Effectiveness of a Back School and Postural Education Program on the improvement of literacy about postures and low back pain in adolescents: A 1-year follow-up study

BackgroundSome health problems can be associated with the school environment and lifestyles, so it is necessary to carry out intervention actions that promote health and problem prevention. This study evaluates the effects of a Back School and Postural Education on improving short-term and long-term ergonomic knowledge of postures adopted at school and home, as well as reducing low back pain (LBP) in adolescents.MethodsThe sample comprises 98 students, aged 10–16 years (11.61 ± 1.28 years), with 63 (64.3%) girls. The measuring instruments included a theoretical and a practical test, a low back pain (LBP) questionnaire and a scale. The tests and the scale have been applied 1 week before the intervention, 1 week following the Back School and Postural Education Program, and a 1 year later. The questionnaire was applied 1 week before of intervention and after 1 year. The intervention included three sessions of a theoretical and practical nature, each lasting 45 min, with intervals of 1 week.ResultsThe values of the theoretical test before the intervention, 1 week, and 1 year after the intervention were, respectively, 8.67 ± 2.64, 11.37 ± 1.93, and 11.11 ± 1.92 (p ≤ 0.001), and the practical test were 6.42 ± 2.47, 12.48 ± 2.25, and 12.83 ± 1.78 (p ≤ 0.001). The presence of LBP fell by 42.9%–25.5% after the 1-year period.ConclusionsOur data show an improvement of ergonomic knowledge of postures adopted at school and home as a result of the education program and a decrease of self-reported LBP.     

Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Canary Islands

IntroductionThe prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) varies significantly among the different geographical areas reported. In Spain, two epidemiological studies have shown a prevalence of 9–10% in the population aged over 40. However, neither of these studies included the Canary Islands, which are of interest due to their climatic conditions and high incidence of smoking.Materials and methodsA random group of 1353 subjects aged between 40 and 70 years was selected from a sample population of 596 478 individuals. Participants completed a questionnaire and then performed spirometry with bronchodilator testing if obstruction was observed. COPD was diagnosed when the post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio was less than 0.70.ResultsThe prevalence of COPD was 7.3% (95%CI: 5.5–9.5) and was higher in males than in females (8.7% vs 6.3%, P=.134). The incidence of smoking was 29.4% (95%CI: 25.4–33.1) and was also higher in males than in females (35.1% vs 25.4%, P<.001). The prevalence of COPD stratified by severity of obstruction, according to the GOLD criteria, was 16% in group I, 69.9% in group II, 10.4% in group III and 3.3% in group IV. 71.6% of the subjects were underdiagnosed and 63.5% undertreated.ConclusionsDespite having one of the highest rates of smoking in Spain, the prevalence of COPD in the Canary Islands is lower than in most of the Spanish regions studied.     

An audit of the accuracy of medication documentation in a United Kingdom osteopathic training clinic before and after an educational intervention

BackgroundThere are potential clinical consequences and medicolegal implications related to inadequacies in medication documentation in osteopathic practice but limited information about accuracy of medication recording by osteopaths or osteopathic students.ObjectiveTo audit how well British School of Osteopathy (BSO) students record patient medication on case history forms, implement an educational intervention to maximise accuracy, and reassess recording, to improve patient care.MethodA clinical audit cycle was conducted. Benchmark criteria were defined by distributing a questionnaire to 61 BSO clinic tutors, and an a priori optimum standard of recording accuracy was set at 75%. A retrospective audit was conducted on 100 anonymised case histories to establish baseline accuracy levels, followed by an educational intervention which included a lecture, Drugs Handbook, and Quick Reference Sheet. A second audit 7 weeks later evaluated changes in recording accuracy.ResultsIn the pre-intervention audit only 19% of case histories recorded total accuracy scores of more than 75% (the a priori optimum standard). After intervention total percentage accuracy scores in the ‘more than 75% accurate’ group increased to 31% (p = 0.05). The least accurately recorded aspects of medication were strength and frequency of dosage.ConclusionThe educational intervention appeared to contribute to improved accuracy of medication recording by BSO students, although some areas require further improvement. Complex barriers to obtaining full and accurate patient medication lists exist within orthodox and osteopathic healthcare practice, so ongoing audits and interventions within the BSO are recommended, as well as further research in osteopathic practice.     

