scholarly journals A-070 Parental Perception of the Utility of Pediatric Neuropsychological Evaluation: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 861-861
Author(s):  
Deluco T ◽  
Katz N ◽  
Spano P ◽  
Stein C ◽  
Montalto D
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Parent Satisfaction ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Parental Perception ◽  
Neuropsychological Evaluation ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Neuropsychological Evaluations ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective Pediatric neuropsychological evaluations are intended to support children in their development and ability to function successfully in their everyday settings; however, limited efforts have been made to synthesize the available literature regarding the utility of these evaluations. To improve the impact of pediatric neuropsychological evaluations, a systematic review was conducted to identify components of the assessment and feedback process that are associated with parents’ perception of helpfulness (help parent understand child), usefulness (provide actionable information/elicit change) and overall parent satisfaction. Data Selection We followed PRISMA guidelines to conduct a systematic review of the literature to identify research on parental perception of the utility of pediatric neuropsychological evaluations for children aged 3–21 years. We searched PubMed, PsychINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases using the terms “neuropsychology,” “pediatric,” “neuropsychological evaluation,” “neurodevelopmental disorders,” “perceived utility,” and “parental utility.” Data Synthesis We identified 1,029 abstracts and after full review included 9 articles in our qualitative synthesis. Conclusions Parents generally reported high levels of satisfaction with their child’s evaluation. The research has also suggested that parents find evaluations and feedback helpful for understanding their child’s pattern of strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations from the neuropsychologists provided useful information for obtaining support and eliciting change. Limitations of the studies reviewed included small sample size, variability in methods, and reduced generalizability of results.

scholarly journals Treatment strategies for cerebrospinal shunt infections: a systematic review of observational studies

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e038978
Author(s):  
Joan L Robinson ◽  
Dolores Freire ◽  
Liza Bialy
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Csf Shunt ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Shunt Infections

ObjectiveA systematic review was conducted of studies comparing time to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sterilisation or rate of recurrence with different treatment strategies for CSF shunt infections.MethodsA librarian-directed search was conducted of Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid Medline Daily and Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Wiley Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus with Full Text via EBSCOhost, Scopus Advanced Search, and Web of Science Core Collection from 1990 to May 2019. Studies of any design that compared outcomes in groups of any age with different management strategies were included. Studies that compared complete versus incomplete shunt removal were excluded. Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsThe search identified 2208 records, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria. All were cohort studies of moderate quality. Four studies compared the duration of antibiotics; none demonstrates that a longer course prevented recurrences. Two studies analysed addition of rifampin, with one showing a decrease in recurrences while the other had a small sample size. No studies analysed the addition of intraventricular antibiotics, but one showed equally good results with once versus twice daily administration. One study reported no difference in recurrences with placement of antibiotic-impregnated catheters. Recurrence rates did not differ with shunt replacement minimum of 7 days vs less than 7 days after CSF became sterile. There were no recurrences in either group when shunt replacement was performed after sterile CSF cultures were obtained at 24 vs 48 hours after antibiotics were discontinued. A new shunt entry site did not decrease recurrences.DiscussionThe main limitations are the lack of high-quality studies, the small sample sizes and the heterogeneity which precluded meta-analysis. Addition of rifampin for staphylococcal infections may decrease relapse but requires further study.

scholarly journals Reasons why people do not attend NHS Health Checks: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (666) ◽  
pp. e28-e35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Harte ◽  
Calum MacLure ◽  
Adam Martin ◽  
Catherine L Saunders ◽  
Catherine Meads ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Health Check ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Health Checks ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nhs Health Checks ◽  
Nhs Health Check

