Exploring the understanding, source of availability and level of access of cognitive enhancers among university students in the United Arab Emirates: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: The use of prescription stimulants for cognitive enhancement by healthy university students, identified as the largest cohort of cognitive enhancer (CE) users, is of growing interest. The purpose of this study was to look at the understanding, perception, experience, and level of access of CEs among healthy university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: The study was conducted in six highly competitive university programmes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 university students to discuss their own experiences and those of their friends and peers regarding the use of prescription stimulants. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven teaching faculty staff members (registered pharmacists and medical doctors) to explore their views on the use of CEs in their university. RESULTS: Data were analysed thematically for the identification of themes and subthemes within the data using coding. It was found that, 'Adderall' was the most common prescribed CE drug and caffeine super strength pills were the most common non-prescribed CE drug, both reported to enhance concentration, motivation, and meet academic deadlines. CONCLUSIONS: It is expected that the findings of this study will be of interest to a wide range of services in UAE universities. This will enable them to raise awareness about the use of CEs among students.

Modified dietary fat intake for treatment of gallstone disease in people of any age.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of gallstones varies between less than 1% and 64% in different populations and is thought to be increasing in response to changes in nutritional intake and increasing obesity. Some people with gallstones have no symptoms but approximately 2% to 4% develop them each year, predominantly including severe abdominal pain. People who experience symptoms have a greater risk of developing complications. The main treatment for symptomatic gallstones is cholecystectomy. Traditionally, a low-fat diet has also been advised to manage gallstone symptoms, but there is uncertainty over the evidence to support this. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits and harms of modified dietary fat intake in the treatment of gallstone disease in people of any age. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE ALL Ovid, Embase Ovid, and three other databases to 17 February 2023 to identify randomised clinical trials in people with gallstones. We also searched online trial registries and pharmaceutical company sources, for ongoing or unpublished trials to March 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised clinical trials (irrespective of language, blinding, or status) in people with gallstones diagnosed using ultrasonography or conclusive imaging methods. We excluded participants diagnosed with another condition that may compromise dietary fat tolerance. We excluded trials where data from participants with gallstones were not reported separately from data from participants who did not have gallstones. We included trials that investigated other interventions (e.g. trials of drugs or other dietary (non-fat) components) providing that the trial groups had received the same proportion of drug or other dietary (non-fat) components in the intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We intended to undertake meta-analysis and present the findings according to Cochrane recommendations. However, as we identified only five trials, with data unsuitable and insufficient for analyses, we described the data narratively. MAIN RESULTS: We included five trials but only one randomised clinical trial (69 adults), published in 1986, reported outcomes of interest to the review. The trial had four dietary intervention groups, three of which were relevant to this review. We assessed the trial at high risk of bias. The dietary fat modifications included a modified cholesterol intake and medium-chain triglyceride supplementation. The control treatment was a standard diet. The trial did not report on any of the primary outcomes in this review (i.e. all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, and health-related quality of life). The trial reported on gallstone dissolution, one of our secondary outcomes. We were unable to apply the GRADE approach to determine certainty of evidence because the included trial did not provide data that could be used to generate an estimate of the effect on this or any other outcome. The trial expressed its finding as "no significant effect of a low-cholesterol diet in the presence of ursodeoxycholic acid on gallstone dissolution." There were no serious adverse events reported. The included trial reported that they received no funding that could bias the trial results through conflicts of interest. We found no ongoing trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence about the effects of modifying dietary fat on gallstone disease versus standard diet is scant. We lack results from high-quality randomised clinical trials which investigate the effects of modification of dietary fat and other nutrient intakes with adequate follow-up. There is a need for well-designed trials that should include important clinical outcomes such as mortality, quality of life, impact on dissolution of gallstones, hospital admissions, surgical intervention, and adverse events.

