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International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), characterized by clinical diversity, poses diagnostic challenges often reliant on subjective assessments. Metabolomics... (Review)
Review
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), characterized by clinical diversity, poses diagnostic challenges often reliant on subjective assessments. Metabolomics presents an objective approach, seeking biomarkers for precise diagnosis and targeted interventions. This review synthesizes existing metabolomic insights into ADHD, aiming to reveal biological mechanisms and diagnostic potentials. A thorough PubMed and Web of Knowledge search identified studies exploring blood/urine metabolites in ADHD-diagnosed or psychometrically assessed children and adolescents. Synthesis revealed intricate links between ADHD and altered amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter dysregulation (especially dopamine and serotonin), oxidative stress, and the kynurenine pathway impacting neurotransmitter homeostasis. Sleep disturbance markers, notably in melatonin metabolism, and stress-induced kynurenine pathway activation emerged. Distinct metabolic signatures, notably in the kynurenine pathway, show promise as potential diagnostic markers. Despite limitations like participant heterogeneity, this review underscores the significance of integrated therapeutic approaches targeting amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitters, and stress pathways. While guiding future research, this overview of the metabolomic findings in ADHD suggests directions for precision diagnostics and personalized ADHD interventions.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Biomarkers; Metabolome; Metabolomics; Neurotransmitter Agents; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38673970
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084385 -
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024The Illness Management and Recovery Scale (IMR-S) is based on the IMR program, developed to assess the recovery process for people with severe mental disorders by... (Review)
Review
Assessing the Psychometric Properties of the Illness Management and Recovery Scale: A Systematic Review Using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN).
The Illness Management and Recovery Scale (IMR-S) is based on the IMR program, developed to assess the recovery process for people with severe mental disorders by considering the perceptions of clients and clinicians involved in it. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the IMR-S so as to determine the reliability and suitability of its scores for evaluating recovery. Two coders searched five databases for studies, published between January 2004 and May 2023, that describe the psychometric assessment of the IMR-S. Studies were assessed using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist. Finally, 46 papers were included. Methodological quality was very good for most of the studies that provide information on internal validity, and limited for those that report on responsiveness. Measurement properties were positive for convergent validity and measurement error. The quality of evidence was high for structural validity studies. Although this study only includes research published in English and may have overlooked certain psychometric properties evaluated in studies published in other languages, our findings suggest that the IMR-S is a valid and reliable instrument, demonstrating its potential to offer guidance for clinical practice.
PubMed: 38667137
DOI: 10.3390/bs14040340 -
Italian Journal of Pediatrics Apr 2024The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2) has been used to assess the gross and fine motor skills of children (0-6 years); however, the measurement properties of... (Review)
Review
The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2) has been used to assess the gross and fine motor skills of children (0-6 years); however, the measurement properties of the PDMS-2 are inconclusive. Here, we aimed to systematically review the measurement properties of PDMS-2, and synthesize the quality of evidence using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurements Instruments (COSMIN) methodology. Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL and MEDLINE, were searched for relevant studies through January 2023; these studies used PDMS-2. The methodological quality of each study was assessed by the COSMIN risk-of-bias checklist, and the measurement properties of PDMS-2 were evaluated by the COSMIN quality criteria. Modified GRADE was used to evaluate the quality of the evidence. We included a total of 22 articles in the assessment. Among the assessed measurement properties, the content validity of PDMS-2 was found to be sufficient with moderate-quality evidence. The structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and interrater reliability of the PDMS-2 were sufficient for high-quality evidence, while the intrarater reliability was sufficient for moderate-quality evidence. Sufficient high-quality evidence was also found for the measurement error of PDMS-2. The overall construct validity of the PDMS-2 was sufficient but showed inconsistent quality of evidence. The responsiveness of PDMS-2 appears to be sufficient with low-quality evidence. Our findings demonstrate that the PDMS-2 has sufficient content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, reliability and measurement error with moderate to high-quality evidence. Therefore, PDMS-2 is graded as 'A' and can be used in motor development research and clinical settings.
