Do professional perspectives on evidence-based smoking cessation methods align? A Delphi study among researchers and healthcare professionals.

The use of evidence-based smoking cessation interventions (SCIs) can significantly increase the number of successful smoking cessation attempts. To obtain an overview of the knowledge and viewpoints on the effectiveness and use of SCIs, a three-round online Delphi study was conducted among researchers and primary care professionals (PCPs). The four objectives of this study are to gain an overview of (i) the criteria important for recommending SCIs, (ii) the perceptions of both groups on the effectiveness of SCIs, (iii) the factors to consider when counseling different (high-risk) groups of smokers and (iv) the perceptions of both groups on the use of e-cigarettes as an SCI. We found a high level of agreement within groups on which smoker characteristics should be considered when recommending an SCI to smokers. We also found that PCPs display a lower degree of consensus on the effectiveness of SCIs. Both groups see a value in the use of special protocols for different (high-risk) groups of patients, but the two groups did not reach consensus on the use of e-cigarettes as a means to quit. Making an inventory of PCPs' needs regarding SCIs and their usage may provide insight into how to facilitate a better uptake in the primary care setting.

The Usability of an Online Tool to Promote the Use of Evidence-Based Smoking Cessation Interventions.

To increase usage of evidence-based smoking cessation interventions (EBSCIs) among smokers, an online decision aid (DA) was developed. The aims of this study were (1) to conduct a usability evaluation; (2) to conduct a program evaluation and evaluate decisional conflict after using the DA and (3) to determine the possible change in the intention to use EBSCIs before and directly after reviewing the DA. A cross-sectional study was carried out in September 2020 by recruiting smokers via the Internet (n = 497). Chi-squared tests and t-tests were conducted to test the differences between smokers who differed in the perceived usability of the DA on the program evaluation and in decisional conflict. The possible changes in intention to use EBSCIs during a cessation attempt before and after reviewing the DA were tested using t-tests, McNemar's test and χ2 analysis. The participants evaluated the usability of the DA as moderate (MU; n = 393, 79.1%) or good (GU; n = 104, 20.9%). GU smokers rated higher on all the elements of the program evaluation and experienced less decisional conflict, but also displayed a higher intention to quit. After reviewing the DA, the participants on average had a significantly higher intention to use more EBSCIs, in particular in the form of eHealth. Recommendations to make the DA more usable could include tailoring, using video-based information and including value clarification methods. Furthermore, a hybrid variant in which smokers can use the DA independently and with the guidance of a primary care professional could aid both groups in choosing a fitting EBSCI option.

A referral aid for smoking cessation interventions in primary care: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To expedite the use of evidence-based smoking cessation interventions (EBSCIs) in primary care and to thereby increase the number of successful quit attempts, a referral aid was developed. This aid aims to optimize the referral to and use of EBSCIs in primary care and to increase adherence to Dutch guidelines for smoking cessation. METHODS: Practice nurses (PNs) will be randomly allocated to an experimental condition or control condition, and will then recruit smoking patients who show a willingness to quit smoking within six months. PNs allocated to the experimental condition will provide smoking cessation guidance in accordance with the referral aid. Patients from both conditions will receive questionnaires at baseline and after six months. Cessation effectiveness will be tested via multilevel logistic regression analyses. Multiple imputations as well as intention to treat analysis will be performed. Intervention appreciation and level of informed decision-making will be compared using analysis of (co)variance. Predictors for appreciation and informed decision-making will be assessed using multiple linear regression analysis and/or structural equation modeling. Finally, a cost-effectiveness study will be conducted. DISCUSSION: This paper describes the study design for the development and evaluation of an information and decision tool to support PNs in their guidance of smoking patients and their referral to EBSCIs. The study aims to provide insight into the (cost) effectiveness of an intervention aimed at expediting the use of EBSCIs in primary care.

