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Complementary Therapies in Clinical... Aug 2023The purpose of this systematic review is to ascertain the impact of inhalation aromatherapy on stress and anxiety in clinical settings. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic review is to ascertain the impact of inhalation aromatherapy on stress and anxiety in clinical settings.
METHODS
A search strategy was developed using various databases. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) as well as single and double-blind pilot clinical studies (non-RCT) using inhalation aromatherapy with an essential oil blend or a single essential oil were examined. All studies included a control intervention and use of a validated measurement tool. The time period under review was years 2000-2021. Due to the high level of heterogeneity and element of bias, a narrative synthesis was conducted.
RESULTS
The search strategy initially retrieved 628 studies and through application of the selection criteria and the removal of duplicates, 76 studies were selected for review with a total of 6539 patients. In 42% of the RCTs, physiological measures including vital signs and/or salivary cortisol were used in addition to questionnaires. Over 70% of the studies reported a positive effect on anxiety levels in the aromatherapy intervention groups compared with the control. However, in many cases this is limited by the absence of safety data, imprecise reporting of plant species and dosage of essential oil.
CONCLUSION
Inhalation aromatherapy has the potential to reduce stress and anxiety with data emerging to further support this result across a wide modality of clinical treatments. However, there is a clear need for the development of standard protocols for research in this area, generating measurable results which will create the opportunity for more rigorous evidence-based outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Aromatherapy; Oils, Volatile; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Administration, Inhalation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37031643
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101750 -
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of... May 2024In this meta-analysis, we describe a benchmark value of delay and probability discounting reliability and stability that might be used to (a) evaluate the meaningfulness... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
In this meta-analysis, we describe a benchmark value of delay and probability discounting reliability and stability that might be used to (a) evaluate the meaningfulness of clinically achieved changes in discounting and (b) support the role of discounting as a valid and enduring measure of intertemporal choice. We examined test-retest reliability, stability effect sizes (d; Cohen, 1992), and relevant moderators across 30 publications comprising 39 independent samples and 262 measures of discounting, identified via a systematic review of PsychInfo, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. We calculated omnibus effect-size estimates and evaluated the role of proposed moderators using a robust variance estimation meta-regression method. The meta-regression output reflected modest test-retest reliability, r = .670, p < .001, 95% CI [.618, .716]. Discounting was most reliable when measured in the context of temporal constraints, in adult respondents, when using money as a medium, and when reassessed within 1 month. Testing also suggested acceptable stability via nonsignificant and small changes in effect magnitude over time, d = 0.048, p = .31, 95% CI [-0.051, 0.146]. Clinicians and researchers seeking to measure discounting can consider the contexts when reliability is maximized for specific cases.
Topics: Delay Discounting; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Probability; Choice Behavior
PubMed: 38499476
DOI: 10.1002/jeab.910 -
Osteoporosis International : a Journal... Sep 2023Poor adherence reduces the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment, resulting in lower bone mineral density and subsequently higher fracture rates. Reliable and... (Review)
Review
Poor adherence reduces the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment, resulting in lower bone mineral density and subsequently higher fracture rates. Reliable and practical tools are needed to measure medication adherence. The aim of this systematic review was to find osteoporosis medication adherence measurement tools and assess their applicability. Osteoporosis adherence measurement tools and all their related keywords in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched on 4 December, 2022. After excluding duplicates in the Endnote software, two researchers independently investigated the remaining articles and included all those that used a method for measuring adherence to osteoporosis pharmacotherapy. Articles that did not specify the medications evaluated or if the primary focus was not adherence excluded. Two common measures of adherence, i.e., compliance and persistence were included. Four separate tables were designed, one for direct methods, one for formulas, one for questionnaires, and one for electronic methods of measuring adherence to treatment. Quality assessment was performed for selected articles by the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). A total of 3821 articles were found, of which 178 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In general, five types of methods were observed to measure medication adherence of osteoporosis, including direct methods (n = 4), pharmacy records (n = 17), questionnaires (n = 13), electronic methods (n = 1), and tablet counting (n = 1). The most commonly used adherence measurement tool, based on pharmacy records, was medication possession ratio (MPR). Among questionnaires, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was mostly used. Our findings show what tools have been used to measure medication adherence in osteoporosis patients. Among these tools, direct methods and electronic methods are the most accurate methods. However, due to their high cost, they are practically not used in measuring osteoporosis medication adherence. Questionnaires are the most popular among them and are mostly used in osteoporosis.
