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PloS One 2020The development of trustworthy guidelines requires substantial investment of resources and time. This highlights the need to prioritize topics for guideline development... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The development of trustworthy guidelines requires substantial investment of resources and time. This highlights the need to prioritize topics for guideline development and update.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically identify and describe prioritization exercises that have been conducted for the purpose of the de novo development, update or adaptation of health practice guidelines.
METHODS
We searched Medline and CINAHL electronic databases from inception to July 2019, supplemented by hand-searching Google Scholar and the reference lists of relevant studies. We included studies describing prioritization exercises that have been conducted during the de novo development, update or adaptation of guidelines addressing clinical, public health or health systems topics. Two reviewers worked independently and in duplicate to complete study selection and data extraction. We consolidated findings in a semi-quantitative and narrative way.
RESULTS
Out of 33,339 identified citations, twelve studies met the eligibility criteria. All included studies focused on prioritizing topics; none on questions or outcomes. While three exercises focused on updating guidelines, nine were on de novo development. All included studies addressed clinical topics. We adopted a framework that categorizes prioritization into 11 steps clustered in three phases (pre-prioritization, prioritization and post-prioritization). Four studies covered more than half of the 11 prioritization steps across the three phases. The most frequently reported steps for generating initial list of topics were stakeholders' input (n = 8) and literature review (n = 7). The application of criteria to determine research priorities was used in eight studies. We used and updated a common framework of 22 prioritization criteria, clustered in 6 domains. The most frequently reported criteria related to the health burden of disease (n = 9) and potential impact of the intervention on health outcomes (n = 5). All the studies involved health care providers in the prioritization exercises. Only one study involved patients. There was a variation in the number and type of the prioritization exercises' outputs.
CONCLUSIONS
This review included 12 prioritization exercises that addressed different aspects of priority setting for guideline development and update that can guide the work of researchers, funders, and other stakeholders seeking to prioritize guideline topics.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Guidelines as Topic; Health Promotion; Humans; Program Development; Public Health
PubMed: 32196520
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229249 -
International Journal of Medical... Apr 2018
Topics: Curriculum; Humans; Leadership; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Schools, Medical
PubMed: 29669927
DOI: 10.5116/ijme.5abe.12d2 -
The Milbank Quarterly Mar 2012Home-visiting programs have been offered for more than sixty years to at-risk families of newborns and infants. But despite decades of experience with program delivery,... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Home-visiting programs have been offered for more than sixty years to at-risk families of newborns and infants. But despite decades of experience with program delivery, more than sixty published controlled trials, and more than thirty published literature reviews, there is still uncertainty surrounding the performance of these programs. Our particular interest was the performance of home visiting in reducing child maltreatment.
METHODS
We developed a program logic framework to assist in understanding the neonate/infant home-visiting literature, identified through a systematic literature review. We tested whether success could be explained by the logic model using descriptive synthesis and statistical analysis.
FINDINGS
Having a stated objective of reducing child maltreatment-a theory or mechanism of change underpinning the home-visiting program consistent with the target population and their needs and program components that can deliver against the nominated theory of change-considerably increased the chance of success. We found that only seven of fifty-three programs demonstrated such consistency, all of which had a statistically significant positive outcome, whereas of the fifteen that had no match, none was successful. Programs with a partial match had an intermediate success rate. The relationship between program success and full, partial or no match was statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Employing a theory-driven approach provides a new way of understanding the disparate performance of neonate/infant home-visiting programs. Employing a similar theory-driven approach could also prove useful in the review of other programs that embody a diverse set of characteristics and may apply to diverse populations and settings. A program logic framework provides a rigorous approach to deriving policy-relevant meaning from effectiveness evidence of complex programs. For neonate/infant home-visiting programs, it means that in developing these programs, attention to consistency of objectives, theory of change, target population, and program components is critical.