Examining the optimal cutoff values of HADS, PHQ-9 and GAD-7 as screening instruments for depression and anxiety in irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Self-rating scales are frequently used to screen for anxiety and depression in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Different cutoff values are recommended in literature, and guidelines have suggested the use of other screening instruments over time. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the most commonly used psychological screening instruments for anxiety and depression in IBS and to compare custom cutoff scores for these instruments. METHODS: Irritable bowel syndrome patients (n = 192) completed several questionnaires including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS, HADS-A and HADS-D subscale), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Agreement at different cutoff points, for depressive and anxiety disorder, was assessed by use of the Gwet AC1 coefficient. KEY RESULTS: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-D and PHQ-9 scores, and HADS-A and GAD-7 scores showed high correlations (rs  = 0.735 and rs  = 0.805, respectively). For depressive disorder, a Gwet AC1 value of 0.829 was found when recommended cutoff points from literature were compared (PHQ-9 cutoff ≥10, HADS-D cutoff ≥8). For anxiety disorder, a Gwet AC1 value of 0.806 was found when recommended cutoff points from literature were compared (GAD-7 cutoff ≥10, HADS-A cutoff ≥8). Even higher agreements were found when higher HADS cutoff values were chosen, with impact on sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Custom cutoff values deem the HADS subscales (HADS-D and HADS-A) concordant to PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. The choice of a cutoff value has substantial impact on sensitivity/specificity and is dependent on patient population, setting, and the purpose of use.

Decision aids to facilitate decision making around behavior change in the field of health promotion: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To broadly synthesize literature regarding decision aids (DAs) supporting decision making about diet, physical activity, sleeping and substance use a scoping review was performed. METHODS: Multiple sources were used: (1) Scientific literature searches, (2) excluded references from a Cochrane review regarding DAs for treatments and screenings, and (3) results from additional searches. Interventions had to (1) support informed decision making and (2) provide information and help to choose between at least two options. Two researchers screened titles and abstracts. Relevant information was extracted descriptively. RESULTS: Thirty-five scientific articles and four DAs (grey literature) were included. Results were heterogeneous. Twenty-nine (94%) studies described substance use DAs. All DAs offered information and value and/or preference clarification. Many other elements were included (e.g., goal-setting). DA's effects were mixed. Few studies used standardized measures, e.g., decisional conflict (n = 4, 13%). Some positive behavioral effects were reported: e.g., smoking abstinence (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: This research shows only some positive behavioral effects of DAs. However, studies reported heterogeneous results/outcomes, impeding knowledge synthesis. Areas of improvement were identified, e.g., establishing which intervention elements are effective regarding health behavior decision making. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: DAs can potentially be beneficial in supporting people to change health behaviors - especially regarding smoking.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of rubber band ligation versus sutured mucopexy versus haemorrhoidectomy in patients with recurrent haemorrhoidal disease (Napoleon trial): Study protocol for a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no consensus regarding the best treatment option in recurrent haemorrhoidal disease (HD), due to a lack of solid evidence. The Napoleon trial aims to provide high-level evidence on the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of repeat rubber band ligation (RBL) versus sutured mucopexy versus haemorrhoidectomy in patients with recurrent HD. METHODS: This is a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Patients with recurrent HD grade II and III, ≥18 years of age and who had at least two RBL treatments in the last three years are eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria include previous rectal or anal surgery, rectal radiation, pre-existing sphincter injury or otherwise pathologies of the colon and rectum, pregnancy, presence of hypercoagulability disorders, and medically unfit for surgery (ASA > III). Between June 2020 and May 2022, 558 patients will be randomized to receive either: (1) RBL, (2) sutured mucopexy, or (3) haemorrhoidectomy. The primary outcomes are recurrence after 52 weeks and patient-reported symptoms measured by the PROM-HISS. Secondary outcomes are impact on daily life, treatment satisfaction, early and late complication rates, health-related quality of life, costs and cost-effectiveness, and budget impact. Cost-effectiveness will be expressed in societal costs per Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) (based on EQ-5D-5L), and healthcare costs per recurrence avoided. DISCUSSION: The best treatment option for recurrent HD remains unknown. The comparison of three generally accepted treatment strategies in a randomized controlled trial will provide high-level evidence on the most (cost-) effective treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04101773.

