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Cancer Medicine Sep 2023With the rapid increase in the prevalence of cancer worldwide, the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased among cancer patients. This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
With the rapid increase in the prevalence of cancer worldwide, the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased among cancer patients. This review aimed to understand the perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals toward using CAM for cancer patients.
METHODS
A mixed-methods systematic review was undertaken in four databases. Inclusion criteria were primary studies reporting perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals for using CAM for cancer patients were eligible. A mixed-methods convergent synthesis was carried out, and the findings were subjected to a GRADE-CERQual assessment of confidence.
RESULTS
Forty-two studies were chosen. The majority of the studies were quantitative and had less than 100 participants. Most publications were from European countries, and oncology was the highest among the specialties. The review found the following themes: feasibility of having negative adverse effects, low expectations of using CAM among HCPs, potential positive effects of using CAM, specific CAM training may be helpful, no concrete regulations to promote CAM practice, and poor physician-patient communication.
CONCLUSIONS
Nurses had more positive views than other professions; oncologists were concerned regarding herb-drug interactions; integration of CAM into the healthcare system was favorable; HCPs felt the need to participate in specific CAM training; and HCPs agreed that CAM education should be provided more regularly. Future studies should explore the studies views of cancer patients and details of in-depth evidence of CAM in oncology settings.
PubMed: 37676102
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6499 -
International Forum of Allergy &... Oct 2023Olfactory dysfunction has been reported to be involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. However, gustatory dysfunction in PD has not been evaluated as in-depth... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Olfactory dysfunction has been reported to be involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. However, gustatory dysfunction in PD has not been evaluated as in-depth as olfactory dysfunction. We reviewed the previously published studies regarding gustatory function in PD patients and suggested the possibility that gustatory dysfunction may also be associated with PD.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases were searched for studies evaluating gustatory function in PD patients. We used the standardized mean difference and a 95% confidence interval (CI) as the effect analysis index regarding the taste strip test. The relative risk and 95% CI were used as the effect analysis index for the questionnaires and propylthiouracil (PTU)/phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) perception test. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using forest plots, Cochran's Q, and the I statistic; heterogeneity was considered high when I was over 75%. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and the Egger bias test.
RESULTS
We identified 19 articles that reported the results of gustatory function tests in PD patients and healthy controls. Most of these studies used various gustatory tests, including taste strips, questionnaires, taste solutions, PTU/PTC perception tests, and electrogustometry, and reported significantly lower gustatory function in PD patients than in the controls. However, several articles reported contradictory results.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on these studies, gustatory dysfunction is closely related to PD. However, the number of studies and enrolled subjects was small, and a unified gustatory function test was lacking. Therefore, further studies with larger populations and normalized gustatory function tests are needed.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Taste Disorders; Smell; Taste Perception; Phenylthiourea; Olfaction Disorders
PubMed: 36934313
DOI: 10.1002/alr.23158 -
Addiction (Abingdon, England) Sep 2016People with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders are important targets for smoking cessation interventions. Mental health professionals (MHPs) are ideally... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
People with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders are important targets for smoking cessation interventions. Mental health professionals (MHPs) are ideally placed to deliver interventions, but their attitudes may prevent this. This systematic review therefore aimed to identify and estimate quantitatively MHPs attitudes towards smoking and main barriers for providing smoking cessation support and to explore these attitudes in-depth through qualitative synthesis.
METHODS
The online databases AMED, EMBASE, Medline, PsychINFO, HMIC and CINAHL were searched in March 2015 using terms relating to three concepts: 'attitudes', 'mental health professionals' and 'smoking cessation'. Quantitative or qualitative studies of any type were included. Proportions of MHPs' attitudes towards smoking and smoking cessation were pooled across studies using random effects meta-analysis. Qualitative findings were evaluated using thematic synthesis.
RESULTS
Thirty-eight studies including 16 369 participants were eligible for inclusion. Pooled proportions revealed that 42.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 35.7-48.8] of MHPs reported perceived barriers to smoking cessation interventions, 40.5% (95% CI = 30.4-51.0) negative attitudes towards smoking cessation and 45.0% (95% CI = 31.9-58.4) permissive attitudes towards smoking. The most commonly held beliefs were that patients are not interested in quitting (51.4%, 95% CI = 33.4-69.2) and that quitting smoking is too much for patients to take on (38%, 95% CI = 16.4-62.6). Qualitative findings were consistent with quantitative results, revealing a culture of smoking as 'the norm' and a perception of cigarettes as a useful tool for patients and staff.
CONCLUSIONS
A significant proportion of mental health professionals hold attitudes and misconceptions that may undermine the delivery of smoking cessation interventions; many report a lack of time, training and confidence as main barriers to addressing smoking in their patients.
