scholarly journals Psychological treatments in intellectual disability: the challenges of building a good evidence base

2011 ◽  
Vol 198 (6) ◽  
pp. 428-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabyasachi Bhaumik ◽  
Satheesh Gangadharan ◽  
Avinash Hiremath ◽  
Paul Swamidhas Sudhakar Russell
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Good Evidence ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Psychological Treatments ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Cost

SummaryPsychological treatments are widely used for the management of mental health and behavioural problems in people with intellectual disabilities. The evidence base, including the cost-effectiveness of such interventions, is limited. This editorial explores the current evidence base and analyses its strengths and limitations. The editorial also highlights current problems in conducting randomised controlled trials in this area and suggests a way forward.

A Systematic Review of Cost-Effectiveness Analyses Alongside Randomised Controlled Trials of Acupuncture

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song-Yi Kim ◽  
Hyangsook Lee ◽  
Younbyoung Chae ◽  
Hi-Joon Park ◽  
Hyejung Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
German Studies ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Cost

Objective To summarise the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture. Methods We identified full economic evaluations such as cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), cost-utility analysis (CUA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the consequences and costs of acupuncture for any medical condition. Eleven electronic databases were searched up to March 2011 without language restrictions. Eligible RCTs were assessed using the Cochrane criteria for risk of bias and a modified version of the checklist for economic evaluation. The general characteristics and the results of each economic analysis such as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were extracted. Results Of 17 included studies, nine were CUAs that measured quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and eight were CEAs that assessed effectiveness of acupuncture based on improvements in clinical symptoms. All CUAs showed that acupuncture with or without usual care was cost-effective compared with waiting list control or usual care alone, with ICERs ranging from ¢3011/QALY (dysmenorrhoea) to ¢22 298/QALY (allergic rhinitis) in German studies, and from £3855/QALY (osteoarthritis) to £9951/QALY (headache) in UK studies. In the CEAs, acupuncture was beneficial at a relatively low cost in six European and Asian studies. All CUAs were well-designed with a low risk of bias, but this was not the case for CEAs. Conclusions Overall, this review demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture. Despite such promising results, any generalisation of these results needs to be made with caution given the diversity of diseases and the different status of acupuncture in the various countries.

Self-extrication and selective spinal immobilisation in a polytrauma patient with spinal injuries

Trauma ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-232
Author(s):  
Aidan Brown ◽  
Adam Low
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Spinal Injuries ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Safe Practice ◽  
Spinal Immobilisation ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Polytrauma Patient

Methods of extrication and spinal immobilisation following trauma remains controversial. There is a consensus shift towards encouraging patients to self-extricate from vehicles after collisions and reduced use of hard cervical collars. Difficulties in conducting randomised controlled trials in this area means that case reports are important in adding to the existing evidence base. This case of an 81-year-old female polytrauma patient suggests that self-extrication, and not using hard cervical collars is safe practice, even in the context of significant multi-level spinal injuries.

scholarly journals Total extraperitoneal endoscopic hernioplasty (TEP) versus Lichtenstein hernioplasty: a systematic review by updated traditional and cumulative meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials

Hernia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1093-1103 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Gavriilidis ◽  
R. J. Davies ◽  
J. Wheeler ◽  
N. de’Angelis ◽  
S. Di Saverio
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Vascular Injuries ◽  
Lichtenstein Hernioplasty ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Haematoma Formation ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background–purpose Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) endoscopic hernioplasty and Lichtenstein hernioplasty are the most commonly used approaches for inguinal hernia repair. However, current evidence on which is the preferred approach is inconclusive. This updated meta-analysis was conducted to track the accumulation of evidence over time. Methods Studies were identified by a systematic literature search of the EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. Fixed- and random-effects models were used to cumulatively assess the accumulation of evidence over time. Results The TEP cohort showed significantly higher rates of recurrences and vascular injuries compared to the Lichtenstein cohort; [Peto Odds ratio (OR) = 1.58 (1.22, 2.04), p = 0.005], [Peto OR = 2.49 (1.05, 5.88), p = 0.04], respectively. In contrast, haematoma formation rate, time to return to usual activities, and local paraesthesia were significantly lower in the TEP cohort compared to the Lichtenstein cohort; [Peto OR = 0.26 (0.16, 0.41), p ≤ 0.001], [mean difference = − 6.32 (− 8.17, − 4.48), p ≤ 0.001], [Peto OR = 0.26 (0.17, 0.40), p ≤ 0.001], respectively. Conclusions This study, which is based on randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) of high quality, showed significantly higher rates of recurrences and vascular injuries in the TEP cohort than in the Lichtenstein cohort. In contrast, rate of postoperative haematoma formation, local paraesthesia, and time to return to usual activities were significantly lower in the TEP cohort than in the Lichtenstein cohort. Future multicentre RCTs with strict adherence to the standards recommended in the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines will shed further light on the topic.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of psychological treatments for depression and alcohol use disorder delivered by community-based counsellors: two pragmatic randomised controlled trials within primary healthcare in Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 215 (2) ◽  
pp. 485-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark J. D. Jordans ◽  
Nagendra P. Luitel ◽  
Emily Garman ◽  
Brandon A. Kohrt ◽  
Sujit D. Rathod ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Psychological Treatments ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Healthy Activity

BackgroundEvidence shows benefits of psychological treatments in low-resource countries, yet few government health systems include psychological services.AimEvaluating the clinical value of adding psychological treatments, delivered by community-based counsellors, to primary care-based mental health services for depression and alcohol use disorder (AUD), as recommended by the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).MethodTwo randomised controlled trials, separately for depression and AUD, were carried out. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to mental healthcare delivered by mhGAP-trained primary care workers (psychoeducation and psychotropic medicines when indicated), or the same services plus individual psychological treatments (Healthy Activity Program for depression and Counselling for Alcohol Problems). Primary outcomes were symptom severity, measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 item (PHQ-9) for depression and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test for AUD, and functional impairment, measured using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS), at 12 months post-enrolment.ResultsParticipants with depression in the intervention arm (n = 60) had greater reduction in PHQ-9 and WHODAS scores compared with participants in the control (n = 60) (PHQ-9: M = −5.90, 95% CI −7.55 to −4.25, β = −3.68, 95% CI −5.68 to −1.67, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.66; WHODAS: M = −12.21, 95% CI −19.58 to −4.84, β = −10.74, 95% CI −19.96 to −1.53, P= 0.022, Cohen's d = 0.42). For the AUD trial, no significant effect was found when comparing control (n = 80) and intervention participants (n = 82).ConclusionAdding a psychological treatment delivered by community-based counsellors increases treatment effects for depression compared with only mhGAP-based services by primary health workers 12 months post-treatment.Declaration of interestNone.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge on reducing sternal wound infections following cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

2012 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Creanor ◽  
A Barton ◽  
A Marchbank
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Wound Infections ◽  
Insufficient Evidence ◽  
Sternal Wound Infections ◽  
Randomised Controlled

INTRODUCTION Gentamicin impregnated collagen sponges are licensed for use after cardiac surgery in over 50 countries but their effectiveness at preventing sternal wound infections (SWIs) remains uncertain. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the current evidence for effectiveness of such sponges at preventing SWIs in patients after cardiac surgery. METHODS A systematic search of the literature was undertaken and meta-analyses were performed on the results of the identified, eligible studies. Using random effects models, odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (Cl) were calculated for all SWIs and deep SWIs for: a) all participants, and b) participants deemed as high risk. RESULTS Three unique randomised controlled trials (published between 2005 and 2010) involving 3,994 participants met the inclusion criteria. There was insufficient evidence of a significant difference between intervention and control groups for all SWIs (all participants: OR: 0.66, 95% Cl: 0.39–1.14; high risk participants: OR: 0.60, 95% Cl: 0.24–1.52). There was insufficient evidence of a significant benefit of the sponge in deep SWIs across all participants (OR: 0.72, 95% Cl: 0.47–1.10) but some evidence of benefit in terms of reducing the incidence of deep SWIs in high risk participants (OR: 0.62, 95% Cl: 0.39–0.98). CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence of the effectiveness (or otherwise) of gentamicin impregnated sponges in preventing SWIs following cardiac surgery. However, some evidence does exist that such sponges can reduce the incidence of deep infections in high risk patients.

