The Language of Research: Creating Spaces to Better Understand How We Speak and How We Are Heard.

Anti-Indigenous racism education and cultural safety training can help cultivate greater awareness and hold the potential to encourage Western-trained researchers to work in solidarity with Indigenous partners to resist the structural status quo. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview and author reflections on an immersive educational series "The Language of Research: How Do We Speak? How Are We Heard?". The series was developed by a Canadian group that included an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, non-Indigenous researchers, and parent partners, all of whom have training or experience in Westernized research and/or health care. The 6-session virtual series was made available through a provincial pediatric neurodevelopment and rehabilitation research group in Canada. Participation was open to a broad audience, including but not limited to researchers, clinicians, families, and health-care professionals. This learning opportunity was developed as a starting point for ongoing integration of an anti-racism perspective within our provincial research group and began through conversation about how words or language typically used in Western approaches to research, ("recruit," "consent," "participant") could be unwelcoming, exclusionary, and harmful. Topics that were explored during the sessions included Using Descriptive Language/Communication; Relationships and Connection; and, Trust, Healing, and Allyship. The article aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue related to disrupting racism and decolonizing research in the fields of neurodevelopment and rehabilitation. Reflections about the series are offered by the authorship team throughout the article, to solidify and share learning. We acknowledge this is only one of many steps in our learning.

"Another Tool in Your Toolkit": Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapists' Perspectives of Initiating Telehealth during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

AIMS: Pediatric occupational and physical therapy service delivery via telehealth increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Real-world experience can guide service improvement. This study explored experiences, barriers, and facilitators of initial telehealth implementation from the therapist's perspective. METHODS: Qualitative descriptive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with occupational therapists (n = 4) and physical therapists (n = 4) between May-June 2020. Interviews were recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded inductively to generate themes, then re-coded deductively to classify barriers and facilitators to telehealth acceptance and use using the Unified Technology Acceptance Theory. RESULTS: Participants had 16.5 [(2-35); median (range)] years of experience (3 months with telehealth) and predominantly worked with preschool children. Three themes about telehealth were identified: a practical option; requires skill development and refinement; beneficial in perpetuity. Most frequently cited barriers were the lack of opportunity for 'hands-on' assessment/intervention and the learning curve required. Most frequently cited facilitators included seeing a child in their own environment, attendance may be easier for some families, and families' perception that telehealth was useful. CONCLUSION: Despite rapid implementation, therapists largely described telehealth as a positive experience. Telehealth facilitated continued service provision and was perceived as relevant post-pandemic. Additional training and ensuring equitable access to services are priorities as telehealth delivery evolves.

Participación de los pacientes en una intervención de coaching en línea para padres de niños con retraso en el desarrollo.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los procesos de participación de los pacientes en el desarrollo de una nueva intervención de coaching de salud para padres de niños con problemas de desarrollo emergentes. MÉTODO: Se utilizó un diseño de estudio transversal de método mixto. Los investigadores (n=18) y los padres-asesores (n=9) fueron encuestados utilizando la Herramienta de Evaluación del Compromiso Público y del Paciente (PPEET) en áreas de comunicación/apoyos para la participación, compartiendo puntos de vista/perspectivas, impactos/influencia de la iniciativa de compromiso, y pensamientos finales/satisfacción. Se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas y resúmenes temáticos para analizar los datos. RESULTADOS: Para ambos grupos de estudio, en las cuatro secciones de la PPEET se observó un alto grado de acuerdo, con respuestas que variaban en gran medida entre 'estoy de acuerdo' y 'estoy muy de acuerdo'. Los informes cualitativos reflejaban que la participación de los pacientes era importante, significativa y tenía un impacto significativo en la calidad del proyecto y en el desarrollo profesional de los investigadores en su comprensión y uso de la metodología orientada al paciente. Los padres-asesores señalaron los problemas relacionados con la fijación de plazos realistas para proporcionar la retroalimentación y la falta de una representación más amplia entre los miembros. INTERPRETACIÓN: Se destacaron los beneficios y desafíos de aplicar estrategias orientadas al paciente a un ensayo multicéntrico. Estos se utilizarán para mejorar nuestros procesos de participación.

Patient engagement in an online coaching intervention for parents of children with suspected developmental delays.

