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Scheire S, Germonpré S, Mehuys E, Van Tongelen I, De Sutter A, Steurbaut S, Van Hees T, Demarche S, Lahousse L, Gevaert P, Boussery K. Rhinitis control and medication use in a real-world sample of patients with persistent rhinitis or rhinosinusitis: a community pharmacy study. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2024:S2213-2198(24)00416-1. [PMID: 38677586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about rhinitis control in real-life, nor about the contribution of treatment-related and patient-related factors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the level of rhinitis control and rhinitis medication utilization in patients with persistent rhinitis, and to identify predictors of rhinitis control. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in patients with persistent rhinitis recruited in community pharmacies. Participants completed the Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT), and a questionnaire on patient/rhinitis characteristics, and rhinitis medication use. A visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal symptoms was also completed. Pharmacy dispensing data was used to calculate adherence to intranasal glucocorticoids. Nasal spray technique was evaluated using a standardized checklist. Predictors of rhinitis control were explored using a linear regression model. RESULTS A total of 1514 patients, recruited in 215 pharmacies, participated in the study (mean age 48.7 years, 62% female). Almost 60% exhibited suboptimal rhinitis control (RCAT ≤ 21/30). A 50mm cut-off on the VAS yielded 78.1% sensitivity to identify suboptimal rhinitis control. Participants most frequently used intranasal glucocorticoids (55.6%) and intranasal decongestants (47.4%). Only 10.3% of current nasal spray users demonstrated perfect technique. More than half (54.8%) of glucocorticoid users were identified as underadherent. Female sex, self-reported nasal hyperreactivity, active asthma, and use of oral/intranasal decongestants or nasal saline were identified as predictors of worse rhinitis control. CONCLUSION Suboptimal rhinitis control was common in this real-life sample of persistent rhinitis patients. Improving use of rhinitis medication may be key to increase disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Scheire
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sophie Germonpré
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Els Mehuys
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Inge Van Tongelen
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Family Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stephane Steurbaut
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Research, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette, Belgium.
| | | | - Sophie Demarche
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Philippe Gevaert
- Upper Airway Research Laboratory, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Koen Boussery
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Tare D, Coenen S, De Sutter A, Heytens S, Devroey D, Buret L, Schoenmakers B, Delvaux N, Verbakel JY, Bogaerts K, van den Bruel A. The DAWN antivirals trial: process evaluation of a COVID-19 trial in general practice. BJGP Open 2024:BJGPO.2023.0109. [PMID: 37984980 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The DAWN antivirals trial was a multicentric, randomised placebo-controlled trial evaluating antiviral medication for COVID-19 in general practice. The trial was prematurely terminated because of insufficient recruitment. AIM To explore which factors contributed to the premature termination. DESIGN & SETTING General practice in Belgium. METHOD Patients were randomised to camostat or placebo (patients and physicians blinded) between June 2021 and July 2022; a third arm evaluating molnupiravir (open label) was opened in March 2022. The outcome assessor was blinded for all comparisons except for the patient reported outcomes in case of molnupiravir. The authors analysed available trial data and evaluated trial context, implementation, and mechanisms of impact based on semi-structured interviews with trial stakeholders. RESULTS The trial recruited 44 participants; 19 were allocated to camostat (median age 55 years), 8 to molnupiravir (median age 60 years), and 17 to placebo (median age 56 years). There were no serious adverse events in either group. Most difficulties were related to the pandemic context: disruption to routine clinical services; multiple changes to the service model for COVID-19 patients; overwhelmed clinical staff; delays of trial medication; and staff shortages in the sponsor and clinical team. In addition, regulatory approval processes were lengthy and led to additional study procedures. It was felt that the trial started too late, when vaccinations had already begun. CONCLUSION The DAWN antivirals trial was stopped prematurely. Although many barriers were related to the pandemic itself, hurdles such as a small and inexperienced sponsor and clinical teams, delays in regulatory processes, and research capacity in routine settings could be overcome by established research infrastructure and standardisation of processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dajana Tare
- Academic Centre for General Practice, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Devroey
- Primary Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ixelles, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Buret
- Department of General Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | | | - Jan Y Verbakel
- Academic Centre for General Practice, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kris Bogaerts
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, I-BioStat, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Burvenich R, Heytens S, De Sutter A, Struyf T, Toelen J, Verbakel JY. Towards an international consensus on safety netting advice for acutely ill children presenting to ambulatory care: a modified e-Delphi procedure. Arch Dis Child 2024; 109:93-99. [PMID: 38123917 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Develop a consensus on the content and form of safety netting advice (SNA) for parents of acutely ill children. DESIGN Four-round modified e-Delphi using online questionnaires and feedback among clinical and research experts. SETTING Ambulatory care in high-income countries. PARTICIPANTS Forty-one experts from 13 countries: 3 emergency physicians, 15 general practitioners, 4 nurses and 19 paediatricians. RESULTS The experts defined the content of SNA as advice on the normal, expected disease course of the provisional diagnosis, diagnostic uncertainty, alarm signs that indicate the need for medical help and information on where and how to find such help. Regarding the form of the SNA, the experts agree that a reliable source should give SNA verbally with paper or digital written or video/image resources at every appropriate healthcare encounter in a short and simple empowering fashion, specific to the child's situation and seek confirmatory feedback from parents. CONCLUSIONS SNA needs to contain advice on the expected disease course, alarm signs and where and how to find help. It should be given verbally with written resources by a reliable healthcare professional or digital platform. Short, simple and specific, SNA needs to empower the parent whose understanding of the advice should be checked. The effectiveness of SNA resources coproduced by parents and experts should be assessed in different settings and those providing SNA require up-to-date and reliable training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Burvenich
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Struyf
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Y Verbakel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- NIHR Community Healthcare Medtech and IVD cooperative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Digregorio M, Van Ngoc P, Delogne S, Meyers E, Deschepper E, Dardenne N, Duysburgh E, De Rop L, De Burghgraeve T, Coen A, De Clercq N, De Sutter A, Verbakel JY, Cools P, Heytens S, Buret L, Scholtes B. Vaccine hesitancy for the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose among nursing home staff fully vaccinated with the primary vaccination course in Belgium. Vaccine X 2024; 16:100453. [PMID: 38361529 PMCID: PMC10867438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In Belgium, nursing home (NH) staff (NHS) and residents were prioritised for the initial COVID-19 vaccination and successive booster doses. The vaccination campaign for the first booster started in September 2021 in Belgian NH. Our first study about vaccine hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine in Belgian NHS already showed a degree of fear for the primary vaccination course (T1). This new study aims to evaluate vaccine hesitancy to get the first booster (T2) in a population of fully vaccinated (with two doses) NHS. A random stratified sample of NHS who received the primary vaccination course (N = 954) completed an online questionnaire on COVID-19 booster hesitancy (between 25/11/2021 and 22/01/2022). NHS who hesitated or refused the booster were asked for the main reason for their hesitation/refusal. Overall, 21.0 % of our population hesitated before, were still hesitating or refused the booster, NHS that were not hesitant at T1 being 5.7 times less likely to hesitate to get the first booster dose (Adjusted OR 0.179, 95 % CI: 0.120, 0.267). Although there was a slight reduction (23.5 % to 20.1 %) in the proportion of NHS who hesitated/refused vaccination at T1 compared to T2 (p = 0.034), the fear of unknown effects was the principal reason for hesitation/refusal, already mentioned in our first study. NHS were not reassured concerning their initial fears. Given the likelihood that booster vaccinations will be necessary over the coming years, a communication strategy specific to NHS should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Digregorio
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pauline Van Ngoc
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Simon Delogne
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Eline Meyers
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen Deschepper
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nadia Dardenne
- Biostatistics and Research Method Center, University of Liege, Liege Belgium
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liselore De Rop
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tine De Burghgraeve
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Coen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele De Clercq
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Y. Verbakel
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- NIHR Community Healthcare Medtech and IVD cooperative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laëtitia Buret
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Beatrice Scholtes
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Mehuys E, Lapauw B, T'Sjoen G, Christiaens T, De Sutter A, Steurbaut S, Van Tongelen I, Boussery K. Investigating Levothyroxine Use and Its Association with Thyroid Health in Patients with Hypothyroidism: A Community Pharmacy Study. Thyroid 2023; 33:918-926. [PMID: 37184683 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: To gain maximum therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects, it is imperative for patients with hypothyroidism to use their levothyroxine (LT4) correctly, such as adhering to the prescribed regimen. Little is currently known about how patients actually use LT4 in real life. We investigated the use of LT4, as well as the thyroid health (thyrotropin [TSH] and health-related quality of life [HR-QoL]), and evaluated if proper LT4 use is associated with better thyroid health. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a Belgian community sample of adults using LT4 for hypothyroidism since ≥2 years. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on patient characteristics, self-reported adherence to LT4, timing of intake, and co-medication. They also completed the thyroid-specific patient-reported outcome (ThyPRO-39) questionnaire, measuring the HR-QoL. Pharmacy dispensing data were used to calculate the medication possession ratio (MPR). Results: We included 856 participants (mean age 61.4 ± 14.3 years, 86% [740/856] females). Approximately one in four participants (138/563) had out-of-range TSH levels. Generally, ThyPRO-39 scores were in the lower part of the range (indicating better HR-QoL), with the scales "emotional susceptibility" and "tiredness" showing the worst scores. Approximately 28% (178/632) of the participants were classified as non-adherent (MPR <80%), corresponding to at least 73 cumulative days per year without LT4 intake. Twenty-five percent (212/854) of participants self-reported non-adherence, with unintentional non-adherence (forgetfulness) most frequently reported (21.9%, 187/854). Only 39% (329/836) of participants complied with the recommendation of ingesting LT4 ≥ 30 minutes before eating. Additionally, 7% (58/856) of participants concurrently used molecules that bind to LT4, without applying the recommended dosing interval. There was no significant correlation between LT4 usage (adherence, timing of intake, and interaction with complex forming drugs) and TSH or HR-QoL. Conclusions: We found that many participants with hypothyroidism did not use their LT4 as effectively as possible, particularly with respect to timing of administration. However, the participants' HR-QoL seemed largely satisfactory, and there was no significant correlation between correctly using LT4 and thyroid health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els Mehuys
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Lapauw
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thierry Christiaens
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Family Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephane Steurbaut
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Research, Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette, Belgium
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, UZ Brussel, Jette, Belgium
| | - Inge Van Tongelen
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Boussery
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Schwartz KL, Xu AXT, Alderson S, Bjerrum L, Brehaut J, Brown BC, Bucher HC, De Sutter A, Francis N, Grimshaw J, Gunnarsson R, Hoye S, Ivers N, Lecky DM, Lindbæk M, Linder JA, Little P, Michalsen BO, O'Connor D, Pulcini C, Sundvall PD, Lundgren PT, Verbakel JY, Verheij TJ. Best practice guidance for antibiotic audit and feedback interventions in primary care: a modified Delphi study from the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial resistance: Primary Care Antibiotic Audit and Feedback Network (JPIAMR-PAAN). Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2023; 12:72. [PMID: 37516892 PMCID: PMC10387210 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01279-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary care is a critical partner for antimicrobial stewardship efforts given its high human antibiotic usage. Peer comparison audit and feedback (A&F) is often used to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. The design and implementation of A&F may impact its effectiveness. There are no best practice guidelines for peer comparison A&F in antibiotic prescribing in primary care. OBJECTIVE To develop best practice guidelines for peer comparison A&F for antibiotic prescribing in primary care in high income countries by leveraging international expertise via the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance-Primary Care Antibiotic Audit and Feedback Network. METHODS We used a modified Delphi process to achieve convergence of expert opinions on best practice statements for peer comparison A&F based on existing evidence and theory. Three rounds were performed, each with online surveys and virtual meetings to enable discussion and rating of each best practice statement. A five-point Likert scale was used to rate consensus with a median threshold score of 4 to indicate a consensus statement. RESULTS The final set of guidelines include 13 best practice statements in four categories: general considerations (n = 3), selecting feedback recipients (n = 1), data and indicator selection (n = 4), and feedback delivery (n = 5). CONCLUSION We report an expert-derived best practice recommendations for designing and evaluating peer comparison A&F for antibiotic prescribing in primary care. These 13 statements can be used by A&F designers to optimize the impact of their quality improvement interventions, and improve antibiotic prescribing in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Schwartz
- Public Health Ontario, 480 University Ave, Ste 300, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V2, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Alice X T Xu
- Public Health Ontario, 480 University Ave, Ste 300, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V2, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sarah Alderson
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Oaklands Health Centre, Holmfirth, UK
| | - Lars Bjerrum
- Section of General Practice and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jamie Brehaut
- Centre for Practice-Changing Research (CPCR), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Benjamin C Brown
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Heiner C Bucher
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Center for Family Medicine UGent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nick Francis
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jeremy Grimshaw
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ronny Gunnarsson
- General Practice/Family Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Research, Education, Development & Innovation, Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe) at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sigurd Hoye
- Department of General Practice, Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Noah Ivers
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Donna M Lecky
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Gloucester, England
| | - Morten Lindbæk
- Department of General Practice, Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeffrey A Linder
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, England
| | - Benedikte Olsen Michalsen
- Department of General Practice, Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Denise O'Connor
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Celine Pulcini
- APEMAC, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
- CHRU-Nancy, Centre regional en antibiotherapie de la region Grand Est AntibioEst, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Pär-Daniel Sundvall
- General Practice/Family Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Research, Education, Development & Innovation, Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe) at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Jan Y Verbakel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
- NIHR Community Healthcare Medtech and IVD Cooperative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Theo J Verheij
