Economic evaluation of nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist roles: A methodological review

BackgroundAdvanced practice nurses (e.g., nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists) have been introduced internationally to increase access to high quality care and to tackle increasing health care expenditures. While randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated the effectiveness of nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist roles, their cost-effectiveness has been challenged. The poor quality of economic evaluations of these roles to date raises the question of whether current economic evaluation guidelines are adequate when examining their cost-effectiveness.ObjectiveTo examine whether current guidelines for economic evaluation are appropriate for economic evaluations of nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist roles.MethodsOur methodological review was informed by a qualitative synthesis of four sources of information: 1) narrative review of literature reviews and discussion papers on economic evaluation of advanced practice nursing roles; 2) quality assessment of economic evaluations of nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist roles alongside randomised controlled trials; 3) review of guidelines for economic evaluation; and, 4) input from an expert panel.ResultsThe narrative literature review revealed several challenges in economic evaluations of advanced practice nursing roles (e.g., complexity of the roles, variability in models and practice settings where the roles are implemented, and impact on outcomes that are difficult to measure). The quality assessment of economic evaluations of nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist roles alongside randomised controlled trials identified methodological limitations of these studies. When we applied the Guidelines for the Economic Evaluation of Health Technologies: Canada to the identified challenges and limitations, discussed those with experts and qualitatively synthesized all findings, we concluded that standard guidelines for economic evaluation are appropriate for economic evaluations of nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist roles and should be routinely followed. However, seven out of 15 current guideline sections (describing a decision problem, choosing type of economic evaluation, selecting comparators, determining the study perspective, estimating effectiveness, measuring and valuing health, and assessing resource use and costs) may require additional role-specific considerations to capture costs and effects of these roles.ConclusionCurrent guidelines for economic evaluation should form the foundation for economic evaluations of nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist roles. The proposed role-specific considerations, which clarify application of standard guidelines sections to economic evaluation of nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist roles, may strengthen the quality and comprehensiveness of future economic evaluations of these roles.     

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses for more profitable strategies in peripheral artery disease

Abstract

Clearly defined processes exist for developing evidence-based guidelines in clinical medicine. Approaches such as the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) where recommendations are made on the basis of quality of evidence gathered in a systematic literature review are also appropriate for recommendations relating to nutritional management of disease. Strong recommendations are based on high-quality evidence derived from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In nutritional studies, RCTs often examine risk factors and occasionally other surrogates of disease rather than clinical end-points. Criteria are suggested as to when such surrogates may be used. GRADE and similar approaches are less appropriate when considering recommendations regarding chronic disease prevention. Cancer develops over many years, and RCTs exploring nutritional measures to reduce risk are inappropriate. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has developed an approach in which recommendations are based on clearly defined ‘convincing’ or ‘probable’ relationships between nutritional variables and disease outcomes.

The WCRF criteria have been adapted for developing a wide range of policy recommendations which provide opportunities for those responsible for implementing policy to select options best suited to their purpose. Recommendations related to nutrition policy tend to evolve as a delicate balance between political wisdom and judgement of the scientific evidence. However, policy recommendations are important since they have the potential to create environments which are conducive to the behavioural changes required for improved nutrition.     

Interpretation of trial-based economic evaluations of musculoskeletal physical therapy interventions

BackgroundAs resources for healthcare are scarce, decision-makers increasingly rely on economic evaluations when making reimbursement decisions about new health technologies, such as drugs, procedures, devices, and equipment. Economic evaluations compare the costs and effects of two or more interventions. Musculoskeletal disorders have a high prevalence and result in high levels of disability and high costs worldwide. Because physical therapy interventions are usually the first line of treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, economic evaluations of such interventions are becoming increasingly important for stakeholders in the field of physical therapy, including physical therapists, decision-makers, and reseachers. However, economic evaluations are relatively difficult to interpret for the majority of stakeholders.ObjectiveTo support physical therapists, decision-makers, and researchers in the field of physical therapy interpreting trial-based economic evaluations and translating the results of such studies to clinical practice.MethodsThe design, analysis, and interpretation of economic evaluations performed alongside randomized controlled trials are discussed. To further illustrate and explain these concepts, we use a case study assessing the cost-effectiveness of exercise therapy compared to standard advice in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.ConclusionsEconomic evaluations are increasingly being used in healthcare decision-making. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that their design, conduct, and analysis are state-of-the-art and that their interpretation is adequate. This masterclass will help physical therapists, decision-makers, and researchers in the field of physical therapy to critically appraise the quality and results of trial-based economic evaluations and to apply the results of such studies to their own clinical practice and setting.     