BackgroundThe NHS Health Check programme is a prevention initiative offering cardiovascular risk assessment and management advice to adults aged 40–74 years across England. Its effectiveness depends on uptake. When it was introduced in 2009, it was anticipated that all those eligible would be invited over a 5-year cycle and 75% of those invited would attend. So far in the current cycle from 2013 to 2018, 33.8% of those eligible have attended, which is equal to 48.5% of those invited to attend. Understanding the reasons why some people do not attend is important to maximise the impact of the programmes.AimTo review why people do not attend NHS Health Checks.Design and settingA systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.MethodAn electronic literature search was carried out of MEDLINE, Embase, Health Management Information Consortium, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Global Health, PsycINFO, Web of Science, OpenGrey, the Cochrane Library, NHS Evidence, Google Scholar, Google, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the ISRCTN registry from 1 January 1996 to 9 November 2016, and the reference lists of all included papers were also screened manually. Inclusion criteria were primary research studies that reported the views of people who were eligible for but had not attended an NHS Health Check.ResultsNine studies met the inclusion criteria. Reasons for not attending included lack of awareness or knowledge, misunderstanding the purpose of the NHS Health Check, aversion to preventive medicine, time constraints, difficulties with access to general practices, and doubts regarding pharmacies as appropriate settings.ConclusionThe findings particularly highlight the need for improved communication and publicity around the purpose of the NHS Health Check programme and the personal health benefits of risk factor detection.

scholarly journals Increased risk of liver-related outcomes in chronic hepatitis B patients with metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khin Naing Thin ◽  
Andrew Tran ◽  
Jie Li ◽  
Eunice Yewon Lee ◽  
Hongli Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis B ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Increased Risk

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) may present increased risk of liver-related outcomes (LROs) but prior studies were limited by small sample size and/or conflicting results. Using a systematic review and meta-analytic approach, we aimed to determine the association between MetS and LROs in CHB. Methods: Two researchers independently screened studies from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to January 21, 2020 and extracted the data. Estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. Results: We screened 2,228 articles and included 10 eligible studies (18,360 CHB patients, 2,557 with MetS). MetS was significantly associated with LROs overall (OR=2.45, 95%CI=1.39-4.32) but not the individual LRO components but subgroup analyses were limited by small study numbers. Discussion/Conclusion: MetS is associated with almost 3 folds higher risk of LROs in CHB and should be considered in management decisions. However, additional studies are needed.

scholarly journals Burden of tinea capitis among children in Africa: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, 1990–2020

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e041230
Author(s):  
Felix Bongomin ◽  
Ronald Olum ◽  
Lauryn Nsenga ◽  
Joseph Baruch Baluku
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Tinea Capitis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Trend Test ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
Ethical Approval ◽  
Study Characteristics ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionTinea capitis is the most common form of dermatophytosis among children, contributing significantly to the global burden of skin and hair infections. However, an accurate account of its burden in Africa, where most cases are thought to occur, is lacking. We aim to systematically evaluate the burden, aetiology and epidemiological trend of tinea capitis among children over a 30-year period in Africa.Methods and analysisA systematic review will be conducted using Embase, PubMed, African Journals Online, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library of Systematic Review. These resources will be used to identify studies published between 1990 and December 2020, which report the prevalence, aetiology and trend of tinea capitis among children younger than 18 years in Africa. Articles in English and French will be considered. Two independent reviewers will screen the articles for eligibility, and any discrepancies will be resolved by discussion and consensus between the authors. Methodological quality of all studies will be assessed and critically appraised. We will perform a metaregression to assess the impact of study characteristics on heterogeneity and also to correct the meta-analytical estimates for biases. A qualitative synthesis will be performed, and STATA V.16.0 software will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence and aetiology of tinea capitis. The Mann-Kendall trend test will be use to evaluate the trend in the prevalence of tinea capitis over the study period.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval from an institutional review board or research ethics committee is not required for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented in conferences.

