Psychosocial interventions for ovarian cancer survivors: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Ovarian cancer survivorship is complex and is associated with greater symptom burden, fear of reoccurrence, sexual dysfunction, lower quality of life and heightened existential distress in contrast to other cancers. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effectiveness for, and perspective of, psychosocial interventions encompassing psychological, social, and emotional support, tailored to, or involving ovarian cancer survivors at all stages of disease. METHODS: Adhering to the PRISMA-SR statement guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library databases, Google, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently undertook a two-stage screening process. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was utilised to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Data were extracted using customised data extraction tools and narratively synthesised. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included in this review. Generally positive effects of psychosocial interventions were observed across a range of outcome domains (meaning enhancing, cognitive, social, emotional, and cancer-specific). However, the characteristics of interventions and outcome measures varied across studies. Psychoeducational interventions were identified as the most common psychosocial approach, while Acceptance and Commitment Therapy showed promise in addressing the disease's high symptom burden. Women's perspectives of psychosocial interventions were described as "useful" and promoted positive self-regard. CONCLUSION: While the evidence base largely support positive effects of psychosocial interventions for ovarian cancer survivors, this finding is constrained by heterogeneity of interventions and modest gains. Future research may explore the standardisation of psychosocial interventions for this demographic, investigating its effects on less explored but prevalent concerns among ovarian cancer survivors such as fear of cancer recurrence and sexual dysfunction.

Barriers and enablers to physical activity for individuals living with traumatic brain injury: a mixed methods systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Despite well-documented benefits of physical activity (PA), people with brain injury face numerous PA barriers. This mixed methods systematic review aimed to summarize barriers and enablers that individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience when participating in PA. METHODS: Primary studies investigating barriers and/or enablers to PA in adults living with TBI were included. Literature search in MEDLINE, EmCare, Embase, PsychINFO, PEDro, and OTSeeker was initially conducted in December 2021 and January 2022, and updated in June 2022. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. A customized data extraction form was utilized. Descriptive synthesis was used to summarize the findings. RESULTS: Twelve studies of various methodological qualities were identified. Barriers to PA included personal issues, changing health status, external factors, lack of support, and lack of knowledge. Identified enablers included personal drivers, social support, professional support, accessibility, and education. CONCLUSIONS: The shared similarities between barriers and enablers across several themes suggest that multiple barriers may be amenable to change. Given the diverse barriers to PA, health professionals should use person-centered, holistic approach with ongoing review and monitoring, when engaging with individuals with TBI.

Physiotherapists' Perception of and Readiness to Use, Telerehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Disorders in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal ailments exert a significant impact on global populations. To address challenges posed by geographical constraints and financial limitations, physiotherapists have explored and found telerehabilitation to be a viable solution. Despite its proven effectiveness in clinical practice, the integration of telerehabilitation has been sluggish. This cross-sectional survey sought to delve into the perspectives and readiness of physiotherapists in Malaysia regarding telerehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: A customized survey instrument was developed and evaluated for face validity and reliability. The 36-item questionnaire was distributed through the Google Form platform, targeting respondents via social media channels such as Facebook and WhatsApp. Data analysis used descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage). Results: The survey garnered responses from 271 physiotherapists. A majority (76.3%, n = 202) expressed agreement regarding the potential benefits of telerehabilitation in physiotherapy practice. About 77% of the respondents also showcased greater readiness for monitoring client progress through telerehabilitation as opposed to assessment and treatment. Notable benefits identified by respondents included preventing cross-infection (98.5%) and reducing travel time for both clients (94.0%) and physiotherapists (90.6%). Conclusion: The study reveals that physiotherapists in Malaysia exhibit positive attitudes and preparedness for implementing telerehabilitation in managing musculoskeletal conditions.

Influence of vitamin D in orthodontic tooth movement-a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in humans.