Clinical and economic outcomes of nurse-led services in the ambulatory care setting: A systematic review

BackgroundWith the increasing burden of chronic and age-related diseases, and the rapidly increasing number of patients receiving ambulatory or outpatient-based care, nurse-led services have been suggested as one solution to manage increasing demand on the health system as they aim to reduce waiting times, resources, and costs while maintaining patient safety and enhancing satisfaction.ObjectivesThe aims of this review were to assess the clinical effectiveness, economic outcomes and key implementation characteristics of nurse-led services in the ambulatory care setting.DesignA systematic review was conducted using the standard Cochrane Collaboration methodology and was prepared in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.Data sourcesWe searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE EBSCO, CINAHL EBSCO, and PsycINFO Ovid (from inception to April 2016).Review methodsData were extracted and appraisal undertaken. We included randomised controlled trials; quasi-randomised controlled trials; controlled and non-controlled before-and-after studies that compared the effects of nurse-led services in the ambulatory or community care setting with an alternative model of care or standard care.ResultsTwenty-five studies of 180,308 participants were included in this review. Of the 16 studies that measured and reported on health-related quality of life outcomes, the majority of studies (n = 13) reported equivocal outcomes; with three studies demonstrating superior outcomes and one demonstrating inferior outcomes in comparison with physician-led and standard care. Nurse-led care demonstrated either equivalent or better outcomes for a number of outcomes including symptom burden, self-management and behavioural outcomes, disease-specific indicators, satisfaction and perception of quality of life, and health service use. Benefits of nurse-led services remain inconclusive in terms of economic outcomes.ConclusionsNurse-led care is a safe and feasible model of care for consideration across a number of ambulatory care settings. With appropriate training and support provided, nurse-led care is able to produce at least equivocal outcomes or at times better outcomes in terms of health-related quality of life compared to physician-led care or standard care for managing chronic conditions. There is a lack of high quality economic evaluations for nurse-led services, which is essential for guiding the decision making of health policy makers. Key factors such as education and qualification of the nurse; self-management support; resources available for the nurse; prescribing capabilities; and evaluation using appropriate outcome should be carefully considered for future planning of nurse-led services.     

Manual joint mobilisation techniques,supervised physical activity,psychological treatment,acupuncture and patient education for patients with tension-type headache. A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTension-type headache (TTH) has been ranked the second most prevalent health condition worldwide. Non-pharmacological treatments for TTH are widely used as a supplement or an alternative to medical treatment. However, the evidence for their effects are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the evidence for manual joint mobilisation techniques, supervised physical activity, psychological treatment, acupuncture and patient education as treatments for TTH on the effect of headache frequency and quality of life.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted from February to July 2020 for clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, and individual randomised controlled trials (RCT). The primary outcomes measured were days with headache and quality of life at the end of treatment along with a number of secondary outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed on eligible RCTs and pooled estimates of effects were calculated using the random-effect model. The overall certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach (GRADE). In addition, patient preferences were included in the evaluation.ResultsIn all, 13 RCTs were included. Acupuncture might have positive effects on both primary outcomes. Supervised physical activity might have a positive effect on pain intensity at the end of treatment and headache frequency at follow-up. Manual joint mobilisation techniques might have a positive effect on headache frequency and quality of life at follow-up. Psychological treatment might have a positive effect on stress symptoms at the end of treatment. No relevant RCTs were identified for patient education. The overall certainty of evidence was downgraded to low and very low. No serious adverse events were reported. A consensus recommendation was made for patient education and weak recommendations for the other interventions.ConclusionBased on identified benefits, certainty of evidence, and patient preferences, manual joint mobilisation techniques, supervised physical activity, psychological treatment, acupuncture, and patient education can be considered as non-pharmacological treatment approaches for TTH. Some positive effects were shown on headache frequency, quality of life, pain intensity and stress symptoms. Few studies and low sample sizes posed a challenge in drawing solid conclusions. Therefore, high-quality RCTs are warranted.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10194-021-01298-4.     

