How can hospitals change practice to better implement smoking cessation interventions? A systematic review.

Smoking cessation reduces the risk of death, improves recovery, and reduces the risk of hospital readmission. Evidence and policy support hospital admission as an ideal time to deliver smoking-cessation interventions. However, this is not well implemented in practice. In this systematic review, the authors summarize the literature on smoking-cessation implementation strategies and evaluate their success to guide the implementation of best-practice smoking interventions into hospital settings. The CINAHL Complete, Embase, MEDLINE Complete, and PsycInfo databases were searched using terms associated with the following topics: smoking cessation, hospitals, and implementation. In total, 14,287 original records were identified and screened, resulting in 63 eligible articles from 56 studies. Data were extracted on the study characteristics, implementation strategies, and implementation outcomes. Implementation outcomes were guided by Proctor and colleagues' framework and included acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, cost, feasibility, fidelity, penetration, and sustainability. The findings demonstrate that studies predominantly focused on the training of staff to achieve implementation. Brief implementation approaches using a small number of implementation strategies were less successful and poorly sustained compared with well resourced and multicomponent approaches. Although brief implementation approaches may be viewed as advantageous because they are less resource-intensive, their capacity to change practice in a sustained way lacks evidence. Attempts to change clinician behavior or introduce new models of care are challenging in a short time frame, and implementation efforts should be designed for long-term success. There is a need to embrace strategic, well planned implementation approaches to embed smoking-cessation interventions into hospitals and to reap and sustain the benefits for people who smoke.

Evaluation of early fluoropyrimidine toxicity in solid organ cancer patients: a retrospective observational study in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Despite common global usage, fluoropyrimidine (FP; 5-flurouracil and capecitabine)-related chemotherapy toxicity is poorly reported in the literature, with serious toxicity ranging from 10% to 40% and early toxicity (within 60 days of exposure) quoted at 14%. Data reflecting the incidence of Grades 3-5 FP-related toxicity in Australian cancer patients is scant, despite the significant impact of toxicity on patients (hospitalisations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and even death). AIMS: This retrospective audit evaluated Grades 3-5 toxicities in a contemporaneous cohort of 500 patients receiving FP chemotherapies within the Hunter-New England Local Health District from June 2020 to June 2022. Data were extracted from public hospital records and oncology-specific e-records to determine rates of toxicity and associated hospitalisations, intensive care admissions and deaths that occurred within 60 days of first exposure to FP chemotherapy-containing regimens. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty incidents of Grades 3-4 toxicity in the first 60 days led to 87 patients presenting to hospital (87/500, 17.4%). The most common serious toxicities were diarrhoea (39.3%), nausea and vomiting (22.7%) and febrile neutropaenia (10%). Four patients were admitted to the ICU, and four patients died of toxicity. Within the first 60 days, 22.2% of patients required treatment delays, 21.4% required dose reductions, and 7.8% of patients ceased treatment because of toxicities. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our experience reflects international reports and is likely generalisable to the Australian population. These data are a basis to understand the potential benefits of precision medicine strategies such as pharmacogenomic screening to improve patient tolerability and the cost-effectiveness of FP chemotherapy prescribing.

The impact of a regionally based translational cancer research collaborative in Australia using the FAIT methodology.