Reciprocal relationships and the importance of feedback in patient and public involvement: A mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Reciprocal relationships between researchers and patient and public involvement (PPI) contributors can enable successful PPI in research. However, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that researchers do not commonly provide feedback to PPI contributors thus preventing them from knowing whether, how or where their contributions were useful to researchers and research overall. AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore the variation, types, importance of, and satisfaction with feedback given by researchers to PPI contributors in six PPI groups in England, and identify the barriers to the process of feedback. METHODS: An explanatory mixed methods sequential study design with a questionnaire survey followed by semi-structured interviews with researchers and PPI contributors in six PPI groups. PPI contributors were involved in all stages of the research process. RESULTS: Researchers do not routinely give feedback to PPI contributors. Feedback was found to have different meanings: an acknowledgement, impact and study success and progress. PPI contributors who receive feedback are motivated for further involvement; it supports their learning and development and prompts researchers to reflect on PPI impact. The importance of the role of a PPI lead or coordinator to facilitate the process of providing feedback was also highlighted. CONCLUSION: This study found no generic way to give feedback indicating that mutual feedback expectations should be discussed at the outset. PPI feedback needs to become integral to the research process with appropriate time and resources allocated. PPI feedback can be seen as a key indicator of mature, embedded PPI in research.

The feasibility of a train-the-trainer approach to end of life care training in care homes: an evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The ABC End of Life Education Programme trained approximately 3000 care home staff in End of Life (EoL) care. An evaluation that compared this programme with the Gold Standards Framework found that it achieved equivalent outcomes at a lower cost with higher levels of staff satisfaction. To consolidate this learning, a facilitated peer education model that used the ABC materials was piloted. The goal was to create a critical mass of trained staff, mitigate the impact of staff turnover and embed EoL care training within the organisations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a train the trainer (TTT) model to support EoL care in care homes. METHODS: A mixed method design involved 18 care homes with and without on-site nursing across the East of England. Data collection included a review of care home residents' characteristics and service use (n = 274), decedents' notes n = 150), staff interviews (n = 49), focus groups (n = 3), audio diaries (n = 28) and observations of workshops (n = 3). RESULTS: Seventeen care homes participated. At the end of the TTT programme 28 trainers and 114 learners (56% of the targeted number of learners) had been trained (median per home 6, range 0-13). Three care homes achieved or exceeded the set target of training 12 learners. Trainers ranged from senior care staff to support workers and administrative staff. Results showed a positive association between care home stability, in terms of leadership and staff turnover, and uptake of the programme. Care home ownership, type of care home, size of care home, previous training in EoL care and resident characteristics were not associated with programme completion. Working with facilitators was important to trainers, but insufficient to compensate for organisational turbulence. Variability of uptake was also linked to management support, programme fit with the trainers' roles and responsibilities and their opportunities to work with staff on a daily basis. CONCLUSION: When there is organisational stability, peer to peer approaches to skills training in end of life care can, with expert facilitation, cascade and sustain learning in care homes.

The importance of recovery and staffing on midwives' emotional wellbeing: A UK national survey.

BACKGROUND: There is currently a gap in the evidence on how working practices, such as the ability to take rest breaks, finish on time or intershift recovery influence outcomes. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the association of individual characteristics, work-related factors and working practices on emotional wellbeing outcomes of UK midwives. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey collated data between September and October 2020. Outcomes explored were work-related stress, burnout, being pleased with their standard of care, job satisfaction and thoughts about leaving midwifery. Univariate analysis identified the explanatory variables to be investigated using multivariable logistic regression. FINDINGS: A total of 2347 midwives from the four UK nations completed the survey. No standard approach in monitoring safe staffing or in-shift or intershift recovery was found. There were high levels of work-related stress, burnout and thoughts about leaving midwifery, and low levels of job satisfaction, with just half of midwives reporting they were satisfied with the standard of care they could provide. Multivariable regression revealed that working practices variables, generally related to impeded recovery or compounded by staffing issues, had a significant association with poorer emotional wellbeing outcomes. CONCLUSION: This research has demonstrated an association between impeded recovery, including a lack of formal methods to monitor this, and poorer emotional wellbeing outcomes, and that staffing levels are highly influential in determining outcomes. There is a need to re-evaluate current approaches to job design and how midwives are expected to work.

