Spillover effects from a type 2 diabetes integrated model of care in 22,706 Australians: an open cohort stepped wedge trial.

BACKGROUND: Many Australian adults are not receiving timely or effective diabetes management to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes related complications. Integrated care, a worldwide trend in healthcare reform, aims to reduce the fragmented delivery of health services and improve outcomes. This study aimed to test whether a specialist-led integrated model of care provided to a small subset of patients in general practices leads to spillover clinical improvements in all patients of the practice with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Seventy-two general practice sites (clusters) in New South Wales, Australia received the Diabetes Alliance intervention, creating a non-randomised open cohort stepped wedge trial. The intervention comprised of case conferencing, delivered directly to a small proportion of adults with type 2 diabetes (n = 1,072) of the general practice sites; as well as practice feedback, education and training. Spillover clinical improvements were assessed on all adults with type 2 diabetes within the general practice sites (n = 22,706), using practice level data recorded in the MedicineInsight electronic database, compared before and after the intervention. Outcome measures included frequency of diabetes screening tests in line with the Annual Cycle of Care, and clinical results for weight, blood pressure, HbA1c, lipids, and kidney function. RESULTS: Compared to before Diabetes Alliance, the odds of all practice patients receiving screening tests at or above the recommended intervals were significantly higher for all recommended tests after Diabetes Alliance (odds ratio range 1.41-4.45, p < 0.0001). Significant improvements in clinical outcomes were observed for weight (absolute mean difference: -1.38 kg), blood pressure (systolic - 1.12 mmHg, diastolic - 1.18 mmHg), HbA1c (-0.03% at the mean), total cholesterol (-0.11 mmol/L), and triglycerides (-0.02 mmol/L) (p < 0.05). There were small but significant declines in kidney function. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated care delivered to a small subset of patients with type 2 diabetes across a large geographic region has spillover benefits that improve the process measures and clinical outcomes for all practice patients with type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12622001438741; 10th November 2022, retrospectively registered: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622001438741.aspx .

What care do people with dementia receive at the end of life? Lessons from a retrospective clinical audit of deaths in hospital and other settings.

BACKGROUND: The need for better end-of-life care for people with dementia has been acknowledged. Existing literature suggests that people dying with dementia have less access to palliative care, yet little is known about the care provided to people with dementia at the end of life. This study aimed to establish evidence related to end-of-life care for people dying with dementia in hospital compared to other settings. METHODS: A retrospective clinical audit of people who had a diagnosis of dementia and had accessed services within a local health district, who died between 2015 and 2019, was conducted. A total of 705 people were identified, and a subset of 299 people randomly selected for manual audit. Chi-square p-values were used to compare the place of death, and a t-test or non-parametric test was used to assess the significance of the difference, as appropriate. Measures of functional decline within one month of death were assessed using mixed effects logistic regression models. RESULTS: The characteristics of people differed by place of death, with people who died in hospital more likely to be living at home and to not have a spouse. Less than 1 in 5 people had advance care directives or plans. Many were still being actively treated at the time of death: almost half of people who died in hospital had an investigation in their final 72 hours, less than half of people were coded as receiving palliative care at death, and more than 2 in 3 people did not get access to specialist palliative care. Declining function was associated with the terminal phase. CONCLUSION: This study provides novel insights for those providing end-of-life care for people with dementia. Healthcare professionals and policy makers should consider how demographic characteristics relate to the places people with dementia receive end-of-life care. The care provided to people with dementia in the last year of their life highlights the need for more support to prepare advance care documentation and timely consideration for palliative care. Changes in markers of nutritional status and function in people with advanced dementia may help with identification of terminal phases.

Discharge intervention to improve outcomes and web-based portal engagement after stroke and transient ischaemic attack: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Web-based interventions may assist in post-discharge stroke care. However, strategies for maximising uptake and engagement are needed. AIMS: To determine the: (1) effectiveness of a discharge support intervention (EnableMe web-based portal and strategies to encourage use) in improving quality of life and reducing depression (primary outcome); anxiety and unmet needs of survivors of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA); and (2) EnableMe use and acceptability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An open, parallel-group, multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the intervention compared to usual care for survivors of stroke/TIA and their support persons. Participants recruited from eight hospitals completed questionnaires at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Outcomes included quality of life, depression, anxiety and unmet needs. RESULTS: 98 survivors (n=52 intervention, n=47 control) and 30 support persons (n=11 intervention, n=19 control) enrolled in the RCT. Bayesian analyses showed substantial evidence of an intervention effect on survivors' quality of life scores at 3 months. There was moderate-to-strong evidence of a treatment effect on depression scores and strong evidence that intervention participants had fewer unmet needs at 3 and 6 months. 45 % of intervention group survivors and 63 % of support persons self-reported using EnableMe. 64 % of survivors and 84 % of support persons found it helpful. CONCLUSION: Substantial evidence for the discharge support intervention was found, with a difference between groups in survivor quality of life, depression, and unmet needs. Acceptability was demonstrated with largely positive attitudes towards EnableMe. Future research should explore different engagement strategies to improve uptake of online stroke resources.

