scholarly journals Educational interventions to improve literature searching skills in the health sciences: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Hirt ◽  
Thomas Nordhausen ◽  
Jasmin Meichlinger ◽  
Volker Braun ◽  
Adelheid Zeller ◽  
...  

Objective: The authors reviewed educational interventions for improving literature searching skills in the health sciences.Methods: We performed a scoping review of experimental and quasi-experimental studies published in English and German, irrespective of publication year. Targeted outcomes were objectively measurable literature searching skills (e.g., quality of search strategy, study retrieval, precision). The search methods consisted of searching databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science), tracking citations, free web searching, and contacting experts. Two reviewers performed screening and data extraction. To evaluate the completeness of reporting, the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) was applied.Results: We included 6 controlled trials and 8 pre-post trials from the 8,484 references that we screened. Study participants were students in various health professions and physicians. The educational formats of the interventions varied. Outcomes clustered into 2 categories: (1) developing search strategies (e.g., identifying search concepts, selecting databases, applying Boolean operators) and (2) database searching skills (e.g., searching PubMed, MEDLINE, or CINAHL). In addition to baseline and post-intervention measurement, 5 studies reported follow-up. Almost all studies adequately described their intervention procedures and delivery but did not provide access to the educational material. The expertise of the intervention facilitators was described in only 3 studies.Conclusions: The results showed a wide range of study populations, interventions, and outcomes. Studies often lacked information about educational material and facilitators’ expertise. Further research should focus on intervention effectiveness using controlled study designs and long-term follow-up. To ensure transparency, replication, and comparability, studies should rigorously describe their intervention. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program.

Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay K Wakhloo ◽  
Pedro Lylyk ◽  
Joost de Vries ◽  
Matthew J Gounis ◽  
Alexandra Biondi ◽  
...  

Objective: Validated through experimental studies a new generation of flow diverters (Surpass™ FD) was evaluated for treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IA). We present our multicenter preliminary clinical and angiographic experience. METHODS: To achieve the calculated flow disruption between the parent artery and aneurysm for thrombosis, single FDs were placed endovascularly in parent arteries. Implants measured 2.5-5.3mm in diameter with a length of 10-80mm. Patients were enrolled harboring a wide range large and giant wide-neck, fusiform and multiple small and blister-type aneurysm. Clinical and angiographic follow-up were performed at 1-3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 186 consecutive IA in 161 patients (mean age 57.1 years) were treated at 33 centers. Fifty-three aneurysms were smaller than 5 mm, 64 were 5-9.9mm in diameter, 47 were 10-20mm in diameter, and 22 were larger than 20mm (10.4±0.7mm, neck size 6.0±0.5mm [mean±SEM]) . The aneurysms originated in 63.4% from the internal carotid artery; 22% and 14.5% of the lesions were located in the anterior circulation distal to Circle of Willis and posterior circulation respectively. Technical success was achieved in 182 aneurysms (98%); average number of devices used per aneurysm was 1.05. Permanent morbidity and mortality during the follow-up period of mean 8.4months (range 1-24 months) including periprocedural complications for patients with aneurysms of the anterior circulation were encountered in 5 (3.7%) and 2 (1.5 %) patients respectively and 1 (3.7%) and 4 (14.8%) respectively for patients with aneurysms of the posterior circulation location. One-hundred-ten patients (70.5%) harboring 127 (70.2%) were available for clinical and angiographic follow-up and showed a complete or near complete aneurysm occlusion in 63 (81.8%) of the ICA. Aneurysms of the ICA≥10mm that were completely covered by FD and not previously stent-treated with a minimum of 6 months follow-up available in 16 patients showed a complete obliteration in 81.3% (n=13) and >90% occlusion in remaining 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Preliminary data demonstrate high safety and efficacy of a new generation of FD for a wide range of IA of the anterior and posterior circulation with a single implant.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Aline Moreira Ximenes ◽  
Maria Girlane Sousa Albuquerque Brandão ◽  
Thiago Moura de Araújo ◽  
Nelson Miguel Galindo Neto ◽  
Lívia Moreira Barros ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the effectiveness of educational interventions for fall prevention implemented in hospitals, at homes and nursing homes. Method: this is a systematic review, carried out based on the guiding question: what is the effectiveness of isolated educational interventions for preventing falls in adults and the elderly developed in experimental studies? The search took place in the electronic databases: Scopus, PubMed/PMC, Web of Science, CINAHL, SciELO, Cochrane and EMBASE. The exposure factor was the educational intervention on preventing falls, and as outcomes: reducing fall rates, improving knowledge, awareness and adherence to preventive care for adult and elderly patients. Only randomized controlled trials, in all languages and published between 2011 and 2020 were included. Results: 1,474 articles were identified, of which 16 were included. Four studies did not show effectiveness related to fall prevention. As common characteristics, these studies were carried out with elderly patients and without one-to-one follow-up. The others were effective in reducing falls and/or improving knowledge and were mostly studies with personalized interventions, carried out by nurses and mediated by educational technologies. Conclusion: educational interventions are effective for preventing falls in the home, hospital and nursing homes. Studies have shown a reduction in fall rates, improved knowledge and engagement in prevention strategies.


