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BMC Medical Research Methodology Feb 2013Research suggests that there are a number of factors which can be associated with delay in a patient seeking professional help following chest pain, including... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Research suggests that there are a number of factors which can be associated with delay in a patient seeking professional help following chest pain, including demographic and social factors. These factors may have an adverse impact on the efficacy of interventions which to date have had limited success in improving patient action times. Theory-based methods of review are becoming increasingly recognised as important additions to conventional systematic review methods. They can be useful to gain additional insights into the characteristics of effective interventions by uncovering complex underlying mechanisms.
METHODS
This paper describes the further analysis of research papers identified in a conventional systematic review of published evidence. The aim of this work was to investigate the theoretical frameworks underpinning studies exploring the issue of why people having a heart attack delay seeking professional medical help. The study used standard review methods to identify papers meeting the inclusion criterion, and carried out a synthesis of data relating to theoretical underpinnings.
RESULTS
Thirty six papers from the 53 in the original systematic review referred to a particular theoretical perspective, or contained data which related to theoretical assumptions. The most frequently mentioned theory was the self-regulatory model of illness behaviour. Papers reported the potential significance of aspects of this model including different coping mechanisms, strategies of denial and varying models of treatment seeking. Studies also drew attention to the potential role of belief systems, applied elements of attachment theory, and referred to models of maintaining integrity, ways of knowing, and the influence of gender.
CONCLUSIONS
The review highlights the need to examine an individual's subjective experience of and response to health threats, and confirms the gap between knowledge and changed behaviour. Interventions face key challenges if they are to influence patient perceptions regarding seriousness of symptoms; varying processes of coping; and obstacles created by patient perceptions of their role and responsibilities. A theoretical approach to review of these papers provides additional insight into the assumptions underpinning interventions, and illuminates factors which may impact on their efficacy. The method thus offers a useful supplement to conventional systematic review methods.
Topics: Chest Pain; Delayed Diagnosis; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Models, Theoretical; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 23388093
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2288-13-15 -
Diabetic Medicine : a Journal of the... Aug 2013To synthesize evidence relating to comparisons between patient-generated blood glucose records and meter memory in diabetes and to identify any predictors of agreement. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
AIMS
To synthesize evidence relating to comparisons between patient-generated blood glucose records and meter memory in diabetes and to identify any predictors of agreement.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed to identify articles comparing meter and diary records in those unaware of this assessment.
RESULTS
Eleven observational studies, covering patients with Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes were included spanning 1984-2009. Failure to record blood glucose measurements in the diary was the most extensive 'error', but addition of values, which were not measured, was a greater cause for concern. When present to a high degree, 'errors' lead to decreased variability in diary records compared with meter records. Allowing for a minimal amount of disagreement, just over 50% of adult diaries can be considered as 'accurate/reliable'. Disagreements were most extensive in teenagers and young adults, but the pregnant populations were only slightly better. Agreement was not related to sex, number of insulin injections or duration of monitoring. Those who were younger were more likely to have 'errors', while those who monitored more frequently had more 'accurate' diaries.
CONCLUSIONS
The lack of meter-diary agreement suggests that the real reason for monitoring is not understood by many patients, raising issues about motivation, perceived need to impress healthcare providers and denial of poor control. Considering that diaries are used to inform decisions about therapy when HbA1c is raised or in pregnancy, when HbA1c is not suitable, there is significant cause for concern in relation to their clinical utility.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Blood Glucose; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetes, Gestational; Electronic Health Records; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Health Records, Personal; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Hypoglycemia; Male; Patient Compliance; Pregnancy
PubMed: 23324062
DOI: 10.1111/dme.12130 -
International Journal of Obesity (2005) Nov 2012Pre-bariatric surgery requirements vary between surgeons and surgical centers, with standards of practice not yet established. The goal of this systematic review was to... (Review)
Review
Pre-bariatric surgery requirements vary between surgeons and surgical centers, with standards of practice not yet established. The goal of this systematic review was to summarize and evaluate the available literature on pre-bariatric surgery weight loss requirements and the relation between preoperative weight loss and postoperative outcome. Major databases, including Medline, PubMed and PsychINFO were searched for relevant articles. Case studies, studies>20 years old and studies that utilized self-reported body weight data were excluded. Data on the effect of the following was summarized: (1) preoperative requirements on preoperative weight loss; (2) insurance-mandated preoperative requirements; (3) the contingency of receipt of surgery; (4) preoperative weight loss on postoperative weight loss and (5) preoperative weight loss on perioperative and postoperative complication and comorbidity rates. The majority of studies suggest that: (1) current preoperative requirements held by the majority of third party payer organizations in the United States are ineffective in fostering preoperative weight loss; (2) making receipt of surgery contingent upon achieving preoperative weight loss, and meal-replacement diets, may be particularly effective in fostering preoperative weight loss and (3) preoperative weight loss may lead to improvements in at least some relevant postoperative outcomes. However, a preoperative weight loss mandate may lead to the denial of surgery and subsequent health benefits to individuals who are unable to achieve a prespecified amount of weight. Overall, the limited number and quality of prospective studies in this area prohibits the much-needed establishment of standards of practice for pre-bariatric requirements.
