scholarly journals e-Monitoring of Asthma Therapy to Improve Compliance in children (e-MATIC): a randomised controlled trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 758-767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwin C. Vasbinder ◽  
Lucas M.A. Goossens ◽  
Maureen P.M.H. Rutten-van Mölken ◽  
Brenda C.M. de Winter ◽  
Liset van Dijk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Asthma Control ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Quality ◽  
Asthma Exacerbations ◽  
Sms Reminders ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Real-time medication monitoring (RTMM) is a promising tool for improving adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), but has not been sufficiently tested in children with asthma. We aimed to study the effects of RTMM with short message service (SMS) reminders on adherence to ICS, asthma control, asthma-specific quality of life and asthma exacerbation rate; and to study the associated cost-effectiveness.In a multicentre, randomised controlled trial, children (aged 4–11 years) using ICS were recruited from five outpatient clinics and were given an RTMM device for 12 months. The intervention group also received tailored SMS reminders, sent only when a dose was at risk of omission. Outcome measures were adherence to ICS (RTMM data), asthma control (childhood asthma control test questionnaire), quality of life (paediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire) and asthma exacerbations. Costs were calculated from a healthcare and societal perspective.We included 209 children. Mean adherence was higher in the intervention group: 69.3%versus57.3% (difference 12.0%, 95% CI 6.7%–17.7%). No differences were found for asthma control, quality of life or asthma exacerbations. Costs were higher in the intervention group, but this difference was not statistically significant.RTMM with tailored SMS reminders improved adherence to ICS, but not asthma control, quality of life or exacerbations in children using ICS for asthma.

scholarly journals Stress Management in Elementary School Students: a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. e976
Author(s):  
Katerina Sofianopoulou ◽  
Flora Bacopoulou ◽  
Dimitrios Vlachakis ◽  
Ioulia Kokka ◽  
Evaggelos Alexopoulos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Elementary School Students ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
School Students ◽  
Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Research has shown that stress experiences begin in early stages of life. Stress management techniques have appeared to be beneficial for the development or enhancement of stress coping skills. The aim of this pilot randomised controlled trial was to assess the effect of a 12-week intervention, comprising training in diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscular relaxation, on elementary school students’ stress levels. Outcomes on the quality of life and behavioural aspects of the students were also assessed. Standardised questionnaires were administered at baseline and after the 12-week intervention program. Fifty-two children aged 10 to 11 years were randomly assigned to intervention (n=24) and control groups (n=28). Children of the intervention group demonstrated lower levels of stress (in all three subscales of lack of well-being, distress, and lack of social support) and improved aspects of quality of life (physical, emotional, and school functioning). No significant differences were observed regarding the examined behavioural dimensions, in the intervention group. Larger randomised controlled trials with follow-up evaluations are needed to ascertain the positive outcomes of such programs on elementary school children.

scholarly journals Mindful gratitude journaling: psychological distress, quality of life and suffering in advanced cancer: a randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2021-003068
Author(s):  
Ting Ting Tan ◽  
Maw Pin Tan ◽  
Chee Loong Lam ◽  
Ee Chin Loh ◽  
David Paul Capelle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ContextNumerous studies have shown that gratitude can reduce stress and improve quality of life.ObjectiveOur study aimed to examine the effect of mindful gratitude journaling on suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.MethodsWe conducted a parallel-group, blinded, randomised controlled trial at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Ninety-two adult patients with advanced cancer, and an overall suffering score ≥4/10 based on the Suffering Pictogram were recruited and randomly assigned to either a mindful gratitude journaling group (N=49) or a routine journaling group (N=43).ResultsAfter 1 week, there were significant reductions in the overall suffering score from the baseline in both the intervention group (mean difference in overall suffering score=−2.0, 95% CI=−2.7 to −1.4, t=−6.125, p=0.000) and the control group (mean difference in overall suffering score=−1.6, 95% CI=−2.3 to −0.8, t=−4.106, p=0.037). There were also significant improvements in the total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (mean difference=−3.4, 95% CI=−5.3 to −1.5, t=−3.525, p=0.000) and the total Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being score (mean difference=7.3, 95% CI=1.5 to 13.1, t=2.460, p=0.014) in the intervention group after 7 days, but not in the control group.ConclusionThe results provide evidence that 7 days of mindful gratitude journaling could positively affect the state of suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.Trial registration numberThe trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN1261800172191) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

