-
BMC Neurology Mar 2020Despite many benefits of the physical activity on physical and mental health of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the activity level in these patients is still very... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Despite many benefits of the physical activity on physical and mental health of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the activity level in these patients is still very limited, and they continue to suffer from impairment in functioning ability. The main aim of this study is thus to closely examine exercise's effect on fatigue of patients with MS worldwide, with particular interest on Iran based on a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
The studies used in this systematic review were selected from the articles published from 1996 to 2019, in national and international databases including SID, Magiran, Iranmedex, Irandoc, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science (ISI). These databases were thoroughly searched, and the relevant ones were selected based on some plausible keywords to the aim of this study. Heterogeneity index between studies was determined using Cochran's test and I. Due to heterogeneity in studies, the random effects model was used to estimate standardized mean difference.
RESULTS
From the systematic review, a meta-analysis was performed on 31 articles which were fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The sample including of 714 subjects was selected from the intervention group, and almost the same sample size of 720 individuals were selected in the control group. Based on the results derived from this meta-analysis, the standardized mean difference between the intervention group before and after the intervention was respectively estimated to be 23.8 ± 6.2 and 16.9 ± 3.2, which indicates that the physical exercise reduces fatigue in patients with MS.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study extracted from a detailed meta-analysis reveal and confirm that physical exercise significantly reduces fatigue in patients with MS. As a results, a regular exercise program is strongly recommended to be part of a rehabilitation program for these patients.
Topics: Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Fatigue; Humans; Iran; Multiple Sclerosis
PubMed: 32169035
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-020-01654-y -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2014Improving upper limb function is a core element of stroke rehabilitation needed to maximise patient outcomes and reduce disability. Evidence about effects of individual... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Improving upper limb function is a core element of stroke rehabilitation needed to maximise patient outcomes and reduce disability. Evidence about effects of individual treatment techniques and modalities is synthesised within many reviews. For selection of effective rehabilitation treatment, the relative effectiveness of interventions must be known. However, a comprehensive overview of systematic reviews in this area is currently lacking.
OBJECTIVES
To carry out a Cochrane overview by synthesising systematic reviews of interventions provided to improve upper limb function after stroke.
SEARCH METHODS
We comprehensively searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; the Database of Reviews of Effects; and PROSPERO (an international prospective register of systematic reviews) (June 2013). We also contacted review authors in an effort to identify further relevant reviews.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included Cochrane and non-Cochrane reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with stroke comparing upper limb interventions with no treatment, usual care or alternative treatments. Our primary outcome of interest was upper limb function; secondary outcomes included motor impairment and performance of activities of daily living. When we identified overlapping reviews, we systematically identified the most up-to-date and comprehensive review and excluded reviews that overlapped with this.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two overview authors independently applied the selection criteria, excluding reviews that were superseded by more up-to-date reviews including the same (or similar) studies. Two overview authors independently assessed the methodological quality of reviews (using a modified version of the AMSTAR tool) and extracted data. Quality of evidence within each comparison in each review was determined using objective criteria (based on numbers of participants, risk of bias, heterogeneity and review quality) to apply GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) levels of evidence. We resolved disagreements through discussion. We systematically tabulated the effects of interventions and used quality of evidence to determine implications for clinical practice and to make recommendations for future research.
