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Journal of Tissue Viability May 2023To develop a systematic review on the prevalence and the incidence of pressure ulcers/injuries in adult patients in hospital emergency services. (Review)
Review
AIM
To develop a systematic review on the prevalence and the incidence of pressure ulcers/injuries in adult patients in hospital emergency services.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Systematic review of prevalence and incidence studies developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items Form Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The inclusion criteria were based on the CoCoPop mnemonic. The main variables of interest were the "prevalence" and/or the "incidence" of "pressure ulcers/injuries" (Condition) reported in studies developed in hospital emergency services (Context) with adult participants (Population). The Systematic Review Protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CDR42021252906).
RESULTS
The pressure ulcer/injury (point) prevalence ranged from 5.2% (at admission) to 12.3% (at discharge) and the pressure ulcer/injury incidence ranged from 4.5% to 78.4%. Most of the pressure ulcers/injuries documented were category/stage I. The most problematic anatomical locations were the sacrococcygeal region and the heels. The preventive measures should be implemented as soon as possible and are important in patients older than 75 years, with multiple comorbidities, high C-Reative Protein levels, cervical spine immobilization, presented to hospital emergency service by ambulance or with hypotension at the time of admission.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers/injuries in hospital emergency services remains an understudied topic which could limit the generalization of our data. This systematic review highlighted that the management of pressure ulcers/injuries is a real and current challenge in hospital emergency services. It is important to identify the patients at (higher) risk to establish an (earlier) preventive care plan according to patients and emergency services' characteristics.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Cohort Studies; Crush Injuries; Emergency Service, Hospital; Hospitalization; Pressure Ulcer
PubMed: 36792441
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2023.02.001 -
Brain and Behavior Oct 2022We aimed to investigate the prescription of antithrombotic drugs (including anticoagulants and antiplatelets) and medication adherence after stroke. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to investigate the prescription of antithrombotic drugs (including anticoagulants and antiplatelets) and medication adherence after stroke.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search across MEDLINE and Embase, from January 1, 2015, to February 17, 2022, to identify studies reporting antithrombotic medications (anticoagulants and antiplatelets) post stroke. Two people independently identified reports to include, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Where possible, data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
We included 453,625 stroke patients from 46 studies. The pooled proportion of prescribed antiplatelets and anticoagulants among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) was 62% (95% CI: 57%-68%), and 68% (95% CI: 58%-79%), respectively. The pooled proportion of patients who were treated according to the recommendation of guidelines of antithrombotic medications from four studies was 67% (95% CI: 41%-93%). It was reported that 11% (95% CI: 2%-19%) of patients did not receive antithrombotic medications. Good adherence to antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic medications was 78% (95% CI: 67%-89%), 71% (95% CI: 57%-84%), and 73% (95% CI: 59%-86%), respectively.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we found that less than 70% of patients were prescribed and treated according to the recommended guidelines of antithrombotic medications, and good adherence to antithrombotic medications is only 73%. Prescription rate and good adherence to antithrombotic medications still need to be improved among stroke survivors.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Fibrinolytic Agents; Humans; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Prescriptions; Stroke; Survivors
PubMed: 36067030
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2752 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Dec 2023Treatment for stroke is time-dependent, and ambulance services play a vital role in the early recognition, assessment and transportation of stroke patients. Innovations... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Treatment for stroke is time-dependent, and ambulance services play a vital role in the early recognition, assessment and transportation of stroke patients. Innovations which begin in ambulance services to expedite delivery of treatments for stroke are developing. However, research delivery in ambulance services is novel, developing and not fully understood.
AIMS
To synthesise literature encompassing ambulance service-based randomised controlled interventions for acute stroke with consideration to the characteristics of the type of intervention, consent modality, time intervals and issues unique to research delivery in ambulance services. Online searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL and WHO IRCTP databases and hand searches identified 15 eligible studies from 538. Articles were heterogeneous in nature and meta-analysis was partially available as 13 studies reported key time intervals, but terminology varied. Randomised interventions were evident across all points of contact with ambulance services: identification of stroke during the call for help, higher dispatch priority assigned to stroke, on-scene assessment and clinical interventions, direct referral to comprehensive stroke centres and definitive care delivery at scene. Consent methods ranged between informed patient, waiver and proxy modalities with country-specific variation. Challenges unique to the prehospital setting comprise the geographical distribution of ambulance resources, low recruitment rates, prolonged recruitment phases, management of investigational medicinal product and incomplete datasets.
CONCLUSION
Research opportunities exist across all points of contact between stroke patients and ambulance services, but randomisation and consent remain novel. Early collaboration and engagement between trialists and ambulance services will alleviate some of the complexities reported.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO 2018CRD42018075803.
