scholarly journals Teledentistry in the diagnosis of oral lesions: A systematic review of the literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 1166-1172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anacláudia Pereira da Costa Flores ◽  
Samara Andreolla Lazaro ◽  
Cynthia Goulart Molina-Bastos ◽  
Verônica Lucas de Oliveira Guattini ◽  
Roberto Nunes Umpierre ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize information on the use of teledentistry in the diagnosis of oral lesions. Materials and Methods A systematic literature search conducted in August 2018 included articles published until December 2018 in 4 databases. Two reviewers evaluated the search results separately. If they were uncertain as to whether to include an article, a third reviewer made the final decision. Studies related to the diagnosis of oral lesions using teledentistry were included. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed using the Quality Assessment of Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy. Results Eleven articles were included in the study. The selected articles were published between 1999 and 2018, predominantly in developing countries. The professionals acting as patient examiners are dental students and dentists, as well as other health professionals. Most of the patients evaluated in the studies were from rural populations or locations distant from large centers. The tools used to obtain patient data were smartphones, videoconference, email, questionnaires, histopathological exams, and telemedicine applications and systems. Most studies concluded that there is a high level of agreement between teledentistry and clinical consultation and that the use of this resource for diagnostic purposes can reduce costs and the travel time to consult a specialist personally. Nine of the 11 studies were of good quality. Conclusions Teledentistry has the potential to improve the care quality related to diagnosis and management of oral lesions, shortening distances between patients who need specialized diagnoses and specialists.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt X. Richardson ◽  
Maria Ehn ◽  
Sara Landerdahl Stridsberg ◽  
Ken Redekop ◽  
Sarah Wamala-Andersson

Abstract Background Nocturnal digital surveillance technologies are being widely implemented as interventions for remotely monitoring elderly populations, and often replace person-based surveillance. Such interventions are often placed in care institutions or in the home, and monitored by qualified personnel or relatives, enabling more rapid and/or frequent assessment of the individual’s need for assistance than through on-location visits. This systematic review summarized the effects of these surveillance technologies on health, welfare and social care provision outcomes in populations ≥ 50 years, compared to standard care. Method Primary studies published 2005–2020 that assessed these technologies were identified in 11 databases of peer-reviewed literature and numerous grey literature sources. Initial screening, full-text screening, and citation searching steps yielded the studies included in the review. The Risk of Bias and ROBINS-I tools were used for quality assessment of the included studies. Result Five studies out of 744 identified records met inclusion criteria. Health-related outcomes (e.g. accidents, 2 studies) and social care outcomes (e.g. staff burden, 4 studies) did not differ between interventions and standard care. Quality of life and affect showed improvement (1 study each), as did economic outcomes (1 study). The quality of studies was low however, with all studies possessing a high to critical risk of bias. Conclusions We found little evidence for the benefit of nocturnal digital surveillance interventions as compared to standard care in several key outcomes. Higher quality intervention studies should be prioritized in future research to provide more reliable evidence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-43
Author(s):  
I. A. Turov ◽  
R. R. Alimov ◽  
E. L. Lataria ◽  
N. V. Petrova

The article presents achievement analysis of diagnostic criteria for assessing the quality of emergency and specialized medical care, in which, 62 patients of a therapeutic profile were admitted to the hospital. The general criteria was approved by the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 203n of 10.05.2017, in terms of the volume and timeliness of care. Research results of the compliance of the provided EMА with the criteria for assessing its quality are: in the group of general quality assessment criteria — 1 00% and volume assessment criteria — 9 9,0% and timeliness — 9 8,9%. EMА at the admission of patients with a therapeutic profile to the hospital indicates a high level of its achievement.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. e001655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Garfield ◽  
Maureen Bartee ◽  
Landry Ndriko Mayigane

