-
Systematic Reviews Jun 2021Cancer research on sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations is gaining momentum. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine what is currently known in the...
PURPOSE
Cancer research on sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations is gaining momentum. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine what is currently known in the research literature regarding patient-reported health outcomes after cancer treatment among SGM populations.
METHODS
In March 2021, a medical librarian conducted a systematic keyword search on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov , and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary inclusion criterion was assessment of at least one physical, psychosocial, emotional, or functional patient-reported health outcome related to the impacts of cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. Articles that met inclusion criteria were reviewed in their entirety, charted in a Word Table, and assessed for quality. Quality considerations included study design, sampling approach, diversity of sample, measures used, and analytic procedures. Studies were synthesized based on type of cancer study participants experienced.
RESULTS
Sixty-four studies were included in the final analysis: most were quantitative, secondary analyses or cross-sectional studies with convenience samples, and focused on people with a history of breast or prostate cancer. Differences between sexual minority men and women in terms of coping and resilience were noted. Few studies reported on experiences of transgender persons and none reported on experiences of intersex persons.
CONCLUSIONS
A growing literature describes the patient-reported health outcomes of SGM people with a history of cancer. This study summarizes important between-group differences among SGM and heterosexual, cisgender counterparts that are critical for clinicians to consider when providing care.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS
Sexual orientation and gender identity are relevant to cancer survivors' health outcomes. Subgroups of SGM people have differential experiences and outcomes related to cancer and its impacts.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Sexual Behavior; Sexual and Gender Minorities
PubMed: 34154645
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01707-4 -
RMD Open Jun 2023To identify criteria and descriptors used to measure response to treatment and change in disease activity in giant cell arteritis (GCA).
Measuring treatment outcomes and change in disease activity in giant cell arteritis: a systematic literature review informing the development of the EULAR-ACR response criteria on behalf of the EULAR-ACR response criteria in giant cell arteritis task force.
OBJECTIVES
To identify criteria and descriptors used to measure response to treatment and change in disease activity in giant cell arteritis (GCA).
METHODS
A systematic literature review (SLR) to retrieve randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal observational studies (LOS). Criteria and descriptors of active disease, remission, response, improvement, worsening and relapse were extracted. RCTs, LOS with >20 subjects, and qualitative research studies were included.
RESULTS
10 593 studies were retrieved, of which 116 were included (11 RCTs, 104 LOS, 1 qualitative study). No unified definition of response to therapy was found. Most RCTs used composite endpoints to assess treatment outcomes. Active disease was described in all RCTs and 19% of LOS; and was largely defined by a combination of clinical and laboratory components. Remission was reported in 73% of RCTs and 42% of LOS; It was predominantly defined as the combination of clinical and laboratory components. One LOS reported response with a definition resembling the definition of remission from other studies. Improvement was rarely used as an endpoint and it was mostly a surrogate of remission. No study specifically defined worsening. Relapse was reported in all RCTs and 86% of LOS. It was predominantly defined as the combination of clinical, laboratory and treatment components.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this SLR demonstrate that definitions of response used in clinical studies of GCA are scant and heterogeneous. RCTs and LOS mainly used remission and relapse as treatment outcomes. The descriptors identified will inform the development of the future European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology-American College of Rheumatology response criteria for GCA.
Topics: Humans; United States; Giant Cell Arteritis; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Treatment Outcome; Remission Induction; Recurrence
PubMed: 37349123
DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003233 -
Health & Social Care in the Community May 2022Adults on the autism spectrum are affected by health disparities which significantly reduce life expectancy and experience barriers to accessing healthcare. Social... (Review)
Review
Adults on the autism spectrum are affected by health disparities which significantly reduce life expectancy and experience barriers to accessing healthcare. Social prescribing is a holistic approach that diverts patients from primary care to health-enhancing activities in communities. However, there has been a lack of research attention to how autistic people navigate the social prescribing pathway and the ability of these approaches to address existing disparities. This mapping review aimed to synthesise features of non-medical, community-based interventions for autistic adults to assess their suitability for a social prescribing approach. A systematic search and screening process was used to identify literature reviews from medical databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane reviews) and grey literature. We extracted data from 24 reviews and 19 studies including types of services, participants, outcomes, settings and procedures. A narrative and visual synthesis is used to map the variety of services and interventions identified, the outcome measures used, and the barriers and facilitators to progression through services in relation to a realist social prescribing framework. The review found that there has been minimal evaluation of holistic, low intensity services for autistic adults, such as those offered in social prescribing approaches. Outcome measures remain focused on features of autism and reveal less about the effects of interventions on health and wellbeing. Aspects of the social prescribing model were identified in the features of service pathways, but findings also suggested how social prescribing could be adapted to improve accessibility for autistic people.
