to May 31, 2021. STUDY SELECTION The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline was used to perform a systematic search for articles reporting the prevalence of subclinical thyroid cancer in autopsy results of both women and men. Of 101 studies identified, 8 studies containing 12 data sets met inclusion criteria; ie, they examined the whole thyroid gland, stated the number of thyroids examined, and reported results by sex. Excluded studies reported thyroid cancer in Japan after the atomic bombs or Chernobyl after the nuclear disaster; did not examine the whole thyroid gland or had incomplete information on thyroid examination methods; or did not report rates by sex. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Thyroid cancer incidence and mortality data by sex, histologic type, and tumor size were extracted from SEER. The inverse variance heterogeneity model was used to meta-analyze the prevalence and the odds ratio of subclinical thyroid cancer by sex from 8 studies (12 data sets) on thyroid cancer prevalence in autopsy results. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer, by histologic type and tumor size; prevalence of thyroid cancer in autopsy results. RESULTS In 2017, 90% of thyroid cancers diagnosed were papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and in 2013 to 2017, the women to men incidence ratio for small (≤2 cm) PTC was 4.39:1. The incidence ratio approached 1:1 as cancer type lethality increased. The ratio of thyroid cancer mortality by gender was 1.02:1 and remained stable from 1992 to 2017. Results of the meta-analysis showed that the pooled autopsy prevalence of subclinical PTC was 14% in women (95% CI, 8%-20%) and 11% in men (95% CI, 5%-18%). The pooled odds ratio of subclinical PTC in women compared with men was 1.07 (95% CI, 0.80-1.42). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study and meta-analysis found that the belief that women get thyroid cancer more often than men is an oversimplification. The gender disparity is mostly confined to the detection of small subclinical PTCs, which are equally common in both sexes at autopsy but identified during life much more often in women than men. As the lethality of the cancer type increases, the ratio of detection by gender approaches 1:1. This phenomenon may be associated with gender differences in health care utilization and patterns of clinical thinking and can harm both women, who are subject to overdetection, and men, who may be at risk of underdetection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karissa LeClair
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Suhail A Doi
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, Qatar University Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - David O Francis
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research and Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison
| | - Louise Davies
- The VA Outcomes Group, US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont.,Section of Otolaryngology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire.,The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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Ackermann DM, Smit AK, Janda M, van Kemenade CH, Dieng M, Morton RL, Turner RM, Cust AE, Irwig L, Hersch JK, Guitera P, Soyer HP, Mar V, Saw RPM, Low D, Low C, Drabarek D, Espinoza D, Emery J, Murchie P, Thompson JF, Scolyer RA, Azzi A, Lilleyman A, Bell KJL. Can patient-led surveillance detect subsequent new primary or recurrent melanomas and reduce the need for routinely scheduled follow-up? A protocol for the MEL-SELF randomised controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:324. [PMID: 33947444 PMCID: PMC8096155 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05231-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most subsequent new primary or recurrent melanomas might be self-detected if patients are trained to systematically self-examine their skin and have access to timely medical review (patient-led surveillance). Routinely scheduled clinic visits (clinician-led surveillance) is resource-intensive and has not been shown to improve health outcomes; fewer visits may be possible if patient-led surveillance is shown to be safe and effective. The MEL-SELF trial is a randomised controlled trial comparing patient-led surveillance with clinician-led surveillance in people who have been previously treated for localised melanoma. METHODS Stage 0/I/II melanoma patients (n = 600) from dermatology, surgical, or general practice clinics in NSW Australia, will be randomised (1:1) to the intervention (patient-led surveillance, n = 300) or control (usual care, n = 300). Patients in the intervention will undergo a second randomisation 1:1 to polarised (n = 150) or non-polarised (n = 150) dermatoscope. Patient-led surveillance comprises an educational booklet, skin self-examination (SSE) instructional videos; 3-monthly email/SMS reminders to perform SSE; patient-performed dermoscopy with teledermatologist feedback; clinical review of positive teledermoscopy through fast-tracked unscheduled clinic visits; and routinely scheduled clinic visits following each clinician's usual practice. Clinician-led surveillance comprises an educational booklet and