Cost-effective studies in spine surgeries: a narrative review

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 2748-2762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young Lu ◽  
Sheeraz A. Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Narrative Review

scholarly journals Iron-Containing Contraceptives and Their Effect on Hemoglobin and Biomarkers of Iron Status: A Narrative Review

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2340
Author(s):  
Jordie A. J. Fischer ◽  
Carolina S. Sasai ◽  
Crystal D. Karakochuk
Keyword(s):  
Oral Contraceptive ◽  
Iron Deficiency ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Iron Status ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Deficiency Anemia ◽  
Oral Contraceptive Use ◽  
Contraception Use ◽  
Hb Concentration

Oral contraceptive use has been associated with decreased menstrual blood losses; thus, can independently reduce the risk of anemia and iron deficiency in women. Manufacturers have recently started to include supplemental iron in the non-hormonal placebo tablets of some contraceptives. The aims of this narrative review are: (i) to describe the relationship between oral contraceptive use and both anemia and iron status in women; (ii) to describe the current formulations of iron-containing oral contraceptives (ICOC) available on the market; and (iii) to systematically review the existing literature on the effect of ICOC on biomarkers of anemia and iron status in women. We discovered 21 brands of ICOC, most commonly including 25 mg elemental iron as ferrous fumarate, for seven days, per monthly tablet package. Our search identified one randomized trial evaluating the effectiveness of ICOC use compared to two non-ICOC on increasing hemoglobin (Hb) and iron status biomarker concentrations in women; whereafter 12 months of contraception use, there were no significant differences in Hb concentration nor markers of iron status between the groups. ICOC has the potential to be a cost-effective solution to address both family planning needs and iron deficiency anemia. Yet, more rigorous trials evaluating the effectiveness of ICOC on improving markers of anemia and iron deficiency, as well as investigating the safety of its consumption among iron-replete populations, are warranted.

scholarly journals Scope and costs of autorefraction and photoscreening for childhood amblyopia—a systematic narrative review in relation to the EUSCREEN project data

Eye ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna M. Horwood ◽  
◽  
Helen J. Griffiths ◽  
Jill Carlton ◽  
Paolo Mazzone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
English Language ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Automated Screening ◽  
Project Data

Abstract Background Amblyopia screening can target reduced visual acuity (VA), its refractive risk factors, or both. VA testing is imprecise under 4 years of age, so automated risk-factor photoscreening appears an attractive option. This review considers photoscreening used in community services, focusing on costs, cost-effectiveness and scope of use, compared with EUSCREEN project Country Reports describing how photo- and automated screening is used internationally. Methods A systematic narrative review was carried out of all English language photoscreening literature to September 10th 2018, using publicly available search terms. Where costs were considered, a CASP economic evaluation checklist was used to assess data quality. Results Of 370 abstracts reviewed, 55 reported large-scale community photoscreening projects. Five addressed cost-effectiveness specifically, without original data. Photoscreening was a stand-alone, single, test event in 71% of projects. In contrast, 25 of 45 EUSCREEN Country Reports showed that if adopted, photoscreening often supplements other tests in established programmes and is rarely used as a stand-alone test. Reported costs varied widely and evidence of cost-effectiveness was sparse in the literature, or in international practice. Only eight (13%) papers compared the diagnostic accuracy or cost-effectiveness of photoscreening and VA testing, and when they did, cost-effectiveness of photoscreening compared unfavourably. Discussion Evidence that photoscreening reduces amblyopia or strabismus prevalence or improves overall outcomes is weak, as is evidence of cost-effectiveness, compared to later VA screening. Currently, the most cost-effective option seems to be a later, expert VA screening with the opportunity for a re-test before referral.

Effects of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Frailty and Ageing: A Narrative Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kulapong Jayanama ◽  
Olga Theou
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Deficit Accumulation ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health Deficit

Globally, the population over the age of 60 is growing fast, but people age in different ways. Frailty, shown by the accumulation of age-related deficits, is a state of increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes among people of the same chronological age. Ageing results in a decline in diversity and homeostasis of microbiomes, and gut flora changes are related to health deficit accumulation and adverse health outcomes. In older people, health deficits including inappropriate intake, sarcopenia, physical inactivity, polypharmacy, and social vulnerability are factors associated with gut dysbiosis. The use of probiotics and prebiotics is a cost-effective and widely available intervention. Intake of probiotics and prebiotics may improve the homeostasis of gut microflora and prevent frailty and unhealthy aging. However, health effects vary among probiotics and prebiotics and among individual populations. This narrative review summarizes recent evidence about the relationship between prebiotic and probiotic consumption with health outcomes in older people.