AIM: To evaluate patient engagement processes in the development of a new health coaching intervention for parents of children with suspected developmental delays. METHOD: A cross-sectional mixed-method study design was used. Researchers (n=18) and patient-partners (n=9) were surveyed using the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET) in areas of: (1) communication/supports for participation; (2) sharing views/perspectives; (3) impacts/influence of engagement initiative; and (4) final thoughts/satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and an inductive thematic-based approach were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: For both study groups, high agreement, with responses largely ranging between 'agree' to 'strongly agree', was noted on all four sections of the PPEET. Qualitative reports reflected that patient engagement was important, meaningful, and had a significant impact on the quality of the project and on the professional development of researchers in their understanding and use of patient-oriented methodology. Patient-partners noted challenges related to having realistic deadlines in providing feedback and a lack of a broader range of representation among members. INTERPRETATION: The benefits and challenges of applying patient-oriented strategies to a multicentre trial were highlighted. These will be used to enhance our engagement processes.

Considerations for Health Researchers Using Social Media for Knowledge Translation: Multiple Case Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite extensive literature describing the use of social media in health research, a gap exists around best practices in establishing, implementing, and evaluating an effective social media knowledge translation (KT) and exchange strategies. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine successes, challenges, and lessons learned from using social media within health research and to create practical considerations to guide other researchers. METHODS: The Knowledge Translation Platform of the Alberta Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research SUPPORT Unit formed a national working group involving platform staff, academics, and a parent representative with experience using social media for health research. We collected and analyzed 4 case studies that used a variety of social media platforms and evaluation methods. The case studies covered a spectrum of initiatives from participant recruitment and data collection to dissemination, engagement, and evaluation. Methods and findings from each case study as well as barriers and facilitators encountered were summarized. Through iterative discussions, we converged on recommendations and considerations for health researchers planning to use social media for KT. RESULTS: We provide recommendations for elements to consider when developing a social media KT strategy: (1) set a clear goal and identify a theory, framework, or model that aligns with the project goals and objectives; (2) understand the intended audience (use social network mapping to learn what platforms and social influences are available); (3) choose a platform or platforms that meet the needs of the intended audience and align well with the research team's capabilities (can you tap into an existing network, and what mode of communication does it support?); (4) tailor messages to meet user needs and platform requirements (eg, plain language and word restrictions); (5) consider timing, frequency, and duration of messaging as well as the nature of interactions (ie, social filtering and negotiated awareness); (6) ensure adequate resources and personnel are available (eg, content creators, project coordinators, communications experts, and audience stakeholder or patient advocate); (7) develop an evaluation plan a priori driven by goals and types of data available (ie, quantitative and qualitative); and (8) consider ethical approvals needed (driven by evaluation and type of data collection). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of a comprehensive framework to guide health researchers using social media for KT, we provide several key considerations. Future research will help validate the proposed components and create a body of evidence around best practices for using and evaluating social media as part of a KT strategy.

Why Do Clinical Practice Guidelines Get Stuck during Implementation and What Can Be Done: A Case Study in Pediatric Rehabilitation.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to obtain the perspectives of occupational and physical therapists working in pediatric rehabilitation about the factors that influence implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) using the case of constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT). We aimed to identify factors that hinder implementation of CPGs and strategies for overcoming barriers when widespread implementation is stalled.Methods: Qualitative case study methodology was bounded within the parameters of CIMT implementation in pediatric rehabilitation in one jurisdiction. Twenty-one occupational and physical therapists participated in one of three focus groups. Data were analyzed using an inductive qualitative approach.Results: Participants viewed CPGs as useful, and emphasized the importance of consistency between guidelines and relevance to practice context. Therapists considered the "art and science" in clinical decision-making. Barriers and facilitators to CPG implementation were identified at the client, clinician, intervention location and systemic level. Potential solutions to help "unstick" guideline implementation were consistent with theories of collective knowledge exchange and mindlines.Conclusion: The presence of CPGs does not ensure evidence uptake; understanding of local barriers is required. This case study highlights the value of a collective knowledge exchange approach and attention to the social structures of knowledge development and evidence use.