routinely scheduled clinic visits following each clinician's usual practice. The primary outcome, measured at 12 months, is the proportion of participants diagnosed with a subsequent new primary or recurrent melanoma at an unscheduled clinic visit. Secondary outcomes include time from randomisation to diagnosis (of a subsequent new primary or recurrent melanoma and of a new keratinocyte cancer), clinicopathological characteristics of subsequent new primary or recurrent melanomas (including AJCC stage), psychological outcomes, and healthcare use. A nested qualitative study will include interviews with patients and clinicians, and a costing study we will compare costs from a societal perspective. We will compare the technical performance of two different models of dermatoscope (polarised vs non-polarised). DISCUSSION The findings from this study may inform guidance on evidence-based follow-up care, that maximises early detection of subsequent new primary or recurrent melanoma and patient wellbeing, while minimising costs to patients, health systems, and society. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12621000176864 . Registered on 18 February 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deonna M Ackermann
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amelia K Smit
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Monika Janda
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cathelijne H van Kemenade
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mbathio Dieng
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachael L Morton
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robin M Turner
- Biostatistics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Anne E Cust
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Les Irwig
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jolyn K Hersch
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pascale Guitera
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - H Peter Soyer
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Dermatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Victoria Mar
- Victorian Melanoma Service, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn P M Saw
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Division of Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Dorothy Drabarek
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Espinoza
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jon Emery
- Centre for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Murchie
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - John F Thompson
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Division of Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard A Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony Azzi
- Newcastle Skin Check, Newcastle, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alister Lilleyman
- Newcastle Skin Check, Newcastle, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Gibson M, Scolyer RA, Soyer HP, Ferguson P, McGeechan K, Irwig L, Bell KJL. Estimating the potential impact of interventions to reduce over-calling and under-calling of melanoma. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35:1519-1527. [PMID: 33630379 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathologists sometimes disagree over the histopathologic diagnosis of melanoma. 'Over-calling' and 'under-calling' of melanoma may harm individuals and healthcare systems. OBJECTIVES To estimate the extent of 'over-calling' and 'under-calling' of melanoma for a population undergoing one excision per person and to model the impact of potential solutions. METHODS In this epidemiological modelling study, we undertook simulations using published data on the prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of melanocytic histopathology in the U.S. POPULATION We simulated results for 10 000 patients each undergoing excision of one melanocytic lesion, interpreted by one community pathologist. We repeated the simulation using a hypothetical intervention that improves diagnostic agreement between community pathologist and a specialist dermatopathologist. We then evaluated four scenarios for how melanocytic lesions judged to be neither clearly benign (post-test probability of melanoma < 5%), nor clearly malignant (post-test probability of melanoma > 90%) might be handled, before sending for expert dermatopathologist review to decide the final diagnosis. These were (1) no intervention before expert review, (2) formal second community pathologist review, (3) intervention to increase diagnostic agreement and (4) both the intervention and formal second community pathologist review. The main outcomes were the probability of 'over-calling' and 'under-calling' melanoma, and number of lesions requiring expert referral for each scenario. RESULTS For 10 000 individuals undergoing excision of one melanocytic lesion, interpreted by a community pathologist, a hypothetical intervention to improve histopathology agreement reduced the number of benign lesions 'over-called' as melanoma from 308 to 164 and the number of melanomas 'under-called' from 289 to 240. If all uncertain diagnoses were sent for expert review, the number of referrals would decrease from 1500 to 737 cases if formal second community pathologist review was used, and to 701 cases if the hypothetical intervention was additionally used. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to improve histopathology agreement may reduce melanoma 'over-calling' and 'under-calling'.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gibson