Efficacy and Safety of Peppermint Oil in a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Peppermint oil is frequently used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), despite a lack of evidence for efficacy from high-quality controlled trials. We studied the efficacy and safety of small-intestinal-release peppermint oil in patients with IBS and explored the effects of targeted ileocolonic-release peppermint oil. METHODS: We performed a double-blind trial of 190 patients with IBS (according to Rome IV criteria) at 4 hospitals in The Netherlands from August 2016 through March 2018; 189 patients were included in the intent-to-treat analysis (mean age, 34.0 years; 77.8% female; 57.7% in primary care), and 178 completed the study. Patients were randomly assigned to groups given 182 mg small-intestinal-release peppermint oil, 182 mg ileocolonic-release peppermint oil, or placebo for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was abdominal pain response, as defined by the US Food and Drug Administration: at least a 30% decrease in the weekly average of worst daily abdominal pain compared with baseline in at least 4 weeks. The co-primary endpoint was overall relief of IBS symptoms, as defined by the European Medicines Agency. Secondary endpoints included abdominal pain, discomfort, symptom severity, and adverse events. RESULTS: Abdominal pain response did not differ significantly between the peppermint oil and placebo groups: 29 of 62 patients in the small-intestinal-release peppermint oil group had a response (46.8%, P = .170 vs placebo), 26 of 63 patients in the ileocolonic-release peppermint oil group had a response (41.3%, P = .385 vs placebo), and 22 of 64 patients in the placebo group had a response (34.4%). We did not find differences among the groups in overall relief (9.7%, P = .317 and 1.6%, P = .351 vs 4.7% for placebo). The small intestinal peppermint oil did, however, produce greater improvements than placebo in secondary outcomes of abdominal pain (P = .016), discomfort (P = .020), and IBS severity (P = .020). Adverse events, although mild, were more common in both peppermint oil groups (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized trial of patients with IBS, we found that neither small-intestinal-release nor ileocolonic-release peppermint oil (8 weeks) produced statistically significant reductions in abdominal pain response or overall symptom relief, when using US Food and Drug Administration/European Medicines Agency recommended endpoints. The small-intestinal-release peppermint oil did, however, significantly reduce abdominal pain, discomfort, and IBS severity. These findings do not support further development of ileocolonic-release peppermint oil for treatment of IBS. Clinicaltrials.gov, Number: NCT02716285.

Hurdles to Take for Adequate Treatment of Morbidly Obese Children and Adolescents: Attitudes of General Practitioners Towards Conservative and Surgical Treatment of Paediatric Morbid Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is regarded as the most effective treatment of morbid obesity in adults. Referral patterns for bariatric surgery in adults differ among general practitioners (GPs), partially due to restricted knowledge of the available treatment options. Reluctance in referral might be present even stronger in the treatment of morbidly obese children. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the current practice of GPs regarding treatment of paediatric morbid obesity and their attitudes towards the emergent phenomenon of paediatric weight loss surgery. METHODS: All GPs enlisted in the local registries of two medical centres were invited for a 15-question anonymous online survey. RESULTS: Among 534 invited GPs, 184 (34.5%) completed the survey. Only 102 (55.4%) reported providing or referring morbidly obese children for combined lifestyle interventions. A majority (n = 175, 95.1%) estimated that conservative treatment is effective in a maximum of 50% of children. Although 123 (66.8%) expect that bariatric surgery may be effective in therapy-resistant morbid obesity, only 76 (41.3%) would consider referral for surgery. Important reasons for reluctance were uncertainty about long-term efficacy and safety. The opinion that surgery is only treatment of symptoms and therefore not appropriate was significantly more prevalent amongst GPs who would not refer (58.3% vs. 27.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a potential for undertreatment of morbidly obese adolescents, due to suboptimal knowledge regarding guidelines and bariatric surgery, as well as negative attitudes towards surgery. This should be addressed by improving communication between surgeons and GPs and providing educational resources on bariatric surgery.

Recruiting families for an intervention study to prevent second-hand smoke exposure in children.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effectiveness of different recruitment strategies used in a study aimed at eliminating/reducing second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in Dutch children 0-13 years of age with a high risk of asthma. METHODS: The different strategies include: 1) questionnaires distributed via home addresses, physicians or schools of the children; 2) cohorts from other paediatric studies; 3) physicians working in the paediatric field (family physicians, paediatricians and Youth Health Care (YHC) physicians); and 4) advertisements in a local newsletter, at child-care facilities, and day-care centres. RESULTS: More than 42,782 families were approached to take part in the screening of which 3663 could be assessed for eligibility. Of these responders, 196 families met the inclusion criteria for the study. However, only 58 (one third) could be randomised in the trial, mainly because of no interest or time of the parents. The results showed that recruiting families who expose their children to SHS exposure is very challenging, which may be explained by lack of 'recognition' or awareness that SHS occurs in homes. The presence of asthma in the family, respiratory symptoms in the children, and even incentives did not increase parental motivation for participation in the study. CONCLUSIONS: The recruitment process for an intervention program addressing SHS exposure in children was considerably more challenging and time consuming than anticipated. Barriers at both a parents level and a doctor's level can be discriminated.

