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BMJ Open Jun 2023There is a growing need for interventions to improve well-being in healthcare workers, particularly since the onset of COVID-19.
UNLABELLED
There is a growing need for interventions to improve well-being in healthcare workers, particularly since the onset of COVID-19.
OBJECTIVES
To synthesise evidence since 2015 on the impact of interventions designed to address well-being and burnout in physicians, nurses and allied healthcare professionals.
DESIGN
Systematic literature review.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Google Scholar were searched in May-October 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Studies that primarily investigated burnout and/or well-being and reported quantifiable preintervention and postintervention outcomes using validated well-being measures were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Full-text articles in English were independently screened and quality assessed by two researchers using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument. Results were synthesised and presented in both quantitative and narrative formats. Meta-analysis was not possible due to variations in study designs and outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 1663 articles were screened for eligibility, with 33 meeting inclusion criterium. Thirty studies used individually focused interventions, while three were organisationally focused. Thirty-one studies used secondary level interventions (managed stress in individuals) and two were primary level (eliminated stress causes). Mindfulness-based practices were adopted in 20 studies; the remainder used meditation, yoga and acupuncture. Other interventions promoted a positive mindset (gratitude journaling, choirs, coaching) while organisational interventions centred on workload reduction, job crafting and peer networks. Effective outcomes were reported in 29 studies, with significant improvements in well-being, work engagement, quality of life and resilience, and reductions in burnout, perceived stress, anxiety and depression.
CONCLUSION
The review found that interventions benefitted healthcare workers by increasing well-being, engagement and resilience, and reducing burnout. It is noted that the outcomes of numerous studies were impacted by design limitations that is, no control/waitlist control, and/or no post intervention follow-up. Suggestions are made for future research.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; COVID-19; Health Personnel; Physicians; Workplace; Burnout, Psychological; Delivery of Health Care; Nurses
PubMed: 37385740
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071203 -
Health Policy (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Jan 2019Unsustainable growth in healthcare expenditure demands effective cost-containment policies. We review policy effectiveness using total payer expenditure as primary...
Unsustainable growth in healthcare expenditure demands effective cost-containment policies. We review policy effectiveness using total payer expenditure as primary outcome measure. We included all OECD member states from 1970 onward. After a rigorous quality appraisal, we included 43 original studies and 18 systematic reviews that cover 341 studies. Policies most often evaluated were payment reforms (10 studies), managed care (8 studies) and cost sharing (6 studies). Despite the importance of this topic, for many widely-used policies very limited evidence is available on their effectiveness in containing healthcare costs. We found no evidence for 21 of 41 major groups of cost-containment policies. Furthermore, many evaluations displayed a high risk of bias. Therefore, policies should be more routinely and rigorously evaluated after implementation. The available high-quality evidence suggests that the cost curve may best be bent using a combination of cost sharing, managed care competition, reference pricing, generic substitution and tort reform.
Topics: Cost Control; Health Care Costs; Health Policy; Humans
PubMed: 30429060
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.10.015 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Jun 2020We performed a network meta-analysis to build clear hierarchies of efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological interventions for the treatment and prevention of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
We performed a network meta-analysis to build clear hierarchies of efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological interventions for the treatment and prevention of delirium. Electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE were searched published up to February 22, 2019. A total of 108 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating pharmacotherapy on delirium were included for analysis, and the strength of evidence (SoE) was evaluated for critical outcomes. In terms of treatment, quetiapine (low SoE), morphine (low SoE), and dexmedetomidine (moderate SoE) were effective in the intensive care unit (ICU) patients. In terms of prevention, dexmedetomidine (high SoE) and risperidone (high SoE) significantly reduced the incidence of delirium in ICU surgical patients, while ramelteon (high SoE) reduced the incidence of delirium in ICU medical patients. Despite the efficacy, dexmedetomidine and risperidone demonstrated higher drop-out rate (moderate to high SoE). Haloperidol and other antipsychotics, except for quetiapine and risperidone, showed no benefit. None of the agents showed benefit in non-ICU patients. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine may be a drug of choice for both treating and preventing delirium of the ICU and postsurgical patients. However, it may be less tolerable, and side-effects should be adequately managed. Current evidence does not support the routine use of antipsychotics. For medical patients, oral ramelteon might be useful for prevention.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Delirium; Haloperidol; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Risperidone
PubMed: 32302794
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.03.012 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Mar 2017Self-managed, home-based physical therapy (HBPT) is an increasingly common element of physical therapy rehabilitation programmes but non-adherence can reach 70%.... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Self-managed, home-based physical therapy (HBPT) is an increasingly common element of physical therapy rehabilitation programmes but non-adherence can reach 70%. Understanding factors that influence patients' adherence to HBPTs could help practitioners support better adherence. Research to date has focussed largely on clinic-based physiotherapy. The objective of this review, therefore, was to identify specific factors, which influence adherence to home-based, self-managed physical therapies.