Topical Lidocaine or Lidocaine/Diltiazem Ointment Following Rubber Band Ligation of Hemorrhoids: A Prospective 3-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids causes less pain than excisional hemorrhoidectomy, but many patients still experience significant postprocedure discomfort. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether topical lidocaine, with or without diltiazem, is more effective than placebo for analgesia after hemorrhoid banding. DESIGN: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to 2% lidocaine, 2% lidocaine with 2% diltiazem, or a placebo ointment. SETTINGS: This study was performed at 2 university public teaching hospitals and 2 private hospitals in Australia. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients aged ≥18 years undergoing hemorrhoid banding were selected. INTERVENTIONS: Topical ointments were applied postprocedure 3× daily for 5 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual analog pain score, opiate analgesia usage, and patient satisfaction were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Of 159 eligible patients, 99 were randomly assigned (33 in each group). Pain scores were reduced at 1 hour for the lidocaine (OR 4.15 [1.12-15.41]; p = 0.03) and lidocaine/diltiazem groups (OR 3.85 [1.05-14.11]; p = 0.04) compared with placebo. Patients in the lidocaine/diltiazem group had improved satisfaction (OR 3.82 [1.28-11.44]; p = 0.02) and were more likely to recommend the procedure to others (OR 9.33 [1.07-81.72]; p = 0.04). Patients in the lidocaine/diltiazem group required approximately 45% less total and in-hospital analgesia compared with the placebo. There was no difference in complications between any of the groups. LIMITATIONS: A cost/benefit analysis was not performed. Analgesic efficacy appeared to be short term and the procedures were performed only in the hospital/nonambulatory setting. CONCLUSIONS: Topical lidocaine reduced short-term analgesia use, whereas combination lidocaine/diltiazem was associated with both improved analgesia and patient satisfaction after hemorrhoid banding. LIDOCANA TPICA O UNGENTO DE LIDOCANA/DILTIAZEM DESPUS DE LA LIGADURA HEMORROIDAL CON BANDA ELSTICA UN ENSAYO PROSPECTIVO CONTROLADO Y ALEATORIZADO DE TRES BRAZOS: ANTECEDENTES:La ligadura de hemorroides con banda elástica causa menos dolor que la hemorroidectomía escisional, pero muchos pacientes siguen experimentando molestias significativas tras el procedimiento.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar si la lidocaína tópica, con o sin diltiazem, es más eficaz que el placebo para la analgesia tras la ligadura hemorroidal.DISEÑO:Este es un ensayo prospectivo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados para recibir lidocaína al 2 %, lidocaína al 2 % con diltiazem al 2 % o ungüento de placebo.AJUSTES:Este estudio se realizó en dos hospitales públicos con docencia universitaria y dos hospitales privados en Australia.PACIENTES:Se seleccionaron pacientes consecutivos de ≥18 años sometidos a ligadura para hemorroides.INTERVENCIONES:Se aplicaron ungüentos tópicos tras el procedimiento tres veces al día durante 5 días.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:La puntuación analógica visual del dolor, el uso de analgésicos opiáceos y la satisfacción del paciente fueron las principales medidas de resultado.RESULTADOS:De 159 pacientes elegibles, 99 fueron aleatorizados (33 en cada grupo). Las puntuaciones de dolor se redujeron a la hora para los grupos de lidocaína (OR 4,15 (1,12-15,41); p = 0,03) y lidocaína/diltiazem (OR 3,85 (1,05-14,11), p = 0,04) en comparación con el placebo.Los pacientes del grupo de lidocaína/diltiazem mejoraron su satisfacción (OR 3,82 (1,28-11,44), p = 0,02) y eran más propensos de recomendar el procedimiento a otros (OR 9,33 (1,07-81,72), p = 0,04). Los pacientes del grupo de lidocaína/diltiazem requirieron aproximadamente un 45 % menos de analgesia total e intrahospitalaria en comparación con el grupo de placebo. No hubo diferencia en las complicaciones entre ninguno de los grupos.LIMITACIONES:No se realizó un análisis de costo/beneficio. La eficacia analgésica pareció ser a corto plazo y los procedimientos solo se realizaron en el hospital/entorno no ambulatorio.CONCLUSIÓN:La lidocaína tópica mejora la analgesia a corto plazo, mientras que la combinación de lidocaína/diltiazem se asocia tanto con una mejor analgesia como con la satisfacción del paciente tras la colocación de bandas para hemorroides. (Traducción-Dr Osvaldo Gauto ).

