scholarly journals Developing an Evidence-Based Tool for Planning and Evaluating Vaccination Strategies Aimed at Improving Coverage in Elderly and At-Risk Adult Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Elisa Calabrò ◽  
Elettra Carini ◽  
Alessia Tognetto ◽  
Silvia Mancinelli ◽  
Laura Sarnari ◽  
...  

Background: Vaccination coverages need to be constantly maintained and improved with the implementation of vaccination strategies. This paper describes the development of an evidence-based tool to guide their planning and evaluation.Methods: A scoping review was performed in MEDLINE and institutional websites to search for similar available tools. A first version of the tool was developed considering review results and a four-step method used for the control and continuous improvement of processes and products, namely the Deming cycle. A panel of eight experts was then involved in a Delphi study for the finalization of the tool that was eventually discussed in a face-to-face meeting.Results: The scoping review found only one document and the first version of the tool was composed of 30 items. After the Delphi first round, 11 additional items were suggested and 5 original items amended. After the Delphi second round 41 items were eventually included. During the face-to-face meeting, 7 items were recognized as requisites for setting vaccination strategies, whereas 17 as relevant ones.Conclusions: Current public health challenges impose the need for evidence-based tools to organize effective vaccination strategies. Our tool is a first proposal which aims to reflect this focus.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Carini ◽  
G E Calabrò ◽  
A Tognetto ◽  
S Mancinelli ◽  
L Sarnari ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Deaths and epidemics due to vaccine-preventable diseases still occur even though there are effective vaccines available. Albeit recommendations released by the Italian Ministry of Health, vaccination coverages remain unsatisfactory. An improvement is therefore needed and new strategies are deserved in order to increase coverage. Nevertheless, neither a validated tool nor an institutional guideline to plan and/or evaluate vaccination strategies are available. The aim of BRaVE project was to build an evidence-based tool to develop and assess them. Methods In May 2019, a scoping review in MEDLINE and a search of ECDC and WHO websites were performed to look for validated tools to plan and/or evaluate vaccination strategies. The results of the search and the four phases of the Deming cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act) were used to develop a grid. A multiprofessional panel of 7 experts validated the items included in the grid through a Delphi process followed by a face-to-face meeting. Results The original grid submitted to the panel of experts included 30 items (13 planning, 7 implementation, 4 check, 4 act, 2 other). The first round of Delphi led to the suggestion of 11 additional items and to the amendment of 4 out of 30 original items. During the second round of the Delphi the 41 items proposed were approved. At the end of the face-to-face meeting, 1 item was split. Seven items belonging to “Planning” (Plan) and “Implementation” (Do) were labelled as requisites for launching a vaccination strategy and the remaining 35 as items to be considered in their evaluation (15 planning, 11 implementation, 8 check, 4 act, 4 other). Conclusions Despite its importance, vaccination coverage is low. Evidence shows possible improvement in coverage, if innovative vaccination strategies are put in place. The developed grid is proposed as an organizational instrument which could improve and standardize vaccination strategies fostering their success and transferability. Key messages Novel organizational strategies could be a useful answer to improve vaccination coverage. The proposed grid could be used for the development and assessment of vaccination strategies.


