CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
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Review Meta Analysis
Effectiveness of quality improvement strategies for coordination of care to reduce use of health care services: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Frequent users of health care services are a relatively small group of patients who account for a disproportionately large amount of health care utilization. We conducted a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of interventions to improve the coordination of care to reduce health care utilization in this patient group. ⋯ We found that quality improvement strategies for coordination of care reduced hospital admissions among patients with chronic conditions other than mental illness and reduced emergency department visits among older patients. Our results may help clinicians and policy-makers reduce utilization through the use of strategies that target the system (team changes, case management) and the patient (promotion of self-management).
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Review Meta Analysis
Cognitive impairment and risk of future stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Several studies have assessed the link between cognitive impairment and risk of future stroke, but results have been inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies to determine the association between cognitive impairment and risk of future stroke. ⋯ Baseline cognitive impairment was associated with a significantly higher risk of future stroke, especially ischemic and fatal stroke.
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Review Meta Analysis
Arthroscopic surgery for degenerative tears of the meniscus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Arthroscopic surgery for degenerative meniscal tears is a commonly performed procedure, yet the role of conservative treatment for these patients is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of arthroscopic meniscal débridement in patients with knee pain in the setting of mild or no concurrent osteoarthritis of the knee in comparison with nonoperative or sham treatments. ⋯ There is moderate evidence to suggest that there is no benefit to arthroscopic meniscal débridement for degenerative meniscal tears in comparison with nonoperative or sham treatments in middle-aged patients with mild or no concomitant osteoarthritis. A trial of nonoperative management should be the first-line treatment for such patients.