Impact of surgery timing for craniosynostosis on neurodevelopmental outcomes: a systematic review

OBJECTIVEThere are currently no guidelines for the optimum age for surgical treatment of craniosynostosis. This systematic review summarizes and assesses evidence on whether there is an optimal age for surgery in terms of neurodevelopmental outcomes.METHODSThe databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase + Embase Classic, and Web of Science were searched between October and November 2016 and searches were repeated in July 2017. According to PICO (participants, intervention, comparison, outcome) criteria, studies were included that focused on: children diagnosed with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, aged ≤ 5 years at time of surgery; corrective surgery for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis; comparison of age-at-surgery groups; and tests of cognitive and neurodevelopmental postoperative outcomes. Studies that did not compare age-at-surgery groups (e.g., those employing a correlational design alone) were excluded. Data were double-extracted by 2 authors using a modified version of the Cochrane data extraction form.RESULTSTen studies met the specified criteria; 5 found a beneficial effect of earlier surgery, and 5 did not. No study found a beneficial effect of later surgery. No study collected data on length of anesthetic exposure and only 1 study collected data on sociodemographic factors.CONCLUSIONSIt was difficult to draw firm conclusions from the results due to multiple confounding factors. There is some inconclusive evidence that earlier surgery is beneficial for patients with sagittal synostosis. The picture is even more mixed for other subtypes. There is no evidence that later surgery is beneficial. The authors recommend that future research use agreed-upon parameters for: age-at-surgery cut-offs, follow-up times, and outcome measures.

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Private Rooms in Low Acuity Settings: A Systematic Review of the Literature

HERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal ◽

10.1177/1937586717702597 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 57-74 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jeffrey Voigt ◽

Michael Mosier ◽

Rabih Darouiche

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Quality Data ◽

Review Of The Literature ◽

Single Patient ◽

Patient Falls ◽

Assessment Development ◽

High Acuity ◽

Data Extraction Form ◽

Quality Evidence

Objectives: Determine if the peer-reviewed evidence supports single-patient ward bedrooms in low-acuity care settings within a hospital. Background: New evidence exists since the 2006 Facility Guideline Institute guideline recommended single-bedded rooms (SBRs) in low-acuity care settings. Additionally, prior studies evaluated high-acuity care settings (e.g., critical care) in their recommendations on SBRs. There is a need to reevaluate the evidence. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was completed including electronic and hand searches of references. A data extraction form was utilized. Two reviewers evaluated the studies independently. Studies that were included examined the effect of single-patient rooms on medical surgical ward beds only. Each study was graded using accepted clinical evidence grading instruments. Results: Over 1,400 records were identified. After excluding studies, a total of 49 records were graded. The highest quality evidence identified (Center for Evidence-Based Medicine [CEBM]: 2a, 2b, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation [GRADE] C) did not support the use of single-patient rooms for reducing infections, for minimizing patient falls, for reducing medication errors, or for patient satisfaction. Operational efficiencies were improved with SBRs but only addressed the maternity ward. The lowest quality evidence (CEBM: 4/5 and GRADE D) supported the use of single-patient rooms. Conclusions: Based on CEBM and GRADE assessments, there is a lack of high-quality data supporting the use of low-acuity SBRs throughout the entire hospital. Furthermore, it is recommended that more research be conducted on the effect of SBRs, so higher quality evidence is developed.

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The effect of including the Nordic Hamstring exercise on sprint and jump performance in athletes: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analyses

10.1101/2020.04.01.20048686 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kasper Krommes ◽

Mathias F. Nielsen ◽

Laura Krohn ◽

Birk M. Grønfeldt ◽

Kristian Thorborg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

High Speed ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Force Production ◽

List Type ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Production Studies ◽

Hamstring Strain ◽

Data Extraction Form ◽

Meta Analyses

AbstractThe Nordic Hamstring exercise reduces hamstring strain injuries in football and other sports, but the exercise is not well adopted in practice. Barriers from practitioners include fear of performance decrements, due to lack of specificity of the exercise with high speed running. However, in theory, increased eccentric hamstring strength could transfer to faster sprinting due to higher horizontal force production. Studies on the effect of the Nordic Hamstring exercise on performance have been conflicting and no synthesis of the evidence exists. We therefore pose the following question: does including the Nordic Hamstring exercise hamper sprint or jump performance in athletes? We will answer this question by performing a systematic review of the literature, critically appraise relevant studies, and GRADE the evidence across key outcomes and perform meta-analyses, meta-regression and subgroup analyses. In this protocol we outline the planned methods and procedures.Progress reportBesides this protocol, our data extraction form and the process of data extraction has been piloted on 3 relevant studies, along with familiarization with the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. We have also comprised a preliminary search strategy for PubMed.Supplementary filesData Extraction Form (.pdf)Populated PRISMA-P checklist (.pdf)

