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Implementation Science : IS Jul 2022Many strategies aimed at deprescribing benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRA) in older adults have already been evaluated with various success rates. There is so far no... (Review)
Review
Barriers and enablers for deprescribing benzodiazepine receptor agonists in older adults: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies using the theoretical domains framework.
BACKGROUND
Many strategies aimed at deprescribing benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRA) in older adults have already been evaluated with various success rates. There is so far no consensus on which strategy components increase deprescribing the most. Yet, despite an unfavourable benefit-to-risk ratio, BZRA use among older adults remains high. We systematically reviewed barriers and enablers for BZRA deprescribing in older adults.
METHODS
Two reviewers independently screened records identified from five electronic databases-Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane library-and published before October 2020. They searched for grey literature using Google Scholar. Qualitative and quantitative records reporting data on the attitudes of older adults, caregivers and healthcare providers towards BZRA deprescribing were included. Populations at the end of life or with specific psychiatric illness, except for dementia, were excluded. The two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the included studies using the mixed-methods appraisal tool. Barriers and enablers were identified and then coded into domains of the theoretical domains framework (TDF) using a combination of deductive and inductive qualitative analysis. The most relevant TDF domains for BZRA deprescribing were then identified.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies were included 13 quantitative, 8 qualitative and 2 mixed-method studies. The points of view of older adults, general practitioners and nurses were reported in 19, 9 and 3 records, respectively. We identified barriers and enablers in the majority of TDF domains and in two additional themes: "patient characteristics" and "BZRA prescribing patterns". Overall, the most relevant TDF domains were "beliefs about capabilities", "beliefs about consequences", "environmental context and resources", "intention", "goals", "social influences", "memory, attention and decision processes". Perceived barriers and enablers within domains differed across settings and across stakeholders.
CONCLUSION
The relevant TDF domains we identified can now be linked to behavioural change techniques to help in the design of future strategies and health policies. Future studies should also assess barriers and enablers perceived by under-evaluated stakeholders (such as pharmacists, psychiatrists and health care professionals in the hospital setting).
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This work was registered on PROSPERO under the title "Barriers and enablers to benzodiazepine receptor agonists deprescribing".
REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020213035.
Topics: Aged; Deprescriptions; General Practitioners; Humans; Intention; Pharmacists; Qualitative Research; Receptors, GABA-A
PubMed: 35804428
DOI: 10.1186/s13012-022-01206-7 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Jun 2022Psychologists, and their clients, are engaging with complementary medicine (CM). Increasing evidence for CM approaches, such as improved nutrition and St John's wort,...
Complementary medicine in psychology practice: an analysis of Australian psychology guidelines and a comparison with other psychology associations from English speaking countries.
BACKGROUND
Psychologists, and their clients, are engaging with complementary medicine (CM). Increasing evidence for CM approaches, such as improved nutrition and St John's wort, has led to their inclusion in the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders. This research aims to determine in what ways, and to what extent, Australian psychology regulatory bodies and associations consider CM relevant to psychology practice. Specifically, how these regulatory bodies and professional association's ethical and practice guidelines engage with CM.
METHODS
Documents from Australian regulatory bodies and professional associations, that relate to the governance or guidance of psychologists' clinical practice, were systematically searched for key terms relating to CM.
RESULTS
There were no direct references to CM in the 58 ethical and practice guidelines reviewed. There was also no reference to the relevance of CM to ethnocultural groups, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional healing practices.
CONCLUSION
While other mental health care disciplines are working toward integrating CM, the discipline of psychology in Australia is not currently engaged in such developments. Given the exponential rise of CM use amongst those with mental health problems, psychology associations should consider developing resources and guidelines to assist psychologists in navigating CM in relation to clinical practice to help minimise risks, such as patient safety associated with concurrent CM use.