Identifying Information Needs for Hirschsprung Disease Through Caregiver Involvement via Social Media: A Prioritization Study and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Patient and public involvement in health research is important to produce relevant and impactful results. OBJECTIVE: This paper aimed to prioritize and summarize Hirschsprung disease (HD)-related information needs among caregivers of children with HD and pediatric surgeons through partnership with a parent-initiated social media campaign. METHODS: We conducted a Web-based survey with the 2 stakeholder groups to identify information needs. The caregiver survey was conducted through a global Web-based community, and the surgeon survey was distributed to members of the Canadian Association of Paediatric Surgeons (CAPS). We conducted a literature review to identify evidence on the prioritized topics. RESULTS: Our findings showed that 54.9% (89/162) of the individuals completed the caregiver survey and 23.8% (52/218 listed members) of the pediatric surgeons completed the survey distributed through CAPS. Only 20% (18/89) of the caregivers reported being very satisfied or satisfied with the current HD-related resources. A final prioritized list of information needs included bowel management, nutrition and growth, infection, perianal irritation, gastrointestinal pain, surgical diagnostics, and surgical complications. In total, 87 studies were included in the literature review, which included the following: 8 reviews, 2 randomized controlled trials, 74 cohort studies, and 3 practice guidelines. Two priority issues identified by caregivers had only a single study that met the inclusion criteria, whereas 1 topic had none. CONCLUSIONS: With caregiver and surgeon input, we identified 7 information priority areas related to HD. A review of the literature on the priorities found little evidence to support the development of high-quality guidelines. More research is necessary to meet the information needs related to HD as identified by stakeholders.

Components of Standing Postural Control Evaluated in Pediatric Balance Measures: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify measures of standing balance validated in pediatric populations, and to determine the components of postural control captured in each tool. DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases using key word combinations of postural balance/equilibrium, psychometrics/reproducibility of results/predictive value of tests, and child/pediatrics; gray literature; and hand searches. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria were measures with a stated objective to assess balance, with pediatric (≤18y) populations, with at least 1 psychometric evaluation, with at least 1 standing task, with a standardized protocol and evaluation criteria, and published in English. Two reviewers independently identified studies for inclusion. There were 21 measures included. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers extracted descriptive characteristics, and 2 investigators independently coded components of balance in each measure using a systems perspective for postural control, an established framework for balance in pediatric populations. DATA SYNTHESIS: Components of balance evaluated in measures were underlying motor systems (100% of measures), anticipatory postural control (72%), static stability (62%), sensory integration (52%), dynamic stability (48%), functional stability limits (24%), cognitive influences (24%), verticality (9%), and reactive postural control (0%). CONCLUSIONS: Assessing children's balance with valid and comprehensive measures is important for ensuring development of safe mobility and independence with functional tasks. Balance measures validated in pediatric populations to date do not comprehensively assess standing postural control and omit some key components for safe mobility and independence. Existing balance measures, that have been validated in adult populations and address some of the existing gaps in pediatric measures, warrant consideration for validation in children.

A descriptive qualitative examination of knowledge translation practice among health researchers in Manitoba, Canada.

BACKGROUND: The importance of effective translation of health research findings into action has been well recognized, but there is evidence to suggest that the practice of knowledge translation (KT) among health researchers is still evolving. Compared to research user stakeholders, researchers (knowledge producers) have been under-studied in this context. The goals of this study were to understand the experiences of health researchers in practicing KT in Manitoba, Canada, and identify their support needs to sustain and increase their participation in KT. METHODS: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 researchers studying in biomedical; clinical; health systems and services; and social, cultural, environmental and population health research. Interview questions were open-ended and probed participants' understanding of KT, their experiences in practicing KT, barriers and facilitators to practicing KT, and their needs for KT practice support. RESULTS: KT was broadly conceptualized across participants. Participants described a range of KT practice experiences, most of which related to dissemination. Participants also expressed a number of negative emotions associated with the practice of KT. Many individual, logistical, and systemic or organizational barriers to practicing KT were identified, which included a lack of institutional support for KT in both academic and non-academic systems. Participants described the presence of good relationships with stakeholders as a critical facilitator for practicing KT. The most commonly identified needs for supporting KT practice were access to education and training, and access to resources to increase awareness and promotion of KT. While there were few major variations in response trends across most areas of health research, the responses of biomedical researchers suggested a unique KT context, reflected by distinct conceptualizations of KT (such as commercialization as a core component), experiences (including frustration and lack of support), and barriers to practicing KT (for example, intellectual property concerns). CONCLUSIONS: The major findings of this study were the continued variations in conceptualization of KT, and persisting support needs that span basic individual to comprehensive systemic change. Expanding the study to additional regions of Canada will present opportunities to compare and contrast the state of KT practice and its influencing factors.

