Assessment of available online educational resources for patients with atrial fibrillation (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Emma Middeldorp ◽  
Ellen Lyrtzis ◽  
Kyle Murray Heath ◽  
Tanya Hall ◽  
Kadhim Kadhim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Educational Resources ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
Qualitative Systematic Review ◽  
Online Educational Resources ◽  
Score Range

BACKGROUND A diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) often leads patients to search online for information, which can expose them to information of varied quality. OBJECTIVE We conducted a qualitative systematic review of websites for patients that contain information regarding AF. METHODS The following terms were searched on 3 search engines (Google, Yahoo and Bing): AF for patients, What is AF, AF patient information, AF educational resources. Inclusion criteria were websites with a focus on comprehensive AF information, containing information about treatment options, and written in English. We excluded websites requiring membership subscription, linked to abstracts or manuscripts, or developed by private clinics. We used the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT-P/PEMAT-AV) for printable/audio-visual material to assess understandability and actionability (score range 0-100). Those with PEMAT scores of >70 meaning acceptable understandability and actionability, underwent DISCERN score to assess information content quality and reliability (score range 0-80). RESULTS The search yielded a total 720 websites which underwent full review. After excluding duplicates and those not meeting the inclusion criteria, 48 underwent full scoring. Mean overall PEMAT-P score was 68.5±17.2. Mean PEMAT-AV score was 61.1±9.4. Of the websites that scored >70% PEMAT-P, 20 (42%) underwent DISCERN scoring. Mean DISCERN score was 54.7±4.5. CONCLUSIONS There is a wide variation in the understandably, actionability and quality of websites that provide information to patients with most websites not providing patient level materials. Knowledge of quality websites could provide an important adjunct for improving individuals’ knowledge about their condition

scholarly journals Microplastic contamination of salt intended for human consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelos Danopoulos ◽  
Lauren Jenner ◽  
Maureen Twiddy ◽  
Jeanette M. Rotchell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Human Health Effects ◽  
Potential Human Health

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging contaminant ubiquitous in the environment. There is growing concern regarding potential human health effects, a major human exposure route being dietary uptake. We have undertaken a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis to identify all relevant research on MP contamination of salt intended for human consumption. Three thousand nine hundred and nineteen papers were identified, with ten fitting the inclusion criteria. A search of the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science, from launch date to September 2020, was conducted. MP contamination of salt varied significantly between four origins, sea salt 0–1674 MPs/kg, lake salt 8–462 MPs/kg, rock and well salt 0–204 MPs/kg. The majority of samples were found to be contaminated by MPs. Corresponding potential human exposures are estimated to be 0–6110 MPs per year (for all origins), confirming salt as a carrier of MPs. A bespoke risk of bias (RoB) assessment tool was used to appraise the quality of the studies, with studies demonstrating moderate to low RoB. These results suggest that a series of recurring issues need to be addressed in future research regarding sampling, analysis and reporting to improve confidence in research findings.

High-intensity interval training improves cardiovascular health, exercise capacity, and quality of life in permanent atrial fibrillation: a case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (12) ◽  
pp. 1321-1323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Reed ◽  
Pablo B. Nery ◽  
David H. Birnie ◽  
Heather E. Tulloch ◽  
Andrew L. Pipe
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
High Intensity Interval Training ◽  
Permanent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
High Intensity Interval

Persons with permanent atrial fibrillation experience reduced exercise tolerance, weight gain, and an associated decline in overall health. We report on a 74-year-old man with permanent atrial fibrillation who underwent a 10-week high-intensity interval training program. Substantial improvements in heart rate, blood pressure, aerobic and functional capacity, and quality of life were observed. These are desirable as these patients are not candidates for other treatment options and more effective therapies for the treatment of atrial fibrillation are needed.