Long-term exposure to low concentrations of air pollution and decline in lung function in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Evidence from Australia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the association between ambient air pollution and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in areas with lower levels of exposure. We aimed to investigate the impact of air pollution on lung function and rapid progression of IPF in Australia. METHODS: Participants were recruited from the Australian IPF Registry (n = 570). The impact of air pollution on changes in lung function was assessed using linear mixed models and Cox regression was used to investigate the association with rapid progression. RESULTS: Median (25th-75th percentiles) annual fine particulate matter (<2.5 µm, PM2.5 ) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) were 6.8 (5.7, 7.9) µg/m3 and 6.7 (4.9, 8.2) ppb, respectively. Compared to living more than 100 m from a major road, living within 100 m was associated with a 1.3% predicted/year (95% confidence interval [CI] -2.4 to -0.3) faster annual decline in diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLco). Each interquartile range (IQR) of 2.2 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with a 0.9% predicted/year (95% CI -1.6 to -0.3) faster annual decline in DLco, while there was no association observed with NO2 . There was also no association between air pollution and rapid progression of IPF. CONCLUSION: Living near a major road and increased PM2.5 were both associated with an increased rate of annual decline in DLco. This study adds to the evidence supporting the negative effects of air pollution on lung function decline in people with IPF living at low-level concentrations of exposure.

The Effectiveness of Strategies to Improve User Engagement With Digital Health Interventions Targeting Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Overweight and Obesity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Digital health interventions (DHIs) are effective in improving poor nutrition, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity. There is evidence suggesting that the impact of DHIs may be enhanced by improving user engagement. However, little is known about the overall effectiveness of strategies on engagement with DHIs. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the overall effectiveness of strategies to improve engagement with DHIs targeting nutrition, physical activity, and overweight or obesity and explore associations between strategies and engagement outcomes. The secondary aim was to explore the impact of these strategies on health risk outcomes. METHODS: The MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Academic Source Complete databases were searched up to July 24, 2023. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that evaluated strategies to improve engagement with DHIs and reported on outcomes related to DHI engagement (use or user experience). Strategies were classified according to behavior change techniques (BCTs) and design features (eg, supplementary emails). Multiple-variable meta-analyses of the primary outcomes (usage and user experience) were undertaken to assess the overall effectiveness of strategies. Meta-regressions were conducted to assess associations between strategies and use and user experience outcomes. Synthesis of secondary outcomes followed the "Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis" guidelines. The methodological quality and evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 54 studies (across 62 publications) were included. Pooled analysis found very low-certainty evidence of a small-to-moderate positive effect of the use of strategies to improve DHI use (standardized mean difference=0.33, 95% CI 0.20-0.46; P<.001) and very low-certainty evidence of a small-to-moderate positive effect on user experience (standardized mean difference=0.29, 95% CI 0.07-0.52; P=.01). A significant positive association was found between the BCTs social support (effect size [ES]=0.40, 95% CI 0.14-0.66; P<.001) and shaping knowledge (ES=0.39, 95% CI 0.03-0.74; P=.03) and DHI use. A significant positive association was found among the BCTs social support (ES=0.70, 95% CI 0.18-1.22; P=.01), repetition and substitution (ES=0.29, 95% CI 0.05-0.53; P=.03), and natural consequences (ES=0.29, 95% CI 0.05-0.53; P=.02); the design features email (ES=0.29, 95% CI 0.05-0.53; P=.02) and SMS text messages (ES=0.34, 95% CI 0.11-0.57; P=.01); and DHI user experience. For secondary outcomes, 47% (7/15) of nutrition-related, 73% (24/33) of physical activity-related, and 41% (14/34) of overweight- and obesity-related outcomes reported an improvement in health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although findings suggest that the use of strategies may improve engagement with DHIs targeting such health outcomes, the true effect is unknown because of the low quality of evidence. Future research exploring whether specific forms of social support, repetition and substitution, natural consequences, emails, and SMS text messages have a greater impact on DHI engagement is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018077333; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=77333.

