scholarly journals Exploring the Effects of a Mindfulness Program for Students of Secondary School

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clemente Franco ◽  
Israel Mañas ◽  
Adolfo J. Cangas ◽  
José Gallego
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Year ◽  
Group Comparison ◽  
Randomized Controlled

This study analyzes the effects of a mindfulness program on a group of students in the first year of Compulsory Secondary Education from three public schools. A total of 61 students participated. A group comparison design (randomized controlled trial) with pretest-posttest measurement was used on an experimental and a control group. The statistical analyses show a significant improvement of academic performance, as well as an increase in all self-concept dimensions and a significant decrease in anxiety states and traits. These results are in agreement with other studies that have found mindfulness programmes to be effective in the educative system. The importance of mindfulness techniques in the educative system is also discussed.

scholarly journals Exploring the Effects of a Mindfulness Program for Students of Secondary School

2013 ◽  
pp. 153-167
Author(s):  
Clemente Franco ◽  
Israel Mañas ◽  
Adolfo J. Cangas ◽  
José Gallego
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Statistical Analyses ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Year ◽  
Group Comparison ◽  
Anxiety States

This study analyzes the effects of a mindfulness program on a group of students in the first year of Compulsory Secondary Education from three public schools. A total of 61 students participated. A group comparison design (randomized controlled trial) with pretest-posttest measurement was used on an experimental and a control group. The statistical analyses show a significant improvement of academic performance, as well as an increase in all self-concept dimensions and a significant decrease in anxiety states and traits. These results are in agreement with other studies that have found mindfulness programmes to be effective in the educative system. The importance of mindfulness techniques in the educative system is also discussed.

scholarly journals A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Impact of a Teaching Procedure Service on the Training of Internal Medicine Residents

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Mourad ◽  
Sumant Ranji ◽  
Diane Sliwka
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Year ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Teaching Procedure ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Academic medical centers must provide safe inpatient procedures while balancing resident autonomy and education. We performed a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a 2-week hospitalist procedure service (HPS) rotation on interns' self-perceived procedure ability, knowledge, and autonomy versus the standard curriculum. Methods We randomly selected 16 of 57 internal medicine interns (28%) to participate in the intervention group rotation, with 29 interns in the control group. All interns were surveyed before the start of residency and at the end of the postgraduate year-1 (PGY-1) and PGY-2 years to evaluate self-reported knowledge and ability to (1) safely perform procedures, (2) supervise procedures, and (3) use bedside ultrasound. Results Ninety-four percent of HPS interns (15/16) and 71% of control interns (29/41) completed all surveys. Baseline knowledge and experience did not differ significantly between the groups. The intervention group performed significantly more paracentesis (9 versus 4; P < .001), thoracentesis (6 versus 2; P < .001), and lumbar puncture (4 versus 3; P < .001) procedures than did the control group. After their first year, residents who completed the HPS rotation rated their ability to safely perform and supervise all of the assessed procedures as higher (P < .05 for all procedures) and were more likely to rate self-perceived knowledge as very good or excellent in all surveyed aspects of procedure performance (P < .05). Discussion A 2-week hospitalist-supervised procedure service rotation substantially improved residents' experience, confidence, and knowledge in performing bedside procedures early in their training, with this effect sustained through the PGY-2 year. Standardized procedure service rotations are a viable solution for programs seeking to improve their procedure-based education.

Evaluation of a collaborative protocolized approach by community pharmacies and general medical practitioners for an Australian minor ailments scheme: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Dineen-Griffin ◽  
Victoria Garcia Cardenas ◽  
Kylie Williams ◽  
Shalom Isaac Benrimoj
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Minor Ailments ◽  
Cluster Randomized

