What helps or hinders effective end-of-life care in adult intensive care units in Middle Eastern countries? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: As many patients are spending their last days in critical care units, it is essential that they receive appropriate end-of -life care. However, cultural differences, ethical dilemmas and preference practices can arise in the intensive care settings during the end of life. Limiting therapy for dying patients in intensive care is a new concept with no legal definition and therefore there may be confusion in interpreting the terms 'no resuscitation' and 'comfort care' among physicians in Middle East. Therefore, the research question is 'What helps or hinders effective end-of-life care in adult intensive care units in Middle Eastern countries?' METHODS: The authors conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review using five electronic databases. We identified primary studies from Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Psycinfo and Scopus. The team assessed the full-text papers included in the review for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist (JBI). We completed the literature search on the first of April 2022 and was not limited to a specific period. RESULTS: We identified and included nine relevant studies in the review. We identified five main themes as end-of-life care challenges and/or facilitators: organisational structure and management, (mis)understanding of end-of-life care, spirituality and religious practices for the dying, communication about end-of-life care, and the impact of the ICU environment. CONCLUSIONS: This review has reported challenges and facilitators to providing end-of-life care in ICU and made initial recommendations for improving practice. These are certainly not unique to the Middle East but can be found throughout the international literature. However, the cultural context of Middle East and North Africa countries gives these areas of practice special challenges and opportunities. Further observational research is recommended to confirm or modify the results of this review, and with a view to developing and evaluating comprehensive interventions to promote end-of-life care in ICUs in the Middle East.

The effectiveness of foot care educational interventions for people living with diabetes mellitus: An umbrella review.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus is a public health problem becoming more prevalent. Diabetic foot is a debilitating condition caused by diabetes mellitus. Diabetic foot, which includes foot ulceration, infection, and destruction of tissues may necessitate amputation. AIM: The aim of this review is to derive evidence from existing systematic reviews and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of foot care educational interventions, directly aimed at people living with diabetes. METHODS: A systematic search was implemented using biomedical citation databases including Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. Major repositories of systematic reviews such as the JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the PROSPERO register were also searched. The search also included a grey literature search and manual searches of reference lists contained within review studies and other relevant published reviews. The umbrella review searched for articles published from January 2016 to 2021 to ensure sources were current and reflected the most recent interventions. RESULTS: This umbrella review is the first to collect and summarise the evidence from existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of foot care educational interventions directly aimed at people living with diabetes. It reports findings from nine systematic reviews on the evaluation of foot care educational interventions. The number of studies included in each review ranged from 6 to 81. A total of 314 primary studies were included. After examining the overlap between studies reported in multiple reviews, 82 were included in the final review. Without providing effective and consistent preventive and prophylactic foot care, creating, and testing interventions, integrating the concept into practice will remain challenging. CONCLUSION: Currently, most educational foot care intervention programmes concentrate on a single intervention. However, there is insufficient evidence that a single educational intervention effectively reduces the occurrence of ulcers and amputations or improves patients' knowledge and behaviour. Two studies used complex interventions, and they reduced the incidence amputation and foot ulceration incidence for people living with diabetes.

Anticipatory care planning for community-dwelling older adults at risk of functional decline: a feasibility cluster randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility, implementation and outcomes of an Anticipatory Care Planning (ACP) intervention in primary care to assist older adults at risk of functional decline by developing a personalized support plan. DESIGN: Feasibility cluster randomized control trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Eight primary care practices (four in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom and four in the Republic of Ireland) were randomly assigned to either intervention or control arm. Eligible patients were those identified in each practice as 70 years of age or older and assessed as at risk of functional decline. Study participants (intervention n = 34, control n = 31) and research staff were not blinded to group assignment. ANTICIPATORY CARE INTERVENTION: The intervention delivered by a registered nurse including: a) a home-based patient assessment; b) care planning on the basis of a holistic patient assessment, and c) documentation of a support plan. OUTCOME MEASURES: A conceptual framework (RE-AIM) guided the assessment on the potential impact of the ACP intervention on patient quality of life, mental health, healthcare utilisation, costs, perception of person-centred care, and reduction of potentially inappropriate prescribing. Data were collected at baseline and at 10 weeks and six months following delivery of the intervention. RESULTS: All pre-specified feasibility indicators were met. Patients were unanimous in the acceptance of the ACP intervention. Health care providers viewed the ACP intervention as feasible to implement in routine clinical practice with attending community supports. While there were no significant differences on the primary outcomes (EQ-5D-5L: -0.07 (-0.17, 0.04) p = .180; CES-D: 1.2 (-2.5, 4.8) p = .468) and most secondary measures, ancillary analysis on social support showed responsiveness to the intervention. Incremental cost analysis revealed a mean reduction in costs of €320 per patient (95% CI -31 to 25; p = 0.82) for intervention relative to the control. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully tested the ACP intervention in primary care settings and have shown that it is feasible to implement. The ACP intervention deserves further testing in a definitive trial to determine whether its implementation would lead to better outcomes or reduced costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, ID: NCT03902743 . Registered on 4 April 2019.