METHOD
A systematic review was conducted, in which eight online databases were searched using combinations of key terms relating to physical therapies, adherence and predictors. Matching records were screened against eligibility criteria and 30 quantitative articles were quality assessed and included in the final review. Relevant data were extracted and a narrative synthesis approach was taken to aggregating findings across studies.
RESULTS
There was relatively strong evidence that the following factors predicted adherence to HBPTs: intention to engage in the HBPT, self-motivation, self-efficacy, previous adherence to exercise-related behaviours and social support.
CONCLUSIONS
This review has identified a range of factors that appear to be related to patients' adherence to their self-managed physical rehabilitation therapies. Awareness of these factors may inform design of interventions to improve adherence. Implications for Rehabilitation Non-adherence to physical rehabilitation therapies is often high - particularly in self-managed, home-based programmes, despite good adherence being important in achieving positive outcomes. The findings of this systematic review indicate that greater self-efficacy, self-motivation, social support, intentions and previous adherence to physical therapies predict higher adherence to HBPTs. Assessment of these domains before providing individuals with their HBPT regimes may allow identification of 'risk factors' for poor adherence. These can then potentially be addressed or managed prior to, or alongside, the therapy. Interventions to support patients' self-managed physical rehabilitation should include elements designed to enhance patients' self-efficacy, self-motivation and social support given the evidence that these factors are good predictors of adherence.
Topics: Disabled Persons; Home Care Services; Humans; Patient Compliance; Physical Therapy Modalities; Self Care
PubMed: 27097761
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2016.1153160 -
Manual Therapy Jun 2010Poor adherence to treatment can have negative effects on outcomes and healthcare cost. However, little is known about the barriers to treatment adherence within... (Review)
Review
Poor adherence to treatment can have negative effects on outcomes and healthcare cost. However, little is known about the barriers to treatment adherence within physiotherapy. The aim of this systematic review was to identify barriers to treatment adherence in patients typically managed in musculoskeletal physiotherapy outpatient settings and suggest strategies for reducing their impact. The review included twenty high quality studies investigating barriers to treatment adherence in musculoskeletal populations. There was strong evidence that poor treatment adherence was associated with low levels of physical activity at baseline or in previous weeks, low in-treatment adherence with exercise, low self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, helplessness, poor social support/activity, greater perceived number of barriers to exercise and increased pain levels during exercise. Strategies to overcome these barriers and improve adherence are considered. We found limited evidence for many factors and further high quality research is required to investigate the predictive validity of these potential barriers. Much of the available research has focussed on patient factors and additional research is required to investigate the barriers introduced by health professionals or health organisations, since these factors are also likely to influence patient adherence with treatment.
Topics: Ambulatory Care; Humans; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Patient Compliance; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 20163979
DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2009.12.004 -
BMJ Open Sep 2021This systematic review aimed in assessing the effects of different weaning protocols in people with neuromuscular disease (NMD) receiving invasive mechanical...