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Domen J, Verbakel JYJ, Adriaenssens N, Scholtes B, Peeters B, Bruyndonckx R, De Sutter A, Heytens S, Van den Bruel A, Desombere I, Van Damme P, Goossens H, Buret L, Duysburgh E, Coenen S. Validation of a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antibody test in general practice. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069997. [PMID: 37130685 PMCID: PMC10163333 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To validate a rapid serological test (RST) for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies used in seroprevalence studies in healthcare providers, including primary healthcare providers (PHCPs) in Belgium. DESIGN A phase III validation study of the RST (OrientGene) within a prospective cohort study. SETTING Primary care in Belgium. PARTICIPANTS Any general practitioner (GP) working in primary care in Belgium and any other PHCP from the same GP practice who physically manages patients were eligible in the seroprevalence study. For the validation study, all participants who tested positive (376) on the RST at the first testing timepoint (T1) and a random sample of those who tested negative (790) and unclear (24) were included. INTERVENTION At T2, 4 weeks later, PHCPs performed the RST with fingerprick blood (index test) immediately after providing a serum sample to be analysed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibodies using a two-out-of-three assay (reference test). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The RST accuracy was estimated using inverse probability weighting to correct for missing reference test data, and considering unclear RST results as negative for the sensitivity and positive for the specificity. Using these conservative estimates, the true seroprevalence was estimated both for T2 and RST-based prevalence values found in a cohort study with PHCPs in Belgium. RESULTS 1073 paired tests (403 positive on the reference test) were included. A sensitivity of 73% (a specificity of 92%) was found considering unclear RST results as negative (positive). For an RST-based prevalence at T1 (13.9), T2 (24.9) and T7 (70.21), the true prevalence was estimated to be 9.1%, 25.9% and 95.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION The RST sensitivity (73%) and specificity (92%) make an RST-based seroprevalence below (above) 23% overestimate (underestimate) the true seroprevalence. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04779424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Domen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jan Yvan Jos Verbakel
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, EPI-Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niels Adriaenssens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Beatrice Scholtes
- General Practice Department-Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Bart Peeters
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Epidemiology & Pharmavigilance, P95, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van den Bruel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, EPI-Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Desombere
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerpen (Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Buret
- General Practice Department-Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
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Bos DAG, De Burghgraeve T, De Sutter A, Buntinx F, Verbakel JY. Clinical prediction models for serious infections in children: external validation in ambulatory care. BMC Med 2023; 21:151. [PMID: 37072778 PMCID: PMC10114467 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02860-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early distinction between mild and serious infections (SI) is challenging in children in ambulatory care. Clinical prediction models (CPMs), developed to aid physicians in clinical decision-making, require broad external validation before clinical use. We aimed to externally validate four CPMs, developed in emergency departments, in ambulatory care. METHODS We applied the CPMs in a prospective cohort of acutely ill children presenting to general practices, outpatient paediatric practices or emergency departments in Flanders, Belgium. For two multinomial regression models, Feverkidstool and Craig model, discriminative ability and calibration were assessed, and a model update was performed by re-estimation of coefficients with correction for overfitting. For two risk scores, the SBI score and PAWS, the diagnostic test accuracy was assessed. RESULTS A total of 8211 children were included, comprising 498 SI and 276 serious bacterial infections (SBI). Feverkidstool had a C-statistic of 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.77-0.84) with good calibration for pneumonia and 0.74 (0.70-0.79) with poor calibration for other SBI. The Craig model had a C-statistic of 0.80 (0.77-0.83) for pneumonia, 0.75 (0.70-0.80) for complicated urinary tract infections and 0.63 (0.39-0.88) for bacteraemia, with poor calibration. The model update resulted in improved C-statistics for all outcomes and good overall calibration for Feverkidstool and the Craig model. SBI score and PAWS performed extremely weak with sensitivities of 0.12 (0.09-0.15) and 0.32 (0.28-0.37). CONCLUSIONS Feverkidstool and the Craig model show good discriminative ability for predicting SBI and a potential for early recognition of SBI, confirming good external validity in a low prevalence setting of SBI. The SBI score and PAWS showed poor diagnostic performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02024282. Registered on 31 December 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A G Bos
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 7 Kapucijnenvoer block H - Box 7001, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.
| | - Tine De Burghgraeve
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 7 Kapucijnenvoer block H - Box 7001, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Practice and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Buntinx
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Research Institute Caphri, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Y Verbakel
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 7 Kapucijnenvoer block H - Box 7001, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- NIHR Community Healthcare Medtech and IVD Cooperative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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9
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Brusselmans J, De Sutter A, Devleesschauwer B, Verstraelen H, Cools P. Scoping review of the association between bacterial vaginosis and emotional, sexual and social health. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:168. [PMID: 37029382 PMCID: PMC10080849 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02260-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that, if symptomatic, is characterized by discharge and odor, with high recurrence rates even when treated. This study aims to review what literature exists on the association between BV and the emotional, sexual, and social health of women. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until November 2020. Studies reporting an association between women's emotional, sexual and/or social health and symptomatic BV in a qualitative and/or quantitative manner were included. Selected studies were divided in three categories, i.e. reporting on the emotional, sexual and/or social association. All studies were critically evaluated and discussed. RESULTS Sixteen studies were included. Concerning emotional health, we found eight studies that calculated the association between stress and BV, in four this was statistically significant. Four qualitative studies on emotional health showed that the severity of the symptoms influenced the impact on women's lives. All studies on sexual health reported that many women experienced an impact on their relationship and sexual intimacy. Results for social life ranged from no association found to most of the study population showing avoidance behavior. CONCLUSION This review shows that symptomatic BV can be associated with diminished emotional, sexual, and social health, but there is too little evidence to state the extent of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Brusselmans
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000, Belgium.
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hans Verstraelen
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
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10
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Boeykens D, Decoster L, Lenoir D, De Sutter A, Haverals R, Lahousse L, Pype P, Van de Velde D, Boeckxstaens P, De Vriendt P. Building an understanding of goal-oriented care through the experiences of people living with chronic conditions. Patient Educ Couns 2023; 107:107567. [PMID: 36379862 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the concept of goal-oriented care (GOC) through the experiences of people with chronic conditions. METHOD Interviews with people living with chronic conditions (n = 50) were analyzed in two ways. A deductive approach based on GOC attributes generated in a concept analysis on GOC: goal-elicitation, goal-setting, goal-evaluation, patients' context, and patients' needs and preferences. An inductive approach based on a thematic analysis using descriptive phenomenology. RESULTS The phase of goal-elicitation was recognized by the participants, whereas goal-setting and goal-evaluation were experienced to a lesser extent. Regarding the underpinning attributes, mixed feelings were reported concerning the integration of the patient's context and the presence of their needs and preferences throughout the care process. The inductive analysis revealed specific attention to informing patients about their condition and treatment options and discussing goals in interprofessional collaboration. CONCLUSION Goal-elicitation was already present and seems to be a good foundation for GOC. More attention should be given to goal-setting and goal-evaluation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Developing guidance by means of a workflow, tools, or questions might support people with chronic conditions and providers to underpin the entire care process with patients' personal goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagje Boeykens
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Lara Decoster
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Dorine Lenoir
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Reini Haverals
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Peter Pype
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; End-of-Life Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, VUB and Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Dominique Van de Velde
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Occupational Therapy, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Voetweg 66, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Pauline Boeckxstaens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Patricia De Vriendt
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Occupational Therapy, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Voetweg 66, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Group, Department of Gerontology and Mental Health and Wellbeing (MENT) Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit, Laarbeeklaan 102, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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11
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Boeykens D, Haverals R, Sirimsi MM, Timmermans L, Van de Velde D, De Vriendt P, Boeckxstaens P, Verté E, Van Bogaert P, De Loof H, Van den Broeck K, Anthierens S, Huybrechts I, Raeymaeckers P, Buffel V, Devroey D, Aertgeerts B, Schoenmakers B, Timmermans L, Foulon V, Declerq A, Verhaeghe N, De Sutter A, Lahousse L, Pype P, Van Hecke A, Decat P, Roose R, Martin S, Rutten E, Pless S, Gauwe V, Reynaert D, Van Landschoot L, Hartmann ML, Claeys T, Vandenhoudt H, De Vliegher K. Creating space to talk about patients' personal goals: experiences from primary care stakeholders. BMC Prim Care 2023; 24:11. [PMID: 36641431 PMCID: PMC9840292 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01956-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To address the many challenges health systems and communities face, primary care is constantly searching for new strategies to improve quality of care. One of the strategies is to focus on patients' personal goals to direct the care process. To adopt an explicit focus on patients' personal goals, actions at different levels are required. As a first step in this process, this study aims to explore the experiences of primary care stakeholders (i.e., scholars, primary care providers, and policy makers) and develop a comprehensive understanding on the idea 'putting patients' goals first'. This will help to formulate suggestions about what these actions should include. METHOD In this study, 41 primary care stakeholders participating in six focus groups between January 2020 and September 2020, were recruited via maximal variation purposive sampling. Data collection was done through an open-ended semi-structured interview guide. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed following a phenomenological-hermeneutical philosophy of Lindseth and Norberg. RESULTS All participants expressed a strong fundamental belief for putting patients' personal goals first. The primary care providers shared that they created space for patients' personal goals by letting them talk about their values and stories. They reported to integrate their medical expertise with patients' personal goals in order to develop a balanced relationship. In this context, they also talked about the importance of taking into account the perspectives of patients' significant others. Primary care providers also talked about how they used patients' personal goals as a guide in interprofessional collaboration. Scholars denoted that (future) care providers need more training to acquire competencies to discuss patients' personal goals. The providers and policy makers talked about organizational limitations in terms of time restrictions and the lack of registration systems to support a workflow oriented towards patients' personal goals. CONCLUSIONS This study can be used to support the coherence of the development of different actions and strategies to get primary care stakeholders fully on board to support the adoption of patients' personal goals in care delivery at different levels. However, models of practice and policy plans are needed to work towards a person-centered integrated system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagje Boeykens
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium ,grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Reini Haverals
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Muhammed Mustafa Sirimsi
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Centre for Research and Innovation in Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Department of Primary Care and Interdisciplinary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lotte Timmermans
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Academic Centre of General Practice, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Dominique Van de Velde
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium ,Department of Occupational Therapy, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patricia De Vriendt
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium ,Department of Occupational Therapy, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Ghent, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Group, Department of Gerontology and Mental Health and Wellbeing (MENT) Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pauline Boeckxstaens
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Burvenich R, Dillen H, Trinh NTH, Freer J, Wynants L, Heytens S, De Sutter A, Verbakel JY. Antibiotic use in ambulatory care for acutely ill children in high-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:1088-1094. [PMID: 35948405 PMCID: PMC9685710 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-324227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the rate and appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for acutely ill children in ambulatory care in high-income countries. DESIGN On 10 February 2021, we systematically searched articles published since 2000 in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Web Of Science and grey literature databases. We included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, time-series analyses, randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies of interventions with acutely ill children up to and including 12 years of age in ambulatory care settings in high-income countries. Pooled antibiotic prescribing and appropriateness rates were calculated using random-effects models. Meta-regression was performed to describe the relationship between the antibiotic prescribing rate and study-level covariates. RESULTS We included 86 studies comprising 11 114 863 children. We found a pooled antibiotic prescribing rate of 45.4% (95% CI 38.2% to 52.8%) for all acutely ill children, and 85.6% (95% CI 73.3% to 92.9%) for acute otitis media, 37.4% (95% CI 30.9% to 44.3%) for respiratory tract infections, and 40.4% (95% CI 29.9% to 51.9%) for other diagnoses. Considerable heterogeneity can only partly be explained by differences in diagnoses. The overall pooled appropriateness rate is 68.5% (95% CI 55.8% to 78.9%, I²=99.8%; 19 studies, 119 995 participants). 38.3% of all prescribed antibiotics were aminopenicillins. CONCLUSIONS Antibiotic prescribing rates for acutely ill children in ambulatory care in high-income countries remain high. Large differences in prescription rates between studies can only partly be explained by differences in diagnoses. Better registration and further research are needed to investigate patient-level data on diagnosis and appropriateness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Burvenich
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium .,Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Dillen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nhung T H Trinh
- Department of Pharmacy, and PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Joseph Freer
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Laure Wynants
- Department of Epidemiology, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Y Verbakel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Timmermans L, Boeykens D, Sirimsi MM, Decat P, Foulon V, Van Hecke A, Vermandere M, Schoenmakers B, Remmen R, Verté E, Sirimsi MM, Van Bogaert P, De Loof H, Van den Broeck K, Anthierens S, Huybrechts I, Raeymaeckers P, Buffel V, Devroey D, Aertgeerts B, Schoenmakers B, Timmermans L, Foulon V, Declerq A, Van de Velde D, Boeckxstaens P, De Sutter A, De Vriendt P, Lahousse L, Pype P, Boeykens D, Van Hecke A, Decat P, Roose R, Martin S, Rutten E, Pless S, Tuinstra A, Gauwe V, Reynaert D, Van Landschoot L, Hartmann ML, Claeys T, Vandenhoudt H, De Vliegher K, Op de Beeck S. Self-management support in flemish primary care practice: the development of a preliminary conceptual model using a qualitative approach. BMC Prim Care 2022; 23:63. [PMID: 35361118 PMCID: PMC8968094 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01652-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Coping with a chronic disease can be really challenging. Self-management represents a promising strategy to improve daily life experiences. The role of primary healthcare professionals cannot be underestimated in supporting self-management. Due to a shortage of theory, implementation of self-management support is hindered in primary care practice. The aim of this study is to create a conceptual model for self-management support by analysing patients’ care experiences towards self-management support. Methods An explorative-descriptive qualitative study was conducted in Flanders, Belgium. Semi-structured interviews were performed with 16 patients and their informal caregiver (dyads) using a purposive sampling strategy and processed by an inductive content analysis, according to Graneheim and Lundman. Results Interviews revealed in-depth insights into patients’ care experiences. A conceptual model was developed for primary care practice, including five fundamental tasks for healthcare professionals - Supporting, Involving, Listening, Coordinating and Questioning (SILCQ) – contributing to the support of self-management of chronic patients. Conclusions This qualitative paper emphasises the use of the SILCQ-model to develop optimal roadmaps and hands-on toolkits for healthcare professionals to support self-management. The model needs to be further explored by all stakeholders to support the development of self-management interventions in primary care practice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01652-8.