Successful implementation of a trans-jurisdictional, primary care, anticipatory care planning intervention for older adults at risk of functional decline: interviews with key health professionals.

BACKGROUND: Aging populations present a challenge to health systems internationally, due to the increasing complexity of care for older adults living with functional decline. This study aimed to elicit expert views of key health professionals on effective and sustainable implementation of a nurse-led, person-centred anticipatory care planning (ACP) intervention for older adults at risk of functional decline in a primary care setting. METHODS: We examined the feasibility of an ACP intervention in a trans-jurisdictional feasibility cluster randomized controlled trial consisting of home visits by research nurses who assessed participants' health, discussed their health goals and devised an anticipatory care plan following consultation with participants' GPs and adjunct clinical pharmacist. As part of the project, we elicited the views and recommendations of experienced key health professionals working with the target population who were recruited using a 'snowballing technique' in cooperation with older people health networks in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI), United Kingdom [n = 16: 7 ROI, 9 NI]. Following receipt of written information about the intervention and the provision of informed consent, the health professionals were interviewed to determine their expert views on the feasibility of the ACP intervention and recommendations for successful implementation. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The ACP intervention was perceived to be beneficial for most older patients with multimorbidity. Effective and sustainable implementation was said to be facilitated by accurate and timely patient selection, GP buy-in, use of existing structures within health systems, multidisciplinary and integrated working, ACP nurse training, as well as patient health literacy. Barriers emerged as significant work already undertaken, increasing workload, lack of time, funding and resources, fragmented services, and geographical inequalities. CONCLUSIONS: The key health professionals perceived the ACP intervention to be highly beneficial to patients, with significant potential to prevent or avoid functional decline and hospital admissions. They suggested that successful implementation of this primary care based, whole-person approach would involve integrated and multi-disciplinary working, GP buy in, patient health education, and ACP nurse training. The findings have potential implications for a full trial, and patient care and health policy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, ID: NCT03902743 . Registered on 4 April 2019.

A review of optimal evaluation and treatment of suspected esophageal food impaction.

Fluoroscopy-guided esophageal disimpaction of ingested food is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient alternative to endoscopically guided disimpaction. Patients with suspected esophageal impaction usually require fluoroscopy to confirm the diagnosis and determine the level of obstruction, which guides further management. Proximal esophageal food impactions at or near the cricopharyngeus muscle require an ENT intervention. Food impactions from the cervical esophagus to the aortic arch require a GI intervention. Obstructions distal to the aortic arch can usually be managed by the radiologist with a fluoroscopy-guided disimpaction. The use of intravenous glucagon to relax the mid and distal esophageal smooth muscle, combined with an effervescent agent, and water comprises this "combination" therapy to relieve an acute esophageal food impaction. This paper reviews the indications, contraindications, technique, and 32 years of experience with fluoroscopy-guided esophageal disimpaction at our institution. A retrospective chart review of our experience includes 252 patients with a 56% success rate that obviated more expensive and invasive procedures. Only one complication of a minor mucosal tear of no clinical consequence was encountered. Radiologists should be familiar with the presentation and management of this common diagnosis.

Nurse-led advance care planning with older people who have end-stage kidney disease: feasibility of a deferred entry randomised controlled trial incorporating an economic evaluation and mixed methods process evaluation (ACReDiT).

BACKGROUND: Advance Care Planning is recommended for people with end-stage kidney disease but evidence is limited. Robust clinical trials are needed to investigate the impact of advance care planning in this population. There is little available data on cost-effectiveness to guide decision makers in allocating resources for advance care planning. Therefore we sought to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial and to test methods for assessing cost-effectiveness. METHODS: A deferred entry, randomised controlled feasibility trial, incorporating economic and process evaluations, with people with end-stage kidney disease, aged 65 years or older, receiving haemodialysis, in two renal haemodialysis units in Northern Ireland, UK. A nurse facilitator helped the patient make an advance care plan identifying: a surrogate decision-maker; what the participant would like to happen in the future; any advance decision to refuse treatment; preferred place of care at end-of-life. RESULTS: Recruitment lasted 189 days; intervention and data collection 443 days. Of the 67 patients invited to participate 30 (45%) declined and 36 were randomised to immediate or deferred advance care plan groups. Twenty-two (61%) made an advance care plan and completed data collection at 12 weeks; 17 (47.2%) were able to identify a surrogate willing to be named in the advance care plan document. The intervention was well-received and encouraged end-of-life conversations, but did not succeed in helping patients to fully clarify their values or consider specific treatment choices. There was no significant difference in health system costs between the immediate and deferred groups. CONCLUSIONS: A trial of advance care planning with participants receiving haemodialysis is feasible and acceptable to patients, but challenging. A full trial would require a pool of potential participants five times larger than the number required to complete data collection at 3 months. Widening eligibility criteria to include younger (under 65 years of age) and less frail patients, together with special efforts to engage and retain surrogates may improve recruitment and retention. Traditional advance care planning outcomes may need to be supplemented with those that are defined by patients, helping them to participate with clinicians in making medical decisions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered December 16, 2015. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02631200 .

