Exploring value creation in a virtual community of practice: a framework analysis for knowledge and skills development among primary care professionals.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals traditional education reflects constraints to face the complex needs of people with chronic diseases in primary care settings. Since more innovative and practical solutions are required, Virtual Community of Practices (vCoP) seem to better respond to learning updates, improving professional and organizational knowledge. However, little is known about the value created in vCoPs as social learning environments. The objective of this project was to explore the value creation process of a gamified vCoP ("e-mpodera vCoP") aimed at improving the knowledge and attitudes of primary healthcare professionals (PCPs) (nurses and general practitioners) to the empowerment of people with chronic conditions. METHODS: A framework analysis assessed the value creation process using a mixed methods approach. The framework provided awareness about knowledge and usefulness in a learning community through five cycles: (1) immediate value, (2) potential value, (3) applied value, (4) realized value, and (5) reframing value. Quantitative data included vCoP analytics such as logins, contributions, points, badges, and performance metrics. Qualitative data consisted of PCPs' forum contributions from Madrid, Catalonia, and Canary Islands over 14 months. RESULTS: A total of 185 PCPs had access to the e-mpodera vCoPs. The vCoP showed the dynamic participation of 146 PCPs, along 63 content activities posted, including a total of 3,571 contributions (including text, images, links to webpages, and other files). Regarding the value creation process, the e-mpodera vCoP seems to encompass a broad spectrum of value cycles, with indicators mostly related to cycle 1 (immediate value - activities and interactions) and cycle 2 (potential value - knowledge capital); and to a lesser extent for cycle 3 (applied value - changes in practice) and for cycle 4 (realized value - performance improvement). The presence of indicators related to cycle 5 (reframing value), was minimal, due to few individual redefinitions of success. CONCLUSION: To reach a wider range of value possibilities, a combination of learning objectives, competence framework, challenged-based gamified platform, and pathway model of skill development seems crucial. However, additional research is required to gain clearer insights into organizational values, professionals' lifelong educational needs in healthcare, and the long-term sustainability of performance improvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02757781. Registered on 02/05/2016.

Ethical, legal, organizational and social issues related to the use of scalp cooling for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Scalp cooling (SC) aims to prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia. The goal of this systematic review is to tackle ethical, legal, organizational and social issues related to SC. METHODS: A critical appraisal of the literature was carried out using a systematic review design. MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched up until 2 June 2021. Studies addressing these aspects in English or Spanish were considered. Representatives of both patient associations and professional scientific societies related to the topic participated in the design of the protocol and the review of the findings. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies were included. Articles were critically appraised using the MMAT and SANRA. Findings were organized into four categories: (1) ethical aspects focused on equal access, gender equity and doctor-patient communication supported by Patient Decision Aids (PtDAs); (2) patient perspective and acceptability; (3) professional perspective and acceptability; (4) organizational aspects focused on accessibility and feasibility. CONCLUSION: Cancer patients' expectations when using SC need to be adjusted to reduce the potential distress associated with hair loss. PtDAs could help patients clarify their values and preferences regarding SC. Equal access to technology should be guaranteed. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: In this systematic review, the representatives of the patient associations (Ms. María Luz Amador Muñoz of the Spanish Association Against Cancer [AECC] and Ms. Catiana Martinez Cánovas of the Spanish Breast Cancer Federation [FECMA]) participated in the review of the study protocol, as well as in the results, discussion and conclusions, making their contributions. In the type of design of these studies (systematic reviews), it is not usual to have the direct participation of patients, but in this one, we have done so, as it is a systematic review that is part of a report of the Spanish Network of Health Technology Assessment Agencies (ETS).