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14
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Meyers E, De Rop L, Deschepper E, Duysburgh E, De Burghgraeve T, Van Ngoc P, Digregorio M, Delogne S, Coen A, De Clercq N, Buret L, Coenen S, De Sutter A, Scholtes B, Verbakel JY, Cools P, Heytens S. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Belgian nursing home residents and staff during the primary COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Eur J Gen Pract 2022:1-9. [DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2022.2149732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eline Meyers
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liselore De Rop
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, EPI-Centre, ACHG, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Deschepper
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Biostatistics Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tine De Burghgraeve
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, EPI-Centre, ACHG, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pauline Van Ngoc
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marina Digregorio
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Simon Delogne
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anja Coen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele De Clercq
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laëtitia Buret
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP) and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Beatrice Scholtes
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jan Y. Verbakel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, EPI-Centre, ACHG, Leuven, Belgium
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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15
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Coteur K, Henrard G, Schoenmakers B, Laenen A, Van den Broeck K, De Sutter A, Anthierens S, Devroey D, Kacenelenbogen N, Offermans AM, Van Nuland M. Blended care to discontinue BZRA use in patients with chronic insomnia disorder: a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial in primary care. Sleep 2022; 46:6840128. [PMID: 36413221 PMCID: PMC10091092 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsac278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES International guidelines recommend using benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRA) for maximally four weeks. Nevertheless, long-term use for chronic insomnia disorder remains a common practice. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of blended care for discontinuing long-term BZRA use in general practice. METHODS A pragmatic cluster randomized controlled superiority trial compared blended care to usual care through urine toxicology screening. In the intervention, care by the general practitioner (GP) was complemented by an interactive e-learning program, based on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Adults using BZRA daily for minimally six months were eligible. Participants were clustered at the level of the GP surgery for allocation (1:1). Effectiveness was measured as the proportion of patients who had discontinued at one-year follow-up. Data analysis followed intention-to-treat principles. RESULTS In total, 916 patients in 86 clusters, represented by 99 GPs, were randomized. Primary outcome data was obtained from 727 patients (79%). At one-year follow-up, 82 patients (18%) in blended care, compared to 91 patients (20%) in usual care, had discontinued. There was no statistically significant effect for the intervention (OR: 0·924; 95% CI: 0·60, 1·43). No adverse events were reported to the research team. CONCLUSIONS The findings did not support the superiority of blended care over usual care. Both strategies showed clinical effectiveness, with an average of 19% of patients having discontinued at one-year follow-up. Further research is important to study the effect of structurally implementing digital interventions in general practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristien Coteur
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for General Practice, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gilles Henrard
- Department of General Practice, Research Unit Primary Care & Health, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Birgitte Schoenmakers
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for General Practice, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annouschka Laenen
- Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Centre (L-Biostat), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kris Van den Broeck
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Family Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dirk Devroey
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Anne-Marie Offermans
- Department of General Practice, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Nuland
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for General Practice, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Löffler C, Altiner A, Blumenthal S, Bruno P, De Sutter A, De Vos BJ, Dinant GJ, Duerden M, Dunais B, Egidi G, Gibis B, Melbye H, Rouquier F, Rosemann T, Touboul-Lundgren P, Feldmeier G. Challenges and opportunities for general practice specific CME in Europe - a narrative review of seven countries. BMC Med Educ 2022; 22:761. [PMID: 36344994 PMCID: PMC9641932 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03832-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several changes have led to general practitioners (GPs) working in a more differentiated setting today and being supported by other health professions. As practice changes, primary care specific continuing medical education (CME) may also need to adapt. By comparing different primary care specific CME approaches for GPs across Europe, we aim at identifying challenges and opportunities for future development. METHODS Narrative review assessing, analysing and comparing CME programs for general practitioners across different north-western European countries (UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium (Flanders), Germany, Switzerland, and France). Templates containing detailed items across seven dimensions of country-specific CME were developed and used. These dimensions are role of primary care within the health system, legal regulations regarding CME, published aims of CME, actual content of CME, operationalisation, funding and sponsorship, and evaluation. RESULTS General practice specific CME in the countries under consideration are presented and comparatively analysed based on the dimensions defined in advance. This shows that each of the countries examined has different strengths and weaknesses. A clear pioneer cannot be identified. Nevertheless, numerous impulses for optimising future GP training systems can be derived from the examples presented. CONCLUSIONS Independent of country specific CME programs several fields of potential action were identified: the development of curriculum objectives for GPs, the promotion of innovative teaching and learning formats, the use of synergies in specialist GP training and CME, the creation of accessible yet comprehensive learning platforms, the establishment of clear rules for sponsorship, the development of new financing models, the promotion of fair competition between CME providers, and scientifically based evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Löffler
- Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Str. 142, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Attila Altiner
- Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Str. 142, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Sandra Blumenthal
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Speaker section advanced training German Society for General Practice and Family Medicine (DEGAM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pascale Bruno
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Département de Santé Publique, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Family Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart J. De Vos
- National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert-Jan Dinant
- School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Duerden
- Centre for Medical Education, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Brigitte Dunais
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Département de Santé Publique, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Günther Egidi
- General Practice Bremen Germany, Deputy Speaker section advanced training German Society for General Practice and family medicine (DEGAM), Bremen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Gibis
- National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), Berlin, Germany
| | - Hasse Melbye
- General Practice Research Unit, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pia Touboul-Lundgren
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Département de Santé Publique, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Gregor Feldmeier
- Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Str. 142, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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17
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Piessens V, Heytens S, Van Den Bruel A, Van Hecke A, De Sutter A. Do doctors and other healthcare professionals know overdiagnosis in screening and how are they dealing with it? A protocol for a mixed methods systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054267. [PMID: 36220316 PMCID: PMC9557257 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Overdiagnosis is the diagnosis of a disease that would never have caused any symptom or problem. It is a harmful side effect of screening and may lead to unnecessary treatment, costs and emotional drawbacks. Doctors and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) have the opportunity to mitigate these consequences, not only by informing their patients or the public but also by adjusting screening methods or even by refraining from screening. However, it is unclear to what extent HCPs are fully aware of overdiagnosis and whether it affects their screening decisions. With this systematic review, we aim to synthesise all available research about what HCPs know and think about overdiagnosis, how it affects their position on screening policy and whether they think patients and the public should be informed about it. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will systematically search several databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycArticles) for studies that directly examine HCPs' knowledge and subjective perceptions of overdiagnosis due to health screening, both qualitatively and quantitatively. We will optimise our search by scanning reference and citation lists, contacting experts in the field and hand searching abstracts from the annual conference on 'Preventing Overdiagnosis'. After selection and quality appraisal, we will analyse qualitative and quantitative findings separately in a segregated design for mixed-method reviews. The data will be examined and presented descriptively. If the retrieved studies allow it, we will review them from a constructivist perspective through a critical interpretive synthesis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION For this type of research, no ethical approval is required. Findings from this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at the annual congress of 'Preventing Overdiagnosis'. In addition, the results will serve as guidance for further research on this topic. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021244513.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle Piessens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Den Bruel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Hecke
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
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18
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Li X, Bilcke J, van der Velden AW, Bruyndonckx R, Coenen S, Bongard E, de Paor M, Chlabicz S, Godycki-Cwirko M, Francis N, Aabenhus R, Bucher HC, Colliers A, De Sutter A, Garcia-Sangenis A, Glinz D, Harbin NJ, Kosiek K, Lindbæk M, Lionis C, Llor C, Mikó-Pauer R, Radzeviciene Jurgute R, Seifert B, Sundvall PD, Touboul Lundgren P, Tsakountakis N, Verheij TJ, Goossens H, Butler CC, Beutels P. Cost-effectiveness of adding oseltamivir to primary care for influenza-like-illness: economic evaluation alongside the randomised controlled ALIC 4E trial in 15 European countries. Eur J Health Econ 2022:10.1007/s10198-022-01521-2. [PMID: 36131214 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-022-01521-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oseltamivir is usually not often prescribed (or reimbursed) for non-high-risk patients consulting for influenza-like-illness (ILI) in primary care in Europe. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adding oseltamivir to usual primary care in adults/adolescents (13 years +) and children with ILI during seasonal influenza epidemics, using data collected in an open-label, multi-season, randomised controlled trial of oseltamivir in 15 European countries. METHODS Direct and indirect cost estimates were based on patient reported resource use and official country-specific unit costs. Health-Related Quality of Life was assessed by EQ-5D questionnaires. Costs and quality adjusted life-years (QALY) were bootstrapped (N = 10,000) to estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER), from both the healthcare payers' and the societal perspectives, with uncertainty expressed through probabilistic sensitivity analysis and expected value for perfect information (EVPI) analysis. Additionally, scenario (self-reported spending), comorbidities subgroup and country-specific analyses were performed. RESULTS The healthcare payers' expected ICERs of oseltamivir were €22,459 per QALY gained in adults/adolescents and €13,001 in children. From the societal perspective, oseltamivir was cost-saving in adults/adolescents, but the ICER is €8,344 in children. Large uncertainties were observed in subgroups with comorbidities, especially for children. The expected ICERs and extent of decision uncertainty varied between countries (EVPI ranged €1-€35 per patient). CONCLUSION Adding oseltamivir to primary usual care in Europe is likely to be cost-effective for treating adults/adolescents and children with ILI from the healthcare payers' perspective (if willingness-to-pay per QALY gained > €22,459) and cost-saving in adults/adolescents from a societal perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, room D.S.221, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Joke Bilcke
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, room D.S.221, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alike W van der Velden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BIOSTAT), Data Science Institute (DSI), Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Emily Bongard
- The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Muirrean de Paor
- RCSI Department of General Practice, 123 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Slawomir Chlabicz
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | | | - Nick Francis
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rune Aabenhus
- Section and Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heiner C Bucher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Annelies Colliers
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care (Centre for Family Medicine), Gent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ana Garcia-Sangenis
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol, Via Roma Health Centre, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dominik Glinz
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicolay J Harbin
- Department of General Practice, Antibiotic Center for Primary Care, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Morten Lindbæk
- Research Leader Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christos Lionis
- General Practice and Primary Health Care at the School of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Carl Llor
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol, Via Roma Health Centre, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Bohumil Seifert
- Institute of General Practice, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pär-Daniel Sundvall
- General Practice/Family Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Research, Education, Development and Innovation, Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, Sandared, Sweden
| | | | | | - Theo J Verheij
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Herman Goossens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christopher C Butler
- The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philippe Beutels
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, room D.S.221, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
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19
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Adriaenssens N, Scholtes B, Bruyndonckx R, Van Ngoc P, Verbakel JYJ, De Sutter A, Heytens S, Van Den Bruel A, Desombere I, Van Damme P, Goossens H, Buret L, Duysburgh E, Coenen S. Prevalence, incidence and longevity of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among primary healthcare providers in Belgium: a prospective cohort study with 12 months of follow-up. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065897. [PMID: 36123069 PMCID: PMC9485641 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence, incidence and longevity of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among primary healthcare providers (PHCPs). DESIGN Prospective cohort study with 12 months of follow-up. SETTING Primary care in Belgium. PARTICIPANTS Any general practitioner (GP) working in primary care in Belgium and any other PHCP from the same GP practice who physically manages (examines, tests, treats) patients were eligible. A convenience sample of 3648 eligible PHCPs from 2001 GP practices registered for this study (3044 and 604 to start in December 2020 and January 2021, respectively). 3390 PHCPs (92,9%) participated in their first testing time point (2820 and 565, respectively) and 2557 PHCPs (70,1%) in the last testing time point (December 2021). INTERVENTIONS Participants were asked to perform a rapid serological test targeting IgM and IgG against the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 and to complete an online questionnaire at each of maximum eight testing time points. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The prevalence, incidence and longevity of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 both after natural infection and after vaccination. RESULTS Among all participants, 67% were women and 77% GPs. Median age was 43 years. The seroprevalence in December 2020 (before vaccination availability) was 15.1% (95% CI 13.5% to 16.6%), increased to 84.2% (95% CI 82.9% to 85.5%) in March 2021 (after vaccination availability) and reached 93.9% (95% CI 92.9% to 94.9%) in December 2021 (during booster vaccination availability and fourth (delta variant dominant) COVID-19 wave). Among not (yet) vaccinated participants the first monthly incidence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was estimated to be 2.91% (95% CI 1.80% to 4.01%). The longevity of antibodies is higher in PHCPs with self-reported COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that occupational health measures provided sufficient protection when managing patients. High uptake of vaccination resulted in high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in PHCPs in Belgium. Longevity of antibodies was supported by booster vaccination and virus circulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04779424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Adriaenssens