Topics: Attitude of Health Personnel; Comorbidity; Health Personnel; Humans; Mental Disorders; Smoking; Smoking Cessation; Tobacco Smoking
PubMed: 27003925
DOI: 10.1111/add.13387 -
Health Technology Assessment... Nov 2014Elective cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the NHS. In bilateral cataracts, the eye with greatest vision impairment from cataract is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Elective cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the NHS. In bilateral cataracts, the eye with greatest vision impairment from cataract is operated on first. First-eye surgery can improve vision and quality of life. However, it is unclear whether or not cataract surgery on the second eye provides enough incremental benefit to be considered clinically effective and cost-effective.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review of clinical effectiveness and analysis of cost-effectiveness of second-eye cataract surgery in England and Wales, based on an economic model informed by systematic reviews of cost-effectiveness and quality of life.
DATA SOURCES
Twelve electronic bibliographic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination databases were searched from database inception to April 2013, with searches updated in July 2013. Reference lists of relevant publications were also checked and experts consulted.
REVIEW METHODS
Two reviewers independently screened references, extracted and checked data from the included studies and appraised their risk of bias. Based on the review of cost-effectiveness, a de novo economic model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of second-eye surgery in bilateral cataract patients. The model is based on changes in quality of life following second-eye surgery and includes post-surgical complications.
RESULTS
Three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of clinical effectiveness, three studies of cost-effectiveness and 10 studies of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) met the inclusion criteria for the systematic reviews and, where possible, were used to inform the economic analysis. Heterogeneity of studies precluded meta-analyses, and instead data were synthesised narratively. The RCTs assessed visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis and several measures of HRQoL. Improvements in binocular visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were small and unlikely to be of clinical significance, but stereopsis was improved to a clinically meaningful extent following second-eye surgery. Studies did not provide evidence that second-eye surgery significantly affected HRQoL, apart from an improvement in the mental health component of HRQoL in one RCT. In the model, second-eye surgery generated 0.68 incremental quality-adjusted life-years with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £1964. Model results were most sensitive to changes in the utility gain associated with second-eye surgery, but otherwise robust to changes in parameter values. The probability that second-eye surgery is cost-effective at willingness-to-pay thresholds of £10,000 and £20,000 is 100%.
LIMITATIONS
Clinical effectiveness studies were all conducted more than 9 years ago. Patients had good vision pre surgery which may not represent all patients eligible for second-eye surgery. For some vision-related patient-reported outcomes and HRQoL measures, thresholds for determining important clinical effects are either unclear or have not been determined.
CONCLUSIONS
Second-eye cataract surgery is generally cost-effective based on the best available data and under most assumptions. However, more up-to-date data are needed. A well-conducted RCT that reflects current populations and enables the estimation of health state utility values would be appropriate. Guidance is required on which vision-related, patient-reported outcomes are suitable for assessing effects of cataract surgery in the NHS and how these measures should be interpreted clinically.
STUDY REGISTRATION
This project is registered as PROSPERO CRD42013004211.
FUNDING
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cataract Extraction; Clinical Trials as Topic; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Depth Perception; Elective Surgical Procedures; England; Female; Humans; Male; Models, Econometric; Patient Satisfaction; Quality of Life; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Risk Assessment; State Medicine; Vision Tests; Visually Impaired Persons
PubMed: 25405576
DOI: 10.3310/hta18680 -
Otology & Neurotology : Official... Aug 2019By discussing the design, findings, strengths, and weaknesses of available studies investigating the influence of angular insertion depth on speech perception, we intend...
OBJECTIVE
By discussing the design, findings, strengths, and weaknesses of available studies investigating the influence of angular insertion depth on speech perception, we intend to summarize the current status of evidence; and using evidence based conclusions, possibly contribute to the determination of the optimal cochlear implant (CI) electrode position.
DATA SOURCES
Our search strategy yielded 10,877 papers. PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to June 1, 2018. Both keywords and free-text terms, related to patient population, predictive factor, and outcome measurements were used. There were no restrictions in languages or year of publication.
STUDY SELECTION
Seven articles were included in this systematic review. Articles eligible for inclusion: (a) investigated cochlear implantation of any CI system in adults with post-lingual onset of deafness and normal cochlear anatomy; (b) investigated the relationship between angular insertion depth and speech perception; (c) measured angular insertion depth on imaging; and (d) measured speech perception at, or beyond 1-year post-activation.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
In included studies; quality was judged low-to-moderate and risk of bias, evaluated using a Quality-in-Prognostic-Studies-tool (QUIPS), was high. Included studies were too heterogeneous to perform meta-analyses, therefore, effect estimates of the individual studies are presented. Six out of seven included studies found no effect of angular insertion depth on speech perception.