Topics: Australia; Complementary Therapies; Humans; Practice, Psychological
PubMed: 35752820
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03620-2 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) May 2022: Studies in the recent decades show that the medical profession has a high risk to develop burnout due to constant exposure to mental and physical suffering or death.... (Review)
Review
: Studies in the recent decades show that the medical profession has a high risk to develop burnout due to constant exposure to mental and physical suffering or death. The pandemic period induced additional stress for healthcare professionals due to the likelihood of a high rate of infection, long working shifts, using protective equipment, staying away from family, implementing new medical procedures. The present study is focusing on assessing the prevalence of burnout among physicians working in the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic, and discovering the main factors associated with burnout syndrome among the population of physicians. : A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Wiley, and Google Scholar in November 2021. A total of 35 studies were eligible for the evaluation. : The samples ranged from 39 to 3071 physicians, and the overall burnout ranged from 14.7% to 90.4%. Sociodemographic characteristics associated with a high prevalence of burnout were the female gender, less experienced, not having children, and single marital status, associated with high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress in the female gender. The highest level of burnout among all the studies was 90.4% on a sample of physicians from the Republic of Korea, 80.2% among psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia, followed by a study in Ireland with a 77% level of burnout among senior and specialist physicians, and 74.7% prevalence of burnout for emergency physicians in USA. : During the pandemic, the factors that contribute to burnout are the lack of personal protective equipment and the violence of issues related to organizational health; the high prevalence of burnout symptoms is associated with anxiety, depression, and stress.
PubMed: 35742031
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10060979 -
Tijdschrift Voor Psychiatrie 2022In recent years, technological advances have led to the identification of numerous genetic variations that are associated with psychiatric symptoms. Establishing a...
BACKGROUND
In recent years, technological advances have led to the identification of numerous genetic variations that are associated with psychiatric symptoms. Establishing a genetic cause may provide patients and family members with an explanation for the problems and in specific cases allows targeted treatment of psychiatric and somatic (co)morbidity. At present, patients with psychiatric disorders are rarely referred for genetic testing.
AIM
To provide an overview of literature and (inter)national guidelines in the field of genetic testing for patients with psychiatric disorder, and to present guidance on indications for genetic testing in clinical practice.
METHOD
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Embase focusing on articles with recommendations on genetic testing in psychiatric disorders. In addition, national and international guidelines on genetic testing in psychiatry were studied. The main findings were summarized in an infographic.
RESULTS
Based on the current literature and (inter)national guidelines, patients with (comorbid) intellectual disability should always be referred to a clinical geneticist. Psychiatrists should consider genetic testing in patients with other psychiatric disorders if there are ‘red flags’ such as a positive family history, congenital abnormalities, developmental delay, dysmorphic features, movement disorders or cognitive decline. Psychiatrists may request genetic testing themselves or refer patients to clinical geneticists.
CONCLUSION
Psychiatric disorders may be underpinned by a genetic anomaly, particularly in patients presenting with psychiatric as well as somatic symptomatology. Psychiatrists should recognize symptoms and warning signs indicative of an underlying genetic abnormality, and know when to refer their patients for genetic testing.
Topics: Comorbidity; Genetic Testing; Humans; Mental Disorders; Psychiatry
PubMed: 35735037
DOI: No ID Found -
BMC Psychiatry May 2022Aripiprazole is a second-generation antipsychotic, efficacious in patients with schizophrenia during acute episodes. Due to its pharmacological profile, aripiprazole may...
BACKGROUND
Aripiprazole is a second-generation antipsychotic, efficacious in patients with schizophrenia during acute episodes. Due to its pharmacological profile, aripiprazole may be of interest in patients with specific clinical profiles who have not been studied extensively in randomised clinical trials.
OBJECTIVES
To capture experience with aripiprazole in everyday psychiatric practice using the Delphi method in order to inform decision-making on the use of aripiprazole for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia in clinical situations where robust evidence from clinical trials is lacking.
METHODS
The scope of the survey was defined as the management of schizophrenia in adults. A systematic literature review was performed to identify the different clinical situations in which aripiprazole has been studied, and to describe the level of clinical evidence. Clinical profiles to include in the Delphi survey were selected if there was a clear interest in terms of medical need but uncertainty over the efficacy of aripiprazole. For each clinical profile retained, five to seven specific statements were generated and included in a questionnaire. The final 41-item questionnaire was proposed to a panel of 406 French psychiatrists with experience in the treatment of schizophrenia. Panellists rated their level of agreement using a Likert scale. A second round of voting on eleven items was organised to clarify points for which a consensus was not obtained in the first round.
