Validity and reliability of outcome measures to assess dysfunctional breathing: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties of outcome measures that assess dysfunctional breathing (DB) in adults. METHODS: Studies on developing and evaluating measurement properties to assess DB were included. The study investigated the empirical research published between 1990 and February 2022, with an updated search in May 2023 in the Cochrane Library database of systematic reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Ovid Medline (full), the Ovid Excerta Medica Database, the Ovid allied and complementary medicines database, the Ebscohost Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database. The included studies' methodological quality was assessed using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) risk of bias checklist. Data analysis and synthesis followed the COSMIN methodology for reviews of outcome measurement instruments. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, and 10 outcome measures were identified. The psychometric properties of these outcome measures were evaluated using COSMIN. The Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ) is the only outcome measure with 'sufficient' ratings for content validity, internal consistency, reliability and construct validity. All other outcome measures did not report characteristics of content validity in the patients' group. DISCUSSION: The NQ showed high-quality evidence for validity and reliability in assessing DB. Our review suggests that using NQ to evaluate DB in people with bronchial asthma and hyperventilation syndrome is helpful. Further evaluation of the psychometric properties is needed for the remaining outcome measures before considering them for clinical use. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021274960.

Can we increase the value of data from bladder diaries? International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society 2023.

BACKGROUND: Bladder diaries represent a fundamental component in the assessment of patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. Nevertheless, their importance often remains underappreciated and undervalued within clinical practice. This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing literature concerning the utility of bladder diaries, underscore the criticality of their precision, elucidate the factors contributing to noncompliance with bladder diary completion, and investigate potential strategies for enhancing patient compliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the English-language scientific literature available in the domains of Medline, Embase, Emcare, Midirs, and Cinahl was conducted. This was supplemented by discussion at the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society Proposal session to define knowledge and identify gaps in knowledge surrounding the utility of bladder diaries. The existing evidence and outcome of the relevant discussion held in the meeting are presented. RESULTS: Bladder diaries (BD) serve to characterize the nature and severity of storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and provide an objective record of an individual's urination patterns. They aid in the refinement and customization of treatment strategies based on the clinical responses documented in the diary, optimizing treatment outcomes. Notably, both BD and urodynamic studies (UDS) play complementary yet distinct roles in LUTS evaluation. BD offers a more comprehensive and accessible approach to assessing specific storage LUTS, particularly due to their affordability and widespread availability, especially in resource-limited settings. Nevertheless, the absence of a standardized BD format across global healthcare systems presents a significant challenge. Despite being recognized as reliable, noninvasive, validated, and cost-effective tools for evaluating patients with LUTS, the implementation and completion of BD have proven to be complex. The introduction of automated bladder diaries heralds an era of precise, real-time data collection, potentially enhancing the patient-clinician relationship. Completion of bladder diaries depends on an array of individual, social, and healthcare-specific factors. Compliance with bladder diary completion could be enhanced with clear instructions, patient education, regular follow-ups and positive re-enforcement. This study has identified four critical areas for future research: Addressing healthcare disparities between affluent and developing nations, enhancing the current functionality and effectiveness of bladder diaries, exploring the feasibility of incorporating bladder diaries into the treatment and education process and improving the quality and functionality of existing bladder diaries. CONCLUSION: Bladder diaries play a pivotal role in the evaluation and management of patients with LUTS, providing a holistic perspective. When their complete potential is harnessed, they have the capacity to revolutionize the paradigm of LUTS management, ushering in a patient-centered era of care.

Impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor function in children with acquired brain injury: a scoping review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Children with severe acquired brain injury (ABI) require early and effective neurorehabilitation provision to promote a good long-term functional outcome. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to improve motor skills for children with cerebral palsy but there is limited material supporting its use in children with ABI who have a motor disorder. OBJECTIVE: To systematically answer what the TMS intervention effects are on motor function in children with ABI as reported in the literature. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This scoping review will follow Arksey and O'MaIIey's scoping review methodological framework. A comprehensive computerised bibliographic databases search will be performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Allied and Complementary Medicine, BNI, Ovid Emcare, PsyclNFO, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cochrane Central Register using keywords related to TMS and children with ABI.Studies that examine the effect of TMS intervention on motor function as either a primary or secondary objective will be included for this review. Study design and publication detail, participant demographic details, type and severity of ABI and other clinical information, TMS procedure, associated therapy intervention, comparator/control parameters and the outcome measure used data will be gathered.The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth framework will be used to report the TMS effect in children with ABI. A narrative synthesis of the findings describing the therapeutic effects of TMS intervention, limitations and adverse effects will be synthesised and reported. This review will help to summarise the existing knowledge base and to guide further research areas. This review outcome may help to evolve therapists' role to next-generation technology-based neurorehabilitation programmes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical approval is required for this review as we will be collecting data from previously published studies. We will present the findings at scientific conferences and publish in a peer-review journal.

Integrating e-collections following the merger of two specialist hospital libraries: a case study.