CONCLUSION
All included studies are characterized by methodological flaws, and therefore, evidence-based conclusions regarding the influence of angular insertion depth cannot be drawn to date.
Topics: Adult; Cochlea; Cochlear Implantation; Cochlear Implants; Deafness; Humans; Speech Perception; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31135680
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000002298 -
European Archives of... Apr 2017Introduced in the late 90s, the active middle ear implant Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) is nowadays used for hearing rehabilitation in patients with mild to severe... (Review)
Review
Introduced in the late 90s, the active middle ear implant Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) is nowadays used for hearing rehabilitation in patients with mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) unable to tolerate conventional hearing aids. In experienced hands, the surgical implantation is fast done, safe and highly standardized. Here, we present a systematic review, after more than 15 years of application, to determine the efficacy/effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, as well as patient satisfaction with the VSB active middle ear implant in the treatment of mild to severe SNHL. A systematic search of electronic databases, investigating the safety and effectiveness of the VSB in SNHL plus medical condition resulted in a total of 1640 papers. After removing duplicates, unrelated articles, screening against inclusion criteria and after in-depth screening, the number decreased to 37 articles. 13 articles were further excluded due to insufficient outcome data. 24 studies remained to be systematically reviewed. Data was searched on safety, efficacy and economical outcomes with the VSB. Safety-oriented outcomes included complication/adverse event rates, damage to the middle/inner ear, revision surgery/explant rate/device failure and mortality. Efficacy outcomes were divided into audiological outcomes, including hearing thresholds, functional gain, speech perception in quiet and noise, speech recognition thresholds, real ear insertion gain and subjective outcomes determined by questionnaires and patient-oriented scales. Data related to quality of life (QALY, ICER) were considered under economical outcomes. The VSB turns out to be a highly reliable and a safe device which significantly improves perception of speech in noisy situations with a high sound quality. In addition, the subjective benefit of the VSB was found to be mostly significant in all studies. Finally, implantation with the VSB proved to be a cost-effective and justified health care intervention.
Topics: Audiometry; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Hearing Aids; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Ossicular Prosthesis; Patient Satisfaction; Quality of Life; Reoperation; Speech Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27796557
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-016-4361-2 -
Medicine Jan 2023Virtual reality (VR) is an interesting and promising way to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to adult laypersons as its high immersive characteristics could... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Virtual reality (VR) is an interesting and promising way to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to adult laypersons as its high immersive characteristics could improve the level of skills and acquired knowledge in learning basic life support (BLS).
METHODS
This systematic review assesses current literature about BLS training with VR and its possible effect on CPR-quality parameters, self-efficacy, perceived learning, and learners' satisfaction and short and long-term patients' outcome. We screened the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus databases and included only clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies published from inception to October 1, 2021, which analyzed adult laypersons' BLS training with the use of VR. Primary outcomes were CPR parameters (chest compression rate and depth, Automated External Defibrillator use). Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy, perceived learning and learners satisfaction, and patients' outcomes (survival and good neurologic status). The risk of bias of included study was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions tool to evaluate randomized control trials and the transparent reporting of evaluations with nonrandomized designs checklist for nonrandomized studies.
RESULTS
After full article screening, 6 studies were included in the systematic review (731 participants) published between 2017 and 2021. Because of the heterogeneity of the studies, we focused on describing the studies rather than meta-analysis. The assessment of the quality of evidence revealed overall a very low quality. Training with VR significantly improved the rate and depth of chest compressions in 4 out of 6 articles. VR was described as an efficient teaching method, exerting a positive effect on self-efficacy, perception of confidence, and competence in 2 articles.
CONCLUSION
VR in BLS training improves manual skills and self-efficacy of adult laypersons and may be a good teaching method in a blended learning CPR training strategy. VR may add another way to divide complex parts of resuscitation training into easier individual skills. However, the conclusion of this review suggests that VR may improve the quality of the chest compressions as compared to instructor-led face-to-face BLS training.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Learning; Virtual Reality; Defibrillators
PubMed: 36705392
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032736 -
BMC Public Health Apr 2021Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 45% of all chronic non-communicable disease deaths and 31% of all deaths. CVD has remained the primary cause of death...
BACKGROUND
Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 45% of all chronic non-communicable disease deaths and 31% of all deaths. CVD has remained the primary cause of death in the world for the past fifteen years. Compared to other continents, CVD and its risk factors are highly prevalent in Africa, but the continent also displays a low-level of knowledge and awareness of CVD, and poor perception of its risk factors. Little research has been done on the connection between the daily lived experiences of African people and the high prevalence and poor perception of CVD and its risk factors on the African continent. The aim of this study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the daily, lived experiences of African people and the connections between these experiences and the prevention, control, and management of CVD and its risk factors.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Psych INFO, and Web of Science databases to identify published English qualitative studies of CVD and its risk factors. Qualitative metasynthesis included structured techniques of data immersion and quality appraisal, thematic synthesis, and reciprocal translation.