scholarly journals Effect of occupation-based interventions in patients with haematopoietic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy: A pilot randomised controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-105
Author(s):  
Akira Sagari ◽  
Yuta Ikio ◽  
Nobuko Imamura ◽  
Kayoko Deguchi ◽  
Toko Sakai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background/objective Chemotherapy for cancer negatively affects activities of daily living and quality of life. This study aimed to validate and compare the efficacy of two different interventions in patients with haematopoietic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy: (1) occupation-based interventions, designed using the Aid for Decision-making in Occupation Choice (ADOC) (an iPAD application) and (2) impairment-based interventions. ADOC helps promote decision-making during activities and participation in occupation-based goal setting. The impairment-based intervention group served as the comparison group and underwent impairment-based interventions focusing on dysfunction. Methods In this single-blinded pilot randomised controlled trial, 19 participants received an occupation-based intervention (n = 9) or an impairment-based intervention (n = 10). The treatment period comprised two sessions. Recruitment, compliance and outcome completion rates were calculated for the study. Effect sizes were examined for outcomes regarding physical performance, instrumental activities of daily living and quality of life as evaluated by a blinded assessor. Results In this study, 24.8% (28/113) of the eligible patients with haematopoietic malignancies were enrolled, and 67.9% (19/28) of these were retained up to the post-assessment stage. Recruitment (25%) and compliance (68%) rates were satisfactory. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General emotional well-being and total scores were significantly higher for the occupation-based intervention group than for the impairment-based intervention group (both p < 0.05; d = 0.54, d = 0.51, respectively). Other outcomes showed no significant differences. Conclusion Occupation-based interventions designed using the ADOC application were useful for patients with haematopoietic malignancies.

scholarly journals Targeting treatable traits in severe asthma: a randomised controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 1901509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa M. McDonald ◽  
Vanessa L. Clark ◽  
Laura Cordova-Rivera ◽  
Peter A.B. Wark ◽  
Katherine J. Baines ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Asthma Control ◽  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Randomised Controlled

RationaleTreatable traits have been proposed as a new paradigm for airway disease management.ObjectivesTo characterise treatable traits in a severe asthma population and to determine the efficacy of targeting treatments to these treatable traits in severe asthma.MethodsParticipants (n=140) with severe asthma were recruited to a cross-sectional study and underwent a multidimensional assessment to characterise treatable traits. Eligible participants with severe asthma (n=55) participated in a 16-week parallel-group randomised controlled trial to determine the feasibility and efficacy of management targeted to predefined treatable traits, compared to usual care in a severe asthma clinic. The patient-reported outcome of health-related quality of life was the trial's primary end-point.Main resultsParticipants with severe asthma had a mean±sd of 10.44±3.03 traits per person, comprising 3.01±1.54 pulmonary and 4.85±1.86 extrapulmonary traits and 2.58±1.31 behavioural/risk factors. Individualised treatment that targeted the traits was feasible and led to significantly improved health-related quality of life (0.86 units, p<0.001) and asthma control (0.73, p=0.01).ConclusionsMultidimensional assessment enables detection of treatable traits and identifies a significant trait burden in severe asthma. Targeting these treatable traits using a personalised-medicine approach in severe asthma leads to improvements in health-related quality of life, asthma control and reduced primary care acute visits. Treatable traits may be an effective way to address the complexity of severe asthma.

Incentive spirometry combined with expiratory positive airway pressure improves asthma control and quality of life in asthma: a randomised controlled trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Zacarias Rondinel ◽  
Isadora Faraco Corrêa ◽  
Luíza Machado Hoscheidt ◽  
Mirelle Hugo Bueno ◽  
Luciano Muller Corrêa da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Asthma Control ◽  
Airway Pressure ◽  
Positive Airway Pressure ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Incentive Spirometry

scholarly journals A Biofeedback-Assisted Stress Management Program for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Randomised Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. e980
Author(s):  
Konstantina Exarchopoulou ◽  
Anna Papageorgiou ◽  
Flora Bacopoulou ◽  
Elli Koumantarou Malisiova ◽  
Dimitrios Vlachakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Irritable Bowel ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects the functionality and quality of life of the affected persons. There is a well-established detrimental reciprocal relationship between stress and IBS. In this randomised controlled trial, IBS patients were randomly assigned to an 8-week biofeedback-assisted stress management intervention group (n=24) or a control group (n=22). Psychometric measures were performed at baseline and following intervention to assess perceived stress, health locus of control and depressive symptoms. In patients of the intervention group, perceived stress and symptoms of depression were significantly decreased, while the sense of control over health was increased. The intervention program was beneficial to the health and quality of life of individuals with IBS. Future randomised controlled studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are required to establish the effectiveness of stress-management techniques in functional gastrointestinal disorders.