Cardiac rehabilitation and quality of life: a systematic review

ObjectiveThe objective of this systematic review was to explore the effects of cardiac rehabilitation interventions on the quality of life of patients with coronary heart disease with a specific focus on interventions that could be delivered within the context of a publicly funded health service.DesignSystematic review of trials reporting quality of life data as an outcome measure. Electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO) were searched from 1 January 1999 to 25 November 2010 in the English language. Inclusion criteria were: randomised controlled trials of cardiac rehabilitation as configured for a publicly funded health service. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second reviewer.ResultsThe 16 papers reported RCTs conducted in nine countries. Fifteen measurement instruments were utilised to measure quality of life across the different studies precluding a meta-analysis. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the selected papers: physical well-being (including fitness and symptoms); psychological well-being (including anxiety and depression); social well-being (including family life and relationships); and functional status (including return to work and previous life style). Physical domain outcomes suggest that cardiac rehabilitation may improve physical well-being and levels of physical activity and thereby improved levels of physical fitness. Both physical and psychological domain outcomes suggest that home-based interventions are at least as effective as centre-based interventions. Relatively few trials reported on quality of life within the social domain and any difference between centre-based and home-based interventions appeared to favour the home-based intervention.ConclusionsThis review indicates that cardiac rehabilitation improves the quality of life for coronary heart disease patients and that quality of life improvements have a bi-directional relationship with increased physical activity and vocational status. Further research is needed to explore the relationship of quality of life outcomes to cardiac mortality, the relationship between improved physical well-being and anxiety, and the quality of life and mortality effects of cardiac rehabilitation in older people.     

Tranexamic acid for traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TXA) has demonstrated clinical benefit in trauma patients with severe bleeding, but its effectiveness in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unclear. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the following research question: In ED patients with or at risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) secondary to TBI, does TXA compared to placebo improve patients' outcomes?MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and other databases were searched for randomized controlled trial (RCT) or quasi-RCT studies that compared the effect of TXA to placebo on outcomes of TBI patients. The main outcomes of interest included mortality, neurologic function, hematoma expansion, and adverse effects. We used “Grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations” to assess the quality of trials. Two authors independently abstracted data using a data collection form. Results from studies were pooled when appropriate.ResultsOf 1030 references identified through the search, 2 high-quality RCTs met inclusion criteria. The effect of TXA on mortality had a pooled relative risk of 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-1.02); on unfavorable functional status, a relative risk of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.59-1.02); and on ICH progression, a relative risk of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.58-0.98). No serious adverse effects (such as thromboembolic events) associated with TXA group were reported in the included trials.ConclusionPooled results from the 2 RCTs demonstrated statistically significant reduction in ICH progression with TXA and a nonstatistically significant improvement of clinical outcomes in ED patients with TBI. Further evidence is required to support its routine use in patients with TBI.     

Clinical outcomes in patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation using NAVA and other ventilation modes - A systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeNeurally adjusted ventilatory assist mode (NAVA) benefit in mechanical ventilation (MV) patients with regard to clinically outcomes is still uncertain. Recent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have addressed this issue, making it important to assess the real impact of NAVA in relation to these outcomes.Materials and methodsWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs comparing NAVA ventilation mode versus the standard ventilation mode in critically ill adult patients admitted to the ICU with invasive MV. The main outcome was 28-days ventilatory free-days (VFD). Secondary outcomes were weaning failure, mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay and need for tracheostomy.ResultsWe included 5 RCTs (643 patients). The patients in the NAVA group had increased VFDs compared to the control group: mean difference (MD) 3.42 (95% CI 1.21 to 5.62, I² = 0%). NAVA and control groups did not differ in ICU mortality [OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.33 to 1.03), I2 = 41%]. NAVA mode was associated with a reduced incidence of weaning failure [OR 0.51 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.88), I² = 0%]. NAVA and control groups did not differ in the number of MV days: MD -1.9 days (95% CI -4.2 to 0.3, I² = 0%).ConclusionsNAVA mode has a modest impact on MV-free days and weaning success, with no association with improvements in other relevant clinical outcomes.     