Moving towards a more inclusive patient and public involvement in health research paradigm: the incorporation of a trauma-informed intersectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: The concept of patient engagement in health research has received growing international recognition over recent years. Yet despite some critical advancements, we argue that the concept remains problematic as it negates the very real complexities and context of people's lives. Though patient engagement conceptually begins to disrupt the identity of "researcher," and complicate our assumptions and understandings around expertise and knowledge, it continues to essentialize the identity of "patient" as a homogenous group, denying the reality that individuals' economic, political, cultural, subjective and experiential lives intersect in intricate and multifarious ways. DISCUSSION: Patient engagement approaches that do not consider the simultaneous interactions between different social categories (e.g. race, ethnicity, Indigeneity, gender, class, sexuality, geography, age, ability, immigration status, religion) that make up social identity, as well as the impact of systems and processes of oppression and domination (e.g. racism, colonialism, classism, sexism, ableism, homophobia) exclude the involvement of individuals who often carry the greatest burden of illness - the very voices traditionally less heard in health research. We contend that in order to be a more inclusive and meaningful approach that does not simply reiterate existing health inequities, it is important to reconceptualize patient engagement through a health equity and social justice lens by incorporating a trauma-informed intersectional analysis. This article provides key concepts to the incorporation of a trauma-informed intersectional analysis and important questions to consider when developing a patient engagement strategy in health research training, practice and evaluation. In redefining the identity of both "patient" and "researcher," spaces and opportunities to resist and renegotiate power within the intersubjective relations can be recognized and addressed, in turn helping to build trust, transparency and resiliency - integral to the advancement of the science of patient engagement in health research.

Time to revisit tummy time: A commentary on plagiocephaly and development.

Many centres report receiving more referrals for deformational plagiocephaly since implementation of the Back to Sleep campaign. This commentary combines clinical experience, local quality improvement data and existing literature to highlight three points to help prevent and manage plagiocephaly: (1) communicating 'Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play', (2) the importance of early detection and (3) plagiocephaly as a marker of developmental risk. We recommend: (1) equal emphasis on the messages of Back to Sleep and supervised Tummy to Play, to start this messaging early and reinforce at every opportunity; (2) examination of skull shape and neck range of motion as a routine component of the newborn assessment so that caregivers can implement positioning and handling suggestions immediately and (3) physiotherapy referral for babies who have torticollis, or who show persistent or worsening plagiocephaly despite positioning and handling interventions, for further assessment and management.

Central intake to improve access to physiotherapy for children with complex needs: a mixed methods case report.

BACKGROUND: Children with complex needs can face barriers to system access and navigation related to their need for multiple services and healthcare providers. Central intake for pediatric rehabilitation was developed and implemented in 2008 in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada as a means to enhance service coordination and access for children and their families. This study evaluates the process and impact of implementing a central intake system, using pediatric physiotherapy as a case example. METHODS: A mixed methods instrumental case study design was used. Interviews were completed with 9 individuals. Data was transcribed and analyzed for themes. Quantitative data (wait times, referral volume and caregiver satisfaction) was collected for children referred to physiotherapy with complex needs (n = 1399), and a comparison group of children referred for orthopedic concerns (n = 3901). Wait times were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, caregiver satisfaction was analyzed using Fisher exact test and change point modeling was applied to examine referral volume over the study period. RESULTS: Interview participants described central intake implementation as creating more streamlined processes. Factors that facilitated successful implementation included 1) agreement among stakeholders, 2) hiring of a central intake coordinator, 3) a financial commitment from the government and 4) leadership at the individual and organization level. Mean (sd) wait times improved for children with complex needs (12.3(13.1) to 8.0(6.9) days from referral to contact with family, p < 0.0001; 29.8(17.9) to 24.3(17.0) days from referral to appointment, p < 0.0001) while referral volumes remained consistent. A small but significant increase in wait times was observed for the comparison group (9.6(8.6) to 10.1(6.6) days from referral to contact with family, p < 0.001; 20.4(14.3) to 22.1(13.1) days from referral to appointment, p < 0.0001), accompanied by an increasing referral volume for this group. Caregiver satisfaction remained high throughout the process (p = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Central intake implementation achieved the intended outcomes of streamlining processes and improving transparency and access to pediatric physiotherapy (i.e., decreasing wait times) for families of children with complex needs. Future research is needed to build on this single discipline case study approach to examine changes in wait times, therapy coordination and stakeholder satisfaction within the context of continuing improvements for pediatric therapy services within the province.