Topics: Humans; Ambulances; Stroke; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37405524
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06910-w -
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric... Sep 2018There is increasing concern regarding the mental health impact of first responder work, with some reports suggesting ambulance personnel may be at particularly high... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
There is increasing concern regarding the mental health impact of first responder work, with some reports suggesting ambulance personnel may be at particularly high risk. Through this systematic review and meta-analysis we aimed to determine the prevalence of mental health conditions among ambulance personnel worldwide.
METHODS
A systematic search and screening process was conducted to identify studies for inclusion in the review. To be eligible, studies had to report original quantitative data on the prevalence of at least one of the following mental health outcome(s) of interest (PTSD, depression, anxiety, general psychological distress) for ambulance personnel samples. Quality of the studies was assessed using a validated methodological rating tool. Random effects modelling was used to estimate pooled prevalence, as well as subgroup analyses and meta-regressions for five variables implicated in heterogeneity.
RESULTS
In total, 941 articles were identified across all sources, with 95 full-text articles screened to confirm eligibility. Of these, 27 studies were included in the systematic review, reporting on a total of 30,878 ambulance personnel. A total of 18 studies provided necessary quantitative information and were retained for entry in the meta-analysis. The results demonstrated estimated prevalence rates of 11% for PTSD, 15% for depression, 15% for anxiety, and 27% for general psychological distress amongst ambulance personnel, with date of data collection a significant influence upon observed heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
Ambulance personnel worldwide have a prevalence of PTSD considerably higher than rates seen in the general population, although there is some evidence that rates of PTSD may have decreased over recent decades.
Topics: Ambulances; Anxiety Disorders; Depressive Disorder; Emergency Medical Technicians; Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 29869691
DOI: 10.1007/s00127-018-1539-5 -
Resuscitation Apr 2023This paper provides a commentary on the recently published "The incidence and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in metropolitan versus rural locations: A... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This paper provides a commentary on the recently published "The incidence and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in metropolitan versus rural locations: A systematic review and meta-analysis". The importance of this work due to the systematic search for the evidence and relative consistency of studies in terms of the direction of effect is highlighted. The commentary includes discussion on the variability between studies and the urban-rural differences in clinical care. Opportunities for future research are described, as well as the need to adequately characterise the local conditions and community engagement so that the applicability of research findings can be determined for local contexts.
Topics: Humans; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Emergency Medical Services; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest; Rural Population; Incidence
PubMed: 36805099
DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2023.109736 -
BMJ Quality & Safety Oct 2023Extensive research has been conducted into the effects of feedback interventions within many areas of healthcare, but prehospital emergency care has been relatively... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Extensive research has been conducted into the effects of feedback interventions within many areas of healthcare, but prehospital emergency care has been relatively neglected. Exploratory work suggests that enhancing feedback and follow-up to emergency medical service (EMS) staff might provide staff with closure and improve clinical performance. Our aim was to summarise the literature on the types of feedback received by EMS professionals and its effects on the quality and safety of patient care, staff well-being and professional development.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis, including primary research studies of any method published in peer-reviewed journals. Studies were included if they contained information on systematic feedback to emergency ambulance staff regarding their performance. Databases searched from inception were MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, PsycINFO, HMIC, CINAHL and Web of Science, with searches last updated on 2 August 2022. Study quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data analysis followed a convergent integrated design involving simultaneous narrative synthesis and random effects multilevel meta-analyses.
RESULTS
The search strategy yielded 3183 articles, with 48 studies meeting inclusion criteria after title/abstract screening and full-text review. Interventions were categorised as audit and feedback (n=31), peer-to-peer feedback (n=3), postevent debriefing (n=2), incident-prompted feedback (n=1), patient outcome feedback (n=1) or a combination thereof (n=4). Feedback was found to have a moderate positive effect on quality of care and professional development with a pooled effect of d=0.50 (95% CI 0.34, 0.67). Feedback to EMS professionals had large effects in improving documentation (d=0.73 (0.00, 1.45)) and protocol adherence (d=0.68 (0.12, 1.24)), as well as small effects in enhancing cardiac arrest performance (d=0.46 (0.06, 0.86)), clinical decision-making (d=0.47 (0.23, 0.72)), ambulance times (d=0.43 (0.12, 0.74)) and survival rates (d=0.22 (0.11, 0.33)). The between-study heterogeneity variance was estimated at σ=0.32 (95% CI 0.22, 0.50), with an I value of 99% (95% CI 98%, 99%), indicating substantial statistical heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
This review demonstrated that the evidence base currently does not support a clear single point estimate of the pooled effect of feedback to EMS staff as a single intervention type due to study heterogeneity. Further research is needed to provide guidance and frameworks supporting better design and evaluation of feedback interventions within EMS.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020162600.