Testing a faith-placed education intervention for bowel cancer screening in Muslim communities using a two-group non-randomised mixed-methods approach: Feasibility study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Inequalities exist in uptake of bowel cancer screening in England with low uptake in areas with high deprivation and amongst certain ethnic and religious groups. Individuals from these groups are more likely to receive a late diagnosis of bowel cancer. Uptake in Muslim communities, for example, has been shown to be lower than in the general population. Culturally adapted interventions are needed to address these inequalities. This feasibility study aims to assess the acceptability and accessibility of an educational faith-placed bowel cancer screening intervention in the East of England, alongside its impact on bowel screening uptake. It was developed by the British Islamic Medical Association in partnership with community stakeholders and professionals. METHODS: Ethical approval was granted on the 27 October 2021, REC reference number 21/EE/0231. A two-group non-randomised feasibility mixed methods study will be conducted, using surveys, focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Participants eligible for bowel screening will be recruited through local mosques and community venues. We aim to recruit 100 participants to the intervention group and 150 to the comparison group (not receiving the intervention). Intervention group participants will complete a survey at baseline, post-intervention and at six-month follow up. Comparison group participants will complete a survey at baseline and at six-month follow up. Outcomes will include: intention to take up screening; actual screening uptake; knowledge, attitudes, barriers and facilitators towards screening. Regional screening hub records will be used to ascertain actual screening uptake at six-month follow-up. Quantitative survey data will be summarised using descriptive statistics (e.g., proportion), and exploratory univariate analysis will be undertaken (e.g., chi-squared test). Two focus group interviews will be conducted with intervention group participants (with up to 16 participants). Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 10 clinicians delivering the intervention to explore the acceptability of the intervention, training, and delivery. All qualitative data will be subject to a general inductive analysis. DISCUSSION: The findings will inform how faith-placed interventions can be implemented to increase uptake of bowel cancer screening, and potentially other health promotion programmes, to address health inequalities in ethnically diverse communities in England.

Outdoor air pollution and incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke: a small-area level ecological study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Evidence linking outdoor air pollution and incidence of stroke is limited. We examined effects of outdoor air pollution on the incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke at the population level focusing on middle-aged and older people. METHODS: We used a small-area level ecological study design and a stroke register set up to capture all incident cases of first-ever stroke occurring in a defined geographical area in south London (948 census output areas) where road traffic contributes to spatial variation in air pollution. Population-weighted averages were calculated for output areas using outdoor nitrogen dioxide and PM(10) concentrations modeled at a 20-m resolution. RESULTS: There were 1832 ischemic and 348 hemorrhagic strokes in 1995 to 2004 occurring among a resident population of 267 839. Mean (SD) concentration was 25.1 (1.2) µg/m(3) (range, 23.3-36.4 µg/m(3)) for PM(10) and 41.4 (3.0) µg/m(3) (range, 35.4-68.0 µg/m(3)) for nitrogen dioxide. For ischemic stroke, adjusted rate ratios per 10-µg/m(3) increase, for all ages, 40 to 64 and 65 to 79 years, respectively, were 1.22 (0.77-1.93), 1.12 (0.55-2.28), and 1.86 (1.10-3.13) for PM(10) and 1.11 (0.93-1.32), 1.13 (0.86-1.50), and 1.23 (0.99-1.53) for nitrogen dioxide. For hemorrhagic stroke, the corresponding rate ratios were 0.52 (0.20-1.37), 0.78 (0.17-3.51), and 0.51 (0.12-2.22) for PM(10) and 0.86 (0.60-1.24), 1.12 (0.66-1.90), and 0.78 (0.44-1.39) for nitrogen dioxide. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no significant association between outdoor air pollutants and ischemic stroke incidence for all ages combined, there was a suggestion of increased risk among people aged 65 to 79 years. There was no evidence of increased incidence in hemorrhagic stroke.

Hypertension before and after posterior circulation infarction: analysis of data from the South London Stroke Register.