BACKGROUND: Orchestration of tooth movement necessitates an equilibrium of bone synthesis and resorption. Vitamin D, through receptor-mediated actions, regulates the differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts and also induces osteoclastogenesis, maintaining this equilibrium. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of vitamin D in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). SEARCH METHOD: A comprehensive exploration of the existing literature was conducted by systematic search through seven e-databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: The criteria for inclusion were established using the PICO format: Orthodontic patients treated with fixed appliance (P), administered with vitamin D3 (I), collated with appropriate control groups (C), with tooth movement as the primary outcome and root resorption, anchorage loss, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume, pain perception, and alveolar bone density as the secondary outcome (O). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: After an extensive database search, 251 articles were obtained. Six articles were chosen following a stringent selection using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The critical appraisal of randomized control trials (RCTs) involved the meticulous application of the RoB 2 tool. The quantitative synthesis incorporated a subset of six articles only. RESULTS: In the meta-analysis investigating the influence of vitamin D on OTM, a notable disparity was evident between the vitamin D and control groups. Specifically, the standardized mean difference (SMD) stood at 1.43, accompanied by a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.691 to 2.169 (P = .00154). For root resorption, the SMD was recorded at -0.51, with a 95% CI spanning from -3.051 to 2.031 (P = .11). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of tooth movement was enhanced by systemic and local administration of vitamin D. However, the inadequacy of available data is a hindrance in determining conclusively the impact of vitamin D on the extent of root resorption. The resolution of this quandary needs future human studies devoted toward investigating the influence of vitamin D in the realms of OTM and associated root resorption, thereby providing a definitive elucidation. REGISTRATION DETAILS: Prospero- CRD42023491783.

A scoping review of resting-state brain functional alterations in Type 2 diabetes.

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) has been actively used in the last decade to investigate brain functional connectivity alterations in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) to understand the neuropathophysiology of T2DM in cognitive degeneration. Given the emergence of new analysis techniques, this scoping review aims to map the rs-fMRI analysis techniques that have been applied in the literature and reports the latest rs-fMRI findings that have not been covered in previous reviews. Graph theory, the contemporary rs-fMRI analysis, has been used to demonstrate altered brain topological organisations in people with T2DM, which included altered degree centrality, functional connectivity strength, the small-world architecture and network-based statistics. These alterations were correlated with T2DM patients' cognitive performances. Graph theory also contributes to identify unbiased seeds for seed-based analysis. The expanding rs-fMRI analytical approaches continue to provide new evidence that helps to understand the mechanisms of T2DM-related cognitive degeneration.

Nature and extent of disruptions to staff clinical supervision practices in health care settings due to COVID-19: A survey study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical supervision practices of health care workers in health care settings in one Australian state. METHOD: A bespoke survey was developed and administered online using Qualtrics™. The survey consisted of Likert scale and closed questions, with options for free text comments. Numerical data were analysed descriptively and using Chi-Square tests. Textual data were analysed through content analysis. RESULTS: Of the 178 survey respondents, 42% were from allied health disciplines, 39% from nursing and midwifery, and 19% from medicine. The type and mode (i.e., face-to-face, telesupervision) of clinical supervision prior to the pandemic and at the time of survey completion (i.e., July-August 2021) were similar. Eighteen percent of respondents had a change in supervision arrangements but only 5% had a change in supervisor. For the 37% who changed roles due to COVID-19, 81% felt their current supervisor was still able to support them, 69% were still having their supervisory needs met. Analyses of textual data resulted in the development of two categories: Supervision deteriorating, and some clinical supervision functions (i.e., formative and restorative) being more impacted than others (i.e., normative). CONCLUSION: There were substantial disruptions to several parameters of clinical supervision due to COVID-19, that may pose a threat to high quality supervision. Health care workers reported pandemic-induced stress and mental health challenges that were not always addressed by effective restorative supervision practices.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student supervision and education in health care settings: A state-wide survey of health care workers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate student supervisor experiences of supervising students on clinical placements since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND: Studies on the impact of COVID-19 on student clinical placements have focused largely on student reports and have been specific to individual professions or topic areas. There is a need to investigate student supervisor experiences. This study was conducted in Queensland (Australia) in four regional and rural public health services and four corresponding primary health networks. METHODS: The anonymous, mixed methods online survey, consisting of 35 questions, was administered to student supervisors from allied health, medicine, nursing and midwifery between May and August 2021. Numerical data were analysed descriptively using chi-square tests. Free-text comments were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: Complete datasets were available for 167 respondents. Overall trends indicated perceived significant disruptions to student learning and support, plus mental health and well-being concerns for both students and supervisors. Extensive mask wearing was noted to be a barrier to building rapport, learning and teaching. Some positive impacts of the pandemic on student learning were also noted. CONCLUSIONS: This study has highlighted the perceived impact of the pandemic on supervisors' mental health, and on the mental health, learning and work readiness of students. This study provides evidence of the pandemic impacts on student clinical placements from a supervisor point of view. Findings can assist in future-proofing clinical education and ensuring that students continue to receive learning experiences of benefit to them, meeting curriculum requirements, in the event of another pandemic.

