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The British Journal of Surgery Jun 2024
Defining standards and core outcomes for clinical trials in prehabilitation for colorectal surgery (DiSCO): modified Delphi methodology to achieve patient and healthcare professional consensus.
Topics: Humans; Delphi Technique; Consensus; Preoperative Exercise; Clinical Trials as Topic; Colorectal Surgery
PubMed: 38888991
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znae056 -
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory... 2024People with (a cough lasting more than 8 weeks) are often referred to different specialists and undergo numerous diagnostic tests, but clear guidance is lacking. This... (Review)
Review
People with (a cough lasting more than 8 weeks) are often referred to different specialists and undergo numerous diagnostic tests, but clear guidance is lacking. This work summarizes a consensus (an agreement) among medical specialists who are involved in managing people with : physicians (family doctors), pulmonologists (doctors who specialize in lung conditions), allergists (medical professionals specializing in allergies) and ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists. They discussed how to perform a basic assessment of people with in (day-to-day healthcare given by a general practitioner or family doctor) and how to refer them to different specialists based on clinical findings or test results.
Topics: Humans; Primary Health Care; Cough; Chronic Disease; Referral and Consultation; Consensus; Specialization; Predictive Value of Tests; Chronic Cough
PubMed: 38888181
DOI: 10.1177/17534666241257166 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024the salutogenic theory is essential to explain an individual's ability to maintain health during the perinatal period. While previous studies mainly focused on the...
BACKGROUND
the salutogenic theory is essential to explain an individual's ability to maintain health during the perinatal period. While previous studies mainly focused on the perspectives from a family-level orientation and a global orientation, the purpose of the present study was to develop and validate a scale, the childbearing sense of coherence scale (CSOC-scale) from the individual's perceptions of the stresses, resources, and meaningfulness of childbearing.
METHODS
A total of 3 separate studies contributed to the development of the CSOC-scale between July 2022 and February 2023. In study 1, the initial item pool based on the conceptual framework of the childbearing sense of coherence and the salutogenic theory was developed. Delphi expert consultation was conducted to revise and improve items. Studies 2 and 3 were cross-sectional studies. In study 2, item analysis and explore factor analysis (EFA) (N = 351 for women, N = 256 for men) were used to screen items. In study 3, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability analysis (N = 366 for women, N = 308 for men) were used to test the fit indices and reliability of the final scale.
RESULTS
final analysis suggested the CSOC-scale includes three factors, consisting of 13 items. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated good model fit (χ = 157.448, df = 62, χ/ df = 2.539, RMSEA = 0.065, CFI = 0.974, TLI = 0.968, SRMR = 0.029 for women; χ = 181.363, df = 62, χ/ df = 2.925, RMSEA = 0.079, CFI = 0.968, TLI = 0.960, SRMR = 0.033 for men) and high factor loadings (from 0.751 to 0.929 for women; from 0.746 to 0.947 for men). Internal consistency (Cronbach's α ranging from 0.895 to 0.933 for women and 0.881 to 0.945 for men in three dimensions; Cronbach's α was 0.919 for women and 0.821 for men in the entire instrument) and split-half reliability (Spearman-Brown coefficients ranging from 0.876 to 0.921 for women and 0.841 to 0.937 for men in three dimensions; Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.744 for women and 0.785 for men in the entire instrument) were excellent.
CONCLUSIONS
the CSOC-scale has robust psychometric properties. It is reliable and valid in evaluating the childbearing sense of coherence in women and men during pregnancy. Utilisation of this scale can help healthcare professionals understand the health maintenance competencies of couples during the transition of parenthood and provide health promotion services from a salutogenic perspective.
Topics: Humans; Female; Sense of Coherence; Male; Adult; Reproducibility of Results; Psychometrics; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Surveys and Questionnaires; Cross-Sectional Studies; Delphi Technique; Young Adult; Pregnancy; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38886687
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19109-1 -
BMC Medical Education Jun 2024Clinical associates are a health professional cadre that could be utilised in mental health task sharing in South Africa but this is training dependent. The objectives...