MAIN RESULTS
Our searches identified 1840 records, from which we included 40 completed reviews (19 Cochrane; 21 non-Cochrane), covering 18 individual interventions and dose and setting of interventions. The 40 reviews contain 503 studies (18,078 participants). We extracted pooled data from 31 reviews related to 127 comparisons. We judged the quality of evidence to be high for 1/127 comparisons (transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) demonstrating no benefit for outcomes of activities of daily living (ADLs)); moderate for 49/127 comparisons (covering seven individual interventions) and low or very low for 77/127 comparisons.Moderate-quality evidence showed a beneficial effect of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), mental practice, mirror therapy, interventions for sensory impairment, virtual reality and a relatively high dose of repetitive task practice, suggesting that these may be effective interventions; moderate-quality evidence also indicated that unilateral arm training may be more effective than bilateral arm training. Information was insufficient to reveal the relative effectiveness of different interventions.Moderate-quality evidence from subgroup analyses comparing greater and lesser doses of mental practice, repetitive task training and virtual reality demonstrates a beneficial effect for the group given the greater dose, although not for the group given the smaller dose; however tests for subgroup differences do not suggest a statistically significant difference between these groups. Future research related to dose is essential.Specific recommendations for future research are derived from current evidence. These recommendations include but are not limited to adequately powered, high-quality RCTs to confirm the benefit of CIMT, mental practice, mirror therapy, virtual reality and a relatively high dose of repetitive task practice; high-quality RCTs to explore the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), tDCS, hands-on therapy, music therapy, pharmacological interventions and interventions for sensory impairment; and up-to-date reviews related to biofeedback, Bobath therapy, electrical stimulation, reach-to-grasp exercise, repetitive task training, strength training and stretching and positioning.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Large numbers of overlapping reviews related to interventions to improve upper limb function following stroke have been identified, and this overview serves to signpost clinicians and policy makers toward relevant systematic reviews to support clinical decisions, providing one accessible, comprehensive document, which should support clinicians and policy makers in clinical decision making for stroke rehabilitation.Currently, no high-quality evidence can be found for any interventions that are currently used as part of routine practice, and evidence is insufficient to enable comparison of the relative effectiveness of interventions. Effective collaboration is urgently needed to support large, robust RCTs of interventions currently used routinely within clinical practice. Evidence related to dose of interventions is particularly needed, as this information has widespread clinical and research implications.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Exercise Movement Techniques; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Imagination; Recovery of Function; Review Literature as Topic; Robotics; Stroke Rehabilitation; Therapy, Computer-Assisted; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 25387001
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010820.pub2 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2016Compassion fatigue (CF) is stress resulting from exposure to a traumatized individual. CF has been described as the convergence of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and... (Review)
Review
Compassion fatigue (CF) is stress resulting from exposure to a traumatized individual. CF has been described as the convergence of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and cumulative burnout (BO), a state of physical and mental exhaustion caused by a depleted ability to cope with one's everyday environment. Professionals regularly exposed to the traumatic experiences of the people they service, such as healthcare, emergency and community service workers, are particularly susceptible to developing CF. This can impact standards of patient care, relationships with colleagues, or lead to more serious mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety or depression. A systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions to reduce CF in healthcare, emergency and community service workers was conducted. Thirteen relevant studies were identified, the majority of which were conducted on nurses (n = 10). Three included studies focused on community service workers (social workers, disability sector workers), while no studies targeting emergency service workers were identified. Seven studies reported a significant difference post-intervention in BO (n = 4) or STS (n = 3). This review revealed that evidence of the effectiveness of CF interventions in at-risk health and social care professions is relatively recent. Therefore, we recommend more research to determine how best to protect vulnerable workers at work to prevent not only CF, but also the health and economic consequences related to the ensuing, and more disabling, physical and mental health outcomes.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Burnout, Professional; Community Health Workers; Compassion Fatigue; Emergency Responders; Female; Health Personnel; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases; Risk Factors; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 27338436
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13060618 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2021Sleep disorders, especially insomnia, are very common in different kinds of cancers, but their prevalence and incidence are not well-known. Disturbed sleep in cancer is... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Sleep disorders, especially insomnia, are very common in different kinds of cancers, but their prevalence and incidence are not well-known. Disturbed sleep in cancer is caused by different reasons and usually appears as a comorbid disorder to different somatic and psychiatric diagnoses, psychological disturbances and treatment methods. There can be many different predictors for sleep disturbances in these vulnerable groups, such as pre-existing sleep disorders, caused by the mental status in cancer or as side effect of the cancer treatment.
