Current challenges of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence studies among blood donors: A scoping review

Background: Blood donors are increasingly being recognized as an informative resource for surveillance. We aimed to review and characterize SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies conducted using blood donors to investigate methodology and provide guidance for future research. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed and preprint publications between January 2020 to January 2021. Two reviewers used standardized forms to extract seroprevalence estimates and data on methodology pertaining to population sampling, periodicity, assay characteristics and antibody kinetics. National data on cumulative incidence and social distancing policies were extracted from publicly available sources and summarized. Results: Thirty-three studies representing 1,323,307 blood donations from 20 countries worldwide were included (sample size per study ranged from 22 to 953,926 donations). Seroprevalence rates ranged from 0% to 76% (after adjusting for waning antibodies). Overall, less than 1 in 5 studies reported standardized seroprevalence rates to reflect the demographics of the general population. Stratification by age and sex were most common (64% of studies), followed by region (48%). 52% of studies reported seroprevalence at a single time point. Overall, 27 unique assay combinations were identified, 55% of studies used a single assay and only 39% adjusted seroprevalence rates for imperfect test characteristics. Among the eight nationally representative studies case detection was most underrepresented in Kenya (1:1264). Conclusion: As of December 11, 2020, 79% of studies reported seroprevalence rates <10%; thresholds far from reaching herd immunity. In addition to differences in community transmission and diverse public health policies, study designs and methodology were likely contributing factors to seroprevalence heterogeneity.

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A scoping review of Clinical Studies, Hospital Group Reports and National Strategic Documents on vascular access devices in cancer patients

The Journal of Vascular Access ◽

10.1177/11297298211041443 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112972982110414

Author(s):

Jennifer Clesham ◽

Helen Reynolds ◽

Peter J Carr

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Vascular Access ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Future Research ◽

Infection Rates ◽

Vascular Access Devices ◽

Access Device ◽

Catheter Related Infection ◽

Scoping Reviews ◽

Study Designs

Introduction: The extent of vascular/venous access device (VAD) research output from the Island of Ireland is unknown. The identification of the papers available is important to create a future research agenda. Objectives: The main objective of this study is to answer three questions: What is the number and descriptive quality of reported Vascular Access Device literature from the Island of Ireland? Is the reporting of Catheter Related Infection rates for cancer patients common in Irish Hospital Groups, National Cancer Reports and Publication Outputs? What are the implications for future research in this area? Methods: We used a scoping review and searched selected databases, grey literature and hospital regulatory bodies websites following the Joanna Briggs Institute Guidelines 2017. A data charting form was developed based on a template from the Joanna Briggs Institute and this was used to extract data from the included reports. Results: A total of 660 reports were screened. Sixty-one full text articles were reviewed from which 20 reports were included for data extraction. Of the reports included the following designs were used: nine retrospective study designs, four guidelines, two prospective study designs, two literature reviews and one of the following; survey, case study and cross sectional analysis designs. We did not identify any randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, meta-synthesis and scoping reviews. Five studies included catheter related infection rates. Gaps in the research include the collection of data sets and the need to establish a VAD registry; develop core outcomes for VADs; assessment and evaluation of VAD care bundles among cancer patients; and, the inclusion of public and patient involvement in future VAD research. Conclusion: The reporting of VAD outcomes in published literature regarding cancer patients receiving treatment in Ireland is inconsistent and varied with no interventional studies addressing vascular access complications in cancer care.

