Engaging citizens living in vulnerable circumstances in research: a narrative review using a systematic search

Although public engagement in research is increasingly popular, the involvement of citizens living in vulnerable circumstances is rarely realized. This narrative review aims to describe and critically analyse concerns and corresponding strategies, tools, and methods that could support the inclusion of these citizens in health research. The 40 studies that are included were thematically analysed using the socioecological model. Concerns originate most often on the intrapersonal level of the socioecological model, but concerns were also identified at institutional, community, and policy levels. It is thought-provoking that there is a lack of attention for the research and policy structure in which engagement practices are designed, implemented and evaluated. More research is needed to explore how these cultures could be changed in a way that promotes rather than restrains the engagement of citizens living in vulnerable circumstances in research and policymaking.

Benefits of Low Carbohydrate Diets: a Settled Question or Still Controversial?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review was to provide an update on the available data on the benefits of low-carbohydrate (low-carb) diets for weight management and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and determine if low-carb diets were a settled question or still controversial.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most of the recent published literature in this area consists of reviews of past trials, with a relatively smaller number of recent trials. Low-carb is most commonly compared to low-fat, with problematically inconsistent definitions of both. There are numerous challenges in trying to draw clear conclusions about efficacy and effectiveness. Short-term vs. long-term effects can differ, which is likely impacted by adherence. Adherence is very different between metabolic chamber or feeding studies vs. free-living. Body weight alone is a crude measure that fails to capture potentially important differences in lean-mass, fat-mass, and body water. Benefits for glycemic control need to be balanced with impacts on non-glycemic outcomes such as LDL-cholesterol, the microbiome, and inflammation. It is important to differentiate between low-carb and very-low carbohydrate diets (VLCD). To date no large-scale long-term clinical trials have been conducted testing whether low-carb diets can prevent T2DM. Many issues regarding benefits and risks of low-carb diets remain controversial or unresolved, particularly for VLCD. Some of the recent, better studies highlighted in this review suggest strategies for resolving these controversies.

COVID-19: Zinc and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Deficiencies as Determinants of Risk and Severity of Disease: A Narrative Review

A growing body of evidence supports the premise that deficiencies of zinc and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2, a zinc enzyme) determine severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ACE2 is part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and acts as a feedback control system moderating blood pressure, keeping blood pressure within normal limits. For a virus to infect a person, the virus has to get inside the person's cells. The virus that causes COVID-19 uses ACE2 to get into the cell. Think of this like an invader from outer space attacking your car by getting in through your cruise control; the RAS is like the cruise control of your car. What happens next depends on how robust your cruise control is. If your cruise control is young and healthy perhaps very little happens; your car may slow down or speed up a bit. But if your cruise control is in poor condition the attack might disrupt the entire speed control system; your car may brake suddenly or speed out of control and crash. Feedback control systems (natural or man-made) are designed to keep dynamic systems in control, but under certain situations can drive the system completely out of control. The RAS is composed of two feedback loops: the ACE loop provides amplification, increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and blood pressure; the ACE2 loop provides fine control and mitigates the vasoconstrictive, pro-inflammatory, and thrombotic actions of the ACE loop. Usually, there is balance, but in the setting of COVID-19, underlying deficiencies of zinc and ACE2 can lead to an imbalance. Exacerbated by the severe downregulation of ACE2 seen with viral entry, a "tipping point" is reached with loss of control of the RAS system resulting in increased angiotensin II (Ang II) causing downstream vasoconstriction, inflammation, and thromboses. These, in turn, lead to complications often seen in "severe COVID-19" such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or cytokine storm, often seen in high-risk patients in the second week of illness. This model suggests that supplemental zinc could replenish zinc in ACE2, stabilize the ACE2 axis, and prevent disruption of the RAS. This would prevent the vasoconstrictive, inflammatory, and thrombotic actions of Ang II, thus preventing the severe COVID-19 complications which cause the high morbidity and mortality seen in high-risk patients with underlying zinc deficiency. Zinc supplements are available, easy to use, and relatively safe. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and efficacy of zinc supplementation to decrease severity of and morality from COVID-19 in high-risk patients. Since replenishment of zinc and active ACE2 in patients in whom these are deficient may take weeks, supplementation in high-risk populations prior to COVID infection may be required. Such supplementation should not replace vaccination but may be useful in populations for whom vaccination is not available or for populations exposed to viral variants to which available vaccines have insufficient coverage.

