scholarly journals Development of an intervention to expedite cancer diagnosis through primary care: a protocol

BJGP Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. bjgpopen18X101595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marian Andrei Stanciu ◽  
Rebecca-Jane Law ◽  
Sadia Nafees ◽  
Maggie Hendry ◽  
Seow Tien Yeo ◽  
...  

BackgroundGPs can play an important role in achieving earlier cancer diagnosis to improve patient outcomes, for example through prompt use of the urgent suspected cancer referral pathway. Barriers to early diagnosis include individual practitioner variation in knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, professional expectations, and norms.AimThis programme of work (Wales Interventions and Cancer Knowledge about Early Diagnosis [WICKED]) will develop a behaviour change intervention to expedite diagnosis through primary care and contribute to improved cancer outcomes.Design & settingNon-experimental mixed-method study with GPs and primary care practice teams from Wales.MethodFour work packages will inform the development of the behaviour change intervention. Work package 1 will identify relevant evidence-based interventions (systematic review of reviews) and will determine why interventions do or do not work, for whom, and in what circumstances (realist review). Work package 2 will assess cancer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of GPs, as well as primary care teams’ perspectives on cancer referral and investigation (GP survey, discrete choice experiment [DCE], interviews, and focus groups). Work package 3 will synthesise findings from earlier work packages using the behaviour change wheel as an overarching theoretical framework to guide intervention development. Work package 4 will test the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, and determine methods for measuring costs and effects of subsequent behaviour change in a randomised feasibility trial.ResultsThe findings will inform the design of a future effectiveness trial, with concurrent economic evaluation, aimed at earlier diagnosis.ConclusionThis comprehensive, evidence-based programme will develop a complex GP behaviour change intervention to expedite the diagnosis of symptomatic cancer, and may be applicable to countries with similar healthcare systems.

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Veena A. Satyanarayana ◽  
Cath Jackson ◽  
Kamran Siddiqi ◽  
Prabha S. Chandra ◽  
Rumana Huque ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Home exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is highly prevalent amongst pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries like India and Bangladesh. The literature on the efficacy of behaviour change interventions to reduce home exposure to SHS in pregnancy is scarce. Methods We employed a theory and evidence-based approach to develop an intervention using pregnant women as agents of change for their husband’s smoking behaviours at home. A systematic review of SHS behaviour change interventions led us to focus on developing a multicomponent intervention and informed selection of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) for review in a modified Delphi survey. The modified Delphi survey provided expert consensus on the most effective BCTs in reducing home exposure to SHS. Finally, a qualitative interview study provided context and detailed understanding of knowledge, attitudes and practices around SHS. This insight informed the content and delivery of the proposed intervention components. Results The final intervention consisted of four components: a report on saliva cotinine levels of the pregnant woman, a picture booklet containing information about SHS and its impact on health as well strategies to negotiate a smoke-free home, a letter from the future baby to their father encouraging him to provide a smoke-free home, and automated voice reminder and motivational messages delivered to husbands on their mobile phone. Intervention delivery was in a single face-to-face session with a research assistant who explained the cotinine report, discussed key strategies for ensuring a smoke-free environment at home and practised with pregnant women how they would share the booklet and letter with their husband and supportive family members. Conclusion A theory and evidence-based approach informed the development of a multicomponent behaviour change intervention, described here. The acceptability and feasibility of the intervention which was subsequently tested in a pilot RCT in India and Bangladesh will be published later.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toby Smith ◽  
Jane Cross ◽  
Fiona Poland ◽  
Felix Clay ◽  
Abbey Brookes ◽  
...  

Background: Primary care services frequently provide the initial contact between people with dementia and health service providers. Early diagnosis and screening programmes have been suggested as a possible strategy to improve the identification of such individuals and treatment and planning health and social care support. Objective: To determine what early diagnostic and screening programmes have been adopted in primary care practice, to explore who should deliver these and to determine the possible positive and negative effects of an early diagnostic and screening programme for people with dementia in primary care. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken using published and unpublished research databases. All papers answering our research objectives were included. A narrative analysis of the literature was undertaken, with the CASP tools used appropriately to assess study quality. Results: Thirty-three papers were identified of moderate to high quality. The limited therapeutic options for those diagnosed with dementia means that even if such a programme was instigated, the clinical value remains questionable. Furthermore, accuracy of the diagnosis remains difficult to assess due to poor evidence and this raises questions regarding whether people could be over- or under-diagnosed. Given the negative social and psychological consequences of such a diagnosis, this could be devastating for individuals. Conclusion: Early diagnostic and screening programmes have not been widely adopted into primary care. Until there is rigorous evidence assessing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of such programmes, there remains insufficient evidence to support the adoption of these programmes in practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. J. Kinnear ◽  
E. Wainwright ◽  
J. E. Bourne ◽  
F. E. Lithander ◽  
J. Hamilton-Shield ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a genetic condition characterised by elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Following dietary and physical activity guidelines could help minimise this risk but adherence is low. Interventions to target these behaviours are therefore required. A comprehensive understanding of the target behaviours and behaviour change theory should drive the process of intervention development to increase intervention effectiveness and scalability. This paper describes the application of a theoretical framework to the findings of a qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) to inform the content and delivery of an intervention to improve adherence to dietary and physical activity guidelines in individuals with FH. Methods The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) was used to guide intervention development. Factors influencing dietary and physical activity behaviours were identified from an earlier QES and mapped onto factors within the BCW. A comprehensive behavioural diagnosis of these factors was conducted through application of the theoretical domains framework (TDF). Using these data, the most appropriate intervention functions and behaviour change techniques (BCTs) for inclusion in the intervention were identified. Decision making was guided by evaluation criteria recommended by BCW guidance and feedback from individuals with FH. Results Factors influencing dietary and physical activity behaviours mapped onto twelve of the fourteen TDF domains, with seven intervention functions deemed suitable to target the domains’ theoretical constructs. Twenty-six BCTs were identified as being appropriate for delivery within these functions and were included in the intervention. For instance, within the enablement intervention function, the BCT problem solving was incorporated by inclusion of a ‘barriers and solutions’ section. Guided by evaluation criteria and feedback from individuals with FH, the intervention will be delivered as an hour-long family-based appointment, followed up with four telephone calls. Conclusions The novel application of the BCW and TDF to the results of a QES has enabled the development of a theory and evidence informed behaviour change intervention. This systematic approach facilitates evaluation of the intervention as part of an ongoing feasibility trial. The transparent approach taken can be used to guide intervention development by researchers in other fields.


