scholarly journals SAFE, a new therapeutic intervention for families of children with autism: a randomised controlled feasibility trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e038411
Author(s):  
Rebecca McKenzie ◽  
Rudi Dallos ◽  
Jacqui Stedmon ◽  
Helen Hancocks ◽  
Patricia Jane Vickery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Positive Change ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Recommended Care ◽  
Related Family ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectivesTo establish the feasibility of a definitive randomised controlled trial of Systemic Autism-related Family Enabling (SAFE), an intervention for families of children with autism.DesignA randomised, controlled, multicentred feasibility study.SettingParticipants were identified from three National Health Service (NHS) diagnosing centres in Plymouth and Cornwall and a community pathway.Participants34 families of a child with a diagnosis of autism severity level 1 or 2 between 3 and 16 years. Four families were lost to follow-up.InterventionsSAFE is a manualised five-session family therapy-based intervention delivered over 16 weeks and designed for families of children with autism. SAFE involves families attending five 3-hour sessions led by systemic practitioners.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe proposed primary outcome measure was the Systemic CORE 15 (SCORE-15). Proposed secondary outcome measures: Patient Health Questionnaire-Somatic Anxiety Depressive Symptoms, the Coding of Attachment-Related Parenting for use with children with Autism, the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ) and the Caregiving Helplessness Questionnaire. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and 24 weeks post randomisation.ResultsAll primary caregivers retained in the study completed the SCORE-15 at both time points. 34 of the target of 36 families were recruited and 88% of families were retained. Training for therapists was effective. Feedback revealed willingness to undergo randomisation. There was 100% attendance at appropriate sessions for core family members. The SCORE-15 showed reduction in scores for families receiving SAFE compared with controls suggesting positive change. Qualitative data also revealed that families found the study acceptable and families receiving SAFE experienced positive change. Feedback indicated that the SCORE-15 should be retained as a primary measure in a future trial, but secondary measures should be reduced.ConclusionsThis study indicates that a larger trial of SAFE is feasible. Findings suggest that SAFE can address current gaps in recommended care, can be confidently delivered by NHS staff and has potential as a beneficial treatment.Trial registration numbersISCTRN83964946 and IRAS213527.

scholarly journals SAFE, a new therapeutic intervention for families of children with autism: study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e025006
Author(s):  
Rebecca McKenzie ◽  
Rudi Dallos ◽  
Jacqui Stedmon ◽  
Helen Hancocks ◽  
Patricia Jane Vickery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Attachment Anxiety ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Main Trial ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionIncidence of autistic traits, mental health problems, stress and poor coping is high among family members of children with autism. These problems are coupled with challenging behaviour among children with autism. Current treatment for these families is disjointed and costly. The need for whole family support is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommendations, developments regarding children’s service provision, research and requests by families of children with autism. Despite evidence that family therapies can provide benefits to these families, efficacy has not been subject to a randomised controlled trial. Systemic Autism-related Family Enabling (SAFE) is a new family therapy intervention designed specifically for families of children with autism. We aim to establish the feasibility of running a fully powered randomised controlled trial to evaluate SAFE.Methods and analysisFamilies of children with autism aged 3–16 years will be invited to participate. Consenting participants will be randomised 2:1 to either SAFE+support as usual or support as usual alone. The proposed primary outcome measure for the main trial will be the Systemic CORE 15. Participants will also complete proposed secondary outcome measures, indexing changes in child behaviour, child-parent attachment, anxiety and depression. Generic health economic outcome measures (EuroQol 5 dimensions and Child Health Utility 9 Dimensions) will also provide data on the feasibility of cost-effectiveness analysis. Questionnaires will be completed at baseline and 32 weeks post-allocation. Data on ability to identify, recruit, randomise, retain and collect data from families, acceptability of outcome measures, adherence of therapists and families to the intervention, appropriateness of resource use questionnaires and effectiveness of training will be collected for feasibility analysis. Qualitative data will also explore acceptability of SAFE and reasons for declining and withdrawing from the study.Ethics and disseminationThe current trial protocol received ethical approval from the South West-Exeter Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 17/SW/0192). The findings of the trial will be disseminated in collaboration with our Family Consultation Group and other partners. Findings will be shared locally, nationally and internationally through events, conferences and published papers.Trial registration numberISCTRN83964946 (Pre-results) IRAS 213527