Topics: Child Abuse; Family Health; Home Care Services; House Calls; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Organizational Objectives; Parenting; Program Development
PubMed: 22428693
DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-0009.2011.00655.x -
Health Research Policy and Systems Feb 2013The AIDS Control Program (ACP) in Uganda has spearheaded the national health sector HIV response for the last three decades. ACP has developed, revised and implemented...
BACKGROUND
The AIDS Control Program (ACP) in Uganda has spearheaded the national health sector HIV response for the last three decades. ACP has developed, revised and implemented various HIV prevention, care and treatment policies in order to keep interventions relevant to the changing dynamics of the HIV epidemic. However, the ACP team and partners remain concerned about the lengthy policy development processes. This study documented the policy development and revision processes to identify strengths and weaknesses in order to inform adjustments as Uganda embraces the move to 'zero' HIV infections.
METHODS
Data was collected through a review of the relevant policy documents and key informant interviews with the five program officers involved in the recently developed Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) policy and the recently revised HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) policy. Qualitative data was analyzed manually using pre-determined themes.
RESULTS
Development and revision of the SMC and HCT policies followed similar processes that included a series of meetings between senior management and a selected technical working group. However, the gaps included: i) inadequate awareness of the existence of national policy development and management guidelines; ii) limited engagement of the policy analysis unit in the policy development/revision processes; iii) inadequate tracking and evaluation of the policies before revision or development of new related policies; iv) lack of specific protocols/standard operating procedures (SOPs); and, v) limited indigenous funding for the entire policy development processes which contributed to non-adherence to the anticipated timelines.
CONCLUSIONS
Policy development and revision of the SMC and HCT policies followed similar processes. Gaps identified included lack of protocols/SOPs for the processes and limited indigenous funding to support adherence to anticipated timelines. We recommend active involvement of the policy analysis unit in all policy processes. Specific protocols/SOPs for development, analysis, revision, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment processes should be developed prior to commencement of the activities.
Topics: Circumcision, Male; Counseling; Group Processes; HIV Infections; Health Policy; Humans; Male; Policy Making; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Uganda
PubMed: 23433339
DOI: 10.1186/1478-4505-11-7 -
ESMO Open Dec 2022The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Designated Centres (DCs) of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care is an incentive programme established in 2003 aiming...
BACKGROUND
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Designated Centres (DCs) of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care is an incentive programme established in 2003 aiming to improve the integration of oncology and palliative care services provided by oncologists and oncology centres worldwide. Currently, the ESMO DCs programme has over 250 centres accredited from 54 countries worldwide, in all six world regions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
To evaluate how ESMO can support centres to improve programme development, education and research and vice versa what each single centre can do to improve in these areas, we developed a survey which was shared with all active centres. Two hundred and seven ESMO DCs representing 44 countries were invited to participate. We used content analysis to identify response categories using a stepwise approach. After reviewing and coding all responses to each question separately, they were placed into categories, counted and labelled.
RESULTS
Of the 207 centres that were invited to participate, 146 centres started the survey, representing 43 countries. Five overarching topics were identified. They included (i) joint events and educational activities; (ii) sharing of materials and defining common standards; (iii) sharing of experiences, scientific knowledge and expertise; (iv) research collaboration; and (v) ESMO support. Respondents were willing to support the ESMO DC community group in all topics and were also asking ESMO to support their centres in these issues in the future.
CONCLUSION
The study showed that the ESMO DCs are willing to provide support to improve education, research and programme development. They are also eager to contribute and collaborate amongst each other, but also request ESMO to offer advice and help to improve these issues in the DCs. In the future, facilitation of joint research projects and development of arenas to share experiences, educational and programme developments, and other resources are to be explored and could be offered to the DCs worldwide.
