scholarly journals Reducing Repeat Offending Through Less Prosecution in Victoria, Australia: Opportunities for Increased Diversion of Offenders

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 109-117
Author(s):  
David Cowan ◽  
Heather Strang ◽  
Lawrence Sherman ◽  
Sara Valdebenito Munoz
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Repeat Offending ◽  
Diversion Rate ◽  
Population Rate ◽  
Missed Opportunity

Abstract Research Question How did the use of diversion from prosecution and criminal sentencing change in Victoria, Australia, in the 10 years to 2016/2017, with what estimated effects on repeat offending? Data We tracked 1,163,113 criminal cases brought against both juveniles and adults by police in the state of Victoria, Australia, including 181,836 diversions, during the 10-year time period from the fiscal year of 2007/2008 through 2016/2017. Methods Taking the percentage of all cases diverted in the first year (25.6%), we calculated for each of the study years how many more cases would have been diverted from prosecution across the subsequent 9 years if the diversion rate had stayed the same (“missed opportunities”). We multiplied the estimated number of these “missed opportunities” by the reduced frequency of repeat offences that the prosecuted offenders were likely to have committed, after adjusting for the time at risk by the number of years left in the study period. Then, based on a systematic review of diversion experiments (Petrosino et al. 2010), we applied the standardised effect size of diversion in those studies to Farrington’s (1992) annualised crime frequency per 100 offenders aged 25, multiplying that effect across all of the person-years after a case was prosecuted rather than diverted, using both population-based rates and rates based only on detected offenders at that age. Findings The diversion rate in Victoria dropped in half over 10 years, from 25.6% to 12.5%. The total missed opportunities for diversion, compared to the counterfactual of applying diversion at a constant rate of 25% over that time period, totalled 115,885 cases over the 10 years. Taking an average effect size (d = − 0.232) across seven experiments with a mean follow-up time of 12–13 months, as derived from a systematic review of diversion experiment outcomes, our illustrative estimate is that at least 8 crimes per year per 100 offenders could have been prevented among the missed opportunity cases. Using a population rate of offending, the estimate equals 1474 crimes that could have been prevented. Using the offending population rate, we estimate that 37,050 offences could have been prevented. Conclusions While the exact amount of crime prevented remains speculative, the application of best evidence to the missed opportunity cases suggests that more diversion could have resulted in substantially less repeat offending, and hence less total crime.

scholarly journals AB0385 THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ANTI-TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR THERAPY INFLIXIMAB IN NEURO-BEHCET’S DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1220.2-1220
Author(s):  
R. Hamdy Abdellatif Mohammed ◽  
Y. Woldeamanuel
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Behçet’S Disease ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Behcet’S Disease ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Behçet's Disease ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Behcet's Disease ◽  
Study Heterogeneity

Background:The use and benefit of biologic targeted therapy in the treatment of refractory manifestations of behcet’s syndrome remain unclearly defined due to the relative paucity of published research. Neuro-behcet’s disease represents a challenging clinical presentation. The lack of identified effective strategies in the management of refractory neuro-behcet’s adds to the disease burden and contributes to lack of tight control. [1-3]Objectives:The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the effect of anti-TNF therapy on refractory NBD by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the previously published studies assessing the effectiveness of anti-TNF therapy in patients with BD having refractory or recurrent neurological manifestations.Methods:Authors used the PICO Model (P= population, I= intervention, C= comparator, O= outcome) used for designing the research question. The PRISMA statement was used for developing the study protocol search methodology. Literature searches were done for articles in published in English language only from January 2000 till January 2020 (considering the first till the last available publication that addresses the research question and satisfied eligibility criteria). The study was registered on the Prospero PROSPERO website for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Inter-study heterogeneity was explored using I2 statistics. Cumulative meta-analysis was conducted to assess temporal trend for accumulating evidence from accruing published studies. Meta-regression was used to analyze possible confounders.Authors of the current systematic review and meta-analysis worked on a simple score “Hamdy and Woldeamanuel simple response score, 2020”, the aim behind the score was to incorporate standard evaluation parameters for assessment of responses driven by the measures used in each study. The authors used numerical values to grade the pattern of response in each parameter considered attempting to standardize the quantification of the responses and minimize tendency towards overestimation. The score included clinical and radiographic points rated on a scale of 5.Results:Twenty-one studies involving 64 patients were included, 52 male patient and 12 females at a ratio of 4.3:1, with a mean age of 38 .21 years, mean disease duration of 84.76 5 months. Effect size analysis showed that 59 out of 64 patients i.e. 93.7% of the treated patients with neuro-behcet’s disease in the analysis were responders to infliximab therapy (CI 88% - 99.3%). There was no significant inter-study heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 0.744). Cumulative analysis showed accumulating evidence favoring increasing effectiveness over the last 20 years. There was no statistically significant confounding of infliximab effect size by age (p = 0.89), sex ratio (p = 0.29), and disease duration (p = 0.67).Conclusion:In this systematic review and meta-analysis Infliximab showed a strong therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of refractory neuro-behcet’s disease. There is an increasing trend of effectiveness observed in the last two decades which may be due to improved neuro-behcet’s diagnostic accuracy.References:[1]Uygunoğlu U, Siva A. Behçet’s Syndrome and Nervous System Involvement. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2018;18(7):35. Published 2018 May 23. doi:10.1007/s11910-018-0843-5.[2]Ohno S, Ohguchi M, Hirose S, Matsuda H, Wakisaka A, Aizawa M. Close Association of HLA-Bw51 With Behçet’s Disease. Arch Ophthalmol. 1982; 100(9):1455–1458. doi:10.1001/archopht.1982.01030040433013.[3]Kalra, S., Silman, A., Akman-Demir, G., et al. Diagnosis and management of Neuro-Behçet’s disease: international consensus recommendations. Journal of neurology, 2014; 261(9): 1662–1676. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-013-7209-3.Figure 1a. Forest plot summarizing the meta-analysis results on the effectiveness of infliximab to treat Neurobehcet disease. Overall, 94% of patients responded to infliximab.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Epigenetic Studies in Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-92
Author(s):  
Rafael Penadés ◽  
Bárbara Arias ◽  
Mar Fatjó-Vilas ◽  
Laura González-Vallespí ◽  
Clemente García-Rizo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Main Hypothesis ◽  
Psychological Treatments ◽  
Time Period ◽  
The Impact

