Exploring the potential of virtual reality for the self-management of chronic pain: A scoping review of its use to address health literacy

BACKGROUND

Individuals with low health literacy struggle to manage long-term conditions. Addressing pain-related health competencies is important in the management of chronic pain. Virtual reality may be a useful tool for empowering sustainable health-related stratgies due to its unique ability to engage users in artificial environments.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this scoping review was to explore existing research on the use of virtual reality as a tool to promote health literacy in people with chronic pain.

DESIGN

Scoping Review guided by framework proposed by Arksey & O'Malley.

METHOD

Articles related to "pain", "virtual reality" and "health literacy" were searched in four electronic databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO using a formal search strategy. Studies were categorised based on intervention content using the Health Literacy Pathway Model which encompasses health knowledge, self-management skills, health communication and information seeking.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Several elements of pain related health literacy were not addressed in the research. Interventions addressed health knowledge, self-management skills, decision making and featured content aiming to address emotional barriers to pain-related health literacy. Other components including active information seeking and use, actively communicating with health professionals and seeking and negotiating treatment options, were not explicitly addressed.

CONCLUSION

There is heterogeneity in existing research exploring the use of VR to support people with chronic pain. Existing VR tools to address pain-related health literacy do not cover several key components of health literacy. More research is required before a robust assessment of efficacy can be undertaken.

Assessing depression recurrence, cognitive burden, and neurobiological homeostasis in late life: Design and rationale of the REMBRANDT Study

Background

Late-life depression is characterized by disability, cognitive impairment and decline, and a high risk of recurrence following remission. Aside from past psychiatric history, prognostic neurobiological and clinical factors influencing recurrence risk are unclear. Moreover, it is unclear if cognitive impairment predisposes to recurrence, or whether recurrent episodes may accelerate brain aging and cognitive decline. The purpose of the REMBRANDT study (Recurrence markers, cognitive burden, and neurobiological homeostasis in late-life depression) is to better elucidate these relationships and identify phenotypic, cognitive, environmental, and neurobiological factors contributing to and predictive of depression recurrence.

Methods

Across three sites, REMBRANDT will enroll 300 depressed elders who will receive antidepressant treatment. The goal is to enroll 210 remitted depressed participants and 75 participants with no mental health history into a two-year longitudinal phase focusing on depression recurrence. Participants are evaluated every 2 months with deeper assessments occurring every 8 months, including structural and functional neuroimaging, environmental stress assessments, deep symptom phenotyping, and two weeks of 'burst' ecological momentary assessments to elucidate variability in symptoms and cognitive performance. A broad neuropsychological test battery is completed at the beginning and end of the longitudinal study.

Significance

REMBRANDT will improve our understanding of how alterations in neural circuits and cognition that persist during remission contribute to depression recurrence vulnerability. It will also elucidate how these processes may contribute to cognitive impairment and decline. This project will obtain deep phenotypic data that will help identify vulnerability and resilience factors that can help stratify individual clinical risk.

The impact of age on vitamin D receptor expression, vitamin D metabolism and cytokine production in ex vivo Rhodococcus equi infection of equine alveolar macrophages

Rhodococcus equi (R. equi), a pneumonia-causing intracellular bacterium, results in significant morbidity and mortality in young foals, while healthy adult horses rarely develop disease. Survival and replication within alveolar macrophages (AMφ) are the hallmarks of R. equi's pathogenicity. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) and its ligand, the active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D, are important in immune responses to intracellular bacteria. The vitamin D/VDR pathway regulates the downstream production of cytokines in infected human AMφ. The immunomodulatory role of the vitamin D/VDR pathway in equine leukocytes is unknown. The objective of the current study was to determine the impact of R. equi infection and age on synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D, VDR expression, and cytokine production in an ex vivo model of R. equi infection in equine AMφ. AMφ were collected from ten healthy foals at 2-, 4- and 8-weeks old and from nine healthy adult horses once via bronchoalveolar lavage. AMφ were mock infected (CONTROL) or infected with a virulent laboratory strain of R. equi for 7 days (INFECTED). VDR expression was determined via RT-qPCR from cell lysates. 1,25(OH)2D and cytokines were measured in cell supernatant by immunoassays. VDR expression was impacted by age (P = 0.001) with higher expression in AMφ from 8-week-old foals than from 2-week-old foals and adults. There was no significant effect of infection in foal AMφ, but in adults, relative VDR expression was significantly lower in INFECTED AMφ compared to CONTROL AMφ (P = 0.002). There was no effect of age or infection on 1,25(OH)2D concentration (P > 0.37). Mean TNFα production was significantly higher from INFECTED compared to CONTROL AMφ from 4- and 8-week-old foals and adults (P < 0.005). Mean IFNγ production was significantly higher from AMφ from foals at 8-weeks-old compared to 2-weeks-old (P = 0.013) and higher from INFECTED AMφ than from CONTROL AMφ in foals at 4-weeks-old and in adults (P < 0.027). The proportion of samples producing IL-1β and IL-10 was also significantly higher from INFECTED compared to CONTROL AMφ isolated from 4-week-old foals (P < 0.008). Similarly, in adult samples, IL-17 was produced from a greater proportion of INFECTED compared to CONTROL samples (P = 0.031). These data document age-associated changes in VDR expression and cytokine production in equine AMφ in response to R. equi infection. This preliminary investigation supports the need for further research to fully elucidate if the vitamin D pathway has an immunomodulatory role in the horse.