Assessing the Educational Quality of Facebook Videos as an Informative Resource on Otitis Media

2020 ◽  
pp. 019459982093388
Author(s):  
Chase I. Kahn ◽  
Rita Wang ◽  
Kunal Shetty ◽  
Mikayla J. Huestis ◽  
Michael B. Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Otitis Media ◽  
English Language ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Video Content ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Value ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Objective This study analyzes the quality and reliability of otitis media (OM) videos on Facebook and investigates whether the videos shared within the Facebook community are considered to be a valuable educational tool. The results of this study are important for providing clinicians with the necessary understanding about the video content that their patients may be exposed to. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis of video content. Setting A new Facebook account was created to carry out a search for videos on OM. Methods Inclusion criteria were as follows: videos intended for educating patients or guardians on OM, videos in the English language, and videos with at least 1 share. Results A total of 364 videos were screened, and 62 fit our inclusion criteria for analysis. The majority (56%) of OM videos on Facebook focused on complementary and alternative medication without mentioning any current guidelines. A limited amount of videos (29%) made any mention to surgical treatment options for OM. There was a strong positive correlation (rho = 0.8419, P < .001) between a video’s content and its reliability. There was no correlation seen between a video’s content and its shares (rho = −0.142, P = .1359). Conclusions The majority of OM videos on Facebook are inadequate for educational value. Clinicians should know about the existence of videos on OM and the quality of information that parents are exposed to.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF TREATMENT OF FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA

2001 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 517-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna García-Altés ◽  
Esther Jovell
Keyword(s):  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Functional Dyspepsia ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Specific Protocol ◽  
Bibliographic Search

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the quality of economic analysis studies published in the medical and economical literature assessing the clinical management of functional dyspepsia.Methods: Bibliographic search in the main biomedical databases, in articles from bibliographic references, health technology assessment reports, and in gray literature. A specific protocol with economic and clinical items was designed for the evaluation.Results: Overall, 18 of 162 studies met the inclusion criteria for the assessment. The compared treatment options were very diverse. The main methodologic deficiencies were in perspective of analysis, inclusion of indirect costs, and sources of clinical information.Conclusions: Specific checklists with clinical and economical items may help to better assess the quality of economic analysis in the field of functional dyspepsia. The methodologic rigor in the application of economic analysis techniques, as well as the use of appropriate clinical outcome measures, is essential to guarantee the reproducibility of the studies.

scholarly journals Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (1997–2007): An Assessment of Reporting Quality with a CONSORT- and STRICTA-Based Instrument

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Hammerschlag ◽  
Ryan Milley ◽  
Agatha Colbert ◽  
Jeffrey Weih ◽  
Beth Yohalem-Ilsley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Geographical Origin ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Practitioner Training ◽  
Acupuncture Research

The present study describes the development of a comprehensive quality of reporting assessment tool and its application to acupuncture RCTs from 1997–2007. This Oregon CONSORT STRICTA Instrument (OCSI) is based on the revised CONSORT guidelines as modified by the STRICTA recommendations for acupuncture trials. Each of the resulting 27 OCSI items were applied to English language prospective RCTs that compared acupuncture, using manual and/or electro-stimulation, to no treatment, a sham procedure, or usual biomedical care. The 333 RCTs that met inclusion criteria were dispersed among 27 countries and 141 journals. Mean quality of reporting score for all articles was 63.0% (SD 16.5). Mean OCSI scores revealed a 30.9% improvement over the ten-year period (P<.001). Our findings suggest that to enhance quality of reporting, authors should better attend to seven specific OCSI items in three categories: practitioner training, adverse events, and aspects of randomization and blinding (n=5). The broad diversity in geographical origin, publication site and quality of reporting, viewed in light of the considerable room for improvement in mean OCSI scores, emphasizes the importance of making STRICTA as well as CONSORT more widely known to journals and to the acupuncture research community.

scholarly journals Scoliosis in myelomeningocele: epidemiology, management, and functional outcome

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishit Mummareddy ◽  
Michael C. Dewan ◽  
Michael R. Mercier ◽  
Robert P. Naftel ◽  
John C. Wellons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Tethered Cord ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Cochrane Database ◽  
Scoliosis Correction ◽  
Anterior Posterior