Neuropsychiatric outcome in subgroups of Intensive Care Unit survivors: Implications for after-care

PurposePoor neuropsychiatric outcomes are common in survivors of critical illness but it is unclear what patient groups to target for interventions to improve mental health. We compared anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) across different subgroups of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors.Materials and methodsA single-center cohort study was conducted in a mixed-ICU in the Netherlands among survivors of an ICU admission ≥48 h (n = 1730). Survivors received a survey one year after discharge, containing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Impact of Event Scale (IES/IES-R), and EQ-5D (response rate of 67%). Neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life were evaluated in a priori defined subgroups, by chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney U tests.ResultsSymptoms of anxiety (HADS anxiety ≥8), depression (HADS depression ≥8), and PTSD (IES ≥35; IES-R ≥ 1.6) were reported by 34%, 33%, and 19% of ICU survivors, with a median HrQoL utility score of 0.81 (IQR:0.65–1.00). These figures were similar for survivors of ARDS, sepsis, severe multiple organ failure (SOFA>11), or ICU stay ≥7 days.ConclusionsThis underlines the importance of prevention and treatment for neuropsychiatric symptoms in ICU survivors in general, not only in specific patient groups.     

Improving vasomotor symptoms; psychological symptoms; and health-related quality of life in peri- or post-menopausal women through yoga: An umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesVasomotor symptoms (VMS), commonly reported during menopausal transition, negatively affect psychological health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). While hormone therapy is an effective treatment, its use is limited by concerns about possible harms. Thus, many women with VMS seek nonhormonal, nonpharmacologic treatment options. However, evidence to guide clinical recommendations is inconclusive. This study reviewed the effectiveness of yoga, tai chi and qigong on vasomotor, psychological symptoms, and HRQoL in peri- or post-menopausal women.DesignMEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database were searched. Researchers identified systematic reviews (SR) or RCTs that evaluated yoga, tai chi, or qigong for vasomotor, psychological symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in peri- or post-menopausal women. Data were abstracted on study design, participants, interventions and outcomes. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed and updated meta-analyses were performed.ResultsWe identified one high-quality SR (5 RCTs, 582 participants) and 3 new RCTs (345 participants) published after the SR evaluating yoga for vasomotor, psychological symptoms, and HRQoL; no studies evaluated tai chi or qigong. Updated meta-analyses indicate that, compared to controls, yoga reduced VMS (5 trials, standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.27, 95% CI −0.49 to −0.05) and psychological symptoms (6 trials, SDM −0.32; 95% CI −0.47 to −0.17). Effects on quality of life were reported infrequently. Key limitations are that adverse effects were rarely reported and outcome measures lacked standardization.ConclusionsResults from this meta-analysis suggest that yoga may be a useful therapy to manage bothersome vasomotor and psychological symptoms.     

Does preoperative physiotherapy improve postoperative,patient-based outcomes in older adults who have undergone total knee arthroplasty? A systematic review

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability in older adults (≥60) in the UK. If nonsurgical management fails and if OA severity becomes too great, knee arthroplasty is a preferred treatment choice. Preoperative physiotherapy is often offered as part of rehabilitation to improve postoperative patient-based outcomes. Objectives: Systematically review whether preoperative physiotherapy improves postoperative, patient-based outcomes in older adults who have undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and compare study interventions to best-practice guidelines. Method: A literature search of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), published April 2004–April 2014, was performed across six databases. Individual studies were evaluated for quality using the PEDro Scale. Results: Ten RCTs met the full inclusion/exclusion criteria. RCTs compared control groups versus: preoperative exercise (n = 5); combined exercise and education (n = 2); combined exercise and acupuncture (n = 1); neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES; n = 1); and acupuncture versus exercise (n = 1). RCTs recorded many patient-based outcomes including knee strength, ambulation, and pain. Minimal evidence is presented that preoperative physiotherapy is more effective than no physiotherapy or usual care. PEDro Scale and critical appraisal highlighted substantial methodological quality issues within the RCTs. Conclusion: There is insufficient quality evidence to support the efficacy of preoperative physiotherapy in older adults who undergo total knee arthroplasty.     