Author(s):  
So Ra Kang ◽  
Haeryun Cho

The purpose of this study was to describe the trends of research on follow-up care after neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) graduation for children born preterm. This scoping review was conducted according to Arksey and O’Malley’s guidelines. Reviewed studies were searched in PubMed, CHINAHL, and Web of Science. Fifteen studies were analyzed according to general characteristics, elements of follow-up care after NICU graduation, and characteristics of follow-up care intervention after NICU graduation. Most research was conducted in the medical field (60%), with experimental studies (40%) being the majority, and a few studies focused on families (3%) and parents (3%). The major follow-up care after NICU graduation elements were growth/developmental monitoring and support, continuity of care, parent- and family-centered elements, and a multidisciplinary approach. The intervention methods included home visits, phone calls, video calls, and applications. In addition, the intervention period ranged from two weeks to three years. It is suggested that multidisciplinary research with interactive media for a various age of children over longer periods for further study.


2021 ◽  
pp. 136749352110261
Author(s):  
Jessica A Schults ◽  
Rebecca S Paterson ◽  
Marie Cooke ◽  
Julianne Richards ◽  
Karina Charles ◽  
...  

The aim of this review was to determine the range of outcomes reported in long-term follow-up studies of children and adolescents with chronic pain. Using a scoping review methodology, a systematic search for studies reporting outcomes in children and adolescents with chronic pain over a ≥12 month period was undertaken. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they included children and adolescents (≤18 years old on study enrolment) with chronic pain, and outcomes were followed up for ≥12 months. Overall, 42 studies investigating more than 24,132 children were included in the review. Studies assessed a total of 187 unique outcome measures within the broader measures of pain (38 studies; 90%), function (33 studies; 79%) and other (21 studies; 50%). Unidimensional assessments of the severity or presence of pain and global assessments of function were the most commonly reported outcome measures. The number of study follow-up points ranged from 1 to 5, with mode duration of follow-up 12 months post intervention (25 studies; 60%; range 1–13 years). Overall, we identified a wide range of reported outcome measures in studies of children with chronic pain. Beyond assessments of pain intensity and global function, there is little consistency, and reporting of developmental outcome measures is poor. Further long-term outcome research in this population is needed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andréa Gomes Martins Gaspar ◽  
Luís Velez Lapão

BACKGROUND The world is ageing on a global scale, triggering vulnerability for chronic multimorbidity, balance disturbances and falls. These illnesses represent a significant social, economic, and public health challenge that needs to be addressed. Elderly falls resulting in injuries are the main cause of accidental death in this population, representing a relevant public health problem. One major risk factor is balance disorder that is known to increase linearly with age and represents one of the most frequent causes of healthcare demand. It is estimated that about 30% of the individuals above 60 years old present vertigo and dizziness, increasing to 50% for elderly above 85 years old. This is creating an increasing on demand pushing the health services to the limits. The use of Information Systems and Technologies represents an opportunity to improve the access and the quality of healthcare services. During last years it has observed an increasing in studies that address the potential of remote tools to assess balance status and fall risk of older people. In home-rehabilitation has been explored to promote better physical and balance performance. OBJECTIVE This paper aims at studying the current state of eHealth services and technology on providing objective assessment to better diagnosis and management in the clinical context of balance disorders with fall risk of older people. METHODS A systematic review was performed in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement (PRISMA). The quality of the evidence to respond the research question was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal for Experimental Studies (RCT) and the Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies (QES). The included RCTs were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis about eHealth contribution to balance disorders was also obtained from the results. RESULTS From 1058 unduplicated articles, a total of 21 articles were included in the review. Twelve studies explored different technology devices to obtain remote data about balance and fall risk of older participants. Nine studies focused on different balance exercises training. It was observed a wide range of clinical tests, functional scales, faller classifications, sensor-based tasks, intervention protocols and follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS Despite of the growing and interesting, most included researches did not present standardized procedures nor address real clinical settings. It has not been possible to compare the studies due to diversity of targeted population studied and time of follow-up, lack of homogeneity of study methodology and different use of remote technologies. No cost estimation data was observed. It was also observed a gap between research and clinical use. More comparability among studies is required.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francine Rubião ◽  
Alan Cezar Faria Araújo ◽  
João Bernardo Sancio ◽  
Bárbara Silva Nogueira ◽  
Juçara Ribeiro Franca ◽  
...  