Topics: Adult; Autistic Disorder; Humans; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 34738679
DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13635 -
The International Journal of Pharmacy... Jun 2023Mixed findings about deprescribing impact have emerged from varied study designs, interventions, outcome measures and targeting sub-categories of medications or...
BACKGROUND
Mixed findings about deprescribing impact have emerged from varied study designs, interventions, outcome measures and targeting sub-categories of medications or morbidities. This systematic review controls for study design by reviewing randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) of deprescribing interventions using comprehensive medication profiles. The goal is to provide a synthesis of interventions and patient outcomes to inform healthcare providers and policy makers about deprescribing effectiveness.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aims to (1) review RCT deprescribing studies focusing on complete medication reviews of older adults with polypharmacy across all health settings, (2) map patients' clinical and economic outcomes against intervention and implementation strategies and (3) inform research agendas based on observed benefits and best practices.
METHODS
The PRISMA framework for systematic reviews was followed. Databases used were EBSCO Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomised trials.
RESULTS
Fourteen articles were included. Interventions varied in setting, preparation, use of interdisciplinary teams, validated guidelines and tools, patient-centredness and implementation strategy. Thirteen studies (92.9%) found deprescribing interventions reduced the number of drugs and/or doses taken. No studies found threats to patient safety in terms of primary outcomes including morbidity, hospitalisations, emergency room use and falls. Four of five studies identifying health quality of life as a primary outcome found significant effects associated with deprescribing. Both studies with cost as their primary outcome found significant effects as did two with cost as a secondary outcome. Studies did not systematically study how intervention components influenced deprescribing impact. To explore this gap, this review mapped studies' primary outcomes to deprescribing intervention components using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Five studies had significant, positive primary outcomes related to health-related quality of life (HRQOL), cost and/or hospitalisation, with four reporting patient-centred elements in their intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
RCT primary outcomes found deprescribing is safe and reduces drug number or dose. Five RCTs found a significant deprescribing impact on HRQOL, cost or hospitalisation. Important future research agendas include analysing (1) understudied outcomes like cost, and (2) intervention and implementation components that enhance effectiveness, such as patient-centred elements.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Polypharmacy; Deprescriptions; Quality of Life; Hospitalization; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37155330
DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad025 -
Nutrition in Clinical Practice :... Apr 2023Patients receiving home enteral tube feeding (HETF) have a high risk of complications and readmission to hospital. This study aims to evaluate effectiveness of staff-... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Patients receiving home enteral tube feeding (HETF) have a high risk of complications and readmission to hospital. This study aims to evaluate effectiveness of staff- and/or patient-focused service-improvement strategies on clinical, patient-reported, and economic outcomes for patients receiving HETF across adult settings.
METHODS
The search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. Quality of studies were appraised using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment.
RESULTS
Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Pooled data found targeted HETF education with patients, carers, and staff significantly improved knowledge immediately after education and was sustained at 3-6 months. Multimodal interventions, including the formation of specialist HETF teams, significantly reduced complications such as infection, gastrostomy blockage, tube displacement, and feed intolerance but do not significantly reduce unplanned hospital encounters (outpatient clinic visits, hospitalizations, and emergency presentations). Owing to the high risk of bias in the included studies, there is low-quality evidence to support staff training, patient education, and dedicated HETF teams.
CONCLUSION
This review highlights the need for further quality research to allow higher-level evidence for determining the usefulness of interventions aimed at improving outcomes for patients receiving HETF. Future research needs to include greater assessment of quality of life, quantification of the value of interventions in economic terms, and use of translational research frameworks. However, effective staff and patient education programs, along with comprehensive multidisciplinary care, should be considered standard care until a larger research base is developed.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Caregivers; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Enteral Nutrition; Quality of Life; Home Care Services; Patient Education as Topic; Patient-Centered Care; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Patient Readmission
PubMed: 35975316
DOI: 10.1002/ncp.10900 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery Jan 2021In the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) literature, there is substantial heterogeneity in outcome and outcome measure reporting. This could be...