Topics: Humans; Palliative Care; Program Development; Medical Oncology; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 36356414
DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100622 -
American Journal of Public Health Jul 2013We sought to provide a systematic review of the determinants of success in scaling up and sustaining community health worker (CHW) programs in low- and middle-income... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
We sought to provide a systematic review of the determinants of success in scaling up and sustaining community health worker (CHW) programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
METHODS
We searched 11 electronic databases for academic literature published through December 2010 (n = 603 articles). Two independent reviewers applied exclusion criteria to identify articles that provided empirical evidence about the scale-up or sustainability of CHW programs in LMICs, then extracted data from each article by using a standardized form. We analyzed the resulting data for determinants and themes through iterated categorization.
RESULTS
The final sample of articles (n = 19) present data on CHW programs in 16 countries. We identified 23 enabling factors and 15 barriers to scale-up and sustainability, which were grouped into 3 thematic categories: program design and management, community fit, and integration with the broader environment.
CONCLUSIONS
Scaling up and sustaining CHW programs in LMICs requires effective program design and management, including adequate training, supervision, motivation, and funding; acceptability of the program to the communities served; and securing support for the program from political leaders and other health care providers.
Topics: Community Health Workers; Databases, Factual; Developing Countries; Humans; Poverty; Program Development; Program Evaluation
PubMed: 23678926
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.301102 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing Nov 2020The role of professional doctorates is receiving increased attention internationally. As part of building the rigour and scholarship of these programmes, we assessed... (Review)
Review
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The role of professional doctorates is receiving increased attention internationally. As part of building the rigour and scholarship of these programmes, we assessed projects undertaken as part of a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programme at Johns Hopkins University. Recommendations for programme development in professional doctorates are provided.
BACKGROUND
Past research has described the methodologic limitations and dissemination of DNP projects. However, few studies have provided recommendations for strengthening these projects and alternative strategies for achieving scale in larger student cohorts.
DESIGN
A descriptive study reported in accordance with STROBE guidelines.
METHODS
From 2009-2018, 191 final DNP project reports were obtained from the DNP programme administrator. Essential project characteristics from the papers were extracted, including use of theoretical framework, design, setting, sample and dissemination through publication. To determine whether the results of the projects had been published, the title and student's name were searched in Google Scholar and Google.
RESULTS
Of the 191 projects, 83% focused on adults and 61% were conducted in the hospital setting. Sample sizes ranged from 7 to 24,702. Eighty per cent of the projects employed a pretest/post-test design, including both single and independent groups. The projects spanned six overarching themes, including process improvement, clinician development, patient safety, patient outcome improvement, access to care and workplace environment. Twenty-one per cent of the project findings were published in scholarly journals.
CONCLUSIONS
Conducting a critical review of DNP projects has been useful in refining a strategy shifting from incremental to transformative changes in advanced practice.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Programme evaluation is critical in order to sufficiently prepare nurses in advanced nursing practice to influence healthcare outcomes at the individual or population level.
Topics: Adult; Advanced Practice Nursing; Education, Nursing, Graduate; Humans; Nurses; Program Development; Program Evaluation
PubMed: 33439493
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15435 -
Journal of Investigative Medicine : the... Jun 2014The objective of this study was to provide recommendations for provision of training for sponsor and investigators at Academic Health Centers. (Review)
Review
Recommendations from the Investigational New Drug/Investigational Device Exemption Task Force of the clInical and Translational Science Award Consortium: developing and implementing a sponsor-investigators training program.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to provide recommendations for provision of training for sponsor and investigators at Academic Health Centers.
BACKGROUND
A subgroup of the Investigational New Drug/Investigational Device Exemption (IND/IDE) Task Force of the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program Regulatory Knowledge Key Function Committee was assembled to specifically address how clinical investigators who hold an IND/IDE and thus assume the role of sponsor-investigators are adequately trained to meet the additional regulatory requirements of this role.