BACKGROUND: Postmortem data have shown that blood pressure before death correlates more closely with a narrowing of the vertebral arteries than any other vessel studied. This study explores a possible association between hypertension, both before and after posterior circulation infarction (POCI) compared to anterior circulation infarction (ACI). METHODS: Patients with a first-ever stroke enrolled in the South London Stroke Register between 2000 and 2006 were included. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare risk factors including hypertension, sex, smoking history, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia in patients with POCI compared to ACI. Chi-square testing was used to compare the incidence of newly diagnosed hypertension after POCI and ACI. Absolute blood pressure readings recorded before stroke and 7 days after stroke were also compared between groups. RESULTS: On multivariable analysis, POCI was significantly associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-3.22; P < .001) and hypertension (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.15-2.50; P = .008). After stroke, patients with POCI were more likely to be newly diagnosed with hypertension during a 1-year follow-up period (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.20-3.86; P = .009) and as an inpatient (OR 3.27; 95% CI 1.49-7.13; P = .002). Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the POCI group before stroke (152 v 146 mm Hg; P = .027). Diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher 7 days poststroke (81 v 74 mm Hg; P = .01) in patients not previously diagnosed with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown a significant association between hypertension before and after POCI compared to ACI. We believe further investigation with brainstem imaging and recordings of sympathetic nervous system activity after stroke is warranted.

Assessing prevalence, knowledge and use of cognitive enhancers among university students in the United Arab Emirates: A quantitative study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive enhancers (CE) are often used to improve memory, alertness and cognitive capacity. These products are commercially and pharmaceutically available. Due to high academic pressure, university students are at risk of CE misuse. However, data regarding this issue are limited, especially in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). AIMS: To assess the prevalence of CE intake; evaluate students' knowledge of these substances; and identify student characteristics associated with CE usage. METHOD: A cross sectional study based on a validated online survey that was distributed using university-licensed software (Qualtrics) as a direct web link via email and social media to all Medical, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing and Engineering students enrolled in six UAE universities. Associations between student characteristics and CE use were investigated using the chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression. Reasons for CE use, temporal patterns of use, details regarding purchase and types of CE used were compared by gender. RESULTS: One quarter of students had used CEs. There was a clear difference between users and non-users in terms of gender (p<0.001). CE users were disproportionately represented by students from either UAE or other Arab countries (p<0.001), and by students of Medicine, followed by Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Engineering (p<0.001). CE use increased with year of study, reaching the highest level in the fourth year (p<0.001), which for most programmes is the final year. Modafinil was self-administered, especially in males, for concentration and alertness; B12 was typically taken by female students for academic performance and concentration; and high-dosage caffeine compounds were ingested to improve alertness levels. Use of the internet for both obtaining information and purchasing CEs was frequently reported. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that gender, nationality, and year of study were associated with CE use among UAE university students. CONCLUSIONS: Universities need to address the prevalence of CE use amongst their students by providing effective support programs.

Evaluation of the move to remote delivery of drug and alcohol services during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study protocol.

Background: Substance misuse is a significant global health concern. In the UK, the prevalence of substance misuse has increased over the past decade and the number of alcohol and drug related deaths are increasing. Individuals with substance dependency issues are entitled to access treatment services. However, the COVID-19 pandemic created significant challenges for public services, including drug and alcohol treatment, and resulted in significant service reconfiguration and a shift from in-person to remote delivery. This study aims to evaluate the delivery of drug and alcohol services in a large metropolitan area in Northern England during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to understand the impact of service reconfiguration for services, staff and service users, and to use this understanding to inform the future optimised design of services. Design and methods: The study has five workstreams within a mixed methods framework: (1) Systematic review of literature; (2) Qualitative process evaluation with service providers (digital timelines, focus groups and interviews); (3) Qualitative process evaluation with service users (interviews, focus groups, text based conversations and case studies); (4) Quantitative outcomes and health economic analysis; and (5) Data synthesis and dissemination. Expected Impact of the study for Public Health: The breadth of the study, its novel nature, and the importance of substance misuse as a public health issue, mean that this study will provide valuable findings for those who commission, deliver and use drug and alcohol treatment services nationally and internationally. There will also be important learning for the effective remote delivery of services in sectors beyond drug and alcohol treatment.