Quality of life in family caregivers of patients in the intensive care unit: A longitudinal study

BackgroundFamily caregivers of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) experience impairments in the quality of life. Previous studies report that psychological quality of life improves over time, but there has been limited longitudinal research, and measurement points have differed. Factors such as age, gender, and posttraumatic stress symptoms have been found to be associated with the quality of life, but level of hope and its associations with the quality of life have not been investigated.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was (1) to evaluate changes in the quality of life in family caregivers during the first year after a patient's admission to the ICU and (2) to identify associations between patients' and family caregivers' background characteristics, posttraumatic stress symptoms, hope, and quality of life.MethodsA longitudinal study design with five measurement points was used. Family caregivers completed study questionnaires at enrolment into the study and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the patient's admission to the ICU. The quality of life was measured with the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey.ResultsFamily caregivers (N = 211) reported improved psychological quality of life during the first year after the patient's admission to the ICU, but it was still lower than the psychological quality of life reported in norm-based data. Being on sick leave, consulting healthcare professionals (e.g., general practitioner), and increased level of posttraumatic stress symptoms were significantly associated with psychological quality of life, whereas hope was not. Reported physical quality of life was comparable to norm-based data.ConclusionFamily caregivers of patients in the ICU reported impairments in quality of life during the first year after the patient's admission to the ICU. Being on sick leave, consulting healthcare professionals, and reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms may improve mental quality of life.     

Nurses’ experiences of ICU diaries following implementation of national recommendations for diaries in intensive care units: A quality improvement project

ObjectivesTo evaluate critical care nurses’ experiences of ICU diaries following the implementation of national recommendations for the use of diaries for critically ill patients.DesignA quality improvement project describing the development and implementation of national recommendations (2011), as well as the assessment of the use of diaries in intensive care nursing practice (2014).SettingNorwegian intensive care units (ICUs).ParticipantsThirty-nine Norwegian ICUs took part in the study.InterventionA multi-component process for developing national recommendations for the use of diaries in Norwegian ICUs, including recommendations for the target group, when to start, health professionals as authors, diary content, structure, language, use of photographs, handover, access and storage within patient medical records.Main outcome measureA questionnaire asking about experiences of implementing national recommendations on diaries in Norwegian ICUs, as well as their impact and how they are used.ResultsThree years after the implementation of the national recommendations, diaries were provided in 24 (61.5%) of the responding ICUs. Fifty-six per cent of the ICUs had revised their routines, of which 62% had updated and 38% had developed new protocols. Most ICUs kept the diary along with other medical information describing patient care, but only 50% of the ICUs scanned handwritten diaries into the electronic medical records before handing them over to patients or the bereaved. ICU nurses reported that implementing national recommendations had increased their awareness and knowledge on patient and family needs, as well as the long-term effects of critical illness.ConclusionThe results of this quality improvement project indicate that access to national recommendations on the use of diaries for critically ill patients have a potential of changing routines and increase standardisation.     

Consequences of suboptimal communication for patients with limited English proficiency in the intensive care unit and suggestions for a way forward: A qualitative study of healthcare team perceptions

PurposeTo understand the healthcare team's perceptions of the negative consequences of suboptimal communication and their recommendations to improve communication with patients and families who have Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).Materials and methodsWe performed a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of physicians, nurses, and interpreters from 3 ICUs at Mayo Clinic Rochester, between November 2017 and April 2018.ResultsWe identified 5 consequences of suboptimal communication: 1) Suboptimal assessment and treatment of patient symptoms, 2) Unmet patient and family expectations, 3) Decreased patient autonomy, 4) Unmet end of life wishes and 5) Clinician Distress. Recommendations to improve communication include: 1) Education and training for patients,families, clinicians and interpreters, 4) Greater integration of interpreters into the ICU team 5) Standardized timeline for goals of care conversations with patients and families with LEP.ConclusionsPatients with LEP are at risk of experiencing suboptimal communication with the healthcare team in the ICU. There are several educational and quality improvement strategies that ICUs and institutions can take to mitigate these issues.     