scholarly journals Psychological interventions for positive symptoms in schizophrenia: protocol for a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e019280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Bighelli ◽  
Georgia Salanti ◽  
Cornelia Reitmeir ◽  
Sofia Wallis ◽  
Corrado Barbui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Positive Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Treatments ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionThere is rising awareness that we need multidisciplinary approaches integrating psychological treatments for schizophrenia, but a comprehensive evidence based on their relative efficacy is lacking. We will conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA), integrating direct and indirect comparisons from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to rank psychological treatments for schizophrenia according to their efficacy, acceptability and tolerability.Methods and analysisWe will include all RCTs comparing a psychological treatment aimed at positive symptoms of schizophrenia with another psychological intervention or with a no treatment condition (waiting-list and treatment as usual). We will include studies on adult patients with schizophrenia, excluding specific subpopulations (eg, first-episode patients or patients with psychiatric comorbidities). Primary outcome will be the change in positive symptoms on a published rating scale. Secondary outcomes will be acceptability (dropout), change in overall and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, response, relapse, adherence, depression, quality of life, functioning and adverse events. Published and unpublished studies will be sought through database searches, trial registries and websites. Study selection and data extraction will be conducted by at least two independent reviewers. We will conduct random-effects NMA to synthesise all evidences for each outcome and obtain a comprehensive ranking of all treatments. NMA will be conducted in Stata and R within a frequentist framework. The risk of bias in studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the credibility of the evidence will be evaluated using an adaptation of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework to NMA, recommended by the Cochrane guidance. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be conducted to assess the robustness of the findings.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical issues are foreseen. Results from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017067795.

Active warming after caesarean section to prevent neonatal hypothermia: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 829-837
Author(s):  
Aliona Vilinsky-Redmond ◽  
Maria Brenner ◽  
Linda Nugent ◽  
Margaret McCann
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Elective Caesarean Section ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Skin To Skin ◽  
Neonatal Hypothermia

There is a lack of evidence on the effects of perioperative warming on maternal and neonatal outcomes in women undergoing elective caesarean section who are performing at-birth skin-to-skin contact. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of the current evidence base on the effects of perioperative warming versus no warming. Inclusion criteria included randomised controlled trials involving pregnant women ≥18 years old undergoing an elective caesarean section at term under regional anaesthesia and who initiated at-birth neonatal skin-to-skin contact. Studies investigated active warming versus no active warming interventions. Three studies were included, with a total of 286 participants. Active warming of women resulted in significantly less occurrence of neonatal hypothermia, with no difference in maternal hypothermia. Perioperative active warming of mothers and newborns who had skin-to-skin contact may be beneficial. The quality of the included studies was low, so the review findings should be interpreted with caution. High quality studies with larger sample sizes need to be undertaken.

scholarly journals Psychological treatment for depression and anxiety associated with dementia and mild cognitive impairment

2015 ◽  
Vol 207 (4) ◽  
pp. 286-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew H. Ford ◽  
Osvaldo P. Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Psychological Treatments ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Good Quality Data

SummaryDepression and anxiety are commonly associated with cognitive impairment. A systematic review of psychological treatments that appears in this issue of the Journal highlights the current paucity of good-quality data, but suggests these interventions hold promise. Given the increasing burden of dementia in our community, novel adequately powered randomised controlled trials in this area are urgently needed.

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