"Transition from children's to adult services for adolescents/young adults with life-limiting conditions: developing realist programme theory through an international comparison".

BACKGROUND: Managing transition of adolescents/young adults with life-limiting conditions from children's to adult services has become a global health and social care issue. Suboptimal transitions from children's to adult services can lead to measurable adverse outcomes. Interventions are emerging but there is little theory to guide service developments aimed at improving transition. The Transition to Adult Services for Young Adults with Life-limiting conditions (TAYSL study) included development of the TASYL Transition Theory, which describes eight interventions which can help prepare services and adolescents/young adults with life-limiting conditions for a successful transition. We aimed to assess the usefulness of the TASYL Transition Theory in a Canadian context to identify interventions, mechanisms and contextual factors associated with a successful transition from children's to adult services for adolescents/young adults; and to discover new theoretical elements that might modify the TASYL Theory. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey focused on organisational approaches to transition was distributed to three organisations providing services to adolescents with life-limiting conditions in Toronto, Canada. This data was mapped to the TASYL Transition Theory to identify corresponding and new theoretical elements. RESULTS: Invitations were sent to 411 potentially eligible health care professionals with 56 responses from across the three participating sites. The results validated three of the eight interventions: early start to the transition process; developing adolescent/young adult autonomy; and the role of parents/carers; with partial support for the remaining five. One new intervention was identified: effective communication between healthcare professionals and the adolescent/young adult and their parents/carers. There was also support for contextual factors including those related to staff knowledge and attitudes, and a lack of time to provide transition services centred on the adolescent/young adult. Some mechanisms were supported, including the adolescent/young adult gaining confidence in relationships with service providers and in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: The Transition Theory travelled well between Ireland and Toronto, indicating its potential to guide both service development and research in different contexts. Future research could include studies with adult service providers; qualitative work to further explicate mechanisms and contextual factors; and use the theory prospectively to develop and test new or modified interventions to improve transition.