A Virtual Community of Practice to Improve Primary Health Care Professionals' Attitudes Toward Patient Empowerment (e-MPODERA): A Cluster Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual community of practice (vCoP) in improving primary health care professionals' (HCPs') attitudes toward empowering patients with chronic disease. METHODS: We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial. Practices were units of randomization, and primary HCPs and patients were units of analysis. Sixty-three practices in Madrid, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands were randomly allocated to the intervention or control groups. Randominzation of practices was performed after HCP and patient recruitment. The patients and statistician were anonymized to group allocation; it was not possible to anonymize HCPs. The intervention was a 12-month multicomponent tailored vCoP built on the Web 2.0 concept and focused on skills toward patient empowerment. The primary outcome was Patient-Provider Orientation Scale (PPOS) score at baseline and at 12 months. The secondary outcome was the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) score. RESULTS: A total of 321 HCPs and 1,921 patients were assessed. The intervention had a positive effect on PPOS total score (0.14 points higher in the vCoP arm; 95% CI, 0.03-0.25; P = .011) and the PPOS Sharing subscale (0.3 points higher in the vCoP arm; 95% CI, 0.15-0.44; P < .001). No effect was found for the PPOS Caring subscale, and no significant differences were found for PAM scores. CONCLUSIONS: A vCoP led to a minor increase in the PPOS Sharing component and the total score but not in the Caring component. However, considerable uncertainty remains, given the observed attrition and other limitations of the study. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of the vCoP model and on how to improve HCP engagement.VISUAL ABSTRACT.

Information needs and research priorities in long-term survivorship of breast cancer: Patients and health professionals' perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is to identify unmet information needs of long-term-survivors of breast cancer (BC) and future research needs from the perspectives of patients and health care professionals. METHODS: Two online Delphi surveys were conducted. Participants in Survey 1 were patients. Participants in Survey 2 were health care professionals from both primary and secondary care involved in BC care. Both surveys included three successive rounds. The first round aimed to identify research and information needs; the second round aimed to rank the relative importance of those needs; the third round aimed to find consensus. RESULTS: The most important information needs were self-management recommendations of common health problems after treatment and complications of breast reconstruction after 5 years. The most important research priorities were related to interventions and tools to increase information provision by professionals about certain tests, diet, and coordinated action between primary and specialised care during follow-up, and indications and safety issues of pregnancy in survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Two fundamental ideas were identified: (1) Patients request information about self-management common health problems after treatment and breast reconstruction complications. (2) Health care professionals emphasise the need for a standardised approach based on protocols, recommendations, and coordinated actions in the provision of information. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Given the increasing number of BC survivors, it is essential to identify information and research needs to improve their care and health outcomes.

Decision aids linked to the recommendations in clinical practice guidelines: results of the acceptability of a decision aid for patients with generalized anxiety disorder.

BACKGROUND: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most prevalent mental health problems. Patients with GAD have unmet needs related to the information received about their disorder, its treatments and their participation in the decision-making process. The aim of this study is to develop and assess the acceptability of a patient decision aid (PtDA) for patients with GAD. METHOD: The PtDA was developed following the International Patient Decision Aid Standards. The recommendations of the Spanish clinical practice guideline (CPG) for patients with GAD were used as the basis. The first prototype was developed by an expert committee, further improvements were made with patients (n = 2), clinical experts (n = 13) and the project management group (n = 7). The acceptability of this second draft was assessed by patients non-involved in the previous phases (n = 11). RESULTS: The final PtDA version included a brief description of GAD and its treatments. Most participants agreed that the PtDA was easy to use, visually appealing and useful. At least half of the participants learned new things about treatments and adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: A PtDA was developed for patients with GAD based on recommendations from the Spanish CPG. It was improved and accepted by patients and clinical experts involved. An evaluation of its effectiveness on the shared decision-making process during the clinical encounter is planned.

Health Related Quality of Life in Major Depressive Disorder: evolution in time and factors associated.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent mental disorder. We aimed to analyze which factors were associated to their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) perception in patients diagnosed of MDD and how they evolved over six months.