Estimation of the risk of lung cancer in women participating in a population-based breast cancer screening program

IntroductionLung cancer mortality is increasing in women. In Spain, estimates suggest that lung cancer mortality may soon surpass breast cancer mortality, the main cause of cancer mortality among women. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of women at high risk of developing lung cancer in a group of participants in a population-based breast cancer screening program.MethodsCross-sectional study in a sample of women who participated in a population-based breast cancer screening program in 2016 in Hospitalet de Llobregat n = 1,601. High risk of lung cancer was defined according to the inclusion criteria of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) and the Dutch-Belgian randomized lung cancer screening trial (NELSON).ResultsAround 20% of smokers according to NLST and 40% of smokers according to NELSON criteria, and around 20% of former smokers according to both criteria, are at high risk of developing lung cancer. A positive and statistically significant trend is observed between the proportion of women at high risk and nicotine dependence measured with the brief Fagerström Test.ConclusionsA high proportion of participants in this breast cancer screening program have a high risk of developing lung cancer and would be eligible to participate in a lung cancer screening program. Population-based breast cancer screening programs may be useful to implement lung cancer primary prevention activities.     

Variabilidad de la práctica clínica urológica en cáncer de próstata en España

ObjectivesStudy the opinion of the Spanish urologists regarding the main points in the diagnosis, prevention, quality of life and treatment of prostate cancer.Material and methodsAn anonymous questionnaire was administered to 290 specialists who represented the urological professional group involved in the management of prostate cancer in Spain. The following were considered in their definition: grade of professional experience, work setting, contractual relation with patient and academic character of the center. The statistical analysis was based on the study of relative frequencies for qualitative variables. The results were interpreted in 2009-10 and the final report of them was done in 2011.ResultsResponse rate collected and correctly transcribed from the forms was 96.9% (n = 281). This accounts for 10-15% of the national group. Median age was 47.7 (29-69) years and 92% were men. Mean years of professional experience were 19.1 (1-43). Responses collected regarding 153 questions were analyzed. These dealt with: a) How the diagnosis of the disease was carried out in the setting of the surveyed; b) The opinions given on the disease prevention; c) Treatment of the localized treatment; d) Treatment of the advanced disease; and e) The definition of the fields of interest for the professional.ConclusionThis survey showed important variability in some points of clinical practice in regards to the recommendations of the experts. It also shows the principal concerns of the professional, defines opportunities for training improvements and detects needs in the national urological group.     

Implementing a patient education intervention about Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prevention and effect on knowledge and behavior in veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the feasibility and effect of a nurse-administered patient educational intervention about Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevention on knowledge and behavior of Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D).

Design

Blinded, block-randomized controlled pilot trial.

Setting

Two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) SCI Centers.

Participants

Veterans were recruited March–September 2010 through referral by a healthcare provider from inpatient, outpatient, and residential care settings.

Intervention

Thirty participants were randomized to the nurse-administered intervention and 31 to the usual care group. The intervention included a brochure and tools to assist nurses in conducting the education.

Outcome measures

Pre- and post-intervention measurement of knowledge and behaviors related to MRSA and prevention strategies and feasibility measures related to implementation.

Results

Participants were primarily male (95.1%), white (63.9%), with tetraplegia (63.9%) and mean age and duration of injury of 64.3 and 20.5 years, respectively. The intervention groups mean knowledge score significantly increased between pre- and post-test (mean change score = 1.70, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.25–3.15) while the usual care groups score did not significantly change (mean change score = 1.45, 95% CI ?0.08–2.98). However, the mean knowledge change between intervention and usual care groups was not significantly different (P = 0.81). Overall behavior scores did not significantly differ between treatment groups; however, the intervention group was more likely to report intentions to clean hands (90.0% vs. 64.5%, P = 0.03) and asking providers about MRSA status (46.7% vs. 16.1%, P = 0.01). Nurse educators reported that the quality of the intervention was high and could be implemented in clinical care.

Conclusions

A targeted educational strategy is feasible to implement in SCI/D clinical practices and may improve some participants’ knowledge about MRSA and increase intentions to improve hand hygiene and engagement with providers about their MRSA status.     