BMC Urology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel W. D. Merriel ◽  
Daniel Moon ◽  
Phil Dundee ◽  
Niall Corcoran ◽  
Peter Carroll ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Active surveillance (AS) is a management option for men diagnosed with lower risk prostate cancer. There is wide variation in all aspects of AS internationally, from patient selection to investigations and follow-up intervals, and a lack of clear evidence on the optimal approach to AS. This study aimed to provide guidance for clinicians from an international panel of prostate cancer experts. Methods A modified Delphi approach was undertaken, utilising two rounds of online questionnaires followed by a face-to-face workshop. Participants indicated their level of agreement with statements relating to patient selection for AS via online questionnaires on a 7-point Likert scale. Factors not achieving agreement were iteratively developed between the two rounds of questionnaires. Draft statements were presented at the face-to-face workshop for discussion and consensus building. Results 12 prostate cancer experts (9 urologists, 2 academics, 1 radiation oncologist) participated in this study from a range of geographical regions (4 USA, 4 Europe, 4 Australia). Complete agreement on statements presented to the participants was 29.4% after Round One and 69.0% after Round Two. Following robust discussions at the face-to-face workshop, agreement was reached on the remaining statements. PSA, PSA density, Multiparametric MRI, and systematic biopsy (with or without targeted biopsy) were identified as minimum diagnostic tests required upon which to select patients to recommend AS as a treatment option for prostate cancer. Patient factors and clinical parameters that identified patients appropriate to potentially receive AS were agreed. Genetic and genomic testing was not recommended for use in clinical decision-making regarding AS. Conclusions The lack of consistency in the practice of AS for men with lower risk prostate cancer between and within countries was reflected in this modified Delphi study. There are, however, areas of common practice and agreement from which clinicians practicing in the current environment can use to inform their clinical practice to achieve the best outcomes for patients.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Merriel ◽  
Daniel Moon ◽  
Phil Dundee ◽  
Niall Corcoran ◽  
Peter Carroll ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Active surveillance (AS) is a management option for men diagnosed with lower risk prostate cancer. There is wide variation in all aspects of AS internationally, from patient selection to investigations and follow-up intervals, and a lack of clear evidence on the optimal approach to AS. This study aimed to provide guidance for clinicians from an international panel of prostate cancer experts. Methods A modified Delphi approach was undertaken, utilising two rounds of online questionnaires followed by a face-to-face workshop. Participants indicated their level of agreement with statements relating to patient selection for AS via online questionnaires on a 7-point Likert scale. Factors not achieving agreement were iteratively developed between the two rounds of questionnaires. Draft statements were presented at the face-to-face workshop for discussion and consensus building. Results 12 prostate cancer experts (9 Urologists, 2 academics, 1 radiation oncologist) participated in this study from a range of geographical regions (4 USA, 4 Europe, 4 Australia). Complete agreement on statements presented to the participants was 29.4% after Round One and 69.5% after Round Two. Following robust discussions at the face-to-face workshop, agreement was reached on the remaining statements. Conclusions The lack of consistency in the practice of AS for men with lower risk prostate cancer between and within countries was reflected in this modified Delphi study. There are, however, areas of common practice and agreement from which clinicians practicing in the current environment can use to inform their clinical practice to achieve the best outcomes for patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1215-1233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne R Carlew ◽  
Hudaisa Fatima ◽  
Julia R Livingstone ◽  
Caitlin Reese ◽  
Laura Lacritz ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Telephone-based cognitive assessment (TBCA) has long been studied but less widely adopted in routine neuropsychological practice. Increased interest in remote neuropsychological assessment techniques in the face of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic warrants an updated review of relevant remote assessment literature. While recent reviews of videoconference-based neuropsychological applications have been published, no updated compilation of empirical TBCA research has been completed. Therefore, this scoping review offers relevant empirical research to inform clinical decision-making specific to teleneuropsychology. Method Peer-reviewed studies addressing TBCA were included. Broad search terms were related to telephone, cognitive, or neuropsychological assessment and screening. After systematic searching of the PubMed and EBSCO databases, 139 relevant articles were retained. Results In total, 17 unique cognitive screening measures, 20 cognitive batteries, and 6 single-task measures were identified as being developed or adapted specifically for telephone administration. Tables summarizing the identified cognitive assessments, information on diagnostic accuracy, and comparisons to face-to-face cognitive assessment are included in supplementary materials. Conclusions Overall, literature suggests that TBCA is a viable modality for identifying cognitive impairment in various populations. However, the mode of assessment selected clinically should reflect an understanding of the purpose, evidence, and limitations for various tests and populations. Most identified measures were developed for research application to support gross cognitive characterization and to help determine when more comprehensive testing was needed. While TBCA is not meant to replace gold-standard, face-to-face evaluation, if appropriately utilized, it can expand scope of practice, particularly when barriers to standard neuropsychological assessment occur.


Author(s):  
Nancy P. Kropf ◽  
Sherry M. Cummings

In Chapter 8, “Motivational Interviewing: Evidence-Based Practice,” the research on the efficacy of motivational interviewing (MI) for achieving behavioral change in older adults is summarized and evaluated. Only meta-analyses and randomized controlled trails (RCTs) were included in the review. Fifteen RCTs were found that investigated the use of MI for enhancing behavioral change in older adults related to substance abuse/misuse, exercise, diet, and smoking. Beginning research on the use of MI with older clients suggests its efficacy for promoting behavioral change in this population. Results of randomized control trials reveal that MI is as effective as, or more effective than, other psychosocial interventions in fostering healthier behavior and improved mood. The studies discussed in this review were conducted in differing formats—face-to-face, telephone, and a combination of the two. The success of the telephone-based format, as well as the face-to-face approach, reveals the utility of MI interventions with homebound elders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Acampora ◽  
A J Fauci ◽  
C Cadeddu ◽  
C Angioletti ◽  
A G De Belvis ◽  
...  

Abstract Background An ongoing project, promoted by “Gruppo Italiano di Reti Oncologiche” (GIRO) network and coordinated by the “Istituto Superiore di Sanità”, aims to apply Value Based Healthcare (VBH) for evaluating the performance of oncological healthcare providers. In this framework, the aim of this study was to define a set of indicators for assessing the overall clinical pathway for patients with colorectal cancer receiving healthcare in one of the seven GIRO referral centers. Methods A 2-round Delphi study was conducted involving experts from GIRO centers. A list of preliminary indicators, identified from national and international agencies, was firstly evaluated according to four criteria (relevance, evidence-based, measurability, actionability) using a 5-point Likert scale. Indicators receiving ≥50% of judgements ≥3 in 3/4 criteria went to selection process of the second round. The second survey firstly asked whether the indicator was to be included in the final set and, if yes, it was then evaluated on a balancing criterion. Indicators receiving ≥75% of agreement for inclusion and ≥50% of judgements ≥3 for balancing were confirmed for the final set. During the face-to-face meeting, a subset of indicators was prioritized for a pilot collection. Results After 1st-round consultation, all the 34 indicators in the preliminary list passed to the 2nd-round and 32 (94%) of these were included in the final set (16 colon;16 rectum). During the face-to face meeting, critical issues highlighted during the process (e.g. events occurring outside the referral center) were discussed and 16 (50%) indicators were prioritized for the pilot collection (8 colon;8 rectum). Conclusions Evaluating the overall clinical pathway for oncological patients is very important for achieving high-quality healthcare. Enhancing collaboration and networking among oncological referral centers is a main tool for the continuous improvement of healthcare outcomes in a VBH perspective. Key messages Evaluating the overall clinical pathway for oncological patients is very important for achieving high-quality healthcare. Enhancing collaboration and networking among oncological referral centers is a main tool for the continuous improvement of healthcare outcomes in a VBH perspective.


