scholarly journals A guide to systems-level, participatory, theory-informed implementation research in global health

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Seward ◽  
Charlotte Hanlon ◽  
Saba Hinrichs ◽  
Crick Lund ◽  
Jamie Murdoch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Implementation Science ◽  
Real World ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
High Quality ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Participatory Theory ◽  
Quality Evidence

Implementation research is a multidisciplinary field that addresses the complex phenomenon of how context influences our ability to deliver evidence-informed healthcare. There is increasing realisation of the importance of applying robust implementation research to scale-up lifesaving interventions that meet health-related sustainable development goals. However, the lack of high-quality implementation research is impeding our ability to meet these targets. In this paper we provide guidance to assist researchers to understand and conceptualise how implementation research methods can be used to deliver high-quality evidence-informed practice at scale. There are four phases to implementation research: pre-implementation, piloting, implementation and evaluation, and post-implementation and scale-up phases. Implementation science and theory-driven approaches can be used to design, pilot, implement and evaluate implementation programmes. Important components of implementation research such as stakeholder engagement can be applied to embed the research into existing health systems therefore ensure applicability in the ‘real world’. Implementation research also needs to be participatory; co-designed by all stakeholders who can influence implementation efforts. Although there is increasing interest in applying robust methodology to understand how and why implementation programmes work in real-world settings, global health actors still tend to favour evaluations conducted in controlled environments. Perhaps this is due to implementation research being a multidisciplinary field requiring expertise from a range of specialist disciplines such as implementation science and social science. To help translate some of the ambiguity surrounding the methodologies applied to implementation research, we draw on our expertise from a range of disciplines including global health, social science, policy, implementation science, epidemiology, and statistics to offer an overview of how to conduct participatory, theory-driven implementation research to design and test the effectiveness of delivering high-quality evidence-informed interventions at scale.

Evidence of scalable psychological interventions for forcibly displaced persons: A systematic review

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Perera ◽  
Tiziano Scott ◽  
Rikke Holm Bramsen ◽  
Hansen ◽  
Cecilie Dinesen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Displaced Persons ◽  
High Quality ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Quality Evidence

There is evidence to suggest that simplified and lay facilitated psychological interventions could contribute to reducing human resource for mental health shortages and disparities among forcibly displaced migrants. The review aimed to identify the evidence for the effectiveness of scalable psychological interventions for this sub-populations and the barriers and facilitators to their implementation. A systematic review was conducted, using peer-reviewed evidence published up until September 2017. Quantitative and mixed methods intervention studies were screened from Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsychINFO and CINAHL. Only English-language studies in which non-specialists administered the intervention were included. Narrative synthesis was used to analyse the study findings on effectiveness and the barriers and facilitators to implementation were identified through thematic analysis. Out of 2,766 relevant citations and abstracts screened, 13 met the inclusion criteria. We found high quality evidence with mixed results on the effectiveness of Narrative Exposure Therapy in reducing PTSD symptoms in children and adults. Medium-high quality evidence was found for the effectiveness of parenting skills interventions in reducing children’s behavioural problems and for interventions with components of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in reducing psychological distress. High-quality evidence was also found for a simplified version of IPT-G administered by lay facilitators indicating significant reductions in depression symptoms among adolescent among girls, but not boys, aged 14-17 years. We also found medium-high quality evidence showing no effect of psycho-education in reducing psychological distress. Cultural adaptation was identified as a facilitator to implementation and the training of non-specialists was described as both a barrier and facilitator. There is scarce but good quality evidence for the effectiveness of scalable psychological interventions for forcibly displaced persons. Further research on the effectiveness of these interventions on adults is urgently needed. Future studies should detail the process of adapting the training material, the supervision, and training received by non-specialists to assess fidelity, allow future replications, and facilitate scale-up.