Oestradiol implants for gender-affirming hormone therapy: an observational study of serum oestradiol levels and consumer survey.

BACKGROUND: Custom-compounded subcutaneous implants are being used widely in Australia for gender-affirming hormone therapy. However, there is no published literature regarding their use for this purpose. METHODS: Electronic medical records were audited for consecutive clients who received oestradiol implants April 2019-November 2022 in gender clinics held within Hunter New England Health District in New South Wales, Australia. Serum oestradiol levels were analysed for implant doses 50-200mg, and predicted oestradiol level was modelled following 100mg implant insertion. An electronic consumer survey was sent to a convenience sample of implant recipients. RESULTS: A total of 38 clients received 88 implants, with 100mg oestradiol implants being the most frequently used (68%). The median interval between insertion procedures was 270 (IQR 186-399) days. The median serum oestradiol levels following implant insertion, for all implants combined, were within the target range of 250-600pmol/L at 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month time points. Following insertion of a 100mg implant, the estimated time to reach a predicted serum oestradiol of ≤250pmol/L was 4months after an initial implant, and 13months after subsequent implants. Seventeen consumer surveys were received from 28 invitations. All respondents had previous experience of oral and/or transdermal oestradiol use. Oestradiol implants were preferred due to ease of use, perceived effectiveness, and the belief that other methods were less safe or associated with intolerance and side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Oestradiol implants are effective in achieving target serum oestradiol levels over a sustained period. Further research with larger cohorts could identify the optimal dosage regimen.

Online mental health screening for rural fathers over the perinatal period.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of identifying distressed fathers in rural areas of NSW via a 'light touch' support program (SMS4dads). DESIGN: A retrospective observational study using self-reported distress and routinely captured help-seeking behaviour over a 14-month period (September 2020-December 2021) comparing rural and urban fathers. SETTING: Rural and urban Local Health Districts in NSW. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3261 expectant and new fathers enrolled in a text-based information and support service (SMS4dads). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Registrations, K10 score, program engagement, attrition, escalation and referral to online mental health services. RESULTS: Rural (13.3%) and urban (13.2%) enrolments were equivalent. Rural fathers had higher rates of distress than urban fathers (rural 19%; urban 16%) and were more likely to be smokers, consume alcohol at risky levels and report lower education levels. Rural fathers were more likely to exit the program early (HR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.08-1.62; p = 0.008); however, once adjusted for demographic factors aside from rurality, this increased likelihood was nonsignificant (HR = 1.10; 95% CI 0.88-1.38; p = 0.401). Although engagement with psychological support during the program was equivalent, a greater proportion of rural participants were escalated to online mental health support (7.7%) than urban participants (6.1%); however, this was nonsignificant (p = 0.222). CONCLUSION: Digital platforms offering text-based parenting information in a 'light touch' format may be an effective way to screen rural fathers for mental distress and connect them to online support.

The importance of anaesthesia in atrial fibrillation ablation: Comparing conscious sedation with general anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: General anaesthesia (GA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is often preferred over conscious sedation (CS) to minimize patient discomfort and reduce the risk of map disruption from patient movement but may pose an additional risk to some patients with significant comorbidity or poor cardiac function. METHODS: We extracted data for 300 patients who underwent AF ablation between the years 2017 and 2019 and compared the outcomes of AF ablation with CS and GA. RESULTS: Compared to the GA group, patients were younger in the CS group (63 versus 66 years, p = 0.02), had less persistent AF (34% versus 46%, p = 0.048) and the left atrial dimension was smaller (41 versus 45 mm, p = 0.01). More patients had cryoballoon ablation (CBA) than radiofrequency (RFA) ablation in the CS than the GA group (88% CB with CS and 56% RF with GA, p < 0.01), frequency of ASA score 3-4 (higher anaesthetic risk) was less for CS than for GA (45% versus 75%, p < 0.01), and procedural duration was shorter for patients who had CS (110 versus 139 min, p < 0.001). Of the patients receiving CS, 127/182 (70%) were planned for same day discharge (SDD) and this occurred in 120 (94%) of those patients. There were no significant differences in complication rates between the groups (5.1% in GA and 6% in CS, p = 0.8). AF type was the only significant predictor of freedom from AF recurrence on multivariate analysis (HR 0.33, 0.13-0.82, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of CS compared with GA for AF ablation was associated with similar outcomes and complication rates.