Topics: Humans; Ambulances; Feedback; Emergency Medical Services; Delivery of Health Care
PubMed: 37028937
DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015634 -
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ Jun 2020In the era of damage control resuscitation of trauma patients with acute major haemorrhage, transfusion practice has evolved to blood component (component therapy)...
OBJECTIVE
In the era of damage control resuscitation of trauma patients with acute major haemorrhage, transfusion practice has evolved to blood component (component therapy) administered in a ratio that closely approximates whole blood (WB). However, there is a paucity of evidence supporting the optimal transfusion strategy in these patients. The primary objective was therefore to establish if there is an improvement in survival at 30 days with the use of WB transfusion compared with blood component therapy in adult trauma patients with acute major haemorrhage.
METHODOLOGY
A systematic literature search was performed on 15 December 2019 to identify studies comparing WB transfusion with component therapy in adult trauma patients and mortality at 30 days. Studies which did not report mortality were excluded. Methodological quality of included studies was interpreted using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.
RESULTS
Search of the databases identified 1885 records, and six studies met the inclusion criteria involving 3255 patients. Of the three studies reporting 30-day mortality (one randomised controlled trial (moderate evidence) and two retrospective (low and very low evidence, respectively)), only one study demonstrated a statistically significant difference between WB and component therapy, and two found no statistical difference. Two retrospective studies reporting in-hospital mortality found no statistical difference in unadjusted mortality, but both reported statistically significant logistic regression analyses demonstrating that those with a WB transfusion strategy were less likely to die.
CONCLUSION
Recognising the limitations of this systematic review relating to the poor-quality evidence and limited number of included trials, it does not provide evidence to support or reject use of WB transfusion compared with component therapy for adult trauma patients with acute major haemorrhage.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42019131406.
Topics: Adult; Blood Component Transfusion; Blood Transfusion; Hemorrhage; Humans; Resuscitation; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 32376677
DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2019-209040 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2018Mechanical chest compression devices have been proposed to improve the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
BACKGROUND
Mechanical chest compression devices have been proposed to improve the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of resuscitation strategies using mechanical chest compressions versus resuscitation strategies using standard manual chest compressions with respect to neurologically intact survival in patients who suffer cardiac arrest.
SEARCH METHODS
On 19 August 2017 we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science databases. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Abstracts and Science Citation abstracts had been searched up to November 2009 for prior versions of this review. We also searched two clinical trials registries for any ongoing trials not captured by our search of databases containing published works: Clinicaltrials.gov (August 2017) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform portal (January 2018). We applied no language restrictions. We contacted experts in the field of mechanical chest compression devices and manufacturers.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs and quasi-randomised studies comparing mechanical chest compressions versus manual chest compressions during CPR for patients with cardiac arrest.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
We included five new studies in this update. In total, we included 11 trials in the review, including data from 12,944 adult participants, who suffered either out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) or in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). We excluded studies explicitly including patients with cardiac arrest caused by trauma, drowning, hypothermia and toxic substances. These conditions are routinely excluded from cardiac arrest intervention studies because they have a different underlying pathophysiology, require a variety of interventions specific to the underlying condition and are known to have a prognosis different from that of cardiac arrest with no obvious cause. The exclusions were meant to reduce heterogeneity in the population while maintaining generalisability to most patients with sudden cardiac death.The overall quality of evidence for the outcomes of included studies was moderate to low due to considerable risk of bias. Three studies (N = 7587) reported on the designated primary outcome of survival to hospital discharge with good neurologic function (defined as a Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score of one or two), which had moderate quality evidence. One study showed no difference with mechanical chest compressions (risk ratio (RR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82 to 1.39), one study demonstrated equivalence (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.04), and one study demonstrated reduced survival (RR 0.41, CI 0.21 to 0.79). Two other secondary outcomes, survival to hospital admission (N = 7224) and survival to hospital discharge (N = 8067), also had moderate quality level of evidence. No studies reported a difference in survival to hospital admission. For survival to hospital discharge, two studies showed benefit, four studies showed no difference, and one study showed harm associated with mechanical compressions. No studies demonstrated a difference in adverse events or injury patterns between comparison groups but the quality of data was low. Marked clinical and statistical heterogeneity between studies precluded any pooled estimates of effect.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The evidence does not suggest that CPR protocols involving mechanical chest compression devices are superior to conventional therapy involving manual chest compressions only. We conclude on the balance of evidence that mechanical chest compression devices used by trained individuals are a reasonable alternative to manual chest compressions in settings where consistent, high-quality manual chest compressions are not possible or dangerous for the provider (eg, limited rescuers available, prolonged CPR, during hypothermic cardiac arrest, in a moving ambulance, in the angiography suite, during preparation for extracorporeal CPR [ECPR], etc.). Systems choosing to incorporate mechanical chest compression devices should be closely monitored because some data identified in this review suggested harm. Special attention should be paid to minimising time without compressions and delays to defibrillation during device deployment.