Evaluation of a whole system approach to diet and healthy weight in the east of Scotland: Study protocol.

Obesity is a global epidemic affecting all age groups, populations and income levels across continents. The causes of obesity are complex and are routed in health behaviours, environmental factors, government policy and the cultural and built environment. Consequently, a Whole System Approach (WSA) which considers the many causes of obesity and shifts the focus away from individuals as points of intervention and puts an emphasis on understanding and improving the system in which people live in is required. This protocol describes a programme of research that will: critically evaluate the evidence for WSAs; assess longitudinally the implementation of a WSA to diet and healthy weight to explore the range of levers (drivers) and opportunities to influence relevant partnerships and interventions to target obesity in East Scotland. The programme consists of four workstreams within a mixed methods framework: 1) Systematic review of reviews of WSAs to diet and healthy weight; 2) Longitudinal qualitative process evaluation of implementing two WSAs in Scotland; 3) Quantitative and Qualitative momentary analysis evaluation of a WSA; and 4) the application of System Dynamics Modelling (SDM) methodology to two council areas in Scotland. A Public Involvement in Research group (PIRg) have informed each stage of the research process. The research programme's breadth and its novel nature, mean that it will provide valuable findings for the increasing numbers who commission, deliver, support and evaluate WSAs to diet and healthy weight nationally and internationally.

Understanding the financial impact of a diagnosis of young onset dementia on individuals and families in the United Kingdom: Results of an online survey.

Although literature on postdiagnostic support for people affected by young onset dementia acknowledges financial concerns, this topic has remained underresearched. The aim of this study was to explore the financial impact of a diagnosis of young onset dementia on individuals and families. An online survey, comprising binary yes/no, multiple-response and open-ended questions, was codesigned with people living with young onset dementia. The survey was promoted via networks and online platforms. Data were collected from August to October 2019. Survey respondents across the United Kingdom (n = 55) who had received a diagnosis of young onset dementia were aged between 45 and 64, were at different stages of dementia and had been diagnosed with thirteen different types of dementia. Of the 55 respondents, 71% (n = 39) had received assistance from family members when completing the survey. The main financial impact of a diagnosis of young onset dementia resulted from premature loss of income and reduced and often deferred pension entitlements. In some cases, care-costs became unaffordable. Lack of clarity of processes and procedures around needs assessments, carers' assessments and financial assessments by different organisations resulted in some families having to ask for legal advice and, in some cases, involved lengthy appeal processes. Future research needs to involve Adult Social Care and Third Sector organisations to help codesign and test financial management interventions to support people affected by this progressive health condition.

Contributions of treatment centre and patient characteristics to patient-reported experience of haemodialysis: a national cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relative importance of patient and centre level factors in determining self-reported experience of care in patients with advanced kidney disease treated by maintenance haemodialysis (HD). DESIGN: Analysis of data from a cross sectional national survey; the UK Renal Registry (UKRR) national Kidney patient-reported experience measure (PREM) survey (2018). Centre-level data were obtained from the UKRR report (2018). SETTING: National survey of patients with advanced kidney disease receiving treatment with maintenance HD in UK renal centres in 2018. PARTICIPANTS: The Kidney PREM was distributed to all UK renal centres by the UKRR in May 2018. Each centre invited patients receiving outpatient treatment for kidney disease to complete the PREM. These included patients with chronic kidney disease, those receiving dialysis-both HD and peritoneal dialysis, and those with a functioning kidney transplant. There were no formal inclusion/exclusion criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Kidney PREM has 38 questions in 13 subscales. Responses were captured using a 7-point Likert scale (never 1, always 7). The primary outcome of interest was the mean PREM score calculated across all questions. Multilevel modelling was used to determine the proportion of variation of the mean PREM score across centres due to patient-related and centre-related factors. RESULTS: There were records for 8253 HD patients (61% men, 77% white) from 69 renal centres (9-710 patients per centre). There was significant variation in mean PREM score across centres (5.35-6.53). In the multivariable analysis there was some variation in relation to both patient- and centre-level factors but these contributed little to explaining the overall variation. However, multilevel modelling showed that the overwhelming proportion of the explained variance (45%) was explained by variation between centres (40%), only a small proportion of which is identified by measured factors. Only 5% of the variation was related to patient-level factors. CONCLUSIONS: Centre rather than patient characteristics determine the experience of care of patients receiving HD. Further work is required to define the characteristics of the treating centre which determine patient experience.