Mapping guideline-informed care for chronic non-specific low back pain with the biopsychosocial approach: A rapid review.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence favors a multidisciplinary biopsychosocial approach to the management of chronic non-specific low back pain (CLBP). However, it is unclear whether such an approach is facilitated by current clinical guidelines. This rapid review set out to examine the extent to which clinical guideline recommendations for managing CLBP address domains of the biopsychosocial approach. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the gray literature were searched for any clinical guidelines targeting the management of CLBP, published within the last 6 years. Title/abstract and full-text screening were undertaken by two reviewers using the accelerated approach. Data extraction and critical appraisal were completed by two reviewers, independently. Extracted data were synthesized in narrative form. RESULTS: Fifteen guidelines met the review inclusion criteria. One-half of the guidelines were considered to be of medium quality. All guidelines provided management recommendations addressing the biological domain of the biopsychosocial approach; 13 (87%) guidelines reported recommendations addressing the psychological domain, and 8 (53%) guidelines presented recommendations addressing the social domain. Only 53% (8/15) of guidelines reported recommendations addressing all three domains of the biopsychosocial approach. Guideline recommendations both across and within the biopsychosocial domains were varied and inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: The CLBP clinical guidelines included in this review provided detailed guidance on the biological domain, yet limited attention and detail were afforded to the psychological and social domains. Several recommendations are presented on how to improve the quality of future CLBP guidelines, and to help foster the provision of a biopsychosocial approach to CLBP management.

"It's messing with my physical health. It's messing with my sex life": Women's perspectives about, and impact of, pelvic health issues whilst awaiting specialist care.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pelvic health conditions are a common health complaint among women worldwide, and conservative management is recognised as first-line treatment. There is often a time lag between referral from general practitioners to specialist consultation and conservative therapy. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore perspectives from women with pelvic health conditions while they wait for specialist input, specifically about their understanding of their condition and its impact. METHODS: This research was underpinned by a qualitative descriptive methodology. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with women with pelvic health conditions who were waiting for specialist gynaecology consultation. RESULTS: A total of 11 women shared their perspectives about, and their understanding of, their condition and its impact. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified a variety of experiences and perspectives of women waiting to see the gynaecologist. These perspectives were categorised into four different themes: drivers to seek help, understanding the condition, experience/feeling being on the waiting list and expectations from the gynaecology team. CONCLUSION: This study identified the main drivers for seeking help were worsening and/or persistent symptoms. Participants were able to articulate their symptoms, identify possible causes and describe various treatment options, and amenable to alternate treatment options. This research sheds light on the devastating impact of pelvic health conditions on women, which may be amplified while waiting to seek specialist input. There appears to be a need for health services to better support these women during this time of waiting.