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Methods Used to Evaluate mHealth Applications for Cardiovascular Disease: A Quasi-Systematic Scoping Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182312315 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (23) ◽

pp. 12315

Author(s):

Felix Holl ◽

Jennifer Kircher ◽

Walter J. Swoboda ◽

Johannes Schobel

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Health Care ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Evaluation Framework ◽

Future Research ◽

Laboratory Diagnostics ◽

The Face ◽

Mobile Health Applications ◽

Study Designs ◽

Mhealth Apps

In the face of demographic change and constantly increasing health care costs, health care system decision-makers face ever greater challenges. Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) have the potential to combat this trend. However, in order to integrate mHealth apps into care structures, an evaluation of such apps is needed. In this paper, we focus on the criteria and methods of evaluating mHealth apps for cardiovascular disease and the implications for developing a widely applicable evaluation framework for mHealth interventions. Our aim is to derive substantiated patterns and starting points for future research by conducting a quasi-systematic scoping review of relevant peer-reviewed literature published in English or German between 2000 and 2021. We screened 4066 articles and identified n = 38 studies that met our inclusion criteria. The results of the data derived from these studies show that usability, motivation, and user experience were evaluated primarily using standardized questionnaires. Usage protocols and clinical outcomes were assessed primarily via laboratory diagnostics and quality-of-life questionnaires, and cost effectiveness was tested primarily based on economic measures. Based on these findings, we propose important considerations and elements for the development of a common evaluation framework for professional mHealth apps, including study designs, data collection tools, and perspectives.

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COVID-19 prevalence and infection control measures at homeless shelters and hostels in high-income countries: a scoping review

10.25071/10315/38850 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Justine Levesque ◽

Jordan Babando ◽

Nathaniel Loranger ◽

Shantel Johnson

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Disease Outbreaks ◽

High Income ◽

Control Measures ◽

Homeless Shelters ◽

Future Research ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Service Workers

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted homeless populations and service workers, especially within homeless shelter/hostel settings. To date, there have been few evidence syntheses examining outbreaks of COVID-19 among both homeless shelters residents and service workers, nor has there been a critically engaged summary of relevant infection control and prevention (IPAC) measures. This scoping review offers a timely and much-needed synthesis of COVID-19 prevalence within homeless shelters and a review of current and pertinent IPAC measures. Methods: We conducted a scoping review in June 2021 that synthesized academic and grey literature published from March 2020 to July 2021 pertaining to 1) the prevalence of COVID-19 among both residents and staff in homeless shelters and hostels in high-income countries, and 2) COVID-19 IPAC strategies applied in these settings. Two reviewers independently screened the results of the literature search of several databases that included MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and the WHO’s COVID-19 Global Health Portal. All the extracted data was mapped, categorized, and thematically discussed. Results: Thematic analysis of included literature revealed five key themes: 1) the demographics of COVID-19 in homeless shelters, 2) asymptomatic spread, 3) pre-existing vulnerability of the homeless and shelters, 4) the limited application of IPAC, and 5) IPAC effectiveness. Conclusion: This review offers a useful glimpse into the landscape of COVID-19 outbreaks in homeless shelters/hostels and the major contributing factors to these events. The scoping review revealed that there is no clear indication of generally accepted IPAC standards for homeless populations and shelter care workers. This review also illustrated a great need for future research to establish IPAC best practices as well as additional resources for shelter systems to protect residents and staff at homeless shelters/hostels in high-income countries. Finally, the findings from this review reaffirm that homelessness prevention is a key to limiting disease outbreaks, and the associated negative health outcomes in shelter populations.

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A Scoping Review Mapping Research on Green Space and Associated Mental Health Benefits

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16122081 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (12) ◽

pp. 2081 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Charlotte Wendelboe-Nelson ◽

Sarah Kelly ◽

Marion Kennedy ◽

John Cherrie

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Green Space ◽

Positive Association ◽

Future Research ◽

Health And Wellbeing ◽

Key Points ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Interest In Research ◽