Topics: Bariatric Surgery; Eligibility Determination; Female; Humans; Male; Obesity, Morbid; Patient Compliance; Postoperative Period; Preoperative Period; Treatment Outcome; Unnecessary Procedures; Weight Loss
PubMed: 22508337
DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2012.60 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood May 2012To describe the experiences and perspectives of children and adolescents on dialysis. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To describe the experiences and perspectives of children and adolescents on dialysis.
DESIGN
A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted that explored the experiences of children on dialysis. Electronic databases and reference lists of relevant articles were searched to October Week 2, 2010.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies, which reported the experiences of 143 children receiving dialysis, were included. Five major themes were identified: loss of control (high reliance on carers, parental overprotectiveness, unrelenting dependence on a machine, impaired body integrity), restricted lifestyle (limited socialisation opportunities, academic struggle), coping strategies (hope for kidney transplant and medical advances, social support, positive determination and self-awareness, engaging in activities, denial), managing treatment (ownership, proactive involvement, adherence to fluid and diet restrictions) and feeling different (abnormal physical appearance, injustice, being a burden).
CONCLUSIONS
Children undergoing dialysis experience impaired growth, invasive procedures, school and social constraints. They often have poor self-esteem and a pervasive sense of losing their identity, body integrity, control, independence and opportunity. Interventions are needed to equip children with the capacity to manage their health, participate in community, engage in 'permissible' recreational activities, progress in their studies, and remain vigilant in dialysis and treatment responsibilities, for improved health and treatment outcomes.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Attitude to Health; Child; Humans; Internal-External Control; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Life Style; Renal Dialysis; Self Concept
PubMed: 22399673
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2011-300639 -
JBI Library of Systematic Reviews 2012The objective of this review is to describe and synthesize the experiences and perspectives of illness for patients living with both hemophilia and human...
REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review is to describe and synthesize the experiences and perspectives of illness for patients living with both hemophilia and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
BACKGROUND
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by low concentrations of specific coagulation factors. There are two major types of this condition characterized by deficiencies of factor VIII (hemophilia A) and factor IX (hemophilia B). Bleeding occurs in hemophilia owing to failure of secondary hemostasis. The bleeding tendency is related to the measured concentration of the factor and is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Severe hemophilia A and B is classified as repeated (as often as weekly) bleeds into joints and muscles. The main treatment is to arrest spontaneous and traumatic bleeds by prophylactic injection of factor concentrates or to prevent injury by restriction of exercise. Most people with severe hemophilia are on therapy at home with intravenous infusion of the relevant missing factor. Joint bleeds are painful, and the build up of blood is irritating to the synovial lining and damages joint tissue, so that adherence to hemophilia therapy is important.Global research in 18 countries reported that compliance with therapy by patients with hemophilia was low with self-injection adherence under 75% with as few as 53-65% of adults complying with therapy. Some of the most frequently cited factors affecting patients' compliance to therapy are as follows; inability to understand potential benefits (75%); denial (67%); interference with life style (62%); and lack of time (42%).The self-injection method of administering coagulation products became popular in the 1970s. In the early 1980s, 1,432 patients with hemophilia in Japan were infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) because of the use of untreated blood products contaminated with the HIV virus. In addition commercial factor concentrates, which are prepared from pools of 2 to 6000 liters of plasma obtained by plasmapheresis from paid donors, carries a much higher risk of transmission of hepatitis B or C or HIV. Acquired autoimmune disease or AIDS, which is caused by HIV was once an incurable and fatal disease. However the anti-retro virus therapy, from the commencement of protease inhibitor based therapy in 1996, has increased the life expectancy of HIV patients. Nevertheless, adherence to highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) medication by patients with hemophilia (66%-84%) is lower than that of patients with only HIV (98%) in Japan.Although the causes of low adherence of hemophilia therapy or HAART medication are considered to be associated with patient values, qualitative evidence of previous studies have not been synthesized We searched previous reviews and review protocols in the Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute Library (JBI), MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, JBI COnNECT+ protocols. Regarding hemophilia or HIV, there were 11 systematic reviews, 7 protocols, and 128 other reviews. We excluded the reviews that were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of treatment effects or therapies, and quantitative research of quality of life (QOL). We also excluded children as they are supervised by their parents to maintain high adherence. After the title and abstract review, 15 reviews remained and upon reading the full articles, one protocol and nine narrative reviews were identified.The systematic review protocol of Shaibu et al. investigated