scholarly journals Effectiveness of custom-made foot orthoses in patients with systemic lupus erythaematosus: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e042627
Author(s):  
María Reina-Bueno ◽  
María del Carmen Vázquez-Bautista ◽  
Inmaculada C Palomo-Toucedo ◽  
Gabriel Domínguez-Maldonado ◽  
José Manuel Castillo-López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionSystemic lupus erythaematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease of heterogeneous involvement. The disease may affect feet with a high prevalence of symptoms such as, for example, pain, forefoot and rearfoot deformities, and biomechanics dysfunctions. Custom-made foot orthoses (CMFO) have been previously reported to be effective in patients with other rheumatic diseases. However, as far as the authors know, there exist no studies about their effectiveness in SLE. This study aims at determining the effect of CMFO versus placebo flat cushioning insoles on pain, foot functionality, fatigue and quality of life in patients with SLE.Methods and analysisA randomised controlled trial would compare the effects of (1) CMFO and group B, which received a placebo, flat cushioning insoles, for 3 months. The main outcome measures are foot pain, foot functionality and foot-related disability. The secondary outcome measures are fatigue and quality of life.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Portal de Ética de la Investigación Biomédica de Andalucía ethical committee 1494-N-19. The results will be disseminated regardless of the magnitude or direction of effect.Trial registartion numberClinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04098055.

scholarly journals Comparison of efficacy and safety between electroacupuncture at ‘four sacral points’ and conventional electroacupuncture for the treatment of urinary incontinence after stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e021783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shan Chen ◽  
Siyou Wang ◽  
Lihua Xuan ◽  
Hanti Lu ◽  
Zhikai Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Pudendal Nerve ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Routine Medical Care ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionElectroacupuncture at ‘four sacral points’, also known as electrical pudendal nerve stimulation therapy, combines the advantages of pudendal nerve neuromodulation and the technique of deep insertion of long acupuncture needles. It has been used to treat stress urinary incontinence, female urgency-frequency syndrome, idiopathic urgency urinary incontinence and neurological bladders in previous studies. Here, we describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial for evaluation of the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture at ‘four sacral points’ for the management of urinary incontinence after stroke.Methods and analysisThis is an open-label randomised controlled trial with blinded assessments and analyses. A total of 140 eligible patients will be randomly allocated to two groups. The treatment group (n=70) will receive electroacupuncture at ‘four sacral points’ along with routine medical care, while the control group will receive conventional electroacupuncture along with routine medical care. Twenty treatment sessions will occur over a period of 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures will be the self-recorded findings in an incontinent episode diary at baseline and at 4 weeks after baseline. The secondary outcome measures will be the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence—Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score and the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index (Barthel ADL Index) score at baseline and at 4 and 28 weeks after baseline.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (approval No. 2018-K-059–01). Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberChiCTR-IOR-17012847; Pre-result.

Effects of golf training on cognition in older adults: a randomised controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 944-950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Shimada ◽  
Sangyoon Lee ◽  
Masahiro Akishita ◽  
Koichi Kozaki ◽  
Katsuya Iijima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Logical Memory ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundAlthough research indicates that a physically active lifestyle has the potential to prevent cognitive decline and dementia, the optimal type of physical activity/exercise remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the cognitive benefits of a golf-training programme in community-dwelling older adults.MethodsWe conducted a randomised controlled trial between August 2016 and June 2017 at a general golf course. Participants included 106 Japanese adults aged 65 and older. Participants were randomly assigned to either a 24-week (90–120 min sessions/week) golf-training group or a health education control group. Postintervention changes in Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and National Centre for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool scores were regarded as primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included changes in physical performance and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores.ResultsA total of 100 participants (golf training, n=53; control, n=47) completed the assessments after the 24-week intervention period. The adherence to the golf programme was 96.2% (51/53 participants). Analysis using linear mixed models revealed that the golf training group exhibited significantly greater improvements in immediate logical memory (p=0.033), delayed logical memory (p=0.009) and composite logical memory (p=0.013) scores than the control group. However, no significant changes in MMSE, word memory, Trail Making Test or Symbol Digital Substitution Test scores were observed. In addition, no significant changes in grip strength, walking speed or GDS were observed.ConclusionsGolf-based exercise interventions may improve logical memory in older adults, but no significant changes in other cognitive tests. Further follow-up investigations are required to determine whether the observed effects are associated with delayed onset of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease in older adults.Trial registration numberUMIN-CTR UMIN000024797; Pre-results.