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aimed in assessing the effects of different weaning protocols in people with neuromuscular disease (NMD) receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, identifying which protocol is the best and how different protocols can affect weaning outcome success, duration of weaning, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay and mortality.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched from January 2009 to August 2020.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCT that evaluated patients with NMD (adults and children from 5 years old) in the weaning process managed with a protocol (pressure support ventilation; synchronised intermittent mandatory ventilation; continuous positive airway pressure; 'T' piece).
PRIMARY OUTCOME
Weaning success.
SECONDARY OUTCOMES
Weaning duration, ICU stay, hospital stay, ICU mortality, complications (pneumothorax, ventilation-associated pneumonia).
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two review authors assessed the titles and the abstracts for inclusion and reviewed the full texts independently.
RESULTS
We found no studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
CONCLUSIONS
The absence of studies about different weaning protocols for patients with NMD does not allow concluding the superiority of any specific weaning protocol for patients with NMD or determining the impact of different types of protocols on other outcomes. The result of this review encourages further studies.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42019117393.
Topics: Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Neuromuscular Diseases; Respiration, Artificial; Ventilator Weaning
PubMed: 34521661
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047449 -
BMJ Open Jan 2023To assess the diagnostic accuracy of self-diagnosis compared with a clinical diagnosis for common conditions in primary care. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To assess the diagnostic accuracy of self-diagnosis compared with a clinical diagnosis for common conditions in primary care.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and CINAHL from inception to 25 January 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
Eligible studies were prospective or retrospective studies comparing the results of self-diagnosis of common conditions in primary care to a relevant clinical diagnosis or laboratory reference standard test performed by a healthcare service provider. Studies that considered self-testing only were excluded.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two authors independently extracted data using a predefined data extraction form and assessed risk of bias using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2.
METHODS AND RESULTS
5047 records identified 18 studies for inclusion covering the self-diagnosis of three common conditions: vaginal infection (five studies), common skin conditions (four studies) and HIV (nine studies). No studies were found for any other condition. For self-diagnosis of vaginal infection and common skin conditions, meta-analysis was not appropriate and data were reported narratively. Nine studies, using point-of-care oral fluid tests, reported on the accuracy of self-diagnosis of HIV and data were pooled using bivariate meta-analysis methods. For these nine studies, the pooled sensitivity was 92.8% (95% CI, 86% to 96.5%) and specificity was 99.8% (95% CI, 99.1% to 99.9%). Post hoc, the robustness of the pooled findings was tested in a sensitivity analysis only including four studies using laboratory testing as the reference standard. The pooled sensitivity reduced to 87.7% (95% CI, 81.4% to 92.2%) and the specificity remained the same. The quality of all 18 included studies was assessed as mixed and overall study methodology was not always well described.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS
Overall, there was a paucity of evidence. The current evidence does not support routine self-diagnosis for vaginal infections, common skin conditions and HIV in primary care.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42018110288.
Topics: Female; Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Primary Health Care; HIV Infections
PubMed: 36627158
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065748 -
Family Practice Jan 2022It is expected that GPs are increasingly confronted with a large group of patients with symptoms persisting three weeks after initial symptoms of a mild (managed in the...
BACKGROUND
It is expected that GPs are increasingly confronted with a large group of patients with symptoms persisting three weeks after initial symptoms of a mild (managed in the outpatient setting) COVID-19 infection. Currently, research on these persistent symptoms mainly focuses on patients with severe infections (managed in an inpatient setting) whereas patients with mild disease are rarely studied.
OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this systematic review was to create an overview of the nature and frequency of persistent symptoms experienced by patients after mild COVID-19 infection.
METHODS
Systematic literature searches were performed in Pubmed, Embase and PsychINFO on 2 February 2021. Quantitative studies, qualitative studies, clinical lessons and case reports were considered eligible designs.
RESULTS
In total, nine articles were included in this literature review. The frequency of persistent symptoms in patients after mild COVID-19 infection ranged between 10% and 35%. Symptoms persisting after a mild COVID-19 infection can be distinguished into physical, mental and social symptoms. Fatigue was the most frequently described persistent symptom. Other frequently occurring persistent symptoms were dyspnoea, cough, chest pain, headache, decreased mental and cognitive status and olfactory dysfunction. In addition, it was found that persisting symptoms after a mild COVID-19 infection can have major consequences for work and daily functioning.