Evidence-Based Policy in the Real World: A Cautionary View

2018 ◽  
Vol 678 (1) ◽  
pp. 180-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Gamoran
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Quality Evidence

The evidence movement has attended more to improving the supply of evidence than to increasing demand, so even as rigorous evidence production has increased, the use of evidence remains all too rare. A growing body of research indicates that the quality of relationships between researchers, policy-makers, and intermediaries plays a central role in whether rigorous evidence informs decisions in policy and practice. Creating structures to support such relationships remains a major challenge. Yet even when high-quality evidence is used, the intended benefits may not ensue because of broader challenges in society at large. Consequently, we should temper our expectations for the benefits of evidence-based policymaking, but not give up the effort.

scholarly journals Endoscopic diagnosis and management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH): European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline – Update 2021

Endoscopy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (03) ◽  
pp. 300-332
Author(s):  
Ian M. Gralnek ◽  
Adrian J. Stanley ◽  
A. John Morris ◽  
Marine Camus ◽  
James Lau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Dose ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage ◽  
Strong Recommendation ◽  
Epinephrine Injection ◽  
Moderate Quality ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Mechanical Therapy ◽  
Upper Gastrointestinal ◽  
Quality Evidence

MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS 1 ESGE recommends in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) the use of the Glasgow–Blatchford Score (GBS) for pre-endoscopy risk stratification. Patients with GBS ≤ 1 are at very low risk of rebleeding, mortality within 30 days, or needing hospital-based intervention and can be safely managed as outpatients with outpatient endoscopy.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 2 ESGE recommends that in patients with acute UGIH who are taking low-dose aspirin as monotherapy for secondary cardiovascular prophylaxis, aspirin should not be interrupted. If for any reason it is interrupted, aspirin should be re-started as soon as possible, preferably within 3–5 days.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 3 ESGE recommends that following hemodynamic resuscitation, early (≤ 24 hours) upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy should be performed. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 4 ESGE does not recommend urgent (≤ 12 hours) upper GI endoscopy since as compared to early endoscopy, patient outcomes are not improved. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 5 ESGE recommends for patients with actively bleeding ulcers (FIa, FIb), combination therapy using epinephrine injection plus a second hemostasis modality (contact thermal or mechanical therapy). Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 6 ESGE recommends for patients with an ulcer with a nonbleeding visible vessel (FIIa), contact or noncontact thermal therapy, mechanical therapy, or injection of a sclerosing agent, each as monotherapy or in combination with epinephrine injection. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 7 ESGE suggests that in patients with persistent bleeding refractory to standard hemostasis modalities, the use of a topical hemostatic spray/powder or cap-mounted clip should be considered. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 8 ESGE recommends that for patients with clinical evidence of recurrent peptic ulcer hemorrhage, use of a cap-mounted clip should be considered. In the case of failure of this second attempt at endoscopic hemostasis, transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE) should be considered. Surgery is indicated when TAE is not locally available or after failed TAE. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 9 ESGE recommends high dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for patients who receive endoscopic hemostasis and for patients with FIIb ulcer stigmata (adherent clot) not treated endoscopically. (a) PPI therapy should be administered as an intravenous bolus followed by continuous infusion (e. g., 80 mg then 8 mg/hour) for 72 hours post endoscopy. (b) High dose PPI therapies given as intravenous bolus dosing (twice-daily) or in oral formulation (twice-daily) can be considered as alternative regimens.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 10 ESGE recommends that in patients who require ongoing anticoagulation therapy following acute NVUGIH (e. g., peptic ulcer hemorrhage), anticoagulation should be resumed as soon as the bleeding has been controlled, preferably within or soon after 7 days of the bleeding event, based on thromboembolic risk. The rapid onset of action of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS), as compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), must be considered in this context.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

scholarly journals Working towards evidence-informed policy: Public health report Stockholm

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Bartelink ◽  
D Yacaman Mendez ◽  
A Lager
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Public Health Report ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Report ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Quality Evidence

Abstract Issue Public health problems and interventions are often addressed in sub-optimal ways by not prioritizing them based on the best available evidence. Description of the Problem The public health report 2019 for the Stockholm region aims to inform decision makers, politicians, and public health workers about the risk factors and diseases that account for the biggest part of the burden of disease with a clear focus on high quality evidence and communication of main messages. How did the public health report 2019 affect public health policy in the Stockholm region? Results The public health report 2019 influenced agenda setting, resource allocation and priority setting in the Stockholm region. Lessons We identified the following facilitating factors in the process, of which most also are supported in scientific literature, in chronological order: 1) understanding the policymaking context to be aware of windows of opportunity, 2) establishing relationships with relevant policymakers, engage with them routinely in the decision-making process, and being accessible for questions, 3) doing high-quality research by considering the latest scientific literature, multiple data sources and involving academic experts in the field, 4) communicating clear and relevant messages for generalists by translating research into easy-understandable texts and attractive figures, and 5) active dissemination of the report through multiple channels. In addition, the following barriers were identified: 1) the timeframe of the policymaking process was not in line with the research process, and 2) involving politicians in an early stage can potentially harm the objectivity of research in media messages. Key messages By focussing on major problems, high quality evidence and clear messages a public health report can contribute to more evidence-informed policy making. Engaging decision makers in the process of public health reporting is critical for the impact on agenda setting, resource allocation, and priority setting.