- Family Medicine & Population Health, Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Beatrice Scholtes
- General Practice Department, Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (I-BIOSTAT), Hasselt University, Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium
- Epidemiology & Pharmacovigilance, P95, Leuven, Belgium
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Pauline Van Ngoc
- General Practice Department, Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Jan Yvan Jos Verbakel
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Den Bruel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Desombere
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Laetitia Buret
- General Practice Department, Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Family Medicine & Population Health, Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
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20
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Ouchi D, García-Sangenís A, Moragas A, van der Velden AW, Verheij TJ, Butler CC, Bongard E, Coenen S, Cook J, Francis NA, Godycki-Cwirko M, Lundgren PT, Lionis C, Radzeviciene Jurgute R, Chlabicz S, De Sutter A, Bucher HC, Seifert B, Kovács B, de Paor M, Sundvall PD, Aabenhus R, Harbin NJ, Ieven G, Goossens H, Lindbæk M, Bjerrum L, Llor C. Clinical prediction of laboratory-confirmed influenza in adults with influenza-like illness in primary care. A randomized controlled trial secondary analysis in 15 European countries. Fam Pract 2022; 39:398-405. [PMID: 34611715 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical findings do not accurately predict laboratory diagnosis of influenza. Early identification of influenza is considered useful for proper management decisions in primary care. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the diagnostic value of the presence and the severity of symptoms for the diagnosis of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection among adults presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) in primary care. METHODS Secondary analysis of patients with ILI who participated in a clinical trial from 2015 to 2018 in 15 European countries. Patients rated signs and symptoms as absent, minor, moderate, or major problem. A nasopharyngeal swab was taken for microbiological identification of influenza and other microorganisms. Models were generated considering (i) the presence of individual symptoms and (ii) the severity rating of symptoms. RESULTS A total of 2,639 patients aged 18 or older were included in the analysis. The mean age was 41.8 ± 14.7 years, and 1,099 were men (42.1%). Influenza was microbiologically confirmed in 1,337 patients (51.1%). The area under the curve (AUC) of the model for the presence of any of seven symptoms for detecting influenza was 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.68), whereas the AUC of the symptom severity model, which included eight variables-cough, fever, muscle aches, sweating and/or chills, moderate to severe overall disease, age, abdominal pain, and sore throat-was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.69-0.72). CONCLUSION Clinical prediction of microbiologically confirmed influenza in adults with ILI is slightly more accurate when based on patient reported symptom severity than when based on the presence or absence of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Ouchi
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol i Gurina, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | - Ana García-Sangenís
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol i Gurina, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Moragas
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol i Gurina, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alike W van der Velden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Theo J Verheij
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Bongard
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Family Medicine & Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johanna Cook
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nick A Francis
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton,United Kingdom
| | - Maciek Godycki-Cwirko
- Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Pia Touboul Lundgren
- Département de Santé Publique, Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Sławomir Chlabicz
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - An De Sutter
- Centre for Family Medicine UGent, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Heiner C Bucher
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bohumil Seifert
- Department of General Practice, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Muireann de Paor
- HRB Centre for Primary Care Research, Department of General Practice, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Health Research Board Primary Care Clinical Trial Network Ireland, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Pär-Daniel Sundvall
- Research, Education, Development & Innovation Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland and Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rune Aabenhus
- Section and Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolay Jonassen Harbin
- Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Greet Ieven
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Antwerp, University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Antwerp, University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Morten Lindbæk
- Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Bjerrum
- Section and Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carl Llor
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol i Gurina, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Public Health, General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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21
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Digregorio M, Van Ngoc P, Delogne S, Meyers E, Deschepper E, Duysburgh E, De Rop L, De Burghgraeve T, Coen A, De Clercq N, Sutter AD, Verbakel JY, Cools P, Heytens S, Buret L, Scholtes B. Vaccine Hesitancy towards the COVID-19 Vaccine in a Random National Sample of Belgian Nursing Home Staff Members. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040598. [PMID: 35455347 PMCID: PMC9028198 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In Belgium, nursing home staff (NHS) and residents were prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination. However, vaccine hesitancy may have impacted vaccination rates. In this study, a random stratified sample of NHS (N = 1142), vaccinated and unvaccinated, completed an online questionnaire on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (between 31 July and 15 November 2021). NHS who hesitated or refused the vaccine were asked for the main reason for their hesitation/refusal. Those who hesitated, but eventually accepted vaccination, were asked why they changed their minds. Overall, 29.5% of all respondents hesitated before accepting vaccination, were still hesitating, or refused vaccination. Principal reasons were fear of unknown future effects (55.1% of vaccinated participants that hesitated and 19.5% who refused), fear of side-effects (12.7% of vaccinated participants that hesitated and 12.2% who refused), and mistrust in vaccination (10.5% of vaccinated participants that hesitated and 12.2% who refused). For vaccinated participants who hesitated initially, protecting the vulnerable was the main reason they changed their minds. Given this degree of fear and proposals to mandate vaccination among healthcare workers, communicating with NHS on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Digregorio
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (S.D.); (L.B.); (B.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (P.V.N.)
| | - Pauline Van Ngoc
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (S.D.); (L.B.); (B.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (P.V.N.)
| | - Simon Delogne
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (S.D.); (L.B.); (B.S.)
| | - Eline Meyers
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (E.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Ellen Deschepper
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Liselore De Rop
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.D.R.); (T.D.B.); (J.Y.V.)
| | - Tine De Burghgraeve
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.D.R.); (T.D.B.); (J.Y.V.)
| | - Anja Coen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.C.); (N.D.C.); (A.D.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Nele De Clercq
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.C.); (N.D.C.); (A.D.S.); (S.H.)
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.C.); (N.D.C.); (A.D.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Jan Y. Verbakel
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.D.R.); (T.D.B.); (J.Y.V.)
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (E.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.C.); (N.D.C.); (A.D.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Laëtitia Buret
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (S.D.); (L.B.); (B.S.)
| | - Beatrice Scholtes
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (S.D.); (L.B.); (B.S.)
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22
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Piessens V, Delvaux N, Heytens S, Aertgeerts B, De Sutter A. Downstream activities after laboratory testing in primary care: an exploratory outcome of the ELMO cluster randomised trial (Electronic Laboratory Medicine Ordering with evidence-based order sets in primary care). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059261. [PMID: 35379642 PMCID: PMC8981323 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the rate and type of downstream activities (DAs) after laboratory testing in primary care, with a specific focus on check-up laboratory panels, and to explore the effect of a clinical decision support system (CDSS) for laboratory ordering on these DAs. DESIGN Cluster randomised clinical trial. SETTING 72 primary care practices in Belgium, with 272 general practitioners (GPs), randomly assigned to the intervention arm or the control arm. PARTICIPANTS The study included 10 270 lab panels from 9683 primary care patients (women 55.1%, mean age 56.5). All adult patients who consulted one of the participating GPs during the trial period and needed a laboratory exam were eligible for participation. INTERVENTIONS GPs in the intervention group used a CDSS integrated into their online laboratory ordering system, while GPs in the control arm used their lab ordering system as usual. The trial duration was 6 months, with another 6 months follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES This publication reports on the exploratory outcome of DAs after an initial laboratory exam and the effect of the CDSS on these DAs. RESULTS 19.7% of all laboratory panels resulted in further diagnostic procedures (95% CI 18.9% to 20.5%) and 19% (95% CI 18.2% to 19.7%) in treatment changes. Check-up laboratory exams showed similar rates of DAs, with 17.5% (95% CI 13.8% to 21.2%) diagnostic DAs and 18.9% (95% CI 13.9% to 23.9%) treatment changes. Using the CDSS resulted in a significant reduction in downstream referrals (-2.4%; 95% CI -4.2% to -0.6%; p=0008), imaging and endoscopies (-0.9%; 95% CI -1.6% to -0.1%; p=0026) and treatment changes (-5.4%; 95% CI -9.5% to -1.2%; p=0.01). CONCLUSION This is the largest study so far to examine DAs after laboratory testing. It shows that almost one in three laboratory exams leads to further DAs, even in check-up panels. Using a CDSS for laboratory orders may reduce the rate of some DAs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02950142.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle Piessens
- Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gent, Belgium
| | | | - Stefan Heytens
- Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gent, Belgium
| | | | - An De Sutter
- Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gent, Belgium
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23
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Janssens H, Heytens S, Meyers E, De Schepper E, De Sutter A, Devleesschauwer B, Formukong A, Keirse S, Padalko E, Geens T, Cools P. Pre-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among staff and residents of nursing homes in Flanders (Belgium) in fall 2020. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:1-25. [PMID: 35234113 PMCID: PMC8943225 DOI: 10.1017/s095026882200036x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG antibodies, using dried blood spots, was determined in October–November 2020, among residents and staff randomly selected from 20 nursing homes (NH) geographically distributed in Flanders, Belgium. Sociodemographic and medical data [including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms and results of RT-PCR tests] were retrieved using questionnaires. The overall seroprevalence was 17.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 14.9–19.5], with 18.9% (95% CI 15.9–22.2) of the residents and 14.9% (95% CI 11.9–18.4) of the staff having antibodies, which was higher than the seroprevalence in blood donors. The seroprevalence in the 20 NH varied between 0.0% and 45.0%. Fourteen per cent of the staff with antibodies, reported no typical COVID-19 symptoms, while in residents, 51.0% of those with antibodies had no symptoms. The generalised mixed effect model showed a positive association between COVID-19 symptoms and positive serology, but this relation was weaker in residents compared to staff. This study shows that NH are more affected by SARS-CoV-2 than the general population. The large variation between NH, suggests that some risk factors for the spread among residents and staff may be related to the NH. Further, the results suggest that infected people, without the typical COVID-19 symptoms, might play a role in outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Janssens
- Research and Analytics, Liantis, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eline Meyers
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen De Schepper
- Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Asangwing Formukong
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Elizaveta Padalko
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Geens
- Research and Analytics, Liantis, Belgium
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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24
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Boeykens D, Boeckxstaens P, De Sutter A, Lahousse L, Pype P, De Vriendt P, Van de Velde D. Goal-oriented care for patients with chronic conditions or multimorbidity in primary care: A scoping review and concept analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262843. [PMID: 35120137 PMCID: PMC8815876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The healthcare system is faced by an ageing population, increase in chronic conditions and multimorbidity. Multimorbid patients are faced with multiple parallel care processes leading to a risk of fragmented care. These problems relate to the disease-oriented paradigm. In this paradigm the treatment goals can be in contrast with what patients value. The concept of goal-oriented care is proposed as an alternative way of providing care as meeting patients' goals could have potential benefits. Though, there is a need to translate this concept into tangible knowledge so providers can better understand and use the concept in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to address this need by means of a concept analysis. METHOD This concept analysis using the method of Walker and Avant is based on a literature search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, CINAHL, OTSeeker and Web of Science. The method provides eight iterative steps: select a concept, determine purpose, determine defining attributes, identify model case, identify additional case, identify antecedents and consequences and define empirical referents. RESULTS The analysis of 37 articles revealed that goal-oriented care is a dynamic and iterative process of three stages: goal-elicitation, goal-setting, and goal-evaluation. The process is underpinned by the patient's context and values. Provider and patient preparedness are required to provide goal-oriented care. Goal-oriented care has the potential to improve patients' experiences and providers' well-being, to reduce costs, and improve the overall population health. The challenge is to identify empirical referents to evaluate the process of goal-oriented care. CONCLUSION A common understanding of goal-oriented care is presented. Further research should focus on how and what goals are set by the patient, how this knowledge could be translated into a tangible workflow and should support the development of a strategy to evaluate the goal-oriented process of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagje Boeykens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Center for Family Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pauline Boeckxstaens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Center for Family Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Center for Family Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Pype
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Center for Family Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patricia De Vriendt
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Gerontology and Mental Health and Wellbeing (MENT) Research Group, Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Dominique Van de Velde
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
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25