Cross-cultural validation of the patient-practitioner orientation scale among primary care professionals in Spain.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, many self-report instruments have been developed to assess the extent to which patients want to be informed and involved in decisions about their health as part of the concept of person-centred care (PCC). The main objective of this research was to translate, adapt and validate the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) using a sample of primary care health-care professionals in Spain. METHODS: Baseline analysis of PPOS scores for 321 primary care professionals (general practitioners and nurses) from 63 centres and 3 Spanish regions participating in a randomized controlled trial. We analysed missing values, distributions and descriptive statistics, item-to-scale correlations and internal consistency. Performed were confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the 2-factor model (sharing and caring dimensions), scale depuration and principal component analysis (PCA). RESULTS: Low inter-item correlations were observed, and the CFA 2-factor model only obtained a good fit to the data after excluding 8 items. Internal consistency of the 10-item PPOS was acceptable (0.77), but low for individual subscales (0.70 and 0.55). PCA results suggest a possible 3-factor structure. Participants showed a patient-oriented style (mean = 4.46, SD = 0.73), with higher scores for caring than sharing. CONCLUSION: Although the 2-factor model obtained empirical support, measurement indicators of the PPOS (caring dimension) could be improved. Spanish primary care health-care professionals overall show a patient-oriented attitude, although less marked in issues such as patients' need for and management of medical information.

Information needs and research priorities for fertility preservation in women with breast cancer: patients and experts' perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the information needs and research priorities that women with breast cancer (BC), their families and BC experts perceive on the fertility preservation. METHODS: We conducted two Delphi-based studies through three online rounds. The first was aimed to identify information and research needs; the second one to assess the importance of those needs and the third one to obtain consensus, defined as an interquartile range ≤2. RESULTS: The participation rate was 76.2% in study 1 and 53.7% in study 2. The most important information needs were the referral protocol, pregnancy options for women with BC, side effects of tamoxifen and menopause as a consequence of treatment. The most important research priorities were the participation of different health professionals to provide oncofertility information, referral protocols and efficacy and safety of FP options. CONCLUSION: Information about fertility preservation in the context of BC and different ways to get pregnant, considering risks and benefits, has emerged as an unmet need for patients and careers. The need for a participatory and coordinated approach to the provision of information on oncofertility has been agreed. Other research needs are described in an attempt to focus future research in the most necessary areas.

Framing the process in the implementation of care for people with generalized anxiety disorder in primary care: a qualitative evidence synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common mental disorders in primary care (PC). GAD has low remission and high relapse rates over long follow-up periods. Qualitative evidence was synthesized to understand the implementation of care and treatment options for people with GAD in PC. METHODS: Research published from 2008 to September 2020 was searched in five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, WOS and PsycArticles). Studies that used qualitative methods for data collection and analysis to investigate the implementation of care and treatment options for people with GAD in PC and outpatient settings were included. Non-qualitative studies, mixed methods studies that did not separately report qualitative findings and studies in languages other than English or Spanish were excluded. We used the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) framework to assess the overall confidence in the findings. RESULTS: The results with a moderate level of confidence showed that the trajectory of care for people with GAD in PC and outpatient settings is long and fluctuates over time, involving multiple difficulties in accessing and maintaining initial treatment or successive treatment options. In addition, there are wide variations in the preferences for and acceptability of different treatment options. The results with a high level of confidence indicated that more information on GAD and its treatment options is needed for PC practitioners, GAD patients and their carers. The results with a low level of confidence suggested that patients use antidepressants for longer than recommended and that the interruption of treatment is not usually planned. CONCLUSIONS: Initial resistance to new treatments among people with GAD can make access and adherence to treatment difficult. Improving care may require patients to be informed of possible trajectories in stepped care pathways before the initiation of treatment so they are aware that they may need to try a number of options until the most effective treatment for them is found. Increased awareness of and information materials on GAD may facilitate both appropriate diagnosis and long-term care.

