Sex differences in the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment in preventing cardiovascular outcomes and reducing blood pressure: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and its prevalence is expected to rise over the next decade. Sex differences exist in the epidemiology and pathophysiology of hypertension. It is well established that antihypertensive treatment can significantly reduce the risk for stroke and other cardiovascular disease events. However, it remains unclear whether this effect is dependent on sex. In this protocol, we outlined a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of antihypertensive therapy in (1) reducing blood pressure and (2) preventing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality outcomes for each sex separately. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following electronic databases will be searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus, Web of Science, grey literature (Google Scholar) and several trial registries. Search strategies will be designed to identify human adult (≥18) randomised (and non-randomised) controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and case-control studies concerning 'sex-specific differences associated with the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment'. A preliminary search strategy was developed for Medline (1946-16 September 2019). Two investigators will independently review each article included in the final analysis. Primary outcomes investigated are cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Pooled analyses will be conducted using the random-effects model. Publication bias will be assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots and by Begg's and Egger's statistical tests. Between-studies heterogeneity will be measured using the I2 test (p<0.10). Sources of heterogeneity will be explored by sensitivity, subgroup and metaregression analyses. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This is the first meta-analysis that will comprehensively compare the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment regimens between men and women. Findings will be shared through scientific conferences and societies, social media and consumer advocacy groups. Results will be used to inform the current guidelines for management of hypertension in men and women by demonstrating the importance of implementing sex-specific recommendations. Ethical considerations are not applicable for this protocol.

Implementation and Effectiveness of Coaching for Surgeons in Practice - A Mixed Studies Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Despite recent changes to medical education, surgical training remains largely based on the apprenticeship model. However, after completing training, there are few structured learning opportunities available for surgeons in practice to refine their skills or acquire new skills. Personalized observation with feedback is rarely a feature of traditional continuing medical education learning. Coaching has recently been proposed as a modality to meet these educational gaps; however, data are limited, and few coaching programs presently exist. The purpose of this study is to summarize the characteristics of coaching programs for surgeons in practice including participant satisfaction, program outcomes, and barriers to implementation, in the published literature. METHODS: A mixed studies systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines to identify all original studies describing or investigating coaching for practicing surgeons up to 06/2019. Quantitative analysis was used to summarize numerical data, and qualitative analysis using grounded theory methodology for descriptive data was used to summarize the results into themes across studies. RESULTS: After identification of articles, 27 were included in the final synthesis. Twenty-six articles described execution of a coaching program. Programs varied widely with 18/26 focusing on teaching new skills, and the remainder on refinement of skills. Thematic analysis identified 2 major data categories that guided deeper analysis: outcomes of and barriers to coaching. Of the 16 (62%) programs that reported outcomes of coaching, 42% to 100% of participants reported changes in clinical practice directly associated with coaching. Positive satisfaction after completion of a program was reported by 82% to 100% of participants. Reported barriers to participating in a coaching program emerged along 3 main themes: logistical constraints, surgical culture, and perceived lack of need. CONCLUSIONS: Coaching for surgeons in practice is highly rated by participants and often results in clinical practice changes, while cultural and logistical issues were identified as barriers to implementation. A better understanding of these factors is required to guide coaching program development and implementation.