Journal of evaluation in clinical practice
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The prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) is high and rising. The multidimensional impact of CMSP on individuals necessitates multidisciplinary evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage chronic pain. Primary health care (PHC) is the first point of care in many healthcare systems and evidence implementation at this point is important. We aim to describe the process of development of a comprehensive list of evidence-based recommendations derived from different high-quality clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to inform the PHC healthcare of adults with CMSP. ⋯ The process of developing composite recommendations from multiple CPGs enables end-users to access comprehensive information on managing CMSP in PHC settings that is not available from one singular CPG. The content and evidence base for recommendations varied between CPGs. A similar stepwise process may be used to develop a core set of recommendations for other health conditions, where multiple, diverse CPGs exist.
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Meta Analysis
Effects of goal-oriented care for adults with multimorbidity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
To systematically review the evidence from randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of goal-oriented care against standard care for multimorbid adults. ⋯ No firm conclusions can be reached about the effects of goal-oriented care for multimorbid adults. Future research should overcome the shortcomings of trials assessed in this meta-analysis. Sound application of the indications for research of complex healthcare interventions is warranted.
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Randomized trials are considered the gold standard when assessing the efficacy of new therapeutic agents. In clinical situations where no standard of care therapy is approved, randomized trials usually compare experimental agents to either a placebo or an open-label nonintervention arm (i.e., best supportive care). We surveyed Canadian medical oncologists to understand their attitudes towards each design. ⋯ Canadian medical oncologists participating in this survey are divided in their opinions regarding the acceptability of an open-label design in randomized-controlled trials, where no standard therapy is approved. Clearer guidance from regulatory bodies on the adequacy of different trial designs is needed.
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Clinical guidelines produced by cardiology societies (henceforth referred to simply as 'clinical guidelines') recommend thromboprophylaxis with oral anticoagulants (OACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have moderate-to-high stroke risk. However, deviations from these recommendations are observed, especially in the primary healthcare setting. The primary aims of this study were to evaluate the self-reported use of AF clinical guidelines and risk stratification tools among Australian general practitioners (GPs), and their perceptions regarding the available resources. ⋯ Among our small sample of Australian GPs, most did not access thromboprophylaxis-related information directly from AF-specific clinical guidelines developed by cardiology societies. Although the majority reported using formal stroke and bleeding assessment tools, these were typically used on OAC initiation only. More focus is needed on formal risk reassessment as clinically indicated and at regular review.
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The field of implementation science is critical for embedding research evidence into healthcare practice, benefiting individuals, organizations, governments, and the broader community. Implementation science is messy and complex, underpinned by many theories and frameworks. Efficacious interventions for older people with multiple comorbidities exist, yet many lack effectiveness evaluation relevant to pragmatic implementation within aged care practice. This article outlines the conceptualization and development of an Implementation Framework for Aged Care (IFAC), fit-for-purpose for an aged care organization, Bolton Clarke, intent on embedding evidence into practice. ⋯ This fit-for-purpose IFAC was developed for a proactive and responsive aged care provider. The simplicity of the six-question IFAC is underpinned by substantial theoretical perspectives for its elements and their connections. This complexity is then consolidated into an 18-question checklist to operationalize the IFAC, necessary to advance the translation of evidence into clinical practice.