Biomarker signatures for progressive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease in which circulatory biomarkers have the potential for guiding management in clinical practice. We assessed the prognostic role of serum biomarkers in three independent IPF cohorts: Australian Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry (AIPFR), Trent Lung Fibrosis (TLF) and Prospective Observation of Fibrosis in the Lung Clinical Endpoints (PROFILE). METHODS: In the AIPFR cohort, candidate proteins were assessed by ELISA as well as in an unbiased proteomic approach. LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression was used to restrict the selection of markers that best accounted for the progressor phenotype at 1 year in the AIPFR cohort, and subsequently prospectively selected for replication in the validation TLF cohort and assessed retrospectively in the PROFILE cohort. Four significantly replicating biomarkers were aggregated into a progression index model based on tertiles of circulating concentrations. RESULTS: 189 participants were included in the AIPFR cohort, 205 participants from the TLF cohort and 122 participants from the PROFILE cohort. Differential biomarker expression was observed by ELISA and replicated for osteopontin, matrix metallopeptidase-7, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and periostin for those with a progressor phenotype at 1 year. Proteomic data did not replicate. The progression index in the AIPFR, TLF and PROFILE cohorts predicted risk of progression, mortality and progression-free survival. A statistical model incorporating the progression index demonstrated the capacity to distinguish disease progression at 12 months, which was increased beyond the clinical GAP (gender, age and physiology) score model alone in all cohorts, and significantly so within the incidence-based TLF and PROFILE cohorts. CONCLUSION: A panel of circulatory biomarkers can provide potentially valuable clinical assistance in the prognosis of IPF patients.

Optimising a multi-strategy implementation intervention to improve the delivery of a school physical activity policy at scale: findings from a randomised noninferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: To maximise their potential health benefits, school-based physical activity policies need to be implemented at scale. This paper describes the third in a sequence of trials that sought to optimise an effective strategy (PACE) to assist schools' implementation of a physical activity policy. Specifically, it aimed to determine the probability that a multi-strategy intervention adapted to reduce in-person contact (Adapted PACE) was "as good as" the original intervention (PACE) in increasing the weekly minutes of structured physical activity implemented by classroom teachers. METHODS: A noninferiority cluster randomised controlled trial was undertaken with 48 primary schools in New South Wales, Australia. Schools were randomised to receive PACE or a model with adaptations made to the delivery modes (Adapted PACE). Teachers' scheduled minutes of weekly physical activity was assessed at baseline (Oct 2018-Feb 2019) and 12-month follow-up (Oct-Dec 2019). The noninferiority margin was set at - 16.4 minutes based on previous data and decision panel consensus. A linear mixed model analysed within a Bayesian framework was used to explore noninferiority between the two PACE models. A cost minimisation analysis was conducted from the health service provider perspective, using the Australian dollar (AUD). RESULTS: The posterior estimate for the between group difference at follow-up was - 2.3 minutes (95% credible interval = - 18.02, 14.45 minutes). There was an estimated 96% probability of Adapted PACE being considered noninferior (only 4% of the posterior samples crossed the noninferiority margin of - 16.4 minutes). That is, the minutes of physical activity implemented by teachers at Adapted PACE schools was not meaningfully less than the minutes of physical activity implemented by teachers at PACE schools. The mean total cost was AUD$25,375 (95% uncertainty interval = $21,499, $29,106) for PACE and AUD$16,421 (95% uncertainty interval = $13,974, $19,656) for Adapted PACE; an estimated reduction of AUD$373 (95% uncertainty interval = $173, $560) per school. CONCLUSIONS: It is highly probable that Adapted PACE is noninferior to the original model. It is a cost-efficient alternative also likely to be a more suitable approach to supporting large scale implementation of school physical activity policies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001229167).