10.2196/17621 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e17621
Author(s):  
Henk Verloo ◽  
Pauline Melly ◽  
Roger Hilfiker ◽  
Filipa Pereira

Background The implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in daily health care practice is strongly encouraged; it is widely recognized as a means to improve the quality and safety of health care for patients and reduce avoidable costs. Primary care nurses and physiotherapists face numerous challenges in trying to ensure that they deliver effective daily care. Broadly promoted educational interventions aim to increase the integration and implementation of EBP in their daily practice. Objective This systematic review will retrieve and evaluate publications examining the effectiveness of educational interventions to increase the integration and implementation of EBP among nurses, nurse practitioners, and physiotherapists active in primary care. Methods We will conduct a systematic review of published articles in relevant professional, scientific journals (from their start dates) and in the following electronic databases, from inception until October 31, 2020: Medline Ovid SP (from 1946), PubMed (NOT Medline[sb]; from 1996), Embase.com (from 1947), CINAHL Ebesco (from 1937), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Wiley (from 1992), PsycINFO Ovid SP (from 1806), Web of Science Core collection (from 1900), PEDro (from 1999), the JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports (from 1998), and the Trip Database (from 1997). We will use the predefined search terms of “evidence-based practice,” “nurses,” or “physiotherapists” and combinations with other terms, such as “educational interventions.” We will also conduct a hand search of the bibliographies of all the relevant articles and a search for unpublished studies using Google Scholar, the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses dissemination, Mednar, WorldCat, OpenGrey, and Grey Literature Report. We will consider publications in English, French, German, and Portuguese. Results The electronic database searches were completed in October 2020. Retrieved articles are currently being screened, and the entire study is expected to be completed by March 2021. Conclusions This systematic review will provide specific knowledge about the effectiveness of educational interventions to increase the implementation and integration of EBP in the daily practice of nurses and physiotherapists providing primary care services. Its findings will inform us about the types and frequencies of the most successful educational interventions. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42017077309; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=77309 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/17621


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Surgey ◽  
S Disbeschl ◽  
R Lewis ◽  
J Hiscock ◽  
S Nafees ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackgroundRelatively poor UK cancer outcomes are blamed upon late diagnosis. Despite most cancer patients presenting to their GP with symptoms, diagnostic delay remains a common theme, with many clinical and non-clinical factors responsible. Early diagnosis is key to improving outcomes and survival. This paper reports the multi-method process to design a complex intervention to improve the timely diagnosis of symptomatic cancer.MethodsA review of reviews, survey, discrete choice experiment, qualitative interviews and focus groups, all informed a realist evidence synthesis. This in turn informed the design of a complex intervention, guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel framework using a multi-step process.ResultsKey themes from the realist evidence synthesis included effective safety netting at practitioner and practice system level, increased vigilance and lowering referral thresholds. Qualitative findings explored the tensions, barriers and facilitators affecting suspected cancer referral. The Think Cancer! intervention is an educational and quality improvement workshop directed at the whole primary care team. Bespoke cancer safety netting plans and appointment of cancer champions are key components.ConclusionsThink Cancer! is a novel primary care early cancer diagnosis intervention, requiring evaluation through a cluster randomised control trial.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa B. E. Shields, MD ◽  
Timothy A. Johnson, BS ◽  
James P. Murphy, MD ◽  
Douglas J. Lorenz, PhD ◽  
Alisha Bell, MSN, RN, CPN ◽  
...  

Objective: Prescription opioid misuse represents a social and economic dilemma in the United States. The authors evaluated primary care providers’ (PCPs) prescribing of Schedule II opioids at our institution in Kentucky.Design: Prospective evaluation of PCPs’ prescribing practices over a 3-year period (October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2017) in an outpatient setting.Methods: An analysis of Schedule II opioid prescribing following the implementation of federal and state guidelines and evidence-based standards. Special attention focused on Schedule II opioid prescriptions with a quantity 90, Opana/ Oxycontin, and morphine equivalent daily dosage.Results: A statistically significant increase in the total number of PCPs and PCPs who prescribed Schedule II opioids was observed, while there was a concurrent significant decrease in the average number of Schedule II opioid pills prescribed per PCP, Schedule II opioid prescriptions per PCP, Schedule II opioid pills prescribed per patient by PCPs, Schedule II opioid prescriptions with a quantity 90 per PCP, and Opana/Oxycontin prescriptions per PCP. A statistically significant decline in the average morphine equivalent daily dosage of Schedule II opioids per PCP was noted.Conclusions: This study reports the benefit of incorporating federal and state regulations and institutional evidence-based guidelines into primary care practice to decrease the number of Schedule II opioids prescribed. Further preventive measures include selecting alternative treatments to opioids and reducing the rates of opioid nonmedical use and overdose while maintaining access to prescription opioids when indicated.


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