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Chen SW, Shorten A, Yeh CC, Kao CH, Lu YY, Hu HW. An innovative web-based decision-aid about birth after cesarean for shared decision making in Taiwan: study protocol for a randomized control trial. Trials 2023; 24:103. [PMID: 36759893 PMCID: PMC9910264 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taiwan has a high national caesarean rate coupled with a low vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) rate. This study aims to develop and evaluate a web-based decision-aid with communication support tools, to increase shared decision making (SDM) about birth after caesarean. METHODS A quantitative approach will be adopted using a randomized pre-test and post-test experimental design in a medical centre in northern Taiwan. The web-based decision aid consists of five sections. Section 1 provides a two-part video to introduce SDM and how to participate in SDM. Section 2 presents an overview of functions and features of the birth decision-aid. Section 3 presents relevant VBAC information, including definitions, benefits and risks, and an artificial intelligence (AI) calculator for rate and likelihood of VBAC success. Section 4 presents the information regarding elective repeat caesarean delivery (ERCD), involving definitions, benefits, and risks. Section 5 comprises four steps of decision making to meet women's values and preferences. Pregnant women who have had one previous caesarean and are eligible for VBAC, will be recruited at 14-16 weeks. Participants will complete a baseline survey prior to random allocation to either the control group (usual care) or intervention group (usual care plus an AI-decision aid). A follow up survey at 35-38 weeks will measure change in decisional conflict, knowledge, birth mode preference, and decision-aid acceptability. Actual birth outcomes and satisfaction will be assessed one month after birth. DISCUSSION The innovative web-based decision-aid with support tools will help to promote pregnant women's decision-making engagement and communication with their providers and improve opportunities for supportive communication about VBAC SDM in Taiwan. Linking web-based AI data analysis into the medical record will also be assessed for feasibility during implementation in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT05091944), Registered on October 24, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Wen Chen
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Allison Shorten
- grid.265892.20000000106344187School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Chang Ching Yeh
- grid.278247.c0000 0004 0604 5314Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien Huei Kao
- grid.412146.40000 0004 0573 0416Department of Nursing-Midwifery and Women Health, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu Ying Lu
- grid.412146.40000 0004 0573 0416School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang Wei Hu
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Zahroh RI, Kneale D, Sutcliffe K, Vazquez Corona M, Opiyo N, Homer CSE, Betrán AP, Bohren MA. Interventions targeting healthcare providers to optimise use of caesarean section: a qualitative comparative analysis to identify important intervention features. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1526. [PMID: 36517885 PMCID: PMC9753390 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08783-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid increases in caesarean section (CS) rates have been observed globally; however, CS rates exceeding 15% at a population-level have limited benefits for women and babies. Many interventions targeting healthcare providers have been developed to optimise use of CS, typically aiming to improve and monitor clinical decision-making. However, interventions are often complex, and effectiveness is varied. Understanding intervention and implementation features that likely lead to optimised CS use is important to optimise benefits. The aim of this study was to identify important components that lead to successful interventions to optimise CS, focusing on interventions targeting healthcare providers. METHODS: We used Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to identify if certain combination of important intervention features (e.g. type of intervention, contextual characteristics, and how the intervention was delivered) are associated with a successful intervention as reflected in a reduction of CS. We included 21 intervention studies targeting healthcare providers to reduce CS, comprising of 34 papers reporting on these interventions. To develop potential theories driving intervention success, we used existing published qualitative evidence syntheses on healthcare providers' perspectives and experiences of interventions targeted at them to reduce CS. RESULTS We identified five important components that trigger successful interventions targeting healthcare providers: 1) training to improve providers' knowledge and skills, 2) active dissemination of CS indications, 3) actionable recommendations, 4) multidisciplinary collaboration, and 5) providers' willingness to change. Importantly, when one or more of these components are absent, dictated nature of intervention, where providers are enforced to adhere to the intervention, is needed to prompt successful interventions. Unsuccessful interventions were characterised by the absence of these components. CONCLUSION We identified five important intervention components and combinations of intervention components which can lead to successful interventions targeting healthcare providers to optimise CS use. Health facility managers, researchers, and policy-makers aiming to improve providers' clinical decision making and reduce CS may consider including the identified components to optimise benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Islamiah Zahroh