Impact of outdoor air pollution on survival after stroke: population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The impact of air pollution on survival after stroke is unknown. We examined the impact of outdoor air pollution on stroke survival by studying a population-based cohort. METHODS: All patients who experienced their first-ever stroke between 1995 and 2005 in a geographically defined part of London, where road traffic contributes to spatial variation in air pollution, were followed up to mid-2006. Outdoor concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter <10 microm in diameter modeled at a 20-m grid point resolution for 2002 were linked to residential postal codes. Hazard ratios were adjusted for age, sex, social class, ethnicity, smoking, alcohol consumption, prestroke functional ability, pre-existing medical conditions, stroke subtype and severity, hospital admission, and neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation. RESULTS: There were 1856 deaths among 3320 patients. Median survival was 3.7 years (interquartile range, 0.1 to 10.8). Mean exposure levels were 41 microg/m(3) (SD, 3.3; range, 32.2 to 103.2) for nitrogen dioxide and 25 microg/m(3) (SD, 1.3; range, 22.7 to 52) for particulate matter <10 microm in diameter. A 10-microg/m(3) increase in nitrogen dioxide was associated with a 28% (95% CI, 11% to 48%) increase in risk of death. A 10-microg/m(3) increase in particulate matter <10 mum in diameter was associated with a 52% (6% to 118%) increase in risk of death. Reduced survival was apparent throughout the follow-up period, ruling out short-term mortality displacement. CONCLUSIONS: Survival after stroke was lower among patients living in areas with higher levels of outdoor air pollution. If causal, a 10-microg/m(3) reduction in nitrogen dioxide exposure might be associated with a reduction in mortality comparable to that for stroke units. Improvements in outdoor air quality might contribute to better survival after stroke.

The incidence of all stroke and stroke subtype in the United Kingdom, 1985 to 2008: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is considerable geographic variation in stroke mortality around the United Kingdom (UK). Whether this is due to geographical differences in incidence or case-fatality is unclear. We conducted a systematic review of high-quality studies documenting the incidence of any stroke and stroke subtypes, between 1985 and 2008 in the UK. We aimed to study geographic and temporal trends in relation to equivalent mortality trends. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched, reference lists inspected and authors of included papers were contacted. All rates were standardised to the European Standard Population for those over 45, and between 45 and 74 years. Stroke mortality rates for the included areas were then calculated to produce rate ratios of stroke mortality to incidence for each location. RESULTS: Five papers were included in this review. Geographic variation was narrow but incidence appeared to largely mirror mortality rates for all stroke. For men over 45, incidence (and confidence intervals) per 100,000 ranged from 124 (109-141) in South London, to 185 (164-208) in Scotland. For men, premature (45-74 years) stroke incidence per 100,000 ranged from 79 (67-94) in the North West, to 112 (95-132) in Scotland. Stroke subtype data was more geographically restricted, but did suggest there is no sizeable variation in incidence by subtype around the country. Only one paper, based in South London, had data on temporal trends. This showed that there has been a decline in stroke incidence since the mid 1990 s. This could not be compared to any other locations in this review. CONCLUSIONS: Geographic variations in stroke incidence appear to mirror variations in mortality rates. This suggests policies to reduce inequalities in stroke mortality should be directed at risk factor profiles rather than treatment after a first incident event. More high quality stroke incidence data from around the UK are needed before this can be confirmed.