scholarly journals A feasibility randomised controlled trial of short-term fasting prior to CAPOX chemotherapy for stage 2/3 colorectal cancer: SWiFT protocol

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellie Shingler ◽  
Claire Perks ◽  
Georgia Herbert ◽  
Andy Ness ◽  
Charlotte Atkinson
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Dietary Advice ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) chemotherapy is a standard treatment for stage 2/3 colorectal cancer. Treatment is associated with dose-limiting toxicities such as neutropenia, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomatitis. Short-term fasting prior to chemotherapy may help protect normal cells from the toxic effects of chemotherapy by allowing them to conserve energy for maintenance and repair. However, there is a lack of evidence to support the efficacy of short-term fasting in protecting against chemotherapy-related toxicities in humans, and it is not known whether people due to undergo chemotherapy will be willing and able to follow a short-term fast. Preliminary data confirming this is feasible are required before adequately powered trials can be designed and conducted. Methods The short-term, water only, fasting trial (SWiFT) is a two-armed feasibility randomised controlled trial, aiming to recruit 30 people scheduled to begin routine treatment with CAPOX chemotherapy for stage 2/3 colorectal cancer. Participants will be randomly allocated, in a 1:1 ratio, to either a 36-h fast or standard dietary advice prior to chemotherapy administration for the first 3 cycles of chemotherapy. The primary outcome measures will assess the feasibility of the trial and include: adherence to intervention, recruitment, retention, and data completion rates as well as the acceptability of the intervention which will be qualitatively assessed. The secondary outcome measures aim to provide further information on possible outcomes of interest for a definitive trial and include side effects of chemotherapy, quality of life, markers of cellular metabolism and inflammation, appetite, and sarcopenia. Discussion It is not known whether it is possible to recruit to a trial of short-term fasting in this population, or whether participants would be able to adhere to the intervention. Therefore, we aim to test the feasibility of a pre-chemotherapy, 36-h, water-only fast in people receiving CAPOX chemotherapy for stage 2/3 colorectal cancer. Trial registration This trial has been registered with the ISRCTN Registry. Trial registration no: ISRCTN17994717. Date of registration: 23 October 2018. URL: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17994717

scholarly journals Cognitive–behavioural therapy-based intervention to reduce fear of falling in older people: therapy development and randomised controlled trial – the Strategies for Increasing Independence, Confidence and Energy (STRIDE) study

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (56) ◽  
pp. 1-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve W Parry ◽  
Claire Bamford ◽  
Vincent Deary ◽  
Tracy L Finch ◽  
Jo Gray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Anxiety Depression

BackgroundFalls cause fear, anxiety and loss of confidence, resulting in activity avoidance, social isolation and increasing frailty. The umbrella term for these problems is ‘fear of falling’, seen in up to 85% of older adults who fall. Evidence of effectiveness of physical and psychological interventions is limited, with no previous studies examining the role of an individually delivered cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) approach.ObjectivesPrimary objective To develop and then determine the effectiveness of a new CBT intervention (CBTi) delivered by health-care assistants (HCAs) plus usual care compared with usual care alone in reducing fear of falling.Secondary objectives To measure the impact of the intervention on falls, injuries, functional abilities, anxiety/depression, quality of life, social participation and loneliness; investigate the acceptability of the intervention for patients, family members and professionals and factors that promote or inhibit its implementation; and measure the costs and benefits of the intervention.DesignPhase I CBTi development.Phase II Parallel-group patient randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the new CBTi plus usual care compared with usual care alone.SettingMultidisciplinary falls services.ParticipantsConsecutive community-dwelling older adults, both sexes, aged ≥ 60 years, with excessive or undue fear of falling per Falls Efficacy Scale–International (FES-I) score of > 23.InterventionsPhase I Development of the CBTi. The CBTi was developed following patient interviews and taught to HCAs to maximise the potential for uptake and generalisability to a UK NHS setting.Phase II RCT. The CBTi was delivered by HCAs weekly for 8 weeks, with a 6-month booster session plus usual care.Main outcome measuresThese were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, 6 months and 12 months.Primary outcome measure Fear of falling measured by change in FES-I scores at 12 months.Secondary outcome measures These comprised falls, injuries, anxiety/depression [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], quality of life, social participation, loneliness and measures of physical function. There were process and health-economic evaluations alongside the trial.ResultsFour hundred and fifteen patients were recruited, with 210 patients randomised to CBTi group and 205 to the control group. There were significant reductions in mean FES-I [–4.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) –5.95 to –2.1], single-item numerical fear of falling scale (–1.42; 95% CI –1.87 to 1.07) and HADS (–1; 95% CI –1.6 to –0.3) scores at 12 months in the CBTi group compared with the usual care group. There were no differences in the other secondary outcome measures. Most patients found the CBTi acceptable. Factors affecting the delivery of the CBTi as part of routine practice were identified. There was no evidence that the intervention was cost-effective.ConclusionsOur new CBTi delivered by HCAs significantly improved fear of falling and depression scores in older adults who were attending falls services. There was no impact on other measures.Further workFurther work should focus on a joint CBTi and physical training approach to fear of falling, more rational targeting of CBTi, the possibility of mixed group and individual CBTi, and the cost-effectiveness of provision of CBTi by non-specialists.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN78396615.FundingThis project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full inHealth Technology Assessment; Vol. 20, No. 56. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