Topics: Humans; Child, Preschool; Child; Reproducibility of Results; Infant; Motor Skills; Child Development; Infant, Newborn; Psychometrics
PubMed: 38659062
DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01645-6 -
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine Apr 2024A spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with a wide range of impairments in functioning, many limitations in activity, and restrictions for patients. (Review)
Review
A systematic review of validity and reliability assessment of measuring balance and walking at the level of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in people with spinal cord injury.
CONTEXT
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with a wide range of impairments in functioning, many limitations in activity, and restrictions for patients.
OBJECTIVES
The present study aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of outcome measures used to assess walking and balance in people with spinal cord injury.
METHODS
Databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Sciences were searched for relevant articles using various terms (title and abstract). Articles including the outcome measures of spinal cord injury patients and published in English from 2010 until 2021 were selected, and the quality of the selected studies was determined by applying the COSMIN checklist. Reliability and validity values were extracted, and conclusions were drawn about the psychometric quality of each measure.
RESULTS
A total of 1253 records were retrieved, and among them 22 potentially eligible articles were identified, 15 of which were included in the present study. The COSMIN tool (Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments) was used to evaluate the quality level of imported articles based on the inclusion criteria.
CONCLUSIONS
One consideration for testing people with disabilities is to observe the reliability and validity of the instrument, which was addressed in this study in various fields. In our study, seven tools for assessing SCI were evaluated, and it was found that the 10-meter walk (10MWT) tool performs better and more easily than other tools. The Mini-BESTest tool was suggested as a reliable tool for assessing standing balance in SCI subjects.
PubMed: 38652087
DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2024.2335413 -
BMJ Open Apr 2024The mental health of veterinary and other animal health professionals is significantly impacted by the psychological stressors they encounter, such as euthanasia,...
OBJECTIVES
The mental health of veterinary and other animal health professionals is significantly impacted by the psychological stressors they encounter, such as euthanasia, witnessing animal suffering and moral distress. Moral distress, initially identified in nursing, arises when individuals are aware of the right action but are hindered by institutional constraints. We aimed to review existing research on moral distress scales among animal care workers by focusing on the identification and psychometric validity of its measurement.
DESIGN
Two-step systematic review. First, we identified all moral distress scales used in animal care research in the eligible original studies. Second, we evaluated their psychometric validity, emphasising content validity, which is a critical aspect of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). This evaluation adhered to the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). The results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to search for eligible studies published between January 1984 and April 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
We included original (primary) studies that (1) were conducted in animal care workers; (2) describing either the development of a moral distress scale, or validation of a moral distress scale in its original or modified version, to assess at least one of the psychometric properties mentioned in COSMIN guidelines.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two independent reviewers used standardised methods to search, screen and code included studies. We considered the following information relevant for extraction: study reference, name and reference of the moral distress scale used, psychometric properties assessed and methods and results of their assessments. The collected information was then summarised in a narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
The review identified only one PROM specifically adapted for veterinary contexts: the Measure of Moral Distress for Animal Professionals (MMD-AP), derived from the Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP). Both MMD-HP and MMD-AP were evaluated for the quality of development and content validity. The development quality of both measures was deemed doubtful. According to COSMIN, MMD-HP's content validity was rated as sufficient, whereas MMD-AP's was inconsistent. However, the evidence quality for both PROMs was rated low.
CONCLUSION
This is the first systematic review focused on moral distress measurement in animal care workers. It shows that moral distress is rarely measured using standardised and evidence-based methods and that such methods should be developed and validated in the context of animal care.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023422259.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Health Personnel; Mental Health; Consensus; Stress, Psychological; Morals; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results; Patient Reported Outcome Measures
PubMed: 38643012
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082235 -
BMC Psychology Apr 2024The person-centered care (PCC) approach plays a fundamental role in ensuring quality healthcare. The Person-Centered Care Assessment Tool (P-CAT) is one of the shortest...