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Adriaenssens N, Scholtes B, Bruyndonckx R, Verbakel JY, De Sutter A, Heytens S, Van den Bruel A, Desombere I, Van Damme P, Goossens H, Buret L, Duysburgh E, Coenen S. Prevalence and incidence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among primary healthcare providers in Belgium during 1 year of the COVID-19 epidemic: prospective cohort study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054688. [PMID: 35105642 PMCID: PMC8804304 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION National SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence data provide essential information about population exposure to the virus and help predict the future course of the epidemic. Early cohort studies have suggested declines in levels of antibodies in individuals associated with, for example, illness severity, age and comorbidities. This protocol focuses on the seroprevalence among primary healthcare providers (PHCPs) in Belgium. PHCPs manage the vast majority of (COVID-19) patients and therefore play an essential role in the efficient organisation of healthcare. Currently, evidence is lacking on (1) how many PHCPs get infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Belgium, (2) the rate at which this happens, (3) their clinical spectrum, (4) their risk factors, (5) the effectiveness of the measures to prevent infection and (6) the accuracy of the serology-based point-of-care test (POCT) in a primary care setting. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study will be set up as a prospective cohort study. General practitioners (GPs) and other PHCPs (working in a GP practice) will be recruited via professional networks and professional media outlets to register online to participate. Registered GPs and other PHCPs will be asked at each testing point (n=9) to perform a capillary blood sample antibody POCT targeting IgM and IgG against the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 and complete an online questionnaire. The primary outcomes are the prevalence and incidence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in PHCPs during a 12-month follow-up period. Secondary outcomes include the longevity of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been granted by the ethics committee of the University Hospital of Antwerp/University of Antwerp (Belgian registration number: 3002020000237). Alongside journal publications, dissemination activities include the publication of monthly reports to be shared with the participants and the general population through the publicly available website of the Belgian health authorities (Sciensano). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04779424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Adriaenssens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Beatrice Scholtes
- Département des Sciences Cliniques, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jan Y Verbakel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van den Bruel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Desombere
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Laëtitia Buret
- Département des Sciences Cliniques, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
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26
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Mariën J, Ceulemans A, Bakokimi D, Lammens C, Ieven M, Heytens S, De Sutter A, Verbakel JY, Van den Bruel A, Goossens H, Van Damme P, Ariën KK, Coenen S. Prospective SARS-CoV-2 cohort study among primary health care providers during the second COVID-19 wave in Flanders, Belgium. Fam Pract 2022; 39:92-98. [PMID: 34448859 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary health care providers (PHCPs) are assumed to be at high risk of a COVID-19 infection, as they are exposed to patients with usually less personal protective equipment (PPE) than other frontline health care workers (HCWs). Nevertheless, current research efforts focussed on the assessment of COVID-19 seroprevalence rates in the general population or hospital HCWs. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the seroprevalence in PHCPs during the second SARS-CoV-2 wave in Flanders (Belgium) and compared it to the seroprevalence in the general population. We also assessed risk factors, availability of PPE and attitudes towards the government guidelines over time. METHODS A prospective cohort of PHCPs (n = 698), mainly general practitioners, was asked to complete a questionnaire and self-sample capillary blood by finger-pricking at five distinct points in time (June-December 2020). We analysed the dried blood spots for IgG antibodies using a Luminex multiplex immunoassay. RESULTS The seroprevalence of PHCPs remained stable between June and September (4.6-5.0%), increased significantly from October to December (8.1-13.4%) and was significantly higher than the seroprevalence of the general population. The majority of PHCPs were concerned about becoming infected, had adequate PPE and showed increasing confidence in government guidelines. CONCLUSIONS The marked increase in seroprevalence during the second COVID-19 wave shows that PHCPs were more at risk during the second wave compared to the first wave in Flanders. This increase was only slightly higher in PHCPs than in the general population suggesting that the occupational health measures implemented provided sufficient protection when managing patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Mariën
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann Ceulemans
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Diana Bakokimi
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christine Lammens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Margareta Ieven
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Centre for Family Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Centre for Family Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Y Verbakel
- EPI-Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin K Ariën
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Centre for General Practice, Department of Family Medicine & Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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27
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Van Leeuwen E, Anthierens S, van Driel ML, De Sutter A, De Beir R, Christiaens T. Should I, can I, dare I? Patients' view on stopping long-term antidepressant use, a qualitative study. Acta Clin Belg 2022; 77:962-969. [PMID: 35007191 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2021.2024384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The rise in long-term antidepressant use is concerning. Long-term antidepressant (AD) use, much longer than recommended by guidelines, can result in risk of adverse events and generate unnecessary costs. In order to mitigate these risks, patients views about their antidepressants and how to discontinue need to be taken into account. We aimed to explore patients' experiences and views of discontinuing long-term AD, barriers and facilitators of discontinuation and required support. METHODS Semi-structured face to face interviews were conducted with 14 patients with long-term AD use in primary care. Interviews were analysed thematically. RESULTS Participants describe various perceptions about discontinuation. There is fear of returning to their depression, even in those who were ambivalent about the effectiveness and safety of AD continuation. Participants describe low confidence in their own coping resources, fear of stress, and previous negative experiences with stopping. This enhances their perception of AD dependence. Participants indicate the importance of the support of their GP and their social network to help them withdraw. CONCLUSION Discontinuation of long-term antidepressants is a complex issue for patients. More awareness of the lack of evidence and the potential risks of long-term AD continuation is required. By raising the issue and offering support during discontinuation GPs can help their patients stop AD. A greater focus on non-pharmacological approaches of depression in primary care is needed to reduce unnecessary AD use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Van Leeuwen
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit General Practice Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- Unit General Practice Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - An De Sutter
- Unit General Practice Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rani De Beir
- Huisartsenpraktijk Eureka, General Practice “Van Poucke”, Belgium
- Ghent University: Universiteit Gent, Belgium
| | - Thierry Christiaens
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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28
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Verbakel JYJ, De Burghgraeve T, Van den Bruel A, Coenen S, Anthierens S, Joly L, Laenen A, Luyten J, De Sutter A. Antibiotic prescribing rate after optimal near-patient C-reactive protein testing in acutely ill children presenting to ambulatory care (ARON project): protocol for a cluster-randomized pragmatic trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058912. [PMID: 34980633 PMCID: PMC8724812 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children become ill quite often, mainly because of infections, most of which can be managed in the community. Many children are prescribed antibiotics which contributes to antimicrobial resistance and reinforces health-seeking behaviour. Point-of-care C reactive protein (POC CRP) testing, prescription guidance and safety-netting advice can help safely reduce antibiotic prescribing to acutely ill children in ambulatory care as well as save costs at a systems level. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The ARON (Antibiotic prescribing Rate after Optimal Near-patient testing in acutely ill children in ambulatory care) trial is a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled superiority trial with a nested process evaluation and will assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of a diagnostic algorithm, which includes a standardised clinical assessment, a POC CRP test, and safety-netting advice, in acutely ill children aged 6 months to 12 years presenting to ambulatory care. The primary outcome is antibiotic prescribing at the index consultation; secondary outcomes include clinical recovery, reconsultation, referral/admission to hospital, additional testing, mortality and patient satisfaction. We aim to recruit a total sample size of 6111 patients. All outcomes will be analysed according to the intent-to-treat approach. We will use a mixed-effect logistic regression analysis to account for the clustering at practice level. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study will be conducted in compliance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (current version), the principles of Good Clinical Practice and in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements. Ethics approval for this study was obtained on 10 November 2020 from the Ethics Committee Research of University Hospitals Leuven under reference S62005. We will ensure that the findings of the study will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders other than the scientific world including the public, healthcare providers and policy-makers. The process evaluation that is part of this trial may provide a basis for an implementation strategy. If our intervention proves to be clinically and cost-effective, it will be essential to educate physicians about introducing the diagnostic algorithm including POC CRP testing and safety-netting advice in their daily practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04470518. Protocol V.2.0 date 2 October 2020. (Pre-results).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Yvan Jos Verbakel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for General Practice, EPI-Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tine De Burghgraeve
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for General Practice, EPI-Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ann Van den Bruel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for General Practice, EPI-Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Louise Joly
- Research Unit Primary Care and Health, Department of General Practice, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Annouschka Laenen
- Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Centre (L-BioStat), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Luyten
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Family Medicine & Health Policy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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29
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Ellen VL, Anthierens S, van Driel ML, Sutter AD, van den Branden E, Christiaens T. 'Never change a winning team': GPs' perspectives on discontinuation of long-term antidepressants. Scand J Prim Health Care 2021; 39:533-542. [PMID: 34895003 PMCID: PMC8725864 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2021.2006487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term antidepressant use, much longer than recommended by guidelines, can harm patients and generate unnecessary costs. Most antidepressants are prescribed by general practitioners (GPs) but it remains unclear why they do not discontinue long-term use. AIM To explore GPs' views and experiences of discontinuing long-term antidepressants, barriers and facilitators of discontinuation and required support. DESIGN AND SETTING Qualitative study in Belgian GPs. METHOD 20 semi-structured face-to-face interviews with GPs. Interviews were analysed thematically. RESULTS The first theme, 'Success stories' describes three strong motivators to discontinue antidepressants: patient health issues, patient requests and a new positive life event. Second, not all GPs consider long-term antidepressant use a 'problem' as they perceive antidepressants as effective and safe. GPs' main concern is the risk of relapse. Third, GPs foresee that discontinuation of antidepressants is not an easy and straightforward process. GPs weigh up whether they have the necessary skills and whether it is worth the effort to start this process. CONCLUSION Discontinuation of long-term antidepressants is a difficult and uncertain process for GPs, especially in the absence of a facilitating life-event or patient demand. The absence of a compelling need for discontinuation and fear of relapse of symptoms in a stable patient are important barriers for GPs when considering discontinuation. In order to increase GPs' motivation to discontinue long-term antidepressants, more emphasis on the futility of the actual effect and on potential harms related to long-term use is needed.KEY POINTSCurrent awareness:Long-term antidepressant use, much longer than recommended by guidelines, can harm patients and generate unnecessary costs.Main statements: • Discontinuation of long-term antidepressants is a difficult and uncertain process for GPs. • More emphasis on the futility of the actual effect of antidepressants and on potential harms related to long-term use is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Leeuwen Ellen
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Family Medicine and Population, Health University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mieke L. van Driel
- Faculty of Medicine, Primary Care Clinical Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Thierry Christiaens
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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30
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Meyers E, Heytens S, Formukong A, Vercruysse H, De Sutter A, Geens T, Hofkens K, Janssens H, Nys E, Padalko E, Deschepper E, Cools P. Comparison of Dried Blood Spots and Venous Blood for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in a Population of Nursing Home Residents. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0017821. [PMID: 34549995 PMCID: PMC8557917 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00178-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, testing for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies is paramount for monitoring immune responses in postauthorization vaccination and seroepidemiological studies. However, large-scale and iterative serological testing by venipuncture in older persons can be challenging. Capillary blood sampling using a finger prick and collection on protein saver cards, i.e., dried blood spots (DBSs), has already proven to be a promising alternative. However, elderly persons have reduced cutaneous microvasculature, which may affect DBS-based antibody testing. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the performance of DBS tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among nursing homes residents. We collected paired venous blood and DBS samples on two types of protein saver cards (Whatman and EUROIMMUN) from nursing home residents, as well as from staff members as a reference population. Venous blood samples were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using the Abbott chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). DBS samples were analyzed by the EUROIMMUN enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. We performed a statistical assessment to optimize the ELISA cutoff value for the DBS testing using Youden's J index. A total of 273 paired DBS-serum samples were analyzed, of which 129 were positive, as assessed by the reference test. The sensitivities and specificities of DBS testing ranged from 95.0% to 97.1% and from 97.1% to 98.8%, respectively, depending on the population (residents or staff members) and the DBS card type. Therefore, we found that DBS sampling is a valid alternative to venipuncture for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among elderly subjects. IMPORTANCE Since the implementation of newly developed SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the general population, serological tests are of increasing importance. Because DBS samples can be obtained with a finger prick and can be shipped and stored at room temperature, they are optimal for use in large-scale SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance or postauthorization vaccination studies, even in an elderly study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Meyers
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Asangwing Formukong
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hanne Vercruysse
- Research and Analytics, Liantis Occupational Health Services, Bruges, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Geens
- Research and Analytics, Liantis Occupational Health Services, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Kenneth Hofkens
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Heidi Janssens
- Research and Analytics, Liantis Occupational Health Services, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Eveline Nys
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elizaveta Padalko
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen Deschepper
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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31
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Moerenhout T, Devisch I, Cooreman L, Bernaerdt J, De Sutter A, Provoost V. Patients' moral attitudes toward electronic health records: Survey study with vignettes and statements. Health Informatics J 2021; 27:1460458220980039. [PMID: 33446034 DOI: 10.1177/1460458220980039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Patient access to electronic health records gives rise to ethical questions related to the patient-doctor-computer relationship. Our study aims to examine patients' moral attitudes toward a shared EHR, with a focus on autonomy, information access, and responsibility. A de novo self-administered questionnaire containing three vignettes and 15 statements was distributed among patients in four different settings. A total of 1688 valid questionnaires were collected. Patients' mean age was 51 years, 61% was female, 50% had a higher degree (college or university), and almost 50% suffered from a chronic illness. Respondents were hesitant to hide sensitive information electronically from their care providers. They also strongly believed hiding information could negatively affect the quality of care provided. Participants preferred to be informed about negative test results in a face-to-face conversation, or would have every patient decide individually how they want to receive results. Patients generally had little experience using patient portal systems and expressed a need for more information on EHRs in this survey. They tended to be hesitant to take up control over their medical data in the EHR and deemed patients share a responsibility for the accuracy of information in their record.
