Journal of evaluation in clinical practice
-
Zero-event counts are common in clinical studies, particularly when assessing rare adverse events. These occurrences can result from low event rates, short follow-up periods, and small sample sizes. When both intervention and control groups report zero events in a clinical trial, the study is referred to as a double-zero-event study, which presents methodological challenges for evidence synthesis. There has been ongoing debate about whether these studies should be excluded from evidence synthesis, as traditional two-stage meta-analysis methods may not estimate an effect size for them. Recent research suggests that these studies may still contain valuable clinical and statistical information. ⋯ We advocate for retaining double-zero-event studies in meta-analyses and emphasise the importance of carefully considering their role in FI assessments. Including these studies ensures a more accurate evaluation of the robustness of clinical results in evidence synthesis.
-
The clinical data management within biomedical research has gained importance over the last decade producing an increasing need of a web-based software application providing electronic data capture and clinical data management functionalities to ensure high quality data. We chose REDCap system over OpenClinica (free-distribution) to implement the electronic case report form (eCRF) at our HIV Unit. We then evaluated eCRF usability and stakeholder satisfaction in an upcoming Phase 4 clinical trial. ⋯ When adopting a new system, measuring user's perceived usability and satisfaction in a quantitative manner and with validated measures may be useful to identify users' uncovered needs and to improve future interaction user-system that will positively affect the quality of data managed in clinical research.
-
This study aimed to adapt the 6-Item Self-Efficacy Scale for Chronic Disease Management (SEMDC-6S) to women with endometriosis in the Turkish population and to evaluate its validity and reliability. ⋯ The Turkish version of the SEMDC-6S is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the self-efficacy of women with endometriosis.
-
The positive effects of vaccination status on the course of Long COVID symptoms have not been fully elucidated. Our aim is to determine the most common Long COVID symptoms in patients monitored in the COVID-19 follow-up clinic and to examine whether there is a difference between the recovery rates of those who are vaccinated and those who are not vaccinated. ⋯ This study showed that receiving vaccination may be effective in improving Long COVID symptoms. Although there were no statistically significant differences between the inactive vaccine CoronaVac, the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, and the heterologous (CoronaVac+ BNT162b2) vaccine in terms of reducing Long COVID symptoms, higher recovery rates were detected in those who received the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2.
-
Individuals experiencing homelessness (IEH) tend to have increased length of stay (LOS) in acute care settings, which negatively impacts health care costs and resource utilisation. It is unclear however, what specific factors account for this increased LOS. This study attempts to define which diagnoses most impact LOS for IEH and if there are differences based on their demographics. ⋯ Homelessness significantly increases the LOS of individuals within both ED and inpatient settings. We have identified several diagnoses that are associated with increased LOS in IE; these should inform the prioritisation and development of targeted interventions to improve the health of IEH.