Pediatric Obesity Treatment via Telehealth: Current Evidence and Future Directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Telehealth delivery of pediatric weight management interventions may address time, travel, and cost barriers to in-person interventions, thus improving accessibility. This narrative review highlights findings from the past 5 years of pediatric lifestyle interventions for weight management that utilize telehealth for treatment delivery. We describe impressions and future directions.

RECENT FINDINGS

We identified and included 20 studies that described unique interventions from the past 5 years. The majority of reviewed studies indicated statistically significant reductions in BMI z-scores, high retention and attendance, and high satisfaction. However, mean decreases in BMI z-scores were marginal (approximately 0.10) in all but two studies. Studies did not often report effect sizes. Pediatric telehealth weight management interventions demonstrate good feasibility and acceptability. Improvement in reporting results and more rigorous research, including use of randomized designs, recruitment of larger samples, and incorporation of extended follow-up is needed to determine clinical impact and magnitude of effects.

Psoriasis, Vitiligo, and Biologic Therapy: Case Report and Narrative Review

Psoriasis and vitiligo are 2 multifactorial immune-mediated diseases, partially sharing pathogenetic underpinnings. Their coexistence in the same patient, although uncommon, is documented in the literature. Further, several cases of vitiligo induced by biological drugs in psoriatic patients are reported. However, improvements in psoriasis and pre-existing vitiligo after the introduction of biological therapy are also described. To date, anti-TNF-alpha is the most cited group of biological drugs that induce new-onset vitiligo or progression of pre-existence vitiligo in psoriatic patients. Even anti-IL-12/23 class would seem to induce vitiligo (as in our case) or even worse it. Anti-IL-17 drugs induce a progression of pre-existing vitiligo while, to date, no cases are reported in literature considering anti-IL-23 class.

Digital mediation of candidacy in maternity care: Managing boundaries between physiology and pathology

This paper brings together scholarship across sociology, media and communication, and human computer interaction to explore the intersection of digital health and the maternity care system. We draw on data (including interviews, focus groups, observations, and analyses of digital media content) from 19 studies involving over 400 women to explore women's experiences of using different forms of digital support such as the Internet, mobile technologies (apps and text messaging), social media, and remote monitoring devices in their reproductive journeys. We use a best fit approach to analysis, mapping our findings to the candidacy framework and notions of trajectory work to understand how women engage in digital health practices to negotiate boundaries between physiology and pathology and to enter dialogue with maternity services during conception, pregnancy and the postnatal period. We propose an integrated revised conceptual framework which explicates intersections between digital and care practices, and micro-level negotiations between women and professionals in the maternal health context. Our revised framework retains the dimensions of candidacy, but it introduces a precursor to the identification of candidacy in the form of 'understanding normality'. It identifies distinct forms of digital work (e.g. information work, navigation work, machine work) which operate across the candidacy dimensions that women (and partners at times) engage in to negotiate legitimacy when entering into encounters with the maternity care system. Operating conditions (norms around expert motherhood; neoliberal discourses around health optimisation, risk and responsibilisation) provide a broader macro-level context, influencing the micro-level dialogic processes between women and healthcare professionals. Our synthesis highlights digital mediation as a useful filter to understand care systems, distribution of lay/professional responsibilities, relational practices and the (dis)enablement of candidacy.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a potential treatment approach for cannabis use disorder

The expanding legalization of cannabis across the United States is associated with increases in cannabis use, and accordingly, an increase in the number and severity of individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD). The lack of FDA-approved pharmacotherapies and modest efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions means that many of those who seek treatment for CUD relapse within the first few months. Consequently, there is a pressing need for innovative, evidence-based treatment development for CUD. Preliminary evidence suggests that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may be a novel, non-invasive therapeutic neuromodulation tool for the treatment of a variety of substance use disorders (SUDs), including recently receiving FDA clearance (August 2020) for use as a smoking cessation aid in tobacco cigarette smokers. However, the potential of rTMS for CUD has not yet been reviewed. This paper provides a primer on therapeutic neuromodulation techniques for SUDs, with a particular focus on reviewing the current status of rTMS research in people who use cannabis. Lastly, future directions are proposed for rTMS treatment development in CUD, with suggestions for study design parameters and clinical endpoints based on current gold-standard practices for therapeutic neuromodulation research.