EQ-5D-5L utilities per health states in Spanish population with knee or hip osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to obtain utilities by means of EQ-5D-5L for different health states in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) or hip osteoarthritis (HOA) in Spain, and to compare these values with those used in foreign studies with the aim of discussing their transferability for their use in economic evaluations conducted in Spain. METHODS: Primary study: Observational prospective study of KOA or HOA patients in Spain. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected to characterize the sample. Utilities were elicited using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. ANOVA and bivariable analyses were conducted to identify differences between health states. LITERATURE REVIEW: Using the bibliographic databases NSH EED and CEA Registry, we conducted searches of model-based cost utilities analyses of technologies in KOA or HOA patients. Health states and utilities were extracted and compared with values obtained from the Spanish sample. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-seven subjects with KOA and 361 subjects with HOA were included, with average utilities of 0.544 and 0.520, respectively. In both samples, differences were found in utilities according to level of pain, stiffness and physical function (WOMAC) and severity of symptoms (Oxford scales), so that the worst the symptoms, the lower the utilities. The utilities after surgery were higher than before surgery. Due to limitations from our study related to sample size and observational design, it was not possible to estimate utilities for approximately half the health states included in the published models because they were directly related to specific technologies. For almost 100% of health states of the selected studies we obtained very different utilities from those reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the first article with detailed utilities estimated using the EQ-5D-5L in Spain for KOA and HOA patients. In both populations, utilities are lower for worse health states in terms of level of pain, stiffness and physical function according to WOMAC, and according to the Oxford scales. Most utilities obtained from the Spanish sample are lower than those reported in the international literature. Further studies estimating utilities from local populations are required to avoid the use of foreign sources in economic evaluations.

Effectiveness of a decision aid for promoting colorectal cancer screening in Spain: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has shown to reduce incidence and mortality rates, and therefore is widely recommended for people above 50 years-old. However, despite the implementation of population-based screening programs in several countries, uptake rates are still low. Decision aids (DAs) may help patients to make informed decisions about CRC screening. METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a DA developed to promote CRC screening, with patients from two primary care centers in Spain who never had underwent CRC screening. Contrary to center B (n = 24), Center A (n = 83) attended patients from an area where the population-based screening program was not implemented at that moment. Outcome measures were decisional conflict, knowledge of the disease and available screening options, intention to uptake the test, and concordance between patients' goals/concerns and intention. RESULTS: In center A, there were significant differences favoring the DA in decisional conflict (p < 0.001) and knowledge (p < 0.001). The absolute differences favoring DA group in intention to undergo fecal occult blood test (10.5%) and colonoscopy (13.7%) were significant only before correction for attenuation. In center B the differences were significant only for knowledge (p < 0.001). Patients' goals and concerns regarding the screening did not significantly predict their intention, and therefore we could not calculate a measure of concordance between the two constructs. CONCLUSIONS: A DA improved the decisional process of participants who had never been invited to participate in the Spanish public CRC screening program, replicating previous results in this field. Future research is needed to identify subgroups that could benefit more from these interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Registered Clinical/social Study Number: ISRCTN98108615 (Retrospectively registered on 27 December 2018).

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Oxford Hip Score in patients with hip osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip is a disease that entails a major burden for patients and the society as a whole. One way of measuring this burden for the patient is through impact on Health-related Quality of Life (HRQL). The Oxford Hip Score (OHS) is a well-known tool to measure HRQL in patients with OA of the hip. This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish-adapted version of the OHS, including its reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change. METHODS: Prospective observational study that included 361 patients diagnosed with hip OA (according to the criterion of the American College of Rheumatology) from 3 different Spanish regions. Their HRQL was assessed using a generic questionnaire, the EQ-5D-5 L, and two specific ones (the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, WOMAC, and the OHS) adapted to Spanish. There was a follow-up period of 6 months, and the acceptability, psychometric properties, presence of ceiling and floor effects, validity, reliability, and sensitivity to changes of the OHS were measured. RESULTS: The OHS was fully answered in 99.4% of cases with no indication of ceiling or floor effects. Its factor structure can be explained in a single dimension. Its discriminative capacity was very good compared to the groups generated by the WOMAC and the EQ-5D-5 L. The correlation between the OHS and dimensions of the WOMAC or EQ-5D-5 L utilities was ≥0.7. Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.992; CI95%: 0.994-0.998) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.928) were observed. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was 7.0 points, and the minimum detectable change (MDC) was 5.5 points. The effect size for moderate improvement in perceived HRQL was 0.73, similar to that of WOMAC dimensions and higher than the EQ-5D-5 L. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish-adapted version of the OHS is a useful, acceptable tool for the assessment of perceived HRQL in patients with hip OA, and has psychometric properties similar to those of the WOMAC that allow for discriminating both a patient's condition at a given moment and changes that can occur over time.