Motivational interviewing and urine cotinine feedback to stop passive smoke exposure in children predisposed to asthma: a randomised controlled trial.

We tested the effectiveness of a program consisting of motivational interviewing (MI) and feedback of urine cotinine to stop passive smoking (PS) in children at risk for asthma. Fifty-eight families with children 0-13 years with a high risk of asthma and PS exposure were randomised in a one-year follow-up study. The intervention group received the intervention program during 6 sessions (1/month) and the control group received measurements (questionnaires, urine cotinine, and lung function) only. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of families stopping PS (parental report verified and unverified with the child's urine cotinine concentration <10 µg/l) in children during the intervention program. The analyses were performed with Mixed Logistic Regression. After 6 months, a significant group difference was observed for the unverified parental report of stopping PS in children: 27% of parents in the intervention group versus 7% in the control group. For the verified parental report, the difference was similar (23% versus 7%) but was not statistically significant. Despite a limited sample size, the results suggest that the intervention program is probably an effective strategy to stop PS in children. A program longer than 6 months might be necessary for a longer lasting intervention effect.

Use of Rome criteria for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome in primary care: a survey among European countries.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The majority of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are diagnosed and treated in primary care. The aim of this study was to investigate the implementation of the Rome criteria in daily primary care clinical practice and adherence of general practitioners (GPs) to recommended diagnostic approaches for IBS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey consisting of 18 questions was distributed across 11 European countries and was used to assess GPs' diagnostic approach of IBS, the use of Rome criteria in daily practice and GPs' perspective on the aetiology of the disorder. RESULTS: Overall, 185 GPs completed the survey. In daily clinical practice, 32% of GPs reported that they usually make a positive diagnosis on the basis of symptoms only, whereas 36% of GPs reported regular use of the Rome criteria to diagnose IBS. Furthermore, 62% of the responders reported that they applied additional diagnostics, such as blood tests, 31% found it necessary to perform endoscopy to make a positive diagnosis of IBS and 29% referred patients with IBS to a specialist. Psychological factors were the most frequently selected potential aetiological factor of IBS (88% of GPs). Overall, 52% of GPs reported systematically including questions on psychological symptoms in the assessment of history of IBS. CONCLUSION: Only about one-third of GPs regularly used the Rome criteria to diagnose IBS. In daily primary care practice, IBS largely remains a diagnosis of exclusion. This has implications in terms of GPs' specialty training and questions the applicability of IBS guidelines in daily care, which advocate an early, positive, symptom-based diagnosis.

Published diagnostic models safely excluded colorectal cancer in an independent primary care validation study.

OBJECTIVE: To validate published diagnostic models for their ability to safely reduce unnecessary endoscopy referrals in primary care patients suspected of significant colorectal disease. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Following a systematic literature search, we independently validated the identified diagnostic models in a cross-sectional study of 810 Dutch primary care patients with persistent lower abdominal complaints referred for endoscopy. We estimated diagnostic accuracy measures for colorectal cancer (N = 37) and significant colorectal disease (N = 141; including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or >1-cm adenomas). RESULTS: We evaluated 18 models-12 specific for colorectal cancer-, of which most were able to safely rule out colorectal cancer: the best model (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence-1) prevented 59% of referrals (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56-63%), with 96% sensitivity (95% CI: 83-100%), 100% negative predictive value (NPV; 95% CI: 99-100%), and an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80-0.92). The models performed less for significant colorectal disease: the best model (Brazer) prevented 23% of referrals (95% CI: 20-26%), with 95% sensitivity (95% CI: 90-98%), 96% NPV (95% CI: 92-98%), and an AUC of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.69-0.78). CONCLUSION: Most models safely excluded colorectal cancer in many primary care patients with lower gastrointestinal complaints referred for endoscopy. Models performed less well for significant colorectal disease.