Topics: Blood Circulation; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Heart Arrest; Heart Massage; Hospitalization; Humans; Patient Discharge; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 30125048
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007260.pub4 -
BMJ Open Aug 2017To understand the reasons behind, and experience of, seeking and receiving emergency ambulance treatment for a 'primary care sensitive' condition. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To understand the reasons behind, and experience of, seeking and receiving emergency ambulance treatment for a 'primary care sensitive' condition.
DESIGN
A comprehensive, qualitative systematic review. Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, Health Management Information Systems, Healthcare Management Information Consortium, OpenSigle, EThOS and Digital Archive of Research Theses databases were systematically searched for studies exploring patient, carer or healthcare professional interactions with ambulance services for 'primary care sensitive' problems. Studies using wholly qualitative approaches or mixed-methods studies with substantial use of qualitative techniques in both the methods and analysis sections were included. An analytical thematic synthesis was undertaken, using a line-by-line qualitative coding method and a hierarchical inductive approach.
RESULTS
Of 1458 initial results, 33 studies met the first level (relevance) inclusion criteria, and six studies met the second level (methodology and quality) criteria. The analysis suggests that patients define situations worthy of 'emergency' ambulance use according to complex socioemotional factors, as well as experienced physical symptoms. There can be a mismatch between how patients and professionals define 'emergency' situations. Deciding to call an ambulance is a process shaped by practical considerations and a strong emotional component, which can be influenced by the views of caregivers. Sometimes the value of a contact with the ambulance service is principally in managing this emotional component. Patients often wish to hand over responsibility for decisions when experiencing a perceived emergency. Feeling empowered to take control of a situation is a highly valued aspect of ambulance care.
CONCLUSIONS
When responding to a request for 'emergency' help for a low-acuity condition, urgent-care services need to be sensitive to how the patient's emotional and practical perception of the situation may have shaped their decision-making and the influence that carers may have had on the process. There may be novel ways to deliver some of the valued aspects of urgent care, more geared to the resource-limited environment.
Topics: Ambulances; Ambulatory Care; Attitude; Attitude of Health Personnel; Caregivers; Decision Making; Emergencies; Emotions; Humans; Primary Health Care; Professional-Patient Relations; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 28775192
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016832 -
International Wound Journal Oct 2017The methodological and reporting quality of burn-specific systematic reviews has not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the methodological quality... (Review)
Review
The methodological and reporting quality of burn-specific systematic reviews has not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the methodological quality of systematic reviews in burn care management. Computerised searches were performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE and The Cochrane Library through to February 2016 for systematic reviews relevant to burn care using medical subject and free-text terms such as 'burn', 'systematic review' or 'meta-analysis'. Additional studies were identified by hand-searching five discipline-specific journals. Two authors independently screened papers, extracted and evaluated methodological quality using the 11-item A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool and reporting quality using the 27-item Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Characteristics of systematic reviews associated with methodological and reporting quality were identified. Descriptive statistics and linear regression identified features associated with improved methodological quality. A total of 60 systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Six of the 11 AMSTAR items reporting on 'a priori' design, duplicate study selection, grey literature, included/excluded studies, publication bias and conflict of interest were reported in less than 50% of the systematic reviews. Of the 27 items listed for PRISMA, 13 items reporting on introduction, methods, results and the discussion were addressed in less than 50% of systematic reviews. Multivariable analyses showed that systematic reviews associated with higher methodological or reporting quality incorporated a meta-analysis (AMSTAR regression coefficient 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.1; PRISMA regression coefficient 6·3; 95% CI: 3·8, 8·7) were published in the Cochrane library (AMSTAR regression coefficient 2·9; 95% CI: 1·6, 4·2; PRISMA regression coefficient 6·1; 95% CI: 3·1, 9·2) and included a randomised control trial (AMSTAR regression coefficient 1·4; 95%CI: 0·4, 2·4; PRISMA regression coefficient 3·4; 95% CI: 0·9, 5·8). The methodological and reporting quality of systematic reviews in burn care requires further improvement with stricter adherence by authors to the PRISMA checklist and AMSTAR tool.
Topics: Burn Units; Burns; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Male; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Research Report
PubMed: 27990772
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12692