BACKGROUND
The person-centered care (PCC) approach plays a fundamental role in ensuring quality healthcare. The Person-Centered Care Assessment Tool (P-CAT) is one of the shortest and simplest tools currently available for measuring PCC. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the evidence in validation studies of the P-CAT, taking the "Standards" as a frame of reference.
METHODS
First, a systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA method. Second, a systematic descriptive literature review of validity tests was conducted following the "Standards" framework. The search strategy and information sources were obtained from the Cochrane, Web of Science (WoS), Scopus and PubMed databases. With regard to the eligibility criteria and selection process, a protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022335866), and articles had to meet criteria for inclusion in the systematic review.
RESULTS
A total of seven articles were included. Empirical evidence indicates that these validations offer a high number of sources related to test content, internal structure for dimensionality and internal consistency. A moderate number of sources pertain to internal structure in terms of test-retest reliability and the relationship with other variables. There is little evidence of response processes, internal structure in measurement invariance terms, and test consequences.
DISCUSSION
The various validations of the P-CAT are not framed in a structured, valid, theory-based procedural framework like the "Standards" are. This can affect clinical practice because people's health may depend on it. The findings of this study show that validation studies continue to focus on the types of validity traditionally studied and overlook interpretation of the scores in terms of their intended use.
Topics: Humans; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results; Quality of Health Care; Patient-Centered Care; Delivery of Health Care
PubMed: 38641852
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01716-7 -
Heart Failure Reviews Jul 2024Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent global disease, particularly impacting developed countries. With the world's aging population, HF's impact on the quantity and quality... (Review)
Review
Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent global disease, particularly impacting developed countries. With the world's aging population, HF's impact on the quantity and quality of life is expected to grow. This review aims to ascertain the frequency, characteristics, and properties of all patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) studied in HF patients. We searched Ovid/Medline and Web of Science for original articles about PROMs performed in adults with HF. Using pre-established quality criteria for measurement properties, an overall rating was assigned to evaluate and compare different instruments. The quality of evidence was assessed with the COSMIN risk of bias checklist. Of 4283 records identified, we reviewed 296 full-text documents and included 64 papers, involving 30,185 participants. Thirty different PROMs were identified, with 14 specifically designed for HF being the most commonly used. Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHF) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) were evaluated 16 and 13 times, respectively, demonstrating good psychometric properties. The MacNew Heart Disease Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, a common heart disease-specific instrument, exhibited negative performances across various psychometric measures. Evidence for generic instruments was scant and unremarkable and they proved to be less responsive in HF populations. MLHF and KCCQ emerged as the most commonly used and well-supported PROMs, with robust overall evidence. They are comprehensive and accurate instruments, particularly suitable for application in clinical practice and research. Future research should explore how computer-adapted instruments can enhance precision, reduce respondent burden, and improve communication between clinicians and patients, thereby promoting more efficient and patient-centered services.
Topics: Humans; Heart Failure; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Quality of Life; Psychometrics; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38630207
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-024-10404-y -
PloS One 2024Nurses tend to exhibit higher rates of presenteeism compared to other professions. Presenteeism can cause the work performance of nurses to suffer, jeopardizing their...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Nurses tend to exhibit higher rates of presenteeism compared to other professions. Presenteeism can cause the work performance of nurses to suffer, jeopardizing their own and their patients' safety and leading to decreased quality of care and increased risks of errors. However, there is a lack of a validated assessment tool for presenteeism in Taiwan. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop a Nursing Staff Presenteeism Scale (NSPS).
METHODS
To develop questionnaire items, participants from three medical centers in Taiwan were recruited. Through convenience sampling, 500 nurses who met the selection criteria were recruited from November 1, 2022 to January 18, 2023. The scale was developed based on a systematic literature review, a previous study, and expert consultation, and 50 items were initially generated. After removing three items that lacked discriminative power, the reliability and validity of the remaining 47 items were evaluated. An exploratory factor analysis was used to establish the construct validity. A confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling for cross-validation were used to assess relationships of factors with items and the overall NSPS.