BACKGROUND: Translating research, achieving impact, and assessing impact are important aspirations for all research collaboratives but can prove challenging. The Hunter Cancer Research Alliance (HCRA) was funded from 2014 to 2021 to enhance capacity and productivity in cancer research in a regional centre in Australia. This study aimed to assess the impact and benefit of the HCRA to help inform future research investments of this type. METHOD: The Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational health research (FAIT) was selected as the preferred methodology. FAIT incorporates three validated methodologies for assessing impact: 1) Modified Payback; 2) Economic Analysis; and 3) Narrative overview and case studies. All three FAIT methods are underpinned by a Program Logic Model. Data were collected from HCRA and the University of Newcastle administrative records, directly from HCRA members, and website searches. RESULTS: In addition to advancing knowledge and providing capacity building support to members via grants, fellowships, scholarships, training, events and targeted translation support, key impacts of HCRA-member research teams included: (i) the establishment of a regional biobank that has distributed over 13,600 samples and became largely self-sustaining; (ii) conservatively leveraging $43.8 M (s.a.$20.5 M - $160.5 M) in funding and support from the initial $9.7 M investment; (iii) contributing to clinical practice guidelines and securing a patent for identification of stem cells for endometrial cell regeneration; (iv) shifting the treatment paradigm for all tumour types that rely on nerve cell innervation, (v) development and implementation of the world's first real-time patient treatment verification system (Watchdog); (vi) inventing the effective 'EAT' psychological intervention to improve nutrition and outcomes in people experiencing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer; (vi) developing effective interventions to reduce smoking rates among priority groups, currently being rolled out to disadvantaged populations in NSW; and (vii) establishing a Consumer Advisory Panel and Consumer Engagement Committee to increase consumer involvement in research. CONCLUSION: Using FAIT methodology, we have demonstrated the significant impact and downstream benefits that can be achieved by the provision of infrastructure-type funding to regional and rural research collaboratives to help address inequities in research activity and health outcomes and demonstrates a positive return on investment.

Outback Quit Pack: Feasibility trial of outreach smoking cessation for people in rural, regional, and remote Australia.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking rates are higher in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) areas in Australia, and strategies to improve access to quit supports are required. This pilot study examined the feasibility of a smoking cessation intervention for people in RRR areas who smoke with the intention of using this data to design a powered effectiveness trial. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the feasibility of a 12-week 'Outback Quit Pack' intervention consisting of mailout combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and a proactive referral to Quitline, compared with a minimal support control (1-page smoking cessation support information mailout) was conducted between January and October 2021. Participants recruited via mailed invitation or Facebook advertising, were adults who smoked tobacco (≥10 cigarettes/day) and resided in RRR areas of New South Wales, Australia. Participants completed baseline and 12-week follow-up telephone surveys. Outcomes were feasibility of trial procedures (recruitment method; retention; biochemical verification) and acceptability of intervention (engagement with Quitline; uptake and use of NRT). RESULTS: Facebook advertising accounted for 97% of participant expressions of interest in the study (N = 100). Retention was similarly high among intervention (39/51) and control (36/49) participants. The intervention was highly acceptable: 80% of the intervention group had ≥1 completed call with Quitline, whilst Quitline made 3.7 outbound calls/participant (mean 14:05 mins duration). Most of the intervention group requested NRT refills (78%). No differences between groups in self-reported cessation outcomes. Biochemical verification using expired air breath testing was not feasible in this study. CONCLUSION: The Outback Quit Pack intervention was feasible and acceptable. Alternative methods for remote biochemical verification need further study. SO WHAT?: A powered RCT to test the effectiveness of the intervention to improve access to evidence-based smoking cessation support to people residing in RRR areas is warranted.

The dynamic relationship between cancer and employment-related financial toxicity: an in-depth qualitative study of 21 Australian cancer survivor experiences and preferences for support.

BACKGROUND: People with a cancer diagnosis experience physical and emotional impacts that may affect employment. Alongside cancer care costs, reduced ability to generate an income is a key contributor to financial toxicity which is associated with poor emotional wellbeing, quality of life, treatment adherence and survival. This study aimed to explore people's experiences of changes to employment and their suggestions for how cancer survivors can be better supported. METHODS: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 21 cancer survivors identified as part of a larger study of emotional distress. Purposive sampling was used to include a diverse group of people across age, gender, tumour type, self-reported financial difficulties and employment status. Interviews were inductively and iteratively coded by two independent coders and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: There is a dynamic relationship between a person's cancer treatment and their employment. For some, employment was disrupted due to physical or emotional impacts of cancer, or workplace stigma and discrimination. Others continued to work at the detriment of their health. Participants wished they had been made aware earlier how cancer might impact their capacity to work, their finances and their health. There was a lack of knowledge on the financial supports that may be available to them. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals may have a role in minimising the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis through early assessment, communication of patients' potential work capacity and appropriate referrals to occupational therapy to aid return to work or financial planning. A robust government social support system specifically for households experiencing cancer is urgently required.