BACKGROUND
Clinical associates are a health professional cadre that could be utilised in mental health task sharing in South Africa but this is training dependent. The objectives of the study were to identify the potential curricula content, training sites, and teaching modalities for undergraduate and potential postgraduate clinical associate mental health training and to identify the tasks that they should perform based on these curricula.
METHODS
We utilised the Delphi method to reach consensus on items with the panel comprising psychiatrists and family physicians. The first round questionnaire of the Delphi survey was developed based on a literature review and the results from earlier phases of the overall study. The survey was administered electronically and consisted of three rounds. Following both the first and second rounds, an updated questionnaire was constructed omitting the items on which consensus was reached. The questionnaire consisted primarily of nine-point scales with consensus based on 70% of participants rating 1,2,3 or 7,8,9.
RESULTS
There were 26 participants in the first round with this number falling to 23 in later rounds. There was strong consensus on a training attachment to a mental health clinic at a community health centre (CHC) at undergraduate (96.2%) and postgraduate level (100%). Consensus was reached on the importance of training on the management of six categories of disorders at the undergraduate level and nine categories of disorders at the postgraduate level. Clerking patients as a teaching modality reached 100% consensus at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. PHC clinics, CHCs and district hospitals reached consensus as appropriate settings for clinical associates to provide mental health services. In addition, GP practices and secondary hospitals reached consensus for those with postgraduate training. Consensus was reached on ten of the 21 listed tasks that could be performed based on undergraduate training and 20 of the 21 tasks based on a postgraduate qualification in mental health.
CONCLUSIONS
The Delphi panel's recommendations provide a clear roadmap for enhancing mental health curricula for clinical associates, enabling their utilisation in mental health service provision. A future postgraduate mental health qualification for clinical associates would allow for expanded task sharing.
Topics: South Africa; Delphi Technique; Humans; Curriculum; Psychiatry; Mental Health Services; Physicians, Family; Surveys and Questionnaires; Male; Mental Health; Female; Consensus; Education, Medical, Graduate; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Psychiatrists
PubMed: 38886678
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05637-2 -
Surgical Endoscopy Jun 2024Lateral suspension is an abdominal prosthetic surgical procedure used to correct apical prolapse. The procedure involves the placement of a T-shaped mesh on the anterior...
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Lateral suspension is an abdominal prosthetic surgical procedure used to correct apical prolapse. The procedure involves the placement of a T-shaped mesh on the anterior vaginal wall and on the isthmus or uterine cervix that is suspended laterally and posteriorly to the abdominal wall. Since its description in the late 90s, modifications of the technique have been described. So far, no consensus on the correct indications, safety, advantages, and disadvantages of this emerging procedure has been reached.
METHODS
A modified Delphi process was used to build consensus within a group of 21 international surgeons who are experts in the performance of laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS). The process was held with a first online round, where the experts expressed their level of agreement on 64 statements on indications, technical features, and other aspects of LLS. A subsequent re-discussion of statements where a threshold of agreement was not reached was held in presence.
RESULTS
The Delphi process allowed the identification of several aspects of LLS that represented areas of agreement by the experts. The experts agreed that LLS is a safe and effective technique to correct apical and anterior prolapse. The experts highlighted several key technical aspects of the procedure, including clinical indications and surgical steps.
CONCLUSIONS
This Delphi consensus provides valuable guidance and criteria for the use of LLS in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, based on expert opinion by large volume surgeons' experts in the performance of this innovative procedure.
PubMed: 38877319
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-024-10917-5 -
European Journal of Emergency Medicine... Aug 2024The European Society of Cardiology issued updated syncope guidelines in 2018 which included recommendations for managing syncope in the emergency department (ED)...