Smoking-Attributable mortality in Spain in 2016

IntroductionSmoking-attributable mortality (SAM) is a valuable indicator that can be used to characterize the course and health burden of the smoking epidemic. The aim of this paper was to estimate SAM in Spain in 2016 in the population aged 35 and over, using the best available evidence.MethodsA smoking prevalence-dependent analysis based on the estimation of population-attributable fractions was performed. Smoking prevalence (never, former, and current smokers) was calculated from a combination of the Spanish Health Survey (2016) and the European Health Survey (2014); the relative risk of death among current and former smokers was taken from the follow-up of various cohorts; and mortality rates were obtained from National Center for Statistics data. SAM estimates are presented globally, and by sex, age groups, and major disease categories: cancer, cardiometabolic diseases and respiratory diseases.ResultsIn 2016, 56,124 deaths were attributed to tobacco consumption, 84% in men (47,000), and 50% in the population aged over 74 (27,795). Overall, 50% of SAM was due to cancer (28,281), 65% of which was lung cancer. One in 4 attributable deaths (13,849) occurred before the age of 65.ConclusionsOne in 7 deaths in Spain in 2016 were attributable to smoking. This estimation of SAM clearly highlights the great impact of smoking on mortality in Spain, mainly due to lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.     

Smoking in Non-Student Mexican Adolescents With Asthma. Relation With Family Structure,Educational Level,Parental Approval of Smoking,Parents Who Smoke,and Smoking Friends

IntroductionThe association between some factors of the familial and social environment with smoking in non-student adolescents with asthma has not been explored. The aim of the study was to determine the association between family structure, educational level, parental approval of smoking, parents who smoke, and smoking friends with smoking in non-student adolescents with asthma.Subjects and methodsIn a cross-sectional study, data were obtained by means of a structured questionnaire applied to 4778 non-student adolescents aged 13–18 years. Diagnosis of asthma was performed using a questionnaire based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood questionnaire. The smoking habit was determined by application of a self-administered questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) were determined for smoking using logistic regression.ResultsFrom the total sample, asthma prevalence was 6.6% and of active smoking, 34.2%. Age at initiation of asthma symptoms was 5.15±3.52 years, and that of active smoking was 13.65±2.07 years. Percentage of non-intact family (40.1% vs 32.7%) was greater in the group of adolescents with asthma. Logistic regression models show that parental approval of smoking (adjusted OR=5.57; 95% confidence interval=2.48–12.51) and smoking friends (adjusted OR=2.92; 95% confidence interval=1.04–8.19) are associated with smoking in non-student adolescents with asthma.ConclusionIn this study, parental approval of smoking and having friends who smoke appear to be associated with smoking among non-student adolescents with asthma.     

Estudo randomizado e controlado de uma intervenção terapêutica grupal em pacientes com síndrome fibromiálgica

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of a weekly interdisciplinary program (WIP) consisted of educational activities, physical therapy, stretching, ergonomics, posture guidance combined with cognitive behavioral strategies and approaches to psychosocial and occupational factors in order to determine whether this intervention would be effective to short and medium‐term improvement of symptoms in these patients.MethodsThis was a single‐center study, randomized single blind controlled trial with a sample test group (T), with a diagnosis of FMS (n = 12), and a control group (C) subjected to Pain Clinic referral (n = 15). The instruments used at two different times were the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Post‐Sleep Protocol (PSI). To assess quality of life, we used the SF‐12.ResultsIn samples, both groups were predominantly female, mean age of 42.5 ± 9.8 years, 43% married, average schooling of 8.3 ± 4.5 years. It was reported a mean of 4.2 years pain and an average of two years for the diagnosis of SFM from the group T. There was statistical difference between the groups in terms of efficacy post intervention WIP, in almost all outcome measures.ConclusionIt was found that weekly interdisciplinary program (WIP) has contributed to improving the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia.     

Preventing healthcare-associated infection through education: Have surgeons been overlooked?

Background/aimsSome 20–30% of HCAI are considered to be preventable through an extensive infection prevention and control programme. Through an extensive literature review we aim to critically appraise studies which have utilised education initiatives to decrease HCAI.MethodsAn extensive review of the literature was carried out in both online medical journals and through the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland library.FindingsMany studies over the last 10 years have demonstrated success in educating nursing staff, critical care healthcare workers as well as medical students and junior doctors in the infection prevention and control of infection. Comparatively few have focussed on surgical trainees. A blended learning approach, with particular focus on the small group format is important. Interventions involving web-based learning in combination with established education formats are proving successful in changing behaviour.ConclusionsThe development of an educational strategy for surgical trainees focussing on infection prevention and control is overdue. Such a programme would have far reaching benefits for individual patients, contribute to significant economic savings within health services and enhance the quality and safety of patient care.     