Study Designs

Background: There is a growing interest in research investigating the association between green space (GS) and mental health and wellbeing (HWB), in order to understand the underlying mechanisms. Accordingly, there is a need to map the literature and create an overview of the research. Methods: A scoping review approach was used to map literature on GS, including context and co-exposures (the GS exposome), and their associations with mental HWB. The review considers mental HWB definitions and measurements and how GS is characterized. Furthermore, the review aims to identify knowledge gaps and make recommendations for future research. Results: We identified a great diversity in study designs, definitions, outcome measures, consideration of the totality of the GS exposome, and reporting of results. Around 70% of the 263 reviewed studies reported a positive association between some aspect of GS and HWB. However, there is a limited amount of research using randomized controlled crossover trails (RCTs) and mixed methods and an abundance of qualitative subjective research. Conclusions: The discords between study designs, definitions, and the reporting of results makes it difficult to aggregate the evidence and identify any potential causal mechanisms. We propose key points to consider when defining and quantifying GS and make recommendations for reporting on research investigating GS and mental HWB. This review highlights a need for large well-designed RCTs that reliably measure the GS exposome in relation to mental HWB.

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Management of chronic Achilles ruptures: a scoping review

International Orthopaedics ◽

10.1007/s00264-021-05102-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zaki Arshad ◽

Edward Jun Shing Lau ◽

Shu Hui Leow ◽

Maneesh Bhatia

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Treatment Protocol ◽

Future Research ◽

Flexor Hallucis Longus ◽

Operative Outcomes ◽

Computer Based ◽

American Orthopaedic ◽

Study Designs ◽

Treatment Improvement ◽

Full Text Screening

Abstract Purpose This scoping review aims to systematically map and summarise the available evidence on the management of chronic Achilles ruptures, whilst identifying prognostic factors and areas of future research. Methods A scoping review was performed according to the frameworks of Arksey and O’Malley, Levac and Peters. A computer-based search was performed in PubMed, Embase, EmCare, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science and Scopus, for articles reporting treatment of chronic Achilles ruptures. Two reviewers independently performed title/abstract and full text screening according to pre-defined selection criteria. Results A total of 747 unique articles were identified, of which 73 (9.8%) met all inclusion criteria. A variety of methods are described, with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer being the most common. The most commonly reported outcome is the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, although 16 other measures were reported in the literatures. All studies comparing pre- and post-operative outcomes reported significant post-treatment improvement. Complications were reported in 50 studies, with an overall pooled complication rate of 168/1065 (15.8%). Conclusion Although beneficial results were reported following a variety of techniques, comparison between these is challenging due to the low-level study designs used and confounding factors such as treatment delay and tendon gap size. Further research comparing the efficacy of different techniques is required in order to facilitate the development of an evidence-based treatment protocol. Such work would allow clinicians to better understand the suitability of the large variety of reported techniques and select the optimal strategy for each individual patient.

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Interventions to increase migrants’ care-seeking behaviour for stigmatised conditions: a scoping review

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology ◽

10.1007/s00127-021-02065-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Vanessa Place ◽

Benjamin Nabb ◽

Karima Viksten Assel ◽

Sofie Bäärnhielm ◽

Christina Dalman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Support Groups ◽

Scoping Review ◽

High Income ◽

Future Research ◽

Main Body ◽

Full Time ◽

Care Seeking ◽

Community Based Interventions ◽

Study Designs ◽

Care Seeking Behaviour

Abstract Background Despite availability of effective treatments, migrants in high-income countries seek care for conditions associated with stigma to a lower extent than the rest of the population. We conducted a scoping review to map the literature on interventions to increase migrants’ care-seeking behaviour in high-income countries for stigmatised conditions. Main body of the abstract: We searched 15 electronic databases and journals, hand-searched references and citations, to identify studies on interventions to increase migrants’ care-seeking in high-income countries for stigmatised conditions. We applied language restrictions for English and Swedish, and searched the full time period up to 5 July 2019. Our primary outcome of interest was care utilisation. Results 5447 records were identified in the literature searches. We identified 16 eligible studies, all from North America, that reported interventions to increase migrants’ care-seeking behaviour for hepatitis B (n = 1) and mental health (n = 15). Three approaches were identified: health communication (n = 10), support groups (n = 2), and primary care-based approaches (n = 4). There was a general trend towards community-based interventions tailored to individual migrant groups. Significant gaps were identified in the literature, including studies conducted in Europe and studies including men or children. Furthermore, the choice of study designs introduced significant bias that prevented accurate conclusions on intervention effectiveness. Conclusion The available evidence on interventions to increase migrants’ in high-income countries care-seeking behaviour for stigmatised conditions is limited in scope and quality. Future research, using reliable study designs, is needed to fill the remaining gaps and to boost the scope and reliability of the evidence.