RESULTS
Five clinical profiles were identified in the literature review (persistent negative symptoms, pregnancy, cognitive dysfunction, addictive comorbidity and clozapine resistance). Sixty-two psychiatrists participated in the first round of the Delphi survey and 33 in the second round. A consensus was obtained for 11 out of 41 items in the first round and for 9/11 items in the second round. According to the panellists' clinical experience, aripiprazole can be used as maintenance treatment for pregnant women, is relevant to preserve cognitive function and can be considered an option in patients with a comorbid addictive disorder or with persistent negative symptoms.
CONCLUSION
These findings may help physicians in choosing relevant ways to use aripiprazole and highlight areas where more research is needed to widen the evidence base.
Topics: Adult; Aripiprazole; Delphi Technique; Dopamine; Dopamine Agonists; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 35643542
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04008-9 -
Sante Mentale Au Quebec 2021Objectives This systematic review identifies the literature on educational tools specifically targeting 2 of the keys competencies that a psychiatrist must acquire...
Objectives This systematic review identifies the literature on educational tools specifically targeting 2 of the keys competencies that a psychiatrist must acquire according to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada: the therapeutic relationship and empathy, in the context of psychosis. Method This review was carried out in the Medline databases via Ovid, PsycInfo (EBSCO) and Scopus using combinations of terms associated with therapeutic tools, empathy, residents in psychiatry, psychiatrists and psychosis. Two independent reviewers reviewed 1169 titles and abstracts, and retained 5 articles. Results All of the articles analyzed explore communication skills, in particular communication skills training, and 3 of the articles focus on one of its adaptations in psychiatry: ComPsych. It focuses on the announcement of the diagnosis and prognosis of schizophrenia through 5 areas of expertise: the meeting agenda, identification, questionnaire, organization of information and empathetic communication. These studies use role plays, standardized simulated patients, videos and feedback. An improvement in confidence regarding the prognosis is noted although the improvement obtained is inconsistent depending on the modalities used. A fourth article used the TEMPO model (Training to enhance psychiatrist communication with patients with psychosis) which resembles the ComPsych model, but includes, among other things, the use of real patients. TEMPO is also based on the Self-Repair measurement, a tool that determines how well a person strives to speak in a way that is understandable and acceptable to the listener in a conversation in general and in a psychiatric encounter. In the study, an improvement in the therapeutic relationship (moderate effect) by both psychiatrists and patients was observed. The last article provides a randomized controlled trial protocol for Shared decision making Plus (SDM-Plus) training in physician-patient interaction with an emphasis on shared and explicit decision-making. One module is for doctors, the other for patients. Conclusion Although many educational manuals and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada stress the role and importance of establishing a positive therapeutic relationship, this systematic review of the literature shows that there are only a limited number of studies on this subject, and they have low statistical power. It is therefore necessary to continue research on this field and to develop new educational tools. Here we make some recommendations.
Topics: Communication; Empathy; Humans; Psychiatry; Psychotic Disorders; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 35617507
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2022Social interaction and social communication are among the central areas of difficulty for autistic people. Music therapy uses music experiences and the relationships... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Social interaction and social communication are among the central areas of difficulty for autistic people. Music therapy uses music experiences and the relationships that develop through them to enable communication and expression, thus attempting to address some of the core problems of autistic people. Music therapy has been applied in autism since the early 1950s, but its availability to autistic individuals varies across countries and settings. The application of music therapy requires specialised academic and clinical training which enables therapists to tailor the intervention to the specific needs of the individual. The present version of this review on music therapy for autistic people is an update of the previous Cochrane review update published in 2014 (following the original Cochrane review published in 2006).
OBJECTIVES
To review the effects of music therapy, or music therapy added to standard care, for autistic people.