Rebooting effective clinical supervision practices to support healthcare workers through and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The importance of clinical supervision, a professional support and clinical governance mechanism, to patients, healthcare workers and organizations has been well documented. Clinical supervision has been shown to support healthcare workers during challenging times, by reducing burnout, enhancing mental health and wellbeing at work, and improving job satisfaction. However, clinical supervision participation and effectiveness are pre-requisites for realising these benefits. During times of stress and increased workloads (e.g. during the Coronavirus pandemic), healthcare workers tend to prioritise clinical duties and responsibilities over clinical supervision. Effective supervision practices can be restored, and healthcare workers can be better supported in their roles during and in the post-pandemic period only if healthcare workers, policy makers, healthcare organizations, clinical supervision trainers and researchers join forces. This paper sheds light on this important topic and offers a number of practical recommendations to reboot effective clinical supervision practices at the point of care.

A rapid review of the impact of COVID-19 on clinical supervision practices of healthcare workers and students in healthcare settings.

AIMS: To synthesize available data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical supervision practices of healthcare workers and students in healthcare settings. DESIGN: A quantitative rapid review of the literature. DATA SOURCES: A search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library and Scopus for English language papers published between December 2019 (initial onset of the pandemic) to March 2021. REVIEW METHODS: Using the World Health Organization and Cochrane guidelines for rapid reviews, following an identification of relevant papers and data extraction, a narrative synthesis approach was used to develop themes. RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Four themes identified from data synthesis were nature and extent of disruptions to clinical supervision, unmet need for psychological support, supervisors also need support and unpacking telesupervision. Findings highlight the extent and nature of disruption to clinical supervision at the point of care. Further information on factors that facilitate high-quality telesupervision have come to light. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed tremendous burden on healthcare workers compromising their own health and well-being. It is essential to restore effective clinical supervision practices at the point of care, so as to enhance patient, healthcare worker and organizational outcomes into the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. IMPACT: This review has provided initial evidence on the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical supervision of healthcare workers and students at the point of care. Available evidence indicates the urgent need to restore effective and high-quality clinical supervision practices in health settings. The review has highlighted a paucity of studies in this area, calling for further high-quality studies.

Is there a role for upper gastrointestinal contrast study to predict the outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy? Lessons learnt from a prospective study.

CONTEXT: : The importance of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast study following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is equivocal. It can, however, yield anatomical and functional details, the significance of which mostly remains unknown. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: : This prospective, single-center study included SG patients between January 2018 and January 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: : UGI contrast study was done on post-operative day 1. The findings of the study namely gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) holdup time, presence of fundus, gastroduodenal emptying (GDE) time, and sleeve shape were compared with weight loss, improvement of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. RESULTS: : There were 138 patients with 100% follow-up. Radiological sleeve patterns observed were: tubular (62.3%), superior (16.0%), and inferior (21.7%) pouches. GEJ holdup time had no effect on percentage total weight loss (%TWL) (P = 0.09) or HbA1c improvement (P = 0.077). The absence of fundus led to greater %TWL at 6 months (P = 0.048). GDE time <15 s led to higher %TWL (P = 0.028) and lower HbA1c (P = 0.010) at 12 months. Antrum size <2 cm was associated with higher %TWL (P = 0.022) and lower HbA1c level (P = 0.047) at 12 months. Vomiting and regurgitation were common with tubular sleeves. CONCLUSION: UGI contrast study can predict weight loss, HbA1c improvement, and GERD symptoms. The absence of fundus, small antrum, and rapid GDE are associated with better weight loss. HbA1c improvement is better with small antrum and rapid GDE. Tubular sleeve predisposes to vomiting and regurgitation.

Identifying opportunities for strengthening advice to enhance vegetable liking in the early years of life: qualitative consensus and triangulation methods.