RESULTS
Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Four major themes were identified from the metasynthesis: 1) understanding and beliefs about CVD; 2) perceived causes/risk factors for CVD; 3) understanding and belief about obesity; 4) perceived treatment options for CVD. The metasynthesis identified a consistent disconnect among African people between seeing CVD as a deadly and chronic disease and their perceptions of the minimal signs and symptoms of the disease in the early stages. This was further compounded by the gap between traditional healers and health care professionals.
CONCLUSIONS
Perceptions of CVD, its risk factors, and treatments were influenced by religious and cultural factors. Given the minimal signs and symptoms experienced in the early stages of the disease, there was a consistent disconnect among African people between seeing CVD as a deadly and chronic illness. Further investigations of the religious and cultural influences and educational programs related to these areas of disconnect are needed to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of African people.
Topics: Africa; Cardiovascular Diseases; Health Personnel; Humans; Obesity; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 33865359
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10781-1 -
Surgical Endoscopy Jan 2016Laparoscopic surgery is widely used, and results in accelerated patient recovery time and hospital stay were compared with laparotomy. However, laparoscopic surgery is... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic surgery is widely used, and results in accelerated patient recovery time and hospital stay were compared with laparotomy. However, laparoscopic surgery is more challenging compared with open surgery, in part because surgeons must operate in a three-dimensional (3D) space through a two-dimensional (2D) projection on a monitor, which results in loss of depth perception. To counter this problem, 3D imaging for laparoscopy was developed. A systematic review of the literature was performed to assess the effect of 3D laparoscopy.
METHODS
A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials that compared 3D with 2D laparoscopy. The search was accomplished in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines using the PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library electronic databases. No language or year of publication restrictions was applied. Data extracted were cohort size and characteristics, skill trained or operation performed, instrument used, outcome measures, and conclusions. Two independent authors performed the search and data extraction.
RESULTS
Three hundred and forty articles were screened for eligibility, and 31 RCTs were included in the review. Three trials were carried out in a clinical setting, and 28 trials used a simulated setting. Time was used as an outcome measure in all of the trials, and number of errors was used in 19 out of 31 trials. Twenty-two out of 31 trials (71%) showed a reduction in performance time, and 12 out of 19 (63%) showed a significant reduction in error when using 3D compared to 2D.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, 3D laparoscopy appears to improve speed and reduce the number of performance errors when compared to 2D laparoscopy. Most studies to date assessed 3D laparoscopy in simulated settings, and the impact of 3D laparoscopy on clinical outcomes has yet to be examined.
Topics: Clinical Competence; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Laparoscopy; Medical Errors; Operative Time; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 25840896
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-015-4189-7 -
Journal of Women's Health (2002) Sep 2018Excessive breast cancer screening with mammography or other modalities often burdens patients with false-positive results and costs. Yet, screening patients beyond the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Excessive breast cancer screening with mammography or other modalities often burdens patients with false-positive results and costs. Yet, screening patients beyond the age at which they will benefit or at too frequent intervals persists. This review summarizes the factors associated with overuse of breast cancer screening.
METHODS
We searched Medline and Embase from January 1998 to March 2017 for articles addressing the overuse of breast cancer screening and hand-searched the reference lists of included articles. Studies were included if they were written in English, pertained to a U.S. population, and identified a factor associated specifically with overuse of breast imaging. Paired reviewers independently screened abstracts, extracted data, and assessed quality.
RESULTS
We included 15 studies: 3 cohort, 5 cross-sectional, 6 surveys, and 1 in-depth interview. White women (non-Hispanic) were less vulnerable than other racial groups to overuse in 3 of 5 studies. Physician specialty was consistently associated with screening overuse in three of three studies. Abundant access to primary care and a patient desire for screening were associated with breast cancer screening overuse. Lower self-confidence, lower risk taking tendencies, higher perception of conflict in expert recommendations, and a belief in screening effectiveness were clinician traits associated with overuse of screening in the surveys.
CONCLUSIONS
The literature supports that liberal access to care and clinicians' recommendations to screen, possibly influenced by conflicting guidelines, increase excessive breast cancer screening. Overuse might conceivably be reduced with more concordance across guidelines, physician education, patient involvement in decision-making, thoughtful insurance restrictions, and limitations on the supply of services; however, these will need careful testing regarding their impact.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Humans; Mammography; Mass Screening; Medical Overuse; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 29708809
DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2017.6689