scholarly journals A Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Intravaginal Misoprostol and Intracervical Dinoprostone in Pre Induction Cervical Ripening

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (03) ◽  
pp. 45-54
Author(s):  
B. H. Radhika ◽  
S. Soundara Raghavan
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Cervical Ripening ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Bishop Score ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
Misoprostol Group ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Mean Cost

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravaginal misoprostol with intracervical dinoprostone for preinduction cervical ripening. Material andMethods: It was a randomized controlled trial conducted at department of obstetrics and gynecology, JIPMER, Puducherry. Three hundred women with Bishop score of 6, were assigned randomly to receive either intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg every four hours for four doses, and intracervical dinoprostone gel 0.5 mg every eight hours for two doses. (one hundred women in each group). Oxytocin was initiated as per standardized protocol, if the cervix was favourable. If the cervical ripening was unsuccessful (Bishop score 6) after the maximum doses of drugs in both the groups, then further treatment was individualized. Efficacy and cost of the drugs were compared in both groups. Results: Primary outcome measure was change in Bishop score. Mean Bishop score change at the end of 16 hours was significantly higher in the misoprostol group, (2.57±0.59) compared to dinoprostone group (2.17±0.10, p=0.016). This finding was inspite of the fact that the dinoprostone group had higher Bishop score prior to the ripening.(3.55±0.56 vs 3.28±0.77, p=0.006). Secondary outcome measures such as mean intervention-delivery interval, oxytocin requirement, mode of delivery, maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar in both the groups. Overall mean cost of ripening agent per patient was significantly less in the misoprostol group, (22.56±93.16 rupees) compared to dinoprostone group (493.89±173.99 rupees, p0.0001).Conclusion: Low dose misoprostol is as effective as dinoprostone in cervical ripening and demonstrates similar fetal and maternal safety profile.

scholarly journals Rehabilitation nursing for motor functional recovery of acute ischaemic stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e037391
Author(s):  
Jianmiao Wang ◽  
Yuanyuan Chen ◽  
Yuping Zhang ◽  
Mei Li ◽  
Jingfen Jin
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Acute Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionStroke is the second-leading cause of death and disability in the world, and patients with stroke often suffer from functional impairments and need rehabilitation. Notably, there is much evidence that rehabilitation can lead to better mortality and morbidity outcomes. The evidence for the effectiveness of rehabilitation nursing, however, is limited. Thus, this study seeks to explore whether rehabilitation nursing is not inferior to usual rehabilitation for motor functional recovery in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.Methods and analysisWe will conduct an assessor-blinded parallel randomised controlled trial of patients who meet the inclusion criteria after stratification by weighted corticospinal tract lesion load. The experimental group will receive rehabilitation nursing by trained and qualified nurses (seven consecutive days, two sessions per day, 30 min each session). The control group will receive usual rehabilitation provided by therapists (seven consecutive days, two sessions per day, 30 min each session). The primary outcome measures are the Motor Assessment Scale, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and the Action Research Arm Test. The secondary outcome measures are the modified Rankin Scale, the modified Barthel Index and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Primary and secondary outcome assessment will be performed before and after the intervention, and secondary outcome be assessed at 4 and 12 weeks follow-up. We will recruit 224 patients within a period of 12–18 months from a hospital in southeastern China.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee from the corresponding author’s hospital (approval Number is Ethical Review Study No. 2018 - 112). Peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences will be used to disseminate the results.Trial registration numberNCT03702452.

