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The European Respiratory Journal Mar 2024The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic substantially impacted different age groups, with children and young people not exempted. Many have experienced enduring... (Review)
Review
Core outcome measurement set for research and clinical practice in post-COVID-19 condition (long COVID) in children and young people: an international Delphi consensus study "PC-COS Children".
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic substantially impacted different age groups, with children and young people not exempted. Many have experienced enduring health consequences. Presently, there is no consensus on the health outcomes to assess in children and young people with post-COVID-19 condition. Furthermore, it is unclear which measurement instruments are appropriate for use in research and clinical management of children and young people with post-COVID-19. To address these unmet needs, we conducted a consensus study, aiming to develop a core outcome set (COS) and an associated core outcome measurement set (COMS) for evaluating post-COVID-19 condition in children and young people. Our methodology comprised of two phases. In phase 1 (to create a COS), we performed an extensive literature review and categorisation of outcomes, and prioritised those outcomes in a two-round online modified Delphi process followed by a consensus meeting. In phase 2 (to create the COMS), we performed another modified Delphi consensus process to evaluate measurement instruments for previously defined core outcomes from phase 1, followed by an online consensus workshop to finalise recommendations regarding the most appropriate instruments for each core outcome. In phase 1, 214 participants from 37 countries participated, with 154 (72%) contributing to both Delphi rounds. The subsequent online consensus meeting resulted in a final COS which encompassed seven critical outcomes: fatigue; post-exertion symptoms; work/occupational and study changes; as well as functional changes, symptoms, and conditions relating to cardiovascular, neuro-cognitive, gastrointestinal and physical outcomes. In phase 2, 11 international experts were involved in a modified Delphi process, selecting measurement instruments for a subsequent online consensus workshop where 30 voting participants discussed and independently scored the selected instruments. As a result of this consensus process, four instruments met consensus criteria for inclusion: PedsQL multidimensional fatigue scale for "fatigue"; PedsQL gastrointestinal symptom scales for "gastrointestinal"; PedsQL cognitive functioning scale for "neurocognitive" and EQ-5D for "physical functioning". Despite proposing outcome measurement instruments for the remaining three core outcomes ("cardiovascular", "post-exertional malaise", "work/occupational and study changes"), a consensus was not achieved. Our international, consensus-based initiative presents a robust framework for evaluating post-COVID-19 condition in children and young people in research and clinical practice a rigorously defined COS and associated COMS. It will aid in the uniform measurement and reporting of relevant health outcomes worldwide.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; COVID-19; Delphi Technique; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Research Design; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38359962
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01761-2023 -
Physiotherapy Dec 2023Patients at risk of preventable sickness absence frequently attend at primary care. First contact physiotherapists (FCP) may provide an optimal way of reducing this...
BACKGROUND
Patients at risk of preventable sickness absence frequently attend at primary care. First contact physiotherapists (FCP) may provide an optimal way of reducing this risk; however, there is significant variability in clinical practice, limited research directing best practice and this work and health role is traditionally seen as outside of the 'therapeutic relationship'. If FCP's training and development in this area is considered, FCP's will be able to effectively conduct fitness for work and sickness absence certification within UK primary care settings.
AIMS
This study aimed to reach expert consensus for work-related competencies for FCP practice for patients at risk of preventable sickness absence.
METHODS
A modified Delphi technique involved a UK-wide FCP expert panel completing three rounds of an online questionnaire. The initial 30-competency questionnaire, based on two separate Nominal Group Techniques in a FCP and Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics (ACPOHE) physiotherapist cohort and Health Education England's published Roadmap to Practice, covered occupational health specific items (knowledge and skills) related to the topic. Consensus threshold was set a priori at 70% level of group agreement. Items not reaching consensus were modified and new items added based on themes from qualitative data from the open-ended free text questions present in each section. Items that reached values greater than or equal to 70% of agreement among experts were considered definitive for the competency items. Items between 51% and 69% of agreement were included for the next round and those items with less than or equal to 50% of agreement were considered unnecessary and were excluded. In the third round, the occupational health (OH) specific contents for primary care were classified according to the degree of consensus as follows: strong (≥70% of agreement), moderate (51-69% of agreement) and weak (50% of agreement) based on the maximum consensus reached.
