scholarly journals Experiences of living with long COVID and of accessing healthcare services: a qualitative systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e050979
Author(s):  
Karen Macpherson ◽  
Kay Cooper ◽  
Jenny Harbour ◽  
Dawn Mahal ◽  
Charis Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Systematic Map ◽  
Qualitative Systematic Review ◽  
Review Team

ObjectiveTo explore the experiences of people living with long COVID and how they perceive the healthcare services available to them.DesignQualitative systematic review.Data sourcesElectronic literature searches of websites, bibliographic databases and discussion forums, including PubMed LitCovid, Proquest COVID, EPPI Centre living systematic map of evidence, medRxiv, bioRxiv, Medline, Psychinfo and Web of Science Core Collection were conducted to identify qualitative literature published in English up to 13 January 2021.Inclusion criteriaPapers reporting qualitative or mixed-methods studies that focused on the experiences of long COVID and/or perceptions of accessing healthcare by people with long COVID. Title/abstract and full-text screening were conducted by two reviewers independently, with conflicts resolved by discussion or a third reviewer.Quality appraisalTwo reviewers independently appraised included studies using the qualitative CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklist. Conflicts were resolved by discussion or a third reviewer.Data extraction and synthesisThematic synthesis, involving line-by-line reading, generation of concepts, descriptive and analytical themes, was conducted by the review team with regular discussion.ResultsFive studies published in 2020 met the inclusion criteria, two international surveys and three qualitative studies from the UK. Sample sizes varied from 24 (interview study) to 3762 (survey). Participants were predominantly young white females recruited from social media or online support groups. Three analytical themes were generated: (1) symptoms and self-directed management of long COVID; (2) emotional aspects of living with long COVID and (3) healthcare experiences associated with long COVID.ConclusionsPeople experience long COVID as a heterogeneous condition, with a variety of physical and emotional consequences. It appears that greater knowledge of long COVID is required by a number of stakeholders and that the design of emerging long COVID services or adaptation of existing services for long COVID patients should take account of patients’ experiences in their design.

scholarly journals The influence of orthodontic fixed appliances on the oral microbiota: A systematic review

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 46-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Osório Ayres de Freitas ◽  
Mariana Marquezan ◽  
Matilde da Cunha Gonçalves Nojima ◽  
Daniela Sales Alviano ◽  
Lucianne Cople Maia
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Statistical Treatment ◽  
Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽  
Oral Microbiota ◽  
Periodontal Pathogens ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Fixed Appliances

Objective: To investigate whether there is scientific evidence to support the hypothesis that the presence of orthodontic fixed appliances influences the oral microbiota. Methods: The search for articles was conducted in PubMed; ISI Web of Knowledge and Ovid databases, including articles published in English until May 17th, 2012. They should report human observational studies presenting the following keywords: "fixed orthodontic appliance" AND "microbiological colonization"; OR "periodontal pathogens"; OR "Streptococcus"; OR "Lactobacillus"; OR "Candida"; OR "Tannerella forsythia"; OR "Treponema denticola"; OR "Fusobacterium nucleatum"; OR "Actimomyces actinomycetemcomitans"; OR "Prevotella intermedia", OR "Prevotella nigrescens"; OR "Porphyromonas gingivalis". Articles were previously selected by title and abstract. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed and classified as having low, moderate or high methodology quality. A new detailed checklist for quality assessment was developed based on the information required for applicable data extraction for reviews. The study design, sample, follow-up period, collection and microbial analysis methods, statistical treatment, results and discussion were assessed. Results: The initial search retrieved 305 articles of which 33 articles were selected by title and abstract. After full-text reading, 8 articles met the inclusion criteria, out of which 4 articles were classified as having low and 4 as moderate methodological quality. The moderate methodological quality studies were included in the systematic review. Conclusions: The literature revealed moderate evidence that the presence of fixed appliances influences the quantity and quality of oral microbiota.

scholarly journals The use, quality and effectiveness of pelvic examination in primary care for the detection of gynaecological cancer: a systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Williams ◽  
Peter Murchie ◽  
Maggie E Cruickshank ◽  
Christine M Bond ◽  
Christopher D Burton
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Diagnostic Delay ◽  
Gynaecological Cancer ◽  
Pelvic Examination ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Critical Appraisal Skills

