Overdiagnosis across medical disciplines: a scoping review

ObjectiveTo provide insight into how and in what clinical fields overdiagnosis is studied and give directions for further applied and methodological research.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesMedline up to August 2017.Study selectionAll English studies on humans, in which overdiagnosis was discussed as a dominant theme.Data extractionStudies were assessed on clinical field, study aim (ie, methodological or non-methodological), article type (eg, primary study, review), the type and role of diagnostic test(s) studied and the context in which these studies discussed overdiagnosis.ResultsFrom 4896 studies, 1851 were included for analysis. Half of all studies on overdiagnosis were performed in the field of oncology (50%). Other prevalent clinical fields included mental disorders, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases accounting for 9%, 8% and 6% of studies, respectively. Overdiagnosis was addressed from a methodological perspective in 20% of studies. Primary studies were the most common article type (58%). The type of diagnostic tests most commonly studied were imaging tests (32%), although these were predominantly seen in oncology and cardiovascular disease (84%). Diagnostic tests were studied in a screening setting in 43% of all studies, but as high as 75% of all oncological studies. The context in which studies addressed overdiagnosis related most frequently to its estimation, accounting for 53%. Methodology on overdiagnosis estimation and definition provided a source for extensive discussion. Other contexts of discussion included definition of disease, overdiagnosis communication, trends in increasing disease prevalence, drivers and consequences of overdiagnosis, incidental findings and genomics.ConclusionsOverdiagnosis is discussed across virtually all clinical fields and in different contexts. The variability in characteristics between studies and lack of consensus on overdiagnosis definition indicate the need for a uniform typology to improve coherence and comparability of studies on overdiagnosis.

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Are We Closer to International Consensus on the Term ‘Food Literacy’?: A Systematic Scoping Review of Its Use in the Academic Literature (1998–2019)

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13062006 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 2006

Author(s):

Courtney Thompson ◽

Jean Adams ◽

Helen Anna Vidgen

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

International Agency ◽

Original Research ◽

International Consensus ◽

Food Literacy ◽

Academic Literature ◽

Review Articles ◽

Article Type ◽

Definition Of ◽

Over Time

(1) Background: The term ‘food literacy’ has gained momentum globally; however, a lack of clarity around its definition has resulted in inconsistencies in use of the term. Therefore, the objective was to conduct a systematic scoping review to describe the use, reach, application and definitions of the term ‘food literacy’ over time. (2) Methods: A search was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines in seven research databases without any date limitations up to 31 December 2019, searching simply for use of the term ‘food literacy’. (3) Results: Five hundred and forty-nine studies were included. The term ‘food literacy’ was used once in 243 articles (44%) and mentioned by researchers working in 41 countries. Original research was the most common article type (n = 429, 78%). Food literacy was published across 72 In Cites disciplines, with 456 (83%) articles from the last 5 years. In articles about food literacy (n = 82, 15%), review articles were twice as prevalent compared to the total number of articles (n = 10, 12% vs. n = 32, 6%). Fifty-one different definitions of food literacy were cited. (4) Conclusions: ‘Food literacy’ has been used frequently and broadly across differing article types and disciplines in academic literature internationally. However, agreement on a standardised definition of food literacy endorsed by a peak international agency is needed in order to progress the field.

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Global neurosurgery: a scoping review detailing the current state of international neurosurgical outreach

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2020.2.jns192517 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Anthony T. Fuller ◽

Ariana Barkley ◽

Robin Du ◽

Cyrus Elahi ◽

Ali R. Tafreshi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Medical Personnel ◽

The United States ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Gray Literature ◽