Topics: Humans; Bone Density Conservation Agents; Osteoporosis; Medication Adherence; Fractures, Bone; Bone Density
PubMed: 37286664
DOI: 10.1007/s00198-023-06789-5 -
European Urology Oct 2023In the oncology setting, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide important data that help to ensure patient-relevant endpoints are captured and reported. Use... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
In the oncology setting, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide important data that help to ensure patient-relevant endpoints are captured and reported. Use of this information for treatment decision-making by clinicians and patients in real-world settings is facilitated by consistent and transparent reporting of trial methods.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and compare PROMs used in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) trials in terms of the rationale for the choice of measure, endpoint hierarchy (primary, secondary, exploratory), assessment time points, statistical methods, and statistical metrics for interpretation.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic literature review via searches of four online databases (2016-2021) and recent conference abstracts (2019-2021) identified 2616 articles, of which 33 were included in the review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Among the 33 clinical studies included, 19 different PROMs were identified: three kidney cancer-specific scales, two cancer-specific scales, two generic scales, and 12 symptom-specific scales. The endpoint hierarchy for patient reported outcome (PRO) assessment was reported in 42% of the studies; one study included PROs as a primary endpoint. Reporting of time points, minimal important differences, and statistical analyses was highly heterogeneous.
CONCLUSIONS
A diverse range of PROMs have been included in clinical studies for patients with advanced/metastatic RCC. Prespecified analyses for PRO assessments were generally not stated, while analytical methods and reporting varied. An improvement in alignment across studies would better inform regulatory, market-access, reimbursement, and clinical decision-making to improve patient care.
PATIENT SUMMARY
We reviewed how the impact of cancer therapies on health outcomes from the patient's point of view is being measured in clinical trials for kidney cancer. The techniques and reporting varied across trials. Standardisation of how these data are captured and reported may improve care and decision-making for patients with kidney cancer.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Kidney Neoplasms; Patient Outcome Assessment; Research Design
PubMed: 37550153
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2023.07.006 -
BMJ Open Sep 2023Co-production is promoted as an effective way of improving the quality of health and social care but the diversity of measures used in individual studies makes their... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Co-production is promoted as an effective way of improving the quality of health and social care but the diversity of measures used in individual studies makes their outcomes difficult to interpret.
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to explore how empirical studies in health and social care have described the outcomes of co-production projects and how those outcomes were measured.
DESIGN AND METHODS
A scoping review forms the basis for this systematic review. Search terms for the concepts (co-produc* OR coproduc* OR co-design* OR codesign*) and contexts (health OR 'public service* OR "public sector") were used in: CINAHL with Full Text (EBSCOHost), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials (Wiley), MEDLINE (EBSCOHost), PsycINFO (ProQuest), PubMed (legacy) and Scopus (Elsevier). There was no date limit. Papers describing the process, original data and outcomes of co-production were included. Protocols, reviews and theoretical, conceptual and psychometric papers were excluded. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline was followed. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool underpinned the quality of included papers.
RESULTS
43 empirical studies were included. They were conducted in 12 countries, with the UK representing >50% of all papers. No paper was excluded due to the Mixed Methods Quality Appraisal screening and 60% of included papers were mixed methods studies. The extensive use of self-developed study-specific measures hampered comparisons and cumulative knowledge-building. Overall, the studies reported positive outcomes. Co-production was reported to be positively experienced and provided important learning.
CONCLUSIONS
The lack of common approaches to measuring co-production is more problematic than the plurality of measurements itself. Co-production should be measured from three perspectives: outputs of co-production processes, the experiences of participating in co-production processes and outcomes of co-production. Both self-developed study-specific measures and established measures should be used. The maturity of this research field would benefit from the development and use of reporting guidelines.