OBJECTIVE: To prioritise and refine a set of evidence-informed statements into advice messages to promote vegetable liking in early childhood, and to determine applicability for dissemination of advice to relevant audiences. DESIGN: A nominal group technique (NGT) workshop and a Delphi survey were conducted to prioritise and achieve consensus (≥70 % agreement) on thirty evidence-informed maternal (perinatal and lactation stage), infant (complementary feeding stage) and early years (family diet stage) vegetable-related advice messages. Messages were validated via triangulation analysis against the strength of evidence from an Umbrella review of strategies to increase children's vegetable liking, and gaps in advice from a Desktop review of vegetable feeding advice. SETTING: Australia. PARTICIPANTS: A purposeful sample of key stakeholders (NGT workshop, n 8 experts; Delphi survey, n 23 end users). RESULTS: Participant consensus identified the most highly ranked priority messages associated with the strategies of: 'in-utero exposure' (perinatal and lactation, n 56 points) and 'vegetable variety' (complementary feeding, n 97 points; family diet, n 139 points). Triangulation revealed two strategies ('repeated exposure' and 'variety') and their associated advice messages suitable for policy and practice, twelve for research and four for food industry. CONCLUSIONS: Supported by national and state feeding guideline documents and resources, the advice messages relating to 'repeated exposure' and 'variety' to increase vegetable liking can be communicated to families and caregivers by healthcare practitioners. The food industry provides a vehicle for advice promotion and product development. Further research, where stronger evidence is needed, could further inform strategies for policy and practice, and food industry application.

Readiness towards online learning among physiotherapy undergraduates.

BACKGROUND: Online learning is an attractive option for educators, especially as means of overcoming the challenges posed by the global pandemic. Although it is best to evaluate student readiness prior to commencement of an online course, to ensure successful development and delivery of student-centric teaching and learning strategies, readiness towards online learning among physiotherapy undergraduates is unknown. The main aim of this study was to examine physiotherapy undergraduates' readiness towards online learning. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, participants were selected through a combination of total population and convenience sampling. The Student Online Learning Readiness questionnaire was distributed among physiotherapy undergraduates from two public and two private universities in Malaysia to investigate their technical, social and communication competencies. Information about device characteristics were obtained to evaluate their equipment readiness. Descriptive and group comparisons were conducted using independent t-test, and analysis of variance with p < 0.05 as level of significance. RESULTS: A total of 352 physiotherapy undergraduates participated. The response rate was 81.6%. The results showed that physiotherapy undergraduates in these four institutions had moderate levels of readiness towards technical competencies (M = 3.7 ± 0.5), social competencies with instructor (M = 3.7 ± 0.6), social competencies with classmates (M = 3.8 ± 0.6) and communication competencies (M = 3.6 ± 0.5) related to online learning. The overall readiness for these four competencies was moderate (M = 3.7 ± 0.4), however the physiotherapy undergraduates had high (> 80% possessed smartphones and laptop) level of equipment readiness. Institution and gender had no significant effect on the level of readiness (p > 0.05). Year 1 and 2 had significantly higher levels of social competencies with instructor compared to final year physiotherapy undergraduates (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Physiotherapy undergraduates in these four institutions had moderate to high levels of readiness towards online learning. Technical, social and communication competencies could be further enhanced with appropriate strategies. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides an insight into the level of readiness towards online learning among physiotherapy undergraduates. The findings of our study shed light on issues to consider when designing online courses. A pre-course training for undergraduates prior to the commencement of online courses may be useful. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not Applicable.

Molecularly imprinted polyaniline molecular receptor-based chemical sensor for the electrochemical determination of melamine.