Proposed trial: safety and efficacy of resveratrol for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated insulin resistance in adolescents who are overweight or obese adolescents - rationale and protocol.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) disease (NAFLD) affects 30% of overweight adolescents and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound with potential to reverse NAFL and its associated insulin resistance in adults. The use of resveratrol to reduce risk for T2D through its effect on NAFL has not been examined to date in youth. This paper provides a literature review and protocol for a 30 day proof of principle trial of resveratrol in a population of adolescents at risk for T2D. This randomized double-blind controlled trial is designed with the primary objective of evaluating a twice daily supplementation of 75 mg of resveratrol for safety and tolerability in overweight and obese adolescent subjects (13 to <18 years of age) with NAFL. Secondary objectives are to determine the effect size of the intervention on hepatic steatosis and whole body insulin sensitivity. Adolescents in the intervention arm (n = 10) will receive oral supplementation of resveratrol 75 mg twice daily (with breakfast and dinner) for a total daily dose of 150 mg for the duration of 30 days. The comparison group (n = 10) will receive a placebo twice daily for 30 days. Both cases and controls will receive a standardized lifestyle intervention program. Subjects in both groups will be followed for an additional 30 days post intervention for total study duration of approximately 60 days. Primary outcome measures include a primary side effect profile determined by participant interview, a side effect profile determined by serum biochemistry and vital signs. Secondary outcome measures include an oral glucose tolerance test, liver and cardiac fat content measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, anthropometric measures of overweight/obesity, inflammatory markers, and cardiac function and morphology measured with ultrasonography. Additional outcome measures include serum concentrations of resveratrol, compliance to protocol, physical activity, and nutritional assessment. This study will determine the safety and tolerability of resveratrol in an overweight adolescent population and inform the design of a larger randomized controlled trial.

A clinically relevant method to screen for hepatic steatosis in overweight adolescents: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To develop a screening algorithm to detect hepatic steatosis in overweight and obese adolescents. METHODS: We performed a cross sectional study of 129 overweight adolescents 13-18 yrs. The primary outcome, hepatic steatosis was defined as an intracellular triglyceride content > 5.5 mg/g and quantified using (1)H-magenetic resonance spectroscopy. Primary predictor variables included, alanine and aspartate transaminases (ALT/AST) and features of the metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: Hepatic steatosis was present in 33% of overweight and obese adolescents. Adolescents with hepatic steatosis were more likely to be boys (adjusted OR: 4.8; 95% CI: 2.5-10.5), display a higher waist circumference (111 ± 12 vs 100 ± 13 cm, p < 0.001) and have metabolic syndrome (adjusted OR: 5.1; 95% CI: 1.6-16.4). Serum ALT predicted hepatic steatosis in boys (AUC: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.70-0.95; p < 0.001) but not girls (AUC = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.46-0.75, p = 0.16). An ALT >20 U/L, combined with the presence of metabolic syndrome, male gender and an elevated waist circumference provided the best model (AUC 0.85) with high sensitivity (72%) and specificity (82%) and positive and negative predictive values of 61% and 89% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum transaminases provide modest predictive value for hepatic steatosis in youth. The ALT threshold for predicting hepatic steatosis is significantly lower than current clinical thresholds for predicting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The addition of ALT, presence of the metabolic syndrome and male gender significant improve the ability to predict hepatic steatosis.