Current State ◽

Study Selection ◽

Research And Education

OBJECTIVEGlobal neurosurgery is a rapidly emerging field that aims to address the worldwide shortages in neurosurgical care. Many published outreach efforts and initiatives exist to address the global disparity in neurosurgical care; however, there is no centralized report detailing these efforts. This scoping review aims to characterize the field of global neurosurgery by identifying partnerships between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and/or middle-income countries (LMICs) that seek to increase neurosurgical capacity.METHODSA scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. A search was conducted in five electronic databases and the gray literature, defined as literature not published through traditional commercial or academic means, to identify studies describing global neurosurgery partnerships. Study selection and data extraction were performed by four independent reviewers, and any disagreements were settled by the team and ultimately the team lead.RESULTSThe original database search produced 2221 articles, which was reduced to 183 final articles after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. These final articles, along with 9 additional gray literature references, captured 169 unique global neurosurgery collaborations between HICs and LMICs. Of this total, 103 (61%) collaborations involved surgical intervention, while local training of medical personnel, research, and education were done in 48%, 38%, and 30% of efforts, respectively. Many of the collaborations (100 [59%]) are ongoing, and 93 (55%) of them resulted in an increase in capacity within the LMIC involved. The largest proportion of efforts began between 2005–2009 (28%) and 2010–2014 (17%). The most frequently involved HICs were the United States, Canada, and France, whereas the most frequently involved LMICs were Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.CONCLUSIONSThis review provides a detailed overview of current global neurosurgery efforts, elucidates gaps in the existing literature, and identifies the LMICs that may benefit from further efforts to improve accessibility to essential neurosurgical care worldwide.

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Exploration of implementation, financial and technical considerations within allied health professional (AHP) telehealth consultation guidance: a scoping review including UK AHP professional bodies’ guidance

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055823 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. e055823

Author(s):

Enza Leone ◽

Nicola Eddison ◽

Aoife Healy ◽

Carolyn Royse ◽

Nachiappan Chockalingam

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Allied Health ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Collaborative Work ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Legal Aspects ◽

Future Research ◽

Allied Health Professionals ◽

Study Selection ◽

The Uk

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a shift to remote consultations, but telehealth consultation guidelines are lacking or inconsistent. Therefore, a scoping review was performed to chart the information in the articles exploring telehealth for the UK allied health professionals (AHPs) and compare them with the UK AHP professional bodies’ guidelines.DesignScoping review following Aksey and O’ Malley methodological framework.Data sourcesCINHAL and MEDLINE were searched from inception to March 2021 using terms related to ‘telehealth’, ‘guidelines’ and ‘AHPs’. Additionally, the UK AHP professional bodies were contacted requesting their guidelines.Study selectionArticles exploring telehealth for patient consultations, written in English and published in peer-reviewed journal or guidelines available from UK AHP professional bodies/their websites were considered eligible for review.Data extractionOne reviewer extracted data concerning three overarching domains: implementation, financial and technological considerations.Results2632 articles were identified through database searches with 21 articles eligible for review. Eight guidelines were obtained from the UK AHP professional bodies with a total of 29 included articles/guidelines. Most articles were published in the last two years; there was variety in telehealth terminology, and most were developed for occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists. Information was lacking about the assessment of telehealth use and effectiveness, barriers and limitations, the logistical management, the family’s and caregiver’s roles and the costs. There was lack of clarity on the AHPs’ registration requirements, costs and coverage, and legal aspects.ConclusionThis study identified gaps in current guidelines, which showed similarities as well as discrepancies with the guidance for non-AHP healthcare professionals and revealed that the existing guidelines do not adequately support AHPs delivering telehealth consultations. Future research and collaborative work across AHP groups and the world’s leading health institutions are suggested to establish common guidelines that will improve AHP telehealth services.

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Reflective Practice in Physical Therapy: A Scoping Review

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/pzz049 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 99 (8) ◽

pp. 1056-1068 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Christina Ziebart ◽

Joy C MacDermid

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Reflective Practice ◽

Professional Growth ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Publication Type ◽