RESULTS
Of the 30 initial competencies, 20 (67%) reached a strong degree of consensus and 2 (7%) reached a moderate degree of consensus and 8 (27%) competencies were not recommended (≤50% of agreement). 20 OH specific competencies reached a priori consensus level of agreement to provide the final group list.
CONCLUSIONS
This paper provides an empirically derived list of OH competencies for FCP education in primary care 'first point of care' physiotherapy with a high level of expert agreement and high retention rate between rounds. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Topics: Humans; Physical Therapists; Delphi Technique; United Kingdom; Consensus; Clinical Competence; Occupational Health; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sick Leave; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 37852150
DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2023.07.004 -
Cirugia Pediatrica : Organo Oficial de... Apr 2024The course in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma (ATIP in Spanish) has been taught in Spain since 1997, and there are currently 9 accredited training centers. Care of... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The course in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma (ATIP in Spanish) has been taught in Spain since 1997, and there are currently 9 accredited training centers. Care of polytraumatized pediatric patients often takes place in an environment conducive to errors resulting from forgetfulness, which is why checklists - mnemonic tools widely used in industry and medicine - are particularly useful to avoid such errors. Although several checklists exist for pediatric trauma care, none have been developed within the setting of our course.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The criteria for being selected as an expert in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma were agreed upon with the scientific polytrauma committee of the Spanish Pediatric Surgery Society. The items that make up the checklist were obtained from a review of the literature and consultation with selected experts, using the Delphi Technique.
RESULTS
10 experts representing the 9 groups or training centers in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma were selected, and a 28-item checklist was drawn up in accordance with their design recommendations.
CONCLUSIONS
With the consensus of all the groups, a checklist for the treatment of polytraumatized pediatric patients was drawn up using the Delphi Technique, an essential requirement for the dissemination of this checklist, which should be adapted and validated for use in each healthcare center.
Topics: Humans; Child; Checklist; Delphi Technique; Consensus; Multiple Trauma; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 38623796
DOI: 10.54847/cp.2024.02.12 -
BMJ Open Gastroenterology Jan 2024Despite research, there are still controversial areas in the management of Crohn's disease (CD). (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Despite research, there are still controversial areas in the management of Crohn's disease (CD).
OBJECTIVE
To establish practical recommendations on using anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) drugs in patients with moderate-to-severe CD.
METHODS
Clinical controversies in the management of CD using anti-TNF therapies were identified. A comprehensive literature review was performed, and a national survey was launched to examine current clinical practices when using anti-TNF therapies. Their results were discussed by expert gastroenterologists within a nominal group meeting, and a set of statements was proposed and tested in a Delphi process.
RESULTS
Qualitative study. The survey and Delphi process were sent to 244 CD-treating physicians (response rate: 58%). A total of 14 statements were generated. All but two achieved agreement. These statements cover: (1) use of first-line non-anti-TNF biological therapy; (2) role of HLA-DQA1*05 in daily practice; (3) attitudes in primary non-response and loss of response to anti-TNF therapy due to immunogenicity; (4) use of ustekinumab or vedolizumab if a change in action mechanism is warranted; (5) anti-TNF drug level monitoring; (6) combined therapy with an immunomodulator.
CONCLUSION
This document sought to pull together the best evidence, experts' opinions, and treating physicians' attitudes when using anti-TNF therapies in patients with CD.
Topics: Humans; Crohn Disease; Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors; Delphi Technique; Necrosis
PubMed: 38267072
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2023-001246 -
Journal of Advanced Nursing Oct 2023To develop clinical practice recommendations for nurse-administered intramuscular injections in mental health. (Review)
Review
AIM
To develop clinical practice recommendations for nurse-administered intramuscular injections in mental health.
BACKGROUND
Intramuscular injection is the main route of long-acting injectable antipsychotics' administration that appear to improve the long-term prognosis of mental illness. Specific guidelines related to the nurse administration of intramuscular injections need to be updated and to explore not only the technical aspects of this procedure.
DESIGN
A modified RAND/University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) appropriateness method Delphi study was conducted between October 2019 and September 2020.
METHODS
A multidisciplinary steering committee conducted a literature review and developed a list of 96 recommendations. These recommendations were submitted in a two-round Delphi electronic survey to a panel of 49 experienced practicing nurses from five mental health hospitals in France. Each recommendation was rated for its appropriateness and applicability in clinical practice on a 9-point Likert scale. Consensus among nurses was evaluated. The steering committee discussed the results after each round and approved the final set of recommendations.