scholarly journals Emergency Medicine Palliative Care Access (EMPallA): protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of specialty outpatient versus nurse-led telephonic palliative care of older adults with advanced illness

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e025692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corita R Grudzen ◽  
Deborah J Shim ◽  
Abigail M Schmucker ◽  
Jeanne Cho ◽  
Keith S Goldfeld
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Case Management ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
End Stage

IntroductionEmergency department (ED)-initiated palliative care has been shown to improve patient-centred outcomes in older adults with serious, life-limiting illnesses. However, the optimal modality for providing such interventions is unknown. This study aims to compare nurse-led telephonic case management to specialty outpatient palliative care for older adults with serious, life-limiting illness on: (1) quality of life in patients; (2) healthcare utilisation; (3) loneliness and symptom burden and (4) caregiver strain, caregiver quality of life and bereavement.Methods and analysisThis is a protocol for a pragmatic, multicentre, parallel, two-arm randomised controlled trial in ED patients comparing two established models of palliative care: nurse-led telephonic case management and specialty, outpatient palliative care. We will enrol 1350 patients aged 50+ years and 675 of their caregivers across nine EDs. Eligible patients: (1) have advanced cancer (metastatic solid tumour) or end-stage organ failure (New York Heart Association class III or IV heart failure, end-stage renal disease with glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min/m2, or global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease stage III, IV or oxygen-dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); (2) speak English; (3) are scheduled for ED discharge or observation status; (4) reside locally; (5) have a working telephone and (6) are insured. Patients will be excluded if they: (1) have dementia; (2) have received hospice care or two or more palliative care visits in the last 6 months or (3) reside in a long-term care facility. We will use patient-level block randomisation, stratified by ED site and disease. Effectiveness will be compared by measuring the impact of each intervention on the specified outcomes. The primary outcome will measure change in patient quality of life.Ethics and disseminationInstitutional Review Board approval was obtained at all study sites. Trial results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberNCT03325985; Pre-results.

scholarly journals Evaluating the provision of Further Enabling Care at Home (FECH+) for informal caregivers of older adults discharged home from hospital: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e046600
Author(s):  
Anne-Marie Hill ◽  
Rachael Moorin ◽  
Susan Slatyer ◽  
Christina Bryant ◽  
Keith Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Care At Home ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionThere are personal and societal benefits from caregiving; however, caregiving can jeopardise caregivers’ health. The Further Enabling Care at Home (FECH+) programme provides structured nurse support, through telephone outreach, to informal caregivers of older adults following discharge from acute hospital care to home. The trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of the FECH+ programme on caregivers’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after care recipients’ hospital discharge.Methods and analysisA multisite, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial with blinded baseline and outcome assessment and intention-to-treat analysis, adhering to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines will be conducted. Participants (N=925 dyads) comprising informal home caregiver (18 years or older) and care recipient (70 years or older) will be recruited when the care recipient is discharged from hospital. Caregivers of patients discharged from wards in three hospitals in Australia (one in Western Australia and two in Queensland) are eligible for inclusion. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The intervention group receive the FECH+ programme, which provides structured support and problem-solving for the caregiver after the care recipient’s discharge, in addition to usual care. The control group receives usual care. The programme is delivered by a registered nurse and comprises six 30–45 min telephone support sessions over 6 months. The primary outcome is caregivers’ HRQOL measured using the Assessment of Quality of Life—eight dimensions. Secondary outcomes include caregiver preparedness, strain and distress and use of healthcare services. Changes in HRQOL between groups will be compared using a mixed regression model that accounts for the correlation between repeated measurements.Ethics and disseminationParticipants will provide written informed consent. Ethics approvals have been obtained from Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Health Care Group, Curtin University, Griffith University, Gold Coast Health Service and government health data linkage services. Findings will be disseminated through presentations, peer-reviewed journals and conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12620000060943.

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