Conceptual Approach ◽

Theoretical Concepts ◽

Study Selection ◽

Definition Of

AbstractBackgroundMany practitioners experience complex, uncertain, and unique clinical practice situations that can be navigated with reflection. Little is known about the theoretical and pragmatic perspectives of reflection in physical therapy.PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to examine the literature on reflection in physical therapy and identify gaps in the literature.Data SourceThe Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and PsycINFO were used to identify articles.Study SelectionStudies were selected to describe: (1) theoretical concepts related to reflection, (2) examples of reflection, and (3) the use of reflection in clinical or educational contexts.Data ExtractionAuthors, year of publication, country of origin, publication type or source, methodology, conceptual approach (including terminology used, definition of terminology used), and practical approach (including theoretical underpinning, context of reflection/reflective practice, and target group) guided the data extraction.Data SynthesisA total of 46 articles were reviewed spanning from 1992 to 2017, which included research studies, field articles, editorials, and a review article. Theoretical underpinnings of reflection were based on the thoughts of Donald Schön. Written approaches to reflection were most common, and reflection was used to inform education, clinical practice, and professional growth.LimitationsAs with any review paper, there is a certain level of interpretation required when collating and interpreting data.ConclusionsReflection in physical therapy could be advanced by a thorough conceptualization of reflective practice, a broader and deeper pool of research to inform optimal implementation of reflection across the career span from learners to experts, and a clear definition and linkage of reflection to epistemologies of physical therapy practice.

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A protocol for a scoping review of equity measurement in mental health care for children and youth

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-020-01495-3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

William Gardner ◽

Stuart G. Nicholls ◽

Graham J. Reid ◽

Brian Hutton ◽

Candyce Hamel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Full Text ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Open Science ◽

Children And Youth ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Study Selection ◽

Study Characteristics ◽

Two Stages

Abstract Background Mental health (MH) problems are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality for children and youth. Problems of lack of equity in child and youth MH services (CYMHS)—including, but not limited to, problems in inaccessibility and quality of services—are widespread. Characterizing the nature of equity in CYMHS is an ongoing challenge because the field lacks a consistent approach to conceptualizing equity. We will conduct a scoping review of how equity in MH services for children and youth has been defined, operationalized, and measured. Our objectives are to discover: (1) What conceptual definitions of equity are used by observational studies of CYMHS?; (2) What service characteristics of CYMHS care do indices of equity cover?; (3) What population dimensions have been used to operationalize equity?; (4) What statistical constructs have been used in indices that measure CYMHS equity?; and (5) What were the numerical values of those indices? Methods The following databases will be searched: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, CINAHL, EconLit, and Sociological Abstracts. Searches will be conducted from the date of inception to the end of the last full calendar year (December 2019). Studies will be included if they include an evaluation of a mental health service for children or youth (defined as those under 19 years of age) and which quantify variation in some aspect of child or youth mental health services (e.g., accessibility, volume, duration, or quality) as a function of socio-demographic and/or geographic variables. Study selection will occur over two stages. Stage one will select articles based on title and abstract using the liberal-accelerated method. Stage two will review the full texts of selected titles. Two reviewers will work independently on full-text reviewing, with each study screened twice using pre-specified eligibility criteria. One reviewer will chart study characteristics and indices to be verified by a second reviewer. Reviewers will resolve full-text screening and data extraction disagreements through discussion. Synthesis of the collected data will focus on compiling and mapping the types and characteristics of the indices used to evaluate MH services equity. Discussion The planned, systematic scoping review will survey the literature regarding how equity in MH services for children and youth has been operationalized and help inform future studies of equity in CYMHS. Systematic review registration Open Science Foundation ID SYSR-D-19-00371, https://osf.io/58srv/.

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Protocol for a Scoping Review of Research Practices in the Investigation of Bilingual Effects on Inhibition and Attentional Function in Young People

Social Science Protocols ◽

10.7565/ssp.v4.5760 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Adam John Privitera

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Research Practices ◽

Bilingual Advantage ◽

Attentional Function ◽

Study Selection ◽

Work Supports ◽

A Current

Background: While there is evidence in support of a bilingual advantage in executive function in children and adults, little work supports these effects in young people. This lack of support may result as consequence of a developmental ceiling effect on task performance in this age group. An alternative explanation can be found in the treatment of bilingualism as a categorical variable, and the use of exclusively fixed-effects methods of analysis. These methods treat bilinguals as a homogenous group, ignoring nontrivial differences between participants, and may contribute to this lack of evidence. This scoping review aims is to identify and summarize research practices in the investigation of bilingual effects in inhibition and attentional function in young people. Methods: The proposed scoping review will follow the five-stage framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Searches will be conducted across five databases using inclusive search strings. Study selection will follow the guidance of the PRISMA-ScR checklist. This review will include both published and unpublished work. A standardized data extraction spreadsheet will be used and data will be presented in tabular and graphic format in alignment with the objectives of the review. Discussion: This review aims to provide a current understanding of research practices in the investigation of bilingual effects in young people as well as identify gaps in the literature. This review may also draw attention to methodological trends in the current literature that limit the conclusions researchers can draw.