Healthcare Professionals' Perceptions about the Implementation of Shared Decision-Making in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study from a Virtual Community of Practice.

Background: The incorporation of shared decision making (SDM) is a central part of empowerment processes, as it facilitates greater activation on the part of patients, increasing the likelihood of them gaining control over their healthcare and developing skills to solve their health problems. Despite these benefits, there are still difficulties in the implementation of SDM among healthcare professionals due to internal and external factors related to the context and health systems. Aim: To explore primary care professionals (PCPs)' perceptions of the SDM model, based on their preconceptions and experience in clinical practice. Methods: A framework analysis was conducted on qualitative data derived from a virtual community practice forum, within a cluster-randomized clinical trial developed in the e-MPODERA project. Results: The most important points in the opinions of the PCPs were: exploring the patients' values, preferences and expectations, providing them with and checking their understanding of up-to-date and evidence-based health information. The analysis revealed three themes: determinants of the implementation process of SDM, lack of consistency and dilemmas and benefits of PCP active listening, motivation and positive expectations of SDM. Discussion: In our initial analysis, we examined the connections between the categories of the TDC model and its application in the primary care context. The categories related to the model reflect the theoretical understanding of professionals, while those related to perceptions of its application and use show certain discrepancies. These discrepancies could indicate a lack of understanding of the model and its real-world implications or insufficient commitment on the part of professionals or the organization to ensure its effective implementation. Conclusions: Specific targeted training that addresses knowledge, attitudes and practice may resolve the aforementioned findings.

Antecedentes: La incorporación de la toma de decisiones compartida (TDC) es una parte central del empoderamiento del paciente, ya que facilita una mayor activación, ganar control sobre la atención que recibe y desarrollar habilidades para resolver sus problemas de salud. A pesar de estos beneficios, todavía existen dificultades para implementar la TDC entre los profesionales sanitarios debido a factores internos de los propios profesionales y externos, relacionados con el contexto y los sistemas sanitarios. Objetivo: Explorar en el foro de una comunidad virtual de práctica (CVdP) las percepciones de los profesionales de atención primaria (PAP) sobre el modelo de TDC en función de sus ideas preconcebidas y su experiencia en la práctica clínica. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis de marco desde un abordaje cualitativo de las intervenciones hechas por los PAP en el foro de una CVdP. Esta CVdP se implementó dentro de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado por grupos desarrollado en el proyecto e-MPODERA. Resultados: Los aspectos más importantes relacionados con la TDC desde la perspectiva de los PAP incluyeron: explorar los valores, preferencias y expectativas de los pacientes, proporcionarles información actualizada y basada en la evidencia, y comprobar su comprensión. En el análisis posterior, tres categorías emergieron como los temas más relevantes: determinantes de la implementación del TDC, falta de consistencia y dilemas, y beneficios de la escucha activa de los PAP, motivación y expectativas positivas de la TDC. Discusión: En nuestro análisis inicial, examinamos las conexiones entre las categorías del modelo de TDC y su aplicación en el contexto de atención primaria. Las categorías relacionadas con el modelo reflejan la comprensión teórica de los profesionales, mientras que las relativas a las percepciones de su aplicación y uso muestran ciertas discrepancias. Estas discrepancias podrían indicar una falta de comprensión del modelo y de sus implicaciones en el mundo real o un compromiso insuficiente por parte de los profesionales o de la organización para garantizar su aplicación efectiva. Conclusión: Una formación específica que aborde los conocimientos, las actitudes y la práctica puede resolver los hallazgos mencionados.