METHODS
A systematic literature review of 8073 studies was conducted on the topic of sleep and sleep disorders in cancer patients. The articles were identified though PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Knowledge, and a total number of 89 publications were qualified for analysis.
RESULTS
The identified eighty-nine studies were analyzed on the topic of sleep and sleep disorders in cancer, twenty-six studies on sleep and fatigue in cancer and sixty-one studies on the topic of sleep disorders in cancer. The prevalence of sleep disturbences and/or sleep disorders in cancer was up to 95%.
DISCUSSION
Sleep disturbances and sleep disorders (such as insomnia, OSAS, narcolepsy and RLS; REM-SBD) in cancer patients can be associated with different conditions. Side effects of cancer treatment and cancer-related psychological dysfunctions can be instigated by sleep disturbances and sleep disorders in these patients, especially insomnia and OSAS are common. An evidence-based treatment is necessary for concomitant mental and/or physical states.
Topics: Humans; Narcolepsy; Neoplasms; Restless Legs Syndrome; Sleep; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 34770209
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111696 -
Western Journal of Nursing Research Dec 2021Hospital nurses are at high risk of fatigue due to stressful work environments with heavy workloads and non-standard work schedules. This systematic review examined the...
Hospital nurses are at high risk of fatigue due to stressful work environments with heavy workloads and non-standard work schedules. This systematic review examined the relationship between hospital nurse fatigue and outcomes. Full-text English language quantitative studies published between January 2000 and July 2020 were included. A total of 22 articles were reviewed and synthesized. The findings were synthesized into three major categories: nurse outcomes, nurse-reported patient outcomes, and organizational outcomes. Some of the most commonly studied outcomes include nursing performance (n=3), sickness absence (n=3), and intention to leave (n=4). Fatigue was consistently associated with mental health problems, decreased nursing performance, and sickness absence. Many studies confirmed that nurse fatigue is negatively associated with nurse, patient-safety, and organizational outcomes. However, our findings highlight gaps in current knowledge and the need for future research using a longitudinal design and measuring additional outcomes to better understand the consequences of nurse fatigue.
Topics: Fatigue; Humans; Patient Safety; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; Workload; Workplace
PubMed: 33554767
DOI: 10.1177/0193945921990892 -
PLoS Medicine Apr 2022The importance of patient-reported outcome measurement in chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations has been established. However, there remains a lack of research that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The importance of patient-reported outcome measurement in chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations has been established. However, there remains a lack of research that has synthesised data around CKD-specific symptom and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) burden globally, to inform focused measurement of the most relevant patient-important information in a way that minimises patient burden. The aim of this review was to synthesise symptom prevalence/severity and HRQOL data across the following CKD clinical groups globally: (1) stage 1-5 and not on renal replacement therapy (RRT), (2) receiving dialysis, or (3) in receipt of a kidney transplant.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched for English-language cross-sectional/longitudinal studies reporting prevalence and/or severity of symptoms and/or HRQOL in CKD, published between January 2000 and September 2021, including adult patients with CKD, and measuring symptom prevalence/severity and/or HRQOL using a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Random effects meta-analyses were used to pool data, stratified by CKD group: not on RRT, receiving dialysis, or in receipt of a kidney transplant. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data, and an exploration of publication bias performed. The search identified 1,529 studies, of which 449, with 199,147 participants from 62 countries, were included in the analysis. Studies used 67 different symptom and HRQOL outcome measures, which provided data on 68 reported symptoms. Random effects meta-analyses highlighted the considerable symptom and HRQOL burden associated with CKD, with fatigue particularly prevalent, both in patients not on RRT (14 studies, 4,139 participants: 70%, 95% CI 60%-79%) and those receiving dialysis (21 studies, 2,943 participants: 70%, 95% CI 64%-76%). A number of symptoms were significantly (p < 0.05 after adjustment for multiple testing) less prevalent and/or less severe within the post-transplantation population, which may suggest attribution to CKD (fatigue, depression, itching, poor mobility, poor sleep, and dry mouth). Quality of life was commonly lower in patients on dialysis (36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36] Mental Component Summary [MCS] 45.7 [95% CI 45.5-45.8]; SF-36 Physical Component Summary [PCS] 35.5 [95% CI 35.3-35.6]; 91 studies, 32,105 participants for MCS and PCS) than in other CKD populations (patients not on RRT: SF-36 MCS 66.6 [95% CI 66.5-66.6], p = 0.002; PCS 66.3 [95% CI 66.2-66.4], p = 0.002; 39 studies, 24,600 participants; transplant: MCS 50.0 [95% CI 49.9-50.1], p = 0.002; PCS 48.0 [95% CI 47.9-48.1], p = 0.002; 39 studies, 9,664 participants). Limitations of the analysis are the relatively few studies contributing to symptom severity estimates and inconsistent use of PROMs (different measures and time points) across the included literature, which hindered interpretation.