Psychosocial interventions for informal caregivers of people living with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Increasingly, cancer is recognised as a chronic condition with a growing population of informal caregivers providing care for cancer patients. Informal caregiving can negatively affect the health and well-being of caregivers. We need a synthesised account of best evidence to aid decision-making about effective ways to support caregivers for individuals 'living with cancer'. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions designed to improve the quality of life (QoL), physical health and well-being of informal caregivers of people living with cancer compared with usual care. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Open SIGLE, Web of Science from inception up to January 2018, trial registries and citation lists of included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing psychosocial interventions delivered to adult informal caregivers of adults affected by cancer on a group or individual basis with usual care. Psychosocial interventions included non-pharmacological interventions that involved an interpersonal relationship between caregivers and healthcare professionals. We included interventions delivered also to caregiver-patient dyads. Interventions delivered to caregivers of individuals receiving palliative or inpatient care were excluded. Our primary outcome was caregiver QoL. Secondary outcomes included patient QoL, caregiver and patient depression, anxiety, psychological distress, physical health status and intervention satisfaction and adverse effects. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Pairs of review authors independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data and conducted 'Risk of bias' assessments. We synthesised findings using meta-analysis, where possible, and reported remaining results in a narrative synthesis. MAIN RESULTS: Nineteen trials (n = 3, 725) were included in the review. All trials were reported in English and were undertaken in high-income countries. Trials targeted caregivers of patients affected by a number of cancers spanning newly diagnosed patients, patients awaiting treatment, patients who were being treated currently and individuals post-treatment. Most trials delivered interventions to caregiver-patient dyads (predominantly spousal dyads) and there was variation in intervention delivery to groups or individual participants. There was much heterogeneity across interventions though the majority were defined as psycho-educational. All trials were rated as being at 'high risk of bias'.Compared to usual care, psychosocial interventions may improve slightly caregiver QoL immediately post intervention (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.53; studies = 2, 265 participants) and may have little to no effect on caregiver QoL at 12 months (SMD 0.14, 95% CI - 0.11 to 0.40; studies = 2, 239 participants) post-intervention (both low-quality evidence).Psychosocial interventions probably have little to no effect on caregiver depression immediately to one-month post-intervention (SMD 0.01, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.15; studies = 9, 702 participants) (moderate-quality evidence). Psychosocial interventions may have little to no effect on caregiver anxiety immediately post-intervention (SMD -0.12, 95 % CI -0.33 to 0.10; studies = 5, 329 participants), depression three-to-six months (SMD 0.03, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.38; studies = 5. 379 participants) post-intervention and patient QoL six to 12 months (SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.26; studies = 3, 294 participants) post-intervention (all low-quality evidence). There was uncertainty whether psychosocial interventions improve patient QoL immediately (SMD -0.03, 95 %CI -0.50 to 0.44; studies = 2, 292 participants) or caregiver anxiety three-to-six months (SMD-0.25, 95% CI -0.64 to 0.13; studies = 4, 272 participants) post-intervention (both very low-quality evidence). Two studies which could not be pooled in a meta-analysis for caregiver physical health status found little to no effect immediately post-intervention and a small intervention effect 12 months post-intervention. Caregiver or patient satisfaction or cost-effectiveness of interventions were not assessed in any studies. Interventions demonstrated good feasibility and acceptability.Psychosocial interventions probably have little to no effect on patient physical health status immediately post-intervention (SMD 0.17, 95 % CI -0.07 to 0.41; studies = 4, 461 participants) and patient depression three to six months post-intervention (SMD-0.11, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.12; studies = 6, 534 participants) (both moderate-quality evidence).Psychosocial interventions may have little to no effect on caregiver psychological distress immediately to one-month (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.42 to 0.26; studies = 3, 134 participants), and seven to 12 months (SMD 0.08, 95% CI -0.42 to 0.58; studies = 2, 62 participants) post-intervention; patient depression immediately (SMD -0.12, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.07; studies = 9, 852 participants); anxiety immediately (SMD -0.13, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.15;studies = 4, 422 participants), and three to six months (SMD -0.22, 95% CI -0.45 to 0.02; studies = 4, 370 participants); psychological distress immediately (SMD -0.02, 95% CI -0.47 to 0.44; studies = 2, 74 participants) and seven to 12 months (SMD -0.27, 95% CI -0.78 to 0.24; studies = 2, 61 participants); and physical health status six to 12 months (SMD 0.06, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.30; studies = 2, 275 participants) post-intervention (all low-quality evidence).Three trials reported adverse effects associated with the interventions, compared with usual care, including higher distress, sexual function-related distress and lower relationship satisfaction levels for caregivers, higher distress levels for patients, and that some content was perceived as insensitive to some participants.Trials not able to be pooled in a meta-analysis did not tend to report effect size and it was difficult to discern intervention effectiveness. Variable intervention effects were reported for patient and caregiver outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneity across studies makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions regarding the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for this population. There is an immediate need for rigorous trials with process evaluations and clearer, detailed intervention descriptions. Cost-effectiveness studies should be conducted alongside future trials.

An exploration of symptom burden and its management, in Saudi Arabian patients receiving haemodialysis, and their caregivers: a mixed methods study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Globally 10% of the population worldwide are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), making it one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. Several studies have highlighted that the symptoms of CKD have a significant impact on patients. A number of symptoms, including fatigue and depression, are associated with poor patient health, increased risk of hospitalisation and mortality. Physical and emotional symptoms often remain under-recognised and largely untreated; however, patients often create a variety of self-management strategies to meet the challenges of these symptoms. There is a lack of knowledge regarding symptom burden and the experiences of patients receiving haemodialysis (HD) and their caregivers, particularly in Saudi Arabia, therefore, this study aims to explore symptom burden and its management amongst patients receiving HD in addition to caregiver burden. METHOD: A mixed methods, sequential, explanatory design consisting of two phases: phase 1 involves a cross-sectional study design with a planned convenience sample size of 141 patients who will be recruited from King Khaled hospital, Saudi Arabia. Thirty-two physical and psychological symptoms will be measured using the Chronic Kidney Disease-Symptom Burden Index (CKD-SBI). Additionally, 130 caregivers will complete the Arabic version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22) to identify the level of burden in the caregivers of patients on maintenance HD. Phase 2 of the study is a qualitative descriptive design involving semi-structural interviews with 15 eligible patients currently receiving HD. The selection of participants for interviews will be based on the patients' total CKD-SBI scores with five individuals recruited from the lowest, median and highest percentiles. Additionally, 15 caregivers of the patients to be interviewed, will also be recruited and interviewed. DISCUSSION: This study focuses on a wide number of physical and psychological symptoms experienced by patients receiving HD. It will also focus on the effective management strategies patients employ to help reduce their perceived symptoms. Burden in caregivers of patients receiving HD will also be explored. Furthermore, the association between symptom burden and caregiver burden will be investigated. Findings from this study will provide evidence to help health care providers to develop effective interventions to assess and manage symptoms in patients receiving HD.