Lung cancer stigma is a predictor for psychological distress: A longitudinal study. Lung cancer stigma is a predictor for psychological distress.

OBJECTIVES: To examine if baseline stigma predicts psychological distress at 3 and 6 months follow-up among patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer. METHODS: This longitudinal study was nested within a larger randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were recruited via respiratory and oncology out-patient clinics in Australia (n = 194). Consenting participants were asked to complete surveys at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-recruitment. Measures included lung cancer stigma (Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12 [GHQ-12]). RESULTS: One-hundred and ninety-four participants were included for analysis. Most were male (57.7%) with a mean age of 68 years (SD = 8.8). A significant relationship between baseline lung cancer stigma and psychological distress at 6 months was found, where a one unit increase in lung cancer stigma increases psychological distress by 0.044 when adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, baseline GHQ-12 scores and intervention allocation (as part of the larger trial; p = 0.001; ß = 0.044, 95% CI = 0.010, 0.079). CONCLUSION: Temporal links between lung cancer stigma and psychological distress was found at 6 months, suggesting stigma-related experiences may have a delayed impact. Development of routine lung cancer stigma assessments is recommended to identify those at risk of psychological distress.

What are the sources of distress in a range of cancer caregivers? A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Caring for a person diagnosed with cancer is associated with elevated distress that may impact on caregiver health and patient outcomes. However, caregivers' distress is relatively under-researched. This Australian study explored a range of caregivers' reported sources of distress. METHODS: The grounded theory approach informed semi-structured interviews that were conducted with a purposive and broad range sample of distressed caregivers identified through the 'Structured Triage And Referral by Telephone' (START) trial. A grounded theory framework was used to generate themes with data analysed by two independent coders using the NVivo software. RESULTS: Caregivers (n = 14) were aged from 25 to 80 years, including two bereaved caregivers. The relationships of the caregivers to the patients were as follows: partner (n = 8), parent (n = 1), child (n = 3), sibling (n = 1), and friend (n = 1). Six major themes emerged in relation to sources of distress: (1) a lack of sufficient and timely information; (2) uncertainty; (3) the role and duties of caregiving; (4) lack of family-centred services; (5) practical challenges; and (6) impact of distress. CONCLUSION: Caregivers face a number of specific challenges beyond those experienced by patients. It is essential to ensure that caregivers are actively well-informed and well-supported alongside the person who is diagnosed with cancer.

Uptake of Proactively Offered Online and Telephone Support Services Targeting Multiple Health Risk Behaviors Among Vocational Education Students: Process Evaluation of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: A high proportion of vocational education students smoke tobacco, have inadequate nutrition (ie, low fruit and vegetable intake), drink alcohol at risky levels, or are physically inactive. The extent to which vocational education students will sign up for proactively offered online and telephone support services for multiple health risk behaviors is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the uptake of proactively offered online and telephone support services for smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, and physical activity risk behaviors, individually and in combination, among vocational education students in the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) setting. The characteristics associated with the uptake of online or telephone services for smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, and physical activity risk behaviors were also examined. METHODS: Vocational education students enrolled in a TAFE class in New South Wales, Australia, which ran for 6 months or more, were recruited to participate in a cluster randomized controlled trial from May 2018 to May 2019. In the intervention arm, participants who did not meet the Australian health guidelines for each of the smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, and physical activity risk behaviors were provided electronic feedback and proactively offered online and telephone support services. Uptake of support was measured by whether participants signed up for the online and telephone services they were offered. RESULTS: Vocational education students (N=551; mean age 25.7 years, SD 11.1; 310/551, 56.3% male) were recruited into the intervention arm. Uptake of the proactive offer of either online or telephone services was 14.5% (59/406) for fruit and vegetables, 12.7% (29/228) for physical activity, 6.8% (13/191) for smoking, and 5.5% (18/327) for alcohol use. Uptake of any online or telephone service for at least two health behaviors was 5.8% (22/377). Participants who were employed (odds ratio [OR] 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.72) and reported not being anxious (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.71) had smaller odds of signing up for online or telephone services for smoking, whereas participants who reported not being depressed had greater odds (OR 10.25, 95% CI 1.30-80.67). Participants who intended to change their physical activity in the next 30 days had greater odds (OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.33-12.07) of signing up for online or telephone services for physical activity. Employed participants had smaller odds (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06-0.56) of signing up for support services for at least two behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Although the uptake of proactively offered online and telephone support services is low, these rates appear to be higher than the self-initiated use of some of these services in the general population. Scaling up the proactive offer of online and telephone services may produce beneficial health outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12618000723280; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375001.

