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Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Jun 2022To broadly synthesize the literature regarding rural health disparities in otolaryngology, categorize findings, and identify research gaps to stimulate future work. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To broadly synthesize the literature regarding rural health disparities in otolaryngology, categorize findings, and identify research gaps to stimulate future work.
STUDY DESIGN
Scoping review.
DATA SOURCES
A comprehensive literature search was performed in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and CINAHL.
REVIEW METHODS
The methods were developed in concordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Peer-reviewed, English-language, US-based studies examining a rural disparity in otolaryngology-related disease incidence, prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, or outcome were included. Descriptive studies, commentaries, reviews, and letters to the editor were excluded. Studies published prior to 1980 were excluded.
RESULTS
The literature search resulted in 1536 unique abstracts and yielded 79 studies that met final criteria for inclusion. Seventy-five percent were published after 2010. The distribution of literature was as follows: otology (34.2%), head and neck cancer (20.3%), endocrine surgery (13.9%), rhinology and allergy (8.9%), trauma (5.1%), laryngology (3.8%), other pediatrics (2.5%), and adult sleep (1.3%). Studies on otolaryngology health care systems also accounted for 10.1%. The most common topics studied were practice patterns (41%) and epidemiology (27%), while the Southeast (47%) was the most common US region represented, and database study (42%) was the most common study design.
CONCLUSION
Overall, there was low-quality evidence with large gaps in the literature in all subspecialties, most notably facial plastic surgery, laryngology, adult sleep, and pediatrics. Importantly, there were few studies on intervention and zero studies on resident exposure to rural populations, which will be critical to making rural otolaryngology care more equitable in the future.
Topics: Child; Delivery of Health Care; Humans; Otolaryngology; Peer Review; Research Design; Rural Population
PubMed: 35015580
DOI: 10.1177/01945998211068822 -
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 2024Golf is a sport that consists of complex movement skills that need to be executed with utmost precision. Consequently, motor skill learning plays a crucial role in golf,... (Review)
Review
Golf is a sport that consists of complex movement skills that need to be executed with utmost precision. Consequently, motor skill learning plays a crucial role in golf, and large numbers of studies address various methods of motor learning. In the present review, we give a systematic overview of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on motor learning of golf-specific motor skills. Three electronic databases were searched for RCTs looking at the effect of at least one learning method on performance in a golf-specific motor task. We grouped the studies depending on the learning strategies "cognitive training", "practice scheduling", "augmented feedback", "implicit and explicit learning" and "focus of attention". Fifty-two RCTs met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Superior methods within their respective strategies were an external focus of attention and increasing contextual interference, as well as errorless learning. For "cognitive training" and "augmented feedback", no single method can be considered the most favorable. The overall biggest limitations were the lack of statistical power for more than half of the RCTs, and the fact that most studies of the present review investigated simple putting tasks in novices only. Although we have shown superiority of specific learning methods, transferability of the recommendations that can be derived from simple golf tasks in novices to sport-specific tasks in advanced players still has to be demonstrated and require study designs with the intention to provide practical recommendations for coaches and athletes in the sport of golf.
PubMed: 38419912
DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1324615 -
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical... Sep 2023Core components of peer-to-peer (PTP) support for cancer survivors include informational, emotional, and psychosocial aspects. Previous literature on peer support in... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Core components of peer-to-peer (PTP) support for cancer survivors include informational, emotional, and psychosocial aspects. Previous literature on peer support in cancer includes both professionally and peer-led support. Our objective was to summarize studies on the effects of non-professionally led PTP support in cancer.
METHODS
We performed a systematic research on studies in PTP support of adult cancer survivors with an interventional design, comparing outcomes of PTP support against any control. We included all studies with a precise definition of a PTP support, published from January 2000 up to March 2023 in peer-reviewed journals in English or German.
RESULTS
Out of N = 609 identified publications, we were are able to include n = 18 randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) fulfilling our inclusion criteria. Main settings were dyadic support via telephone, face-to-face (FTF), and web-based online support. Most common outcomes were distress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life (QoL). Overall, we found only small effects of PTP support on depression/anxiety, coping, or sexual functioning. Beneficial effects associated with the PTP intervention were apparent in particular in BRCA, in FTF settings, and in assessments of cancer-specific QoL outcomes.
CONCLUSION
This review shows that there are a few RCT investigating the effect of PTP support with short-term effects. Overall, there is a need for more RCTs with high methodological standards to evaluate the effectiveness of PTP support.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Depression; Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Anxiety; Survivors
PubMed: 37120782
DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04753-8 -
Journal of Empirical Research on Human... Oct 2023The aim of this systematic review is to estimate: (i) the overall effect of blinding models on bias; (ii) the effect of each blinding model; and (iii) the effect of... (Review)
Review
The aim of this systematic review is to estimate: (i) the overall effect of blinding models on bias; (ii) the effect of each blinding model; and (iii) the effect of un-blinding on reviewer's accountability in biomedical research proposals. Systematic review of prospective or retrospective comparative studies that evaluated two or more peer review blinding models for biomedical research proposals/funding applications and reported outcomes related to peer review efficiency. Three studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review and assessed using the QualSyst tool by two authors. Our systematic review is the first to assess peer review blinding models in the context of funding. While only three studies were included, this highlighted the dire need for further RCTs that generate validated evidence. We also discussed multiple aspects of peer review, such as peer review in manuscripts vs proposals and peer review in other fields.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Peer Review; Biomedical Research; Research Design
PubMed: 37526052
DOI: 10.1177/15562646231191424 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Jul 2021Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a worldwide social problem which has received much attention from policy makers, researchers, and practitioners. A considerable portion of...