PURPOSE
In the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) literature, there is substantial heterogeneity in outcome and outcome measure reporting. This could be rectified by a standardized core outcome set (COS). This study aimed to identify a comprehensive list of outcomes and outcome measures for thumb CMC joint OA, which represents the first step in developing a COS.
METHODS
A computerized search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL was performed to identify randomized controlled trials, as well as observational studies involving at least 50 participants aged greater than 18 years undergoing surgery for thumb CMC joint OA. Reported outcomes and outcome measures were extracted from these trials and summarized.
RESULTS
This search yielded 3,498 unique articles, 97 of which were used for analysis. A total of 33 unique outcomes and 25 unique outcome measures were identified. The most frequently used outcomes were complications (78), postoperative pain (73), radiologic outcomes (64), and grip strength (63). Within each reported outcome, there was substantial variation in how the outcome was measured. Of the 25 unique outcome measures, 10 were validated. Of the remaining 15, 12 were created ad hoc by the author. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was the most commonly reported outcome measure (34%).
CONCLUSIONS
There is a lack of consensus on critical outcomes after surgery for thumb CMC joint OA. A standardized COS created by stakeholder consensus would improve the consistency and therefore the quality of future research.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This systematic review of outcomes represents the first step in developing a core outcome set for thumb CMC joint OA.
Topics: Aged; Carpometacarpal Joints; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pain, Postoperative; Thumb
PubMed: 32819777
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.05.024 -
BJOG : An International Journal of... Dec 2021To develop a Core Outcome Set (COS) for treatment of perinatal depression.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a Core Outcome Set (COS) for treatment of perinatal depression.
DESIGN
Systematic overview of outcomes reported in the literature and consensus development study.
SETTING
International.
POPULATION
Two hundred and twenty-two participants, mainly patients, healthcare professionals and researchers, representing 13 countries.
METHODS
A systematic overview of outcomes reported in recently published research, a two-round Delphi survey and a consensus meeting at which the final COS was decided using modified nominal group technique.
MAIN RESULTS
In the literature search, 1772 abstracts were identified and evaluated, and 165 studies were finally included in the review. In all, 106 outcomes were identified and included in the Delphi survey. In all, 222 participants registered for the first round of the Delphi survey and 151 (68%) responded. In the second round, 123 (55%) participants responded. Thirteen participants attended the consensus meeting, where the following nine outcomes were agreed upon for inclusion in the final COS: self-assessed symptoms of depression, diagnosis of depression by a clinician, parent to infant bonding, self-assessed symptoms of anxiety, quality of life, satisfaction with intervention, suicidal thoughts, attempted or committed suicide, thoughts of harming the baby, and adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
The relevant stakeholders prioritised outcomes and reached consensus on a COS comprising nine outcomes. We expect that this COS will contribute to the consistency and uniformity of outcome selection and reporting in future clinical trials involving treatment of perinatal depression.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
Development of a core outcome set regarding treatment for perinatal depression by @SBU_en.
Topics: Anxiety; Consensus; Delphi Technique; Depression; Depression, Postpartum; Endpoint Determination; Female; Humans; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Perinatal Care; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34047454
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16780 -
The Surgeon : Journal of the Royal... Apr 2020Emergency abdominal surgery is associated with poorer clinical outcomes than similar procedures in the elective setting. Research into emergency laparotomy (EL) care is...
BACKGROUND
Emergency abdominal surgery is associated with poorer clinical outcomes than similar procedures in the elective setting. Research into emergency laparotomy (EL) care is moving from observational studies which simply measure EL outcomes to interventional research evaluating the implementation of care strategies designed to improve the quality and outcomes from EL care. There is no consensus as to the optimal approach to conducting research in this sphere. The primary objective of this review was to examine how mortality and other outcome measures were reported in previous EL research and to identify what might be the most appropriate methods in future outcome research.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA principles. Electronic databases were interrogated with a pre-specified search strategy to identify English language studies addressing outcomes from EL care. Retrieved papers were screened and assessed according to pre-defined eligibility criteria. The mortality and other outcomes reported in each paper were extracted and examined.
RESULTS
16 studies were included. They demonstrated significant heterogeneity in case definition, outcome reporting and data processing. A wide range of mortality and other outcome measures were applied and reported. Only few studies included on patient-reported outcomes measures.