CONCLUSIONS
The main findings highlight the considerable symptom and HRQOL burden associated with CKD. The synthesis provides a detailed overview of the symptom/HRQOL profile across clinical groups, which may support healthcare professionals when discussing, measuring, and managing the potential treatment burden associated with CKD.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42020164737.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fatigue; Humans; Quality of Life; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
PubMed: 35385471
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003954 -
European Neuropsychopharmacology : the... Jan 2022The aim of the study was to systematically review the hard evidence alone, concerning lithium efficacy separately for the phases and clinical facets of Bipolar disorder... (Review)
Review
The aim of the study was to systematically review the hard evidence alone, concerning lithium efficacy separately for the phases and clinical facets of Bipolar disorder (BD). The PRISMA method was followed to search the MEDLINE for Randomized Controlled trials, Post-hoc analyses and Meta-analyses and review papers up to August 1st 2020, with the combination of the words 'bipolar', 'manic', 'mania', 'manic depression' and 'manic depressive' and 'randomized'. Trials and meta-analyses concerning the use of lithium either as monotherapy or in combination with other agents in adults were identified concerning acute mania (Ν=64), acute bipolar depression (Ν=78), the maintenance treatment (Ν=73) and the treatment of other issues (N = 93). Treatment guidelines were also identified. Lithium is efficacious for the treatment of acute mania including concomitant psychotic symptoms. In acute bipolar depression it is efficacious only in combination with specific agents. For the maintenance phase, it is efficacious as monotherapy mainly in the prevention of manic while its efficacy for the prevention of depressive episodes is unclear. Its combinations increase its therapeutic value. It is equaly efficacious in rapid and non-rapid cycling patients, in concomitant obsessive-compulsive symptoms, alcohol and substance abuse, the neurocognitive deficit, suicidal ideation and fatigue The current systematic review provided support for the usefulness of lithium against a broad spectrum of clinical issues in Bipolar disorder. Its efficacy is comparable to that of more recently developed agents.
