A feasibility trial of a digital mindfulness-based intervention to improve asthma-related quality of life for primary care patients with asthma.

Asthma outcomes remain suboptimal, despite effective pharmacotherapy. Psychological dysfunction (such as anxiety) is common, and associated with poorer outcomes. We evaluated a digital mindfulness programme as an intervention to improve asthma-related quality of life for primary care patients, in a prospectively registered randomized-controlled feasibility study. We offered 'Headspace', a widely-used digital mindfulness intervention, to adults with asthma through 16 UK GP practices. Participants were randomized on a 2:1 basis to the mindfulness intervention, or waitlist control. Participants completed questionnaires (including asthma symptom control, asthma-related quality of life, anxiety, depression) at baseline, 6-week and 3-month follow-up. 116 participants completed primary outcomes at 3-month follow-up: intervention 73 (79%), control 43 (84%). Compared to baseline, the intervention group but not the control group reported significantly improved asthma-related quality of life, with a between-group difference favoring the intervention group that was not significant (Mean difference = 0.15, 95%CI - 0.13 to 0.42). Intervention use varied (ranging from 0 to 192 times) but was generally high. Digital mindfulness interventions are feasible and acceptable adjunct treatments for mild and moderate asthma to target quality of life. Further research should adapt 'generic' mindfulness-based stress-reduction to maximize effectiveness for asthma, and validate our findings in a fully-powered randomized controlled trial.Trial registration Prospectively registered: ISRCTN52212323.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alter the competitive hierarchy among old-field plant species.

Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is known to increase the species diversity of plant communities. One mechanism that can increase the likelihood of species co-existence, and thus species diversity, is a trade-off between competitive ability and the magnitude of plant growth response to AM fungal inoculation. By suppressing the growth of strong competitors while simultaneously enhancing the growth of weak competitors, this trade-off would cause the competitive hierarchy to be less pronounced in soil inoculated with AM fungi relative to non-inoculated conditions. To test whether such a trade-off exists, we quantified competitive abilities and mycorrhizal growth response (MGR) among 21 species that co-occur in old fields in southern Ontario. Competitive ability was determined by calculating competitive effect (CE), or the degree to which each species suppressed the biomass of a common phytometer species, Plantago lanceolata. Higher CE values represent stronger competitive ability. Old-field species varied in their ability to suppress the biomass of the phytometer and MGR was generally positive. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between CE in non-inoculated soil and MGR (r = -0.49, P = 0.02). In addition, variance in CE was 73% lower in soil inoculated with AM fungi compared to non-inoculated soil (P = 0.0023). These findings support the hypothesis that AM fungi weaken strong competitors while enhancing the performance of weak competitors. Because this trade-off compressed the competitive hierarchy among old-field species in soil inoculated with AM fungi, it may be a mechanism by which mycorrhizal fungi enhance species evenness and diversity.

The Detrimental Clinical Associations of Anxiety and Depression with Difficult Asthma Outcomes.

Difficult asthma describes asthma in which comorbidities, inadequate treatment, suboptimal inhaler technique and/or poor adherence impede good asthma control. The association of anxiety and depression with difficult asthma outcomes (exacerbations, hospital admissions, asthma control, etc.) is unclear. This study assessed the clinical associations of anxiety and depression with difficult asthma outcomes in patients with a specialist diagnosis of difficult asthma. Using real-world data, we retrospectively phenotyped patients from the Wessex Asthma Cohort of Difficult Asthma (N = 441) using clinical diagnoses of anxiety and depression against those without anxiety or depression (controls). Additionally, we stratified patients by severity of psychological distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). We found that depression and/or anxiety were reported in 43.1% of subjects and were associated with worse disease-related questionnaire scores. Each psychological comorbidity group showed differential associations with difficult asthma outcomes. Anxiety alone (7.9%) was associated with dysfunctional breathing and more hospitalisations [anxiety, median (IQR): 0 (2) vs. controls: 0 (0)], while depression alone (11.6%) was associated with obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea. The dual anxiety and depression group (23.6%) displayed multimorbidity, worse asthma outcomes, female predominance and earlier asthma onset. Worse HADS-A scores in patients with anxiety were associated with worse subjective outcomes (questionnaire scores), while worse HADS-D scores in patients with depression were associated with worse objective (ICU admissions and maintenance oral corticosteroid requirements) and subjective outcomes. In conclusion, anxiety and depression are common in difficult asthma but exert differential detrimental effects. Difficult asthma patients with dual anxiety and depression experience worse asthma outcomes alongside worse measures of psychological distress. There is a severity-gradient association of HADS scores with worse difficult asthma outcomes. Collectively, our findings highlight the need for holistic, multidisciplinary approaches that promote early identification and management of anxiety and depression in difficult asthma patients.