Molecularly imprinted polymer-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE)-based electrochemical sensor is prepared using the electropolymerization of aniline in the presence of melamine (MA) as a template. In this work, the advantages of molecularly imprinted conducting polymers (MICPs) and electroanalytical methods were combined to obtain an electronic device with better performances. The sensor performance was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) with the linear range of 0.6-16 × 10-9 M, quantification limit of 14.9 × 10-10 M, and detection limit of 4.47 × 10-10 M (S/N = 3). The selectivity of the sensor was tested in the presence of acetoguanamine (AGA), diaminomethylatrazine (DMT), casein, histidine, and glycine interfering molecules taken at the triple concentration with MA that demonstrated too small current response compared with that of the analyte indicating high specificity of the sensor towards the template. The sensor was successfully applied to determine MA in infant formula samples with significant recovery greater than 96% and relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 4.8%. Moreover, the good repeatability, recyclability, and stability make this sensor device promising for the real-time monitoring of MA in different food stuffs.

"You get exposed to a wider range of things and it can be challenging but very exciting at the same time": enablers of and barriers to transition to rural practice by allied health professionals in Australia.

BACKGROUND: There is consistent evidence highlighting the mal-distribution of the health workforce between urban and rural and remote regions. To date, addressing this mal-distribution has focused on medicine and nursing with limited initiatives targeted at allied health. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore the enablers of and barriers to transition to rural practice by allied health professionals across South Australia in Australia. METHOD: Qualitative descriptive methodology was used to underpin this research. Individual, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with employers, managers and allied health professionals from rural regions of South Australia who were identified using purposive maximum variation sampling strategy. RESULTS: A total 22 participants shared their perspectives on the enablers of and barriers to transition to rural practice by allied health professionals across South Australia. Thematic analysis of the interview data resulted in a number of key issues impacting transition to rural-based practice. These findings could be broadly categorised into three stages during the transition: 'before'; 'during' and 'after'. DISCUSSION: This study identified a range of enablers of and barriers to transition to rural practice by allied health professionals. Five overarching themes - nature of rural practice, exposure to rural 'taster', social/lifestyle, job availability/characteristics, and mentor and support were identified. In particular, exposure to rural 'taster', social/lifestyle, and mentor and support were the key themes reported by the stakeholders. The multifactorial nature of the barriers and enablers highlight the complexity underpinning how AHPs transition to rural-based practice. These barriers/ enablers are often inter-linked and continually evolving which pose significant challenges for health care stakeholders to successfully addressing these. CONCLUSION: This research sheds light on the complexities that confront and successful strategies that are required for health care stakeholders when considering how best to support allied health professional transition to rural practice.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour of stomach: Feasibility of laparoscopic resection in large lesions and its long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are rare neoplasms that require excision for cure. Although the feasibility of laparoscopic resection of smaller gastric GIST has been established, the feasibility and long-term efficacy of these techniques are unclear in larger lesions. This study is done to assess the feasibility of the laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs and their long-term outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs were identified in a prospectively collected database. Outcome measures included patient demographics, operative findings, morbidity and histopathologic characteristics of the tumour. Patient and tumour characteristics were analysed to identify risk factors for tumour recurrence. RESULTS: There were 42 patients with a mean age of 56.7 years and had a mean tumour size was 4.5 ± 2.7 cm. Laparoscopic wedge resection was the most common procedure done. There were no major perioperative complications or mortalities. All lesions had negative resection margins. At a mean follow-up of 48 months, 36/39 (92.3%) patients were disease free and 3/39 (7.6%) had progressive disease. Univariate analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association of disease progression with tumour size, high mitotic index, tumour ulceration and tumour necrosis. The presence of >10 mitotic figures/50 high-power field was an independent predictor of disease progression. CONCLUSION: Our study establishes laparoscopic resection is feasible and safe in treating gastric GISTs for tumours >5 cm size. The long-term disease-free survival in our study shows acceptable oncological results in comparison to historical open resections.

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy for cancer: An initial experience.