CONCLUSION
The heterogeneity in EL research, demonstrated by this review must be considered when EL outcomes are compared. A standardized approach with respect to case definition, outcome measurement, and data analysis would provide for more valid and comparable evaluation of EL outcomes. Future EL research should include more patient centred outcomes.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Emergencies; Humans; Laparotomy; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 31345681
DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2019.06.003 -
JAMA Network Open Jan 2020An understanding of the incidence and outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the United States can inform investments in prevention and treatment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
An understanding of the incidence and outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the United States can inform investments in prevention and treatment interventions.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the incidence of CDI and its associated hospital length of stay (LOS) in the United States using a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE via Ovid, Cochrane Library Databases via Wiley, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Complete via EBSCO Information Services, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published in the United States between 2000 and 2019 that evaluated CDI and its associated LOS.
STUDY SELECTION
Incidence data were collected only from multicenter studies that had at least 5 sites. The LOS studies were included only if they assessed postinfection LOS or used methods accounting for time to infection using a multistate model or compared propensity score-matched patients with CDI with control patients without CDI. Long-term-care facility studies were excluded. Of the 119 full-text articles, 86 studies (72.3%) met the selection criteria.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two independent reviewers performed the data abstraction and quality assessment. Incidence data were pooled only when the denominators used the same units (eg, patient-days). These data were pooled by summing the number of hospital-onset CDI incident cases and the denominators across studies. Random-effects models were used to obtain pooled mean differences. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 value. Data analysis was performed in February 2019.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Incidence of CDI and CDI-associated hospital LOS in the United States.
RESULTS
When the 13 studies that evaluated incidence data in patient-days due to hospital-onset CDI were pooled, the CDI incidence rate was 8.3 cases per 10 000 patient-days. Among propensity score-matched studies (16 of 20 studies), the CDI-associated mean difference in LOS (in days) between patients with and without CDI varied from 3.0 days (95% CI, 1.44-4.63 days) to 21.6 days (95% CI, 19.29-23.90 days).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Pooled estimates from currently available literature suggest that CDI is associated with a large burden on the health care system. However, these estimates should be interpreted with caution because higher-quality studies should be completed to guide future evaluations of CDI prevention and treatment interventions.
Topics: Clostridium Infections; Cross Infection; Humans; Incidence; Length of Stay; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Propensity Score; United States
PubMed: 31913488
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.17597 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Jul 2023To review the evidence on trends and impacts of private equity (PE) ownership of healthcare operators.
OBJECTIVE
To review the evidence on trends and impacts of private equity (PE) ownership of healthcare operators.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and SSRN.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION
Empirical research studies of any design that evaluated PE owned healthcare operators.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The main outcome measures were impact of PE ownership on health outcomes, costs to patients or payers, costs to operators, and quality. The secondary outcome measures were trends and prevalence of PE ownership of healthcare operators.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Studies were classified as finding either beneficial, harmful, mixed, or neutral impacts of PE ownership on main outcome measures. Results across studies were narratively synthesized and reported. Risk of bias was evaluated using ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions).
RESULTS
The electronic search identified 1778 studies, with 55 meeting the inclusion criteria. Studies spanned eight countries, with most (n=47) analyzing PE ownership of healthcare operators in the US. Nursing homes were the most commonly studied healthcare setting (n=17), followed by hospitals and dermatology settings (n=9 each); ophthalmology (n=7); multiple specialties or general physician groups (n=5); urology (n=4); gastroenterology and orthopedics (n=3 each); surgical centers, fertility, and obstetrics and gynecology (n=2 each); and anesthesia, hospice care, oral or maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, and plastics (n=1 each). Across the outcome measures, PE ownership was most consistently associated with increases in costs to patients or payers. Additionally, PE ownership was associated with mixed to harmful impacts on quality. These outcomes held in sensitivity analyses in which only studies with moderate risk of bias were included. Health outcomes showed both beneficial and harmful results, as did costs to operators, but the volume of studies for these outcomes was too low for conclusive interpretation. In some instances, PE ownership was associated with reduced nurse staffing levels or a shift towards lower nursing skill mix. No consistently beneficial impacts of PE ownership were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
Trends in PE ownership rapidly increased across almost all healthcare settings studied. Such ownership is often associated with harmful impacts on costs to patients or payers and mixed to harmful impacts on quality. Owing to risk of bias and frequent geographic focus on the US, conclusions might not be generalizable internationally.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42022329857.
Topics: Humans; Ownership; Hospitals; Nursing Homes; Health Services; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 37468157
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-075244