The usefulness and acceptability of a personal health record to children and young people living with a complex health condition: A realist review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: There are a growing number of children and young people (CYP) with chronic health needs or complex disabilities. Increasingly, CYP with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions are surviving into adulthood. Communication between CYP, their family, and health professionals can be challenging. The use of a personal health record (PHR) is one potential strategy for improving communication by promoting CYP's health advocacy skills. However, PHR implementation has proved difficult due to technical, organisational, and professional barriers. The aim of this realist review is to identify the factors, which help or hinder the use of PHRs with CYP living with a complex health condition. METHODS: Systematic realist review. Literature was sourced from six databases: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsychInfo, The Cochrane Library, and Science Direct (from 1946 to August Week 3 2018). The web was searched to identify grey literature. Articles were sourced from reference lists of included studies. Data were extracted using a standardised data extraction form. Two reviewers completed data extraction and synthesis. Methodological rigor was assessed using the relevant Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. RESULTS: Nine articles were included. Contextual factors, which helped implementation, included the CYP having a high perception of need for a PHR and a high level of desire for self-management. Service providers and CYP need knowledge about the purpose and benefits of the PHR, and organisations need a dedicated person to facilitate PHR use. Mechanisms triggered by the PHR included improved understanding and knowledge of health care condition(s) for CYP, an increased feeling of control over condition(s), and more active engagement in their health care. Outcomes for CYP included improved self-advocacy and communication. CONCLUSION: Clearer definitions of which young people would benefit from using a PHR must be established to inform which organisations and service providers would be best suited to PHR implementation.

Early warning systems and rapid response to the deteriorating patient in hospital: A systematic realist review.

AIM: To determine the Rapid Response System programme theory and investigate how the mechanisms of implementation and the characteristics of context combine to enable or constrain the implementation of Rapid Response Systems and the achievement of desired outcomes. BACKGROUND: Rapid Response Systems have been implemented internationally to improve the recognition and management of patient deterioration, reduce the need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and improve patient outcomes. DESIGN: Realist review. DATA SOURCES: We searched DARE, CENTRAL, NHSEED, MEDLINE, Medline In Process, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, The Web of Science and PychInfo databases from 1997 - 2017 in addition to purposively searching the grey literature looking for articles supporting, refuting or explaining Rapid Response System programme theories. REVIEW METHODS: Included studies were critically appraised and graded using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Data extraction and synthesis investigated the Rapid Response System theoretical propositions against the empirical evidence to refine Rapid Response System programme theories. RESULTS: The review found that the Rapid Response System programme theory achieved desired outcomes when there were sufficient skills mix of experienced staff, EWS protocols were used flexibly alongside clinical judgement and staff had access to ongoing, multiprofessional, competency-based education. However, ward cultures, hierarchical referral systems, workload and staffing resources had a negative impact on the implementation of the Rapid Response System. CONCLUSION: To improve the recognition and management of patient deterioration, policymakers need to address those cultural, educational and organizational factors that have an impact on the successful implementation of Rapid Response Systems in practice.

Early warning systems and rapid response to the deteriorating patient in hospital: A realist evaluation.

AIM: To test the Rapid Response Systems programme theory against actual practice components of the Rapid Response Systems implemented to identify those contexts and mechanisms which have an impact on the successful achievement of desired outcomes in practice. BACKGROUND: Rapid Response Systems allow deteriorating patients to be recognized using Early Warning Systems, referred early via escalation protocols and managed at the bedside by competent staff. DESIGN: Realist evaluation. METHODS: The research design was an embedded multiple case study approach of four wards in two hospitals in Northern Ireland which followed the principles of Realist Evaluation. We used various mixed methods including individual and focus group interviews, observation of nursing practice between June-November 2010 and document analysis of Early Warning Systems audit data between May-October 2010 and hospital acute care training records over 4.5 years from 2003-2008. Data were analysed using NiVivo8 and SPPS. RESULTS: A cross-case analysis highlighted similar patterns of factors which enabled or constrained successful recognition, referral and response to deteriorating patients in practice. Key enabling factors were the use of clinical judgement by experienced nurses and the empowerment of nurses as a result of organizational change associated with implementation of Early Warning System protocols. Key constraining factors were low staffing and inappropriate skill mix levels, rigid implementation of protocols and culturally embedded suboptimal communication processes. CONCLUSION: Successful implementation of Rapid Response Systems was dependent on adopting organizational and cultural changes that facilitated staff empowerment, flexible implementation of protocols and ongoing experiential learning.