BACKGROUND: Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust was formed in February 2017 following an acquisition. The Library and Knowledge Services (LKS) merged while operating across two hospital sites. A priority for the merged Library and Knowledge Service was to integrate e-collections. A literature review identified six papers reporting health libraries that had merged and integrated e-collections. OBJECTIVES: A priority for the merged Library and Knowledge Service was to integrate e-collections. METHODS: To ensure equitable and cost-effective access to an extended collection, an audit of pre-existing e-collections was conducted. Electronic licence agreements enabling cross-site access were negotiated. A new OpenAthens ID was created. RESULTS: The integration of e-collections enabled Trust staff access to a greater number of e-journals and additional e-content, and an overall cost-saving was achieved. DISCUSSION: This case study supports existing literature stating that integrating collections increases the number of e-journals. It further identifies cost-difference in acquiring cross-site access to e-journals compared to databases providing full-text e-journals and additional e-content. CONCLUSION: Integrating e-collections enables equity of access and value. A national co-ordinated approach to procurement of e-collections will further support equity and best value throughout NHS LKS.

Exploring the newborn head diameters in relation to current obstetric forceps' dimensions: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically search the literature for studies that reported term neonate head size and shape, in an attempt to determine the most appropriate dimensions for the obstetric forceps. STUDY DESIGN: We searched the Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase and Ebscohost CINAHL databases from inception to February 2016. We predefined inclusion criteria to identify studies in which head width and length of asymptomatic, term neonates were measured soon after birth using direct, non-photographic methods A bespoke quality assessment score was used to evaluate the identified studies. RESULTS: Seven studies were identified which measured head width (biparietal diameter) in 551 neonates; giving a mean value of 94.0mm (range 90.7mm-95.5mm). We identified one study which measured head length (mentovertical diameter) in 38 neonates; which gave a mean value of 134.5mm (range 129mm-139mm). CONCLUSION: This data, in conjunction with measurements of Neville Barnes' and Wrigley's forceps from our previous study, indicates current obstetric forceps' blades are too long, and close together. Potentially, this could be contributing to neonatal and maternal injuries associated with operational vaginal deliveries.

Impact of subsequent birth and delivery mode for women with previous OASIS: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are serious complications of vaginal birth. In a pregnancy following OASIS women may be keen to avoid an elective caesarean section, yet cautious about pursuing another vaginal birth that may result in further damage to the pelvic floor and possible long-term anal incontinence. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of subsequent birth and its mode on anal incontinence (AI) and/or quality of life (QoL), for women with previous OASIS. METHODS: Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and AMED from inception to February 2016 were undertaken with selection criteria of any study evaluating the effect of a subsequent birth on AI and/or QoL in women with previous OASIS. Where possible, data were extracted to populate 2 × 2 tables and allow meta-analysis relating to the impact of subsequent birth on AI and/or QoL. RESULTS: Twenty-seven non-randomised studies were included. Meta-analysis of 14 studies (977 women) did not demonstrate any significant associations between AI in women with previous OASIS and subsequent birth or its mode. Impact on QoL was reported in 12 studies (912 women); however, difference in outcome reporting precluded data meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Comparisons of outcomes and effective synthesis were limited by sample size, quality and heterogeneity of the studies included. Consequently, the optimal mode of delivery for women with previous OASIS is still not known and better data are needed.

Maternal genotype and severe preeclampsia: a HuGE review.

Severe preeclampsia is a common cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity worldwide. The disease clusters in families; however, individual genetic studies have produced inconsistent results. We conducted a review to examine relationships between maternal genotype and severe preeclampsia. We searched the MEDLINE and Embase databases for prospective and retrospective cohort and case-control studies reporting associations between genes and severe preeclampsia. Four reviewers independently undertook study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction. We performed random-effects meta-analyses by genotype and predefined functional gene group (thrombophilic, vasoactive, metabolic, immune, and cell signalling). Fifty-seven studies evaluated 50 genotypes in 5,049 cases and 16,989 controls. Meta-analysis showed a higher risk of severe preeclampsia with coagulation factor V gene (proaccelerin, labile factor) (F5) polymorphism rs6025 (odds ratio = 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.42, 2.54; 23 studies, I(2) = 29%), coagulation factor II (thrombin) gene (F2) mutation G20210A (rs1799963) (odds ratio = 2.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.14, 3.55, 9 studies, I(2) = 0%), leptin receptor gene (LEPR) polymorphism rs1137100 (odds ratio = 1.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.15, 2.65; 2 studies, I(2) = 0%), and the thrombophilic gene group (odds ratio = 1.87, 95% confidence interval: 1.43, 2.45, I(2) = 27%). There were no associations with other gene groups. There was moderate heterogeneity between studies and potential for bias from poor-quality genotyping and inconsistent definition of phenotype. Further studies with robust methods should investigate genetic factors that might potentially be used to stratify pregnancies according to risk of complications.