scholarly journals Is Exercise a Cost-Effective Intervention for People Receiving Hemodialysis? A Narrative Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam W. Hurt ◽  
Daniel S. March ◽  
Nicola J. Cooper ◽  
James O. Burton
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Effective Intervention

scholarly journals Towards Medicines Reuse: A Narrative Review of the Different Therapeutic Classes and Dosage Forms of Medication Waste in Different Countries

Pharmacy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 230
Author(s):  
Hamza Alhamad ◽  
Nilesh Patel ◽  
Parastou Donyai
Keyword(s):  
Dosage Form ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Dosage Forms ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Solid Dosage Forms ◽  
Medication Waste ◽  
Solid Dosage ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Survey Responses

Background: Medicines reuse, the idea of re-dispensing returned medicines to others following quality control, is yet to be implemented in the UK. This practice is potentially a sustainable way of dealing with returned medicines, which are otherwise classed as medication waste and destroyed. To inch towards medicines reuse, it is important to know more about the different therapeutic classes and dosage forms that make up medication waste. For example, it is helpful to know if medicines being returned are mostly solid-dosage forms and thus have the potential to be reused or are from therapeutic classes that would make medicines reuse cost-effective. Little is known about the therapeutic classes and the dosage forms of wasted medicines. This study aimed to narratively review and report findings from the international literature on the different therapeutic classes and the dosage forms of medicines that are returned by patients to community pharmacies, hospitals, general practitioners’ clinics, or collected through waste campaigns. Studies based on surveys without physically returning medicines were also included where relevant. Methods: A comprehensive electronic search of databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, was carried out over one month in 2017 and updated by 5 November 2020, using a combination of carefully created keywords. Results: Forty-five studies published in English between 2002 and 2020, comprising data from 26 countries were included and reviewed. Oral solid dosage forms (mostly tablets) were the commonly reported dosage form of all wasted medicines in 14 studies out of the 22 studies (64%) that described the dosage form, with percentages ranging from 40.6% to 95.6% of all wasted medicines. Although there was variability among the levels of medication waste reported in different countries, findings from the UK and Ethiopia were relatively consistent; in these, medicines for the cardiovascular system and anti-infective medicines, respectively, were the most common therapeutic classes for medication waste. Conclusion: This narrative review provides insights about the different therapeutic classes and dosage forms of medication waste either returned by patients, collected through waste campaigns, or indicated in survey responses. The findings could help policy makers understand the potential implications of treating most unused medicines as medication waste and whether therefore pursuing a medicines reuse scheme could be environmentally or financially logical. The quality and the safety of these returned medicines using criteria related to the storage conditions (such as heat and humidity), physical shape (such as being sealed, unopened, unused, and in blister packaging), and tampering are other important considerations for a medicines reuse scheme.

scholarly journals Smartphone fundus photography: a narrative review

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Usama Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Safety Profile ◽  
Retinal Imaging ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Spectral Irradiance ◽  
Fundus Photography ◽  
Fundus Imaging ◽  
Retinal Photoreceptors ◽  
Primary Caretakers ◽  
Illuminating System

Abstract Background The idea to use smartphone for fundus photography was put forward in 2010. Over the last decade, there has been a dramatic development in this field. This narrative review focuses on the principle of smartphone fundus photography, how to master this technique, problems encountered by the beginners, camera applications/devices designed for this purpose and the safety profile of smartphone flashlights for retinal photoreceptors. Discussion Smartphone fundus photography using a condensing lens is based on the same principle as indirect ophthalmoscopy. Smartphone flashlight serves the purpose of light source or illuminating system. Real and inverted image of the retina is focused by the smartphone camera after adjustment of the filming distance. Beginners can face difficulties like adjustment of the filming distance, glare from condensing lens and reflection from the ceiling lights. Mobile camera applications and holding devices designed for this purpose can help the beginners to address these difficulties. There have been safety concerns about photo-biological risk for retinal photoreceptors by flashlight. Although the spectral irradiance on the retina, while using smartphone for fundus imaging is within the safety limits set by ISO 15004-2.2. The safety profile of latest model flashlights which deliver more power compared to older flashlights, need to be assessed. Conclusion Smartphone fundus photography is a cheap, cost effective, portable and a convenient method for retinal imaging. With practice and use of smartphone camera applications designed for this purpose, the beginners can master this technique. By training young ophthalmology residents and ophthalmic primary caretakers, this retinal imaging technique can be utilized for artificial intelligence, patient diagnostic and educational purposes.

scholarly journals Proposed model for the cultural adaptation of an Internet-based depression prevention intervention (CATCH-IT) for Arab adolescents

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zach Abuwalla ◽  
Zaynab Kadhem ◽  
Tracy Gladstone ◽  
Ereny Mikhael ◽  
Amir Bishay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Depressive Illness ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Prevention Intervention ◽  
Depression Prevention ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Western Psychotherapy