The Management of Long-Term Sickness Absence in Large Public Sector Healthcare Organisations: A Realist Evaluation Using Mixed Methods.

PURPOSE: The success of measures to reduce long-term sickness absence (LTSA) in public sector organisations is contingent on organisational context. This realist evaluation investigates how interventions interact with context to influence successful management of LTSA. METHODS: Multi-method case study in three Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland comprising realist literature review, semi-structured interviews (61 participants), Process-Mapping and feedback meetings (59 participants), observation of training, analysis of documents. RESULTS: Important activities included early intervention; workplace-based occupational rehabilitation; robust sickness absence policies with clear trigger points for action. Used appropriately, in a context of good interpersonal and interdepartmental communication and shared goals, these are able to increase the motivation of staff to return to work. Line managers are encouraged to take a proactive approach when senior managers provide support and accountability. Hindering factors: delayed intervention; inconsistent implementation of policy and procedure; lack of resources; organisational complexity; stakeholders misunderstanding each other's goals and motives. CONCLUSIONS: Different mechanisms have the potential to encourage common motivations for earlier return from LTSA, such as employees feeling that they have the support of their line manager to return to work and having the confidence to do so. Line managers' proactively engage when they have confidence in the support of seniors and in their own ability to address LTSA. Fostering these motivations calls for a thoughtful, diagnostic process, taking into account the contextual factors (and whether they can be modified) and considering how a given intervention can be used to trigger the appropriate mechanisms.

Multimedia psychoeducational interventions to support patient self-care in degenerative conditions: A realist review.

OBJECTIVE: Multimedia interventions are increasingly used to deliver information in order to promote self-care among patients with degenerative conditions. We carried out a realist review of the literature to investigate how the characteristics of multimedia psychoeducational interventions combine with the contexts in which they are introduced to help or hinder their effectiveness in supporting self-care for patients with degenerative conditions. METHOD: Electronic databases (Medline, Science Direct, PSYCHinfo, EBSCO, and Embase) were searched in order to identify papers containing information on multimedia psychoeducational interventions. Using a realist review approach, we reviewed all relevant studies to identify theories that explained how the interventions work. RESULTS: Ten papers were included in the review. All interventions sought to promote self-care behaviors among participants. We examined the development and content of the multimedia interventions and the impact of patient motivation and of the organizational context of implementation. We judged seven studies to be methodologically weak. All completed studies showed small effects in favor of the intervention. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Multimedia interventions may provide high-quality information in an accessible format, with the potential to promote self-care among patients with degenerative conditions, if the patient perceives the information as important and develops confidence about self-care. The evidence base is weak, so that research is needed to investigate effective modes of delivery at different resource levels. We recommend that developers consider how an intervention will reduce uncertainty and increase confidence in self-care, as well as the impact of the context in which it will be employed.

Protocolized versus non-protocolized weaning for reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill adult patients.

BACKGROUND: This is an update of a review last published in Issue 5, 2010, of The Cochrane Library. Reducing weaning time is desirable in minimizing potential complications from mechanical ventilation. Standardized weaning protocols are purported to reduce time spent on mechanical ventilation. However, evidence supporting their use in clinical practice is inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: The first objective of this review was to compare the total duration of mechanical ventilation of critically ill adults who were weaned using protocols versus usual (non-protocolized) practice.The second objective was to ascertain differences between protocolized and non-protocolized weaning in outcomes measuring weaning duration, harm (adverse events) and resource use (intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, cost).The third objective was to explore, using subgroup analyses, variations in outcomes by type of ICU, type of protocol and approach to delivering the protocol (professional-led or computer-driven). SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2014), MEDLINE (1950 to January 2014), EMBASE (1988 to January 2014), CINAHL (1937 to January 2014), LILACS (1982 to January 2014),  ISI Web of Science and ISI Conference Proceedings (1970 to February 2014), and reference lists of articles. We did not apply language restrictions. The original search was performed in January 2010 and updated in January 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of protocolized weaning versus non-protocolized weaning from mechanical ventilation in critically ill adults. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We performed a priori subgroup and sensitivity analyses. We contacted study authors for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: We included 17 trials (with 2434 patients) in this updated review. The original review included 11 trials. The total geometric mean duration of mechanical ventilation in the protocolized weaning group was on average reduced by 26% compared with the usual care group (N = 14 trials, 95% confidence interval (CI) 13% to 37%, P = 0.0002). Reductions were most likely to occur in medical, surgical and mixed ICUs, but not in neurosurgical ICUs. Weaning duration was reduced by 70% (N = 8 trials, 95% CI 27% to 88%, P = 0.009); and ICU length of stay by 11% (N = 9 trials, 95% CI 3% to 19%, P = 0.01). There was significant heterogeneity among studies for total duration of mechanical ventilation (I(2) = 67%, P < 0.0001) and weaning duration (I(2) = 97%, P < 0.00001), which could not be explained by subgroup analyses based on type of unit or type of approach. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of reduced duration of mechanical ventilation, weaning duration and ICU length of stay with use of standardized weaning protocols. Reductions are most likely to occur in medical, surgical and mixed ICUs, but not in neurosurgical ICUs. However, significant heterogeneity among studies indicates caution in generalizing results. Some study authors suggest that organizational context may influence outcomes, however these factors were not considered in all included studies and could not be evaluated. Future trials should consider an evaluation of the process of intervention delivery to distinguish between intervention and implementation effects. There is an important need for further development and research in the neurosurgical population.