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32
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Grymonprez M, Steurbaut S, De Sutter A, Lahousse L. Impact of a single non-sex-related stroke risk factor on atrial fibrillation and oral anticoagulant outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Open Heart 2021; 7:openhrt-2020-001465. [PMID: 33361315 PMCID: PMC7759963 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2020-001465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are crucial for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at high thromboembolic risk. However, in AF patients at intermediate thromboembolic risk with a single non-sex-related stroke risk factor (CHA2DS2-VASc score 1 in men, 2 in women), guidelines advise to consider starting anticoagulation, which may result in OAC non-initiation due to underestimation of the thromboembolic risk of a single stroke risk factor and overestimation of the OAC-related bleeding risk. A critical appraisal of the role of OACs and the benefit–risk profile of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in this patient subgroup are needed. Methods and results This systematic review provides an overview of literature on the effectiveness and safety of OACs in AF patients with a single non-sex-related stroke risk factor after searching Medline and Embase. Differences between individual stroke risk factors regarding the ischaemic stroke risk in non-anticoagulated AF patients are identified in a meta-analysis, demonstrating the highest increased risk in patients aged 65–74 years old or with diabetes mellitus, followed by heart failure, hypertension and vascular disease. Furthermore, meta-analysis results favour NOACs over VKAs, given their equal effectiveness and superior safety in AF patients at intermediate thromboembolic risk (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.34 for stroke or systemic embolism; HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.80 for major bleeding; HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.59 for intracranial bleeding; HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.71 for mortality). Conclusion Our systematic review with meta-analysis favours the use of anticoagulation in AF patients with a single non-sex-related stroke risk factor, especially when age ≥65 years or diabetes mellitus is present, with a preference for NOACs over VKAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Grymonprez
- Department of Bioanalysis, Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephane Steurbaut
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Research, Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Department of Bioanalysis, Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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33
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Delvaux N, Piessens V, Burghgraeve TD, Mamouris P, Vaes B, Stichele RV, Cloetens H, Thomas J, Ramaekers D, Sutter AD, Aertgeerts B. Clinical decision support improves the appropriateness of laboratory test ordering in primary care without increasing diagnostic error: the ELMO cluster randomized trial. Implement Sci 2020; 15:100. [PMID: 33148311 PMCID: PMC7640389 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-020-01059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inappropriate laboratory test ordering poses an important burden for healthcare. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) have been cited as promising tools to improve laboratory test ordering behavior. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of an intervention that integrated a clinical decision support service into a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) on the appropriateness and volume of laboratory test ordering, and on diagnostic error in primary care. Methods This study was a pragmatic, cluster randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial. Setting Two hundred eighty general practitioners (GPs) from 72 primary care practices in Belgium. Patients Patients aged ≥ 18 years with a laboratory test order for at least one of 17 indications: cardiovascular disease management, hypertension, check-up, chronic kidney disease (CKD), thyroid disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatigue, anemia, liver disease, gout, suspicion of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), suspicion of lung embolism, rheumatoid arthritis, sexually transmitted infections (STI), acute diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, and follow-up of medication. Interventions The CDSS was integrated into a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) in the form of evidence-based order sets that suggested appropriate tests based on the indication provided by the general physician. Measurements The primary outcome of the ELMO study was the proportion of appropriate tests over the total number of ordered tests and inappropriately not-requested tests. Secondary outcomes of the ELMO study included diagnostic error, test volume, and cascade activities. Results CDSS increased the proportion of appropriate tests by 0.21 (95% CI 0.16–0.26, p < 0.0001) for all tests included in the study. GPs in the CDSS arm ordered 7 (7.15 (95% CI 3.37–10.93, p = 0.0002)) tests fewer per panel. CDSS did not increase diagnostic error. The absolute difference in proportions was a decrease of 0.66% (95% CI 1.4% decrease–0.05% increase) in possible diagnostic error. Conclusions A CDSS in the form of order sets, integrated within the CPOE improved appropriateness and decreased volume of laboratory test ordering without increasing diagnostic error. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02950142, registered on October 25, 2016 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13012-020-01059-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Delvaux
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 Blok J PB 7001, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Veerle Piessens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tine De Burghgraeve
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 Blok J PB 7001, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pavlos Mamouris
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 Blok J PB 7001, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bert Vaes
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 Blok J PB 7001, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert Vander Stichele
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hanne Cloetens
- Center for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Gouverneur Kinsbergen Centrum, Doornstraat 331, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Dirk Ramaekers
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 Blok J PB 7001, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bert Aertgeerts
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 Blok J PB 7001, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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34
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Agarwal A, Hunt B, Stegemann M, Rochwerg B, Lamontagne F, Siemieniuk RA, Agoritsas T, Askie L, Lytvyn L, Leo YS, Macdonald H, Zeng L, Alhadyan A, Muna AM, Amin W, da Silva ARA, Aryal D, Barragan FAJ, Bausch FJ, Burhan E, Calfee CS, Cecconi M, Chacko B, Chanda D, Dat VQ, De Sutter A, Du B, Freedman S, Geduld H, Gee P, Haider M, Gotte M, Harley N, Hashimi M, Hui D, Ismail M, Jehan F, Kabra SK, Kanda S, Kim YJ, Kissoon N, Krishna S, Kuppalli K, Kwizera A, Lado Castro-Rial M, Lisboa T, Lodha R, Mahaka I, Manai H, Mendelson M, Migliori GB, Mino G, Nsutebu E, Peter J, Preller J, Pshenichnaya N, Qadir N, Ranganathan SS, Relan P, Rylance J, Sabzwari S, Sarin R, Shankar-Hari M, Sharland M, Shen Y, Souza JP, Swanstrom R, Tshokey T, Ugarte S, Uyeki T, Evangelina VC, Venkatapuram S, Vuyiseka D, Wijewickrama A, Tran L, Zeraatkar D, Bartoszko JJ, Ge L, Brignardello-Petersen R, Owen A, Guyatt G, Diaz J, Kawano-Dourado L, Jacobs M, Vandvik PO. A living WHO guideline on drugs for covid-19. BMJ 2020; 370:m3379. [PMID: 32887691 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m3379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 475] [Impact Index Per Article: 118.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Updates This is the fourteenth version (thirteenth update) of the living guideline, replacing earlier versions (available as data supplements). New recommendations will be published as updates to this guideline. Clinical question What is the role of drugs in the treatment of patients with covid-19? Context The evidence base for therapeutics for covid-19 is evolving with numerous randomised controlled trials (RCTs) recently completed and underway. Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and subvariants are changing the role of therapeutics. What is new? The guideline development group (GDG) defined 1.5% as a new threshold for an important reduction in risk of hospitalisation in patients with non-severe covid-19. Combined with updated baseline risk estimates, this resulted in stratification into patients at low, moderate, and high risk for hospitalisation. New recommendations were added for moderate risk of hospitalisation for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and for moderate and low risk of hospitalisation for molnupiravir and remdesivir. New pharmacokinetic evidence was included for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir, supporting existing recommendations for patients at high risk of hospitalisation. The recommendation for ivermectin in patients with non-severe illness was updated in light of additional trial evidence which reduced the high degree of uncertainty informing previous guidance. A new recommendation was made against the antiviral agent VV116 for patients with non-severe and with severe or critical illness outside of randomised clinical trials based on one RCT comparing the drug with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. The structure of the guideline publication has also been changed; recommendations are now ordered by severity of covid-19. About this guideline This living guideline from the World Health Organization (WHO) incorporates new evidence to dynamically update recommendations for covid-19 therapeutics. The GDG typically evaluates a therapy when the WHO judges sufficient evidence is available to make a recommendation. While the GDG takes an individual patient perspective in making recommendations, it also considers resource implications, acceptability, feasibility, equity, and human rights. This guideline was developed according to standards and methods for trustworthy guidelines, making use of an innovative process to achieve efficiency in dynamic updating of recommendations. The methods are aligned with the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development and according to a pre-approved protocol (planning proposal) by the Guideline Review Committee (GRC). A box at the end of the article outlines key methodological aspects of the guideline process. MAGIC Evidence Ecosystem Foundation provides methodological support, including the coordination of living systematic reviews with network meta-analyses to inform the recommendations. The full version of the guideline is available online in MAGICapp and in PDF on the WHO website, with a summary version here in The BMJ. These formats should facilitate adaptation, which is strongly encouraged by WHO to contextualise recommendations in a healthcare system to maximise impact. Future recommendations Recommendations on anticoagulation are planned for the next update to this guideline. Updated data regarding systemic corticosteroids, azithromycin, favipiravir and umefenovir for non-severe illness, and convalescent plasma and statin therapy for severe or critical illness, are planned for review in upcoming guideline iterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnav Agarwal
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
| | - Beverly Hunt
- St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Miriam Stegemann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Bram Rochwerg
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - François Lamontagne
- Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche due CHU de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
- Corticosteroid panel member
| | - Reed Ac Siemieniuk
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
| | - Thomas Agoritsas
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- MAGIC Evidence Ecosystem Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
- Corticosteroid panel member
| | - Lisa Askie
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lyubov Lytvyn
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
| | - Yee-Sin Leo
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Singapore
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Helen Macdonald
- The BMJ, London, UK
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano (MI), Italy
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
| | - Linan Zeng
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
| | | | | | - Wagdy Amin
- Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | | | | | | | - Frederique Jacquerioz Bausch
- Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Erlina Burhan
- Infection Division, Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Carolyn S Calfee
- University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Maurizio Cecconi
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano (MI), Italy
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
| | | | - Duncan Chanda
- Adult Infectious Disease Centre, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Vu Quoc Dat
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - An De Sutter
- University of Gent, Belgium
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Bin Du
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Stephen Freedman
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Heike Geduld
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Patrick Gee
- USA
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | | | | | - Nerina Harley
- Royal Melbourne Hospital and Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, Australia
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Madiha Hashimi
- Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - David Hui
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | - Sushil K Kabra
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Seema Kanda
- McMaster University (alumnus)
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Yae-Jean Kim
- Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Niranjan Kissoon
- Department of Paediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | | | | | - Arthur Kwizera
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | | | | | - Rakesh Lodha
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Imelda Mahaka
- Zimbabwe
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Hela Manai
- Emergency Medical Services, Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Marc Mendelson
- Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Greta Mino
- Alcivar Hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Emmanuel Nsutebu
- Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | | | | | - Natalia Pshenichnaya
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, Moscow, Russia
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Nida Qadir
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Shalini Sri Ranganathan
- University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | | | | | - Saniya Sabzwari
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Rohit Sarin
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- MAGIC Evidence Ecosystem Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Manu Shankar-Hari
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Michael Sharland
- St. George’s University Hospital, UK
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Yinzhong Shen
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Joao P Souza
- University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | | | | | - Sebastian Ugarte
- Faculty of Medicine Andres Bello University, Indisa Clinic, Santiago, Chile)
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Timothy Uyeki
- Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States
| | | | - Sridhar Venkatapuram
- King’s College, London, UK
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Dubula Vuyiseka
- University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Ananda Wijewickrama
- Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Lien Tran
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dena Zeraatkar
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
| | - Jessica J Bartoszko
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
| | - Long Ge
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The BMJ, London, UK
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
| | - Romina Brignardello-Petersen
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
| | - Andrew Owen
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
| | - Gordon Guyatt
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
| | - Janet Diaz
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
- co-senior author
| | - Leticia Kawano-Dourado
- Pulmonary Division, Heart Institute (InCor)- HCFMUSP, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil and Research Institute, Hospital do Coração (HCor), São Paulo, Brazil
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- Corticosteroid panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
| | - Michael Jacobs
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
- Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir-ritonavir panel member
- ivermectin and IL-6 receptor blocker panel member
- co-senior author
| | - Per Olav Vandvik
- MAGIC Evidence Ecosystem Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Health Economics and Health Management, Institute for Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Not panel member; resource for methodology, systematic review, and content support
- co-senior author
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Capiau A, Mehuys E, Van Tongelen I, Christiaens T, De Sutter A, Steurbaut S, Moudallel S, Rydant S, Vrijens B, de Backer TLM, Boussery K. Community pharmacy-based study of adherence to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants. Heart 2020; 106:1740-1746. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-316781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess implementation adherence (how well the patient’s actual intake matches the prescribed dosing regimen) to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and to explore experiences with and beliefs about NOACs in a real-world sample of long-term NOAC users.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted in home-dwelling adults who started taking a NOAC at least 1 year prior to inclusion. Pharmacy dispensing data were used to calculate the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR). Patients were recruited in 158 community pharmacies in Flanders, Belgium. They completed a questionnaire collecting basic characteristics and exploring self-reported adherence to NOACs (using the Medication Adherence Report Scale, MARS) and experiences with and beliefs about NOACs (using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, BMQ).ResultsA total of 766 patients (mean age 76.2±8.8 years, median CHA2DS2-VASc score 4 (IQR=3–4)) were included. The majority (93.5%) used NOAC for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. The median MPR was 95.2% (IQR=87.8–99.7) which corresponds with half of the study population not taking their NOAC on at least 17 cumulative days per year. Almost 21% of participants reported non-adherence on the MARS (score <25), with unintentional non-adherence (forgetfulness) most frequently reported (15.4%). Although two-thirds of NOAC users indicated to experience adverse drug reactions, the BMQ demonstrated a positive attitude towards NOAC therapy, where necessity beliefs outweigh the concerns.ConclusionsOur data indicate that long-term NOAC users have high implementation adherence and a positive attitude towards NOAC therapy. However, taking into account patients’ thromboembolic risk and NOACs’ short half-lives, further optimisation of NOAC use seems warranted in this population.