Abstract Background Urgent suspected cancer referral guidelines recommend that women with gynaecological cancer symptoms should have a pelvic examination (PE) prior to referral. We do not know to what extent GPs comply, their competency at PE, or if PE shortens the diagnostic interval. Objectives We conducted a systematic review of the use, quality and effectiveness of PE in primary care for women with suspected gynaecological cancer. Method PRISMA guidelines were followed. Three databases were searched using four terms: PE, primary care, competency and gynaecological cancer. Citation lists of all identified papers were screened independently for eligibility by two reviewers. Data extraction was performed in duplicate and independently. Paper quality was assessed using the relevant Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Emergent themes and contrasting issues were explored in a narrative ecological synthesis. Main Findings Twenty papers met the inclusion criteria. 52% or less of women with suspicious symptoms had a PE. No papers directly explored GPs’ competence at performing PE. Pre-referral PE was associated with reduced diagnostic delay and earlier stage diagnosis. Ecological synthesis demonstrated a complex interplay between patient and practitioner factors and the environment in which examination is performed. Presenting symptoms are commonly misattributed by patients and practitioners resulting in misdiagnosis and lack of PE. Conclusion We do not know if pre-referral PE leads to better outcomes for patients. PE is often not performed for women with gynaecological cancer symptoms, and evidence that it may result in earlier stage of diagnosis is weak. More research is needed.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of the Use of Telemedicine in the Military Forces Worldwide

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Mohammadi ◽  
Zeinab Tabanejad ◽  
Shahabeddin Abhari ◽  
Behnam Honarvar ◽  
Mina Lazem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Military Medicine ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Military Forces ◽  
The Military

Context: Considering the pivotal role of telemedicine in providing healthcare services for remote areas, some of the military medical centers, especially in developed countries, use different types of telemedicine programs. Objectives: The present study aimed at identifying the implemented telemedicine projects in military medicine worldwide and introducing their features. Evidence Acquisition: The current systematic review was performed in 2018. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published from 2014 to 2018 by a combination of related keywords, and the related original articles were then selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected by a data extraction form, and then the data were summarized and reported based on the study objectives. Results: Of the 173 articles retrieved from the first round of search, 12 were included in the study; five (41.66%) studies had used the synchronous (real-time telemedicine) method. The United States, with nine studies, had the highest number of projects in military telemedicine. Most studies (n = 7) were performed on tele-psychology and the application of telemedicine in psychology. All selected studies reported the positive effects of telemedicine on providing healthcare for military forces. Conclusions: The proper utilization of telemedicine equipment is effective in saving time for both patients and healthcare providers, reducing costs, supporting in natural disasters, and satisfying patients with military medicine. To achieve telemedicine program objectives, they should be set precisely. Considering the importance of timely healthcare services, it is suggested to utilize synchronous methods and tools such as video conferencing.

Acoustic Analysis of Voice in Singers: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhanshree R. Gunjawate ◽  
Rohit Ravi ◽  
Rajashekhar Bellur
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Sound Studies ◽  
Singing Voice ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Acoustic Measures ◽  
Great Heterogeneity ◽  
Acoustic Evaluation

Purpose Singers are vocal athletes having specific demands from their voice and require special consideration during voice evaluation. Presently, there is a lack of standards for acoustic evaluation in them. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the available literature on the acoustic analysis of voice in singers. Method A systematic review of studies on acoustic analysis of voice in singers (PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest, Cochrane, Ovid, Science Direct, and Shodhganga) was carried out. Key words based on PIO (population–investigation–outcome) were used to develop search strings. Titles and abstracts were screened independently, and appropriate studies were read in full for data extraction. Results Of the 895 studies, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. Great variability was noted in the instruments and task used. Different acoustic measures were employed, such as fundamental frequency, perturbation, cepstral, spectral, dysphonia severity index, singing power ratio, and so forth. Conclusion Overall, a great heterogeneity was noted regarding population, tasks, instruments, and parameters. There is a lack of standardized criteria for the evaluation of singing voice. In order to implement acoustic analysis as a part of comprehensive voice evaluation exclusively for singers, there is a certain need for methodical sound studies.