scholarly journals Measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in hyperhidrosis: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaela Gabes ◽  
Helge Knüttel ◽  
Gesina Kann ◽  
Christina Tischer ◽  
Christian J. Apfelbacher
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome Measures ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
High Quality ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Quality Evidence

Abstract Purpose To critically appraise, compare and summarize the quality of all existing PROMs that have been validated in hyperhidrosis to at least some extend by applying the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology. Thereby, we aim to give a recommendation for the use of PROMs in future clinical trials in hyperhidrosis. Methods We considered studies evaluating, describing or comparing measurement properties of PROMs as eligible. A systematic literature search in three big databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science) was performed. We assessed the methodological quality of each included study using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. Furthermore, we applied predefined quality criteria for good measurement properties and finally, graded the quality of the evidence. Results Twenty-four articles reporting on 13 patient-reported outcome measures were included. Three instruments can be further recommended for use. They showed evidence for sufficient content validity and moderate- to high-quality evidence for sufficient internal consistency. The methodological assessment showed existing evidence gaps for eight other PROMs, which therefore require further validation studies to make an adequate decision on their recommendation. The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Measure-Axillary (HDSM-Ax) and the short-form health survey with 36 items (SF-36) were the only questionnaires not recommended for use in patients with hyperhidrosis due to moderate- to high-quality evidence for insufficient measurement properties. Conclusion Three PROMs, the Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Index (HidroQoL), the Hyperhidrosis Questionnaire (HQ) and the Sweating Cognitions Inventory (SCI), can be recommended for use in future clinical trials in hyperhidrosis. Results obtained with these three instruments can be seen as trustworthy. Nevertheless, further validation of all three PROMs is desirable. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020170247

scholarly journals Limited not lazy: a quasi-experimental secondary analysis of evidence quality evaluations by those who hold implausible beliefs

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristy A. Martire ◽  
Bethany Growns ◽  
Agnes S. Bali ◽  
Bronte Montgomery-Farrer ◽  
Stephanie Summersby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Linear Mixed Effect Model ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Effect Model ◽  
Evidence Quality ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Quality Evidence

AbstractPast research suggests that an uncritical or ‘lazy’ style of evaluating evidence may play a role in the development and maintenance of implausible beliefs. We examine this possibility by using a quasi-experimental design to compare how low- and high-quality evidence is evaluated by those who do and do not endorse implausible claims. Seven studies conducted during 2019–2020 provided the data for this analysis (N = 746). Each of the seven primary studies presented participants with high- and/or low-quality evidence and measured implausible claim endorsement and evaluations of evidence persuasiveness (via credibility, value, and/or weight). A linear mixed-effect model was used to predict persuasiveness from the interaction between implausible claim endorsement and evidence quality. Our results showed that endorsers were significantly more persuaded by the evidence than non-endorsers, but both groups were significantly more persuaded by high-quality than low-quality evidence. The interaction between endorsement and evidence quality was not significant. These results suggest that the formation and maintenance of implausible beliefs by endorsers may result from less critical evidence evaluations rather than a failure to analyse. This is consistent with a limited rather than a lazy approach and suggests that interventions to develop analytical skill may be useful for minimising the effects of implausible claims.

scholarly journals Surgery for Good Prognosis Breast Cancers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart A. McIntosh
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Good Prognosis ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Randomised Trials ◽  
High Quality ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Small Breast ◽  
Quality Evidence

Abstract Purpose of Review The introduction of mammographic screening programmes has resulted increasing numbers of women with small breast cancers with biologically favourable characteristics. Many of these cancers may represent overdiagnosis, with a resulting treatment burden for women and healthcare costs for providers. Here, current surgical approaches to the treatment of such tumours are reviewed, together with alternative approaches to their management. Recent Findings The surgical treatment of small, screen-detected breast cancers with biologically favourable characteristics has been extrapolated from the management of symptomatic breast cancers. There is no prospective randomised evidence for conventional open surgery compared with other approaches in this setting. A number of minimally invasive techniques, most notable vacuum-assisted excision, have been described for the management of these tumours, but at present, there is a lack of high-quality evidence to support their routine use. There are currently ongoing randomised trials evaluating risk-adapted surgical and minimally invasive approaches to the management of good prognosis disease. Summary It is possible that the surgical treatment of good prognosis screen-detected breast cancers may be de-escalated. However, high-quality evidence from ongoing prospective randomised trials will be required in order to change clinical practice.