- School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Central Sydney Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - R A Scolyer
- Central Sydney Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute of Australia, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and New South Wales Health Pathology, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - H P Soyer
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Dermatology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - P Ferguson
- Central Sydney Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute of Australia, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and New South Wales Health Pathology, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - K McGeechan
- School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - L Irwig
- School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - K J L Bell
- School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Doust JA, Bell KJL, Leeflang MMG, Dinnes J, Lord SJ, Mallett S, van de Wijgert JHHM, Sandberg S, Adeli K, Deeks JJ, Bossuyt PM, Horvath AR. Guidance for the design and reporting of studies evaluating the clinical performance of tests for present or past SARS-CoV-2 infection. BMJ 2021; 372:n568. [PMID: 33782084 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A Doust
- Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Research, School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mariska M G Leeflang
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Dinnes
- Test Evaluation Research Group, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sally J Lord
- School of Medicine, Sydney, University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Sue Mallett
- Centre for Medical Imaging, University College, London, UK
| | - Janneke H H M van de Wijgert
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sverre Sandberg
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Norwegian Quality Improvement of Laboratory Examinations, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Khosrow Adeli
- CALIPER Program, Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan J Deeks
- Test Evaluation Research Group, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Patrick M Bossuyt
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andrea R Horvath
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy J L Bell
- Edward Ford Building (A27), School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia
| | - Fiona Stanaway
- Edward Ford Building (A27), School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Patrick Bossuyt
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Les Irwig
- Edward Ford Building (A27), School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Doust JA, Treadwell J, Bell KJL. Widening Disease Definitions: What Can Physicians Do? Am Fam Physician 2021; 103:138-140. [PMID: 33507056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
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Bell KJL, Loy C, Cust AE, Teixeira-Pinto A. Mendelian Randomization in Cardiovascular Research: Establishing Causality When There Are Unmeasured Confounders. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2021; 14:e005623. [PMID: 33397121 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.119.005623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Mendelian randomization is an epidemiological approach to making causal inferences using observational data. It makes use of the natural randomization that occurs in the generation of an individual's genetic makeup in a way that is analogous to the study design of a randomized controlled trial and uses instrumental variable analysis where the genetic variant(s) are the instrument (analogous to random allocation to treatment group in an randomized controlled trial). As with any instrumental variable, there are 3 assumptions that must be made about the genetic instrument: (1) it is associated (not necessarily causally) with the exposure (relevance condition); (2) it is associated with the outcome only through the exposure (exclusion restriction condition); and (3) it does not share a common cause with the outcome (ie, no confounders of the genetic instrument and outcome, independence condition). Using the example of type II diabetes and coronary artery disease, we demonstrate how the method may be used to investigate causality and discuss potential benefits and pitfalls. We conclude that although Mendelian randomization studies can usually not establish causality on their own, they may usefully contribute to the evidence base and increase our certainty about the effectiveness (or otherwise) of interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clement Loy
- Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia, (C.L.)
| | | | - Armando Teixeira-Pinto
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia. Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research (A.T-P.)