Implementation of a virtual community of practice to promote the empowerment of middle-aged people with multimorbidity: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Empowering people living with multimorbidity (multiple chronic conditions) to gain greater confidence in managing their health can enhance their quality of life. Education focused on self-management is a key tool for fostering patient empowerment and is mostly provided on an individual basis. Virtual communities of practice (VCoP) present a unique opportunity for online education in chronic condition self-management within a social context. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness/cost-effectiveness of individualised, online self-management education compared with VCoP among middle-aged individuals living with multiple chronic conditions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: People aged 30-60, living with ≥2 chronic conditions and receiving care in primary care (PC) centres and outpatient hospital-based clinics in Madrid and Canary Islands will enrol in an 18-month parallel-design, blinded (intervention assessment and data analysts), pragmatic (adhering to the intention-to-treat principle), individually randomised trial. The trial will compare two 12-month web-based educational offers of identical content; one delivered individually (control) and the other with online social interaction (VCoP, intervention). Using repeated measures mixed linear models, with the patient as random effect and allocation groups and time per group as fixed effects, we will estimate between-arm differences in the change in Patient Activation Measure from baseline to 12 months (primary endpoint), including measurements at 6-month and 18-month follow-up. Other outcomes will include measures of depression and anxiety, treatment burden, quality of life. In addition to a process evaluation of the VCoP, we will conduct an economic evaluation estimating the relative cost-effectiveness of the VCoP from the perspectives of both the National Health System and the Community. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The trial was approved by Clinical Research Ethics Committees of Gregorio Marañón University Hospital in Madrid/Nuestra Señora Candelaria University Hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The results will be disseminated through workshops, policy briefs, peer-reviewed publications and local/international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06046326.

Digital Health Literacy and Person-Centred Care: Co-Creation of a Massive Open Online Course for Women with Breast Cancer.

The diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) can make the affected person vulnerable to suffering the possible consequences of the use of low-quality health information. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) may be a useful and efficient resource to improve digital health literacy and person-centred care in this population. The aim of this study is to co-create a MOOC for women with BC, using a modified design approach based on patients' experience. Co-creation was divided into three sequential phases: exploratory, development and evaluation. Seventeen women in any stage of BC and two healthcare professionals participated. In the exploratory phase, a patient journey map was carried out and empowerment needs related to emotional management strategies and self-care guidelines were identified, as well as information needs related to understanding medical terminology. In the development phase, participants designed the structure and contents of the MOOC through a Moodle platform. A MOOC with five units was developed. In the evaluation phase, participants strongly agreed that their participation was useful for the MOOC's development and participating in the co-creation process made the content more relevant to them (experience in the co-creation); most of the participants positively evaluated the content or interface of the MOOC (acceptability pilot). Educational interventions designed by women with BC is a viable strategy to generate higher-quality, useful resources for this population.

