Clinical Decision Support System Used in Spinal Disorders: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Spinal disorders are highly prevalent worldwide with high socioeconomic costs. This cost is associated with the demand for treatment and productivity loss, prompting the exploration of technologies to improve patient outcomes. Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are computerized systems that are increasingly used to facilitate safe and efficient health care. Their applications range in depth and can be found across health care specialties. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to explore the use of CDSSs in patients with spinal disorders. METHODS: We used the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological guidance for this scoping review and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) statement. Databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and PsycINFO, were searched from inception until October 11, 2022. The included studies examined the use of digitalized CDSSs in patients with spinal disorders. RESULTS: A total of 4 major CDSS functions were identified from 31 studies: preventing unnecessary imaging (n=8, 26%), aiding diagnosis (n=6, 19%), aiding prognosis (n=11, 35%), and recommending treatment options (n=6, 20%). Most studies used the knowledge-based system. Logistic regression was the most commonly used method, followed by decision tree algorithms. The use of CDSSs to aid in the management of spinal disorders was generally accepted over the threat to physicians' clinical decision-making autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: Although the effectiveness was frequently evaluated by examining the agreement between the decisions made by the CDSSs and the health care providers, comparing the CDSS recommendations with actual clinical outcomes would be preferable. In addition, future studies on CDSS development should focus on system integration, considering end user's needs and preferences, and external validation and impact studies to assess effectiveness and generalizability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: OSF Registries osf.io/dyz3f; https://osf.io/dyz3f.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact of Delirium on Hospitalized Older Adults With Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: High prevalence of delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) was previously reported, with associated negative impact on hospitalized older adults. However, data were conflicting, and no meta-analysis has been conducted. Although dementia is the leading risk factor for delirium, risk factors for DSD have not been adequately studied. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to elucidate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of DSD in hospitalized older adults. Comparisons were made between older adults with DSD and persons with dementia alone (PWDs). DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Observational studies reporting prevalence, risk factors, or impact of DSD in hospitalized older adults. METHODS: Database search was conducted till December 2020 in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and OpenGrey for relevant primary and secondary studies. A piloted data collection form was used for data extraction, and methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. Meta-analyses, with risk ratio and mean differences as effect measures, were performed using random effects model with Review Manager software. Cochran's Q and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity, which was investigated using subgroup analyses. RESULTS: A total of 81 studies were eligible. The pooled prevalence of DSD was 48.9%, with the highest prevalence found in the Americas and orthopedic wards. Risk factors, including nonmodifiable hospital-, illness-, and medication-related factors, were found to precipitate DSD. Patients with DSD had longer length of hospitalization, disclosed worse cognitive and functional outcomes, and a higher risk of institutionalization and mortality than patients with dementia. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings suggested high prevalence and detrimental impact of DSD in hospitalized older adults, highlighting a need for early identification, prevention, and treatments. Further research on risk factors of DSD should be conducted as data were sparse and conflicting. Future high-quality studies regarding DSD are warranted to improve knowledge of this common but under-recognized phenomenon.