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Cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic: systematic review of patients' and caregivers' experiences

10.1101/2021.03.19.21253949 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Symran Dhada ◽

Derek Stewart ◽

Ejaz Cheema ◽

Muhammed Abdul Hadi ◽

Vibhu Paudyal

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

English Language ◽

Resource Constraints ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Psychological Wellbeing ◽

Cancer Services ◽

Data Extraction Form ◽

The Impact

Background Cancer patients have faced intersecting crises in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to examine patients' and caregivers' experiences of accessing cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived impact of the pandemic on their psychological wellbeing. Methods A protocol-led (CRD42020214906) systematic review was conducted by searching six databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL for articles published in English-language between 1/2020-12/2020. Data were extracted using a pilot-tested, structured data extraction form. Thematic synthesis of data was undertaken and reported as per the PRISMA guideline. Results A total of 1110 articles were screened of which 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies originated from 10 different countries including the US, UK, India and China. Several themes were identified which were categorised into seven categories. Postponement and delays in cancer screening and treatment, drug shortages and inadequate nursing care were commonly experienced by patients. Hospital closures, resource constraints, national lockdowns and patient reluctance to use health services because of infection worries contributed to the delay. Financial and social distress, isolation; and spiritual distress due to the uncertainty of rites as well as fulfilment of last wishes were also commonly reported. Caregivers felt anxious about infecting cancer patients with COVID-19. Conclusions Patients and caregivers experienced extensive impact of COVID-19 on cancer screening, treatment and care, and their own psychological wellbeing. Patient and caregiver views and preferences should be incorporated in ensuring resilient cancer services that can minimise the impact of ongoing and future pandemic on cancer care and mitigate patient fears.

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Factors associated with dementia-related stigma and associated domains in adolescents: A Systematic Review Protocol v1

10.17504/protocols.io.b2hjqb4n ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mrs Esra Hassan ◽

Prof Naji Tabet ◽

n.farina not provided

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Future Research ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Related Stigma ◽

Review Protocol ◽

Learning Software ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Theses And Dissertations ◽

Appraisal Tool

Background: To develop evidence-based anti-stigma programmes for adolescents, underlying factors that drive dementia-related stigma in adolescents need to be captured. However, it is unclear which factors play a role in dementia attitude formation in adolescents. This is a protocol for a systematic review that will seek to identify factors associated with dementia attitudes in adolescents (10-18 years old). Methods: A systematic search strategy will be used to identify observational data in which factors are associated with dementia-related stigma and associated domains (e.g. attitudes, beliefs, perceptions). Systematic searches for articles will be conducted in the following databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Open Access Theses and Dissertations. Titles and abstracts will be screened with the assistance of machine learning software (ASReview), prior to reviewing full texts. Following data extraction, quality assessment of study and risk of bias will be assessed using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT). The protocol is written in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Results: Descriptive data of the studies will be reported in tables and summarised narratively and split into thematic headings guided by the results of the systematic review. Identifying which factors are implicated in attitudes towards people living with dementia will allow researchers to be better informed in which factors may be a useful target for more tailored and effective dementia related anti-stigma-initiatives. Discussion: The findings from this systematic review will help guide future research to identify groups that may be at the greatest risk of developing stigmatising attitudes and potential targets for future intervention.

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Non-Immersive Virtual Reality for Rehabilitation of the Older People: A Systematic Review into Efficacy and Effectiveness

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm8111882 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 1882 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Bevilacqua ◽

Maranesi ◽

Riccardi ◽

Donna ◽

Pelliccioni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Older People ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Future Research ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Randomized Controlled

: Objective: the objective of this review is to analyze the advances in the field of rehabilitation through virtual reality, while taking into account non-immersive systems, as evidence have them shown to be highly accepted by older people, due to the lowest “cibersikness” symptomatology. Data sources: a systematic review of the literature was conducted in June 2019. The data were collected from Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and PubMed databases, analyzing manuscripts and articles of the last 10 years. Study selection: we only included randomized controlled trials written in English aimed to study the use of the virtual reality in rehabilitation. We selected 10 studies, which were characterized by clinical heterogeneity. Data extraction: quality evaluation was performed based on the Physioterapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, suggested for evidence based review of stroke rehabilitation. Of 10 studies considered, eight were randomized controlled trials and the PEDro score ranged from four to a maximum of nine. Data synthesis: VR (Virtual Reality) creates artificial environments with the possibility of a patient interaction. This kind of experience leads to the development of cognitive and motor abilities, which usually positively affect the emotional state of the patient, increasing collaboration and compliance. Some recent studies have suggested that rehabilitation treatment interventions might be useful and effective in treating motor and cognitive symptoms in different neurological disorders, including traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Conclusions: as it is shown by the numerous studies in the field, the application of VR has a positive impact on the rehabilitation of the most predominant geriatric syndromes. The level of realism of the virtual stimuli seems to have a crucial role in the training of cognitive abilities. Future research needs to improve study design by including larger samples, longitudinal designs, long term follow-ups, and different outcome measures, including functional and quality of life indexes, to better evaluate the clinical impact of this promising technology in healthy old subjects and in neurological patients.