The European Society of Cardiology issued updated syncope guidelines in 2018 which included recommendations for managing syncope in the emergency department (ED) setting. However, these guidelines lack detailed process-oriented instructions regarding the fact that ED syncope patients initially present with a transient loss of consciousness (TLOC), which can have a broad spectrum of causes. This study aims to establish a European consensus on the general process of the workup and care for patients with suspected syncope and provides rules for sufficient and systematic management of the broad group of syncope (initially presenting as TLOC) patients in the ED. A variety of European diagnostic and therapeutic standards for syncope patients were reviewed and summarized in three rounds of a modified Delphi process by the European Society for Emergency Medicine syncope group. Based on a consensus statement, a detailed process pathway is created. The primary outcome of this work is the presentation of a universal process pathway for the structured management of syncope patients in European EDs. The here presented extended event process chain (eEPC) summarizes and homogenizes the process management of European ED syncope patients. Additionally, an exemplary translation of the eEPC into a practice-based flowchart algorithm, which can be used as an example for practical use in the ED, is provided in this work. Syncope patients, initially presenting with TLOC, are common and pose challenges in the ED. Despite variations in process management across Europe, the development of a universally applicable syncope eEPC in the ED was successfully achieved. Key features of the consensus and eEPC include ruling out life-threatening causes, distinguishing syncope from nonsyncopal TLOCs, employing syncope risk stratification categories and based on this, making informed decisions regarding admission or discharge.
Topics: Humans; Syncope; Emergency Service, Hospital; Consensus; Europe; Delphi Technique; Algorithms
PubMed: 38874507
DOI: 10.1097/MEJ.0000000000001146 -
Health Expectations : An International... Jun 2024The mental health of young people (aged 16-25 years) is a growing public health concern in the United Kingdom due to the increasing numbers of young people experiencing...
INTRODUCTION
The mental health of young people (aged 16-25 years) is a growing public health concern in the United Kingdom due to the increasing numbers of young people experiencing mental health difficulties, with many not in contact with mental health services. To design services that meet the needs of all young people, a diversity of young people must be involved in mental health research, beyond being participants. This Delphi study aimed to identify different types of 'involvement' and to define and describe 'under-representation' in young people's involvement in mental health research.
METHODS
Twenty-seven experts in young people's mental health research completed a series of online questionnaires. The experts were academic researchers, patient and public involvement (PPI) professionals and young 'experts by experience'. Round 1 generated panellists' views on 'involvement' and 'under-representation'. Round 2 summarised panellists' responses from Round 1 and sought consensus (minimum 70% agreement) in nine question areas. Round 3 validated the findings of the previous rounds.
RESULTS
Consensus was achieved in eight out of nine areas, resulting in a matrix (with definitions) of the different types of young people's involvement in mental health research, from being advisors to involvement ambassadors. The findings generated an agreed-upon definition of under-representation, an identification of when in the research process there is under-representation and the characteristics of the young people who are under-represented. Experts further agreed on demographic data that should be collected to improve reporting on involvement.
CONCLUSIONS
This study adds to our understanding of involvement and under-representation in the context of young people's mental health research through expert consensus. It provides a practical resource for researchers considering involving young people in the research process and suggests the data that should be collected to improve reporting on the diversity of the young people involved.
PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
A research oversight group of five young people advised on this study. They contributed throughout the project-from endorsing the research question to commenting on the findings and dissemination. Two of the group reviewed all participant materials and piloted the initial questionnaire.
Topics: Humans; Delphi Technique; Adolescent; Female; Young Adult; Male; United Kingdom; Surveys and Questionnaires; Mental Health; Adult; Patient Participation; Mental Health Services
PubMed: 38872473
DOI: 10.1111/hex.14102 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The importance of integrated care for complex, multiple long term conditions was acknowledged before the COVID pandemic but remained a challenge. The pandemic and...
