scholarly journals Management of adrenal insufficiency during Ramadan fasting: a survey of physicians

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 804-811
Author(s):  
Salem A Beshyah ◽  
Khawla F Ali ◽  
Hussein F Saadi
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Ramadan Fasting ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Management Recommendations ◽  
Evidence Based Guidelines ◽  
Specific Concern ◽  
Specific Management

Introduction: Appropriate dose adjustments of glucocorticoids replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency (AI) is vital. Objective: We sought to scope physicians’ perceptions, and practices regarding Ramadan fasting (RF) impact on the management of AI. Methods: A web-based survey of a convenience sample of endocrinologists. Results: Nearly two-thirds of 145 respondents (64.1%) were adult endocrinologists and almost half (49%) saw more than 10 hypoadrenal patients per year. Most respondents (78.6%) prescribed hydrocortisone, while the minority prescribed other preparations. The glucocorticoid doses were reportedly divided twice daily by 70.8% and thrice daily by 22.2% of respondents. Respondents recognized RF as having potential consequences in adrenal insufficiency patients included causing hypoglycaemia, undue tiredness, and fatigue, hypotension, feeling dizzy, and light-headedness. Symptoms of under-replacement were thought to happen in the late afternoon by 59.3% of respondents. Almost half (45.5%) of respondents thought that RF has some probable or definite impact on glucocorticoid therapy that certainly warrants specific concern and possible action. Three quarters (76.4%) of respondents confirmed providing specific management recommendations during RF. The most frequently reported recommendation was taking in the usual morning dose of hydrocortisone just before pre-dawn meal (Suhor) (57.8%). A third switch patients from hydrocortisone to prednisolone/prednisone. Half reported providing patients with specific recommendations regarding breaking their fast and/or seeking help if hypoadrenal symptoms occur. Conclusions: There is a remarkable variation in the physicians’ perceptions and practices regarding the management of AI during Ramadan. This warrants professional effort to increase the awareness and dissemination of evidence-based guidelines.

scholarly journals Dietitians' perceptions and experience of blenderised feeds for paediatric tube-feeding

2016 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janis Armstrong ◽  
Elaine Buchanan ◽  
Hazel Duncan ◽  
Kathleen Ross ◽  
Konstantinos Gerasimidis
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Tube Feeding ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Previous Experience ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Commercial Feeds ◽  
Evidence Based Guidelines ◽  
Professional Guidelines

ObjectiveThere is an emerging interest in the use of blenderised food for tube-feeding (BFTF). This survey explored paediatric dietitians' perceptions and experiences of BFTF use.DesignA web-based questionnaire was distributed to the Paediatric group of the British Dietetic Association. The survey captured dietitians' personal opinions and experience supporting children on BFTF, and the perceptions of carers.ResultsOf the 77 respondents, 19 were aware of professional guidelines and 63 had never received training on BFTF. Thirty-four would not recommend BFTF and 11 would advise against its use; yet 43 would recommend it to supplement commercial feeds. Fifty-seven would change their perception about BFTF if there were evidence-based guidelines. Forty-four would feel confident to support a patient using BFTF. Forty-three had previous experience supporting a patient with BFTF. The main concerns perceived by dietitians, pertinent to the use of BFTF, were nutritional inadequacy (n=71), tube blockages (n=64) and increased infection risk (n=59) but these were significantly higher than those experienced by themselves in clinical practice (p<0.001 for all three). A reduction in reflux and vomiting and increased carer involvement were the main perceived and observed benefits by both dietitians and carers.ConclusionsThe use of these feeds for tube-fed children is increasingly being seen as a viable choice. Dietitians experienced significantly fewer issues with the use of BFTF in clinical practice compared with their self-reported apprehensions in the survey. Well-controlled studies are now needed to objectively assess the benefits, risks, costs and practicality of BFTF.