Topics: Humans; Social Support; Empirical Research; Knowledge; Learning; MEDLINE
PubMed: 37739472
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073808 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Aug 2023Adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) is a rare, incompletely described disorder of the adrenal medulla that is associated with catecholamine excess. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) is a rare, incompletely described disorder of the adrenal medulla that is associated with catecholamine excess.
OBJECTIVE
To increase knowledge about AMH by reviewing the reported cases of this disorder.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the genotype/phenotype relationship in all reported cases of AMH.
SETTING
Literature review and analysis.
PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS
All cases of AMH published to date.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Characteristics of AMH cases and genotype-phenotype relationships.
RESULTS
A total of 66 patients, median age of 48 years, were identified from 29 reports. More than one-half were male (n = 39, 59%). The majority had unilateral (73%, n = 48) disease; 71% (n = 47) were sporadic and 23% (n = 15) were associated with the MEN2. Most (91%, n = 60) displayed signs and symptoms of excess catecholamine secretion, particularly hypertension. Elevated catecholamine concentrations (86%, n = 57) and adrenal abnormalities on imaging were common (80%, n = 53). More than one-half (58%, n = 38) had concurrent tumors: pheochromocytoma (42%, n = 16/38); medullary thyroid cancer (24%, n = 9/38); and adrenocortical adenoma (29%, n = 11/38). Most (88%, n = 58) underwent adrenalectomy with 45/58 achieving symptom resolution. Adrenalectomy was less common in patients under 40 years and those with bilateral disease (both P < .05).
CONCLUSION
AMH may be sporadic or associated with MEN2, most have catecholamine excess and imaging abnormalities. Unilateral involvement is more common. Most reported patients have been treated with adrenalectomy, which is usually curative with regard to catecholamine hypersecretion.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Hyperplasia; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Pheochromocytoma; Adrenal Medulla; Adrenalectomy; Catecholamines
PubMed: 36896586
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad121 -
Telemedicine Journal and E-health : the... Jun 2024(Review)
Review
Topics: Humans; Visual Acuity; Telemedicine; Vision Tests; Mobile Applications; Internet; Male
PubMed: 38564179
DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0368 -
Annals of Internal Medicine Jan 2024Severe maternal morbidity and mortality are worse in the United States than in all similar countries, with the greatest effect on Black women. Emerging research suggests... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Severe maternal morbidity and mortality are worse in the United States than in all similar countries, with the greatest effect on Black women. Emerging research suggests that disrespectful care during childbirth contributes to this problem.
PURPOSE
To conduct a systematic review on definitions and valid measurements of respectful maternity care (RMC), its effectiveness for improving maternal and infant health outcomes for those who are pregnant and postpartum, and strategies for implementation.
DATA SOURCES
Systematic searches of Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycInfo, and SocINDEX for English-language studies (inception to July 2023).
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized studies of interventions of RMC versus usual care for effectiveness studies; additional qualitative and noncomparative validation studies for definitions and measurement studies.
DATA EXTRACTION
Dual data abstraction and quality assessment using established methods, with resolution of disagreements through consensus.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Thirty-seven studies were included across all questions, of which 1 provided insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of RMC to improve maternal outcomes and none studied RMC to improve infant outcomes. To define RMC, authors identified 12 RMC frameworks, from which 2 main concepts were identified: and frameworks. Disrespect and abuse components focused on recognizing birth mistreatment; rights-based frameworks incorporated aspects of reproductive justice, human rights, and antiracism. Five overlapping framework themes include freedom from abuse, consent, privacy, dignity, communication, safety, and justice. Twelve tools to measure RMC were validated in 24 studies on content validity, construct validity, and internal consistency, but lack of a gold standard limited evaluation of criterion validity. Three tools specific for RMC had at least 1 study demonstrating consistency internally and with an intended construct relevant to U.S. settings, but no single tool stands out as the best measure of RMC.
LIMITATIONS
No studies evaluated other health outcomes or RMC implementation strategies. The lack of definition and gold standard limit evaluation of RMC tools.