Is there an added value of faecal calprotectin and haemoglobin in the diagnostic work-up for primary care patients suspected of significant colorectal disease? A cross-sectional diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: The majority of primary care patients referred for bowel endoscopy do not have significant colorectal disease (SCD), and are - in hindsight - unnecessarily exposed to a small but realistic risk of severe endoscopy-associated complications. We developed a diagnostic strategy to better exclude SCD in these patients and evaluated the value of adding a faecal calprotectin point-of-care (POC) and/or a POC faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin (FIT) to routine clinical information. METHODS: We used data from a prospective diagnostic study in SCD-suspected patients from 266 Dutch primary care practices referred for endoscopy to develop a diagnostic model for SCD with routine clinical information, which we extended with faecal calprotectin POC (quantitatively in µg/g faeces) and/or POC FIT results (qualitatively with a 6 µg/g faeces detection limit). We defined SCD as colorectal cancer (CRC), inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or advanced adenoma (>1 cm). RESULTS: Of 810 patients, 141 (17.4 %) had SCD. A diagnostic model with routine clinical data discriminated between patients with and without SCD with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.741 (95 % CI, 0.694-0.789). This AUC increased to 0.763 (95 % CI, 0.718-0.809; P = 0.078) when adding the calprotectin POC test, to 0.831 (95 % CI, 0.791-0.872; P < 0.001) when adding the POC FIT, and to 0.837 (95 % CI, 0.798-0.876; P < 0.001) upon combined extension. At a ≥ 5.0 % SCD probability threshold for endoscopy referral, 30.4 % of the patients tested negative based on this combined POC-tests extended model (95 % CI, 25.7-35.3 %), with 96.4 % negative predictive value (95 % CI, 93.1-98.2 %) and 93.7 % sensitivity (95 % CI, 88.2-96.8 %). Excluding the calprotectin POC test from this model still yielded 30.1 % test negatives (95 % CI, 24.7-35.6 %) and 96.0 % negative predictive value (95 % CI, 92.6-97.9 %), with 93.0 % sensitivity (95 % CI, 87.4-96.4 %). CONCLUSIONS: FIT - and to a much lesser extent calprotectin - POC testing showed incremental value for SCD diagnosis beyond standard clinical information. A diagnostic strategy with routine clinical data and a POC FIT test may safely rule out SCD and prevent unnecessary endoscopy referral in approximately one third of SCD-suspected primary care patients. Please see related article: http://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-016-0694-3 .

Postoperative abdominal adhesions and bowel obstruction. A survey among Dutch general practitioners.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest among specialists in the complications after abdominal surgery due to adhesions. OBJECTIVE: Exploration of experiences, attitudes and expectations of general practitioners concerning bowel obstruction and postoperative abdominal adhesions. METHODS: In October 2012 a postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 800 Dutch GPs. RESULTS: The response rate was 45%, 24% (n = 190) filled out the questionnaire completely, 12% (n = 99) had no experience with the subject and 7% (n = 57) had no time to respond. A history of abdominal surgery does play a part in more than 80% of GP's differential diagnosis of abdominal complaints. Seventy-five per cent consider some types of surgery to induce more adhesions. Eighty-five per cent ponder the differentiation between adhesion related complaints and IBS as clear, however difficult (78%) in specific patients. Intestinal transit problems likely due to adhesions are treated with extra fluid (n = 64), more fibres (n = 85) and laxatives (n = 153). Referral to a specialist for adhesiolysis is rarely considered (11%). Forty per cent of the GPs would refer a patient with abdominal pain and suspected adhesions. Seventy-six per cent denote knowledge gaps and low experience in the treatment of intestinal transit problems. Some (n = 23) indicate the need for information about adhesions and obstruction through CME papers. CONCLUSION: Respondents are well equipped to deal with abdominal complaints and intestinal transit problems due to postoperative adhesions. Some indicate the need for information about adhesions and prevention of obstruction through CME papers.

An economic evaluation of a video- and text-based computer-tailored intervention for smoking cessation: a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although evidence exists for the effectiveness of web-based smoking cessation interventions, information about the cost-effectiveness of these interventions is limited. OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of two web-based computer-tailored (CT) smoking cessation interventions (video- vs. text-based CT) compared to a control condition that received general text-based advice. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, respondents were allocated to the video-based condition (N = 670), the text-based condition (N = 708) or the control condition (N = 721). Societal costs, smoking status, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs; EQ-5D-3L) were assessed at baseline, six-and twelve-month follow-up. The incremental costs per abstinent respondent and per QALYs gained were calculated. To account for uncertainty, bootstrapping techniques and sensitivity analyses were carried out. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the three conditions regarding demographics, baseline values of outcomes and societal costs over the three months prior to baseline. Analyses using prolonged abstinence as outcome measure indicated that from a willingness to pay of €1,500, the video-based intervention was likely to be the most cost-effective treatment, whereas from a willingness to pay of €50,400, the text-based intervention was likely to be the most cost-effective. With regard to cost-utilities, when quality of life was used as outcome measure, the control condition had the highest probability of being the most preferable treatment. Sensitivity analyses yielded comparable results. CONCLUSION: The video-based CT smoking cessation intervention was the most cost-effective treatment for smoking abstinence after twelve months, varying the willingness to pay per abstinent respondent from €0 up to €80,000. With regard to cost-utility, the control condition seemed to be the most preferable treatment. Probably, more time will be required to assess changes in quality of life. Future studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to investigate whether cost-utility results regarding quality of life may change in the long run. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Nederlands Trial Register NTR3102.