RESULTS
A final set of 79 specific recommendations were accepted for their appropriateness and applicability in clinical practice. Recommendations were classified in five domains: legal and quality assurance aspects, nurse-patient relationship, hygiene, pharmacology, and injection technique.
CONCLUSION
The established recommendations placed patients at the heart of the decisions concerning the intramuscular injection and underlined the need for specific training programs. Future research should focus on the integration of these recommendations in clinical practice, by both before-and-after studies and regular assessments of professional practices with relevant indicators.
IMPACT
The recommendations developed for good nursing practices explored not only the technical aspects but integrated the nurse-patient relationship. These recommendations may impact usual practices of administration of long-acting injectable antipsychotics and most of them could be applied in many countries.
NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
Due to the study design.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Injections, Intramuscular; Delphi Technique; Antipsychotic Agents; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 37209291
DOI: 10.1111/jan.15709 -
Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection... Jul 2023Primary care is a critical partner for antimicrobial stewardship efforts given its high human antibiotic usage. Peer comparison audit and feedback (A&F) is often used to...
Best practice guidance for antibiotic audit and feedback interventions in primary care: a modified Delphi study from the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial resistance: Primary Care Antibiotic Audit and Feedback Network (JPIAMR-PAAN).
BACKGROUND
Primary care is a critical partner for antimicrobial stewardship efforts given its high human antibiotic usage. Peer comparison audit and feedback (A&F) is often used to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. The design and implementation of A&F may impact its effectiveness. There are no best practice guidelines for peer comparison A&F in antibiotic prescribing in primary care.
OBJECTIVE
To develop best practice guidelines for peer comparison A&F for antibiotic prescribing in primary care in high income countries by leveraging international expertise via the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance-Primary Care Antibiotic Audit and Feedback Network.
METHODS
We used a modified Delphi process to achieve convergence of expert opinions on best practice statements for peer comparison A&F based on existing evidence and theory. Three rounds were performed, each with online surveys and virtual meetings to enable discussion and rating of each best practice statement. A five-point Likert scale was used to rate consensus with a median threshold score of 4 to indicate a consensus statement.
RESULTS
The final set of guidelines include 13 best practice statements in four categories: general considerations (n = 3), selecting feedback recipients (n = 1), data and indicator selection (n = 4), and feedback delivery (n = 5).
CONCLUSION
We report an expert-derived best practice recommendations for designing and evaluating peer comparison A&F for antibiotic prescribing in primary care. These 13 statements can be used by A&F designers to optimize the impact of their quality improvement interventions, and improve antibiotic prescribing in primary care.
Topics: Humans; Feedback; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Delphi Technique; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 37516892
DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01279-z -
Cancer Medicine Jul 2023Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a multiorgan disorder with increased vulnerability to cancer. Despite this increased cancer risk, there are no widely accepted guidelines...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a multiorgan disorder with increased vulnerability to cancer. Despite this increased cancer risk, there are no widely accepted guidelines for cancer surveillance in people affected by A-T. We aimed to understand the current international practice regarding cancer surveillance in A-T and agreed-upon approaches to develop cancer surveillance in A-T.
DESIGN/METHODS
We used a consensus development method, the e-Delphi technique, comprising three rounds. Round 1 consisted of a Delphi questionnaire and a survey that collected the details of respondents' professional background, experience, and current practice of cancer surveillance in A-T. Rounds 2 and 3 were designed based on previous rounds and modified according to the comments made by the panellists. The pre-specified consensus threshold was ≥75% agreement.
RESULTS
Thirty-five expert panellists from 13 countries completed the study. The survey indicated that the current practice of cancer surveillance varies widely between experts and centres'. Consensus was reached that evidence-based guidelines are needed for cancer surveillance in people with A-T, with separate recommendations for adults and children. Statements relating to the tests that should be included, the age for starting and stopping cancer surveillance and the optimal surveillance interval were also agreed upon, although in some areas, the consensus was that further research is needed.