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Assessing the effectiveness of actionable nutrigenomics and lifestyle genomics interventions for weight management in clinical practice: A critical, scoping review with directions for future research

Nutrition and Health ◽

10.1177/0260106020928667 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 167-173 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Justine Horne ◽

Jason Gilliland ◽

Janet Madill

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

Weight Management ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Genetic Risk ◽

Future Research ◽

Use Of Self ◽

Lifestyle Advice ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Body Of Knowledge ◽

Study Designs

Background: The use of nutrigenomics and lifestyle genomics in clinical practice has the potential to optimize weight-related outcomes for patients. Aim: A scoping review was conducted to summarize and evaluate the current body of knowledge related to the effectiveness of providing DNA-based lifestyle advice on weight-related outcomes, with the aim of providing direction for future research. Method: Primary studies were included if they were written in English, evaluated weight-related and/or body mass index and/or body composition outcomes, and provided participants with an actionable genetic-based lifestyle intervention; interventions that only provided information on genetic risk for diseases/conditions were excluded. Data was extracted from each article meeting inclusion criteria ( N=3) and the studies were critically appraised for methodological limitations. Results: Research in this area is promising, but limited. Specific limitations relate to study designs, the nature of the recommendations provided to participants, small (underpowered) sample sizes, the use of self-reported weight/BMI data and lack of consideration of important confounding factors. Conclusions: Therefore, the effectiveness of nutrigenomics and lifestyle genomics interventions for weight management in clinical practice cannot yet be conclusively determined. Recommendations for future research are detailed in the present manuscript.

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Gaps in maternal, newborn, and child health research: a scoping review of 72 years in Ethiopia

10.1101/2021.01.16.21249929 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Grace J Chan ◽

Jenna Daniel ◽

Misrak Getnet ◽

Matthew Kennedy ◽

Ronke Olowojesiku ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Child Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Future Research ◽

List Type ◽

Newborn And Child Health ◽

Research Questions ◽

Study Designs ◽

And Child Health

ABSTRACTObjectivesDespite significant reductions in maternal and child mortality over the past few decades, a disproportionate number of global deaths occur in low and middle-income country settings, such as Ethiopia. To prioritize research questions that would generate policy recommendations for better outcomes, we conducted a scoping review that gathers the current knowledge of maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) and illustrates remaining gaps in Ethiopia.DesignScoping review.MethodsWe conducted a search strategy from 1946-2018 in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the WHO African Index Medicus. The study team of reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-texts; abstracted data; and reconciled differences in pairs. Descriptive analyses were conducted.ResultsWe identified 7,829 unique articles of which 2,170 were included. Most MNCH publications in Ethiopia (70.0%) were published in the last decade, 2010-2018. Most studies included children aged one to less than 10 years old (30.5%), women of reproductive age (22.0%), and pregnant women (21.9%); fewer studies included newborns (7.0%), infants (6.6%), and postpartum women (2.9%). Research topics included demographics and social determinants of health (43.4%), nutrition (15.3%), and infectious diseases (13.0%). There were limited studies on violence (1.4%), preterm birth (0.8%), antenatal/postpartum depression (0.7%), stillbirths (0.1%), and accidents (0.1%). Most study designs were cross-sectional (53.6%). A few study designs included prospective cohort studies (5.5%) and randomized control trials (2.3%).ConclusionsThis is the first scoping review to describe the landscape of MNCH research in Ethiopia. Understanding the depth of existing knowledge will support the prioritization and development of future research questions. Additional studies are needed to focus on the neonatal, infant, and postpartum populations as well as preterm and stillbirth outcomes.STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDYTo our knowledge, this is the first published review to have comprehensively described or summarized this body of literature in Ethiopia, allowing for a deeper understanding of the expanse of existing knowledge.A quality assessment of each study was not feasible due to the broad range of included topics; however, one may be conducted in the future to further refine results.Although conclusions may not be widely generalizable beyond Ethiopia, this review may inform the need to conduct similar reviews for all sub-Saharan countries to support effective prioritization of future research questions.