AbstractBackgroundEvidence-based Internet depression prevention intervention programs are not readily available for Arab youth, but may be effective in this group. Cultural adaptation of evidence-based Western psychotherapy is an important step toward better prevention and treatment of depressive illness in the Arab community. Project CATCH-IT is an Internet-based depression prevention intervention tool that is tailored for adolescents and young adults.MethodsThe PEN-3 theoretical framework was used for the cultural adaptation of Project CATCH-IT for Arab adolescents. First, a narrative review of existing research about depression in Arab nations was performed. Next, expert opinions about applicability and societal values were obtained. This model was then used to suggest relevant changes to the CATCH-IT modules. These modifications were applied to create sample webpages from the culturally adapted version of CATCH-IT for Arab youth.ResultsThe narrative review, expert opinions and resultant PEN-3 analysis suggest that Internet-based depression interventions are effective, private and confidential. To be most effective, religious leaders and fathers should be the stakeholders approached for dissemination and adequate usage of the service. Arab themes, quotes, language and relevant stories must be incorporated.ConclusionThis study sets the background for future studies and research for implementation of the Arabic version of CATCH-IT for the prevention of depression. Using the contextual information provided in this paper to make the necessary changes, huge strides can be made in providing cost-effective and accessible Internet-based interventions to Arab youth.

scholarly journals A narrative review of economic constructs in commonly used implementation and scale-up theories, frameworks and models

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brown Vicki ◽  
Tran Huong ◽  
Blake Miranda ◽  
Laws Rachel ◽  
Moodie Marj
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Relative Advantage ◽  
Research Translation ◽  
Public Health Interventions ◽  
Effective Implementation

Abstract Background Translating research evidence into practice is challenging and, to date, there are relatively few public health interventions that have been effectively and cost-effectively implemented and delivered at scale. Theories, models and frameworks (herein termed ‘frameworks’) have been used in implementation science to describe, guide and explain implementation and scale-up. While economic constructs have been reported as both barriers and facilitators to effective implementation and scale-up of public health interventions, there is currently no published review of how economic constructs are considered within commonly used implementation and scale-up frameworks. This paper aimed to narratively review the economic constructs incorporated in commonly used implementation and scale-up frameworks. Methods Frameworks for inclusion in the narrative review were identified from the literature and thematic content analysis was undertaken using a recursive deductive approach. Emergent key themes and sub-themes were identified and results were summarised narratively within each theme. Results Twenty-six framework publications were included in our analysis, with wide variation between frameworks in the scope and level of detail of the economic constructs included. Four key themes emerged from the data – ‘resources’, ‘benefit’, ‘cost’ and ‘funding’. Only five frameworks incorporated all four identified key themes. Overarching lenses from which to consider key themes included ‘stakeholder perspectives’, ‘stage in the research translation process’ and ‘context’. ‘Resources’ were most frequently considered in relation to the sub-themes of ‘types of resources’ (e.g. labour, time or infrastructure) and ‘availability’ of resources, and the opportunity for ‘economies of scale’. The ‘relative advantage of interventions’ emerged as an interconnecting sub-theme between ‘cost’ and ‘benefit’. ‘Funding’ was most often considered in relation to ‘funding sources’, ‘availability’, ‘sustainability’ or ‘contextual impact’. The concept of ‘opportunity cost’ was considered in relatively few frameworks, despite being fundamental to economic theory. Conclusions Implementation and scale-up frameworks provide a conceptual map to inform the effective and cost-effective implementation of public health interventions delivered at scale. Despite evidence of an emerging focus on the economic considerations of implementation and scale-up within some commonly used frameworks, our findings suggest that there is significant scope for further exploration of the economic constructs related to implementation and scale-up.

scholarly journals Is antimicrobial stewardship cost-effective? A narrative review of the evidence

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 806-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.R. Naylor ◽  
N. Zhu ◽  
M. Hulscher ◽  
A. Holmes ◽  
R. Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Narrative Review

The application of electron microscopy to diagnosis in gynecologic neoplasms and tumor-like conditions

1984 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 102-105
Author(s):  
Lawrence M. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Frozen Section ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ultrastructural Examination ◽  
Specific Diagnosis ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
Gynecologic Neoplasms

The female reproductive tract may be the site of a wide variety of benign and malignant tumors, as well as non-neoplastic tumor-like conditions, most of which can be diagnosed by light microscopic examination including special stains and more recently immunoperoxidase techniques. Nevertheless there are situations where ultrastructural examination can contribute substantially to an accurate and specific diagnosis. It is my opinion that electron microscopy can be of greatest benefit and is most cost effective when applied in conjunction with other methodologies. Thus, I have developed an approach which has proved useful for me and may have benefit for others. In cases where it is deemed of potential value, glutaraldehyde-fixed material is obtained at the time of frozen section or otherwise at operation. Coordination with the gynecologic oncologist is required in the latter situation. This material is processed and blocked and is available if a future need arises.

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