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Zhu L, Bell KJL, Nayak A, Hayen A. A methods review of posttrial follow-up studies of cardiovascular prevention finds potential biases in estimating legacy effects. J Clin Epidemiol 2020; 131:51-58. [PMID: 33227445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.11.008] [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: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to assess the methods used, and potential for bias, in posttrial studies of cardiovascular disease (CVD) where legacy effects may be estimated. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We undertook a methods review of posttrial studies after randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to prevent CVD. For each included article, we extracted information on important aspects of the design and analysis of the study, and on the reporting of legacy effects. RESULTS Of 2,622 retrieved articles, 46 were included in the review: 13 on blood glucose control, 13 on blood pressure control, and 20 on blood lipid control. The median duration for the RCT and posttrial follow-up studies was 5.0 and 5.7 years, respectively. At least 80% of initial RCT participants were enrolled in the posttrial study in 32 of the reports. Most reports used both linkage to routine administrative data sources and active data collection for the posttrial study. Of the 46 included articles, the authors assessed and reported posttrial covariate balance in 29 and made statistical adjustments in the analysis for potential confounding in 25. Posttrial results were reported separately to overall results (from time of randomization) in 21 articles. Legacy effects were claimed in 19 reports, of which 16 could be justified on the basis of the posttrial results. CONCLUSION Posttrial studies may provide valuable information for investigating legacy effects, but better reporting of results is needed to realize their full potential. Robust methods of data collection and analysis may address the risk of selection and confounding biases in posttrial studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Agnish Nayak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Hayen
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Bell KJL, Irwig L, Nickel B, Hersch J, Hayen A, Barratt A. Mammography screening for breast cancer-the UK Age trial. Lancet Oncol 2020; 21:e504. [PMID: 33152296 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(20)30528-3] [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] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Les Irwig
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Brooke Nickel
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jolyn Hersch
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Andrew Hayen
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical tests provide important information to guide clinical management. Overtesting, however, may cause harm to patients and the healthcare system, including through misdiagnosis, false positives, false negatives and overdiagnosis. Clinicians are ultimately responsible for test requests, and are therefore ideally positioned to prevent overtesting and its unintended consequences. Through this narrative literature review and workshop discussion with experts at the Preventing Overdiagnosis Conference (Sydney, 2019), we aimed to identify and establish a thematic framework of factors that influence clinicians to request non-recommended and unnecessary tests. METHODS Articles exploring factors affecting clinician test ordering behaviour were identified through a systematic search of MedLine in April 2019, forward and backward citation searches and content experts. Two authors screened abstract titles and abstracts, and two authors screened full text for inclusion. Identified factors were categorised into a preliminary framework which was subsequently presented at the PODC for iterative development. RESULTS The MedLine search yielded 542 articles; 55 were included. Another 10 articles identified by forward-backward citation and content experts were included, resulting in 65 articles in total. Following small group discussion with workshop participants, a revised thematic framework of factors was developed: "Intrapersonal" - fear of malpractice and litigation; clinician knowledge and understanding; intolerance of uncertainty and risk aversion; cognitive biases and experiences; sense of medical obligation "Interpersonal" - pressure from patients and doctor-patient relationship; pressure from colleagues and medical culture; "Environment/context" - guidelines, protocols and policies; financial incentives and ownership of tests; time constraints, physical vulnerabilities and language barriers; availability and ease of access to tests; pre-emptive testing to facilitate subsequent care; contemporary medical practice and new technology CONCLUSION: This thematic framework may raise awareness of overtesting and prompt clinicians to change their test request behaviour. The development of a scale to assess clinician knowledge, attitudes and practices is planned to allow evaluation of clinician-targeted interventions to reduce overtesting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin H Lam
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Edward Ford Building, A27 Fisher Rd, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2066, Australia.
| | - Kristen Pickles
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Edward Ford Building, A27 Fisher Rd, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2066, Australia
| | - Fiona F Stanaway
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Edward Ford Building, A27 Fisher Rd, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2066, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Edward Ford Building, A27 Fisher Rd, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2066, Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A Doust
- Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Research, The University of Queensland School of Public Health, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul P Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Zhu L, Hayen A, Bell KJL. Legacy effect of fibrate add-on therapy in diabetic patients with dyslipidemia: a secondary analysis of the ACCORDION study. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2020; 19:28. [PMID: 32138746 PMCID: PMC7059389 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-020-01002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD)-Lipid study found no evidence of a beneficial effect of statin-fibrate combined treatment, compared to statins alone, on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus after 5 years of active treatment. However, a beneficial reduction in major CVD events was shown in a pre-specified sub-group of participants with dyslipidemia. The extended follow-up of this trial provides the opportunity to further investigate possible beneficial effects of fibrates in this group of patients. We aimed to evaluate possible “legacy effects” of fibrate add-on therapy on mortality and major cardiovascular outcomes in patients with dyslipidemia. Methods The ACCORD-lipid study was a randomized controlled trial of 5518 participants assigned to receive simvastatin plus fenofibrate vs simvastatin plus placebo. After randomized treatment allocation had finished at the end of the trial, all surviving participants were invited to attend an extended follow-up study (ACCORDION) to continue prospective collection of clinical outcomes. We undertook a secondary analysis of trial and post-trial data in patients who had dyslipidemia. The primary outcome was all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and secondary outcomes were nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure and major coronary heart disease. We used an intention-to-treat approach to analysis to make comparisons between the original randomized treatment groups. Results 853 participants with dyslipidemia had survived at the end of the trial. Most participants continued to use statins, but few used fibrates in either group during the post-trial period. The incidence rates in the fenofibrate group were lower with respect to all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and major coronary heart disease than those in the placebo group over a post-trial follow-up. Allocation to the combined fibrate-statin treatment arm during the trial period had a beneficial legacy effect on all-cause mortality (adjusted HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.45–0.94; P = 0.02). Conclusions Fibrate treatment during the initial trial period was associated with a legacy benefit of improved survival over a post-trial follow-up. These findings support re-evaluation of fibrates as an add-on strategy to statins in order to reduce cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients with dyslipidemia. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT00000620
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Andrew Hayen
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Bell KJL, Semsarian C, Doust J. Why We Might Not Need to Stress About Ruling Out Inducible Myocardial Ischemia. Ann Intern Med 2020; 172:214-215. [PMID: 31905378 DOI: 10.7326/m19-3731] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katy J L Bell
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (K.J.B.)
| | - Christopher Semsarian
- The University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (C.S.)
| | - Jenny Doust
- Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia (J.D.)
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Affiliation(s)
- K J L Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Bell KJL, Azizi L, Nilsson PM, Hayen A, Irwig L, Östgren CJ, Sundström J. Correction: Prognostic impact of systolic blood pressure variability in people with diabetes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224538. [PMID: 31648270 PMCID: PMC6812757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194084.].
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Dieng M, Smit AK, Hersch J, Morton RL, Cust AE, Irwig L, Low D, Low C, Bell KJL. Patients' Views About Skin Self-examination After Treatment for Localized Melanoma. JAMA Dermatol 2019; 155:914-921. [PMID: 31090868 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2019.0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Skin self-examination (SSE) is a key factor in the early detection of melanoma, and many new and recurrent melanomas are first detected by patients themselves or their family members. Objective To explore the views of patients with melanoma regarding SSE in general, as well as their attitudes toward using novel digital technologies to support their own SSE. Design, Setting, and Participants Qualitative study with semistructured interviews that were conducted from June 20 to December 12, 2016, with 37 individuals in Sydney, Australia, who were previously treated for a first primary localized melanoma during 2014 and had not had a recurrence or new primary melanoma in the time since treatment. Main Outcomes and Measures Patients' views and experiences, analyzed thematically. Results A total of 37 patients (11 women and 26 men; median age, 67 years [interquartile range, 59.5-72 years]) were interviewed. Participants perceived SSE as important for the early identification of local recurrence or new primary melanomas. Despite this belief, participants did not report undertaking full-body SSE on a regular basis. Factors that influenced their low engagement in thorough SSE included lack of self-efficacy, reliance on clinician consultations as the primary means of melanoma detection, and fear of cancer recurrence. Regarding the use of digital technology to assist with SSE, the key motivating factors in favor of such tools were the ability to track changes in lesions over time and the use of automated reminders to undertake SSE. Deterrents included a lack of confidence in undertaking SSE and in using new technology. Conclusions and Relevance Patients with melanoma are aware of the importance of thorough skin examinations. However, a lack of confidence in their ability to undertake SSE and reliance on clinicians as the primary means of melanoma detection may inhibit patients from undertaking regular and thorough SSE. Patients may benefit from new digital technologies that assist them in undertaking SSE, provided they have appropriate education and technical support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mbathio Dieng
- National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amelia K Smit
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jolyn Hersch
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael L Morton
- National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne E Cust
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Les Irwig
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Donald Low
- Cancer Voices New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cynthia Low