Liraglutide effects on glycemic control and weight in patients with type 2 diabetes Mellitus: A real-world, observational study and brief narrative review

BACKGROUND

Glycemic control and weight gain are two essential considerations in the pharmacological management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pharmacological agents are effective in lowering blood glucose levels but may result in significant weight gain. Liraglutideeffectively maintains glycemic control while reducingweight.

METHODS

This is a real-world study and brief narrative review of the effects of liraglutide on glycemic control and weight in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study uses data extracted from the electronic health record of the Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs.

RESULTS

In this study of 348 subjects, there was a statistically significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c of 0.9% (P < .0001) and weight of 2.3 kg (P < .0001). The majority (77.3%) were on concomitant insulin.Subjects with a baseline hemoglobin A1c greater than 9% had a significantly greater reduction than those below 9% (-0.7%;P < .0001). Those with a weight more than 100 kg had a significantly greater reduction than those below 100 kg (-0.9 kg;P = .0096).

CONCLUSION

In this real-world, observational study, liraglutide was shown to be effective in improving glycemic control and reducing weight in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Catheter ablation via the left atrium for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: A narrative review

Background

Since 1996, it has been recognized that catheter ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) may require an approach through the left atrium.

Objective

The purposes are to present a case report and to provide a comprehensive narrative review on this topic.

Methods

A literature review of all articles that provided detailed information on patients who underwent catheter ablation via the left atrium for AVNRT was performed. The primary search queried PubMed using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms "atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia" and "left." The secondary search was performed by manual review of reference lists and Google Scholar citations of manuscripts retrieved by the primary search. The review was limited to the English language.

Results

The searches yielded 30 articles that described 79 patients. A case report was added. Therefore, the final review consisted of 80 patients. The prevalence of left atrial ablation for patients with AVNRT undergoing catheter ablation at tertiary care centers was approximately 1%. Failed right atrial ablation, with or without coronary sinus ablation, was the most common indication for left atrial ablation. Pooled data from 3 cohort studies estimated the acute success rate for radiofrequency ablation of the slow pathway at the septal or inferoparaseptal segments of the mitral valve annulus after failed right-sided ablation to be 90%. There were no reports of atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation.

Conclusion

Catheter ablation of the slow pathway via the left atrium is an important technique for AVNRT cases that are refractory to conventional ablation.

The effect of social media interventions on physical activity and dietary behaviours in young people and adults: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this systematic review were to update the evidence base on social media interventions for physical activity and diet since 2014, analyse the characteristics of interventions that resulted in changes to physical activity and diet-related behaviours, and assess differences in outcomes across different population groups.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was conducted across 5 databases (Medline, Embase, EBSCO Education, Wiley and Scopus) using key words related to social media, physical activity, diet, and age. The inclusion criteria were: participants age 13+ years in the general population; an intervention that used commercial social media platform(s); outcomes related to changes to diet/eating or physical activity behaviours; and quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies. Quality appraisal tools that aligned with the study designs were used. A mixed methods approach was used to analyse and synthesise all evidence.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included: randomised control trials (n = 4), non-controlled trials (n = 3), mixed methods studies (n = 3), non-randomised controlled trials (n = 5) and cross-sectional studies (n = 3). The target population of most studies was young female adults (aged 18-35) attending college/university. The interventions reported on positive changes to physical activity and diet-related behaviours through increases in physical activity levels and modifications to food intake, body composition and/or body weight. The use of Facebook, Facebook groups and the accessibility of information and interaction were the main characteristics of social media interventions. Studies also reported on Instagram, Reddit, WeChat and Twitter and the use of photo sharing and editing, groups and sub-groups and gamification.

CONCLUSIONS

Social media interventions can positively change physical activity and diet-related behaviours, via increases in physical activity levels, healthy modifications to food intake, and beneficial changes to body composition or body weight. New evidence is provided on the contemporary uses of social media (e.g. gamification, multi-model application, image sharing/editing, group chats) that can be used by policy makers, professionals, organisations and/or researchers to inform the design of future social media interventions. This study had some limitations that mainly relate to variation in study design, over-reliance of self-reported measures and sample characteristics, that prevented comparative analysis. Registration number: PROPSERO; CRD42020210806 .