BACKGROUND: The morbidity related to radical oesophagectomy can be reduced by adopting minimally invasive techniques. Over 250 thoraco-laparoscopic oesophagectomy (TLE) was done in our centre over the last 15 years, before adopting robotic surgery as the latest innovation in the field of minimally invasive surgery. Here, we share our initial experience of robotic-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy (RAMIE) for carcinoma oesophagus. METHODS: A prospective observational study conducted from February to December 2017. A total of 15 patients underwent RAMIE in this period. Data regarding demography, clinical characteristics, investigations, operating techniques, and post-operative outcome were collected in detail. RESULTS: There were 10 (66.7%) male patients and the median age of all patients was 62.9 (range 36-78) years. The median body mass index was 24.4 (range 15-32.8) kg/m2. Twelve (80.0%) patients had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oesophagus and 3 (20%) patients had adenocarcinoma (AC). Five (33.3%) patients received neoadjuvant therapy. All 15 patients underwent RAMIE. Patients with SCC underwent McKeown's procedure, and those with AC underwent Ivor Lewis procedure. Extended two-field lymphadenectomy (including total mediastinal lymphadenectomy) was done for all the patients. The median operating time was 558 (range 390-690) min and median blood loss was 145 (range 90-230) ml. There were no intra-operative adverse events, and none of them required conversion to open or total thoracolaparoscopic procedure. The most common post-operative complications were recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis (3 patients, 20.0%) and pneumonia (2 patients, 13.3%). The median hospital stay was 9 (range 7-33) days. In total, 9 (60%) patients required adjuvant treatment. CONCLUSION: Adequate experience in TLE can help minimally invasive surgeons in easy adoption of RAMIE with satisfactory outcome.

The development of a survey instrument to measure the barriers to the conduct and application of research in complementary and alternative medicine: a Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: As Complementary and Alternative medicine (CAM) grows in popularity, there is overt recognition for research evidence to inform clinical practice. While various strategies have been trialed to overcome the barriers to such progress, it is important to first understand the extent to which these barriers impact the conduct and application of CAM research. This study aimed to garner consensus and agreement among CAM researchers and practitioners in refining and validating a preliminary survey instrument for measuring these barriers. METHODS: A three-round Delphi study was undertaken with 22 international experts of CAM research and practice. Round one gathered consensus on 30 statements listing barriers to the application and conduct of CAM research. Only rounds two and three sought consensus on revised statements. Any statement demonstrating ≥ 70% agreement on a four-point Likert scale was determined to have reached consensus. RESULTS: Consensus and agreement was achieved for all 30 statements listing the barriers to the application and conduct of research in CAM. Additional commentary by the Delphi participants directed whether a statement had to be split into two parts or reworded. This process resulted in the generation of the "BarrierS To the Application and Conduct of rEsearch" (oBSTACLES) instrument. CONCLUSION: This study, the first of its kind on this topic, identified consensus and agreement on a series of evidence-informed statements to measure the barriers to the conduct and application of research in CAM. The uniqueness of the oBSTACLES instrument is its ability to measure barriers across the evidence-based continuum.

Visibility and meanings of partnership in health care for older people who need support to live at home.

INTRODUCTION: Problems experienced by older people with complex needs to live at home have been reported in the literature. This qualitative study builds on previous research and investigates enduring issues older people face when interacting with healthcare services. AIM: To gain an in-depth understanding of what is involved in providing good quality health care for older people who need support to live at home. METHODOLOGICAL DESIGN: We adopted an interpretive descriptive approach and conducted semi-structured interviews with older people (n = 7), carers (n = 8) and key informants (n = 11). Initial and secondary analysis of qualitative data was completed. FINDINGS: Major themes emerged about meanings of partnership in health care, and invisibility of the older person as a partner in health care. Partnership in health care was understood to mean being treated as an equal, being involved in decision-making, and making contributions which impact on health care and health systems. The metaphorical concept of 'invisibility' related to the older person not being seen and heard as a partner in health care, as well as being a recipient of care. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that older people who need support to live at home are not highly visible to health providers, policymakers and researchers as a central partner and consumer to be meaningfully engaged in shaping their health care. Opportunities to address persistent issues with quality of health care may in future be achieved through stronger partnerships between older people and health providers, to find new ways to improve the quality of care for older people.