HIV positive adult patients on HAART focusing on the experience of HIV positive patients with patients' lifestyles and beliefs about HIV/AIDS and HAART effectiveness, and the role these play in adherence. However, the review differs from this one in terms of classification of HIV positive adults by the route of infection such as iatrogenic and sexually transmitted infection. Taking the deferent rate of adherence of HAART in Japan into consideration, we will focus on the experience of hemophilic patients with HIV.There were also narrative reviews that were concerned with management and treatment of hemophilia; recommendations for assessment and follow-up for patients and caregivers and for health providers, co-morbidity and QOL in the aging patient, and psychosocial issues of hemophilic patients. However, these reviews did not describe the methods in detail such as search engines, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and number of studies included. Furthermore, there was a lack of patients' voice as evidence that composed each category. Strictly speaking, these were not systematic reviews but a narrative review or study related to sociology of knowledge.The systematic review of Cassis et al. is the most similar to our proposed systematic review. They identified studies evaluating psychological stressors in hemophilic patients to address psychological needs and to improve QOL. They mainly evaluated methodologies. The psychosocial stressors synthesized findings from 22 quantitative studies as well as 2 qualitative ones. However, the review differs from this one as they excluded studies related to the HIV epidemic. Additionally, the review was limited as only one search engine, PubMed, was used.The illness which patients with hemophilia and HIV experience has changed from incurable disease to a manageable one by the progress of medicine. A similar scenario might exist for young patients with other incurable diseases at this time. Therefore, synthesizing the patients' experiences of living with both hemophilia and HIV will help not only this patient group but also young patients with other incurable diseases. Furthermore, there are few studies of hemophilia patients as hemophilia is a rare disease. Thus, synthesis of qualitative evidence is critical to understand patient values.
PubMed: 27820530
DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-2012-435 -
Health Education Research Oct 2011We conducted a systematic review of qualitative evidence relating to the views and attitudes of men who have sex with men (MSM) concerning testing for HIV. Studies... (Review)
Review
We conducted a systematic review of qualitative evidence relating to the views and attitudes of men who have sex with men (MSM) concerning testing for HIV. Studies conducted in high-income countries (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development members) since 1996 were included. Seventeen studies were identified, most of gay or bisexual men. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis methodology. The uncertainty of unknown HIV status is an important motive for testing; however, denial is also a common response to uncertainty. Fear of the consequences of a positive HIV test is widespread and may take several forms. A sense of responsibility towards oneself or one's partner may be a motive for testing. The perception of stigma, from other gay men or from the wider culture, is a barrier to testing. Gay and other MSM have clear preferences regarding testing services, particularly for those that are community based, include non-judgemental and gay-positive service providers, and offer a high degree of confidentiality.
Topics: AIDS Serodiagnosis; HIV Infections; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Qualitative Research; Social Responsibility; Social Stigma
PubMed: 21873612
DOI: 10.1093/her/cyr064 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Apr 2011Anorexia nervosa is characterised by a low body mass index (BMI), fear of gaining weight, denial of current low weight and its impact on health, and amenorrhoea.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Anorexia nervosa is characterised by a low body mass index (BMI), fear of gaining weight, denial of current low weight and its impact on health, and amenorrhoea. Estimated prevalence is highest in teenage girls, and up to 0.7% of this age group may be affected. While most people with anorexia nervosa recover completely or partially, about 5% die of the condition, and 20% develop a chronic eating disorder. Young women with anorexia nervosa are at increased risk of bone fractures later in life.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review, and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of treatments in anorexia nervosa? What are the effects of interventions to prevent or treat complications of anorexia nervosa? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to April 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 40 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: atypical antipsychotic drugs, benzodiazepines, cyproheptadine, inpatient/outpatient treatment setting, oestrogen treatment (HRT or oral contraceptives), older-generation antipsychotic drugs, psychotherapy, refeeding, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants.
Topics: Anorexia Nervosa; Antipsychotic Agents; Benzodiazepines; Body Mass Index; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Humans; Thinness
PubMed: 21481284
DOI: No ID Found -
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes Jan 2011Breast cancer is one of the oncological diseases in which health-related quality of life (HRQL) has been most studied. This is mainly due to its high incidence and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is one of the oncological diseases in which health-related quality of life (HRQL) has been most studied. This is mainly due to its high incidence and survival. This paper seeks to: review published research into HRQL among women with breast cancer in Spain; analyse the characteristics of these studies; and describe the instruments used and main results reported.