Cancer care reform in South Africa: A case for cancer care coordination: A narrative review

OBJECTIVE

This review provides an overview of the existing literature on the importance of care coordination for lung cancer care and other cancers in general. The review is inclusive of the burden of cancer, with a special reference to lung cancer, as well as challenges and achievements relating to cancer care coordination.

METHOD

We conducted a search of online databases of peer-reviewed studies published in the English language. The analysis for this review has been packaged into themes in order to generate results that can inform researchers and cancer health professionals, on the existing gaps necessary for developing appropriate intervention strategies and policy guidelines.

RESULTS

Cancer is a complex condition that often requires multiple interventions provided by a variety of health professionals within the healthcare continuum. This paper reviewed research studies that explored the supportive care needs of cancer patients. The results are presented in three superordinate themes, namely (a) cancer as a healthcare priority in South Africa (SA), (b) making a case for coordinated cancer care in SA, and (c) care coordination: a poorly defined, yet complex concept. One major need identified was the requirement of informational support. Other essential needs included referral, emotional, and financial support.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

The identification of current obstacles has the potential to guide the development of a model to improve quality coordinated cancer health care. It remains that limited research exists around cancer services and cancer care in the South African region. This narrative review identified common elements and barriers to care for lung cancer patients and survivors, and offers recommendations for developing clinical care models.

Synthesizing the literature on physical activity among children and adolescents affected by cancer: evidence for the international Pediatric Oncology Exercise Guidelines (iPOEG)

Physical activity (PA), including exercise, is safe and beneficial for children and adolescents affected by cancer. Yet, no efforts have been made to collate the breadth of review and experimental articles exploring the effects of PA in this cohort. Thus, a scoping review of review and experimental articles reporting on the effects of PA for children and adolescents affected by cancer was undertaken. Review and experimental articles published in English, summarizing or reporting on the effects of PA interventions for children and adolescents affected by cancer were included. Articles were identified through prior literature, systematic searching, reference list scanning, stakeholder engagement, and a database update. Data were extracted, collated, assessed for quality (reviews) or risk of bias (experimental articles), and summarized narratively. A total of 1,380 articles were identified; 20 review and 69 experimental articles were included. Articles explored PA behavior, physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and "other" outcomes. Improvements, no change, or mixed results were reported across the majority of outcomes explored. Two PA-related adverse events (e.g., a treatable injury, fatigue) were described. Included articles varied greatly in quality and risk of bias. Findings confirm that PA for children and adolescents affected by cancer is a rapidly growing field. More adequately powered research, focused on priority outcomes, adopting appropriate study designs, and adhering to reporting standards is required. Addressing these gaps will enable a better understanding of the effects of PA. Nevertheless, the literature confirms moving more is beneficial and safe for children and adolescents affected by cancer.

Use of eHealth for HIV Medical Education: a Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The complexity of HIV care and its expanding clinical workforce has created a need for new distance learning models to deliver medical education. We conducted a narrative review to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of recent eHealth HIV education interventions supporting HIV healthcare providers.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence from 24 articles revealed that synchronous (real time), asynchronous (any time), and hybrid (combination) models of eHealth education are feasible and acceptable. Only two interventions (one asynchronous, one hybrid) of 19 included in the review utilized a randomized controlled design. Some studies showed improvement in confidence and perceived quality of case management, but few studies were designed to demonstrate impact. Successful eHealth education interventions require a thorough understanding of the target community's capacity and needs. Both synchronous and asynchronous strategies appear acceptable and potentially effective, but more studies are needed to assess impact on knowledge and practices to determine the most effective delivery models.

Systematic review and narrative review lead experts to different cancer trial predictions: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to assess the impact of narrative review (NR) vs. systematic review (SR) on expert assessments of a clinical trial.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Experts in colon and rectal surgery were randomized to read an NR or SR for an ongoing clinical trial involving surgery for colorectal cancer. Experts from the United States and Canada completed online or paper surveys between December 2018 and June 2019. After reading the NR or SR, experts predicted the trial's outcome and evaluated the trial under a hypothetical ethical review.