Background: Epigenetic modifications appear to be dynamic and they might be affected by environmental factors. The possibility of influencing these processes through psychotherapy has been suggested. Objective: To analyse the impact of psychotherapy on epigenetics when applied to mental disorders. The main hypothesis is that psychological treatments will produce epigenetic modifications related to the improvement of treated symptoms. Methods: A computerised and systematic search was completed throughout the time period from 1990 to 2019 on the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases. Results: In total, 11 studies were selected. The studies were evaluated for the theoretical framework, genes involved, type of psychotherapy and clinical challenges and perspectives. All studies showed detectable changes at the epigenetic level, like DNA methylation changes, associated with symptom improvement after psychotherapy. Conclusion: Methylation profiles could be moderating treatment effects of psychotherapy. Beyond the detected epigenetic changes after psychotherapy, the epigenetic status before the implementation could act as an effective predictor of response.

Additional Evidence on Audit Report Lag

2001 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Robert Knechel ◽  
Jeff L. Payne
Keyword(s):  
Earnings Quality ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Audit Report ◽  
The Public ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Audit Team ◽  
Available Information

The process for providing accounting information to the public has not changed much in the last century even though the extent of disclosure has increased signifi-cantly. Sundem et al. (1996) suggest that the primary benefit of audited financial statements may not be decision usefulness but the discipline imposed by timely confirmation of previously available information. In general, the value of information from the audited financial statement will decline as the audit report lag (the time period between a company's fiscal year end and the date of the audit report) increases since competitively oriented users may obtain substitute sources of information. Furthermore, the literature on earnings quality and earnings management suggests that unexpected reporting delays may be associated with lower quality information. The purpose of this paper is to extend our understanding about the determinants of audit report lag using a proprietary database containing 226 audit engagements from an international public accounting firm. We examine three previously uninvestigated audit firm factors that potentially influence audit report lag and are controllable by the auditor: (1) incremental audit effort (e.g., hours), (2) the resource allocation of audit team effort measured by rank (partner, manager, or staff), and (3) the provision of nonaudit services (MAS and tax). The results indicate that incremental audit effort, the presence of contentious tax issues, and the use of less experienced audit staff are positively correlated with audit report lag. Further, audit report lag is decreased by the potential synergistic relationship between MAS and audit services.

scholarly journals Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for peripartum depression: systematic review & meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyune June Lee ◽  
Sung Min Kim ◽  
Ji Yean Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Electroconvulsive Therapy ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Peripartum Depression