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Personality, Healthcare Use and Costs—A Systematic Review

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare8030329 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 329

Author(s):

André Hajek ◽

Benedikt Kretzler ◽

Hans-Helmut König

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Future Research ◽

Personality Factors ◽

Healthcare Use ◽

Total N ◽

Study Selection ◽

Cost Studies

Background: Thus far, there is a lack of a systematic review synthesizing empirical studies that analyze the link between personality factors and healthcare use (HCU) or costs. Consequently, the purpose of our systematic review is to give an overview of empirical findings from observational studies examining the association between personality factors and HCU or costs. Methods: PubMed, PsycINFO, and NHS EED (NHS Economic Evaluation Database) were searched. Observational studies examining the association between personality factors and HCU costs by using validated tools were included. Two reviewers performed study selection and data extraction and evaluated the study quality. Findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results: In total, n = 15 studies (HCU, n = 14; cost studies, n = 1) were included in the final synthesis. A few studies point to an association between conscientiousness and HCU (with mixed evidence). Some more evidence was found for an association between higher agreeableness, higher extraversion, and higher openness to experience and increased HCU. The majority of studies analyzed found a link between higher neuroticism and increased HCU. Conclusion: Personality factors, and particularly neuroticism, are associated with HCU. This knowledge is important to manage healthcare use. However, future research based on longitudinal data and studies investigating the link between personality characteristics and costs are required.

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Mapping evidence on HIV status awareness among key and vulnerable populations in sub-Sahara Africa: a scoping review protocol

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-020-01537-w ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Clement Avoka ◽

Patience Adzordor ◽

Vitalis Bawontuo ◽

Diana A. Akila ◽

Desmond Kuupiel

Keyword(s):

Vulnerable Populations ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Future Research ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Data Extraction Form ◽

Review Protocol ◽

Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continue to be a major public health issue, especially in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). Literature shows significant HIV status awareness, testing, and treatment have generally improved among the population since the inception of the UNAIDS 90:90:90 programme. Despite this, it is possible literature gaps exist that require future research to inform in-country programmes to improve the gains post-UNAIDS 90:90:90 programme. This study, therefore, aims to synthesize literature and describe the evidence on HIV status awareness among key and vulnerable populations in SSA focusing on the first UNAIDS 90 since it is essential for treatment initiation. Method This systematic scoping review will be guided by the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and improved by Levac and colleagues. Literature searches will be conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Science Direct from 2016 to 2020. A snowball approach will also be used to search for relevant articles from the reference of all included studies. This study will include both published and grey literature, articles that include HIV key and vulnerable populations, HIV status awareness, and evidence from SSA countries. Two reviewers will independently conduct the abstract and full-text article screening as well as pilot the data extraction form. Thematic content analysis and a summary of the themes and sub-themes will be reported narratively. Discussions The evidence that will be provided by this study may be useful to inform in-country programmes to improve the gains made post-UNAIDS 90:90:90 programme from 2021 onwards. This study also anticipates identifying literature gaps to guide researchers interested in this field of study in the future. Peer review journals, policy briefs, and conference platforms will be used to disseminate this study’s findings.

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Cancer Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review of Patients’ and Caregivers’ Experiences

10.21203/rs.3.rs-294240/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Symran Dhada ◽

Derek Stewart ◽

Ejaz Cheema ◽

Muhammed Abdul Hadi ◽

Vibhu Paudyal

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

English Language ◽

Resource Constraints ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Psychological Wellbeing ◽