RESULTS

Experts who read the NR (n = 55) compared with those who read the SR (n = 56) were more likely to predict a higher absolute risk reduction, 58% vs. 33%, P = 0.018, mean predictions 10.6% vs. 6.6%, mean difference 4.0% [95% confidence interval: 0.3%, 7.8%]. Experts who read the NR were more likely to evaluate the trial more favorably under a hypothetical ethical review, 48% vs. 26%, P = 0.039, 20.0% vs. 8.9% "strongly in favor" of trial being pursued.

CONCLUSION

An NR and an SR for the same trial led to different judgments of likely outcomes and ethical appropriateness. These differences point to a potential source of unaddressed bias in ethical review.

Reviewing the animal literature: how to describe and choose between different types of literature reviews

Before starting any (animal) research project, review of the existing literature is good practice. From both the scientific and the ethical perspective, high-quality literature reviews are essential. Literature reviews have many potential advantages besides synthesising the evidence for a research question. First, they can show if a proposed study has already been performed, preventing redundant research. Second, when planning new experiments, reviews can inform the experimental design, thereby increasing the reliability, relevance and efficiency of the study. Third, reviews may even answer research questions using already available data. Multiple definitions of the term literature review co-exist. In this paper, we describe the different steps in the review process, and the risks and benefits of using various methodologies in each step. We then suggest common terminology for different review types: narrative reviews, mapping reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, systematic reviews and umbrella reviews. We recommend which review to select, depending on the research question and available resources. We believe that improved understanding of review methods and terminology will prevent ambiguity and increase appropriate interpretation of the conclusions of reviews.

Fat Processing Techniques: A Narrative Review

OBJECTIVE

This study reviewed the literature regarding different fat processing techniques, in order to update the information for healthcare personnel and provide the latest evidence in selecting purification methods.

METHODS

PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were comprehensively searched to identify studies that compared different fat purification methods for animal and human studies published through July 2020. Papers were screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria, and relative data were collected for review.

RESULTS

A total of 3292 studies were identified, of which 30 were included for review. The findings of existing clinical studies showed that the filtration and washing filtration methods performed better in the volume retention rate of adipose tissue. In terms of postoperative complications (fat necrosis, nodules, cysts, etc.), the incidence of complications of centrifugation is generally higher than that of other purification methods, while Telfa gauze and washing filtration system show better safety. More comparative studies are needed to draw conclusions about clinical efficacy and satisfaction. The existing basic science studies generally believe that centrifugation has no advantage in the integrity and metabolic activity of adipose tissue. However, there is no definite conclusion about the volume retention rate of grafts in animal experiments.

CONCLUSION

In recent years, studies on the cost-effectiveness of various purification methods have emerged, and the efficiency advantages of commercial systems have also been gradually reflected. In the future, the purification efficiency will be improved based on ensuring clinical efficacy, which will be translated into cost savings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

How to Write a Systematic Review: A Narrative Review

In recent years, published systematic reviews in the world and in Iran have been increasing. These studies are an important resource to answer evidence-based clinical questions and assist health policy-makers and students who want to identify evidence gaps in published research. Systematic review studies, with or without meta-analysis, synthesize all available evidence from studies focused on the same research question. In this study, the steps for a systematic review such as research question design and identification, the search for qualified published studies, the extraction and synthesis of information that pertain to the research question, and interpretation of the results are presented in details. This will be helpful to all interested researchers.

COVID-19: Before the Fall, An Evidence-Based Narrative Review of Treatment Options

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has quickly become one of the most dire international pandemic crises since the 1918 Spanish flu. Evidence for COVID-19 pharmacological therapies has shown rapid growth and a diverse array of results, but an assessment of the value of each piece of evidence must be reinforced. This article aims to review utilized therapies, the evidence level supporting these therapies, as well as drugs under investigation for the treatment of COVID-19. Primary scrutinized therapies include antiviral regimens, such as remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, immunomodulating drugs, such as corticosteroids and interleukin (IL) inhibitors, and other therapies including convalescent plasma. Only one therapy, dexamethasone, has shown a mortality benefit in randomized controlled trials and summarized evidence for other therapies show limited positive results. Reviewing these therapies in a historical way shows how limited evidence can drive therapy decisions. A broad summary of available evidence can assist clinicians in a return to hierarchical assessments of evidence which can lead to safer patient outcomes, improved distribution of resources, and better targets for appropriate therapy decisions.