Abstract Background Peripartum depression is a common disorder with very high potential hazards for both the patients and their babies. The typical treatment options include antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy. However, these treatments do not ensure the safety of the fetus. Recently, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has emerged as a promising treatment for neuropathies as well as depression. Nevertheless, many studies excluded pregnant women. This systematic review was conducted to confirm whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation was a suitable treatment option for peripartum depression. Methods We performed a systematic review that followed the PRISMA guidelines. We searched for studies in the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases published until the end of September 2020. Eleven studies were selected for the systematic review, and five studies were selected for quantitative synthesis. Data analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3 software. The effect size was analyzed using the standardized mean difference, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was determined by the generic inverse variance estimation method. Results The therapeutic effect size of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for peripartum depression was 1.394 (95% CI: 0.944–1.843), and the sensitivity analysis effect size was 1.074 (95% CI: 0.689–1.459), indicating a significant effect. The side effect size of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for peripartum depression was 0.346 (95% CI: 0.214–0.506), a meaningful result. There were no severe side effects to the mothers or fetuses. Conclusions From various perspectives, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can be considered an alternative treatment to treat peripartum depression to avoid exposure of fetuses to drugs and the severe side effects of electroconvulsive therapy. Further research is required to increase confidence in the results.

scholarly journals How Effective Is Auditory–Verbal Therapy (AVT) for Building Language Development of Children with Cochlear Implants? A Systematic Review

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 239
Author(s):  
Paris Binos ◽  
Elina Nirgianaki ◽  
George Psillas
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Voice Quality ◽  
Receptive Vocabulary ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Mainstream Society ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Auditory Verbal Therapy

This systematic review sheds light on the effectiveness of auditory–verbal therapy (AVT) outcomes in children with cochlear implants (CIs). The presented outcome is based on research findings from the last 10 years. The systematic review was designed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Critical Appraisal of Treatment Evidence (CATE) checklist. Specific keywords were chosen based on the research question and searched on the PubMed database. All searched papers were analysed based on specific exclusion criteria and classified into four evidence levels. The results revealed that children who participated in AV therapy can achieve linguistic skills at the same level as their hearing peers. Voice quality seemed positively affected, placing young children with CIs in the normal range for receptive vocabulary development. In contrast, reading skills seemed less benefited. AV therapy seems to contribute to integration into mainstream society. Despite the recorded speech and language improvements of young children with CIs, the aim of AV therapy is still not fulfilled. AV therapy can be seen as the best clinical practice for young children with CIs till now, but the lack of well-controlled studies is undermining.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between a Lifetime History of Sexual Victimization and Perinatal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483802110216
Author(s):  
Brooke N. Lombardi ◽  
Todd M. Jensen ◽  
Anna B. Parisi ◽  
Melissa Jenkins ◽  
Sarah E. Bledsoe
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Sexual Victimization ◽  
Perinatal Depression ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effect Size Estimate ◽  
Lifetime History ◽  
Size Estimate ◽  
History Of ◽  
Size Estimates

Background: The association between a lifetime history of sexual victimization and the well-being of women during the perinatal period has received increasing attention. However, research investigating this relationship has yet to be systematically reviewed or quantitatively synthesized. Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to calculate the pooled effect size estimate of the statistical association between a lifetime history of sexual victimization and perinatal depression (PND). Method: Four bibliographic databases were systematically searched, and reference harvesting was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles that empirically examined associations between a lifetime history of sexual victimization and PND. A random effects model was used to ascertain an overall pooled effect size estimate in the form of an odds ratio and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were also conducted to assess whether particular study features and sample characteristic (e.g., race and ethnicity) influenced the magnitude of effect size estimates. Results: This review included 36 studies, with 45 effect size estimates available for meta-analysis. Women with a lifetime history of sexual victimization had 51% greater odds of experiencing PND relative to women with no history of sexual victimization ( OR = 1.51, 95% CI [1.35, 1.67]). Effect size estimates varied considerably according to the PND instrument used in each study and the racial/ethnic composition of each sample. Conclusion: Findings provide compelling evidence for an association between a lifetime history of sexual victimization and PND. Future research should focus on screening practices and interventions that identify and support survivors of sexual victimization perinatally.

scholarly journals Person-Centered Care in Persons Living with Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung Hee Lee ◽  
Ji Yeon Lee ◽  
Bora Kim
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Clinical Excellence ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Person Centered Care ◽  
Centered Care

Abstract Background and Objectives The concept of person-centered care has been utilized/adapted to various interventions to enhance health-related outcomes and ensure the quality of care delivered to persons living with dementia. A few systematic reviews have been conducted on the use of person-centered interventions in the context of dementia care, but to date, none have analyzed intervention effect by intervention type and target outcome. This study aimed to review person-centered interventions used in the context of dementia care and examine their effectiveness. Research Design and Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. We searched through five databases for randomized controlled trials that utilized person-centered interventions in persons living with dementia from 1998 to 2019. Study quality was assessed using the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. The outcomes of interest for the meta-analysis were behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) and cognitive function assessed immediately after the baseline measurement. Results In total, 36 studies were systematically reviewed. Intervention types were: reminiscence, music, and cognitive therapies, and multisensory stimulation. Thirty studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed a moderate effect size for overall intervention, a small one for music therapy, and a moderate one for reminiscence therapy on BPSD and cognitive function. Discussion and Implications Generally speaking, person-centered interventions showed immediate intervention effects on reducing BPSD and improving cognitive function, although the effect size and significance of each outcome differed by intervention type. Thus, healthcare providers should consider person-centered interventions as a vital element in dementia care.