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Dylan Kneale
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201EPPI-Centre, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Katy Sutcliffe
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201EPPI-Centre, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Martha Vazquez Corona
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XGender and Women’s Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Newton Opiyo
- grid.3575.40000000121633745UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Caroline S. E. Homer
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Ana Pilar Betrán
- grid.3575.40000000121633745UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Meghan A. Bohren
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XGender and Women’s Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
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Opiyo N, Young C, Requejo JH, Erdman J, Bales S, Betrán AP. Reducing unnecessary caesarean sections: scoping review of financial and regulatory interventions. Reprod Health 2020; 17:133. [PMID: 32867791 PMCID: PMC7457477 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-00983-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Caesarean sections (CS) are increasing worldwide. Financial incentives and related regulatory and legislative factors are important determinants of CS rates. This scoping review examines the evidence base of financial, regulatory and legislative interventions intended to reduce CS rates. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and two trials registers in June 2019. Both experimental and observational intervention studies were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcome measures were: CS, spontaneous vaginal and instrumental birth rates. We assessed quality of evidence using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method. Results We identified 9057 articles and assessed 65 full-texts. We included 16 observational studies. Most of the studies were conducted in high-income countries. Three studies assessed payment methods for health workers: equalising physician fees for vaginal and caesarean delivery reduced CS rates in one study; however, little or no difference in CS rates was found in the remaining two studies. Nine studies assessed payment methods for health organisations: There was no difference in CS rates between diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment system compared to fee-for-service system in one study. However, DRG system was associated with lower odds for CS in another study. There was little or no difference in CS rates following implementation of global budget payment (GBP) system in two studies. Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) increased after implementation of a case-based payment system in one study. Caesarean section increased while VBAC rates decreased following implementation of a cap-based payment system in another study. Financial incentive for providers to promote vaginal delivery combined with free vaginal delivery policy was found to reduce CS rates in one study. Studied regulatory and legislative interventions (comprising legislatively imposed practice guidelines for physicians in one study and multi-faceted strategy which included policies to control CS on maternal request in another study) were found to reduce CS rates. The GRADE quality of evidence varied from very low to low. Conclusions Available evidence on the effects of financial and regulatory strategies intended to reduce unnecessary CS is inconclusive given inconsistency in effects and low quality of the available evidence. More rigorous studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newton Opiyo
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland.
| | - Claire Young
- Data and Analytics Section, Division of Data, Analytics, Policy and Monitoring, UNICEF USA, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jennifer Harris Requejo
- Data and Analytics Section, Division of Data, Analytics, Policy and Monitoring, UNICEF USA, New York, USA
| | - Joanna Erdman
- Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Sarah Bales
- Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ana Pilar Betrán
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
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The effectiveness of financial intervention strategies for reducing caesarean section rates: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1080. [PMID: 31399068 PMCID: PMC6688325 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7265-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The increasing trend of Caesarean section (CS) in childbirth has become a global public health challenge. Previous studies have proposed financial intervention strategies for reducing CS rates by limiting caesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR). This study synthesizes such strategies while evaluating their effectiveness. Methods The sources of data for this study are Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL. The publication period included in this study is from January 1991 to November 2018. The financial intervention strategies are divide into two categories: healthcare provider interventions and patient interventions. Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) was employed to assess the risk of bias of included studies. The outcome of each study was evaluated with Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) through the GRADEpro Guideline Development Tool software. Results Nine studies were included in this systematic review: five with high certainty evidence (HCE), three with moderate certainty evidence (MCE), and one with low certainty evidence (LCE). Of the nine studies, seven are centered on the effect of provider-side interventions. Three of the HCE studies found that the diagnosis-related group payment system, risk-adjusted capitation, and equalizing fee for both facilities and physicians were effective intervention strategies. One HCE and one MCE study showed that only equalizing facility fees between vaginal and CS deliveries in healthcare service settings had no significant effect on reducing the CS rate. The MCE study showed that case payment had a negative effect on reducing the CS rates. One LCE study revealed that the effect of a global budget system was uncertain, and one HCE and one MCE study focused on combining both provider and patient-side interventions. However, equalizing fees for vaginal and CS deliveries and a co-payment policy for CDMRs failed to reduce the CS rate. Conclusions The effectiveness of risk-adjusted payment methods appears promising and should be the subject of further research. Financial interventions should consider stakeholders’ characteristics, especially the personal interests of doctors. Finally, high-quality randomized control trials and comparative studies on different financial intervention methods are needed to confirm or refute previous studies’ outcomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7265-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Wingert A, Johnson C, Featherstone R, Sebastianski M, Hartling L, Douglas Wilson R. Adjunct clinical interventions that influence vaginal birth after cesarean rates: systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:452. [PMID: 30463530 PMCID: PMC6249876 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-2065-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rates of cesarean deliveries have been increasing, and contributes to the rising number of elective cesarean deliveries in subsequent pregnancies with associated maternal and neonatal risks. Multiple guidelines recommend that women be offered a trial of labor after a cesarean (TOLAC). The objective of the study is to systematically review the literature on adjunct clinical interventions that influence vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rates. Methods We searched Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Wiley Cochrane Library, CINAHL via EBSCOhost; and Ovid PsycINFO. Additional studies were identified by searching for clinical trial records, conference proceedings and dissertations. Limits were applied for language (English and French) and year of publication (1985 to present). Two reviewers independently screened comparative studies (randomized or non-randomized controlled trials, and observational designs) according to a priori eligibility criteria: women with prior cesarean sections; any adjunct clinical intervention or exposure intended to increase the VBAC rate; any comparator; and, outcomes reporting changes in TOLAC or VBAC rates. One reviewer extracted data and a second reviewer verified for accuracy. Two reviewers independently conducted methodological quality assessments using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results Twenty-three studies of overall moderate to good methodological quality examined adjunct clinical interventions affecting TOLAC and/or VBAC rates: system-level interventions (three studies), provider-level interventions (three studies), guidelines or information for providers (seven studies), provider characteristics (four studies), and patient-level interventions (six studies). Provider-level interventions (opinion leader education, laborist, and obstetrician second opinion for cesarean sections) and provider characteristics (midwifery antenatal care, physicians on night float call schedules, and deliveries by family physicians) were associated with increased rates of VBAC. Few studies employing heterogeneous designs, sample sizes, interventions and comparators limited confidence in the effects. Studies of system-level and patient-level interventions, and guidelines/information for providers reported mixed findings. Conclusions Limited evidence indicates some provider-level interventions and provider characteristics may increase rates of attempted and successful TOLACs and/or VBACs, whereas other adjunct clinical interventions such as system-level interventions, patient-level interventions, and guidelines/information for healthcare providers show mixed findings. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-018-2065-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aireen Wingert
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cydney Johnson
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Robin Featherstone
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Alberta Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) SUPPORT Unit Knowledge Translation Platform, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Meghan Sebastianski
- Alberta Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) SUPPORT Unit Knowledge Translation Platform, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Alberta Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) SUPPORT Unit Knowledge Translation Platform, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - R Douglas Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 1403 - 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9, Canada.