Interventions promoting employee "speaking-up" within healthcare workplaces: A systematic narrative review of the international literature

BACKGROUND

Healthcare systems worldwide increasingly value the contribution of employee voice in ensuring the quality of patient care. Although employees' concerns are often dealt with satisfactorily, considerable evidence suggests that some employees may feel unable to speak-up, and even when they do their concerns may be ignored. As a result, in addition to trans-national and national policies, workplace interventions that support employees to speak-up about their concerns have recently increased.

METHODS

A systematic narrative review, informed by complex systems perspectives addresses the question: "What workplace strategies and/or interventions have been implemented to promote speaking-up by employees"?

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies were included in the review. Most studies reported inconclusive results. Researchers explanations for the successful implementation, or otherwise, of speak-up interventions were synthesised into two narrative themes (Braithwaite et al., 2018 (a)) hierarchical, interdisciplinary and cultural relationships and (Francis, 2015 (b)) psychological safety.

CONCLUSIONS

We strengthen the existing evidence base by providing an in-depth critique of the complex system factors influencing the implementation of speak-up interventions within the healthcare workforce. Although many of the studies were locally unique, there were international similarities in workplace cultures and norms that created contexts inimical to speaking-up interventions. Changing communication behaviours and creating a climate that supports speaking-up is immensely challenging. Interventions can be usurped in practice by complex, emergent and contextual issues, such as pre-existing socio-cultural relationships and workplace hierarchies.

Perinatal psychological interventions to promote breastfeeding: a narrative review

Background

Emotional distress in mothers inhibits the let-down reflex, thus affecting breastfeeding self-efficacy. A breastfeeding mother may have to cope with both physical discomfort and psychological distress. However, literature on initiatives to improve breastfeeding rates has focused mainly on providing community-based peer support, or social policies. The aim of this review is to assess evidence on the effectiveness of a broad range of psychological interventions to facilitate breastfeeding for mothers facing difficulties around the time of delivery.

Methods

The review of the literature is derived from a search on Cochrane Library, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and PsycINFO for papers published since 1980. The approach was to explore quantitative and qualitative parameters. Quantitative parameters included breastfeeding initiation, duration, and composition. Qualitative parameters recorded the evaluation of maternal perceptions on breastfeeding success. The high heterogeneity of the studies led to a narrative review; 20 selected papers that report on breastfeeding outcomes and psychological programs met the inclusion criteria.

Results

The evidence on breastfeeding support through psychotherapy is heterogeneous and scant. Out of the included studies, 11 were randomized controlled trials, two were non-randomised trials, and two used a quasi-experimental design. None of the studies reported an increase in adverse breastfeeding outcomes. Three studies failed to report an association between psychological procedures and improved breastfeeding outcomes. A literature review showed that 17 (85%) analyses support stress-releasing techniques to facilitate breastfeeding.

Conclusions

This review suggests that relaxation interventions carefully tailored to address perinatal emotional distress may lead to important health benefits, including improvement in breastfeeding outcomes. There is also some indication that psychotherapy support while breastfeeding may have more impact than routine counselling. Conversely, this review did not find an association between self-hypnosis and breastfeeding outcomes. Data from this study can be used in designing prevention programs and future research with appropriate theoretical underpinning.

Coccydynia-A comprehensive review on etiology, radiological features and management options

Coccydynia is a disabling condition characterized by pain in the coccyx region of the spine. The first description of the disease was given in as early as 1859. Since then a number of theories have been proposed by various researchers to explain the pathogenesis of the disease. Treatment options for coccydynia include ergonomic adaptation, manual therapy, injections and surgery. Despite being identified as a disease as early as 18th century, several uncertainties with respect to the origin of pain, predisposing factors and treatment outcomes of a wide range of treatment options persist till date. The current narrative review presents various aspects of the disease including pathoanatomy, clinical presentation, radiological features and management options for the disease.

Romantic partner involvement during oncology consultations: A narrative review of qualitative and quantitative studies

OBJECTIVE

To review the currently available research into romantic partner involvement during oncology consultations.

METHODS

Studies were identified via database searches plus hand-searching. A narrative review was performed using the principles of Thematic, and Framework syntheses. The search strategy was performed according to the principles of PRISMA.