RESULTS
The final scale consisted of 44 items assessed on a five-point Likert scale that loaded onto three different factors of physical or mental discomfort (18 items), work performance (15 items), and predisposing factors (11 items). These three factors were found to explain 63.14% of the cumulative variance. Cronbach's alpha for the overall final scale was 0.953. The item-to-total correlation coefficients ranged 0.443 to 0.795.
CONCLUSIONS
The NSPS exhibited satisfactory reliability and validity. It can be applied to assess the level of presenteeism among clinical nurses and provide medical institutions with information regarding the causes of presenteeism, predisposing factors, and the impacts of presenteeism on their work performance to enhance the safety and quality of clinical care.
Topics: Humans; Psychometrics; Presenteeism; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires; Nursing Staff, Hospital
PubMed: 38626084
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301787 -
Scandinavian Journal of Pain Jan 2024We systematically reviewed the reliability and measurement error of exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) in pain-free adults and in adults with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
We systematically reviewed the reliability and measurement error of exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) in pain-free adults and in adults with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain.
METHODS
We searched EMBASE, PUBMED, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and PSYCINFO from inception to November 2021 (updated in February 2024). In addition, manual searches of the grey literature were conducted in March 2022, September 2023, and February 2024. The inclusion criteria were as follows: adults - pain-free and with MSK pain - a single bout of exercise (any type) combined with experimental pre-post pain tests, and assessment of the reliability and/or measurement error of EIH. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, assessed their Risk of Bias (RoB) with the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) RoB tool, and graded the individual results (COSMIN modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).
RESULTS
We included five studies involving pain-free individuals ( = 168), which were deemed to have an overall "doubtful" RoB. No study including adults with MSK pain was found. The following ranges of parameters of reliability and measurement error of EIH were reported: intraclass correlation coefficients: 0-0.61; kappa: 0.01-0.46; standard error of measurement: 30.1-105 kPa and 10.4-21%; smallest detectable changes: 83.54-291.1 kPa and 28.83-58.21%.
CONCLUSIONS
We concluded, with a very low level of certainty, that the reliability and measurement error of EIH is, in pain-free adults, respectively, "insufficient" and "indeterminate." Future studies should focus on people with MSK pain and could consider using tailored exercises, other test modalities than pressure pain threshold, rater/assessor blinding, and strict control of the sources of variations (e.g., participants' expectations).
Topics: Adult; Humans; Musculoskeletal Pain; Reproducibility of Results; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Pain Threshold
PubMed: 38619552
DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2023-0104 -
Cureus Mar 2024A substantial portion of patients presenting to healthcare settings exhibit physical symptoms lacking clear, demonstrable organic causes. Accurate assessment of symptom... (Review)
Review
A substantial portion of patients presenting to healthcare settings exhibit physical symptoms lacking clear, demonstrable organic causes. Accurate assessment of symptom severity is crucial for documenting outcomes and establishing treatment efficacy. This systematic review and narrative synthesis aims to provide researchers with insights into available and validated tools for assessing medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS). It involved comprehensive searches across electronic databases, including PubMed, Wiley, and Cochrane, adhering to PRISMA and COSMIN guidelines. The study comprised two phases: Phase 1 systematically reviewed tools for assessing MUPS symptoms and severity, while Phase 2 conducted a narrative synthesis of their measurement properties, focusing on validity and reliability. Out of 14,459 records, 191 articles were identified, leading to the recognition of 16 validated tools for assessing MUPS symptoms and severity. Most tools demonstrated excellent internal consistency and structural validity. However, the majority lacked cross-cultural validity. The choice of tools for the assessment of MUPS will assist clinicians and researchers in determining the severity of MUPS and developing a tailored treatment plan to improve the physical and psychological functioning of these patients.
PubMed: 38618386
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56204