BACKGROUND Internationally, governments have been investing in supporting pharmacists to take on an expanded role to support self-care for health system efficiency. There is consistent evidence that minor ailment schemes (MAS) promote efficiencies within the healthcare system. The cost savings and health outcomes demonstrated in the UK and Canada opens up new opportunities for pharmacists to effect sustainable changes through MAS delivery in Australia. OBJECTIVE This trial is evaluating the clinical, economic and humanistic impact of an Australian minor ailments service (AMAS), compared with usual pharmacy care in a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Western Sydney, Australia. METHODS The cluster-randomized controlled trial design has an intervention and a control group, comparing individuals receiving a structured intervention with those receiving usual care for specific common ailments. Participants will be community pharmacies, general practices and patients located in Western Sydney Primary Health Network region. 30 community pharmacies will be randomly assigned to either intervention or control group. Each will recruit 24 patients seeking, aged 18 years or older, presenting to the pharmacy in person with a symptom-based or product-based request for one of the following ailments (reflux, cough, common cold, headache (tension or migraine), primary dysmenorrhoea and low back pain). Intervention pharmacists will deliver protocolized care to patients using clinical treatment pathways with agreed referral points and collaborative systems boosting clinician-pharmacist communication. Patients recruited in control pharmacies will receive usual care. The co-primary outcomes are rates of appropriate use of nonprescription medicines and rates of appropriate medical referral. Secondary outcomes include self-reported symptom resolution, time to resolution of symptoms, health services resource utilization and EQ VAS. Differences in the primary outcomes between groups will be analyzed at the individual patient level accounting for correlation within clusters with generalized estimating equations. The economic impact of the model will be evaluated by cost analysis compared with usual care. RESULTS The study began in July 2018. At the time of submission, 30 community pharmacies have been recruited. Pharmacists from the 15 intervention pharmacies have been trained. 27 general practices have consented. Pharmacy patient recruitment began in August 2018 and is ongoing and monthly targets are being met. Recruitment will be completed March 31st, 2019. CONCLUSIONS This study may demonstrate the utilization and efficacy of a protocolized intervention to manage minor ailments in the community, and will assess the clinical, economic and humanistic impact of this intervention in Australian pharmacy practice. Pharmacists supporting patient self-care and self-medication may contribute greater efficiency of healthcare resources and integration of self-care in the health system. The proposed model and developed educational content may form the basis of a MAS national service, with protocolized care for common ailments using a robust framework for management and referral. CLINICALTRIAL Registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) and allocated the ACTRN: ACTRN12618000286246. Registered on 23 February 2018.

Effectiveness of a web-based medication adherence tool with patient centered communication: Results of a clustered randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan van Lieshout ◽  
Joyca Lacroix ◽  
Aart van Halteren ◽  
Martina Teichert
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Tailored Interventions ◽  
Increased Risk

BACKGROUND Growing numbers of people use medication for chronic conditions; non-adherence is common, leading to poor disease control. A newly developed web-based tool to identify an increased risk for non-adherence with related potential individual barriers might facilitate tailored interventions and improve adherence. OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of the newly developed tool to improve medication adherence. METHODS A cluster randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of this adherence tool in patients initiating cardiovascular or oral blood glucose lowering medication. Participants were included in community pharmacies. They completed an online questionnaire comprising an assessments of their risk for medication non-adherence and subsequently of barriers to adherence. In pharmacies belonging to the intervention group, individual barriers displayed in a graphical profile on a tablet were discussed by pharmacists and patients at high non-adherence risk in face to face meetings and shared with their general practitioners and practice nurses. Tailored interventions were initiated by the healthcare providers. Barriers of control patients were not presented or discussed and these patients received usual care. The primary outcome was the difference in medication adherence at 8 months follow-up between patients with an increased non-adherence risk from intervention and control group, calculated from dispensing data. RESULTS Data from 492 participants in 15 community pharmacies were available for analyses (intervention 253, 7 pharmacies; control 239, 8 pharmacies). The intervention had no effect on medication adherence (-0.01; 95%CI -0.59 – 0.57; P= .96), neither in the post hoc per protocol analysis (0.19; 95%CI -0.50 – 0.89; P=.58). CONCLUSIONS This study showed no effectiveness of a risk stratification and tailored intervention addressing personal barriers for medication adherence. Various potential explanations for lack of effect were identified. These explanations relate for instance to high medication adherence in the control group, study power and fidelity. Process evaluation should elicit possible improvements and inform the redesign of intervention and implementation. CLINICALTRIAL The Netherlands National Trial Register: NTR5186. Date: May 18, 2015 (http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=5186)

scholarly journals Effect of leg wrapping technique on prevention of spinal induced hypotension and fetal acidosis during cesarean section: Randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Samah Nasser Abd El-Aziz El-Shora ◽  
Amina Mohamed Rashad El-Nemer
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Induced Hypotension ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wrapping Technique