The blood pressure response to exercise in youth with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with hypertension and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In adults, blood pressure (BP) responses to exercise are predictive of these complications. To determine if the hemodynamic response to exercise is exaggerated in youth with dysglycemia (DG) compared with normoglycemic overweight/ obese (OB) and healthy weight (HW) controls a cross-sectional comparison of BP and heart rate (HR) responses to graded exercise to exhaustion in participants was performed. DG and OB youth were matched for age, BMI z-score, height and sex. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured every 2 min, and HR was measured every 1 min. SBP was higher in OB and DG compared with HW youth at rest (p < .001). Despite working at lower relative workloads compared with HW, the BP response was elevated during exercise in OB and DG. For similar HR and oxygen consumption rates, BP responses to exercise were slightly higher in OB and DG compared with HW. OB and DG youth both display elevated resting and exercise BP relative to HW peers. Obesity may play a greater role than dysglycemia in the exaggerated BP response to exercise in youth.

Reduced time to surgery improves mortality and length of stay following hip fracture: results from an intervention study in a Canadian health authority.

BACKGROUND: Existing literature demonstrating the negative impact of delayed hip fracture surgery on mortality consists largely of observational studies prone to selection bias and may overestimate the negative effects of delay. We conducted an intervention study to assess initiatives aimed at meeting a 48-hour benchmark for hip fracture surgery to determine if the intervention achieved a reduction in time to surgery, and if a general reduction in time to surgery improved mortality and length of stay. METHODS: We compared time to surgery, length of stay and mortality between pre- and postintervention patients with a hip fracture using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, type of surgery and year. RESULTS: We included 3525 pre- and 3007 postintervention patients aged 50 years or older. The proportion of patients receiving surgery within the benchmark increased from 66.8% to 84.6%, median length of stay decreased from 13.5 to 9.7 days, and crude in-hospital mortality decreased from 9.6% to 6.8% (all p < 0.001). Adjusted analyses revealed reduced mortality in hospital (hazard ratio [HR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.81) and at 1 year (HR 0.87, 95%CI 0.79-0.96). Independent of the intervention period, having surgery within 48 hours demonstrated decreased adjusted risk of death in hospital (HR 0.51, 95%CI 0.41-0.63) and at 1 year postsurgery (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64-0.80). CONCLUSION: Coordinated, region-wide efforts to improve timeliness of hip fracture surgery can successfully reduce time to surgery and appears to reduce length of stay and adjusted mortality in hospital and at 1 year.

CONTEXTE: La littérature actuelle qui démontre l'impact négatif d'un report de la chirurgie pour fracture de la hanche sur la mortalité repose en bonne partie sur des études d'observation sujettes à des biais de sélection et pourrait surestimer cet impact négatif. Nous avons réalisé une étude interventionnelle pour évaluer des mesures visant à faire respecter un délai maximum de 48 heures avant l'intervention pour fracture de la hanche afin de voir si elles avaient effectivement raccourci le délai avant la chirurgie et si l'abrègement général du délai avant la chirurgie avait réduit la mortalité et la durée du séjour hospitalier. MÉTHODES: Nous avons comparé le délai avant la chirurgie, la durée du séjour hospitalier et la mortalité des patients victimes d'une fracture de la hanche avant et après l'imposition des mesures, à l'aide d'un estimateur de Kaplan­Meier et d'un modèle de risques proportionnels de Cox, en tenant compte de l'âge, du sexe, des comorbidités, du type de chirurgie et de l'année. RÉSULTATS: Nous avons recruté respectivement 3525 et 3007 patients de 50 ans ou plus, avant et après l'imposition des mesures. La proportion de patients qui ont été opérés à l'intérieur du délai préconisé a augmenté de 66,8 % à 84,6 %, la durée médiane du séjour hospitalier a diminué de 13,5 à 9,7 jours et le taux brut de mortalité perhospitalière a diminué de 9,6 % à 6,8 % (tous, p < 0,001). Les analyses ajustées ont révélé une réduction de la mortalité perhospitalière (risque relatif [RR] 0,68, intervalle de confiance [IC] de 95 % 0,57­0,81) et à 1 an (RR 0,87, IC de 95 % 0,79­0,96). Indépendamment de la période (avant ou après l'imposition des mesures), le fait d'être opéré dans les 48 heures s'est accompagné d'une diminution du risque ajusté de mortalité en cours d'hospitalisation (RR = 0,51, IC de 95 % 0,41­0,63) et dans l'année suivant la chirurgie (RR 0,72, IC de 95 % 0,64­0,80). CONCLUSION: Des efforts coordonnés à l'échelle des régions visant à accélérer l'accès à la chirurgie pour fracture de la hanche peuvent réduire avec succès le délai avant la chirurgie et abréger le séjour hospitalier, en plus de diminuer la mortalité ajustée en cours d'hospitalisation et après 1 an.