Evaluation of a psychoeducational intervention for patients with advanced cancer who have cachexia and their lay carers (EPACaCC): study protocol.

AIM: To evaluate a psychoeducational intervention for patients with advanced cancer who have cachexia and their lay carers. BACKGROUND: Cachexia is a frequent and devastating syndrome of advanced cancer. It has an impact on patients biologically, psychologically and socially and has profound impact on their lay carers. Prior research has predominately focused on the biological components of cachexia and associated potential treatment modalities. At present, there is no standardized supportive healthcare intervention in current practice that targets the psychosocial impact of this syndrome. DESIGN: A pragmatic multicentre randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patient/carer dyads (n = 200) will be recruited into a randomized controlled trial of a DVD intervention for cachexia management. The sample will be recruited from two urban hospices in the UK. The primary outcome measure will be the General Health Questionnaire-12. Additional questionnaires focusing on distress, readiness to give care and coping skills will be used as secondary outcome measures. In addition, lay carers in the intervention group will be asked to participate in semi-structured interviews following the death of their loved one. Both Office for Research Ethics Committee approval and local governance approval at both hospices have been obtained as of February 2013. DISCUSSION: This is the first time that a psychoeducational DVD has been tested in a randomized controlled trial in this population. Dissemination of findings will make a significant contribution to international knowledge and understanding in this area. Findings will inform education, practice and policy.

Protocolized versus non-protocolized weaning for reducing the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation in critically ill paediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation is a critical component of paediatric intensive care therapy. It is indicated when the patient's spontaneous ventilation is inadequate to sustain life. Weaning is the gradual reduction of ventilatory support and the transfer of respiratory control back to the patient. Weaning may represent a large proportion of the ventilatory period. Prolonged ventilation is associated with significant morbidity, hospital cost, psychosocial and physical risks to the child and even death. Timely and effective weaning may reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation and may reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with prolonged ventilation. However, no consensus has been reached on criteria that can be used to identify when patients are ready to wean or the best way to achieve it. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of weaning by protocol on invasively ventilated critically ill children. To compare the total duration of invasive mechanical ventilation of critically ill children who are weaned using protocols versus those weaned through usual (non-protocolized) practice. To ascertain any differences between protocolized weaning and usual care in terms of mortality, adverse events, intensive care unit length of stay and quality of life. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane Library, Issue 10, 2012), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2012), EMBASE (1988 to October 2012), CINAHL (1982 to October 2012), ISI Web of Science and LILACS. We identified unpublished data in the Web of Science (1990 to October 2012), ISI Conference Proceedings (1990 to October 2012) and Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (earliest to October 2012). We contacted first authors of studies included in the review to obtain further information on unpublished studies or work in progress. We searched reference lists of all identified studies and review papers for further relevant studies. We applied no language or publication restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials comparing protocolized weaning (professional-led or computer-driven) versus non-protocolized weaning practice conducted in children older than 28 days and younger than 18 years. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently scanned titles and abstracts identified by electronic searching. Three review authors retrieved and evaluated full-text versions of potentially relevant studies, independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. MAIN RESULTS: We included three trials at low risk of bias with 321 children in the analysis. Protocolized weaning significantly reduced total ventilation time in the largest trial (260 children) by a mean of 32 hours (95% confidence interval (CI) 8 to 56; P = 0.01). Two other trials (30 and 31 children, respectively) reported non-significant reductions with a mean difference of -88 hours (95% CI -228 to 52; P = 0.2) and -24 hours (95% CI -10 to 58; P = 0.06). Protocolized weaning significantly reduced weaning time in these two smaller trials for a mean reduction of 106 hours (95% CI 28 to 184; P = 0.007) and 21 hours (95% CI 9 to 32; P < 0.001). These studies reported no significant effects for duration of mechanical ventilation before weaning, paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and hospital length of stay, PICU mortality or adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Limited evidence suggests that weaning protocols reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation, but evidence is inadequate to show whether the achievement of shorter ventilation by protocolized weaning causes children benefit or harm.