Total glucosides of paeony for rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundTotal glucosides of paeony (TGP) is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. However, clinical practice hasn’t been well informed by evidence from appropriately conducted systematic reviews. This PRISMA-compliant systematic review aims at examining the effectiveness and safety of TGP for RA.MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TGP with placebo, no treatment, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for patients with RA were retrieved by searching seven databases. Primary outcomes included disease improvement and disease remission. Secondary outcomes included adverse effects, pain, health-related quality of life, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Data extraction and analyses were conducted according to the Cochrane standards. We assessed risk of bias for each included studies and quality of evidence on pre-specified outcomes.ResultsEight studies enrolling 1209 patients with active RA were included in this systematic review. On the basis of traditional DMARD(s), TGP might be beneficial for patients with RA in improvement of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response rate, ACR 50 response rate, ACR70 response rate, and in reduction of adverse effects, compared with no treatment. The overall methodological quality of included studies and the quality of evidence for each outcome were limited.ConclusionsCurrent trials suggested potential benefits of TGP for RA on the basis of traditional DMARD(s). Therefore, TGP may be a good choice for RA as an adjuvant therapy. However, considering the limited methodological quality and strength of evidence, high-quality RCTs are warranted to support the use of TGP for RA.     

A systematic review to identify anxiety measures for use in populations undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm screening

ObjectiveTo identify the most appropriate patient reported outcome measure (PROM) to quantify anxiety of participants in the United Kingdom (UK) National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (NAAASP).MethodsComprehensive electronic searches were undertaken to identify studies reporting development or validation of PROMs used in the measurement of anxiety in screened populations. Study selection, data extraction and analysis were conducted independently by two reviewers; the “COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments” (COSMIN) classification of measurement properties was used in the evaluation of included PROMs enabling a recommendation to be made for the most appropriate PROM for use in the NAAASP.ResultsThe systematic review identified three PROMS that met the specified quality criteria and of these the Psychological Consequences of Screening questionnaire (PCQ) was judged to be the most appropriate PROM for use in populations undergoing screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Though the PCQ was developed for use in breast screening the individual items are appropriate to a population undergoing screening for AAA with minimal modification.DiscussionThe review was undertaken as part of a wider research initiative aiming to introduce routine measurement of anxiety alongside the UK NAAASP. A significant number of individuals participating in this screening programme will have an AAA that will never progress to a stage where it will directly cause ill health or require treatment. For these individuals the knowledge that they have an AAA could create anxiety that has a significant impact on quality of life, there is a potential for this to outweigh the benefits of screening and surveillance.ConclusionIn the absence of a PROM with proven validity and reliability in populations undergoing AAA screening the PCQ is a pragmatic choice as a measure of anxiety in this population and appropriate for the purposes of the NAAASP.     

Effect of thiamine supplementation in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionSeveral studies have previously shown the benefit of thiamine supplementation in critically ill patients. In order to fully appraise the available data, we performed a meta-analysis of 18 published studies.MethodsA thorough systematic search was conducted. The studies enrolling critically ill patients receiving thiamine supplementation was compared with the standard of care (SOC) group. Data was analyzed using RevMan 5.4. Clinical outcomes were pooled using Odds Ratio (OR) and mean differences.ResultEighteen studies (8 RCTs and 10 cohort studies) met the criteria for quantitative synthesis. In the analysis of RCTs, thiamine supplementation showed 42% lower odds of developing ICU delirium (OR 0.58, 95% CI, 0.34–0.98). A reduction in mortaliy was observed on performing fixed effect model analysis however, a level of statistical significance could not be reached on performing random effect model analysis (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.04). Further sub-group analysis of 13 studies in patients with sepsis, there was no difference in mortality between the two groups (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.09).ConclusionThiamine supplementation in critically ill patients showed a reduction in the incidence of ICU delirium among RCTs. However, there was no significant benefit in terms of overall mortality, and mortality in patients with sepsis. Further, large scale randomized prospective studies are warranted to investigate the role of thiamine supplementation in critically ill patients.     

Using the International Classification of Functioning,Disability, and Health to identify outcome domains for a core outcome set for aphasia: a comparison of stakeholder perspectives

Abstract

Purpose: This study synthesised the findings of three separate consensus processes exploring the perspectives of key stakeholder groups about important aphasia treatment outcomes. This process was conducted to generate recommendations for outcome domains to be included in a core outcome set for aphasia treatment trials.

Materials and methods: International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health codes were examined to identify where the groups of: (1) people with aphasia, (2) family members, (3) aphasia researchers, and (4) aphasia clinicians/managers, demonstrated congruence in their perspectives regarding important treatment outcomes. Codes were contextualized using qualitative data.