A comparison of characteristics and resource use between in-hospital and admitted patients with stroke.

BACKGROUND: Although in-hospital stroke is not a common occurrence, it is important to identify what components of stroke care these patients receive. The aims of this study were to estimate the clinical characteristics, process of stroke care, and mortality in patients admitted to hospital with stroke compared with patients with in-hospital strokes. METHODS: Data from a community-based stroke register (1995-2004) in an inner city multiethnic population of 271,817 in South London, United Kingdom, were analyzed. RESULTS: From a total of 2402 patients, 291 (12.1%) had in-hospital strokes. Patients with in-hospital strokes were more likely to be incontinent, be dysphagic, have a motor deficit, and have a low level of consciousness (P < .001) compared with admitted patients with stroke. Brain imaging was carried out more frequently in admitted patients with stroke (P < .001). Access to stroke unit care was higher in admitted patients with stroke (P < .001). In-hospital patients with stroke had a longer mean length of stay (55.9 days) compared with admitted patients with stroke (37.9 days, P < .001). There were no significant differences between the groups for receipt of physiotherapy or occupational therapy after discharge (P=.232) or receipt of speech and language therapy (P=.345). After adjustment of case mix variables, in-hospital patients with stroke were less likely to undergo imaging (odds ratio [OR]=0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.33-0.89, P=.015). In-hospital patients with stroke were less likely to be treated in a stroke unit (OR=0.33, 95% CI=0.22-0.50, P < .001) and prescribed antiplatelet therapy at 3 months (OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.30-0.88, P=.015). By 3 months, in-hospital patients with stroke were more likely to have died (P < .001), although this was not significant after case mix adjustment (OR=1.39, 95% CI=0.90-2.15, P=.135). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that in-hospital patients with stroke had worse stroke severity, and poorer access to a number of components of stroke care compared with admitted patients with stroke. All hospitals should include, in their stroke policies and guidelines, evidence-based pathways that prioritize the needs of patients who have a stroke while in hospital.

Tracking and treating malnutrition: a retrospective observational study of the nutritional status of vulnerable people accessing a meals-on-wheels (MOW) service.

AIM: The aims of the study were to describe the characteristics of meals-on-wheels (MOW) recipients, including prevalence of malnutrition amongst those who have received input from the Nutrition and Wellbeing Service (NWS) and to explore whether the NWS had an impact on the nutritional status (malnutrition risk) of recipients over time. BACKGROUND: Support services, for example, MOW, play an important role in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition in the community. In the UK, MOW services are under threat. However, little is known about how they support the health and well-being of older people. This study reports on the characteristics of MOW recipients and investigates change in nutritional status over time. METHODS: A retrospective study of MOW recipients of nutritional concern who were offered a check through the NWS was conducted. Demographic, social and health information were gathered at the initial visit. Nutritional status (risk of malnutrition) was obtained using the validated Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), at the initial and subsequent visits. Changes over time were investigated for recipients receiving at least two follow-up visits. FINDINGS: An initial visit was made to 399 MOW recipients, and 148 recipients had two or more follow-up visits. At initial screening, 177 (44%) of recipients were at medium or high risk of malnutrition. Frailty was significantly related to malnutrition risk (P = 0.049). At follow-up, there was a reduction in malnutrition risk. CONCLUSIONS: The MOW service was associated with a reduction in malnutrition risk. By offering well-being visits within a MOW service, malnutrition can be identified early. Future studies into how MOW services might delay or prevent the need for support from acute health services and social care are warranted.

The role of patient and public involvement leads in facilitating feedback: "invisible work".