scholarly journals European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines on intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke

2021 ◽  
pp. 239698732198986
Author(s):  
Eivind Berge ◽  
William Whiteley ◽  
Heinrich Audebert ◽  
Gian Marco De Marchis ◽  
Ana Catarina Fonseca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Late Time ◽  
High Quality ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Consensus Statements ◽  
Quality Evidence

Intravenous thrombolysis is the only approved systemic reperfusion treatment for patients with acute ischaemic stroke. These European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to assist physicians in their clinical decisions with regard to intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke. These guidelines were developed based on the ESO standard operating procedure and followed the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The working group identified relevant clinical questions, performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the literature, assessed the quality of the available evidence, and wrote recommendations. Expert consensus statements were provided if not enough evidence was available to provide recommendations based on the GRADE approach. We found high quality evidence to recommend intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase to improve functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke within 4.5 h after symptom onset. We also found high quality evidence to recommend intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase in patients with acute ischaemic stroke on awakening from sleep, who were last seen well more than 4.5 h earlier, who have MRI DWI-FLAIR mismatch, and for whom mechanical thrombectomy is not planned. These guidelines provide further recommendations regarding patient subgroups, late time windows, imaging selection strategies, relative and absolute contraindications to alteplase, and tenecteplase. Intravenous thrombolysis remains a cornerstone of acute stroke management. Appropriate patient selection and timely treatment are crucial. Further randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to inform clinical decision-making with regard to tenecteplase and the use of intravenous thrombolysis before mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large vessel occlusion.

Analysis Of Factors Influencing Acupuncture Clinical Effects: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yali Liu ◽  
Honglin Jiang ◽  
Xiaotong Li ◽  
Xingyue Yang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Individual Difference ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Psychological States ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Stimulus Parameters ◽  
Quality Evidence

Background: Acupuncture therapy has been widely applied all around the world. But there still lacks high-quality evidence to evaluate its clinical effects, safety and cost-effectiveness, which seriously restricts its further promotion and development. Acupuncture, as an operational intervention, is more complex than drug therapy. Factors involved in the acupuncture operation process, such as individual and interventional factors, may affect clinical effects. Purpose:s Through this systematic review, we attempt to analyze the current status of studies about the key factors influencing clinical effects, so as to provide evidence for the design of acupuncture studies. Methods: A literature research was conducted in six databases until May, 2020. Studies were screened and assessed by two authors independently. Data extraction was made after screening. We extracted the basic information of these studies, including publishing years and countries, population and factors influencing clinical effects.Results: Through the initial search in these six database, 6404 records were retrieved. After duplication and screening, a total of 355 studies were finally included in the qualitative analysis. About 88.5% of these studies were conducted in China with increasing number in the past decades, covering neurological disorders, orthopedic disorders, obstetrical and gynecological diseases, digestive diseases and so on; 239 studies focused on stimulus parameters which may influence effects, accounting for 67.3%, and 128, 44, 39, 32, 15, 11 studies discussed acupoints, patients’ pathological states, individual difference, psychological states, deqi, and other factors separately. Conclusion: There are more and more studies focusing on factors influencing acupuncture clinical effects, including stimulus parameters, acupoints, individual difference, patient pathological and psychological states. Based on this systematic review, several ignored factors should be considered for future researches, and more scientifically and objectively high quality evidence should also be proved.

scholarly journals Cannabis and breastfeeding

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S26-S28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Graves
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
High Quality ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Quality Evidence

Abstract Cannabis is one of the most commonly used substances in Canada with 15% of Canadians reporting use in 2019. There is emerging evidence that cannabis is linked to an impact on the developing brain in utero and adverse outcomes in infants, children, and adolescents. The impact of cannabis during breastfeeding has been limited by studies with small sample sizes, follow-up limited to 1 year and the challenge of separating prenatal exposure from that during breastfeeding. In the absence of high-quality evidence, health care providers need to continue to engage women in conversation about the potential concerns related to breastfeeding and cannabis use.

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