Interventions to promote physical distancing behaviour during infectious disease pandemics or epidemics: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Physical distancing, defined as keeping 1-2m apart when co-located, can prevent cases of droplet or aerosol transmitted infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV2. During the COVID-19 pandemic, distancing was a recommendation or a requirement in many countries. This systematic review aimed to determine which interventions and behavior change techniques (BCTs) are effective in promoting adherence to distancing and through which potential mechanisms of action (MOAs). METHODS: Six databases were searched. The review included studies that were (a) conducted on humans, (b) reported physical distancing interventions, (c) included any comparator (e.g., pre-intervention versus post-intervention; randomized controlled trial), and (d) reported actual distancing or predictors of distancing behavior. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. BCTs and potential MoAs were identified in each intervention. RESULTS: Six articles (with seven studies and 19 comparisons) indicated that distancing interventions could successfully change MoAs and behavior. Successful BCTs (MoAs) included feedback on behavior (e.g., motivation); information about health consequences, salience of health consequences (e.g., beliefs about consequences), demonstration (e.g., beliefs about capabilities), and restructuring the physical environment (e.g., environmental context and resources). The most promising interventions were proximity buzzers, directional systems, and posters with loss-framed messages that demonstrated the behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence indicates several BCTs and potential MoAs that should be targeted in interventions and highlights gaps that should be the focus of future research.

A Rapid Systematic Review of Public Responses to Health Messages Encouraging Vaccination against Infectious Diseases in a Pandemic or Epidemic.

Public health teams need to understand how the public responds to vaccination messages in a pandemic or epidemic to inform successful campaigns encouraging the uptake of new vaccines as they become available. A rapid systematic review was performed by searching PsycINFO, MEDLINE, healthevidence.org, OSF Preprints and PsyArXiv Preprints in May 2020 for studies including at least one health message promoting vaccine uptake of airborne-, droplet- and fomite-spread viruses. Included studies were assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) or the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR), and for patient and public involvement (PPI) in the research. Thirty-five articles were included. Most reported messages for seasonal influenza (n = 11; 31%) or H1N1 (n = 11; 31%). Evidence from moderate to high quality studies for improving vaccine uptake included providing information about virus risks and vaccination safety, as well as addressing vaccine misunderstandings, offering vaccination reminders, including vaccination clinic details, and delivering mixed media campaigns across hospitals or communities. Behavioural influences (beliefs and intentions) were improved when: shorter, risk-reducing or relative risk framing messages were used; the benefits of vaccination to society were emphasised; and beliefs about capability and concerns among target populations (e.g., vaccine safety) were addressed. Clear, credible, messages in a language target groups can understand were associated with higher acceptability. Two studies (6%) described PPI in the research process. Future campaigns should consider the beliefs and information needs of target populations in their design, including ensuring that vaccine eligibility and availability is clear, and messages are accessible. More high quality research is needed to demonstrate the effects of messaging interventions on actual vaccine uptake.