Cancer Services ◽

Data Extraction Form ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Cancer patients have faced intersecting crises in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to examine patients’ and caregivers’ experiences of accessing cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived impact of the pandemic on their psychological wellbeing.Methods A protocol-led (CRD42020214906) systematic review was conducted by searching six databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL for articles published in English-language between 1/2020-12/2020. Data were extracted using a pilot-tested, structured data extraction form. Thematic synthesis of data was undertaken and reported as per the PRISMA guideline. Results A total of 1110 articles were screened of which 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies originated from 10 different countries including the US, UK, India and China. Several themes were identified which were categorised into seven categories. Postponement and delays in cancer screening and treatment, drug shortages and inadequate nursing care were commonly experienced by patients. Hospital closures, resource constraints, national lockdowns and patient reluctance to use health services because of infection worries contributed to the delay. Financial and social distress, isolation; and spiritual distress due to the uncertainty of rites as well as fulfilment of last wishes were also commonly reported. Caregivers felt anxious about infecting cancer patients with COVID-19. Conclusions Patients and caregivers experienced extensive impact of COVID-19 on cancer screening, treatment and care, and their own psychological wellbeing. Patient and caregiver views and preferences should be incorporated in ensuring resilient cancer services that can minimise the impact of ongoing and future pandemic on cancer care and mitigate patient fears. Protocol Registration Published protocol registered with Centre for Review and Dissemination CRD42020214906 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=214906)

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Determinants of Frequent Attendance in Primary Care. A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.595674 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

André Hajek ◽

Benedikt Kretzler ◽

Hans-Helmut König

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Primary Care ◽

Longitudinal Studies ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Future Research ◽

Andersen Model ◽

Frequent Attendance ◽

Perform Sensitivity Analysis ◽

Sample Characteristics ◽

Longitudinal Observational Studies

Introduction: There is a lack of a systematic review synthesizing longitudinal studies investigating the determinants of frequent attendance in primary care. The goal of our systematic review was to fill this gap in knowledge.Methods: Three electronic databases (Medline, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched. Longitudinal observational studies analyzing the predictors of frequent attendance in primary care were included. Data extraction covered methods, sample characteristics, and main findings. Selection of the studies, extracting the data and evaluation of study quality was performed by two reviewers. In the results section, the determinants of frequent attendance were presented based on the (extended) Andersen model.Results: In total, 11 longitudinal studies have been included in our systematic review. The majority of studies showed that frequent attendance was positively associated with the predisposing characteristics lower age, and unemployment. Moreover, it was mainly not associated with enabling resources. Most of the studies showed that need factors, and in particular worse self-rated health, lower physical functioning and physical illnesses were associated with an increased likelihood of frequent attendance. While most studies were of good quality, several of the included studies did not perform sensitivity analysis or described how they dealt with missing data.Discussion: Our systematic review showed that particularly lower age, unemployment and need factors are associated with the likelihood of becoming a frequent attender. Enabling resources are mainly not associated with the outcome measure. Future research should concentrate on the determinants of persistent frequent attendance due to the high economic burden associated with it.

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Are digital technology interventions effective to reduce loneliness in older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis

10.1101/2020.08.27.20183012 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Syed Ghulam Sarwar Shah ◽

David Nogueras ◽

Hugo Cornelis van Woerden ◽

Vasiliki Kiparoglou

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

English Language ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Future Research ◽

Before And After ◽

Quasi Experimental

Objective: To review the latest literature on the effectiveness of DTIs in reducing loneliness in (older) adults. Data Sources: Electronic searches in PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Web of Science covering publication period from 1 January 2010 to 31 July 2019. Subjects: Adult men and women Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis Main Outcome Measure: Loneliness. Study Selection: Primary studies that used DTIs for tackling loneliness in adults (aged ≥18 years) with follow-up measurements at least three months or more and publication in the English language. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Two researchers independently screened articles and extracted data on several variables: participants, interventions, comparators and outcomes. Data was extracted on the primary outcome i.e. loneliness measured at the baseline and follow-up measurements at three, four, six and twelve months after the intervention. Results: Six studies were selected from 4939 articles screened. Selected studies included 5 clinical trials (4 RCTs and 1 quasi experimental study) and one before and after study, which enrolled 646 participants (men =154 (24%), women =427 (66%), no gender information =65 (10%) with average age between 73 and 78 years (SD 6-11). Five clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis and standardised mean differences (SMD) were calculated for each trial and pooled across studies using a random effects model. The overall effect estimates were not statistically significant in follow-up measurements at three months (SMD= 0.02, 95% CI= -0.36, 0.40; P=0.92), four months (SMDs= -1.11, 95% CI= -2.60, 0.38; P=0.14) and six months (SMD= -0.11, 95% CI= -0.54, 0.32; P=0.61). The quality of evidence was very low to moderate in these trials. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to make conclusions that DTIs are effective in reducing loneliness in older adults. Future research may consider RCTs with larger sample sizes and longer duration of interventions and follow-up.

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