scholarly journals Study protocol of a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis using two different approaches: Healthcare related needs and desires of older people with post-stroke aphasia

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e039348
Author(s):  
Nadine Janis Pohontsch ◽  
Thorsten Meyer ◽  
Yvonne Eisenmann ◽  
Maria-Inti Metzendorf ◽  
Verena Leve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older People ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Qualitative Evidence

IntroductionStroke is a frequent disease in the older population of Western Europe with aphasia as a common consequence. Aphasia is known to impede targeting treatment to individual patients’ needs and therefore may reduce treatment success. In Germany, the postacute care of patients who had stroke is provided by different healthcare institutions of different sectors (rehabilitation, nursing and primary care) with substantial difficulties to coordinate services. We will conduct two qualitative evidence syntheses (QESs) aiming at exploring distinct healthcare needs and desires of older people living with poststroke aphasia. We thereby hope to support the development of integrated care models based on needs of patients who are very restricted to communicate them. Since various methods of QESs exist, the aim of the study embedding the two QESs was to determine if findings differ according to the approach used.Methods and analysisWe will conduct two QESs by using metaethnography (ME) and thematic synthesis (ThS) independently to synthesise the findings of primary qualitative studies. The main differences between these two methods are the underlying epistemologies (idealism (ME) vs realism (ThS)) and the type of research question (emerging (ME) vs fixed (ThS)).We will search seven bibliographical databases. Inclusion criteria comprise: patients with poststroke aphasia, aged 65 years and older, studies in German/English, all types of qualitative studies concerning needs and desires related to healthcare or the healthcare system. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines and includes three items from the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the synthesis of Qualitative Research checklist.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented on national conferences.

scholarly journals Quantifying Missed Opportunities for Recruitment to Home Dialysis Therapies

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205435812199325
Author(s):  
Krishna Poinen ◽  
Lee Er ◽  
Michael A. Copland ◽  
Rajinder S. Singh ◽  
Mark Canney
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Chronic Dialysis ◽  
Home Therapy ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Home Dialysis ◽  
Missed Opportunity ◽  
Care System

Background: Despite the recognized benefits of home therapies for patients and the health care system, most individuals with kidney failure in Canada continue to be initiated on in-center hemodialysis. To optimize recruitment to home therapies, there is a need for programs to better understand the extent to which potential candidates are not successfully initiated on these therapies. Objective: We aimed to quantify missed opportunities to recruit patients to home therapies and explore where in the modality selection process this occurs. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: British Columbia, Canada. Patients: All patients aged >18 years who started chronic dialysis in British Columbia between January 01, 2015, and December 31, 2017. The sample was further restricted to include patients who received at least 3 months of predialysis care. All patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months from the start of dialysis to capture any transition to home therapies. Methods: Cases were defined as a “missed opportunity” if a patient had chosen a home therapy, or remained undecided about their preferred modality, and ultimately received in-center hemodialysis as their destination therapy. These cases were assessed for: (1) documentation of a contraindication to home therapies; and (2) the type of dialysis education received. Differences in characteristics among patients classified as an appropriate outcome or a missed opportunity were examined using Wilcoxon rank-sum test or χ2 test, as appropriate. Results: Of the 1845 patients who started chronic dialysis during the study period, 635 (34%) were initiated on a home therapy. A total of 320 (17.3%) missed opportunities were identified, with 165 (8.9%) having initially chosen a home therapy and 155 (8.4%) being undecided about their preferred modality. Compared with patients who chose and initiated or transitioned to a home therapy, those identified as a missed opportunity tended to be older with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease. A contraindication to both peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis was documented in 8 “missed opportunity” patients. General modality orientation was provided to most (71%) patients who had initially chosen a home therapy but who ultimately received in-center hemodialysis. These patients received less home therapy–specific education compared with patients who chose and subsequently started a home therapy (20% vs 35%, P < .001). Limitations: Contraindications to home therapies were potentially under-ascertained, and the nature of contraindications was not systematically captured. Conclusions: Even within a mature home therapy program, we discovered a substantial number of missed opportunities to recruit patients to home therapies. Better characterization of modality contraindications and enhanced education that is specific to home therapies may be of benefit. Mapping the recruitment pathway in this way can define the magnitude of missed opportunities and identify areas that could be optimized. This is to be encouraged, as even small incremental improvements in the uptake of home therapies could lead to better patient outcomes and contribute to significant cost savings for the health care system. Trial Registration: Not applicable as this was a qualitative study.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document