SEARCH METHODS
In August 2021, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, eleven other databases and two trials registers. We also ran citation searches, checked reference lists, and contacted study authors to identify additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomised trials and controlled clinical trials comparing music therapy (or music therapy alongside standard care) to 'placebo' therapy, no treatment, or standard care for people with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder were considered for inclusion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Four authors independently selected studies and extracted data from all included studies. We synthesised the results of included studies in meta-analyses. Four authors independently assessed risk of bias (RoB) of each included study using the original RoB tool as well as the certainty of evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included 16 new studies in this update which brought the total number of included studies to 26 (1165 participants). These studies examined the short- and medium-term effect of music therapy (intervention duration: three days to eight months) for autistic people in individual or group settings. More than half of the studies were conducted in North America or Asia. Twenty-one studies included children aged from two to 12 years. Five studies included children and adolescents, and/or young adults. Severity levels, language skills, and cognition were widely variable across studies. Measured immediately post-intervention, music therapy compared with 'placebo' therapy or standard care was more likely to positively effect global improvement (risk ratio (RR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 1.40; 8 studies, 583 participants; moderate-certainty evidence; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) = 11 for low-risk population, 95% CI 6 to 39; NNTB = 6 for high-risk population, 95% CI 3 to 21) and to slightly increase quality of life (SMD 0.28, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.49; 3 RCTs, 340 participants; moderate-certainty evidence, small to medium effect size). In addition, music therapy probably results in a large reduction in total autism symptom severity (SMD -0.83, 95% CI -1.41 to -0.24; 9 studies, 575 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). No clear evidence of a difference between music therapy and comparison groups at immediately post-intervention was found for social interaction (SMD 0.26, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.57, 12 studies, 603 participants; low-certainty evidence); non-verbal communication (SMD 0.26, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.55; 7 RCTs, 192 participants; low-certainty evidence); and verbal communication (SMD 0.30, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.78; 8 studies, 276 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Two studies investigated adverse events with one (36 participants) reporting no adverse events; the other study found no differences between music therapy and standard care immediately post-intervention (RR 1.52, 95% CI 0.39 to 5.94; 1 study, 290 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this updated review provide evidence that music therapy is probably associated with an increased chance of global improvement for autistic people, likely helps them to improve total autism severity and quality of life, and probably does not increase adverse events immediately after the intervention. The certainty of the evidence was rated as 'moderate' for these four outcomes, meaning that we are moderately confident in the effect estimate. No clear evidence of a difference was found for social interaction, non-verbal communication, and verbal communication measured immediately post-intervention. For these outcomes, the certainty of the evidence was rated as 'low' or 'very low', meaning that the true effect may be substantially different from these results. Compared with earlier versions of this review, the new studies included in this update helped to increase the certainty and applicability of this review's findings through larger sample sizes, extended age groups, longer periods of intervention and inclusion of follow-up assessments, and by predominantly using validated scales measuring generalised behaviour (i.e. behaviour outside of the therapy context). This new evidence is important for autistic individuals and their families as well as for policymakers, service providers and clinicians, to help in decisions around the types and amount of intervention that should be provided and in the planning of resources. The applicability of the findings is still limited to the age groups included in the studies, and no direct conclusions can be drawn about music therapy in autistic individuals above the young adult age. More research using rigorous designs, relevant outcome measures, and longer-term follow-up periods is needed to corroborate these findings and to examine whether the effects of music therapy are enduring.
Topics: Adolescent; Autistic Disorder; Bias; Child; Humans; Music Therapy; Odds Ratio; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35532041
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004381.pub4 -
Journal of Traumatic Stress Oct 2022Previous research suggests that the effect of therapist factors on patient outcomes is significant. Yet, to date, no reviews have explored the potential effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Associations between therapist factors and treatment efficacy in randomized controlled trials of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for children and youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Previous research suggests that the effect of therapist factors on patient outcomes is significant. Yet, to date, no reviews have explored the potential effects of therapist characteristics on treatment outcomes for children and youth with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the professional characteristics of trial therapists delivering trauma-focused cognitive behavioral interventions (TF-CBT) for child PTSD in clinical trials and understand the association between treatment efficacy and therapist factors. Systematic searches for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published through November 3, 2020, were conducted; 40 RCTs were included in the full review. PTSD treatment outcome data were extracted from each publication along with any available data regarding trial therapists. Subgroup analyses were conducted to compare the outcomes of interventions conducted by different types of therapists. All therapist groups yielded significant effects for TF-CBT relative to active and passive control conditions, with the largest effect size, Hedges' g = -1.11, for RCTs that used clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. A significant moderating effect was found when comparing the treatment outcomes of clinical psychologists and psychiatrists versus other professionals, p = .044; however, this effect was no longer apparent when only studies with an active control arm were included. Further moderator analyses demonstrated no significant differences regarding therapists' educational and professional backgrounds and PTSD treatment outcomes. The current RCT evidence for TF-CBT for children and youth with PTSD does not suggest that therapist educational or professional background influences treatment efficacy. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35478465
DOI: 10.1002/jts.22840 -
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and... Mar 2022To interpret the current evidence on the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) through a systematic review based on both DSM-5 (2013) and PRISMA criteria.