The Long-Term Effectiveness of Internet-Based Interventions on Multiple Health Risk Behaviors: Systematic Review and Robust Variance Estimation Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Smoking tobacco, poor nutrition, risky alcohol use, and physical inactivity (SNAP) behaviors tend to cluster together. Health benefits may be maximized if interventions targeted multiple health risk behaviors together rather than addressing single behaviors. The internet has wide reach and is a sustainable mode for delivery of interventions for multiple health behaviors. However, no systematic reviews have examined the long-term effectiveness of internet-based interventions on any combination of or all SNAP behaviors in adults aged 18 years or older. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review examined, among adults (aged ≥18 years), the effectiveness of internet-based interventions on SNAP behaviors collectively in the long term compared with a control condition. METHODS: The electronic databases Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched to retrieve studies describing the effectiveness of internet-based interventions on ≥2 SNAP behaviors published by November 18, 2019. The reference lists of retrieved articles were also checked to identify eligible publications. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials or cluster randomized controlled trials with adults examining an internet-based intervention measuring the effect on ≥2 SNAP behaviors at least 6 months postrecruitment and published in English in a peer-reviewed journal. Two reviewers independently extracted data from included studies and assessed methodological quality using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. A robust variance estimation meta-analysis was performed to examine the long-term effectiveness of internet-based interventions on all 4 SNAP risk behavior outcomes. All SNAP outcomes were coded so they were in the same direction, with higher scores equating to worse health risk behaviors. RESULTS: The inclusion criteria were met by 11 studies: 7 studies measured the effect of an internet-based intervention on nutrition and physical activity; 1 study measured the effect on smoking, nutrition, and physical activity; and 3 studies measured the effect on all SNAP behaviors. Compared with the control group, internet-based interventions achieved an overall significant improvement across all SNAP behaviors in the long term (standardized mean difference -0.12 [improvement as higher scores = worse health risk outcomes], 95% CI -0.19 to -0.05; I2=1.5%, P=.01). The global methodological quality rating was "moderate" for 1 study, while the remaining 10 studies were rated as "weak." CONCLUSIONS: Internet-based interventions were found to produce an overall significant improvement across all SNAP behaviors collectively in the long term. Internet-based interventions targeting multiple SNAP behaviors have the potential to maximize long-term improvements to preventive health outcomes.

Are web-based personally tailored physical activity videos more effective than personally tailored text-based interventions? Results from the three-arm randomised controlled TaylorActive trial.

OBJECTIVES: Some online, personally tailored, text-based physical activity interventions have proven effective. However, people tend to 'skim' and 'scan' web-based text rather than thoroughly read their contents. In contrast, online videos are more engaging and popular. We examined whether web-based personally tailored physical activity videos were more effective in promoting physical activity than personally tailored text and generic information. METHODS: 501 adults were randomised into a video-tailored intervention, text-tailored intervention or control. Over a 3-month period, intervention groups received access to eight sessions of web-based personally tailored physical activity advice. Only the delivery method differed between intervention groups: tailored video versus tailored text. The primary outcome was 7-day ActiGraph-GT3X+ measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) assessed at 0, 3 and 9 months. Secondary outcomes included self-reported MVPA and website engagement. Differences were examined using generalised linear mixed models with intention-to-treat and multiple imputation. RESULTS: Accelerometer-assessed MVPA increased 23% in the control (1.23 (1.06, 1.43)), 12% in the text-tailored (1.12 (0.95, 1.32)) and 28% in the video-tailored (1.28 (1.06, 1.53)) groups at the 3-month follow-up only, though there were no significant between-group differences. Both text-tailored (1.77 (1.37, 2.28]) and video-tailored (1.37 (1.04, 1.79)) groups significantly increased self-reported MVPA more than the control group at 3 months only, but there were no differences between video-tailored and text-tailored groups. The video-tailored group spent significantly more time on the website compared with text-tailored participants (90 vs 77 min, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The personally tailored videos were not more effective than personally tailored text in increasing MVPA. The findings from this study conflict with pilot study outcomes and previous literature. Process evaluation and mediation analyses will provide further insights. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12615000057583.

Effect of Outcome Measures on the Apparent Efficacy of Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Why "Success" is an Inappropriate Term.