Tinnitus Management: Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Extended-Wear Hearing Aids, Conventional Hearing Aids, and Combination Instruments

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (06) ◽  
pp. 546-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Henry ◽  
Garnett McMillan ◽  
Serena Dann ◽  
Keri Bennett ◽  
Susan Griest ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Point Reduction ◽  
Clinically Significant

Background: Whereas hearing aids have long been considered effective for providing relief from tinnitus, controlled clinical studies evaluating this premise have been very limited. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to systematically determine the relative efficacy of conventional receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids (HA), the same hearing aids with a sound generator (HA+SG), and extended-wear, deep fit hearing aids (EWHA), to provide relief from tinnitus through a randomized controlled trial. Each of these ear-level devices was a product of Phonak, LLC. Research Design: Participants were randomized to HA, HA+SG, or EWHA and wore bilaterally fit devices for about 4 months. Fittings, adjustments, and follow-up appointments were conducted to comply with company guidelines and to ensure that all participants attended appointments on the same schedule. At 4–5 months, participants returned to complete final outcome measures, which concluded their study participation. Study Sample: Participants were 55 individuals (mean age: 63.1 years) with mild to moderately-severe hearing loss who: (a) did not currently use hearing aids; (b) reported tinnitus that was sufficiently bothersome to warrant intervention; and (c) were suitable candidates for each of the study devices. Data Collection and Analysis: The primary outcome measure was the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Secondary outcome measures included hearing-specific questionnaires and the Quick Speech in Noise test (QuickSIN). The goal of the analysis was to evaluate efficacy of the EWHA and HA+SG devices versus the HA standard device. Results: There were 18 participants in each of the HA and EWHA groups and 19 in the HA+SG group. Gender, age, and baseline TFI severity were balanced across treatment groups. Nearly all participants had a reduction in tinnitus symptoms during the study. The average TFI change (improvement) from baseline was 21 points in the HA group, 31 points in the EWHA group, and 33 points in the HA+SG group. A “clinically significant” improvement in reaction to tinnitus (at least 13-point reduction in TFI score) was seen by 67% of HA, 82% of EWHA, and 79% of HA+SG participants. There were no statistically significant differences in the extent to which the devices reduced TFI scores. Likewise, the hearing-specific questionnaires and QuickSIN showed improvements following use of the hearing aids but these improvements did not differ across device groups. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to conclude that any of these devices offers greater relief from tinnitus than any other one tested. However, all devices appear to offer some improvement in the functional effects of tinnitus.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a peer-mediated educational intervention in improving general practitioner diagnostic assessment and management of dementia: a cluster randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. e021125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimity Pond ◽  
Karen Mate ◽  
Nigel Stocks ◽  
Jane Gunn ◽  
Peter Disler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
General Practices ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectiveTest effectiveness of an educational intervention for general practitioners (GPs) on quality of life and depression outcomes for patients.DesignDouble-blind, cluster randomised controlled trial.SettingGeneral practices in Australia between 2007 and 2010.ParticipantsGeneral practices were randomly allocated to the waitlist (n=37) or intervention (n=66) group, in a ratio of 1:2. A total of 2030 (1478 intervention; 552 waitlist) community-dwelling participants aged 75 years or older were recruited via 168 GPs (113 intervention; 55 waitlist).InterventionsA practice-based academic detailing intervention led by a peer educator that included: (1) training in use of the GP assessment of cognition dementia screening instrument; (2) training in diagnosis and management based on Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Dementia Guidelines; (3) addressing GPs’ barriers to dementia diagnosis; and (4) a business case outlining a cost-effective dementia assessment approach.Outcome measuresPrimary outcome measures were patient quality of life and depression; secondary outcome measures were: (1) sensitivity and specificity of GP identification of dementia; (2) referral to medical specialists and/or support services; (3) patient satisfaction with care; and (4) carer quality of life, depression and satisfaction with care.ResultsThe educational intervention had no significant effect on patient quality of life or depression scores after 12 months. There were however improvements in secondary outcome measures including sensitivity of GP judgement of dementia (p=0.002; OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.92 to 18.73), satisfaction with GP communication for all patients (p=0.024; mean difference 2.1, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.93) and for patients with dementia (p=0.007; mean difference 7.44, 95% CI 2.02 to 12.86) and enablement of carers (p=0.0185; mean difference 24.77, 95% CI 4.15 to 45.40).ConclusionPractice-based academic detailing did not improve patient quality of life or depression scores but did improve detection of dementia in primary care and patient satisfaction with GP communication.Trial registration numberACTRN12607000117415; Pre-results.

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