Addressing passive smoking in children.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of parents are unaware or unconvinced of the health consequences of passive smoking (PS) in children. Physicians could increase parental awareness by giving personal advice. AIM: To evaluate the current practices of three Dutch health professions (paediatricians, youth health care physicians, and family physicians) regarding parental counselling for passive smoking (PS) in children. METHODS: All physicians (n = 720) representing the three health professions in Limburg, The Netherlands, received an invitation to complete a self-administered electronic questionnaire including questions on their: sex, work experience, personal smoking habits, counselling practices and education regarding PS in children. RESULTS: The response rate was 34%. One tenth (11%) of the responding physicians always addressed PS in children, 32% often, 54% occasionally and 4% reported to never attend to it. The three health professions appeared comparable regarding their frequency of parental counselling for PS in children. Addressing PS was more likely when children had respiratory problems. Lack of time was the most frequently mentioned barrier, being very and somewhat applicable for respectively 14% and 43% of the physicians. One fourth of the responders had received postgraduate education about PS. Additionally, 49% of the responders who did not have any education about PS were interested in receiving it. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians working in the paediatric field in Limburg, The Netherlands, could more frequently address PS in children with parents. Lack of time appeared to be the most mentioned barrier and physicians were more likely to counsel parents for PS in children with respiratory complaints/diseases. Finally, a need for more education on parental counselling for PS was expressed.

Exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving physical therapy: a cohort-nested randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise training aims at reducing disease-specific impairments and improving quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD exacerbations in particular negatively impact COPD progression. Physical therapy intervention seems indicated to influence exacerbations and their consequences. However, information on the effect of physical therapy on exacerbation occurrence is scarce. This study aims to investigate the potential of a protocol-directed physical therapy programme as a means to prevent or postpone exacerbations, to shorten the duration or to decrease the severity of exacerbations in patients with COPD who have recently experienced an exacerbation. Besides, this study focuses on the effect of protocol-directed physical therapy on health status and quality of life and on cost-effectiveness and cost-utility in patients with COPD who have recently experienced an exacerbation. METHODS/DESIGN: A prospective cohort of 300 COPD patients in all GOLD stages will be constructed. Patients will receive usual multidisciplinary COPD care including guideline-directed physical therapy. Patients in this cohort who have GOLD stage 2 to 4 (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.7 and FEV1 < 80% of predicted), who receive reimbursement by health insurance companies for physical therapy (post-bronchodilator Tiffeneau-index < 0.6) and who experience a COPD exacerbation will be asked within 56 days to participate in a cohort-nested prospective randomised controlled trial (RCT). In this RCT, the intervention group will receive a strict physical therapy programme for patients with COPD. This protocol-directed physical therapy (pdPT) will be compared to a control group that will receive sham-treatment, meaning no or very low-intensity exercise training (ST). An economic evaluation will be embedded in the RCT. Anthropometric measurements, comorbidities, smoking, functional exercise capacity, peripheral muscle strength, physical activity level, health related quality of life, patients' perceived benefit, physical therapy compliance, motivation level, level of effective mucus clearance, exacerbation symptoms and health care contacts due to COPD will be recorded. Follow-up measurements are scheduled at 3 and 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after inclusion. DISCUSSION: Ways to minimise potential problems regarding the execution of this study will be discussed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Netherlands National Trial Register NTR1972.

Early detection of COPD in general practice: patient or practice managed? A randomised controlled trial of two strategies in different socioeconomic environments.