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Joosten P, Van Cleven A, Sarrazin S, Paepe D, De Sutter A, Dewulf J. Dogs and Their Owners Have Frequent and Intensive Contact. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17124300. [PMID: 32560155 PMCID: PMC7345801 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Contact and interactions between owners and their pets may have beneficial physical and social effects on people, but may also facilitate the transmission of zoonotic agents and resistant bacteria. To estimate the risk of these contacts, more information regarding the frequency and intensity of this physical contact is required. Therefore, an online survey was conducted among pet owners resulting in 701 completed questionnaires. Questions regarding the interactions between dogs and owners were linked with a score from 1 (limited interactions) to 3 (highly intense interactions). After scoring these self-reported interactions, a contact intensity score was calculated for each respondent by summing up the different allocated scores from all questions. This contact intensity score was used to identify predictors of more intense contact based on a multivariable linear regression model. Interactions between dogs and their owners were widespread (e.g., 85.3% of the dogs licked their owner’s hand) and intense (e.g., 49.3% of owners reported being licked in the face). The gender, age, and place of residence (city, village, or countryside) of the respondent, together with the size and age of the dog, were significantly associated with the contact intensity score in the multivariable model. On average, female respondents younger than 65 years who lived in the city and had a small young dog had the most intense contact with it. Further research is necessary to evaluate the risk of these interactions in light of zoonotic and antimicrobial resistance transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Joosten
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (A.V.C.); (S.S.); (J.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-926-475-48
| | - Alexia Van Cleven
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (A.V.C.); (S.S.); (J.D.)
| | - Steven Sarrazin
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (A.V.C.); (S.S.); (J.D.)
| | - Dominique Paepe
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (A.V.C.); (S.S.); (J.D.)
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Abstract
Background: Teledermatology, the application of telemedicine in the field of dermatology, can be a valuable tool to improve the efficiency of care in general practice.Objectives: In this pilot study, we implemented a teledermatology programme in Belgian context to assess the effect on referral rate and to evaluate the acceptability of teledermatology by clinicians and patients.Material and methods: A store-and-forward teledermatology service between 12 general practitioners (GPs) and 3 academic dermatologists was evaluated for a period of 3-6 months. Clinicians and patients were questioned about satisfaction, benefits and barriers.Results: In total, 54 teledermatologic consultations were performed. The referral rate was reduced. Thirty-one teleconsulations were performed instead of physical referral, of which nine patients were actually referred. In 23 cases, performed for a second opinion, two more patients were referred on the dermatologist's advice.All clinicians want to continue working with teledermatology. GPs highlighted the educational benefit, whereas dermatologists were interested in the triage effect and reduced referral rate. Patients indicated that teledermatology would encourage them to consult a GP sooner when experiencing dermatologic problems.Conclusion: Teledermatology proved to be a feasible and acceptable tool for both clinicians and patients. It also shows to be a valuable for triage and reducing unnecessary referrals. Considering the emergent pressure on health care in the next decades, teledermatology following GP selection could be useful for the Belgian health care system and deserves further elaboration in the search for effective tools to strengthen first line health care and streamline referral to secondary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Kips
- General practitioner, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Lambert
- Department of Dermatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katia Ongenae
- Department of Dermatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of General practice and primary health care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Coteur K, Van Nuland M, Vanmeerbeek M, Henrard G, Anthierens S, Van den Broeck K, De Sutter A, Creupelandt H, Devroey D, Van Overmeire R, Offermans AM, Kacenelenbogen N, Laenen A, Mathei C. Effectiveness of a blended care programme for the discontinuation of benzodiazepine use for sleeping problems in primary care: study protocol of a cluster randomised trial, the Big Bird trial. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e033688. [PMID: 32075832 PMCID: PMC7045121 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Problematic benzodiazepine use is a global health issue. Although the adverse side effects of long-term use of benzodiazepines are well known, it remains difficult to implement interventions for discontinuation in primary care. Considering the success of blended care for the treatment of sleeping disorders and the support of substance use disorders, evidence suggests that a blended care approach, combining face-to-face consultations with the general practitioner with web-based self-learning by the patient, is beneficial for the discontinuation of chronic benzodiazepine use for primary insomnia in general practice. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of such an approach for the discontinuation of benzodiazepine and zolpidem, zopiclone and zaleplon drugs ((z-)BZD) use in the long term and evaluate the implementation process. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a multicentre, pragmatic, cluster randomised controlled trial with 1200 patients, included by 120 general practitioners. Allocation to usual or blended care happens at the level of the general practice in a 1:1 ratio using a block randomisation system stratified per language. The study population consists of adult primary care patients who have been using (z-)BZD for primary insomnia on a daily basis for at least 6 months. Primary outcome measure is the proportion of patients that discontinued (z-)BZD at 12 months assessed by toxicological screening for (z-)BZD in urine. Secondary outcomes include discontinuation of (z-)BZD at 6 months, quality of life and the number of defined daily doses of (z-)BZD prescribed. Data will be collected using a study-specific online platform and analysed using the intention-to-treat approach. The process of implementing blended care will be evaluated in a nested study. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial was approved by the Ethics Committee for Research of UZ/KU Leuven (ref. S61194). Study results will be disseminated via open-access, peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03937180.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristien Coteur
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Nuland
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Vanmeerbeek
- Department of General Practice, Université de Liège, Liege, Belgium
| | - Gilles Henrard
- Department of General Practice, Université de Liège, Liege, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | | | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Hanne Creupelandt
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Devroey
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Roel Van Overmeire
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Anne-Marie Offermans
- Department of General Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | | | - Annouschka Laenen
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Catharina Mathei
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Butler CC, van der Velden AW, Bongard E, Saville BR, Holmes J, Coenen S, Cook J, Francis NA, Lewis RJ, Godycki-Cwirko M, Llor C, Chlabicz S, Lionis C, Seifert B, Sundvall PD, Colliers A, Aabenhus R, Bjerrum L, Jonassen Harbin N, Lindbæk M, Glinz D, Bucher HC, Kovács B, Radzeviciene Jurgute R, Touboul Lundgren P, Little P, Murphy AW, De Sutter A, Openshaw P, de Jong MD, Connor JT, Matheeussen V, Ieven M, Goossens H, Verheij TJ. Oseltamivir plus usual care versus usual care for influenza-like illness in primary care: an open-label, pragmatic, randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2020; 395:42-52. [PMID: 31839279 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)32982-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antivirals are infrequently prescribed in European primary care for influenza-like illness, mostly because of perceived ineffectiveness in real world primary care and because individuals who will especially benefit have not been identified in independent trials. We aimed to determine whether adding antiviral treatment to usual primary care for patients with influenza-like illness reduces time to recovery overall and in key subgroups. METHODS We did an open-label, pragmatic, adaptive, randomised controlled trial of adding oseltamivir to usual care in patients aged 1 year and older presenting with influenza-like illness in primary care. The primary endpoint was time to recovery, defined as return to usual activities, with fever, headache, and muscle ache minor or absent. The trial was designed and powered to assess oseltamivir benefit overall and in 36 prespecified subgroups defined by age, comorbidity, previous symptom duration, and symptom severity, using a Bayesian piece-wise exponential primary analysis model. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN Registry, number ISRCTN 27908921. FINDINGS Between Jan 15, 2016, and April 12, 2018, we recruited 3266 participants in 15 European countries during three seasonal influenza seasons, allocated 1629 to usual care plus oseltamivir and 1637 to usual care, and ascertained the primary outcome in 1533 (94%) and 1526 (93%). 1590 (52%) of 3059 participants had PCR-confirmed influenza infection. Time to recovery was shorter in participants randomly assigned to oseltamivir (hazard ratio 1·29, 95% Bayesian credible interval [BCrI] 1·20-1·39) overall and in 30 of the 36 prespecified subgroups, with estimated hazard ratios ranging from 1·13 to 1·72. The estimated absolute mean benefit from oseltamivir was 1·02 days (95% [BCrI] 0·74-1·31) overall, and in the prespecified subgroups, ranged from 0·70 (95% BCrI 0·30-1·20) in patients younger than 12 years, with less severe symptoms, no comorbidities, and shorter previous illness duration to 3·20 (95% BCrI 1·00-5·50) in patients aged 65 years or older who had more severe illness, comorbidities, and longer previous illness duration. Regarding harms, an increased burden of vomiting or nausea was observed in the oseltamivir group. INTERPRETATION Primary care patients with influenza-like illness treated with oseltamivir recovered one day sooner on average than those managed by usual care alone. Older, sicker patients with comorbidities and longer previous symptom duration recovered 2-3 days sooner. FUNDING European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alike W van der Velden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Emily Bongard
- Department of Primary Care Health Services, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin R Saville
- Berry Consultants, Austin, Texas; Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jane Holmes
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johanna Cook
- Department of Primary Care Health Services, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nick A Francis
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Roger J Lewis
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Berry Consultants, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Maciek Godycki-Cwirko
- Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Carl Llor
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol, Via Roma Health Centre, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sławomir Chlabicz
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Bohumil Seifert
- Department of General Practice, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pär-Daniel Sundvall
- Research and Development Primary Health Care-Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Annelies Colliers
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rune Aabenhus
- Section and Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Bjerrum
- Section and Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolay Jonassen Harbin
- Antibiotic Center for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Lindbæk
- Antibiotic Center for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dominik Glinz
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heiner C Bucher
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Pia Touboul Lundgren
- Département de Santé Publique, Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andrew W Murphy
- Health Research Board Primary Care Clinical Trial Network Ireland, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - An De Sutter
- Center for Family Medicine UGent, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Openshaw
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Menno D de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jason T Connor
- ConfluenceStat, Orlando, FL, USA; College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Veerle Matheeussen
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Margareta Ieven
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Theo J Verheij
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Decat
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Meral Demirören
- Department of Medical Education and Informatics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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De Sutter M, De Sutter A, Sundahl N, Declercq T, Decat P. Inter-professional collaboration reduces the burden of caring for patients with mental illnesses in primary healthcare. A realist evaluation study. Eur J Gen Pract 2019; 25:236-242. [PMID: 31373254 PMCID: PMC6853250 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2019.1640209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The implementation of primary care for mental health is often insufficient, which leaves its mark on staff. A team-based approach of mental healthcare prevents poor staff morale. A community health centre (CHC), therefore, set up a project promoting interprofessional collaboration with a mental health team (MHT). Objectives: This study aimed to understand how an MHT would influence staff morale in a primary care setting, aiming to formulate some recommendations for future projects. Methods: In 2017, interviews and a focus group discussion were conducted among the staff of a CHC. Using a qualitative approach, we aimed to unravel contextual factors and mechanisms that determine the effect of an MHT on staff morale. Results: The project relieved the burden of the patient encounters and staff members felt more valuable to patients. Underlying mechanisms were recognition, altered attitudes towards patients and role clarity. Facilitating factors were intercultural care mediators and a positive team atmosphere, whereas inhibiting factors were inefficient time management and communicative issues. Conclusion: Our study elucidated mechanisms and the contextual factors by which an MHT in general practice improves staff morale. KEY MESSAGES An MHT improves staff morale in a CHC, through nurturing recognition, through altering staff members' attitudes and through ensuring role clarity. Pitfalls are inefficient time management and poor communication. Policymakers should stimulate interprofessional collaboration in primary mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nora Sundahl
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Declercq
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Decat
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Lemiengre MB, Verbakel JY, Colman R, Van Roy K, De Burghgraeve T, Buntinx F, Aertgeerts B, De Baets F, De Sutter A. Point-of-care CRP matters: normal CRP levels reduce immediate antibiotic prescribing for acutely ill children in primary care: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Scand J Prim Health Care 2018; 36:423-436. [PMID: 30354904 PMCID: PMC6381547 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2018.1529900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antibiotics are prescribed too often in acutely ill children in primary care. We examined whether a Point-of-Care (POC) C-reactive Protein (CRP) test influences the family physicians' (FP) prescribing rate and adherence to the Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) practice guidelines. DESIGN Cluster randomized controlled trial. SETTING Primary care, Flanders, Belgium. INTERVENTION Half of the children with non-severe acute infections (random allocation of practices to perform POC CRP or not) and all children at risk for serious infection were tested with POC CRP. SUBJECTS Acutely ill children consulting their FP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Immediate antibiotic prescribing. RESULTS 2844 infectious episodes recruited by 133 FPs between 15 February 2013 and 28 February 2014 were analyzed. A mixed logistic regression analysis was performed. Compared to episodes in which CRP was not tested, the mere performing of POC CRP reduced prescribing in case EBM practice guidelines advise to prescribe antibiotics (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.54 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.33-0.90). Normal CRP levels reduced antibiotic prescribing, regardless of whether the advice was to prescribe (aOR 0.24 (95%CI 0.11-0.50) or to withhold (aOR 0.31 (95%CI 0.17-0.57)). Elevated CRP levels did not increase antibiotic prescribing. CONCLUSION Normal CRP levels discourage immediate antibiotic prescribing, even when EBM practice guidelines advise differently. Most likely, a normal CRP convinces FPs to withhold antibiotics when guidelines go against their own gut feeling. Future research should focus on whether POC CRP can effectively identify children that benefit from antibiotics more accurately, without increasing the risks of under-prescribing. Key points What is previously known or believed on this topic •Antibiotics are prescribed too often for non-severe conditions. Point-of-care (POC) C-reactive Protein (CRP) testing without guidance does not reduce immediate antibiotic prescribing in acutely ill children in primary care. What this research adds •FPs clearly consider CRP once available: normal CRP levels discourage immediate antibiotic prescribing, even when EBM practice guidelines advise differently. Most likely, a normal CRP convinces FPs to withhold antibiotics when guidelines go against their own gut feeling. •Future research should focus on whether POC CRP can effectively identify children that benefit from antibiotics more accurately, without increasing the risks of under-prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke B. Lemiengre