A scoping review of the use of exercise-based upper extremity injury prevention programs for industrial workers

Study DesignThis study is a scoping review.IntroductionExercise-based upper extremity injury prevention programs are used by employers to reduce the cost of work-related injuries in the industrial work setting.Purpose of the StudyThe purpose of the study was to identify, report, and evaluate all published literature that describes exercise-based upper extremity injury prevention programs used with an industrial workforce.MethodsA systematic search of Medline, ProQuest, Pubmed, and Worldcat databases was performed. Data extracted included the type of outcome tool used, the outcome that was measured, the components of the exercise program, and the effectiveness toward reducing injury.Results14 studies were included in the final analysis and summary. 12 articles included strengthening (85%) 10 included stretching (71%), 2 included health coaching (14%), and 2 included work simulation (14%). The most prevalent treatment approach was combined stretching and strengthening which accounted for 5 of the 14 studies, or 36%. The intervention period ranged from 4 weeks to 1 year and the program frequency ranged from before every work shift to weekly performance. There were 22 different outcome measures with health condition reported in 12 of 14 studies (86%) and function reported in 7 of 14 studies (50%).Discussion and ConclusionsAlthough many of the studies showed positive benefits to the exercise program, there is a wide variance in the current literature regarding the implementation, supervision, and exercise components of an upper extremity injury prevention program in an industrial work setting.Because there is no commonly-accepted exercise program, a conclusion regarding effectiveness cannot be generalized outside of the environment, supervision requirements, frequency, and duration in which the research was performed. There is a need for improved reporting techniques and a preferred program to be replicated across multiple work settings in order to allow generalizability of findings.     

The EPI-SCAN Survey to Assess the Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Spanish 40-to-80-Year-Olds: Protocol Summary

Background and ObjectivesChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes considerable morbidity and mortality in Spain. The 1997 IBERPOC study, applying the old criteria of the European Respiratory Society, reported a COPD prevalence of 9.1% in the adult population of Spain. The Epidemiologic Study of COPD in Spain (EPI-SCAN) aims to determine the current prevalence of COPD in residents of Spain aged 40 to 80 years. Secondary objectives are, among others, to describe the current prevalence of smoking and changes in COPD prevalence relative to previous studies; to describe treatments received by patients, quality of life, and the BODE index (body mass index, obstruction of airflow, dyspnea, and exercise tolerance); and to measure inflammatory markers in blood and exhaled-breath condensate.Patients and MethodsEPI-SCAN is a population-based, cross-sectional epidemiologic study targeting the general population of Spain aged between 40 and 80 years. Participating centers were located in Barcelona, Burgos, Cordoba, Huesca, Madrid, Oviedo, Seville, Valencia, Vic, and Vigo. All subjects filled in an extensive questionnaire to collect social, demographic, and clinical information. Slow and forced spirometry tests before and after a bronchodilator test were also undertaken. Additionally, selected subjects performed a 6-minute walk test and answered generic and specific quality-of-life questionnaires, as well as an activities-of-daily-living questionnaire. Exhaled-breath condensate and blood samples were also collected from these subjects for measurement of inflammatory and other biomarkers.     

The effect of training program based on health belief model on burn prevention knowledge in mothers of children aged to 1–3 years: A randomized controlled

PurposeOne of the effective models in health education is the health belief model that considers a person's behavior as a under the influence of knowledge and attitude. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of a training program based on the health belief model in burn prevention knowledge in mothers of children aged between 1 and 3 years old.Design and methodsThis single blind randomized Control Trial study was conducted on 64 mothers with a child aged between 12 and 36 months who were referred to the Health Centers of Shiraz, Iran, in 2018. Accordingly, using cluster sampling, 4 health centers were selected and then 2 centers were assigned to the intervention group and 2 other centers to the control group by randomization. The intervention group received six sessions of training. However, in order to observe the ethical principles, the educational content was provided to the control group at the end of the present study. Both groups completed health belief model questionnaire before, after the intervention, and by passing 2 months from the intervention. The collected data were compared between the two groups using SPSS software, version 25.ResultsWe found no differences in the demographics of the two study groups (P > 0.05). Intragroup comparison in the intervention and control groups indicated a significant difference among the three intervals (both P = 0.001). As well, a difference was found between the intervention and the control groups immediately after the intervention and 2 months after the intervention (both P < 0.001). Additionally, in both groups, the relationship between mothers' knowledge score and each dimension of the health belief model was examined, which was a significant. (P = 0.001).ConclusionHealth belief model can be considered as an effective method for educating mothers in terms of the prevention of children’s burn and the increased the mothers’ knowledge.Practice implicationsThe health belief model was shown to have a good effect on educating mothers regarding child burn’s prevention. So, due to this reason, it is recommended to use this model for burn’s prevention training programs.     