Background: The most common treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the daily use of eye drops. Sustained-release drug delivery systems have been developed to improve patient adherence by achieving prolonged therapeutic drug concentrations in ocular target tissues while limiting systemic exposure. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost inserts with bimatoprost eye drops in patients with POAG and ocular hypertension (OH). Methods: We include OH and POAG patients aged between 40 and 75 years-old. Both OH and POAG patients had intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 21 and ≤30 mmHg at 9:00 am without glaucoma medication and normal biomicroscopy. Five normal patients with IOP≤14 mmHg constitute the control group. A chitosan-based insert of bimatoprost was placed at the upper conjunctival fornix of the right eye. In the left eye, patients used one drop of LumiganTM daily at 10:00 pm. For statistical analysis, we used a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student t-test, and paired t-test. Results: Sixteen POAG and 13 OH patients with a mean age of 61 years were assessed. In both eyes, IOP reduction was similar during three weeks of follow-up (19.5±2.2 mmHg and 16.9±3.1 mmHg), insert, and eye drop, respectively; P=0.165). The percentage of IOP reduction in the third week was 30% for insert and 35% for eye drops (P=0.165). No intolerance or discomfort with the insert was reported. Among the research participants, 58% preferred the use of the insert while 25% preferred eye drops, and 17% reported no preference. Conclusions: Bimatoprost-loaded inserts showed similar efficacy to daily bimatoprost eye drops during three weeks of follow up, without major side effects. This might suggest a possible change in the daily therapeutic regimen for the treatment of POAG and OH.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna Krishna Prasad Pathak

BACKGROUND Health professionals (HPs) play a key role in dementia management and detection. However, there is a gap in the literature as to what represents best practice with regard to educating HPs to improve their dementia detection practices and management. OBJECTIVE The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize the aggregated studies aimed at improving health care knowledge, detection practices and management of dementia among HPs. METHODS We searched electronically published relevant articles with inclusion criteria; (1) intervention studies aimed at improving HPs practices concerning dementia care and (2) educational interventions focused on nurses and doctors’ knowledge, detection practice and management of dementia. Twenty-five articles fit the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Collaborative programs of practice based workshops, interactive learning activities with community and multi-faced educational program were the most effective. CONCLUSIONS HPs should be supported to improve their knowledge, tackle behavioural problems associated with dementia, be made aware of services and be enabled to engage in more early diagnosis. CLINICALTRIAL no applicable


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (05) ◽  
pp. 362-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Sullo ◽  
Agata Polizzi ◽  
Stefano Catanzaro ◽  
Selene Mantegna ◽  
Francesco Lacarrubba ◽  
...  

Cerebellotrigeminal dermal (CTD) dysplasia is a rare neurocutaneous disorder characterized by a triad of symptoms: bilateral parieto-occipital alopecia, facial anesthesia in the trigeminal area, and rhombencephalosynapsis (RES), confirmed by cranial magnetic resonance imaging. CTD dysplasia is also known as Gómez-López-Hernández syndrome. So far, only 35 cases have been described with varying symptomatology. The etiology remains unknown. Either spontaneous dominant mutations or de novo chromosomal rearrangements have been proposed as possible explanations. In addition to its clinical triad of RES, parietal alopecia, and trigeminal anesthesia, CTD dysplasia is associated with a wide range of phenotypic and neurodevelopmental abnormalities.Treatment is symptomatic and includes physical rehabilitation, special education, dental care, and ocular protection against self-induced corneal trauma that causes ulcers and, later, corneal opacification. The prognosis is correlated to the mental development, motor handicap, corneal–facial anesthesia, and visual problems. Follow-up on a large number of patients with CTD dysplasia has never been reported and experience is limited to few cases to date. High degree of suspicion in a child presenting with characteristic alopecia and RES has a great importance in diagnosis of this syndrome.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document