Patient education for preventing recurrence of venous leg ulcers: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emer Shanley ◽  
Zena Moore ◽  
Declan Patton ◽  
Tom O’Connor ◽  
Linda Nugent ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcers ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To investigate the impact of patient education interventions on preventing the recurrence of venous leg ulcers (VLU). Method: A systematic review was undertaken using the following databases: Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane Library); Ovid; Ovid (In-process and Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL. Trial registries and reference lists of relevant publications for published and ongoing trials were also searched. There were no language or publication date restrictions. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs of patient educational interventions for preventing VLU recurrence were included. Review authors working independently assessed trials for their appropriateness for inclusion and for their risk of bias, using pre-determined inclusion and quality criteria. Results: A total of four studies met the inclusion criteria (274 participants). Each trial explored different interventions as follows: the Lively legs programme; education delivered via a video compared with education delivered via a pamphlet; the Leg Ulcer Prevention Programme and the Lindsay Leg Club. Only one study reported the primary outcome of incidence of VLU recurrence. All studies reported at least one of the secondary outcomes: patient behaviours, patient knowledge and patient quality of life (QoL). It is uncertain whether patient education programmes make any difference to VLU recurrence at 18 months (risk ratio [RR]: 0.82; 95% confidence interval: [CI] 0.59 to 1.14) or to patient behaviours (walked at least 10 minutes/five days a week RR: 1.48; 95%CI: 0.99 to 2.21; walked at least 30 minutes/five days a week: RR 1.14; 95%CI: 0.66 to 1.98; performed leg exercises: RR: 1.47; 95%CI: 1.04 to 2.09); to knowledge scores (MD (mean difference) 5.12, 95% CI –1.54 to 11.78); or to QoL (MD: 0.85, 95% CI –0.13 to 1.83), as the certainty of evidence has been assessed as very low. It is also uncertain whether different types of education delivery make any difference to knowledge scores (MD: 12.40; 95%CI: –5.68 to 30.48). Overall, GRADE assessments of the evidence resulted predominantly in judgments of very low certainty. The studies were at high risk of bias and outcome measures were imprecise due to wide CIs and small sample sizes. Conclusion: It is uncertain whether education makes any difference to the prevention of VLU recurrence. Therefore, further well-designed trials, addressing important clinical, QoL and economic outcomes are justified, based on the incidence of the problem and the high costs associated with VLU management.

scholarly journals The Impact of Breast Cancer on Female Sexuality: An Integrative Literature Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Rita P Castelo ◽  
Mônica Oliveira B Oriá ◽  
Anne Fayma L Chaves ◽  
Karine C Bezerra ◽  
Ana Fátima C Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Female Sexuality ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct an integrative literature review on the impact of breast cancer (CA) on female sexuality.METHODS: The search was performed online in November 2014 using the following databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS) and the Cochrane Library. The search results consisted of 13 articles.SYNTHESIS: Most studies have shown that women have less lubrication and a decrease in desire, which directly affect their quality of life. Moreover, 70% of the articles described limitations of the studies, the most cited of which were as follows: small sample size because of the feeling that participants considered the theme to be embarrassing, the altered emotional state decreased willingness to participate in the study, and the non-participation of husbands in the study reduced the impact on marital intimacy.CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that breast cancer has a negative impact on the sexual function of women who are affected by this disease.

scholarly journals Measuring Dyadic Interactions and Dining Environment in Dementia Mealtime Care: A Systematic Review of Instruments

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 529-530
Author(s):  
Wen Liu ◽  
Sohyun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Dyadic Interactions ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Psychometric Quality

Abstract It is critical to use validated instruments to assess mealtime dyadic interactions and dining environment for people with dementia to evaluate the process and efficacy of mealtime interventions. However, the quantity and psychometric quality of such instruments are unknown. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the quantity and quality of instruments that assess dyadic interactions, physical environment, and/or social environment during dementia mealtime care. We searched Pubmed, CINAHL, AgeLine, PsychINFO, and Cochrane Library for records published between 1980-2020. Records were eligible if they included any instrument assessing concepts of interest (i.e., mealtime dyadic interactions, physical and/or social dining environment). From eligible records, eligible instruments originally developed or later modified to measure concepts of interest were identified, and instruments’ characteristics were extracted: 1) development process, 2) concept/construct assessed, 3) sample/setting, 4) administration method, 5) item description, 6) scoring format/interpretation, 7) reliability, and 8) validity. A newly developed tool was used to evaluate instruments’ psychometric quality. In total, 26 eligible instruments were identified. Seventeen instruments assessed dyadic interactions, 1 assessed only physical environment, and 8 assessed physical & social environment. All instruments were observational tools and scored as having low psychometric quality. Reasons for low psychometric quality included use of small sample size compared to the number of items, limited psychometric testing, and inadequate estimates. A number of instruments were developed and/or used to assess dyadic interactions, physical and/or social environment in dementia mealtime care. All instruments warrant further testing to accumulate psychometric evidence in larger diverse samples in different care settings.