CONCLUSION
The international expert consensus statement confirms the need for evidence-based cancer surveillance guidelines in A-T, highlights key features that the guidelines should include, and identifies areas of uncertainty in the expert community. This elucidates current knowledge gaps and will inform the design of future clinical trials.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Ataxia Telangiectasia; Consensus; Delphi Technique; Neoplasms; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37264737
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6075 -
Bulletin of the World Health... Aug 2023
Topics: Humans; Public Health; Delphi Technique; Global Health
PubMed: 37529023
DOI: 10.2471/BLT.23.010823 -
Surgical Endoscopy Jul 2023Robotic surgery has gained popularity for the reconstruction of pelvic floor defects. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that robot-assisted reconstructive surgery is...
BACKGROUND
Robotic surgery has gained popularity for the reconstruction of pelvic floor defects. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that robot-assisted reconstructive surgery is either appropriate or superior to standard laparoscopy for the performance of pelvic floor reconstructive procedures or that it is sustainable. The aim of this project was to address the proper role of robotic pelvic floor reconstructive procedures using expert opinion.
METHODS
We set up an international, multidisciplinary group of 26 experts to participate in a Delphi process on robotics as applied to pelvic floor reconstructive surgery. The group comprised urogynecologists, urologists, and colorectal surgeons with long-term experience in the performance of pelvic floor reconstructive procedures and with the use of the robot, who were identified primarily based on peer-reviewed publications. Two rounds of the Delphi process were conducted. The first included 63 statements pertaining to surgeons' characteristics, general questions, indications, surgical technique, and future-oriented questions. A second round including 20 statements was used to reassess those statements where borderline agreement was obtained during the first round. The final step consisted of a face-to-face meeting with all participants to present and discuss the results of the analysis.
RESULTS
The 26 experts agreed that robotics is a suitable indication for pelvic floor reconstructive surgery because of the significant technical advantages that it confers relative to standard laparoscopy. Experts considered these advantages particularly important for the execution of complex reconstructive procedures, although the benefits can be found also during less challenging cases. The experts considered the robot safe and effective for pelvic floor reconstruction and generally thought that the additional costs are offset by the increased surgical efficacy.
CONCLUSION
Robotics is a suitable choice for pelvic reconstruction, but this Delphi initiative calls for more research to objectively assess the specific settings where robotic surgery would provide the most benefit.
Topics: Humans; Robotics; Pelvic Floor; Delphi Technique; Surgery, Plastic; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 36952046
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10001-4 -
International Journal of Chronic... 2024The relevant factors and patterns of non-adherence to self-management among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) need to be elucidated to improve...
Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Self-Management Among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Survey Using the Delphi Technique and Analytic Hierarchy Process.
BACKGROUND
The relevant factors and patterns of non-adherence to self-management among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) need to be elucidated to improve self-management.
PURPOSE
This study was a survey to prioritize the relevance of factors associated with non-adherence to COPD self-management using the Delphi technique and analytic hierarchy process (AHP).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 15 expert panels were established to determine the priority of relevant factors in a three-round Delphi survey and an AHP. To develop the preliminary conceptual framework for non-adherence to COPD self-management, findings from a systematic literature review, a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with COPD patients, and the first round of the Delphi survey were integrated. Based on the preliminary framework, the content validity ratio (CVR) was analyzed to examine the consensus among expert panels in the second and third rounds of the Delphi survey, and the relative weight was determined by pairwise comparisons between alternative factors in the AHP.
RESULTS
In developing the preliminary conceptual framework, 8 factor categories and 53 factors were identified as relevant to non-adherence to COPD self-management. Of the 53 factors, 22 factors with a CVR of 0.49 or higher were identified in the Delphi survey. A total of 14 of the 53 factors were common to both the Delphi survey and AHP with high weights. The most notable factors were prolonged treatment, experience of treatment failure, and unknown effects of medication.
CONCLUSION
Through consensus decision-making by experts, 14 factors were identified as relevant factors associated with non-adherence to COPD self-management. A hierarchical and systematic framework incorporating factors associated with non-adherence to COPD self-management was developed in this study. Further research is needed to develop intervention strategies based on factors associated with non-adherence to COPD self-management.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Delphi Technique; Consensus; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Male; Female; Risk Factors; Qualitative Research; Self-Management; Self Care; Aged; Patient Compliance; Middle Aged; Medication Adherence; Lung
PubMed: 38854589
DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S451332