Background and aim: Hypotension during cesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia has been a subject of scientific study for more than 50 years and the search for the most effective strategy to achieve hemodynamic stability remains challenging. Aim: The study was carried out to apply leg wrapping technique for the prevention of spinal-induced hypotension (SIH) during CS.Methods: Randomized Controlled Trial design was utilized at cesarean delivery operating room Mansoura General Hospital in El-Mansoura City during the period from May 2018 to November 2018. A purposive sample of 88 pregnant women, assigned randomly to an intervention group (n = 44) in which their legs wrapped with elastic crepe bandage and control group (n = 44) in which no wrapping was done. Data collected for maternal, neonatal hemodynamic and signs of hypotension, the feasibility of application and cost analysis.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of SIH and Ephedrine use among both groups (18.20% in leg wrapping group whereas 75% in control group). In addition, neonatal acidosis and NICU admission were less among leg wrapping group (11.40%, 9.10% respectively). Economically, leg wrapping technique was cost effective compared to the cost of the hospital regimen for treating SIH and admission to (NICU).Conclusion and recommendations: Leg wrapping technique was cost effective and an efficient method for decreasing SIH, neonatal acidosis and Ephedrine administration. It is recommended to apply leg wrapping technique in maternal hospitals' protocol of care for decreasing SIH during CS.

The Effect of Lavender Oil on Perioperative Pain, Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep after Microvascular Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronnie L. Shammas ◽  
Caitlin E. Marks ◽  
Gloria Broadwater ◽  
Elliot Le ◽  
Adam D. Glener ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lavender Oil ◽  
Entire Cohort ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Background Psychosocial distress, depression, or anxiety can occur in up to 50% of women after a breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential benefit of lavender oil as a perioperative adjunct to improve anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep in women undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction. Methods This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial of 49 patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction. Patients were randomized to receive lavender oil or placebo (coconut oil) throughout their hospitalization. The effect of lavender oil on perioperative stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, and pain was measured using the hospital anxiety and depression scale, Richards–Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, and the visual analogue scale. Results Twenty-seven patients were assigned to the lavender group and 22 patients were assigned to the control group. No significant differences were seen in the perioperative setting between the groups with regard to anxiety (p = 0.82), depression (p = 0.21), sleep (p = 0.86), or pain (p = 0.30) scores. No adverse events (i.e., allergic reaction) were captured, and no significant differences in surgery-related complications were observed. When evaluating the entire cohort, postoperative anxiety scores were significantly lower than preoperative scores (p < 0.001), while depression scores were significantly higher postoperatively as compared with preoperatively (p = 0.005). Conclusion In the setting of microvascular breast reconstruction, lavender oil and aromatherapy had no significant adverse events or complications; however, there were no measurable advantages pertaining to metrics of depression, anxiety, sleep, or pain as compared with the control group.

Investigating the Impact of Cognitive Training for Individuals With Bothersome Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982199474
Author(s):  
Maggie Xing ◽  
Dorina Kallogjeri ◽  
Jay F. Piccirillo
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Index ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive training in improving tinnitus bother and to identify predictors of patient response. Study Design Prospective open-label randomized controlled trial. Setting Online. Methods Participants were adults with subjective idiopathic nonpulsatile tinnitus causing significant tinnitus-related distress. The intervention group trained by using auditory-intensive exercises for 20 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 8 weeks. The active control group trained on the same schedule with non–auditory intensive games. Surveys were completed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results A total of 64 participants completed the study. The median age was 63 years (range, 25-69) in the intervention group and 61 years (34-68) in the control group. Mixed model analysis revealed that within-subject change in Tinnitus Functional Index in the intervention group was not different than the control group, with marginal mean differences (95% CI): 0.24 (–11.20 to 10.7) and 2.17 (–8.50 to 12.83) at 8 weeks and 2.33 (–8.6 to 13.3) and 3.36 (–7.91 to 14.6) at 12 weeks, respectively. When the 2 study groups were compared, the control group had higher Tinnitus Functional Index scores than the intervention group by 10.5 points at baseline (95% CI, –0.92 to 29.89), 8.1 at 8 weeks (95% CI, –3.27 to 19.42), and 9.4 at 12 weeks (95% CI, –2.45 to 21.34). Conclusion Auditory-intensive cognitive training was not associated with changes in self-reported tinnitus bother. Given the potential for neuroplasticity to affect tinnitus, we believe that future studies on cognitive training for tinnitus remain relevant.