CONCLUSION
Frameworks for RMC are well described but vary in their definitions. Tools to measure RMC demonstrate consistency but lack a gold standard, requiring further evaluation before implementation in U.S. settings. Evidence is lacking on the effectiveness of implementing RMC to improve any maternal or infant health outcome.
PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (PROSPERO: CRD42023394769).
Topics: Infant; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Maternal Health Services; Respect; Obstetrics; Delivery, Obstetric; Postpartum Period; Quality of Health Care
PubMed: 38163377
DOI: 10.7326/M23-2676 -
Psycho-oncology Oct 2023Cancer-related lymphoedema is a common side effect of cancer, affecting 24%-49% of people with cancer. Body image contributes to the well-being of individuals with this... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Cancer-related lymphoedema is a common side effect of cancer, affecting 24%-49% of people with cancer. Body image contributes to the well-being of individuals with this condition. This systematic review aimed to explore, for the first time, the state of the science concerning body image in cancer-related lymphoedema, including how body image is measured and variables associated with body image concerns.
METHODS
Six databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles describing empirical quantitative studies where body image was measured with a reliable and valid measurement tool in adults with cancer-related lymphoedema.
RESULTS
Nine studies with 977 participants were included. The studies involved individuals who had experienced breast, head and neck, melanoma, and urogenital cancers and developed lymphoedema. There was considerable heterogeneity in body image measures used, precluding meta-analysis. The following variables were associated with increased body image concern: higher body integrity beliefs, experience of physical changes (e.g. pain) and differences in sensation and function, including changes in appearance related thoughts, feelings and emotions. Several studies described behavioural and psychological interventions which positively impacted body image outcomes in individuals with lymphoedema relating to specific cancers.
CONCLUSION
Regular screening for body image concerns could encourage more positive body image awareness in individuals with cancer-related lymphoedema and lessen some of its associated negative consequences. Future longitudinal and individual differences research in this area is important to inform intervention development. There is also need for a more standardised approach to the study and measurement of body image in people with cancer-related lymphoedema.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Body Image; Emotions; Lymphedema; Melanoma; Quality of Life
PubMed: 37681525
DOI: 10.1002/pon.6215 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... Sep 2023This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and to evaluate the psychometric measurement properties of instruments for postpartum anxiety using the Consensus-Based... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and to evaluate the psychometric measurement properties of instruments for postpartum anxiety using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments guidelines to identify the best available patient-reported outcome measure.
DATA SOURCES
We searched 4 databases (CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science in July 2022) and included studies that evaluated at least 1 psychometric measurement property of a patient-reported outcome measurement instrument. The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews under identifier CRD42021260004 and followed the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments guidelines for systematic reviews.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY
Studies eligible for inclusion were those that assessed the performance of a patient-reported outcome measure for screening for postpartum anxiety. We included studies in which the instruments were subjected to some form of psychometric property assessment in the postpartum maternal population, consisted of at least 2 questions, and were not subscales.
METHODS
This systematic review used the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines to identify the best patient-reported outcome measurement instrument for examining postpartum anxiety. A risk of bias assessment was performed, and a modified GRADE approach was used to assess the level of evidence with recommendations being made for the overall quality of each instrument.
RESULTS
A total of 28 studies evaluating 13 instruments in 10,570 patients were included. Content validity was sufficient in 9 with 5 instruments receiving a class A recommendation (recommended for use). The Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale, Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale Research Short Form, Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale Research Short Form Covid, Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale-Persian, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory demonstrated adequate content validity and sufficient internal consistency. Nine instruments received a recommendation of class B (further research required). No instrument received a class C recommendation (not recommended for use).
CONCLUSION
Five instruments received a class A recommendation, all with limitations, such as not being specific to the postpartum population, not assessing all domains, lacking generalizability, or evaluation of cross-cultural validity. There is currently no freely available instrument that assess all domains of postpartum anxiety. Future studies are needed to determine the optimum current instrument or to develop and validate a more specific measure for maternal postpartum anxiety.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Anxiety; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Psychometrics
PubMed: 37402438
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101076