INTRODUCTION: Different endpoint criteria, different durations of follow-up and the completeness of follow-up can dramatically affect the perceived benefits of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. METHODS: We defined three endpoints for recurrence of AF post ablation in a cohort of 200 patients with symptomatic AF, refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). A 'Strict Endpoint' where patients were considered to have a recurrence with any symptomatic or documented recurrence for ≥30 seconds with no blanking period, and off their AADs, a 'Liberal Endpoint' where only documented recurrences after the blanking period, either on or off AADs were counted, and a 'Patient-defined Outcome endpoint' which was the same as the Liberal endpoint but allowed for up to two recurrences and one repeat ablation or DCCV during follow-up. We also surveyed 50 patients on the waiting list for an AF ablation and asked them key questions regarding what they would consider to be a successful result for them. RESULTS: Freedom from recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) at 5 years was 62% for the Strict Endpoint, 73% for the Liberal Endpoint, and 80% for the Patient-defined Outcome endpoint (p<0.001). Of the 50 patients surveyed awaiting AF ablation, 70% said they would still consider the procedure a success if it required one repeat ablation or one DCCV (p=0.004), and 76% would be accepting of one or two recurrences during follow-up (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, the majority of patients still considered AF ablation a successful treatment if they had up to two recurrences of AF, one repeat procedure or one DCCV. Furthermore, a 'Patient-defined' definition of success lead to significantly different results in this AF ablation cohort when compared to conventionally used/guideline directed measures of success.

The provision of preventive care for modifiable health risk behaviours by clinicians within substance use treatment settings: A systematic review.

People who use substances have a high prevalence of other modifiable health risk behaviours such as tobacco smoking which contribute to an increased mortality and morbidity. Preventive care can reduce the prevalence of such behaviours and is recommended by clinical practice guidelines. This review describes the prevalence of preventive care delivery by substance use treatment healthcare providers and examines differences by treatment setting. Five databases were searched for studies published between 2005 and 2017. Eligible studies reported levels of preventive care (assessment, brief advice and/or referral/follow-up) in substance use treatment services for tobacco smoking, nutrition or physical activity. Two reviewers independently conducted article screening, data extraction and methodological quality assessment. Sixteen studies were included and all except one investigated care provision for tobacco smoking only. Four studies reported care levels as a proportion and 12 studies reported care as a score-based mean. Client-reported receipt of smoking cessation care ranged from: 79-90% for assessment; 15-79% for brief advice; 0-30% for referral/follow-up. Meta-regression analyses of 12 studies found clinician-reported preventative care for tobacco smoking was more frequently reported in studies assessing care occurring across multiple substance use treatment settings, compared to studies reporting provision in inpatient only. This review indicated that, compared to smoking cessation care, little is known about the level of preventive care for nutrition or physical activity. Overall, the delivery of smoking cessation care reported was sub-optimal. High levels of assessment relative to brief advice and low levels of referral to ongoing assistance were indicated.

Successful ageing from old to very old: a longitudinal study of 12,432 women from Australia.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the development of disease and disability in a large cohort of older women, the extent to which these conditions exempt them from being classified as successful agers and different trajectories of disease, disability and longevity across women's later life. METHODS: We used survey data from 12,432 participants of the 1921-26 birth cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health from 1996 (age 70-75) to 2016 (age 90-95). Repeated measures latent class analysis (RMLCA) identified trajectories of the development of disease with or without disability and according to longevity. Bivariate analyses and multivariable multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the association between participants' baseline characteristics and membership of the latent classes. RESULTS: Over one-third of women could be considered to be successful agers when in their early 70s, few women could still be classified in this category throughout their later life or by the end of the study when they were in their 90s (~1%). RMLCA identified six trajectory groups including managed agers long survivors (9.0%) with disease but little disability, usual agers long survivors (14.9%) with disease and disability, usual agers (26.6%) and early mortality (25.7%). A small group of women having no major disease or disability well into their 80s were identified as successful agers (5.5%). A final group, missing surveys (18.3%), had a high rate of non-death attrition. Groups were differentiated by a number of social and health factors including marital status, education, smoking, body mass index, exercise and social support. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows different trajectories of disease and disability in a cohort of ageing women, over time and through to very old ages. While some women continue into very old age with no disease or disability, many more women live long with disease but little disability, remaining independent beyond their capacity to be classified as successful agers.