Ensuring evidence-based cancer medicine by influencing prescribing behavior.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 212-212
Author(s):  
William J. Hrushesky ◽  
Dinah Huff ◽  
Sharon Davis ◽  
Laura Rose Bobolts ◽  
Marc L. Fishman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Characteristic Change ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Prescribing Behavior ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Southeastern Us ◽  
Directional Change ◽  
Therapeutic Decision Making ◽  
Evidence Based Guidelines ◽  
Cancer Specialist

212 Background: Oncology Analytics, Inc. (OA) promotes evidence-based, guidelines-compliant cancer therapeutic decision-making on behalf of healthcare payers. The OA web-based 1,300 protocol treatment request system screens several hundred applications each month. Evidence-based requests are automatically approvable within seconds (Auto); those needing medical director (MD) review, within hours (Non-Auto). Some 10% of all requests require real-time consultation between OA board-certified medical oncologists/hematologists and the prescribing cancer specialist. Three-quarters of these non-compliant residual requests are rescinded by the treating oncologist. The remainder are either approved because of additional information while about 1% are recommended for an adverse determination. Methods: We hypothesize that OA’s presence in a cancer market gradually improves the likelihood of evidence-based oncologist prescribing behavior. We tested this over 44 consecutive months of rapid growth, from May 2009 through December 2012, within a single southeastern US market. Since Auto requests are evidence- and guidelines-based, and Non-Auto requests are either not supported by evidence or have evidence support but with less toxic or less costly alternatives available, we reasoned that any sustained directional change in the ratio of Auto to Non-Auto represents a characteristic change in cancer specialist behavior over that span. The monthly ratios of Auto to Non-Auto were analyzed for trends by least squares and the slopes of each were contrasted by ANCOVA. Results: During the first six months, Auto-processed requests approximately equaled Non-Auto-processed request numbers, for a baseline ratio of one. Over the next 38 months, this ratio rose to approximately 1.4, meaning that 40% more requests were eventually approved automatically each month than those requiring MD review. The slopes of this relationship between Auto and Non-Auto approvals are statistically distinct (F = 43.34; p<0.001). Conclusions: This progressive quality improvement reflects malleability of cancer doctor prescribing behavior, results in substantial savings, occurs quickly, persists and grows over time.

scholarly journals Patterns of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis during Inpatient Treatment of Acute Leukemia: Results of a North American Web-Based Survey

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 4455-4455
Author(s):  
Eun-Ju Lee ◽  
B. Douglas Smith ◽  
Jessica W Merrey ◽  
Alfred I Lee ◽  
Nikolai A. Podoltsev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Acute Leukemia ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Practice Patterns ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Vte Prophylaxis ◽  
Pharmacologic Prophylaxis ◽  
Evidence Based Guidelines

Abstract On behalf of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs in 2-12% of patients with acute leukemia (AL) despite disease and therapy-associated thrombocytopenia, and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Due to limited high-quality studies, there are no evidence-based guidelines for VTE prophylaxis in this patient population. Based on our experience and the lack of consensus guidelines, we hypothesized that there would be a wide range in provider practice regarding methods of VTE prevention in patients with AL. To determine the current individual practices in North America, we devised a web-based survey of VTE prophylaxis practice among clinicians caring for patients with AL. Methods: An anonymous 19 question web-based survey, approved by the Johns Hopkins Institutional Review Board, was distributed by email to members of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group on 10/22/14. Four reminders were sent at two-week intervals with the survey closing on 12/8/14. Results: Of the total 215 respondents, 64 were excluded for the following reasons: 52 did not directly manage medical care of AL patients, 3 referred AL patients to other centers, 5 left blank responses to all questions regarding VTE prophylaxis, 1 was a duplicate entry, and 3 described their position as support or office staff. One hundred fifty-one responses were eligible for analysis, with a response rate of 20.9% among physicians who treated leukemias. One hundred forty-seven were from the United States and 4 from Canada, representing 88 different institutions and 37 states or provinces. Overall, 47% and 45% of providers reported using pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis during induction and consolidation phases, respectively. Among the providers using pharmacologic prophylaxis, 60% designated 50,000/μL as the platelet count threshold below which they would hold prophylaxis and 26% used a platelet count of 30,000/μL. Fewer providers chose a platelet count of 20,000/μL (4%), 75,000/μL (4%), and 100,000/μL (2%). Lastly, 2% held prophylactic anticoagulation only in the setting of an active bleed and 2% reported variable thresholds. Approximately 15% of providers did not utilize any VTE prophylaxis while 36% used mechanical methods and ambulation. Among providers who did not recommend pharmacologic prophylaxis, the most commonly cited reasons were the perceived high risk of bleeding (51%), absence of data supporting use (38%), and perceived low risk of VTE (11%). Conclusions: These results demonstrate wide variation in clinician practice regarding VTE prevention in hospitalized AL patients during induction and consolidation therapy. Our findings emphasize the need to develop standardized, evidence-based guidelines in this at-risk population. VTE: venous thromboembolism, AL: acute leukemia, SC: subcutaneous, TED: thromboembolic deterrant stockings, SCD: sequential compression device Figure 1. Practice patterns of VTE prophylaxis for AL patients during induction and consolidation therapies Figure 1. Practice patterns of VTE prophylaxis for AL patients during induction and consolidation therapies Disclosures Barbarotta: Celgene, BMS, Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Prebet:CELGENE: Research Funding. Gore:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