The relationship between patient empowerment and related constructs, affective symptoms and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The aim of this systematic review is to assess the relationship between patient empowerment and other empowerment-related constructs, and affective symptoms and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies addressing adult patients with type 2 diabetes and reporting the association between empowerment-related constructs and subjective measures of anxiety, depression and distress, as well as self-reported quality of life were included. The following electronic databases were consulted from inception to July 2022: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library. The methodological quality of the included studies was analyzed using validated tools adapted to each study design. Meta-analyses of correlations were performed using an inverse variance restricted maximum likelihood random-effects. Results: The initial search yielded 2463 references and seventy-one studies were finally included. We found a weak-to-moderate inverse association between patient empowerment-related constructs and both anxiety (r = -0.22) and depression (r = -0.29). Moreover, empowerment-related constructs were moderately negatively correlated with distress (r = -0.31) and moderately positively correlated with general quality of life (r = 0.32). Small associations between empowerment-related constructs and both mental (r = 0.23) and physical quality of life (r = 0.13) were also reported. Discussion: This evidence is mostly from cross-sectional studies. High-quality prospective studies are needed not only to better understand the role of patient empowerment but to assess causal associations. The results of the study highlight the importance of patient empowerment and other empowerment-related constructs such as self-efficacy or perceived control in diabetes care. Thus, they should be considered in the design, development and implementation of effective interventions and policies aimed at improving psychosocial outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020192429, identifier CRD42020192429.

Shared decision-making in Spain in 2022: An updated revision of the current situation.

In Spain, there is not a national strategy to promote shared decision making (SDM) in clinical practice, and it is still not a requisite for improving the quality of health services, in either the legal norms or professionals' educational curricula. However, several national strategies in specific health areas increasingly include the principles of person centred care (PCC) and SDM into their objectives, promoting patients' empowerment and activation. Furthermore, several institutions continue to develop Patient Decision Aids (PtDAs) and other resources to facilitate patients' involvement in their own care; training programs for professionals; links between PtDAs and clinical practice guidelines; as well as interventional studies assessing the impact of PCC and SDM interventions in clinical practice. Initiatives to involve patients in health research design and health technology assessment are also being developed. We describe an update of the current state of research, policy and implementation of SDM after five years of substantial advances in Spain. Many challenges remain regarding national and regional policies on PCC and SDM, implementation of SDM in real practice and educational curricula, development of quality indicators and evaluation procedures.

Effectiveness of Mantra-Based Meditation on Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Meditation is defined as a form of cognitive training that aims to improve attentional and emotional self-regulation. This systematic review aims to evaluate the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness and safety of mantra-based meditation techniques (MBM), in comparison to passive or active controls, or other active treatment, for the management of mental health symptoms. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases were consulted up to April 2021. Randomised controlled trials regarding meditation techniques mainly based on the repetition of mantras, such as transcendental meditation or others, were included. RESULTS: MBM, compared to control conditions, was found to produce significant small-to-moderate effect sizes in the reduction of anxiety (g = -0.46, IC95%: -0.60, -0.32; I2 = 33%), depression (g = -0.33, 95% CI: -0.48, -0.19; I2 = 12%), stress (g = -0.45, 95% CI: -0.65, -0.24; I2 = 46%), post-traumatic stress (g = -0.59, 95% CI: -0.79, -0.38; I2 = 0%), and mental health-related quality of life (g = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.49; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: MBM appears to produce small-to-moderate significant reductions in mental health; however, this evidence is weakened by the risk of study bias and the paucity of studies with psychiatric samples and long-term follow-up.

Barriers and Facilitating Factors of Adherence to Antidepressant Treatments: An Exploratory Qualitative Study with Patients and Psychiatrists.

This study examines the experiences and expectations of patients with depressive disorders regarding the disease and different antidepressants, as well as examining the barriers and facilitating factors that could affect their adherence to medications. An exploratory qualitative study was carried out. The study involved two focus groups made up of patients and caregivers and six semi-structured interviews with psychiatrists. In both cases, the participants were selected by intentional theoretical sampling, seeking maximum significance variation of social types. Prejudice about the side effects of medication was relevant. The importance of patients being well informed about the disease/treatments was noteworthy. The stigmatization of antidepressants by patients was identified as a barrier to medication adherence. The involvement of family members and the motivation of patients to be actively involved in the process to recover from the disease were identified as facilitating factors. The work carried out suggests the need for patients to have rigorous information about the disease/treatment to reduce the possible prejudices generated by beliefs. Maintaining greater contact and monitoring of patients/caregivers to help therapeutic adherence in patients with depressive disorders was also identified as being of great importance.