2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Gonzaga Vaz COELHO ◽  
James Ramalho MARINHO ◽  
Robert GENTA ◽  
Laercio Tenório RIBEIRO ◽  
Maria do Carmo Friche PASSOS ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Significant progress has been obtained since the III Brazilian Consensus Conference on H. pylori infection held in 2012, in Bento Gonçalves, Brazil, and justify a fourth meeting to establish updated guidelines on the current management of H. pylori infection. Therefore, the Núcleo Brasileiro para Estudo do Helicobacter pylori e Microbiota (NBEHPM), association linked to Brazilian Federation of Gastroenterology (FBG) held its fourth meeting again in Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brazil, on August 25-27, 2017. Twenty-six delegates, including gastroenterologists, endoscopists, and pathologists from the five regions of Brazil as well as one international guest from the United States, participated in the meeting. The participants were invited based on their knowledge and contribution to the study of H. pylori infection. The meeting sought to review different aspects of treatment for infection; establish a correlation between infection, dyspepsia, intestinal microbiota changes, and other disorders with a special emphasis on gastric cancer; and reassess the epidemiological and diagnostic aspects of H. pylori infection. Participants were allocated into four groups as follows: 1) Epidemiology and Diagnosis, 2) Dyspepsia, intestinal microbiota and other afections, 3) Gastric Cancer, and, 4) Treatment. Before the consensus meeting, participants received a topic to be discussed and prepared a document containing a recent literature review and statements that should be discussed and eventually modified during the face-to-face meeting. All statements were evaluated in two rounds of voting. Initially, each participant discussed the document and statements with his group for possible modifications and voting. Subsequently, during a second voting in a plenary session in the presence of all participants, the statements were voted upon and eventually modified. The participants could vote using five alternatives: 1) strongly agree; 2) partially agree; 3) undecided; 4) disagree; and 5) strongly disagree. The adopted consensus index was that 80% of the participants responded that they strongly or partially agreed with each statement. The recommendations reported are intended to provide the most current and relevant evidences to management of H. pylori infection in adult population in Brazil.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 132-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Zubow ◽  
Richard Hurtig

Children with Rett Syndrome (RS) are reported to use multiple modalities to communicate although their intentionality is often questioned (Bartolotta, Zipp, Simpkins, & Glazewski, 2011; Hetzroni & Rubin, 2006; Sigafoos et al., 2000; Sigafoos, Woodyatt, Tuckeer, Roberts-Pennell, & Pittendreigh, 2000). This paper will present results of a study analyzing the unconventional vocalizations of a child with RS. The primary research question addresses the ability of familiar and unfamiliar listeners to interpret unconventional vocalizations as “yes” or “no” responses. This paper will also address the acoustic analysis and perceptual judgments of these vocalizations. Pre-recorded isolated vocalizations of “yes” and “no” were presented to 5 listeners (mother, father, 1 unfamiliar, and 2 familiar clinicians) and the listeners were asked to rate the vocalizations as either “yes” or “no.” The ratings were compared to the original identification made by the child's mother during the face-to-face interaction from which the samples were drawn. Findings of this study suggest, in this case, the child's vocalizations were intentional and could be interpreted by familiar and unfamiliar listeners as either “yes” or “no” without contextual or visual cues. The results suggest that communication partners should be trained to attend to eye-gaze and vocalizations to ensure the child's intended choice is accurately understood.


2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-133
Author(s):  
조현 ◽  
Jaeshin Park ◽  
ki-jin jang

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina A. Meyer

Thirteen students in a graduate-level course on Historical and Policy Perspectives in Higher Education held face-to-face and online discussions on five controversial topics: Diversity, Academic Freedom, Political Tolerance, Affirmative Action, and Gender. Students read materials on each topic and generated questions for discussion that were categorized by Bloom’s taxonomy so that the level of questions in the two discussion settings would be closely parallel. Upon completion of each discussion, they answered questions that addressed depth and length of the discussion, ability to remember, and a self-assessment of how the student learned. Students’ assessments show a consistent preference for the face-to-face discussion but a small number of students preferred the online setting. However, what is perhaps more interesting is a minority of approximately one-third of the students who perceived no difference between the settings, or that the two settings were perhaps complementary.


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