What influences people's responses to public health messages for managing risks and preventing infectious diseases? A rapid systematic review of the evidence and recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Individual behaviour changes, such as hand hygiene and physical distancing, are required on a population scale to reduce transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. However, little is known about effective methods of communicating risk reducing information, and how populations might respond. OBJECTIVE: To synthesise evidence relating to what (1) characterises effective public health messages for managing risk and preventing infectious disease and (2) influences people's responses to messages. DESIGN: A rapid systematic review was conducted. Protocol is published on Prospero CRD42020188704. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases were searched: Ovid Medline, Ovid PsycINFO and Healthevidence.org, and grey literature (PsyarXiv, OSF Preprints) up to May 2020. STUDY SELECTION: All study designs that (1) evaluated public health messaging interventions targeted at adults and (2) concerned a communicable disease spread via primary route of transmission of respiratory and/or touch were included. Outcomes included preventative behaviours, perceptions/awareness and intentions. Non-English language papers were excluded. SYNTHESIS: Due to high heterogeneity studies were synthesised narratively focusing on determinants of intentions in the absence of measured adherence/preventative behaviours. Themes were developed independently by two researchers and discussed within team to reach consensus. Recommendations were translated from narrative synthesis to provide evidence-based methods in providing effective messaging. RESULTS: Sixty-eight eligible papers were identified. Characteristics of effective messaging include delivery by credible sources, community engagement, increasing awareness/knowledge, mapping to stage of epidemic/pandemic. To influence intent effectively, public health messages need to be acceptable, increase understanding/perceptions of health threat and perceived susceptibility. DISCUSSION: There are four key recommendations: (1) engage communities in development of messaging, (2) address uncertainty immediately and with transparency, (3) focus on unifying messages from sources and (4) frame messages aimed at increasing understanding, social responsibility and personal control. Embedding principles of behavioural science into public health messaging is an important step towards more effective health-risk communication during epidemics/pandemics.

Managing opioid consumption after caesarean delivery: a quality improvement initiative.

INTRODUCTION: Caesarean delivery is the most common major surgical procedure performed worldwide and pain management after caesarean delivery remains challenging. Finding a balance between sufficient postoperative pain relief and excess sedation secondary to opioids is often difficult in this patient population. This quality improvement project aimed to manage the amount of opioid consumption after caesarean delivery using a new postoperative analgesic regimen. METHODS: The current practice was analysed in 52 patients before introducing the new regimen. Oxycodone consumption, pain scores and quality of recovery were recorded. Following this pre-implementation audit, a new postoperative analgesic protocol was introduced. All patients received standard doses of intrathecal morphine, paracetamol and diclofenac. Regular oxycodone sustained-release (SR) was replaced with oxycodone immediate-release (IR) as needed. These changes also coincided with education to improve midwifery assessment of pain and the delivery of analgesia. RESULTS: The outcome measures were re-audited in 178 patients which showed that oxycodone consumption had reduced median (IQR) 30 mg (20-40) vs 10 mg (5-15) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the pain scores between the before and after groups at rest median (IQR) 2.0 (0-4.8) vs 2.0 (0.8-4.0) or at movement 5.0 (3.0-6.0) vs 5.0 (3.0-6.3) (p = 0.292, p = 0.482 respectively). The quality of recovery scores were also equivalent mean (SD) 78.6 (20.6) vs 77.8 (19.0) (p = 0.792). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that postoperative opioid consumption can be reduced with specific analgesic protocols and allow us to improve patient's quality of recovery.

Exploring the views of stakeholders about the feasibility of carrying out a randomised controlled trial of Individual Placement and Support for people unemployed with chronic pain based in primary care (the InSTEP study).

BACKGROUND: Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is a model of vocational rehabilitation originally developed to help people with severe mental illness obtain and maintain employment. Work disability is common amongst people with chronic pain conditions, yet few effective interventions exist. As part of mixed-methods feasibility research and as a forerunner to a pilot trial (In STEP), we investigated the barriers and facilitators to carrying out a future randomised controlled trial of IPS set in primary care amongst people unemployed with chronic pain. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with: unemployed people with health conditions receiving IPS (clients), Employment Support Workers (ESWs) delivering IPS for people with chronic health conditions and primary healthcare professionals. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analysed with field notes using thematic analysis. RESULTS: All stakeholders generally viewed a future trial of IPS positively and deemed both the intervention and treatment as usual acceptable. Themes that emerged regarding potential barriers were recruitment, the importance of recruiting people voluntarily who wanted to return to work and were motivated to do so and giving them agency in the process; a need for additional training and support of the ESWs; and a risk of over-burdening participants with paperwork. Regarding facilitators however, the themes were offering the intervention early after unemployment, the importance of relationship and continuity with the ESWs and that an employment intervention could bring a range of health benefits. CONCLUSIONS: All stakeholders thought that a randomised trial was potentially feasible and highlighted some potential advantages of participation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Study no ISRCTN30094062.