OBJECTIVEThe authors aimed to provide an updated and consolidated report on the epidemiology, management, and functional outcome of cases of myelomeningocele (MMC) in patients with scoliosis.METHODSA comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews on cases of MMC in patients with scoliosis between 1980 and 2016. The initial search yielded 670 reports. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion criteria, we included 32 full-text original articles in this study.RESULTSPooled statistical analysis of the included articles revealed the prevalence of scoliosis in MMC patients to be 53% (95% CI 0.42–0.64). Slightly more females (56%) are affected with both MMC and scoliosis than males. Motor level appears to be a significant predictor of prevalence, but not severity, of scoliosis in MMC patients. Treatment options for these patients include tethered cord release (TCR) and fusion surgeries. Curvature improvement and stabilization after TCR may be limited to patients with milder (< 50°) curves. Meanwhile, more aggressive fusion procedures such as a combined anterior-posterior approach may result in more favorable long-term scoliosis correction, albeit with greater complication rates. Quality of life metrics including ambulatory status and sitting stability are influenced by motor level of the lesion as well as the degree of the scoliosis curvature.CONCLUSIONSScoliosis is among the most common and challenging comorbidities from which patients with MMC suffer. Although important epidemiological and management trends are evident, larger, prospective studies are needed to discover ways to more accurately counsel and more optimally treat these patients.

scholarly journals Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Heart Failure Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (16) ◽  
pp. 3512
Author(s):  
Michael Derndorfer ◽  
Shaojie Chen ◽  
Helmut Pürerfellner
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Rhythm Control ◽  
The Other ◽  
Heart Failure Patients

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and Heart Failure (HF) are closely linked to each other, as each can be either the cause of or the result of the other. Successfully treating one of the two entities means laying the basis for treating the other one as well. Management of patients with AF and HF can be challenging and should primarily adhere to available guidelines. Concerning AF, medication is limited and causes many side effects, leading to low medical adherence. Several smaller studies, summarized in a big meta-analysis, provide evidence that ablation of AF in HF patients is crucial for improving quality of life, reducing HF hospitalizations, and reducing death, provided the LVEF is at least 25% or higher. In advanced HF, alternative treatment options (including assist devices, heart transplant) might still be the better option. Early rhythm control should be taken into consideration, as there is evidence that it is associated with better cardiovascular outcome.

scholarly journals MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF MADRASAH IN BANTEN PROVINCE: QUALITATIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ALQALAM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Mamat Rahmatullah
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Internal Quality ◽  
Quality Of Education ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
The Public ◽  
Qualitative Systematic Review ◽  
Prism Model

This systematic review aims to determine the management strategy for improving the quality of madrasah in Banten Province. The method used is a systematic review. The number of research results (journals and theses) reviewed is 4 documents. The inclusion criteria used are related to the management strategy for improving the quality of madrasas in Banten Province. The protocol used in the review is the Prism model. The conclusion of this review is that the management strategy for improving the internal quality of madrasas, for example, is carried out by managing the quality of education and intensifying local content, increasing the formulation of the vision and mission of madrasah, improving the quality of teachers, improving active learning processes, improving the quality of facilities, and improving the quality of output. Another strategy, for example, is to integrate learning values and local culture for the public of Banten Province.

Management of atrial fibrillation and anticoagulant therapies

2017 ◽  
pp. 793-804
Author(s):  
Mark O’Neill ◽  
John Whitaker ◽  
Jonathan Birns ◽  
Matthew Wright
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Ventricular Rate ◽  
Supraventricular Arrhythmia ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Careful Documentation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common supraventricular arrhythmia which is commonly found in older adults. It is associated with an increased risk of stroke and has a detrimental effect on quality of life. Management of AF involves an attempt to reduce the increased risk of stroke and to treat the symptoms that result from a high (or low) ventricular rate as well as, in some cases, the atrial rhythm itself. The management of AF involves a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s individual stroke and bleeding risk and a careful documentation of the impact of their symptoms on quality of life. Treatment options range from conservative to highly invasive. Selecting the appropriate combination from the range of options necessitates an understanding of the risks and benefits of each, so that the patient and physician can jointly identify the most appropriate management strategy.

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