Effect of Cytisine vs Varenicline on Smoking Cessation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Cytisine is more effective than placebo and nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation. However, cytisine has not been tested against the most effective smoking cessation medication, varenicline, which is associated with adverse events known to lead to discontinuation of therapy. Objective: To examine whether standard cytisine treatment (25 days) was at least as effective as standard varenicline treatment (84 days) for smoking cessation. Design, Setting, and Participants: This noninferiority, open-label randomized clinical trial with allocation concealment and blinded outcome assessment was undertaken in Australia from November 2017 through May 2019; follow-up was completed in January 2020. A total of 1452 Australian adult daily smokers willing to make a quit attempt were included. Data collection was conducted primarily by computer-assisted telephone interview, but there was an in-person visit to validate the primary outcome. Interventions: Treatments were provided in accordance with the manufacturers' recommended dosage: cytisine (n = 725), 1.5-mg capsules taken 6 times daily initially then gradually reduced over the 25-day course; varenicline (n = 727), 0.5-mg tablets titrated to 1 mg twice daily for 84 days (12 weeks). All participants were offered referral to standard telephone behavioral support. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was 6-month continuous abstinence verified using a carbon monoxide breath test at 7-month follow-up. The noninferiority margin was set at 5% and the 1-sided significance threshold was set at .025. Results: Among 1452 participants who were randomized (mean [SD] age, 42.9 [12.7] years; 742 [51.1%] women), 1108 (76.3%) completed the trial. Verified 6-month continuous abstinence rates were 11.7% for the cytisine group and 13.3% for the varenicline group (risk difference, -1.62% [1-sided 97.5% CI, -5.02% to ∞]; P = .03 for noninferiority). Self-reported adverse events occurred less frequently in the cytisine group (997 events among 482 participants) compared with the varenicline group (1206 events among 510 participants) and the incident rate ratio was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.95; P = .002). Conclusions and Relevance: Among daily smokers willing to quit, cytisine treatment for 25 days, compared with varenicline treatment for 84 days, failed to demonstrate noninferiority regarding smoking cessation. Trial Registration: anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12616001654448.

Thrombolysis implementation intervention and clinical outcome: a secondary analysis of a cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have attempted to increase the rate of intravenous thrombolysis for ischemic stroke using interventions to promote adherence to guidelines. Still, many of them did not measure individual-level impact. This study aimed to make a posthoc comparison of the clinical outcomes of patients in the "Thrombolysis ImPlementation in Stroke (TIPS)" study, which aimed to improve rates of intravenous thrombolysis in Australia. METHODS: A posthoc analysis was conducted using individual-level patient data. Excellent (Three-month post treatment modified Rankin Score 0-2) and poor clinical outcome (Three-month post treatment modified Rankin Score 5-6) and post treatment parenchymal haematoma were the three main outcomes, and a mixed logistic regression model was used to assess the difference between the intervention and control groups. RESULTS: There was a non-significant higher odds of having an excellent clinical outcome of 57% (odds ratio: 1.57; 95% CI: 0.73-3.39) and 33% (odds ratio: 1.33; 95% CI: 0.73-2.44) during the active-and post-intervention period respectively, for the intervention compared to the control group. A non-significant lower odds of having a poor clinical outcome was also found in the intervention, relative to control group of 4% (odds ratio: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.56-2.07) and higher odds of having poor outcome of 44% (odds ratio: 1.44 95% CI: 0.61-3.41) during both active and post-intervention period respectively. Similarly, a non-significant lower odds of parenchymal haematoma was also found for the intervention group during the both active- (odds ratio: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.21-1.32) and post-intervention period (odds ratio: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.36-2.52). CONCLUSION: The TIPS multi-component implementation approach was not effective in reducing the odds of post-treatment severe disability at 90 days, or post-thrombolysis hemorrhage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registration-URL: http://www.anzctr.org.au/ Unique Identifier: ACTRN12613000939796 .