- Cancer Voices New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Thomas ET, Guppy M, Straus SE, Bell KJL, Glasziou P. Rate of normal lung function decline in ageing adults: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028150. [PMID: 31248928 PMCID: PMC6597635 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review investigating the normal age-related changes in lung function in adults without known lung disease. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched for eligible studies from inception to February 12, 2019, supplemented by manual searches of reference lists and clinical trial registries. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We planned to include prospective cohort studies and randomised controlled trials (control arms) that measured changes in lung function over time in asymptomatic adults without known respiratory disease. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two authors independently determined the eligibility of studies, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS From 4385 records screened, we identified 16 cohort studies with 31 099 participants. All included studies demonstrated decline in lung function-forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) with age. In studies with longer follow-up (>10 years), rates of FEV1 decline ranged from 17.7 to 46.4 mL/year (median 22.4 mL/year). Overall, men had faster absolute rates of decline (median 43.5 mL/year) compared with women (median 30.5 mL/year). Differences in relative FEV1 change, however, were not observed between men and women. FEV1/FVC change was reported in only one study, declining by 0.29% per year. An age-specific analysis suggested the rate of FEV1 function decline may accelerate with each decade of age. CONCLUSIONS Lung function-FEV1, FVC and PEFR-decline with age in individuals without known lung disease. The definition of chronic airway disease may need to be reconsidered to allow for normal ageing and ensure that people likely to benefit from interventions are identified rather than healthy people who may be harmed by potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The first step would be to apply age, sex and ethnicity-adjusted FEV1/FVC thresholds to the disease definition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018087066.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Thomas
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle Guppy
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Rural Medicine, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sharon E Straus
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Lim WY, Morton RL, Turner RM, Jenkins MC, Guitera P, Irwig L, Webster AC, Dieng M, Saw RPM, Low D, Low C, Bell KJL. Patient Preferences for Follow-up After Recent Excision of a Localized Melanoma. JAMA Dermatol 2019; 154:420-427. [PMID: 29490373 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Importance The standard model of follow-up posttreatment of localized melanoma relies on clinician detection of recurrent or new melanoma, through routinely scheduled clinics (clinician-led surveillance). An alternative model is to increase reliance on patient detection of melanoma, with fewer scheduled visits and increased support for patients' skin self-examination (SSE) (eg, using smartphone apps to instruct, prompt and record SSE, and facilitate teledermatology; patient-led surveillance). Objective To determine the proportion of adults treated for localized melanoma who prefer the standard scheduled visit frequency (as per Australian guideline recommendations) or fewer scheduled visits (adapted from the Melanoma Follow-up [MELFO] study of reduced follow-up). Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study used a telephone interview for surveillance following excision of localized melanoma at an Australian specialist center. We invited a random sample of 400 patients who had completed treatment for localized melanoma in 2014 to participate. They were asked about their preferences for scheduled follow-up, and experience of follow-up in the past 12 months. Those with a recurrent or new primary melanoma diagnosed by the time of interview (0.8-1.7 years since first diagnosis) were asked about how it was first detected and treated. SSE practices were also assessed. Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion preferring standard vs fewer scheduled clinic visits, median delay between detection and treatment of recurrent or new primary melanoma, and SSE practices. Results Of the 262 people who agreed to be interviewed, the mean (SD) age was 64.3 (14.3) years, and 93 (36%) were women. Among the 230 people who did not have a recurrent or new primary melanoma, 149 vs 81 preferred the standard vs fewer scheduled clinic visits option (70% vs 30% after adjusting for sampling frame). Factors independently associated with preferring fewer visits were a higher disease stage, melanoma on a limb, living with others, not having private health insurance, and seeing a specialist for another chronic condition. The median delay between first detection and treatment of recurrent or new primary melanoma was 7 and 3 weeks, respectively. Only 8% missed a scheduled visit, while 40% did not perform SSE or did so at greater than 3-month intervals. Conclusions and Relevance Some patients with melanoma may prefer fewer scheduled visits, if they are supported to do SSE and there is rapid clinical review of anything causing concern (patient-led surveillance).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yin Lim
- Clinical Research Centre Perak, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.,School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael L Morton
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robin M Turner
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marisa C Jenkins
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pascale Guitera
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Dermatology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Les Irwig
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela C Webster
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mbathio Dieng
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robyn P M Saw
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Division of Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Donald Low
- Cancer Voices NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cynthia Low
- Cancer Voices NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Evidence Based Practice, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Bell KJL, Doust J, Glasziou P, Cullen L, Harris IA, Smith L, Buchbinder R, Barratt A. Recognizing the Potential for Overdiagnosis: Are High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Assays an Example? Ann Intern Med 2019; 170:259-261. [PMID: 30716768 DOI: 10.7326/m18-2645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katy J L Bell
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (K.J.B., L.S.)