Clinical handover and handoff in healthcare: a systematic review of systematic reviews

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Desmedt ◽  
Dorien Ulenaers ◽  
Joep Grosemans ◽  
Johan Hellings ◽  
Jochen Bergs
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Included Study ◽  
Clinical Handover ◽  
Review Team

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this systematic review is to appraise and summarize existing literature on clinical handover. Data sources We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Study selection Included articles were reviewed independently by the review team. Data extraction The review team extracted data under the following headers: author(s), year of publication, journal, scope, search strategy, number of studies included, type of studies included, study quality assessment, used definition of handover, healthcare setting, outcomes measured, findings and finally some comments or remarks. Results of data synthesis First, research indicates that poor handover is associated with multiple potential hazards such as lack of availability of required equipment for patients, information omissions, diagnosis errors, treatment errors, disposition errors and treatment delays. Second, our systematic review indicates that no single tool arises as best for any particular specialty or use to evaluate the handover process. Third, there is little evidence delineating what constitutes best handoff practices. Most efforts facilitated the coordination of care and communication between healthcare professionals using electronic tools or a standardized form. Fourth, our review indicates that the principal teaching methods are role-playing and simulation, which may result in better knowledge transfer to the work environment, better health and patients’ well-being. Conclusions This review emphasizes the importance of staff education (including simulation-based and team training), non-technical skills and the implementation process of clinical handover in healthcare settings.

scholarly journals Therapy-based exercise from the perspective of adult patients: a qualitative systematic review conducted using an ethnographic approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (12) ◽  
pp. 1963-1977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Davenport ◽  
Angela Dickinson ◽  
Catherine Minns Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Quality Appraisal ◽  
Ethnographic Approach ◽  
Qualitative Systematic Review ◽  
Prisma Statement ◽  
Type Of Delivery

Objectives: Many patients do not meet recommended levels of therapy-based exercise. This review aims to explore how adult patients view being prescribed therapy-based exercise, the information/education they are given and receive and if/how they independently practise and adhere. Design: A qualitative systematic review conducted using an ethnographic approach and in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Sources: PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS and EMBASE databases (01 January 2000–31 December 2018). Methods: Qualitative studies with a focus on engagement/adherence with therapy-based exercise were included. Data extraction and quality appraisal were undertaken by two reviewers. Results were discussed and data synthesized. Results: A total of 20,294 titles were screened, with data extracted from 39 full texts and data from 18 papers used to construct three themes. ‘The Guidance received’ suggests that the type of delivery desired to support and sustain engagement was context-dependent and individually situated. ‘The Therapist as teacher’ advocates that patients see independent therapy-based exercise as a shared activity and value caring, kind and professional qualities in their therapist. ‘The Person as learner’ proposes that when having to engage with and practise therapy-based exercise because of ill-health, patients often see themselves as new learners who experience fear and uncertainty about what to do. Patients may have unacknowledged ambivalences about learning that impact on engagement and persistence. Conclusion: The quality of the interaction between therapists and patients appears integral to patients engaging with, and sustaining practice of, rehabilitation programmes. Programmes need to be individualized, and health care professionals need to take patients’ previous experiences and ambivalences in motivation and empowerment into account.

scholarly journals Acceptability and feasibility of weight management programmes for adults with severe obesity: a qualitative systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e029473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë C Skea ◽  
Magaly Aceves-Martins ◽  
Clare Robertson ◽  
M De Bruin ◽  
Alison Avenell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Severe Obesity ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Specific Detail ◽  
Qualitative Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Comorbidities ◽  
Emerging Issues ◽  
The Mean