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Guidance for overviews of reviews continues to accumulate, but important challenges remain: A scoping review

10.21203/rs.3.rs-44378/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Michelle Gates ◽

Allison Gates ◽

Samantha Guitard ◽

Michelle Pollock ◽

Lisa Hartling

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Primary Study ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Reference Tracking ◽

Decision Points ◽

Healthcare Decision Making ◽

Study Selection ◽

Guidance Documents ◽

The Many ◽

Grade Methodology

Abstract Background. Overviews of reviews (overviews) provide an invaluable resource for healthcare decision-making by combining large volumes of systematic review (SR) data into a single synthesis. The production of high-quality overviews hinges on the availability of practical evidence-based guidance for conduct and reporting.Objectives. Within the broad purpose of informing the development of a reporting guideline for overviews, we aimed to provide an up-to-date map of existing guidance related to the conduct of overviews, and to identify common challenges that authors face when undertaking overviews.Methods. We updated a scoping review published in 2016 using the search methods that had produced the highest yield: ongoing reference tracking (2014 to March 2020 in Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar), hand-searching conference proceedings and websites, and contacting authors of published overviews. Using a qualitative meta-summary approach, one reviewer extracted, organized, and summarized the guidance and challenges presented within the included documents. A second reviewer verified the data and synthesis.Results. We located 28 new guidance documents, for a total of 77 documents produced by 34 research groups. The new guidance helps to resolve some earlier identified challenges in the production of overviews. Important developments include strengthened guidance on handling primary study overlap at the study selection and analysis stages. Despite marked progress, several areas continue to be hampered by inconsistent or lacking guidance. There is ongoing debate about whether, when, and how supplemental primary studies should be included in overviews. Guidance remains scant on how to extract and use appraisals of quality of the primary studies within the included SRs and how to adapt GRADE methodology to overviews. The challenges that overview authors face are often related to the above-described steps in the process where evidence-based guidance is lacking or conflicting.Conclusion. The rising popularity of overviews has been accompanied by a steady accumulation of new, and sometimes conflicting, guidance. While recent guidance has helped to address some of the challenges that overview authors face, areas of uncertainty remain. Practical tools supported by empirical evidence are needed to assist authors with the many methodological decision points that are encountered in the production of overviews.

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Building patient capacity to participate in care during hospitalisation: a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026551 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. e026551

Author(s):

Donna Goodridge ◽

Meghan McDonald ◽

Lucia New ◽

Murray Scharf ◽

Elizabeth Harrison ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Behaviour Change Techniques ◽

Positive Outcomes ◽

Care Environment ◽

Patient Capacity ◽

Study Selection ◽

The Social ◽

Abstract Screening ◽

Full Text Screening

ObjectivesTo map the existing literature and describe interventions aimed at building the capacity of patients to participate in care during hospitalisation by: (1) describing and categorising the aspects of care targeted by these interventions and (2) identifying the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in these interventions. A patient representative participated in all aspects of this project.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesMEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL (Inception −2017).Study selectionStudies reporting primary research studies on building the capacity of hospitalised adult patients to participate in care which described or included one or more structured or systematic interventions and described the outcomes for at least the key stakeholder group were included.Data extractionTitle and abstract screening and full text screening were conducted by pairs of trained reviewers. One reviewer extracted data, which were verified by a second reviewer. Interventions were classified according to seven aspects of care relevant to hospital settings. BCTs identified in the articles were assigned through consensus of three reviewers.ResultsDatabase searches yielded a total 9899 articles, resulting in 87 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Interventions directed at building patient capacity to participate in care while hospitalised were categorised as those related to improving: patient safety (20.9%); care coordination (5.7%); effective treatment (5.7%) and/or patient-centred care using: bedside nursing handovers (5.7%); communication (29.1%); care planning (14%) or the care environment (19.8%). The majority of studies reported one or more positive outcomes from the defined intervention. Adding new elements (objects) to the environment and restructuring the social and/or physical environment were the most frequently identified BCTs.ConclusionsThe majority of studies to build capacity for participation in care report one or more positive outcomes, although a more comprehensive analysis is warranted.