Results: Congruence across three or more stakeholder groups was evident for ICF chapters: Mental functions; Communication; and Services, systems, and policies. Quality of life was explicitly identified by clinicians/managers and researchers, while people with aphasia and their families identified outcomes known to be determinants of quality of life.

Conclusions: Core aphasia outcomes include: language, emotional wellbeing, communication, patient-reported satisfaction with treatment and impact of treatment, and quality of life. International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health coding can be used to compare stakeholder perspectives and identify domains for core outcome sets. Pairing coding with qualitative data may ensure important nuances of meaning are retained.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• The outcomes measured in treatment research should be relevant to stakeholders and support health care decision making. Core outcome sets (agreed, minimum set of outcomes, and outcome measures) are increasingly being used to ensure the relevancy and consistency of the outcomes measured in treatment studies.

• Important aphasia treatment outcomes span all components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Stakeholders demonstrated congruence in the identification of important outcomes which related Mental functions; Communication; Services, systems, and policies; and Quality of life.

• A core outcome set for aphasia treatment research should include measures relating to: language, emotional wellbeing, communication, patient-reported satisfaction with treatment and impact of treatment, and quality of life.

• Coding using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, presents a novel methodology for the comparison of stakeholder perspectives to inform recommendations for outcome constructs to be included in a core outcome set. Coding can be paired with qualitative data to ensure nuances of meaning are retained.

     

Risk factors and outcomes among delirium subtypes in adult ICUs: A systematic review

PurposeUse systematic review methodology to summarize risk factors and outcomes for each delirium subtype (hypoactive, hyperactive and mixed) in an adult ICU population.Materials and methodsWe searched the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases from database inception until August 13, 2018, with no restrictions.ResultsOf 9635 abstracts, 20 studies were included. Older age was not associated with any delirium subtype in 4/7 (57%) studies. Sex was not associated with any delirium subtype in 4/4 (100%) studies. Mortality was consistently associated with hypoactive delirium in 4/7 (57%) studies. The evidence supporting the association of APACHE-II score, mechanical ventilation, length of stay, duration of delirium and removal of tubes were inconsistent across studies.ConclusionsAlthough included studies reported on many subtype-specific risk factors and outcomes, heterogeneity in reporting and methodological quality limited the generalizability of the results and the evidence for many subtype-specific risk factors or outcomes is inconsistent across studies. Standardized methodology and the creation of a universal template for collecting data in ICU delirium studies are essential moving forward; helping to identify subtype-specific risk factors or outcomes and strengthen the association of potential risk factors or outcomes.     

Dosage for cost-effective exercise-based falls prevention programs for older people: A systematic review of economic evaluations

BackgroundFalls in older people is a global public health concern. Physical exercise is a useful and potentially cost-saving treatment option to prevent falls in older people.ObjectivesWe aimed to (1) summarize the research literature regarding the cost-effectiveness of exercise-based programs for falls prevention in older people and (2) discuss the implications of the review's findings for clinical practice and future research on the dosage of cost-effective exercise-based falls prevention programs for older people.MethodsMultiple databases were searched from inception until February 2019. Studies were included if they (1) were randomized controlled trials with an economic evaluation of exercise-based falls prevention programs for people ≥ 60 years old and (2) assessed the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, cost per quality-adjusted life year, incremental cost per fall and benefit-to-cost ratio of programs. Methodological quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and quality of economic evaluation with the Quality of Health Economic Studies.ResultsWe included 12 studies (3668 older people). Interventions for falls prevention were either exercise-only or multifactorial programs. Five studies of high economic quality and 2 of high methodological quality provided evidence supporting exercise-only programs as cost-effective for preventing falls in older people. Specifically, a tailored exercise program including strengthening of lower extremities, balance training, cardiovascular exercise, stretching and functional training of moderate intensity performed twice per week with each session lasting 60 min for ≥ 6 months delivered in groups of 3 to 8 participants with home-based follow-up appears to be cost-effective in preventing falls in older people.ConclusionThere is evidence to support exercise-based interventions as cost-effective treatment for preventing falls. Further research is needed to fully establish the cost-effectiveness of such programs, especially in both developing and underdeveloped countries.Review registrationPROSPERO CRD42018102892.