The importance of integrated care for complex, multiple long term conditions was acknowledged before the COVID pandemic but remained a challenge. The pandemic and consequent development of Long COVID required rapid adaptation of health services to address the population's needs, requiring service redesigns including integrated care. This Delphi consensus study was conducted in the UK and found similar integrated care priorities for Long COVID and complex, multiple long term conditions, provided by 480 patients and health care providers, with an 80% consensus rate. The resultant recommendations were based on more than 1400 responses from survey participants and were supported by patients, health care professionals, and by patient charities. Participants identified the need to allocate resources to: support integrated care, provide access to care and treatments that work, provide diagnostic procedures that support the personalization of treatment in an integrated care environment, and enable structural consultation between primary and specialist care settings including physical and mental health care. Based on the findings we propose a model for delivering integrated care by a multidisciplinary team to people with complex multisystem conditions. These recommendations can inform improvements to integrated care for complex, multiple long term conditions and Long COVID at international level.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; SARS-CoV-2; Male; Female; United Kingdom; Health Policy; Delphi Technique; Consensus; Middle Aged; Adult; Pandemics
PubMed: 38871773
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64060-1 -
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi Jun 2024The development of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology and its preliminary research results show great clinical application prospects. In particular, the...
The development of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology and its preliminary research results show great clinical application prospects. In particular, the application of BCI technologyis a hot research topic in the field of nervous system diseases at present, but the current BCI technology is still in the stage of experimental exploration, needing systematic and standardized clinical research validation. For this purpose, the consensus is led by the Society of Neurosurgery of Chinese Medical Association and Society of Cerebrovascular Surgery of Chinese Stroke Association. Based on the in-depth discussion of multidisciplinary experts and the vote of the Delphi Method, the guidelines and principles are proposed for pre-clinical qualification review, clinical research implementation and management, and long-term effect tracking and evaluation, so as to standardize research ethics and clinical research procedures and further promote the extensive application and in-depth development of BCI technology in the treatment of nervous system diseases.
Topics: Humans; Brain-Computer Interfaces; Nervous System Diseases; Consensus; Delphi Technique; China
PubMed: 38871468
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20240326-00690 -
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Jun 2024The purpose of this study was to establish consensus statements via a modified Delphi process on the definition of shoulder pseudoparalysis and pseudoparesis.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to establish consensus statements via a modified Delphi process on the definition of shoulder pseudoparalysis and pseudoparesis.
METHODS
A consensus process on the definition of a diagnosis of pseudoparalysis utilizing a modified Delphi technique was conducted, and 26 shoulder/sports surgeons from 11 countries, selected based on their level of expertise in the field, participated in these consensus statements. Consensus was defined as achieving 80-89% agreement, whereas strong consensus was defined as 90-99% agreement, and unanimous consensus was indicated by 100% agreement with a proposed statement.
RESULTS
Three statements regarding the diagnosis of pseudoparalysis reached strong (>89%) consensus: passive range of motion (ROM) should be unaffected, the passive range of abduction should not be considered and diagnosis should be excluded if lidocaine injection produces a substantial improvement in range of motion. Additionally, consensus (>79%) was reached that the active range of external rotation should not be considered for diagnosis, pain as a cause of restricted motion must be excluded, and that distinctions between restricted active flexion and external rotation should be made by ROM rather than tear characteristics. No consensus could be reached on statements regarding the size, number of tendons or chronicity of cuff tears. Nor was there agreement on the active range of flexion permitted or on the difference between pseudoparalysis and pseudoparesis.
CONCLUSION
A modified Delphi process was utilized to establish consensus on the definition of shoulder pseudoparalysis and pseudoparesis. Unfortunately, almost half of the statements did not reach consensus, and agreement could not be reached across all domains for a unifying definition for the diagnosis of pseudoparalysis in the setting of RCTs. Furthermore, it was not agreed how or whether pseudoparalysis should be differentiated from pseudoparesis. Based on the lack of a consensus for these terms, studies should report explicitly how these terms are defined when they are used.
PubMed: 38871046
DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2024.04.018