Variability of physicians' thresholds for neuroimaging in children with recurrent headache.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the extent to which physicians agree about the appropriate decision threshold for recommending magnetic resonance imaging in a clinical practice guideline for children with recurrent headache. METHODS: We surveyed attending physicians in Canada practicing in community pediatrics, child neurology, pediatric radiology, and pediatric neurosurgery. For children in each of six risk categories, physicians were asked to determine whether they would recommend for or against routine magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in a clinical practice guideline for children with recurrent headache. RESULTS: Completed surveys were returned by 114 physicians. The proportion recommending routine neuroimaging for each risk group was 100% (50% risk), 99% (10% risk), 93% (4% risk), 54% (1% risk), 25% (0.4% risk), 4% (0.01% risk). Community pediatricians, physicians in practice >15 years, and physicians who believed they ordered neuroimaging less often than peers were less likely to recommend neuroimaging for the 1% risk group (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is no consensus among pediatric specialists regarding the appropriate decision threshold for neuroimaging in a clinical practice guideline for children with recurrent headache. Because of the impact that individual threshold preferences may have on guidelines, these findings support the need for careful composition of guideline committees and consideration of the role of patient and family preferences. Our findings also support the need for transparency in guidelines regarding how evidence was translated into recommendations and how conflicts were resolved.

Analysis of a parent-initiated social media campaign for Hirschsprung's disease.

BACKGROUND: Social media can be particularly useful for patients or families affected by rare conditions by allowing individuals to form online communities across the world. OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study was to conduct a descriptive and quantitative analysis of the use of a social media community for Hirschsprung's Disease (HD). METHODS: In July 2011, a mother of a child with HD launched the "Shit Happens" campaign. The campaign uses social media (blogs, Twitter, and Facebook) to engage other families affected by HD. Internet analytics including Google Analytics and Facebook Insights were used to evaluate the reach and responsiveness of this campaign. RESULTS: On the day the HD campaign was launched, 387 people viewed the blog "Roo's Journey". Blog views have now exceeded 5400 views from 37 countries. The Facebook page extends to 46 countries, has an average post reach of 298 users, 1414 "likes", and an overall reach of 131,032 users. The campaign has 135 Twitter followers and 344 tweets at the time of writing. The most common question posted on the Facebook page is related to treatment for extreme diaper rash. Responsiveness assessment demonstrated that within 2 hours of posting, a question could receive 143 views and 20 responses, increasing to 30 responses after 5 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Social media networks are well suited to discussion, support, and advocacy for health-related conditions and can be especially important in connecting families affected by rare conditions. The HD campaign demonstrates the reach and responsiveness of a community that primarily relies on social media to connect families affected by HD. Although responsive, this community is currently lacking consistent access to evidence-based guidance for their common concerns. We will explore innovative consumer-researcher partnerships to offer a solution in future research.

Determining Associations Among Health Orientation, Fitness Orientation, and Attitudes Toward Fatness in Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Students Using Structural Equation Modeling.

Purpose: Research suggests physiotherapists hold negative attitudes and beliefs toward fatness and fat people. Physiotherapists are also health-conscious, and invested in healthy lifestyle behaviours including physical activity. Our purpose was to describe relationships between health orientation, fitness orientation, and fat attitudes. Methods: Physiotherapists (n = 187) and physiotherapy students (n = 34) completed an online survey (Health Orientation Scale, Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, Fat Attitudes Assessment Toolkit). Structural equation modeling estimated associations between fat attitudes (dependent variable) and health and fitness orientation (independent variables). Results: Participants scored high in orientation toward fitness and health. We found strong positive associations between fitness orientation and health orientation (p < 0.001). Health orientation was not significantly associated with fat attitudes (p = 0.075), whereas increased age was associated with more positive fat attitudes (p < 0.01). Although most participants acknowledged that factors outside an individual's control contribute to body weight, many also agreed with normative negative perspectives. Conclusions: Physiotherapists are highly oriented toward fitness and health. This may underlie beliefs in the controllability of body weight and contribute to negative attitudes toward fatness and fat people. Further research, with greater sample sizes is necessary to further investigate associations between health orientation and fat attitudes.