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a worldwide social problem which has received much attention from policy makers, researchers, and practitioners. A considerable portion of CSA research has focused on adult offenders, the result of which is that most of our existing knowledge regarding prevention and intervention has been based on abuse perpetrated by this population. The current literature review, by contrast, was designed to spotlight the phenomenon of preadolescent peer sexual abuse (PAPSA), focusing on children ages 12 and under, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The results revealed scant empirical data, with only nine studies focusing on this phenomenon. As the basis of their investigations, most of the reviewed studies used definitions of sexual harassment among peers, rather than definitions of more severe forms of sexual abuse, and showed conflicting results depending on the ages and genders of the peers involved. In addition, prevention programs for peer sexual abuse/harassment were not targeted toward preadolescents. Additional findings indicated a lack of empirical knowledge with respect to core aspects such as victims' personal characteristics and subjective experience, the dynamic of the abuse, and the disclosure process. This systematic literature review emphasizes the need for an in-depth and thorough conceptualization and empirical examination of the PAPSA phenomenon and its unique characteristics.
Topics: Child; Child Abuse, Sexual; Female; Humans; Male; Peer Group
PubMed: 31405357
DOI: 10.1177/1524838019869103 -
The International Journal on Drug Policy Sep 2021Addressing the burden of disease associated with substance use is a global priority, yet access to treatment is limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Addressing the burden of disease associated with substance use is a global priority, yet access to treatment is limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Peers, individuals with lived experience of substance use, may play an important role in expanding access to treatment, supporting outcomes, and reducing stigma. While peer-delivered services for substance use have been scaling up in high-income countries (HICs), less is known about their application in LMICs. This systematic review synthesizes the evidence of peer-delivered services for substance use in LMICs.
METHODS
PsycINFO, Embase, Global Health, PubMed, and six region-specific databases were searched, and articles that described peer-delivered services for substance use and related outcomes in LMICs were included. Risk of bias was evaluated using tools appropriate for each study design. To provide a more stringent evaluation of structured interventions, a subset of articles was analyzed using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) framework.
RESULTS
The search yielded 6540 articles. These were narrowed down to 34 included articles. Articles spanned four continents, included quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and primarily targeted infectious disease risk behaviors. Ten articles were included in the EPOC sub-analysis. In the context of high risk of bias, some of these articles demonstrated positive impacts of the peer-delivered services, including reductions in risk behaviors and increases in infectious disease knowledge scores, while many others showed no significant difference in outcomes between peer intervention and control groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Peer-delivered services may be feasible for addressing substance use and reducing infectious disease risk behaviors in LMICs, where there are severe human resource shortages. Globally, peers' lived experience is valuable for engaging patients in substance use treatment and harm reduction services. Further research is needed to better characterize and quantify outcomes for peer-delivered services for substance use in LMICs.
Topics: Developing Countries; Humans; Income; Peer Group; Poverty; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 33892281
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103252 -
Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal Jul 2020Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) emerged early in the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as a possible drug with potential therapeutic and prophylactic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) emerged early in the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as a possible drug with potential therapeutic and prophylactic benefits. It was quickly adopted in China, Europe, and the USA. We systematically reviewed the existing clinical evidence of HCQ use for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
METHODS
We screened for clinical studies describing HCQ administration to treat or prevent COVID-19 in PubMed. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized comparative cohorts, and case series studies that had all undergone peer review.
RESULTS
A total of 623 studies were screened; 17 studies evaluating HCQ treatment were included. A total of 13 were observational studies, and 4 were RCTs. In terms of effect on mortality rates, observational studies provided conflicting results. As a whole, RCTs, including one large British RCT that has not yet been published, showed no significant effect of HCQ on mortality rates, clinical cure, and virologic response. The use of HCQ as a post-exposure prophylactic agent was found to be ineffective in one RCT.
CONCLUSION
There is no evidence supporting HCQ for prophylaxis or treatment of COVID-19. Many observational trials were methodologically flawed. Scientific efforts have been disappointingly fragmented, and well-conducted trials have only recently been completed, more than 7 months and 600,000 deaths into the pandemic.