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Chen SW, Hutchinson AM, Nagle C, Bucknall TK. Women's decision-making processes and the influences on their mode of birth following a previous caesarean section in Taiwan: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:31. [PMID: 29343215 PMCID: PMC5773050 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-1661-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is an alternative option for women who have had a previous caesarean section (CS); however, uptake is limited because of concern about the risks of uterine rupture. The aim of this study was to explore women's decision-making processes and the influences on their mode of birth following a previous CS. METHODS A qualitative approach was used. The research comprised three stages. Stage I consisted of naturalistic observation at 33-34 weeks' gestation. Stage II involved interviews with pregnant women at 35-37 weeks' gestation. Stage III consisted of interviews with the same women who were interviewed postnatally, 1 month after birth. The research was conducted in a private medical centre in northern Taiwan. Using a purposive sampling, 21 women and 9 obstetricians were recruited. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, observation and field notes. Constant comparative analysis was employed for data analysis. RESULTS Ensuring the safety of mother and baby was the focus of women's decisions. Women's decisions-making influences included previous birth experience, concern about the risks of vaginal birth, evaluation of mode of birth, current pregnancy situation, information resources and health insurance. In communicating with obstetricians, some women complied with obstetricians' recommendations for repeat caesarean section (RCS) without being informed of alternatives. Others used four step decision-making processes that included searching for information, listening to obstetricians' professional judgement, evaluating alternatives, and making a decision regarding mode of birth. After birth, women reflected on their decisions in three aspects: reflection on birth choices; reflection on factors influencing decisions; and reflection on outcomes of decisions. CONCLUSIONS The health and wellbeing of mother and baby were the major concerns for women. In response to the decision-making influences, women's interactions with obstetricians regarding birth choices varied from passive decision-making to shared decision-making. All women have the right to be informed of alternative birthing options. Routine provision of explanations by obstetricians regarding risks associated with alternative birth options, in addition to financial coverage for RCS from National Health Insurance, would assist women's decision-making. Establishment of a website to provide women with reliable information about birthing options may also assist women's decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Wen Chen
- Deakin University, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geelong, Australia.
- National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Science, School of Nursing, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Alison M Hutchinson
- Deakin University, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research-Monash Health Partnership, Clayton, Australia
| | - Cate Nagle
- James Cook University & Townsville Hospital and Health Service, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Townsville, Australia
| | - Tracey K Bucknall
- Deakin University, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research- Alfred Health Partnership, Melbourne, Australia
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Yeh CC, Lussier EC, Sun YT, Lan TY, Yu HY, Chang TY. Antiepileptic drug use among women from the Taiwanese Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy: Obstetric complications and fetal malformation outcomes. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189497. [PMID: 29253023 PMCID: PMC5734752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) prescription and pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies with epilepsy in Taiwan between 2004 and 2015. We retrospectively reviewed data from the Taiwanese Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy (TREP). The TREP registry is a voluntary prospective cohort registry, which tracks pregnant women with epilepsy and AED prescription throughout pregnancy, delivery, and early childhood development. All TREP pregnancies (n = 318) that had completed questionnaires up until delivery or had had an unsuccessful pregnancy were analyzed. Over 94.7% of women had been prescribed AEDs during pregnancy, with 69.0% and 25.7% having received monotherapy, or polytherapy, respectively. Among live births, 12 (3.9%) reported malformation. Cesarean section rate was reported higher than usual (54.5%). In 2004, 73.3% of AEDs prescribed were 1st generation, with 1st generation prescription rates falling to only 8.3% of total prescribed in 2015. AED polytherapy also fell during the study period (40.0% to 20.0%). Cesarean sections were found to be higher for women over 35 years, who had generalized epilepsy, or had experienced an obstetric complication during pregnancy term. Binary logistic regression revealed that Cesarean section was associated with maternal complications (OR = 5.11, CI 95% = 1.11-23.51, p = 0.036), while malformations were associated with obstetric complication (OR = 20.46, CI 95% = 4.80-87.21, p<0.001). Both AED risk types were not associated with complications or malformations. Our sample provides a unique insight into the women with epilepsy with AED use during pregnancy. Cesarean section rate was observed to be higher than usual, but malformation rates remained low. Results indicate a decrease in both 1st generation AEDs and proportion of patients receiving polytherapy over the study period. Obstetric complications were associated with Cesarean section. Fetal malformations were significantly associated with obstetric complications. AED risk factors were not significantly associated with either complications or malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Ching Yeh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Tzuo-Yun Lan
- Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yu Yu
- Neurology Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Neurology Department, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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