Immediate inguinal lymphaticovenous anastomosis following lymphadenectomy in skin cancer of lower extremities

BackgroundSecondary lymphedema following inguinal lymph node dissection in lower extremities skin cancer reduce the patients’ quality of life. Immediate lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) at groin is a procedure intended to prevent secondary lymphedema. The data regarding the long-term efficacy and safety of this procedure was limited. Therefore, we evaluated the long-term outcomes of immediate LVA in patients with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer of the lower extremities.MethodsThe retrospective data review of patients with melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the lower extremities underwent oncologic tumor resection with groin node dissection between December 2013 and December 2016 was performed. Seven patients underwent immediate LVA (intervention) at groin after node dissection and 22 acted as controls. The occurrence of lymphedema and oncologic outcomes were followed up to 7 years.ResultsFifteen patients (51.7%) developed postoperative lymphedema, which were three patients in the intervention group and twelve patients in the control group (p = 0.68). The intervention group had significant lower 2-year (57.1% versus 77.3%) and 5-year overall survival (14.3% versus 54.5%) (p = 0.035). The intervention group had reduced 2-year (28.6% versus 86.4%) and 5-year (28.6% versus 68.2%) Recurrence Free Survival (RFS) (p = 0.013). The intervention group also had reduced 2-year (0% versus 90%) and 5-year (0% versus 70%) Metastasis Free Survival (MFS) (p = 0.003).ConclusionImmediate inguinal LVA following groin node dissection in lower extremity skin cancer patients did not reduce the incidence of lymphedema. Unfortunately, it was associated with lower overall survival and an increase in tumor recurrence and metastasis.     

Hip fracture prevention with a multifactorial educational program in elderly community-dwelling Finnish women

Summary

Guidelines suggest identification of women at fracture risk by bone density measurement and subsequently pharmacotherapy. However, most women who sustain a hip fracture do not have osteoporosis in terms of bone density. The present non-pharmacological intervention among elderly women unselected for osteoporosis reduced hip fracture risk by 55 % providing an alternative approach to fracture prevention.

Introduction

Hip fractures are expensive for society and cause disability for those who sustain them. We studied whether a multifactorial non-pharmacological prevention program reduces hip fracture risk in elderly women.

Methods

A controlled trial concerning 60- to 70-year-old community-dwelling Finnish women was undertaken. A random sample was drawn from the Population Information System and assigned into the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). Of the 2,547 women who were invited to the IG, 1,004 (39 %) and of the 2,120 invited to the CG, 1,174 (55 %) participated. The IG participated in a fracture prevention program for 1 week at a rehabilitation center followed by review days twice. The CG received no intervention. During the 10-year follow-up, both groups participated in survey questionnaire by mail. Outcome of interest was occurrence of hip fractures and changes in bone–health-related lifestyle.

Results

During the follow-up, 12 (1.2 %) women in the IG and 29 (2.5 %) in the CG sustained a hip fracture (P?=?0.039). The determinants of hip fractures by stepwise logistic regression were baseline smoking (odds ratio (OR) 4.32 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.14–8.71), age OR 1.15/year (95 % CI 1.03–1.28), fall history OR 2.7 (95 % CI 1.24–5.9), stroke history OR 2.99 (95 % CI 1.19–7.54) and participating in this program OR 0.45 (95 % CI 0.22–0.93). Starting vitamin D and calcium supplement use was more common in the IG compared with the CG.

Conclusions

The results suggest that this non-pharmacological fracture prevention program may reduce the risk of hip fractures in elderly Finnish women.     