scholarly journals What is the evidence for mirtazapine in treating cancer-related symptomatology? A systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 1597-1606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Economos ◽  
Natasha Lovell ◽  
Anna Johnston ◽  
Irene J. Higginson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Multiple Symptoms ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Cancer patients often experience multiple distressing symptoms which are challenging to manage. It would therefore be helpful to find a treatment that alleviates more than one symptom, to avoid polypharmacy: mirtazapine has been used in several studies for this purpose. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of mirtazapine in alleviating one or more frequently encountered cancer-related symptoms. Methods Systematic review of clinical trials in English or French. Eight databases were searched. Included studies assessed the effectiveness of mirtazapine in alleviating one or more frequently encountered cancer-related symptoms. Comparator and validated assessment tools were required. Studies were independently appraised by two investigators before data synthesis. Results The search yielded 1898 references, from which we identified 12 relevant articles evaluating highly heterogeneous outcomes. These were two randomised-controlled (RCTs), three non-randomised controlled, and seven non-randomised non-controlled trials. In total, 392 participants were included and 185 were in RCTs. No study assessed the effectiveness of mirtazapine in alleviating symptoms at the same time, but some considered more than one symptom. Overall, the data was of poor quality, limited by small sample size and bias. However, mirtazapine showed effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, emesis and neuropathic pain. Across all studies, mirtazapine is safe to use, with drowsiness and dizziness the most common side-effects. Conclusion Study design and small sample sizes limit the ability to interpret results. Trials to assess the impact of mirtazapine or other medicines in alleviating multiple symptoms would be valuable.

Employment programmes and interventions targeting adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of the literature

Autism ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 929-941 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren Hedley ◽  
Mirko Uljarević ◽  
Lauren Cameron ◽  
Santoshi Halder ◽  
Amanda Richdale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Family System ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Impact

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder face significant challenges entering the workforce; yet research in this area is limited and the issues are poorly understood. In this systematic review, empirical peer-reviewed studies on employment programmes, interventions and employment-related outcomes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder over 18 years with and without intellectual disability were identified and evaluated. The review was prefaced by a summary of previous systematic reviews in the area. Web of Science, Medline, PsychINFO, ERIC and Scopus databases were systematically searched through to October 2015. From 32,829 records identified in the initial search, 10 review and 50 empirical articles, comprising N = 58,134 individuals with autism spectrum disorder, were included in the review. Selected articles were organised into the following themes: employment experiences, employment as a primary outcome, development of workplace skills, non-employment-related outcomes, assessment instruments, employer-focused and economic impact. Empirical studies were limited by poor participant characterisation, small sample size and/or a lack of randomisation and use of appropriate controls. Poor conceptualisation and measurement of outcomes significantly limited study quality and interpretation. Future research will require a multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach to explore employment outcomes on the individual, the family system, co-workers and the employer, along with the impact of individual differences on outcome.

scholarly journals The Effect of Implanted Functional Electrical Stimulation on Gait Performance in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 8323
Author(s):  
Gu Eon Kang ◽  
Rebecca Frederick ◽  
Brandon Nunley ◽  
Lawrence Lavery ◽  
Yasin Dhaher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Functional Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Gait Performance

The emerging literature suggests that implantable functional electrical stimulation may improve gait performance in stroke survivors. However, there is no review providing the possible therapeutic effects of implanted functional electrical stimulation on gait performance in stroke survivors. We performed a web-based, systematic paper search using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. We limited the search results to human subjects and papers published in peer-reviewed journals in English. We did not restrict demographic or clinical characteristics. We included 10 papers in the current systematic review. Across all included studies, we found preliminary evidence of the potential therapeutic effects of functional electrical stimulation on walking endurance, walking speed, ankle mobility, and push-off force in stroke survivors. However, due to the heterogeneity between the included studies, small sample size, and lack of randomized controlled trials, more studies are critically needed to confirm whether implanted functional electrical stimulation can improve gait performance in stroke survivors.

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