METHODS
The databases consulted were MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Dialnet, IBECS, CUIDEN, ISOC and LILACS. The inclusion criteria required studies to: 1) include Spanish patients, and a breakdown of results where other types of tumours and/or women from other countries were also included; and, 2) furnish original data and measure HRQL using a purpose-designed questionnaire. The methodological quality of studies was assessed.
RESULTS
Spain ranked midway in the European Union in terms of the number of studies conducted on the HRQL of breast cancer patients. Of the total of 133 papers published from 1993 to 2009, 25 met the inclusion criteria. Among them, only 12 were considered as having good or excellent quality. A total of 2236 women participated in the studies analysed. In descending order of frequency, the questionnaires used were the EORTC, FACT-B, QL-CA-Afex, SF-12, FLIC, RSCL and CCV. Five papers focused on validation or adaptation of questionnaires. Most papers examined HRQL in terms of type of treatment. Few differences were detected by type of chemotherapy, with the single exception of worse results among younger women treated with radiotherapy. In the short term, better results were reported for all HRQL components by women undergoing conservative rather than radical surgery. Presence of lymphedema was associated with worse HRQL. Three studies assessed differences in HRQL by patients' psychological traits. Psychosocial disorder and level of depression and anxiety, regardless of treatment or disease stage, worsened HRQL. In addition, there was a positive effect among patients who reported having a "fighting spirit" and using "denial" as a defence mechanism. One study found that breast cancer patients scored worse than did healthy women on almost all SF-12 scales.
CONCLUSION
Research into health-related quality of life of breast-cancer patients is a little developed field in Spain.
Topics: Attitude to Health; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Health Services Research; Health Status Indicators; Humans; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Spain; Surveys and Questionnaires; Validation Studies as Topic
PubMed: 21235770
DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-9-3 -
Journal of Advanced Nursing May 2010This paper is a report of a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of interventions to change maladaptive illness beliefs in people with coronary heart... (Review)
Review
AIM
This paper is a report of a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of interventions to change maladaptive illness beliefs in people with coronary heart disease, and was conducted to determine whether such interventions were effective in changing maladaptive beliefs, and to assess any consequent change in coping and outcome.
BACKGROUND
An increasing body of evidence suggests that faulty beliefs can lead to maladaptive behaviours and, in turn, to poor outcomes. However, the effectiveness of interventions to change such faulty illness beliefs in people with coronary heart disease is unknown.
DATA SOURCES
Multiple data bases were searched using a systematic search strategy. In addition, reference lists of included papers were checked and key authors in the field contacted.
REVIEW METHODS
The systematic review included randomized controlled trials with adults of any age with a diagnosis of coronary heart disease and an intervention aimed at changing cardiac beliefs. The primary outcome measured was change in beliefs about coronary heart disease.
RESULTS
Thirteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Owing to the heterogeneity of these studies, quantitative synthesis was not practicable. Descriptive synthesis of the results suggested that cognitive behavioural and counselling/education interventions can be effective in changing beliefs. The effects of changing beliefs on behavioural, functional and psychological outcomes remain unclear.
CONCLUSION
While some interventions may be effective in changing beliefs in people with coronary heart disease, the effect of these changes on outcome is not clear. Further high quality research is required before firmer guidance can be given to clinicians on the most effective method to dispel cardiac misconceptions.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude to Health; Coronary Disease; Denial, Psychological; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Psychotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Young Adult
PubMed: 20423355
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05306.x -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Mar 2009Anorexia nervosa is characterised by a low body mass index (BMI), fear of gaining weight, denial of current low weight and its impact on health, and amenorrhoea.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Anorexia nervosa is characterised by a low body mass index (BMI), fear of gaining weight, denial of current low weight and its impact on health, and amenorrhoea. Estimated prevalence is highest in teenage girls, and up to 0.7% of this age group may be affected. While most people with anorexia nervosa recover completely or partially, about 5% die of the condition, and 20% develop a chronic eating disorder. Young women with anorexia nervosa are at increased risk of bone fractures later in life.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review which aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of treatments for anorexia nervosa? What are the effects of interventions to prevent or treat complications of anorexia nervosa? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to August 2007 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 40 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: anxiolytic drugs, cyproheptadine, inpatient/outpatient treatment setting, oestrogen treatment, psychotherapy, refeeding, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants.
Topics: Anorexia Nervosa; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Humans; Prevalence; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 19445758
DOI: No ID Found