Effectiveness of Individual Real-Time Video Counseling on Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol, Physical Activity, and Obesity Health Risks: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Real-time video communication technology allows virtual face-to-face interactions between the provider and the user, and can be used to modify risk factors for smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and obesity. No systematic reviews have examined the effectiveness of individual real-time video counseling for addressing each of the risk factors for smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and obesity. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of individually delivered real-time video counseling on risk factors for smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and obesity. METHODS: The MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database), PsycINFO, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus databases were searched for eligible studies published up to November 21, 2019. Eligible studies were randomized or cluster randomized trials that tested the effectiveness of individual real-time video communication interventions on smoking, nutrition, alcohol, physical activity, and obesity in any population or setting; the comparator was a no-intervention control group or any other mode of support (eg, telephone); and an English-language publication. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were eligible. Four studies targeted smoking, 3 alcohol, 3 physical activity, and 3 obesity. In 2 of the physical activity studies, real-time video counseling was found to significantly increase physical activity when compared with usual care at week 9 and after 5 years. Two obesity studies found a significant change in BMI between a video counseling and a documents group, with significantly greater weight loss in the video counseling group than the in-person as well as the control groups. One study found that those in the video counseling group were significantly more likely than those in the telephone counseling group to achieve smoking cessation. The remaining studies found no significant differences between video counseling and telephone counseling or face-to-face counseling for smoking cessation, video counseling and face-to-face treatment on alcohol consumption, video counseling and no counseling for physical activity, and video counseling and face-to-face treatment on BMI. The global methodological quality rating was moderate in 1 physical activity study, whereas 12 studies had a weak global rating. CONCLUSIONS: Video counseling is potentially more effective than a control group or other modes of support in addressing physical inactivity and obesity and is not less effective in modifying smoking and alcohol consumption. Further research is required to determine the relative benefits of video counseling in terms of other policy and practice decision-making factors such as costs and feasibility.

A multi-center randomized controlled trial to reduce unmet needs, depression, and anxiety among hematological cancer patients and their support persons.

Purpose: Individuals diagnosed with a high-grade hematological malignancy are at high risk for psychosocial distress. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a web-based information tool and nurse delivered telephone support in reducing: (i) unmet information needs; (ii) depression; and (iii) anxiety, among hematological cancer patients and their support persons (SPs).Methods: Patients with a new diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Burkitt lymphoma, or lymphoblastic lymphoma and their SPs were enrolled in a prospective multi-site randomized trial. Participants received either access to an online information tool and telephone support from a hematology nurse, or usual care. Outcome data were collected 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-recruitment. The primary endpoint was unmet information needs.Results: Data from 60 patients and 15 SPs were included in the analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in unmet information needs, depression or anxiety between intervention and control groups for patients. Patients in both groups demonstrated a decrease in information needs over the intervention period. Post hoc analyses revealed that patients who did not achieve remission with the first cycle of treatment experienced increased anxiety from 4 weeks until the end of the study (p = 0.008).Conclusions: A web-based information tool and nurse delivered telephone support did not reduce unmet information needs, depression or anxiety among hematological cancer patients, however this finding is inconclusive given the low power of the study.Implications for Psychosocial Providers or Policy: Patients who do not achieve remission are at high risk of anxiety, and may benefit from targeted psychological intervention.