ObjectivesTo improve our understanding of the acceptability of behavioural weight management programmes (WMPs) for adults with severe obesity.DesignA systematic review of qualitative evidence.Data sourcesMedline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SCI, SSCI and CAB abstracts were searched from 1964 to May 2017.Eligibility criteriaPapers that contained qualitative data from adults with body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2(and/or the views of providers involved in their care) and considered issues about weight management.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers read and systematically extracted data from the included papers which were compared, and contrasted according to emerging issues and themes. Papers were appraised for methodological rigour and theoretical relevance using Toye’s proposed criteria for quality in relation to meta-ethnography.Results33 papers met our inclusion criteria from seven countries published 2007–2017. Findings were presented from a total of 644 participants and 153 programme providers. Participants described being attracted to programmes that were perceived to be novel or exciting, as well as being endorsed by their healthcare provider. The sense of belonging to a group who shared similar issues, and who had similar physiques and personalities, was particularly important and seemed to foster a strong group identity and related accountability. Group-based activities were enjoyed by many and participants preferred WMPs with more intensive support. However, some described struggling with physical activities (due to a range of physical comorbidities) and not everyone enjoyed group interaction with others (sometimes due to various mental health comorbidities). Although the mean BMI reported across the papers ranged from 36.8 to 44.7 kg/m2, no quotes from participants in any of the included papers were linked to specific detail regarding BMI status.ConclusionsAlthough group-based interventions were favoured, people with severe obesity might be especially vulnerable to physical and mental comorbidities which could inhibit engagement with certain intervention components.

scholarly journals Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for insomnia: a protocol for a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e029206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu He ◽  
Nianyi Sun ◽  
Zhiqiang Wang ◽  
Wenchen Zou
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Manual Search ◽  
Ethical Approval ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation approach, might be a promising technique in the management of insomnia. A systematic review of the available literature on this topic is warranted. The systematic review described in this protocol aims to investigate the efficacy of rTMS as a physical therapy in patients with insomnia.Methods and analysisThis protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. We will retrieve relevant literatures across the following electronic bibliographic databases: CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PEDro, CBM, CNKI, WANFANG and VIP. A manual search of the reference lists of all relevant articles will be performed for any additional studies. We will include randomised controlled trials published in English and Chinese examining efficacy of rTMS on patients with insomnia. Two reviewers will independently complete the article selection, data extraction and rating. PEDro scale will be used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Narrative and quantitative synthesis will be done accordingly.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval will not be required for this review. The results of this review will be disseminated in a peer-review journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018115033.

scholarly journals Impact evaluations of drug decriminalisation and legal regulation on drug use, health and social harms: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e035148
Author(s):  
Ayden I Scheim ◽  
Nazlee Maghsoudi ◽  
Zack Marshall ◽  
Siobhan Churchill ◽  
Carolyn Ziegler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Law Reform ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Drug Availability ◽  
Drug Law ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Usa

ObjectivesTo review the metrics and findings of studies evaluating effects of drug decriminalisation or legal regulation on drug availability, use or related health and social harms globally.DesignSystematic review with narrative synthesis.Data sourcesWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science and six additional databases for publications from 1 January 1970 through 4 October 2018.Inclusion criteriaPeer-reviewed articles or published abstracts in any language with quantitative data on drug availability, use or related health and social harms collected before and after implementation of de jure drug decriminalisation or legal regulation.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts and articles for inclusion. Extraction and quality appraisal (modified Downs and Black checklist) were performed by one reviewer and checked by a second, with discrepancies resolved by a third. We coded study-level outcome measures into metric groupings and categorised the estimated direction of association between the legal change and outcomes of interest.ResultsWe screened 4860 titles and 221 full-texts and included 114 articles. Most (n=104, 91.2%) were from the USA, evaluated cannabis reform (n=109, 95.6%) and focussed on legal regulation (n=96, 84.2%). 224 study outcome measures were categorised into 32 metrics, most commonly prevalence (39.5% of studies), frequency (14.0%) or perceived harmfulness (10.5%) of use of the decriminalised or regulated drug; or use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs (12.3%). Across all substance use metrics, legal reform was most often not associated with changes in use.ConclusionsStudies evaluating drug decriminalisation and legal regulation are concentrated in the USA and on cannabis legalisation. Despite the range of outcomes potentially impacted by drug law reform, extant research is narrowly focussed, with a particular emphasis on the prevalence of use. Metrics in drug law reform evaluations require improved alignment with relevant health and social outcomes.

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