BACKGROUND: The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is high. Health benefits can be gained in primary care by early detection and preventive measures. AIMS: To compare the effectiveness of two strategies for population-based early detection of COPD, taking into account different socioeconomic status (SES) settings. METHODS: Practices were randomised on strategy and stratified on SES setting. The Respiratory Health Screening Questionnaire (RHSQ) was distributed to all participants. In the practice-managed condition, the practice was responsible for the whole procedure, while in the patient-managed condition, patients were responsible for calculating their RHSQ risk score and applying for a spirometry test. The main outcome measure was the rate of COPD diagnoses after screening. RESULTS: More new COPD patients were detected in the practice-managed condition (36%) than in the patient-managed condition (18%). In low SES practices, more high-risk patients were found (16%) than in moderate-to-high SES practices (9%). Recalculated for a standard Dutch practice (2,350 patients), the yield would be 8.9 new COPD diagnoses, which is a 20% increase of known cases. CONCLUSIONS: The practice-managed variant of this screening procedure shows a substantial yield of new COPD diagnoses for both low and moderate-to-high SES practices.

Early detection of COPD in general practice: implementation, workload and socioeconomic status. A mixed methods observational study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is underdiagnosed in general practice. Our aim was to implement a population-based approach for the early detection of COPD and to assess its impact on primary care workload and costs, and the influence of socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: An observational study with mixed methods was performed in 10 Dutch general practices of either low or moderate to high SES. The Respiratory Health Screening Questionnaire was posted during a three-month period to all persons aged 45, 55, and 65 years (one age group per month). The practices calculated the risk, and patients at high risk of COPD were invited for spirometry at the practice. The general practitioner used the spirometric results and a consultation to establish a clinical diagnosis. Qualitative and quantitative data on workload, cost, and barriers were evaluated. RESULTS: Ten practices returned 293 (35.3%) COPD risk tests for the three age groups. Participants from low SES practices responded better than those from moderate to high SES practices (40.8% vs. 30.5%). In practices with low SES 17.9% of the tests indicated high risk compared with 16.1% in practices with moderate to high SES. Nine patients (23%) were newly diagnosed with COPD. The healthcare providers' extra workload averaged 18.5 hours during the three months for one standard practice. The average cost of this survey programme (three age groups in three months) was €520 for low SES practices and €398 for moderate to high SES practices. All healthcare providers affirmed that the extra workload in this survey model is acceptable and feasible when finances are compensated. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of COPD is feasible in daily life primary care. In moderate to high SES practices the costs of detecting COPD were less than in low SES practices.

Rentabilidad de la prevención primaria del asma en lactantes de alto riesgo: 0-2 años / Cost-effectiveness of primary prevention of asthma in high-risk infants: 0-2 years

Con el fin de investigar la rentabilidad de la prevención primaria del asma en lactantes de alto riesgo, de hasta 2 años, desde la perspectiva de la sociedad (PREVASC) y con un diagnóstico clínico de asma realizado por un médico generalista (MG) y un diagnóstico epidemiológico de asma basado en un modelo de predicción (EPM), se seleccionaron 476 lactantes de un ensayo aleatorizado y controlado (242 en el grupo de intervención, 234 en el grupo control). Por medio de informes semanales se evaluó la utilización de los recursos de salud. El margen de error acerca de los índices de rentabilidad incremental se determinó por análisis bootstrap. El 26.8% de los niños del grupo de intervención y el 25.5% de los controles recibieron el diagnóstico de asma por parte de un MG, mientras que el 69.9% y el 63.5%, respectivamente, tuvo el diagnóstico basado en un EPM. Con ambas definiciones no hubo diferencias en el diagnóstico de asma entre los participantes del grupo de intervención y el grupo control (odds ratio [OR]: 1.1, intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC]: 0.6-1.8 y OR: 1.3, IC: 0.8-2.2). La media de los costos totales en el grupo de intervención y el grupo control fue de 1564 euros (rango intercuartiles: 669-6 499 euros) y de 967 euros (rango intercuartiles: 29-7 136 euros). El índice de rentabilidad incremental del programa fue de -46 157 euros para el diagnóstico de asma por un MG y de -9 671 euros para la definición EPM, lo cual señala la inferioridad de la situación experimental. Todas las replicaciones bootstrap indicaron que el programa PREVASC es más costoso, con una probabilidad del 37% y del 13%, respectivamente, de que éste fuese más eficaz que la atención usual. La prevención primaria del asma en los primeros 2 años de vida no fue rentable con ambos modelos.