2014 Update of the Canadian Rheumatology Association/Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Treatment Recommendations for the Management of Spondyloarthritis. Part II: Specific Management Recommendations

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 665-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry Rohekar ◽  
Jon Chan ◽  
Shirley M.L. Tse ◽  
Nigil Haroon ◽  
Vinod Chandran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Working Group ◽  
Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Research Consortium ◽  
Management Recommendations ◽  
Patient Representative ◽  
Necrosis Factor ◽  
Canadian Healthcare ◽  
Specific Management

Objective.The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) and the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) have collaborated to update the recommendations for the management of spondyloarthritis (SpA).Methods.A working group was assembled and consisted of the SPARCC executive committee, rheumatologist leaders from SPARCC collaborating sites, Canadian rheumatologists from across the country with an interest in SpA (both academic and community), a rheumatology trainee with an interest in SpA, an epidemiologist/health services researcher, a member of the CRA executive, a member of the CRA therapeutics committee, and a patient representative from the Canadian Spondylitis Association. An extensive review was conducted of literature published from 2007 to 2014 involving the management of SpA. The working group created draft recommendations using multiple rounds of Web-based surveys and an in-person conference.Results.Recommendations for the management of SpA were created. Part II: Specific Management Recommendations addresses management with nonpharmacologic methods, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and analgesics, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, antibiotics, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, other biologic agents, and surgery. Also included are 10 modifications for application to juvenile SpA.Conclusion.These recommendations were developed based on current literature and applied to a Canadian healthcare context. It is hoped that implementation of these recommendations will promote best practices in the treatment of SpA.

scholarly journals Evidence-Based Guidelines for Prehospital Pain Management: Recommendations

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
George Lindbeck ◽  
Manish I. Shah ◽  
Sabina Braithwaite ◽  
Jonathan R. Powell ◽  
Ashish R. Panchal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Management Recommendations ◽  
Evidence Based Guidelines

Design and Development of a Web-based Delirium Preventive Application for Long-term Care Facilities: A Methodological Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoung Ja Moon ◽  
Chang-Sik Son ◽  
Jong-Ha Lee ◽  
Mina Park
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Cloud System ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Methodological Study ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Delirium Prevention

BACKGROUND Long-term care facilities demonstrate low levels of knowledge and care for patients with delirium and are often not properly equipped with an electronic medical record system, thereby hindering systematic approaches to delirium monitoring. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop a web-based delirium preventive application (app), with an integrated predictive model, for long-term care (LTC) facilities using artificial intelligence (AI). METHODS This methodological study was conducted to develop an app and link it with the Amazon cloud system. The app was developed based on an evidence-based literature review and the validity of the AI prediction model algorithm. Participants comprised 206 persons admitted to LTC facilities. The app was developed in 5 phases. First, through a review of evidence-based literature, risk factors for predicting delirium and non-pharmaceutical contents for preventive intervention were identified. Second, the app, consisting of several screens, was designed; this involved providing basic information, predicting the onset of delirium according to risk factors, assessing delirium, and intervening for prevention. Third, based on the existing data, predictive analysis was performed, and the algorithm developed through this was calculated at the site linked to the web through the Amazon cloud system and sent back to the app. Fourth, a pilot test using the developed app was conducted with 33 patients. Fifth, the app was finalized. RESULTS We developed the Web_DeliPREVENT_4LCF for patients of LTC facilities. This app provides information on delirium, inputs risk factors, predicts and informs the degree of delirium risk, and enables delirium measurement or delirium prevention interventions to be immediately implemented with a verified tool. CONCLUSIONS This web-based application is evidence-based and offers easy mobilization and care to patients with delirium in LTC facilities. Therefore, the use of this app improves the unrecognized of delirium and predicts the degree of delirium risk, thereby helping initiatives for delirium prevention and providing interventions. This would ultimately improve patient safety and quality of care. CLINICALTRIAL none

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