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Use of Fish Oil to Prevent Coronary Angioplasty Restenosis

Annals of Pharmacotherapy ◽

10.1177/106002809202601212 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 26 (12) ◽

pp. 1541-1545 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Vincent F. Mauro ◽

Lawrence A. Frazee

Keyword(s):

Eicosapentaenoic Acid ◽

Fish Oil ◽

English Language ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Current Data ◽

Study Selection ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Bibliographic Search ◽

Definition Of ◽

Key Terms

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature investigating the use of fish oil in preventing restenosis postangioplasty (RPA). DATA SOURCES: An Index Medicus and bibliographic search of the English-language literature pertaining to the use of fish oil in preventing RPA. The key terms used were fish oil, angioplasty, and eicosapentaenoic acid. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: The results of all trials, including abstracts, that were obtained are reviewed and critiqued. DATA SYNTHESIS: Restenosis of a coronary vessel at the site of angioplasty occurs 30–40 percent of the time. Because fish oil has been theorized to prevent atherosclerosis and because atherosclerotic-like processes are theorized to be involved in RPA restenosis, fish oil has been studied to determine whether it can prevent RPA. Results of such trials have been mixed. Some have observed a reduction in the number of patients with angiographic or clinical evidence of restenosis. Two trials have failed to observe such an effect. Reasons for the differences are unknown. Possible explanations include differences in study design, endpoint parameters, definition of restenosis, and dosing methods of the fish oil. Bleeding was not of significant concern in any of the trials, even when fish oil was combined with antiplatelet therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Fish oil may be considered for use in patients to prevent RPA. It probably should be continued for only six months following the procedure. Current data suggest that at least 3 g/d of eicosapentaenoic acid and 1 g/d of docosahexaenoic acid should be used. If possible, therapy should be started as soon as it is known that angioplasty will be performed or at least as soon as possible following the procedure. Many patients may not be able to tolerate fish oil because of its gastrointestinal effects.

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Pediatric Hand Fracture Referring Practices: A Scoping Review

Plastic Surgery ◽

10.1177/2292550319876659 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 340-347 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rebecca L. Hartley ◽

Anna R. Todd ◽

Alan R. Harrop ◽

Frankie O. G. Fraulin

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hand Fractures ◽

Study Selection ◽

Primary Care Education ◽

Hand Fracture ◽

Study Designs

Background: Pediatric hand fractures are common, but few require surgery; therefore, these fractures are often perceived to be overreferred. Our objective is to systematically identify and describe pediatric hand fracture referring practices. Method: A scoping review was performed, searching electronic databases and grey literature up to January 2018 to identify referring practices for children (17 years and younger) with hand fractures (defined as radiographically confirmed fractures distal to the carpus) to hand surgeons. All study designs were included, and study selection and data extraction were independently performed in duplicate by 2 reviewers. Outcomes included referring rates, necessity of referral, referring criteria, and management of fractures. Results: Twenty (10 cross-sectional, 7 prospective cohorts, and 3 narrative reviews) studies reporting on referring practices or management of 21,624 pediatric hand fractures were included. Proportion of pediatric hand fractures referred to hand surgeons ranged from 6.5% to 100%. Unnecessary referral, defined as those fractures within the scope of primary care management, ranged from 27% to 78.1%. Ten studies reported referring criteria, with 14 unique criteria identified. The most common referring criteria were displacement (36.4%), loss of joint congruity (36.4%), and instability (36.4%). The most common justification for these criteria was increased likelihood of requiring surgery. The most common initial management was immobilization (66%-100%). Final management was provided by orthopedic or plastic hand surgeons with 0% to 32.9% of fractures requiring surgery. Conclusion: Referring practices vary widely in the literature. Major gaps in the literature include objective measures and justification for referring criteria and primary care education on hand fracture referring practices.

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