| | - Jenny Doust
- Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia (J.D., P.G.)
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia (J.D., P.G.)
| | - Louise Cullen
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (L.C.)
| | - Ian A Harris
- The University of Sydney, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, and South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (I.A.H.)
| | - Leon Smith
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (K.J.B., L.S.)
| | - Rachelle Buchbinder
- Cabrini Institute and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (R.B.)
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- Wiser Healthcare, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (A.B.)
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Morony S, Weir KR, Bell KJL, Biggs J, Duncan G, Nutbeam D, McCaffery KJ. A stepped wedge cluster randomised trial of nurse-delivered Teach-Back in a consumer telehealth service. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206473. [PMID: 30379942 PMCID: PMC6209310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of Teach-Back on communication quality in a national telephone-based telehealth service, for callers varying in health literacy. DESIGN Cross-sectional stepped wedge cluster randomised trial with continuous recruitment, short (fixed) exposure and blinded outcome assessors. Nurses were stratified by hours worked and randomised into training groups using a computer generated sequence. SETTING An Australian national pregnancy and parenting telephone helpline. INTERVENTION Complex intervention involving a single 2-hour group Teach-Back training session, combined with ongoing nurse self-reflection on their communication following each call and each shift. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 637 callers to the telephone helpline aged 18-75 (87% female), of whom 127 (13%) had inadequate health literacy (measured with the Single Item Literacy Screener); and 15 maternal and child health nurses with 15 years' experience on average. MEASURES Primary outcome was a modified subscale of the Health Literacy Questionnaire, 'having sufficient information to manage health'. Secondary caller outcomes included caller confidence, perceived actionability of information and nurse effort to listen and understand. Nurse outcomes were perceptions of their communication effectiveness. RESULTS Over a 7 week period, 376 surveyed callers received usual care and 261 Teach-Back. Ratings on the primary outcome increased over time (OR 1.17, CI 1.01 to 1.32, p = 0.03) but no independent Teach-Back effect was observed. A consistent pattern suggests that, compared with usual care, Teach-Back helps callers with inadequate health literacy feel listened to (OR 2.3, CI 0.98 to 5.42, p = 0.06), confident to act (OR 2.44, CI 1.00 to 5.98, p = 0.06), and know what steps to take (OR 2.68, CI 1.00 to 7.17, p = 0.06). Nurse perceptions of both their own communication effectiveness (OR = 2.31; CI 1.38 to 3.86, p<0.0001), and caller understanding (OR = 2.56; CI 1.52 to 4.30, p<0.001) both increased with Teach-Back. No harms were reported. CONCLUSIONS Teach-Back appears to benefit telephone health service users with inadequate health literacy, but the extent of this is unclear due to smaller numbers of lower literacy participants. Improving caller ratings over time are likely due to increasing nurse communication competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Morony
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kristie R. Weir
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katy J. L. Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Gregory Duncan
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, Australia
| | - Don Nutbeam
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kirsten J. McCaffery
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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