To date more than 100 countries have carried out a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) as part of their Global Health Security programme. The JEE is a detailed effort to assess a country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to population health threats in 19 programmatic areas. To date no attempt has been made to determine the validity of these measures. We compare scores and commentary from the JEE in three countries to the strengths and weaknesses identified in the response to a subsequent large-scale outbreak in each of those countries. Relevant indicators were compared qualitatively, and scored as low, medium or in a high level of agreement between the JEE and the outbreak review in each of these three countries. Three reviewers independently reviewed each of the three countries. A high level of correspondence existed between score and text in the JEE and strengths and weaknesses identified in the review of an outbreak. In general, countries responded somewhat better than JEE scores indicated, but this appears to be due in part to JEE-related identification of weaknesses in that area. The improved response in large measure was due to more rapid requests for international assistance in these areas. It thus appears that even before systematic improvements are made in public health infrastructure that the JEE process may assist in improving outcomes in response to major outbreaks.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 7187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Garden Tabacchi ◽  
Guillermo F. Lopez Sanchez ◽  
Fatma Nese Sahin ◽  
Meltem Kizilyalli ◽  
Rosario Genchi ◽  
...  

High levels of physical fitness (PF) can positively affect both health and cognitive function, thus monitoring its levels in youth can help increase health and quality of life in adult populations later on. This systematic review aims to identify PF field-based tests used in young European populations practicing sport to find tools that are adequate for the considered target involving a new battery within the Enriched Sport Activities (ESA) project. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed. In the 83 identified articles, the main tests used were: vertical/horizontal jumps (for muscular strength/power); push-ups, running at maximum effort, sit-ups (for muscular strength/endurance); multistage non-intermittent and intermittent tests (for aerobic endurance); sit and reach (for flexibility); sprinting and agility T-tests (for speed and agility, respectively); 10 × 5 m shuttle run (SR) (for both speed and agility). Few studies assessed coordination, reaction time, power, and balance. Although the selected tests are widely used and validated, they do not determine all PF aspects and do not reflect sport-specific features. A final decision was made for the inclusion of the following tests: standing broad jump, seated medicine ball throw, 20 m SR test, 30 m sprint, Illinois test, and a new test, i.e., the crunning test, to assess different skill-related components at once. The use of this combination of tests allows for the assessment of all PF components and can help planning effective training programs and cultivate sporting talent.


Author(s):  
Aline Moraes de Abreu ◽  
Duan Renato da Silva Fraga ◽  
Bruna Bastos Giergowicz ◽  
Rosália Borges Figueiró ◽  
Roberta Waterkemper

ABSTRACT Objective: To synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of nursing interventions in radiotherapy patient care and to summarize the evidence on the experience and acceptability of interventions reported by health professionals involved in the prevention and treatment of side effects. Method: A mixed-method systematic review. Quantitative and qualitative studies are presented. Results: Twelve studies published between 2013 and 2017 were included. Most interventions found focused on skin care, oral care, nausea and vomiting and nursing consultation. In accordance with high level of evidence and recommendation grade of the studies, the use of Calendula officinalis and thyme honey were considered effective for preventing and treating radiodermatitis and mucositis, respectively. Conclusion: The quality of evidence of nursing interventions is weak. Although there are studies with a strong design and a high level of evidence, publication of nursing interventions is not enough and does not present a high quality to support practice to plan an effective patient-centered care.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 7389
Author(s):  
Irene Cortés-Pérez ◽  
Marcelina Sánchez-Alcalá ◽  
Francisco Antonio Nieto-Escámez ◽  
Yolanda Castellote-Caballero ◽  
Esteban Obrero-Gaitán ◽  
...  

Patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have a high level of fatigue and a reduced quality of life (QoL) due to the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS). Virtual reality-based therapy (VRBT) is being used to reduce disability in PwMS. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of VRBT on fatigue, the impact of MS, and QoL in PwMS. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted through a bibliographic search on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro up to April 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with PwMS that received VRBT in comparison to conventional therapy (CT) including physiotherapy, balance and strength exercises, and stretching or physical activity, among others; or in comparison to simple observation; in order to assess fatigue, MS-impact, and QoL. The effect size was calculated using Cohen’s standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Twelve RCTs that provided data from 606 PwMS (42.83 ± 6.86 years old and 70% women) were included. The methodological quality mean, according to the PEDro Scale, was 5.83 ± 0.83 points. Our global findings showed that VRBT is effective at reducing fatigue (SMD −0.33; 95% CI −0.61, −0.06), lowering the impact of MS (SMD −0.3; 95% CI −0.55, −0.04), and increasing overall QoL (0.5; 95% CI 0.23, 0.76). Subgroup analysis showed the following: (1) VRBT is better than CT at reducing fatigue (SMD −0.4; 95% CI −0.7, −0.11), as well as in improving the mental dimension of QoL (SMD 0.51; 95% CI 0.02, 1); (2) VRBT is better than simple observation at reducing the impact of MS (SMD −0.61; 95% CI −0.97, −0.23) and increasing overall QoL (SMD 0.79; 95% CI 0.3, 1.28); and (3) when combined with CT, VRBT is more effective than CT in improving the global (SMD 0.6, 95% CI 0.13, 1.07), physical (SMD 0.87; 95% CI 0.3, 1.43), and mental dimensions (SMD 0.6; 95% CI 0.08, 1.11) of QoL. Conclusion: VRBT is effective at reducing fatigue and MS impact and improving QoL in PwMS.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Alqarni

Abstract Background Evaluating students’ professional satisfaction of operative dentistry teaching and curriculum can help in identifying their educational needs and improving the quality of the education imparted. This study aimed to assess the professional satisfaction derived by undergraduate dental students in Saudi Arabia from the operative dentistry course teaching and its curriculum.Methods A total of 193 (109 male 56.48%; and 84 female 43.52%) students participated in a survey. The respondents were at the 10th, 11th, and 12th levels of the operational dentistry course in a ratio of 34.2%, 32.1%, and 33.7%, respectively. Data were collected from survey items (18 questions) covering six areas: Learning Objectives, Course Materials, Content Relevance, Instructor knowledge, Instructor delivery and Style, and Facility and environment. Descriptive and analytical tests were performed using SPSS Software 19 with the significance level set at 0.05.Results A high level of satisfaction was seen among Level 10 (68.18%), Level 11 (79.03%), and Level 12 (86.15%) students. Significant statistical difference was observed among Level 10 students with a low-level of satisfaction and a high level of satisfaction (p<0.05). The percentage of satisfaction increased with the level. A high level of satisfaction was seen among both male (78.90%) and female (76.19%) students, with a total satisfaction level of 77.72%.Conclusion Continuous evaluation and assessment of teaching as well as curriculum can be a tool to improve the quality of education imparted, especially in clinical courses such as operative dentistry.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Caroline O'Connor ◽  
Sara Leitao ◽  
Keelin O'Donoghue

Overview: The protocol outlines the process designed to systematically review clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), addressing the antenatal management of dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies. Background: CPGs are statements that include recommendations intended to optimise patient care, that are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options. CPGs are typically created by scientific institutes, organisations and professional societies, and high-quality CPGs are fundamental to improve patient outcomes, standardise clinical practice and improve the quality of care. While CPGs are designed to improve the quality of care, to achieve this, the identification and appraisal of current international CPGs is required. Because twin pregnancies are identified as high-risk pregnancies, a systematic review of the CPGs in this field is a useful first step for establishing the required high level of care. Aim: The aim of the systematic review is to identify, appraise and examine published CPGs for the antenatal management of DCDA twin pregnancies, within high-income countries.  Methods: We will identify published CPGs addressing any aspect of antenatal management of care in DCDA twin pregnancies, appraise the quality of the identified CPGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation version 2 (AGREE II) the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation – Recommendations excellence (AGREE-REX) instruments and examining the recommendations from the identified CPGs. Ultimately, this protocol aspires to clearly define the process for a reproducible systematic review of CPGs within a high-income country, addressing any aspect of antenatal management of DCDA twin pregnancies. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021248586 (24/06/2021)