Electronic Health Literacy Among Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography Medical Imaging Outpatients: Cluster Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Variations in an individual's electronic health (eHealth) literacy may influence the degree to which health consumers can benefit from eHealth. The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) is a common measure of eHealth literacy. However, the lack of guidelines for the standardized interpretation of eHEALS scores limits its research and clinical utility. Cut points are often arbitrarily applied at the eHEALS item or global level, which assumes a dichotomy of high and low eHealth literacy. This approach disregards scale constructs and results in inaccurate and inconsistent conclusions. Cluster analysis is an exploratory technique, which can be used to overcome these issues, by identifying classes of patients reporting similar eHealth literacy without imposing data cut points. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify classes of patients reporting similar eHealth literacy and assess characteristics associated with class membership. METHODS: Medical imaging outpatients were recruited consecutively in the waiting room of one major public hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire assessing their sociodemographic characteristics and eHealth literacy, using the eHEALS. Latent class analysis was used to explore eHealth literacy clusters identified by a distance-based cluster analysis, and to identify characteristics associated with class membership. RESULTS: Of the 268 eligible and consenting participants, 256 (95.5%) completed the eHEALS. Consistent with distance-based findings, 4 latent classes were identified, which were labeled as low (21.1%, 54/256), moderate (26.2%, 67/256), high (32.8%, 84/256), and very high (19.9%, 51/256) eHealth literacy. Compared with the low class, participants who preferred to receive a lot of health information reported significantly higher odds of moderate eHealth literacy (odds ratio 16.67, 95% CI 1.67-100.00; P=.02), and those who used the internet at least daily reported significantly higher odds of high eHealth literacy (odds ratio 4.76, 95% CI 1.59-14.29; P=.007). CONCLUSIONS: The identification of multiple classes of eHealth literacy, using both distance-based and latent class analyses, highlights the limitations of using the eHEALS global score as a dichotomous measurement tool. The findings suggest that eHealth literacy support needs vary in this population. The identification of low and moderate eHealth literacy classes indicate that the design of eHealth resources should be tailored to patients' varying levels of eHealth literacy. eHealth literacy improvement interventions are needed, and these should be targeted based on individuals' internet use frequency and health information amount preferences.

Can CRP velocity in right iliac fossa pain identify patients for intervention? A prospective observational cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown single CRP measurements at time of presentation to have limited predictive benefit for appendicitis. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic utility of serial CRP measurements (to determine CRP velocity [CRPv]) in patients with right iliac fossa (RIF) pain. METHODS: A single-centre prospective observational study was conducted on adult patients admitted with RIF pain. CRP was measured on admission, at midnight, and the following morning. Appendicitis was diagnosed on histopathology, or diagnostic imaging in non-operatively managed patients. Therapeutic interventions included all appropriate operative procedures and effective non-operative treatment with antibiotics. Logistic regression was used to generate predictors of therapeutic intervention, and then used to create a new risk score incorporating CRPv. RESULTS: 98 of 112 (87.5%) participants had complete CRP data. 58 patients met the criteria for appendicitis (59.2%). Most patients presented with intermediate Modified Alvarado Scores (MAS) 5-6 (40.8%) or Appendicitis Inflammatory Response Scores (AIRS) 5-8 (49%). Our risk score had an AUROC of 0.88 (95% CI 0.81-0.96) in predicting therapeutic intervention. This score was superior to MAS, AIRS, and single admission biomarker measurements. Patients with an increasing CRPv had 14 times the odds (OR 14.07, 95% CI 0.63-315.2) of complicated appendicitis, and no cases of complicated appendicitis were observed in patients with a flat CRPv. CONCLUSIONS: CRP velocity is superior to single CRP at predicting intervention. Our v-Score shows promise as a decision making-aide by predicting the need for surgical intervention in RIF pain. A flat CRPv identifies a group of patients with a very low risk of complicated appendicitis.

Change in physical function among women as they age: findings from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health.

PURPOSE: Decline in physical function is common in older age, with important consequences for health-related quality of life, health care utilisation, and mortality. This study aimed to identify patterns of change in physical functioning (PF) for women in later life. METHODS: PF was measured longitudinally using the ten-item subscale of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey, for 10 515 participants of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, who completed at least two surveys between 1999 (aged 73-78 years) and 2011 (aged 85-90 years). Conditional and unconditional latent profile analysis was conducted separately for deceased and surviving subgroups of women to uncover latent patterns of change in PF scores over time. RESULTS: Four patterns of change were identified for women who were still alive in 2011 (N = 5928), and four similar classes for deceased women (N = 4587): (1) 'poor PF' representing women with low PF scores, (2) 'moderate PF', (3) 'high PF', and (4) 'very high PF', where scores remained very high. All patterns exhibited a decrease in PF over time. Factors which predict low PF included sedentary levels of exercise, obese and overweight BMI, difficulty managing on income, and lower education. CONCLUSIONS: The results provided evidence for a gradual decrease in PF for all women with age; however, there was no evidence for an increased rate of decline prior to death.