Topics: Adult; Antimanic Agents; Antipsychotic Agents; Bipolar Disorder; Humans; Lithium; Lithium Compounds; Mania; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34980362
DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.10.003 -
Journal of Medical Virology Jan 2022There is an established literature on the symptoms and complications of COVID-19 but the after-effects of COVID-19 are not well understood with few studies reporting... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
There is an established literature on the symptoms and complications of COVID-19 but the after-effects of COVID-19 are not well understood with few studies reporting persistent symptoms and quality of life. We aim to evaluate the pooled prevalence of poor quality of life in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) and conducted meta-regression to evaluate the effects of persistent symptoms and intensive care unit (ICU) admission on the poor quality of life. We extracted data from observational studies describing persistent symptoms and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients from March 10, 2020, to March 10, 2021, following PRISMA guidelines with a consensus of two independent reviewers. We calculated the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence interval (CI) and created forest plots using random-effects models. A total of 12 studies with 4828 PCS patients were included. We found that amongst PCS patients, the pooled prevalence of poor quality of life (EQ-VAS) was (59%; 95% CI: 42%-75%). Based on individual factors in the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, the prevalence of mobility was (36, 10-67), personal care (8, 1-21), usual quality (28, 2-65), pain/discomfort (42, 28-55), and anxiety/depression (38, 19-58). The prevalence of persistent symptoms was fatigue (64, 54-73), dyspnea (39.5, 20-60), anosmia (20, 15-24), arthralgia (24.3, 14-36), headache (21, 3-47), sleep disturbances (47, 7-89), and mental health (14.5, 4-29). Meta-regression analysis showed the poor quality of life was significantly higher among post-COVID-19 patients with ICU admission (p = 0.004) and fatigue (p = 0.0015). Our study concludes that PCS is associated with poor quality of life, persistent symptoms including fatigue, dyspnea, anosmia, sleep disturbances, and worse mental health. This suggests that we need more research on PCS patients to understand the risk factors causing it and eventually leading to poor quality of life.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; COVID-19; Female; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
PubMed: 34463956
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27309 -
Nursing Ethics May 2020Compassion fatigue is recognized as impacting the health and effectiveness of healthcare providers, and consequently, patient care. Compassion fatigue is distinct from... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Compassion fatigue is recognized as impacting the health and effectiveness of healthcare providers, and consequently, patient care. Compassion fatigue is distinct from "burnout." Reliable measurement tools, such as the Professional Quality of Life scale, have been developed to measure the prevalence, and predict risk of compassion fatigue. This study reviews the prevalence of compassion fatigue among healthcare practitioners, and relationships to demographic variables.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using key words in MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid databases. Data were extracted from a total of 71 articles meeting inclusion criteria, from studies measuring compassion fatigue in healthcare providers using a validated instrument. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and compiled by three independent reviewers into an evidence table that included basic study characteristics, study strength and quality determination, measurements of compassion fatigue, and general findings. Meta-analysis, where data allowed, was stratified by Professional Quality of Life version, heterogeneity was quantified, and pooled means were reported with 95% confidence interval. A table of major study characteristics and results was created.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATION
This paper contains no primary data obtained directly from research participants. Data obtained from previously published resources have been acknowledged within references. Psychological distress, particularly compassion fatigue, can be insidious, no health profession is immune, and may significantly impact the ability to provide care.
RESULTS
A total of 71 studies were included. Compassion fatigue was reported across all practitioner groups studied. Relationships to most demographic variables such as years of experience and specialty were either not statistically significant or unclear. Variability in reporting of Professional Quality of Life results was found.
INTERPRETATION
Compassion fatigue exists across diverse practitioner groups. Prevalence is highly variable, and its relationship with demographic, personal, and/or professional variables is inconsistent. Questions are raised about how to mitigate compassion fatigue.
Topics: Adult; Burnout, Professional; Compassion Fatigue; Health Personnel; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Middle Aged; Quality of Life
PubMed: 31829113
DOI: 10.1177/0969733019889400 -
Nursing Open Jan 2022To systematically review and comprehensively analyse findings of studies reporting oncology nurses' compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
To systematically review and comprehensively analyse findings of studies reporting oncology nurses' compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS), measured by the professional quality of life (ProQOL) scale, and explore CS and CF related factors.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and interventional studies.
METHOD
Electronic databases were searched using keywords, and the review followed PRISMA guidelines. The prevalence of CS, BO and STS and their instrumental ratings were pooled using random effects meta-analyses. Meta-regression studies explored the effects of variables.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies (sample size 2,509) were reviewed, and nine were in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of CS, BO, and STS were 22.89%, 62.79% and 66.84%, respectively. No substantial correlation was found for independent variables, possibly due to sample size. There was a weak negative correlation between CS and BO [-0.06(0.90)] and a weak positive correlation between CS and STS [0.20(0.70)].
Topics: Compassion Fatigue; Cross-Sectional Studies; Empathy; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Nurses; Personal Satisfaction; Prevalence; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34590791
DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1070