Individualised placement support as an employment intervention for individuals with chronic pain: a qualitative exploration of stakeholder views.

BACKGROUND: Individualised Placement and Support (IPS) is a tailored, client-centred employment intervention for people with chronic health conditions. It involves the integration of vocational advisers within health teams to optimise return-to-work strategies. The intervention aims to get clients into employment by complementing traditional job searching skills with placements, and one-to-one mentoring alongside a work-focused health intervention. AIM: To explore the concept of IPS for individuals with chronic pain. DESIGN & SETTING: A multi-method qualitative study was designed to explore stakeholder views of IPS for individuals with chronic pain in southern England. METHOD: Fourteen semi-structured interviews and three focus groups were conducted with current recipients of IPS (clients), employment support workers (ESWs), and healthcare professionals (HCPs). All data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: In total, 11 HCPs, five ESWs, and nine clients participated in the study. The analysis identified four themes. The situations of chronic pain patients were discussed, including their complex needs, multifaceted relationship with work, support from HCPs, and existing programmes that were failing to meet their needs. The intervention input was highlighted, including the recruitment procedures and role of ESWs. Programme activities and outcomes were also identified. CONCLUSION: This study identified the complex needs and relationship with work of individuals with chronic pain. It showed that ESWs need to understand the unpredictability of symptoms for individuals with chronic pain and that clients may need additional support before a placement. The findings highlighted several activities for future IPS interventions and potential outcomes for future evaluation.

The Use of Measurement Systems to Support Patient Self-Management of Long-Term Conditions: An Overview of Opportunities and Challenges.

Long-term conditions are a major public health concern that present many challenges for patients living with them. There is increasing policy focus on promoting patient self-management and supporting patients to take ownership of managing their conditions. Because long term conditions often fluctuate over time, ongoing monitoring of disease activity is necessary for self-management; this can be achieved through using Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). PROMs can provide additional information about patients' symptoms, functioning, and emotional wellbeing, informing clinical care for patients. Measurement systems are an innovative method to gather and report PROMs throughout a patient's course of care, to support clinical practice and improve overall quality of care. Measurement systems are often delivered via a digital platform, which can convey patient-reported information to healthcare professionals and provide tailored self-management advice to patients, all based on information collected via PROMs. There are a number of potential benefits of this approach to self-management. Measurement systems can improve clinical practice, creating efficient clinical encounters and positively influencing patient-clinician interactions. The use of monitoring throughout a patient's care is also thought to empower patients, by improving their knowledge of their condition, increasing their engagement with their health, and influencing their overall management of their condition. Challenges associated with using measurement systems in this way include finding appropriate PROMs, provisioning of suitable technology, and limiting the burden for patients. To increase the implementation of measurement systems into practice it is important to consider how to engage and educate healthcare professionals and patients to empower their use. Overall, adopting measurement systems into clinical practice may improve clinicians' ability to support patient self-management of long-term conditions.

A systematic review of psychological, physical health factors, and quality of life in adult asthma.

Asthma is a common non-communicable disease, often characterized by activity limitation, negative effects on social life and relationships, problems with finding and keeping employment, and poor quality of life. The objective of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature investigating the potential factors impacting quality of life (QoL) in asthma. Electronic searches were carried out on: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (initial search April 2017 and updated in January 2019). All primary research studies including asthma, psychological or physical health factors, and quality of life were included. Narrative synthesis was used to develop themes among findings in included studies in an attempt to identify variables impacting QoL in asthma. The search retrieved 43 eligible studies that were grouped in three themes: psychological factors (including anxiety and depression, other mental health conditions, illness representations, and emotion regulation), physical health factors (including BMI and chronic physical conditions), and multifactorial aspects, including the interplay of health and psychological factors and asthma. These were found to have a substantial impact on QoL in asthma, both directly and indirectly, by affecting self-management, activity levels and other outcomes. Findings suggest a complex and negative effect of health and psychological factors on QoL in asthma. The experience of living with asthma is multifaceted, and future research and intervention development studies should take this into account, as well as the variety of variables interacting and affecting the person.