Systematic realist review of key factors affecting the successful implementation and sustainability of the Liverpool care pathway for the dying patient.

BACKGROUND: The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is recommended internationally as a best practice model for the care of patients and their families at the end of life. However, a recent national audit in the United Kingdom highlighted shortcomings; and understanding is lacking regarding the processes and contextual factors that affect implementation. AIM: To identify and investigate factors that help or hinder successful implementation and sustainability of the LCP. METHODS: Electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, British Nursing Index, Science Direct) and grey literature were searched, supplemented by citation tracking, in order to identify English language papers containing information relevant to the implementation of the LCP. Using a realist review approach, we systematically reviewed all relevant studies that focused on end of life care and integrated care pathway processes and identified theories that explained how the LCP and related programmes worked. RESULTS: Fifty-eight papers were included in the review. Key factors identified were: a dedicated facilitator, education and training, audit and feedback, organisational culture, and adequate resources. DISCUSSION: We discuss how these factors change behaviour by influencing the beliefs, attitudes, motivation and confidence of staff in relation to end of life care, and how contextual factors moderate behaviour change. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation process recommended by the developers of the LCP is necessary but not sufficient to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of the pathway. The key components of the intervention (a dedicated facilitator, education and training, audit and feedback) must be configured to influence the beliefs of staff in relation to end of life care, and increase their motivation and self-efficacy in relation to using the LCP. The support of senior managers is vital to the release of necessary resources, and a dominant culture of cure, which sees every death as a failure, works against effective communication and collaboration in relation to the LCP.

Caregiver Burden in Informal Caregivers of Patients in Saudi Arabia Receiving Hemodialysis: A Mixed-Methods Study.

(1) Background: Long-term caregiving for patients receiving hemodialysis (HD), is associated with physical and psychological stress, which may impact on the well-being and quality of life of caregivers. Due to a lack of understanding of the experiences of informal caregivers of patients receiving HD, especially in Saudi Arabia, this study aimed to measure burden in informal caregivers of patients receiving HD, examine the factors that predict caregiver burden (CB), and explore the experience of burden in caregivers of patients receiving HD. (2) Methods: This study used a mixed-methods, sequential, explanatory design, which consisted of two phases. Phase 1 involved a cross-sectional study design, with a convenience sample of 61 caregivers of patients on maintenance HD for at least 3 months. All caregivers in the study completed the Arabic version of the Zarit Burden Interview to identify caregiver burden. Phase 2 of the study involved a qualitative descriptive design involving semi-structured interviews with nine caregivers. (3) Results: Study findings indicate that caregivers did not experience severe burden. Being older, a female caregiver and having comorbidities was positively associated with increased levels of caregiver burden. In the qualitative phase of the study, a number of important factors emerged that may contribute to a reduction in caregiver burden, including social support, cultural acceptance, and religious influences. (4) Conclusion and impact: CB was found to be low when a comparison was made with other studies using similar populations. Understanding the factors that influence caregiver burden will contribute to the accurate assessment of caregiver burden and help reduce burden in informal caregivers, patients with renal failure, and others with chronic illnesses worldwide.

Management of long term sickness absence: a systematic realist review.

PURPOSE: The increasing impact and costs of long term sickness absence have been well documented. However, the diversity and complexity of interventions and of the contexts in which these take place makes a traditional review problematic. Therefore, we undertook a systematic realist review to identify the dominant programme theories underlying best practice, to assess the evidence for these theories, and to throw light on important enabling or disabling contextual factors. METHOD: A search of the scholarly literature from 1950 to 2011 identified 5,576 articles, of which 269 formed the basis of the review. RESULTS: We found that the dominant programme theories in relation to effective management related to: early intervention or referral by employers; having proactive organisational procedures; good communication and cooperation between stakeholders; and workplace-based occupational rehabilitation. Significant contextual factors were identified as the level of support for interventions from top management, the size and structure of the organisation, the level of financial and organisational investment in the management of long-term sickness absence, and the quality of relationships between managers and staff. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, those with responsibility for managing absence should bear in mind the contextual factors that are likely to have an impact on interventions, and do what they can to ensure stakeholders have at least a mutual understanding (if not a common purpose) in relation to their perceptions of interventions, goals, culture and practice in the management of long term sickness absence.