Trends in Incidence of ESKD in People With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Australia, 2002-2013.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: The number of people with diabetes and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is increasing worldwide, but it is unknown whether this indicates an increasing risk for ESKD in people with diabetes. We examined temporal trends in the incidence of ESKD within the Australian population with diabetes from 2002 to 2013. STUDY DESIGN: Follow-up study using a national health care services registry. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Registrants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in Australia's National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). PREDICTORS: Age, sex, indigenous status, diabetes type, and calendar year. OUTCOME: Incidence of ESKD (dialysis or kidney transplantation) or death ascertained using the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry and the Australian national death index. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: NDSS registrants were followed up from 2002 or date of registration until onset of ESKD, death, or December 31, 2013. The incidence of ESKD in type 1 diabetes was calculated only in those younger than 55 years. RESULTS: Among 1,375,877 registrants between 2002 and 2013, a total of 9,977 experienced incident ESKD, representing an overall incidence of ESKD in people with diabetes of 10.0 (95% CI, 9.8-10.2) per 10,000 person-years. Among those with type 1 diabetes, the age-standardized annual incidence was stable during the study period. Among those with type 2 diabetes, the incidence increased in nonindigenous people (annual percentage change, 2.2%; 95% CI, 0.4%-4.1%) with the greatest increases in those younger than 50 and those older than 80 years. No significant change over time was observed in indigenous people, although the adjusted incident rate ratio for indigenous versus nonindigenous was 4.03 (95% CI, 3.68-4.41). LIMITATIONS: Lack of covariates such as comorbid conditions, medication use, measures of quality of care, and baseline kidney function. CONCLUSIONS: The age-standardized annual incidence of ESKD increased in Australia from 2002 to 2013 for nonindigenous people with type 2 diabetes but was stable for people with type 1 diabetes. Efforts to prevent the development of ESKD, especially among indigenous Australians and those with early-onset type 2 diabetes, are warranted.

Real-time video counselling for smoking cessation.

BACKGROUND: Real-time video communication software such as Skype and FaceTime transmits live video and audio over the Internet, allowing counsellors to provide support to help people quit smoking. There are more than four billion Internet users worldwide, and Internet users can download free video communication software, rendering a video counselling approach both feasible and scalable for helping people to quit smoking. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of real-time video counselling delivered individually or to a group in increasing smoking cessation, quit attempts, intervention adherence, satisfaction and therapeutic alliance, and to provide an economic evaluation regarding real-time video counselling. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase to identify eligible studies on 13 August 2019. We searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify ongoing trials registered by 13 August 2019. We checked the reference lists of included articles and contacted smoking cessation researchers for any additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), randomised trials, cluster RCTs or cluster randomised trials of real-time video counselling for current tobacco smokers from any setting that measured smoking cessation at least six months following baseline. The real-time video counselling intervention could be compared with a no intervention control group or another smoking cessation intervention, or both. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently extracted data from included trials, assessed the risk of bias and rated the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis for the primary outcome of smoking cessation, using the most stringent measure of smoking cessation measured at the longest follow-up. Analysis was based on the intention-to-treat principle. We considered participants with missing data at follow-up for the primary outcome of smoking cessation to be smokers. MAIN RESULTS: We included two randomised trials with 615 participants. Both studies delivered real-time video counselling for smoking cessation individually, compared with telephone counselling. We judged one study at unclear risk of bias and one study at high risk of bias. There was no statistically significant treatment effect for smoking cessation (using the strictest definition and longest follow-up) across the two included studies when real-time video counselling was compared to telephone counselling (risk ratio (RR) 2.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 12.04; 2 studies, 608 participants; I2 = 66%). We judged the overall certainty of the evidence for smoking cessation as very low due to methodological limitations, imprecision in the effect estimate reflected by the wide 95% CIs and inconsistency of cessation rates. There were no significant differences between real-time video counselling and telephone counselling reported for number of quit attempts among people who continued to smoke (mean difference (MD) 0.50, 95% CI -0.60 to 1.60; 1 study, 499 participants), mean number of counselling sessions completed (MD -0.20, 95% CI -0.45 to 0.05; 1 study, 566 participants), completion of all sessions (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.79; 1 study, 43 participants) or therapeutic alliance (MD 1.13, 95% CI -0.24 to 2.50; 1 study, 398 participants). Participants in the video counselling arm were more likely than their telephone counselling counterparts to recommend the programme to a friend or family member (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11; 1 study, 398 participants); however, there were no between-group differences on satisfaction score (MD 0.70, 95% CI -1.16 to 2.56; 1 study, 29 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is very little evidence about the effectiveness of real-time video counselling for smoking cessation. The existing research does not suggest a difference between video counselling and telephone counselling for assisting people to quit smoking. However, given the very low GRADE rating due to methodological limitations in the design, imprecision of the effect estimate and inconsistency of cessation rates, the smoking cessation results should be interpreted cautiously. High-quality randomised trials comparing real-time video counselling to telephone counselling are needed to increase the confidence of the effect estimate. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence comparing real-time video counselling to a control group. Such research is needed to determine whether video counselling increases smoking cessation.