METHODS
The participants who developed the recommendations were representatives of institutions with IND/IDE support programs. Through an informal survey, the task force determined that a variety and mix of models are used to provide support for IND/IDE holders within CTSA institutions. In addition, a CTSA consortium-wide resources survey was used. The participants worked from the models and survey results to develop consensus recommendations to address institutional support, training content, and implementation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The CTSA IND/IDE Task Force recommendations are as follows: (1) Institutions should assess the scope of Food and Drug Administration-regulated research, perform a needs analysis, and provide resources to implement a suitable training program; (2) The model of training program should be tailored to each institution; (3) The training should specifically address the unique role of sponsor-investigators, and the effectiveness of training should be evaluated regularly by methods that fit the model adopted by the institution; and (4) Institutional leadership should mandate sponsor-investigator training and effectively communicate the necessity and availability of training.
Topics: Advisory Committees; Device Approval; Drugs, Investigational; Education; Humans; Program Development; Research Personnel; Translational Research, Biomedical
PubMed: 24831858
DOI: 10.2310/JIM.0000000000000083 -
Maternal and Child Health Journal Aug 2022To describe an undergraduate pipeline training program (PTP) designed to guide underrepresented minorities (URM) trainees into MCH-related health professions, ultimately...
PURPOSE
To describe an undergraduate pipeline training program (PTP) designed to guide underrepresented minorities (URM) trainees into MCH-related health professions, ultimately contributing to a diverse maternal and child health (MCH) workforce that can improve health outcomes for all women/mothers, children, and their families, including fathers and children with special healthcare needs.
DESCRIPTION
Three cohorts with 35 total undergraduate trainees were recruited to participated in the 2 years USF MCH PTP program where they were mentored, trained, guided, and supported by program faculty/staff. Students were recruited early in their education track, and the program was individually tailored based on trainees' educational discovery stages. Key program components included seminars, summer institutes, public health courses, mentorship, internship, experiential learning opportunities, and professional networking opportunities.
ASSESSMENT
The majority of the undergraduate participants were diverse URMs including Hispanic/Latino (37.1%), Black/African American (31.4%), Asian (20%), and American Indian/Alaskan Native (5.7%) trainees. Out of all the cohorts, 51.4% were first-generation college students and 74.3% had economic hardships (i.e., PELL Grant, FAFSA). Resulting from the program, all cohorts increased in educational discovery stages, one-third enrolled in health-related graduate studies and half joined the MCH workforce.
CONCLUSION
Recruitment in pipeline programs should be intentional and meet students where they are in their education discovery stage. The use of educational discovery stages within a pipeline program are useful in both tailoring curriculum to individuals' needs and assessment of progression in career decision-making. Mentoring from program staff remains an important component for pipeline programs.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Mentoring; Mentors; Minority Groups; Program Development; Students
PubMed: 34982334
DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03332-y -
American Journal of Pharmaceutical... Feb 2012To develop and pilot test a multiple mini-interview (MMI) to select students for admission to a pharmacy degree program. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVES
To develop and pilot test a multiple mini-interview (MMI) to select students for admission to a pharmacy degree program.
METHODS
A nominal group process was used to identify 8 important nonacademic attributes of pharmacists, with relative importance determined by means of a paired-comparison survey of pharmacy stakeholders (ie, university-affiliated individuals with a vested interest in the quality of student admitted to the pharmacy program, such as faculty members, students, admissions staff members, and practitioners). A 10-station MMI based on the weighted-attribute blueprint was pilot tested with 30 incoming pharmacy students. MMI score reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) and correlation with other admissions tool scores were determined.
RESULTS
Station scores provided by student interviewers were slightly higher than those of faculty member or practitioner interviewers. While most interviewers judged a 6-minute interview as "just right" and an 8-minute interview "a bit long," candidates had the opposite opinion. Station scenarios had face validity for candidates and interviewers. The ICC for the MMI was 0.77 and correlations with prepharmacy average (PPA) and Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) composite were negligible.
CONCLUSIONS
MMI feasibility was confirmed, based on the finding that interview scores were reliable and that this admissions tool measures different attributes than do the PCAT and PPA.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Pilot Projects; Program Development; School Admission Criteria; Schools, Pharmacy; Students, Pharmacy; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 22412209
DOI: 10.5688/ajpe76110