Nurse Intervention: Attitudes and Knowledge About Organ Donation and Transplantation in Adolescents

BackgroundThe problems involved in obtaining authorization in favor of organ donation have led us to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitudes of a group of Spanish adolescents (14-16 years) regarding organ donation, transplantation, and brain death. The evaluation was carried out before and after a health education intervention by nursing personnel.MethodsExperimental, prospective and quantitative study. The educational intervention was carried out at Las Salinas high school (Laguna de Duero, Spain). We collected 86 preworkshop questionnaires and 88 post-workshop questionnaires.ResultsThe composition of the groups did not differ significantly in sex (P = .653), age (P = .266), or in the desire to be a donor (P = .099). We found significant postworkshop improvements in knowledge about brain death (P < .001) and which organs can be donated (P < .001), as well as in the total score (18.29 ± 2.45 before vs 21.47 ± 2.70 after) (P < .001). We discovered a vast lack of knowledge about the organs that cannot be transplanted, which included the penis (38.4%), uterus (31.4%), prostate (41.9%), or bladder (37.2%); these beliefs decreased significantly after the intervention (P < .01). The increase in knowledge of the organs that can be donated, including eye (P = .024), lung (P = .025), stomach (P < .001), intestine (P = .001), and skin (P < .001), was also significant.ConclusionsThe good results reflected the importance of conducting educational programs taught by health personnel on donation and organ transplantation in adolescents.     

The involvement of trauma survivors in hospital-based injury prevention,violence intervention and peer support programs: A scoping review

BackgroundDespite decades-long involvement of trauma survivors in hospital-based program delivery, their roles and impact on trauma care have not been previously described. We aimed to characterize the literature on trauma survivor involvement in hospital-based injury prevention, violence intervention and peer support programs to map what is currently known and identify future research opportunities.MethodsA scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Articles were identified through electronic databases and gray literature. Included articles described hospital-based injury prevention programs, violence intervention programs and peer support programs that involved trauma survivors leveraging their injury experiences to counsel others. Studies were screened and data were abstracted in duplicate. Data were synthesized generally and by program type.ResultsThirty-six published articles and four program reports were included. Peer support programs were described in 21 articles, mainly involving trauma survivors as mentors or peer supporters. Peer support programs’ most commonly reported outcome was participant satisfaction (n = 6), followed by participant self-efficacy (n = 5), depression (n = 4), and community integration (n = 3). Eleven injury prevention studies were included, all involving trauma survivors as speakers in youth targeted programs. Injury prevention studies commonly reported outcomes of participants’ risk behaviors and awareness (n = 9). Violence intervention programs were included in four articles involving trauma survivors as intervention counsellors. Recidivism rate was the most commonly reported outcome (n = 3). Variability exists across and within program types when reporting on involved trauma survivors’ gender, age, selection and training, duration of involvement and number of survivors involved. Outcomes related to trauma survivors’ own experiences and the impacts to them of program involvement were under-studied.ConclusionsSignificant opportunity exists to fill current knowledge gaps in trauma survivors’ involvement in trauma program delivery. There is a need to describe more fully who involved trauma survivors are to inform the development of effective future interventions.     

Effect of a health literacy training program for surgical oncologists and specialized nurses on disparities in referral to breast cancer genetic testing

BackgroundThere is an underuse of genetic testing in breast cancer patients with a lower level of education, limited health literacy or a migrant background. We aimed to study the effect of a health literacy training program for surgical oncologists and specialized nurses on disparities in referral to genetic testing.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter study in a quasi-experimental pre-post (intervention) design. The intervention consisted of an online module and a group training for surgical oncologists and specialized nurses in three regions in the Netherlands. Six months pre- and 12 months post intervention, clinical geneticists completed a checklist with socio-demographic characteristics including the level of health literacy of each referred patient. We conducted univariate and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the effect of the training program on disparities in referral to genetic testing.ResultsIn total, 3179 checklists were completed, of which 1695 were from hospital referrals. No significant differences were found in educational level, level of health literacy and migrant background of patients referred for genetic testing by healthcare professionals working in trained hospitals before (n = 795) and after (n = 409) the intervention. The mean age of patients referred by healthcare professionals from trained hospitals was significantly lower after the intervention (52.0 vs. 49.8, P = 0.003).ConclusionThe results of our study suggest that the health literacy training program did not decrease disparities in referral to genetic testing. Future research in a more controlled design is needed to better understand how socio-demographic factors influence referral to breast cancer genetic testing and what other factors might contribute.