Water exchange-assisted vs. carbon dioxide-insufflated single-balloon enteroscopy: randomized controlled trial

Endoscopy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaopeng Liu ◽  
Tao Dong ◽  
Yupeng Shi ◽  
Hui Luo ◽  
Xianmin Xue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Water Exchange ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Balloon Enteroscopy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Single Balloon ◽  
Single Balloon Enteroscopy

<b>Background and study aims</b> Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) is a valuable but difficult modality for the diagnosis and treatment of small-bowel diseases. The water exchange (WE) method has the advantage of facilitating intubation during colonoscopy. Here, we evaluated the effects of WE on procedure-related variables related to SBE. <b>Patients and methods</b> This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary-care referral center in China. Patients with attempt at total enteroscopy (ATE) were randomly allocated to undergo WE-assisted (WE group) or carbon dioxide-insufflated enteroscopy (CO<sub>2</sub> group). All patients were planned to undergo both antegrade and retrograde procedures. The primary outcome was the total enteroscopy rate (TER). Secondary outcomes included maximal insertion depth, positive findings, procedural time and adverse events. <b>Results</b> In total, 110 patients were enrolled, with 55 in each group. Baseline characteristics between the two groups were comparable. TER was achieved in 58.2% (32/55) of the WE group and 36.4% (20/55) of the control group (p=0.022). The estimated intubation depth was 521.2±101.4 cm in the WE group and 481.6±95.2 cm in the CO<sub>2</sub> group (p=0.037). The insertion time was prolonged in the WE group compared with CO<sub>2</sub> group (178.9±45.1 min vs. 154.2±27.6 min, p<0.001). Endoscopic findings and adverse events were comparable between the two groups. <b>Conclusions</b> The WE method improved TER and increased intubation depth during SBE. The use of WE did not increase complications of enteroscopy. Clinical trial registation: https://clinicaltrials.gov/， NCT01942863.

scholarly journals Primary dementia care based on the individual needs of the patient: study protocol of the cluster randomized controlled trial, DemStepCare

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Bablok ◽  
◽  
Harald Binder ◽  
Dominikus Stelzer ◽  
Klaus Kaier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Care Model ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Individual Needs ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background Most people with dementia (PwD) are cared for at home, with general practitioners (GPs) playing a key part in the treatment. However, primary dementia care suffers from a number of shortcomings: Often, diagnoses are made too late and therapies by GPs do not follow the guidelines. In cases of acute crises, PwD are too often admitted to hospital with adverse effects on the further course of the disease. The aim of this study is to implement and evaluate a new GP-based, complex dementia care model, DemStepCare. DemStepCare aims to ensure demand-oriented, stepped care for PwD and their caregivers. Methods/design In a cluster randomized controlled trial, the care of PwD receiving a complex intervention, where the GP is supported by a multi-professional team, is compared to (slightly expanded) usual care. GPs are clustered by GP practice, with 120 GP practices participating in total. GP practices are randomized to an intervention or a control group. 800 PwD are to be included per group. Recruitment takes place in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. In addition, a second control group with at least 800 PwD will be formed using aggregated routine data from German health insurance companies. The intervention comprises the training of GPs, case management including repeated risk assessment of the patients’ care situation, the demand-oriented service of an outpatient clinic, an electronic case record, external medication analyses and a link to regional support services. The primary aims of the intervention are to positively influence the quality of life for PwD, to reduce the caregivers’ burden, and to reduce the days spent in hospital. Secondary endpoints address medication adequacy and GPs’ attitudes and sensitivity towards dementia, among others. Discussion The GP-based dementia care model DemStepCare is intended to combine a number of promising interventions to provide a complex, stepped intervention that follows the individual needs of PwD and their caregivers. Its effectiveness and feasibility will be assessed in a formative and a summative evaluation. Trial registration German Register of Clinical Trials (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS), DRKS00023560. Registered 13 November 2020 - Retrospectively registered. HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023560.

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