BACKGROUND: Health research in the UK requires patients, those with lived experience and members of the public to be involved in designing and shaping research: many of them have reported that their comments and suggestions are not always acknowledged, and they do not know if their input has been used or is useful. The benefits of feedback from researchers not only create motivation for further involvement but aids learning and development, as well as recording impact. The aims of this study were to improve the feedback experience of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) contributors. Co-produced feedback processes were designed and implemented in order to change feedback from researchers to PPI contributors in six PPI groups in England. METHODS: An explanatory mixed methods sequential study design was utilised with a comparative questionnaire survey (administered 20 months apart), interviews and a focus group with PPI leads, researchers and PPI contributors. Patient and Public Involvement contributors were involved from initial idea, study design, data analysis through to dissemination. RESULTS: Co-designed feedback processes were introduced in five of the six PPI groups and there was an overall increase in the frequency of feedback over the period studied. The enablers and barriers to implementing feedback processes were identified, which included the importance of wider institutional level support. PPI leads need to have dedicated time and acknowledge feedback as part of their role. The importance of individual feedback processes designed by, and for each PPI group, rather than a generic one, was also identified as key to successful implementation. CONCLUSION: The role of the PPI lead is an important facilitator in improving feedback but can easily be overlooked and has been described as invisible. PPI leads can perform an essential bridging role between researchers and members of the public. This study has shown that PPI feedback processes can be implemented if they are part of embedded PPI with explicit expectations, facilitated by a dedicated PPI lead role with sufficient support and resources. The findings have implications beyond this particular study, particularly for those involved in undertaking and funding health and social care research.

Exploring the Baseline Knowledge and Experience of Healthcare Professionals in the United Kingdom on Novel Psychoactive Substances.

Objective: This survey aimed to explore knowledge and experience on novel psychoactive substances (NPS) of healthcare professionals (HCPs). The study also aimed to assess how HCPs would like to improve their knowledge of NPS. Methods: Seventy paper questionnaires were disseminated in 2017 within continuing education events to pharmacists, nurses and general practitioners (GPs). Additionally, 127 online surveys were completed using the Qualtrics platform by other HCPs and mental health nurses in six United Kingdom (UK) independent mental health hospitals long-stay in-patient rehabilitation services. Two educational sessions involving pharmacists and GPs were also held in late 2017 and mid-2018. Knowledge of NPS by HCPs was evaluated prior to the start of the educational events. Evaluation forms were handed out post-sessions to garner feedback, especially on areas for improvement for future sessions. Statistical analysis of data was undertaken using SPSS (V.25). Results: Most HCPs reported only 'basic' to 'intermediate' NPS knowledge. Substance misuse service staff felt more informed, were more often consulted and had greater confidence regarding NPS compared to hospital and primary care professionals. A negative association was found between the age of the HCP and knowledge of NPS. Most participants expressed a need for regular training and updates as insufficient NPS-related information is currently received. Conclusions: An improvement within the self-reported knowledge of HCPs on NPS is evident in comparison to previous studies. Continued education of HCPs on NPS is fundamental for the provision of improved harm reduction services, which can enhance overall care for NPS service users.

Differences in risk factors between black Caribbean patients with stroke in Barbados and South london.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Risk of stroke is higher in black Caribbeans in the United Kingdom compared with black Caribbeans in their country of origin. We investigated if these differences were caused by variations in prior-to-stroke risk factors. SUMMARY OF REPORT: Data were collected from the South London Stroke Register (SLSR) and the Barbados Register of Strokes (BROS). Differences in prevalence and management of stroke risk factors were adjusted for age, sex, living conditions prestroke, stroke subtype, and socioeconomic status by multivariable logistic regression. Patients in BROS were on average older (mean difference 4 years) and more likely to have a nonmanual occupation. They were less likely to have a prestroke diagnosis of myocardial infarction (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.77) or diabetes (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.92) and were less likely to report smoking (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.49). They were also more likely to receive appropriate prestroke antihypertensive (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.21 to 2.92) and antidiabetic treatment (OR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.44 to 7.70) and less likely to receive cholesterol-lowering drugs (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: The higher risk of stroke in black Caribbeans in the United Kingdom might be caused by a higher prevalence of major prior-to-stroke risk factors, differences in treatment patterns for comorbid conditions, and less healthy lifestyle practices compared with indigenous black Caribbean populations.