RESULTS

From 631 results, 18 studies were included. The findings indicate that romantic partners are most valued by patients when they provide emotional, practical, and informational support. It is also indicated that psychosocial and sexual concerns are rarely discussed. Couples' self-reported satisfaction with consultations appear related to the extent of romantic partner involvement, the roles that they enacted, and the extent to which psychosocial and sexual concerns were addressed.

CONCLUSION

This review indicates that romantic partner involvement during clinical consultations enhances the couple's experience. However, there are methodological limitations to this body of research, which are discussed in this review.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Research to date has yet to offer an exploration of the social practices and conversational actions relating to romantic partner involvement during triadic oncology consultations. Future studies that draw upon recordings of these consultations, using methods capable of analysing situated social practices can address this gap.

Potential for increased prevalence of neuropathic pain after the COVID-19 pandemic

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) most commonly manifests with acute respiratory symptoms, one very common symptom of COVID-19 is pain. As COVID-19 often causes peripheral or central neurological complications, it is anticipated that a number of the chronic pain complications of COVID-19 will be neuropathic. This review first examines the most common viral infections responsible for neurological complications including neuropathic pain. These encompass herpes zoster, HIV, poliovirus, enteroviruses, and several tropical viruses. Neurological complications of COVID-19 including in particular Guillain-Barré syndrome, myelitis, and stroke are reviewed with regards to their potential risk of chronic neuropathic pain. Prospective longitudinal cohorts of patients should be implemented to evaluate the exact risk of neuropathic pain after COVID-19.

Medication errors related to computerized provider order entry systems in hospitals and how they change over time: A narrative review

BACKGROUND

Evaluations of computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems have revealed that reductions in certain types of medication errors occur simultaneously with the emergence of system-related errors - errors that are unlikely or not possible to occur with the use of paper-based medication charts. System-related errors appear to persist many years post-implementation of CPOE, although little is known about whether the types and rates of system-related errors that occur immediately following CPOE implementation are similar to those that endure or emerge after years of system use.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze and synthesize the literature on system-related errors, specifically in relation to the length of time that CPOE systems have been in use, to determine what is currently known about how system-related errors change over time.

METHODS

A literature search was undertaken using the PubMed database to identify English language articles published between January 2005 and March 2020 that provided original data on system-related errors resulting from CPOE system use. Studies were included if they provided results on system-related errors and information relating to the length of time that CPOE had been in use.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria for this narrative review. System-related errors were identified and described during short, medium and long-term use of CPOE systems, but no single study examined how errors changed over time. In comparing findings across studies, results suggest that system-related errors persist with long-term use of CPOE systems, although likely to occur at a reduced rate.

CONCLUSIONS

This review has highlighted a significant gap in knowledge on how system-related errors change over time. Determining what and when system-related errors occur and the system factors that contribute to their occurrence at different time points after CPOE implementation is necessary for the future prevention and mitigation of these errors.

A Pan-Canadian narrative review on the protocols for reopening dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting the way in which dental services are provided. The aim of this narrative review was twofold: to summarize key areas from the Canadian protocols available for the reopening and restructuring of dental services across the country and to critically review these protocols based on existing evidence. A narrative review of the existing Canadian protocols, written in English and French, was undertaken between April 15 and July 13, 2020. The protocols were obtained by searching through regulatory bodies and websites from professional organizations, and from personal contacts through academic institutions and policy leaders. The data extraction form focused only on protocols related to dentistry, and the information was compiled by a hired assistant. Content was categorized via group discussions with the research team on eight areas: office management and procedures, patient and staff screening, treatment procedures, office layout, risk reduction, personal protective equipment, supporting information, and length and readability. Thirteen protocols were identified and offered substantial variation in the level of details provided. All but two protocols specified proper donning/doffing of personal protective equipment, while all protocols recommended daily monitoring of COVID-19 related signs and symptoms in staff and patients. They varied in terms of recommended mask types, eye and face shield protection, and head coverings. While all protocols aimed at restructuring emergency dental services, their recommendations were often not based on the published evidence. This narrative review summarized key areas from 13 provincial and territorial protocols in Canada to help oral health care providers plan the reopening of their services. The information conveyed across all documents was clear, but variance highlights the need for a coordinated effort to develop an evidence-based document for dental practitioners.