Concordance between self-report and medical records of preventive healthcare delivery among a sample of disadvantaged patients from four aboriginal community controlled health services.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aimed to explore, among a sample of patients attending one of four Aboriginal Health Services (ACCHSs), the degree of concordance between self-report and medical records for whether screening for key healthcare items had ever been undertaken, or had been undertaken within the recommended timeframe. METHODS: Across the four ACCHSs, a convenience sample of 109 patients was recruited. Patients completed a self-report computer survey assessing when they last had preventive care items undertaken at the service. ACCHS staff completed a medical record audit for matching items. The degree of concordance (i.e. the percentage of cases in which self-reports matched responses from the medical record) was calculated. RESULTS: Concordance was relatively high for items including assessment of Body Mass Index and blood pressure, but was substantially lower for items including assessment of waist circumference, alcohol intake, physical activity, and diet. CONCLUSIONS: Reliance on either patient self-report or medical record data for assessing the level of preventive care service delivery by ACCHSs requires caution. Efforts to improve documentation of some preventive care delivery in medical records are needed. These findings are likely to also apply to patients in other general practice settings.

Cost Per Participant Recruited From Rural and Remote Areas Into a Smoking Cessation Trial Via Online or Traditional Strategies: Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Rural and remote residents are more likely to smoke than those who live in major cities; however, recruitment of research participants from rural and remote areas can be challenging. The cost per participant recruited from rural and remote areas via online (eg, social media) and traditional strategies (eg, print) has implications for researchers on how to allocate resources to maximize the number of participants recruited. Participant characteristics such as demographics, financial stress, mental health, and smoking-related factors may be associated with recruitment method (ie, online vs traditional), and so it is important to understand whether certain subgroups are more likely to be recruited via a particular strategy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the cost per participant recruited and examine whether characteristics such as demographics, financial stress, mental health, and smoking-related factors may be associated with the recruitment method (ie, online vs traditional). METHODS: Participants were recruited into a randomized trial that provided smoking cessation support. Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older; used tobacco daily; had access to video communication software, internet, and telephone; had an email address; and lived in a rural or remote area of New South Wales, Australia. This study describes the natural (observed) experience of recruiting participants via online and traditional methods into a smoking cessation trial. RESULTS: Over 17 months, 655 participants were recruited into the smoking cessation trial. A total of 88.7% (581/655) of the participants were recruited via online methods. Moreover, 1.8% (12/655) of the participants were recruited from remote locations and none from very remote areas. The cost per participant recruited by the various online strategies ranged from Aus $7.29 (US $4.96, £4.09, and €4.43) for Gumtree, a local online classified website, to Aus $128.67 (US $87.63, £72.20, and €78.28) for email. The cost per participant recruited using traditional strategies ranged from Aus $0 (US $0, £0, and €0) for word of mouth to Aus $3990.84 (US $2757.67, £2227.85, and €2477.11) for telephone. Women had greater odds of being recruited via online methods than men (odds ratio 2.50, 95% CI 1.42-4.40). No other characteristics were associated with the recruitment method. CONCLUSIONS: The cost per participant recruited via online and traditional strategies varied, with the range being smaller for online than traditional recruitment strategies. Women have greater odds of being recruited via online strategies into rural smoking cessation trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000514303; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372584&isReview=true.