CONCLUSION
There is already some evidence that symptoms of mild COVID-19 persist after 3 weeks in a third of patients. However, there is a lack of data about symptoms persisting after 3 months (long-COVID). More research is needed to help GPs in managing long-COVID.
Topics: COVID-19; Cough; Fatigue; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
PubMed: 34268556
DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab076 -
Minerva Stomatologica Dec 2019The management of anxiety and fear of patients experiencing medical treatment is always a major issue. Dentistry is a branch of medicine that is daily in managing these...
INTRODUCTION
The management of anxiety and fear of patients experiencing medical treatment is always a major issue. Dentistry is a branch of medicine that is daily in managing these problems, especially in the case of pediatric patients. Odontophobia can be managed in different ways, and the purpose of this study is to eventually review which methods are currently accepted and which are the most effective.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
The literature analysis was conducted on a number of articles, suitably skimmed, after a first research, obtained from the most common scientific databases. The number of works included in the review is 28.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
From the RCTs evaluated we could highlight that there are different methods in the literature, equally effective and certainly conditioned by the systemic condition of the patient. Another chapter instead turns out to be that linked to the management of the syndromic patient.
CONCLUSIONS
It is clear that there are different methods and equally different ways to manage our patients in the event of non-cooperation in the case of dental care. In addition to proper management by the clinician, in the literature methods linked to audiovisual distractions, hypnosis or pharmacological methods that produce conscious sedation are effectively reported.
Topics: Child; Data Management; Dental Anxiety; Dental Care; Fear; Humans; Syndrome
PubMed: 32052621
DOI: 10.23736/S0026-4970.19.04288-2 -
Medical Care Jun 2013Current health care reform efforts are focused on reorganizing health care systems to reduce waste in the US health care system. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Current health care reform efforts are focused on reorganizing health care systems to reduce waste in the US health care system.
OBJECTIVE
To compare rates of overuse in different health care systems and examine whether certain systems of care or insurers have lower rates of overuse of health care services.
DATA SOURCES
Articles published in MEDLINE between 1978, the year of publication of the first framework to measure quality, and June 21, 2012.
STUDY SELECTION
Included studies compared rates of overuse of procedures, diagnostic tests, or medications in at least 2 systems of care.
DATA EXTRACTION
Four reviewers screened titles; 2 reviewers screened abstracts and full articles and extracted data.
RESULTS
We identified 7 studies which compared rates of overuse of 5 services across multiple different health care settings. National rates of inappropriate coronary angiography were similar in Medicare HMOs and Medicare FFS (13% vs. 13%, P=0.33) and in a state-based study comparing 15 hospitals in New York and 4 hospitals in a Massachusetts-managed care plan (4% vs. 6%, P>0.1). Rates of carotid endarterectomy in New York State were similar in Medicare HMOs and Medicare FFS plans (8.4% vs. 8.6%, P=0.55) but nonrecommended use of antibiotics for the treatment of upper respiratory infection was higher in a managed care organization than a FFS private plan (31% vs. 21%, P=0.02). Rates of inappropriate myocardial perfusion imaging were similar in VA and private settings (22% vs. 16.6%, P=0.24), but rates of inappropriate surveillance endoscopy in the management of gastric ulcers were higher in the VA compared with private settings (37.4% vs. 20.4%-23.3%, P<0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
The available evidence is limited but there is no consistent evidence that any 1 system of care has been more effective at minimizing the overuse of health care services. More research is necessary to inform current health care reform efforts directed at reducing overuse.
Topics: Delivery of Health Care; Fee-for-Service Plans; Health Care Reform; Health Maintenance Organizations; Health Services Misuse; Humans; Medicare; United States; United States Department of Veterans Affairs
PubMed: 23552430
DOI: 10.1097/MLR.0b013e31828dbafe