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e048917
Author(s):  
Shiyu Lu ◽  
Anna Y Zhang ◽  
Tianyin Liu ◽  
Jacky C P Choy ◽  
Maggie S L Ma ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo understand and assess the degree of personalisation of tailored activities for people with dementia (PWD); and to estimate the magnitude of the effects of levels of personalisation on reducing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), improving quality of life (QoL) and level of engagement.DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis.Data sourcesProQuest, PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched from the start of indexing to May 2020.Eligibility criteriaWe included randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies assessing the effects of tailored activities for people aged 60 years or older with dementia or cognitive impairment on the outcomes of BPSD, QoL, depression and level of engagement with control groups.Data extraction and synthesisTwo researchers screened studies, extracted data and assessed risks of bias. A rating scheme to assess the degree of personalisation of tailored activities was developed to classify tailored activities into high/medium/low groups. Effect sizes were expressed using standardised mean differences at 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess whether the degree of personalisation of tailored activities affected outcomes of interest.ResultsThirty-five studies covering 2390 participants from 16 countries/regions were identified. Studies with a high-level of personalisation interventions (n=8) had a significant and moderate effect on reducing BPSD (standardised mean differences, SMD=−0.52, p<0.05), followed by medium (n=6; SMD=−0.38, p=0.071) and low-level personalisation interventions (n=6; SMD=−0.15, p=0.076). Tailored activities with a high-level of personalisation had a moderate effect size on improving QoL (n=5; SMD=0.52, p<0.05), followed by a medium level (n=3; SMD=0.41, p<0.05) of personalisation.ConclusionsTo develop high-level tailored activities to reduce BPSD and improve QoL among PWD, we recommend applying comprehensive assessments to identify and address two or more PWD characteristics in designed tailored activities and allow modification of interventions to respond to changing PWD needs/circumstances.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020168556.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Cormier-Daire ◽  
Moeenaldeen AlSayed ◽  
Tawfeg Ben-Omran ◽  
Sérgio Bernardo de Sousa ◽  
Silvio Boero ◽  
...  

AbstractAchondroplasia is the most common type of skeletal dysplasia, caused by a recurrent pathogenic variant in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). The management of achondroplasia is multifaceted, requiring the involvement of multiple specialties across the life course. There are significant unmet needs associated with achondroplasia and substantial differences in different countries with regard to delivery of care. To address these challenges the European Achondroplasia Forum (EAF), a network of senior clinicians and orthopaedic surgeons from Europe and the Middle East representative of the achondroplasia clinical community, came together with the overall aim of improving patient outcomes. The EAF developed a consensus on guiding principles of management of achondroplasia to provide a basis for developing optimal care in Europe. All members of the EAF were invited to submit suggestions for guiding principles of management, which were consolidated and then discussed during a meeting in December 2020. The group voted anonymously on the inclusion of each principle, with the requirement of a 75% majority at the first vote to pass the principle. A vote on the level of agreement was then held. A total of six guiding principles were developed, which cover management over the lifetime of a person with achondroplasia. The principles centre on the lifelong management of achondroplasia by an experienced multidisciplinary team to anticipate and manage complications, support independence, and improve quality of life. There is focus on timely referral to a physician experienced in the management of achondroplasia on suspicion of the condition, shared decision making, the goals of management, access to adaptive measures to enable those with achondroplasia to access their environment, and the importance of ongoing monitoring throughout adolescence and adulthood. All principles achieved the 75% majority required for acceptance at the first vote (range 91–100%) and a high level of agreement (range 8.5–9.6). The guiding principles of management for achondroplasia provide all healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups and policy makers involved in the management of achondroplasia with overarching considerations when developing health systems to support the management of achondroplasia.


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