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Nursing Faculty Shortage in Canada: A Review of Contributing Factors

10.20944/preprints202101.0452.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sheila A. Boamah ◽

Miranda Callen ◽

Edward Cruz

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Organizational Support ◽

Nursing Faculty ◽

Future Research ◽

Nurse Faculty ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Faculty Shortage ◽

Nursing Faculty Shortage ◽

Employment Conditions ◽

Scoping Reviews

Background: Strong nursing faculty is paramount to promote disciplinary leadership and to prepare future nurses for practice. Our understanding of the factors associated with or predictive of nurse faculty retention and/or turnover is lacking. Purpose: The aim of this review is to identify and synthesize the existing literature on factors contributing to nurse faculty shortage in Canada and implications on nursing practice. Methods: A scoping review based on the Arskey and O’Malley’s five stage framework for scoping reviews was undertaken. Utilising the PRISMA protocol, a comprehensive and structured literature search was conducted in five databases of studies published in English.Findings: Limited through search inclusion and relevance of research, nine studies out of 220 papers met the criteria for this review and were thematically analyzed. Identified themes were: supply versus demand; employment conditions; organizational support; and personal factors.Discussion: Impending retirement of faculty, unsupportive leadership, and stressful work environments were frequently reported as significant contributing factors to the faculty shortage.Conclusions: This scoping review provide insights into how Canada’s schools of nursing could engage in grounded efforts to lessen nursing faculty shortage, both nationally and globally. We identified a gap in the literature that indicates that foundational work is needed to create context-specific solutions. The limited studies published in Canada suggests that this is a critical area for future research and funding.

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Suicide capacity within the ideation-to-action framework: a scoping review protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043649 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e043649

Author(s):

Luke T Bayliss ◽

Andrea Lamont-Mills ◽

Carol du Plessis ◽

Talia Morgan

Keyword(s):

Suicide Attempt ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Practical Knowledge ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Future Research ◽

Publication Date ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Review Protocol ◽

Human Participants

IntroductionA core facilitator of the transition from suicidal thoughts to suicide attempt is the individual’s capacity for suicide. Suicide capacity is a theoretically universal concept adaptable for specific groups that is hypothesised to comprise three contributing factors: acquired capability, for example, previous self-harm; dispositional, such as genetic influences and practical, knowledge of and access to lethal means. Given that suicide capacity as a concept is continuing to develop, a review and synthesis of the current literature is timely to ensure future research and development of suicide prevention strategies are based on evidential knowledge. The aim of this review is to map the available evidence to provide an overview of factors that contribute to an adult’s capacity for suicide.Methods and analysisThis review will encompass five stages. Studies will be identified through broad search strings applied to 11 academic databases: Academic Search Ultimate, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Psychology & Behavioural Sciences, & Sociology Source Ultimate via EBSCOHost Megafile Ultimate; PubMed; Science Direct; Wiley Online; Taylor & Francis and ProQuest dissertations and theses. Grey literature databases and key suicide organisations will also be searched for relevant literature. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts then review full texts to identify articles meeting inclusion criteria. Articles will be assessed for eligibility based on suicide attempt history, primary research study design, language and publication date. Data from eligible full texts will be extracted using a predesigned template for analysis. The synthesisation method will be textual narrative synthesis with an incorporated quality appraisal checklist tool.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required for this scoping review as no human participants are involved. Study findings will be shared with key suicide organisations, through peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations.

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