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium;
- CONTACT Marieke B. Lemiengre Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 6K3, 9000Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Y. Verbakel
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK;
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Roos Colman
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Kaatje Van Roy
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium;
| | | | - Frank Buntinx
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
- Research Institute Caphri, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Bert Aertgeerts
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Frans De Baets
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Infection and Immune Deficiencies, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium;
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophie Scheire
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Deckx
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Philippe Gevaert
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Bongard E, van der Velden AW, Cook J, Saville B, Beutels P, Munck Aabenhus R, Brugman C, Chlabicz S, Coenen S, Colliers A, Davies M, De Paor M, De Sutter A, Francis NA, Glinz D, Godycki-ćwirko M, Goossens H, Holmes J, Ieven M, de Jong M, Lindbaek M, Little P, Martinón-Torres F, Moragas A, Pauer J, Pfeiferová M, Radzeviciene-Jurgute R, Sundvall PD, Torres A, Touboul P, Varthalis D, Verheij T, Butler CC. Antivirals for influenza-Like Illness? A randomised Controlled trial of Clinical and Cost effectiveness in primary CarE (ALIC 4 E): the ALIC 4 E protocol. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e021032. [PMID: 30002007 PMCID: PMC6089276 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Effective management of seasonal and pandemic influenza is a high priority internationally. Guidelines in many countries recommend antiviral treatment for older people and individuals with comorbidity at increased risk of complications. However, antivirals are not often prescribed in primary care in Europe, partly because its clinical and cost effectiveness has been insufficiently demonstrated by non-industry funded and pragmatic studies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Antivirals for influenza-Like Illness? An rCt of Clinical and Cost effectiveness in primary CarE is a European multinational, multicentre, open-labelled, non-industry funded, pragmatic, adaptive-platform, randomised controlled trial. Initial trial arms will be best usual primary care and best usual primary care plus treatment with oseltamivir for 5 days. We aim to recruit at least 2500 participants ≥1 year presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI), with symptom duration ≤72 hours in primary care over three consecutive periods of confirmed high influenza incidence. Participant outcomes will be followed up to 28 days by diary and telephone. The primary objective is to determine whether adding antiviral treatment to best usual primary care is effective in reducing time to return to usual daily activity with fever, headache and muscle ache reduced to minor severity or less. Secondary objectives include estimating cost-effectiveness, benefits in subgroups according to age (<12, 12-64 and >64 years), severity of symptoms at presentation (low, medium and high), comorbidity (yes/no), duration of symptoms (≤48 hours/>48-72 hours), complications (hospital admission and pneumonia), use of additional prescribed medication including antibiotics, use of over-the-counter medicines and self-management of ILI symptoms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Research ethics committee (REC) approval was granted by the NRES Committee South Central (Oxford B) and Clinical Trial Authority (CTA) approval by The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. All participating countries gained national REC and CTA approval as required. Dissemination of results will be through peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN27908921; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bongard
- The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alike W van der Velden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna Cook
- The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ben Saville
- Berry Consultants, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Philippe Beutels
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Curt Brugman
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Slawomir Chlabicz
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Nursing, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annelies Colliers
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Muireann De Paor
- Department of General Practice, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nick A Francis
- Department of Population Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Dominik Glinz
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maciek Godycki-ćwirko
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jane Holmes
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Margareta Ieven
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Menno de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Morten Lindbaek
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care and Population Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Ana Moragas
- Primary Healthcare Centre Jaume I, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Markéta Pfeiferová
- Institute of General Practice, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Pär-Daniel Sundvall
- Närhälsan, Research and Development Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, Research and Development Center Södra Älvsborg, Borås, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Antoni Torres
- Department of Pulmonology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pia Touboul
- Department of Public Health, University Hospital of Nice, Nice, France
- Department of Teaching and Research in General Practice, University of Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | | | - Theo Verheij
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher C Butler
- The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Pype P, Mertens F, Helewaut F, D’Hulster B, De Sutter A. Potentially inappropriate medication in primary care at the end of life: a mixed-method study. Acta Clin Belg 2018; 73:213-219. [PMID: 29199905 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2017.1410606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Polypharmacy results in adverse drug interactions, high pill burden, and medication costs. Stopping or diminishing potentially inappropriate medication (PIM), is complex . Data on the use of PIM in a primary care context are scarce and deprescribing barriers for general practitioners (GP) are underexplored. OBJECTIVE Describing the use of PIM in primary care at the end of life, and exploring the barriers for GPs to deprescribe. METHODS Retrospective chart review of 210 consecutive patients referred to a palliative home care service and semi-structured interviews with 11 GPs. Percentages were calculated on medication use, linear regression was done to evaluate the effect of diagnosis on PIM use. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews. RESULTS In total 83 % of patients took at least one PIM. The proportion that continued taking PIMs at the time of referral, one week prior to death and at the day of dying: varies between 6% and 45% according to drug category. Linear regression showed a statistical significant (p < 0.001) higher number of PIM use with non-cancer patients (mean 3,1-SD 1,5) than with cancer patients (mean 1,6-SD 1,6). Participants reported being aware of the PIM use, making efforts to deprescribe. Main issues GPs are taking into account are medical, communicative, and collaborative in nature. CONCLUSION This study confirms the high level of PIM use in primary care at the end of life. The views of GPs inspire support strategies for deprescribing focusing on shared decision-making with patients and on interprofessional collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Pype
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fien Mertens
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fleur Helewaut
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bert D’Hulster
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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46
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Verbakel JY, Lemiengre MB, De Burghgraeve T, De Sutter A, Aertgeerts B, Bullens DMA, Shinkins B, Van den Bruel A, Buntinx F. Point-of-care C reactive protein to identify serious infection in acutely ill children presenting to hospital: prospective cohort study. Arch Dis Child 2018; 103:420-426. [PMID: 29269559 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2016-312384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute infection is the most common presentation of children to hospital. A minority of these infections are serious, but early recognition and adequate management are essential. We aimed to develop improved tools to assess children attending ambulatory hospital care, integrating clinical features with point-of-care C reactive protein (CRP). DESIGN Prospective observational diagnostic study. SETTING AND PATIENTS 5517 acutely ill children (1 month-16 years) presenting to 106 paediatricians at six outpatient clinics and six emergency departments in Belgium. INDEX TEST Point-of-care CRP alongside vital signs and objective symptoms measurements. MAIN OUTCOME Hospital admission for >24 hours with a serious infection <5 days after presentation. RESULTS An algorithm was developed consisting of clinical features and CRP. This achieved 97.1% (95% CI 94.3% to 98.7%) sensitivity and 99.6% (95% CI 99.2% to 99.8%) negative predictive value, excluding serious infections in 36.4% of children. It stratifies patients into three groups based on CRP level: high-risk group with CRP >75 mg/L (26.8% risk of infection), intermediate-risk group with CRP 20-75 mg/L and at least one of seven clinical features (8.1%), and lower risk group with CRP <20 mg/L with at least one of the 11 features (3.8%). Children in intermediate-risk or low-risk groups with normal clinical assessment have 0.6% and 0.4% risk of serious infections, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Conducting a CRP test may first enable children to be stratified into three risk groups, guiding assessment of clinical features that could be performed by junior doctors or nurses. In one-third of acutely ill children, the algorithm could exclude serious infection. Prospective validation of the algorithm is needed. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02024282 (post-results).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Y Verbakel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marieke B Lemiengre
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bert Aertgeerts
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique M A Bullens
- Clinical Department of Paediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Paediatric Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bethany Shinkins
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ann Van den Bruel
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Frank Buntinx
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Research Institute CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Palliative sedation is a therapeutic option to control refractory symptoms in terminal palliative patients. This study aims at describing the occurrence and characteristics of suboptimal palliative sedations in primary care and at exploring the way general practitioners (GPs) experience suboptimal palliative sedation in their practice. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study with a quantitative prospective survey in primary care and qualitative semi-structured interviews with GPs. The research team defined suboptimal palliative sedation as a time interval until deep sleep >1.5 h and/ or >2 awakenings after the start of the unconsciousness. Descriptive statistics were calculated on the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts. RESULTS We registered 63 palliative sedations in 1181 home deaths, 27 forms were completed. Eleven palliative sedations were suboptimal: eight due to the long time span until deep sleep; three due the number of unintended awakenings. GPs' interview analysis revealed two major themes: the shifting perception of failure and the burden of responsibility. CONCLUSIONS Suboptimal palliative sedation occurs frequently in primary palliative care. Efficient communication towards family members is needed to prevent them from having unrealistic expectations and to prevent putting pressure on the GP to hasten the procedure. Sharing the burden of decision-making during the procedure with other health care professionals might diminish the heavy responsibility as perceived by GPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Pype
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Inge Teuwen
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Fien Mertens
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Marij Sercu
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
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Schrans D, Boeckxstaens P, De Sutter A, Willems S, Avonts D, Christiaens T, Matthys J, Kühlein T. Is it possible to register the ideas, concerns and expectations behind the reason for encounter as a means of classifying patient preferences with ICPC-2? Prim Health Care Res Dev 2018; 19:1-6. [PMID: 28899448 PMCID: PMC6452976 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423617000391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family practice aims to recognize the health problems and needs expressed by the person rather than only focusing on the disease. Documenting person-related information will facilitate both the understanding and delivery of person-focused care. Aim To explore if the patients' ideas, concerns and expectations (ICE) behind the reason for encounter (RFE) can be coded with the International Classification of Primary Care, version 2 (ICPC-2) and what kinds of codes are missing to be able to do so. METHODS In total, 613 consultations were observed, and patients' expressions of ICE were narratively recorded. These descriptions were consequently translated to ICPC codes by two researchers. Descriptions that could not be translated were qualitatively analysed in order to identify gaps in ICPC-2. RESULTS In all, 613 consultations yielded 672 ICE expressions. Within the 123 that could not be coded with ICPC-2, eight categories could be defined: concern about the duration/time frame; concern about the evolution/severity; concern of being contagious or a danger to others; patient has no concern, but others do; expects a confirmation of something; expects a solution for the symptoms without specification of what it should be; expects a specific procedure; and expects that something is not done. Discussion Although many ICE can be registered with ICPC-2, adding eight new categories would capture almost all ICE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Schrans
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pauline Boeckxstaens
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sara Willems
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Avonts
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thierry Christiaens
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Matthys
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Kühlein
- Allgemeinmedizinisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Delvaux N, De Sutter A, Van de Velde S, Ramaekers D, Fieuws S, Aertgeerts B. Electronic Laboratory Medicine ordering with evidence-based Order sets in primary care (ELMO study): protocol for a cluster randomised trial. Implement Sci 2017; 12:147. [PMID: 29212546 PMCID: PMC5719744 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-017-0685-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laboratory testing is an important clinical act with a valuable role in screening, diagnosis, management and monitoring of diseases or therapies. However, inappropriate laboratory test ordering is frequent, burdening health care spending and negatively influencing quality of care. Inappropriate tests may also result in false-positive results and potentially cause excessive downstream activities. Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) have shown promising results to influence the test-ordering behaviour of physicians and to improve appropriateness. Order sets, a form of CDSS where a limited set of evidence-based tests are proposed for a series of indications, integrated in a computerised physician order entry (CPOE) have been shown to be effective in reducing the volume of ordered laboratory tests but convincing evidence that they influence appropriateness is lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of order sets on the quality and quantity of laboratory test orders by physicians. We also aim to evaluate the effect of order sets on diagnostic error and explore the effect on downstream or cascade activities. METHODS We will conduct a cluster randomised controlled trial in Belgian primary care practices. The study is powered to measure two outcomes. We will primarily measure the influence of our CDSS on the appropriateness of laboratory test ordering. Additionally, we will also measure the influence on diagnostic error. We will also explore the effects of our intervention on cascade activities due to altered results of inappropriate tests. DISCUSSION We have designed a study that should be able to demonstrate whether the CDSS aimed at diagnostic testing is not only able to influence appropriateness but also safe with respect to diagnostic error. These findings will influence a lager, nationwide implementation of this CDSS. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02950142 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Delvaux
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, PB 7001, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn Van de Velde
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, PB 7001, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Centre for Informed Health Choices, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dirk Ramaekers
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, PB 7001, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steffen Fieuws
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, PB 7001, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bert Aertgeerts
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, PB 7001, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Zurmati
- a General Practice and Primary Health Care , Gent University , Gent , Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- a General Practice and Primary Health Care , Gent University , Gent , Belgium
| | - Peter Decat
- a General Practice and Primary Health Care , Gent University , Gent , Belgium
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