PubMed: 32792041
DOI: 10.5041/RMMJ.10416 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2022Suicide bereavement support groups are a widely available format of postvention service. Although other reviews have addressed peer-led bereavement interventions, no... (Review)
Review
Suicide bereavement support groups are a widely available format of postvention service. Although other reviews have addressed peer-led bereavement interventions, no review has focused specifically on peer-led support for people bereaved by suicide. Informed by a framework for undertaking scoping reviews, we conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches conducted in May 2021 of peer-reviewed literature in MEDLINE (EBSCO), CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO), EMBASE (Elsevier), AMED (EBSCO), ERIC (EBSCO), Web of Science (Core Collection), ASSIA (Proquest), and Global Index Medicus. The search was not limited by language, and all studies were included to full text screening. The search identified 10 studies conducted between 1994 and 2020 in five countries. The selected papers were subjected to quality assessment. The interventions included face-to-face groups, telephone and online groups/forums and were evaluated using a variety of methodologies, which made comparison and synthesis challenging. Thematic analysis resulted in four themes: motivation, impact, aspects of intervention which hindered/enhanced outcomes, and recommendations for the practice of peer support made by the authors. While there were methodological limitations to most studies included in this review; the studies do indicate the potential benefit of peer-led support to those bereaved through suicide. Future studies should provide a definition of 'peer' and a clear description of the intervention being evaluated. As the field matures there is a need for more rigorous evaluation of peer interventions with representative samples, studies that compare the impact of various types of peer interventions, and studies of the peer group processes.
Topics: Bereavement; Grief; Humans; Self-Help Groups; Suicide
PubMed: 35329171
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063485 -
Nicotine & Tobacco Research : Official... Aug 2023Peer support has been recommended to promote smoking cessation, but results from prior meta-analyses have not established its efficacy. We conducted a systematic review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Peer support has been recommended to promote smoking cessation, but results from prior meta-analyses have not established its efficacy. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess current evidence and identify potential modifiers of efficacy.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials of peer-support interventions with a smoking cessation outcome were identified in January 2022 from PubMed and references listed in identified studies. The meta-analysis outcome measure was mean risk ratio (RR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) for abstinence at the longest follow-up timepoint between 3 and 9 months from baseline. Potential modifiers tested were peer smoking status (former, current, or unknown), follow-up timepoint, abstinence measure, and cumulative engagement time between peers and smokers ("dose"). Studies were assessed for risk of bias and certainty of evidence.
RESULTS
We identified 16 trials, which varied in abstinence effect size (RR 0.61-3.07), sample size (23-2121), dose (41-207 minutes), and follow-up timepoint (<1-15 months). Across 15 trials with follow-up between 3 and 9 months (N = 8573 participants; 4565 intervention, 4008 control), the pooled Mantel-Haenszel RR was 1.34 (95% CI: 1.11-1.62). Effect sizes were greatest among interventions with formerly smoking peers (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.17-1.74; five trials). We found positive effects for follow-up timepoints ≥3 months but no effect of intervention dose. The overall quality of evidence was deemed "very low."
CONCLUSIONS
Peer-support interventions increased smoking abstinence. There remains a lack of consensus about how to define a peer. Intervention features such as peer smoking status appear to have explanatory power. Additional high-quality and more comparable trials are needed.
IMPLICATIONS
This study reviewed the latest evidence from randomized controlled trials and found that peer-support interventions enhance smoking cessation. Efficacy varies with key intervention features such as peer smoking status and follow-up timepoint, which may be used to facilitate development of more effective peer-support interventions. Future trials and reviews would benefit from careful consideration and clear reporting of peer smoking status, length of follow-up, abstinence measures, and intervention dose.
Topics: Humans; Smoking Cessation; Smoking; Counseling; Smoking Prevention; Tobacco Use Cessation Devices; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37042206
DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad059 -
Diabetic Medicine : a Journal of the... Oct 2023There is increasing interest in the role of peer support in diabetes care. However, technology-mediated peer support in paediatric type 1 diabetes remains... (Review)
Review
AIMS
There is increasing interest in the role of peer support in diabetes care. However, technology-mediated peer support in paediatric type 1 diabetes remains understudied.We aimed todescribe technology-mediated peer support interventions for children living with type 1 diabetes, their caregivers and healthcare providers.
METHODS
CINAHL, Embase and MEDLINE (Ovid) were searched from Jan 2007 to June 2022. We included randomised and non-randomised trials with peer support interventions for children living with diabetes, their caregivers and/or healthcare providers. Studies examining clinical, behavioural or psychosocial outcomes were included. Quality was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool.
RESULTS
Twelve of 308 retrieved studies were included, with a study duration range of 3 weeks to 24 months and most were randomised trials (n = 8, 66.67%). Four technology-based interventions were identified: phone-based text messages, video, web portal and social media, or a hybrid peer support model. Most (58.6%, n = 7) studies exclusively targeted children with diabetes. No significant improvement was observed in psychosocial outcomes (quality of life, n = 4; stress and coping, n = 4; social support, n = 2). Mixed findings were observed in HbA1c (n = 7) and 28.5% studies (n = 2/7) reported reduced incidence of hypoglycaemia.
CONCLUSIONS
Technology-mediated peer support interventions may have the potential to improve diabetes care and outcomes. However, further well-designed studies are necessary that address the needs of diverse populations and settings, and the sustainability of intervention effects.
Topics: Humans; Child; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Quality of Life; Health Personnel; Text Messaging; Technology
PubMed: 37428650
DOI: 10.1111/dme.15172