A systematic review of adherence to diabetes self-care behaviours: Evidence from low- and middle-income countries.

AIMS: To determine diabetes patient's adherence to five self-care behaviours (diet, exercise; medication, self-monitoring of blood glucose [SMBG] and foot care) in low- and middle-income countries. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBMED, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane library and EMCARE for the period January 1990 - June 2017. REVIEW METHODS: Title, abstract and full text screening were done according to eligibility criteria. A narrative synthesis of the literature was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 7,109 studies were identified of which 27 met the review eligibility criteria and were included. All the studies used self-report of adherence to diabetes self-care. Studies reported adherence rates in two major forms: (a) mean number of days participants performed a recommended dietary behaviour/activity during the past week; and (b) proportions of participants adhering to a recommended self-care behaviour. Mean number of days per week participants adhered to a self-care behaviour ranged from 2.34.6 days per week for diet, 5.5-6.8 days per week for medication, 1.8-5.7 days per week for exercise, 0.2-2.2 days per week for SMBG and 2.2-4.3 days per week for foot care. Adherence rates ranged from 29.9%-91.7% for diet, 26.0%-97.0% for medication taking, 26.7%-69.0% for exercise, 13.0%-79.9% for self-monitoring of blood glucose and 17.0%-77.4% for foot care. CONCLUSION: Although most diabetes patients do not adhere to recommended self-care behaviours, adherence rates vary widely and were found to be high in some instances. IMPACT: Health services in low- and middle-income countries should monitor adherence to diabetes self-care behaviours rather than assume adherence and resources should be invested in improving adherence to the self-care behaviours. Large-scale accurate monitoring of adherence to diabetes self-care behaviour is needed and consideration should be given to choice of measurement tool for such exercise.

Barriers to diabetic self-care: A qualitative study of patients' and healthcare providers' perspectives.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore patient and healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives about patients' barriers to the performance of diabetic self-care behaviours in Ghana. BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan African urban populations are increasingly affected by type 2 diabetes due to nutrition transition, sedentary lifestyles and ageing. Diabetic self-care is critical to improving clinical outcomes. However, little is known about barriers to diabetic self-care (diet, exercise, medication taking, self-monitoring of blood glucose and foot care) in sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN: Qualitative study that followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 23 people living with type 2 diabetes and 14 HCPs recruited from the diabetes clinics of three hospitals in Tamale, Ghana. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. The constant comparative method of data analysis was used and identified themes classified according to constructs of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB): attitudes/behavioural beliefs, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. RESULTS: Barriers relating to attitudes included misconceptions that diabetes was caused by spiritual forces or curses, use of herbal medicines, intentional nonadherence, difficulty changing old habits, and feeling or lacking motivation to exercise. Barriers relating to subjective norms were inadequate family support, social stigma (usually by spouses and other members of the community) and cultural beliefs. Perceived behavioural control barriers were poor income levels, lack of glucometers, busy work schedules, long distance to the hospital and inadequate access to variety of foods due to erratic supply of foods or seasonality. CONCLUSIONS: Both patients and HCPs discussed similar barriers and those relating to attitude and behavioural control were commonly discussed. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Interventions to improve adherence to diabetic self-care should focus on helping persons with diabetes develop favourable attitudes and how to overcome behavioural control barriers. Such interventions should have both individualised and community-wide approaches.