Objectif: selon les recherches, les physiothérapeutes ont des attitudes et croyances négatives à l'égard de l'obésité et des personnes obèses. Ils sont également soucieux de la santé et investis dans des comportements sains, y compris l'activité physique. Les chercheurs visaient à décrire la relation entre l'orientation vers la santé, l'orientation vers la forme physique et les attitudes vers l'obésité. Méthodologie: les physiothérapeutes (n = 187) et les étudiants en physiothérapie (n = 34) ont rempli un sondage en ligne (échelle d'orientation vers la santé, questionnaire multidimensionnel des relations entre le corps et soi, outil d'évaluation des attitudes envers l'obésité). Les chercheurs ont utilisé la modélisation des équations structurelles pour estimer les associations entre les attitudes envers l'obésité (variables dépendantes) et l'orientation vers la santé et la forme physique (variables indépendantes). Résultats: les participants ont obtenu un résultat élevé à l'égard de l'orientation vers la forme physique et vers la santé. Les chercheurs ont trouvé des associations positives vigoureuses entre l'orientation vers la forme physique et l'orientation vers la santé (p < 0,001). L'orientation vers la santé n'était pas associée de manière significative aux attitudes envers l'obésité (p = 0,075), mais un âge plus avancé était associé à des attitudes plus positives envers l'obésité (p < 0,01). Même si la plupart des participants reconnaissent que des facteurs hors du contrôle individuel contribuent au poids, bon nombre conviennent également avoir des points de vue négatifs normatifs. Conclusions: les physiothérapeutes sont fortement orientés vers la forme physique et la santé, ce qui peut sous-tendre des croyances à l'égard de la contrôlabilité du poids et contribuer à des attitudes négatives envers l'obésité et les personnes obèses. Il faudra réaliser des recherches plus approfondies auprès d'échantillons plus importants pour étudier les associations entre l'orientation vers la santé et les attitudes envers l'obésité de manière plus approfondie.

Pediatric tele-coaching fidelity evaluation: Feasibility, perceived satisfaction and usefulness of a new measure.

Background: To promote and ensure coaches' fidelity in delivering an online health coaching program to parents of children with suspected developmental delay, we developed and implemented a novel coaching fidelity rating tool, CO-FIDEL (COaches Fidelity in Intervention DELivery). We aimed to (1) Demonstrate CO-FIDEL's feasibility in evaluating coaches' fidelity and its change over time; and (2) Explore coaches' satisfaction with and usefulness of the tool. Methods: In an observational study design, coaches (n = 4) were assessed using the CO-FIDEL following each coaching session (n = 13-14 sessions/parent-participant) during the pilot phase of a large randomized clinical trial involving eleven (n = 11) parent-participants. Outcome measures included subsections' fidelity measures, overall coaching fidelity, and coaching fidelity changes over time analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics. In addition, using a four-point Likert Scale and open-ended questions, coaches were surveyed on their satisfaction and preference levels, as well as facilitators, barriers, and impacts related to the use of CO-FIDEL. These were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: One hundred and thirty-nine (n = 139) coaching sessions were evaluated with the CO-FIDEL. On average, overall fidelity was high (88.0 ± 6.3 to 99.5 ± 0.8%). Four coaching sessions were needed to achieve and maintain a ≥ 85.0% fidelity in all four sections of the tool. Two coaches showed significant improvements in their coaching skills over time in some of the CO-FIDEL sections (Coach B/Section 1/between parent-participant B1 and B3: 89.9 ± 4.6 vs. 98.5 ± 2.6, Z = -2.74, p = 0.00596; Coach C/Section 4/between parent-participant C1 and C2: 82.4 ± 7.5 vs. 89.1 ± 4.1, Z = -2.66; p = 0.00758), and in overall fidelity (Coach C, between parent-participant C1 and C2: 88.67 ± 6.32 vs. 94.53 ± 1.23, Z = -2.66; p = 0. 00758). Coaches mainly reported moderate-high satisfaction with and usefulness of the tool, and pointed out areas of improvement (e.g., ceiling effect, missing elements). Conclusions: A new tool ascertaining coaches' fidelity was developed, applied, and shown to be feasible. Future research should address the identified challenges and examine the psychometric properties of the CO-FIDEL.