Current state of knowledge on the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood according to the DSM-5: a systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA criteria.
OBJECTIVE
To interpret the current evidence on the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) through a systematic review based on both DSM-5 (2013) and PRISMA criteria.
METHOD
Empirical studies complying with the PRISMA guidelines were identified from four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest) and systematically reviewed. In total, 17 articles were selected for the study.
RESULTS
In the scientific literature, there have been only a few studies measuring the prevalence of NDDs according to the DSM-5 (2013) criteria in people under 18 years old. The reported prevalence rates were as follows: intellectual disability (ID), 0.63%; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 5-11%; autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 0.70-3%; specific learning disorder (SLD), 3-10%; communication disorders (CDs), 1-3.42%; and motor disorders (MDs), 0.76-17%. Although there is extensive literature on specific disorders, NDDs have rarely been assessed as a whole. All of the reviewed studies support the idea that such disorders can be considered chronic, heterogeneous, underdiagnosed conditions and that comorbidity of multiple NDDs is the norm. Likewise, it is estimated that the prevalence of the most studied disorders, such as ADHD, ASD and SLD, remains stable over time and is consistent in different cultures, ages, ethnicities and sexes.
CONCLUSION
The studies reviewed lead us to conclude that the prevalence rate of NDDs fluctuates globally between 4.70 and 88.50%; these variations depend on methodological aspects such as estimation procedures, as well as on sociocontextual phenomena. It is also important to consider that the prevalence found is probably highly influenced by the activity of the countries in the diagnosis and training of professionals who care for children and adolescents. Hence, there is a need for a secondary intervention in the fields of public health and education to minimize socioemotional consequences, prevent academic failure, and reduce the economic cost to society.
PubMed: 35361232
DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00462-1 -
Alzheimer's & Dementia (New York, N. Y.) 2022With no treatment for dementia, there is a need to identify high risk cases to focus preventive strategies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
With no treatment for dementia, there is a need to identify high risk cases to focus preventive strategies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the burden of dementia is greatest. We evaluated the risk of conversion from mild cognitive ompairment (MCI) to dementia in LMICs.
METHODS
Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched from inception until June 30, 2020. The search was restricted to observational studies, conducted in population-based samples, with at least 1 year follow-up. There was no restriction on the definition of MCI used as long as it was clearly defined. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019130958.
RESULTS
Ten thousand six hundred forty-seven articles were screened; = 11 retained. Of the 11 studies, most were conducted in China ( = 7 studies), with only two studies from countries classified as low income. A qualitative analysis of = 11 studies showed that similar to high-income countries the conversion rate to dementia from MCI was variable (range 6 0%-44 8%; average follow-up 3 7 years [standard deviation = 1 2]). A meta-analysis of studies using Petersen criteria ( = 6 studies), found a pooled conversion rate to Alzheimer's disease (AD) of 23 8% (95% confidence interval = 15 4%-33.4%); approximately one in four people with MCI were at risk of AD in LMICs (over 3 0-5 8 years follow-up). Risk factors for conversion from MCI to dementia included demographic (e.g., age) and health (e.g., cardio-metabolic disease) variables.
CONCLUSIONS
MCI is associated with high, but variable, conversion to dementia in LMICs and may be influenced by demographic and health factors. There is a notable absence of data from low-income settings and countries outside of China. This highlights the urgent need for research investment into aging and dementia in LMIC settings. Being able to identify those individuals with cognitive impairment who are at highest risk of dementia in LMICs is necessary for the development of risk reduction strategies that are contextualized to these unique settings.
PubMed: 35310524
DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12267