Development and Implementation of an Online Education Program on Advanced Breast Cancer for European Cancer Nurses: ABC4Nurses Project: a Brief Report

Breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Approximately 30% of those who present with early breast cancer later develop advanced breast cancer (ABC). Additionally, approximately 6% have advanced breast cancer at diagnosis. New treatment options result in an extended lifespan dominated by cycles of deterioration and stable disease. Specialist nurse knowledge is key to multidisciplinary care of people with ABC; however, access to education on ABC for nurses is not universally available in Europe. This paper describes the development and implementation of an online bespoke program on ABC care for specialist and generalist nurses in Europe. The project team is affiliated with the European Oncology Nurses Society (EONS) and comprises specialist breast cancer nurses, oncology nurse academics and breast cancer advocates associated with EUROPA DONNA Turkey, an independent non-profit European breast cancer organisation. The program development involved (1) a systematic review of ABC educational resources for cancer nurses; (2) a modified four-round Delphi study to seek agreement on curriculum content and (3) curriculum development, conversion to an interactive online platform and translation into four European languages. The program evaluation will be guided by Kirkpatrick's framework. The phases described in this short report could guide others involved in developing bespoke cancer education programs.

Psychophysics of Pain: A Methodological Introduction

For over 100 years, psychophysics ..÷ the scientific study between physical stimuli and sensation ... has been successfully employed in numerous scientific and healthcare disciplines, as an objective measure of sensory phenomena. This manuscript provides an overview of fundamental psychophysical concepts, emphasizing pain and research application..÷defining common terms, methods, and procedures.Psychophysics can provide systematic and objective measures of sensory perception that can be used by nursing scientists to explore complex, subjective phenomena..÷such as pain perception. While there needs to be improved standardization of terms and techniques, psychophysical approaches are diverse and may be tailored to address or augment current research paradigms. The interdisciplinary nature of psychophysics..÷like nursing..÷provides a unique lens for understanding how our perceptions are influenced by measurable sensations. While the quest to understand human perception is far from complete, nursing science has an opportunity to contribute to pain research by using the techniques and methods available through psychophysical procedures.

Early detection of subclinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows using cow-level features

Subclinical mastitis in cows affects their health, well-being, longevity, and performance, leading to reduced productivity and profit. Early prediction of subclinical mastitis can enable dairy farmers to perform interventions to mitigate its effect. The present study investigated how well predictive models built using machine learning techniques can detect subclinical mastitis up to 7 d before its occurrence. The data set used consisted of 1,346,207 milk-day (i.e., a day when milk was collected on both morning and evening) records spanning 9 yr from 2,389 cows producing on 7 Irish research farms. Individual cow composite milk yield and maximum milk flow were available twice daily, whereas milk composition (i.e., fat, lactose, protein) and somatic cell count (SCC) were collected once per week. Other features describing parity, calving dates, predicted transmitting ability for SCC, body weight, and history of subclinical mastitis were also available. The results of the study showed that a gradient boosting machine model trained to predict the onset of subclinical mastitis 7 d before a subclinical case occurs achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 69.45 and 95.64%, respectively. Reduced data collection frequency, where milk composition and SCC were recorded only every 15, 30, 45, and 60 d was simulated by masking data, to reflect the frequency of recording of this data on commercial dairy farms in Ireland. The sensitivity and specificity scores reduced as recording frequency reduced with respective scores of 66.93 and 80.43% when milk composition and SCC were recorded just every 60 d. Results demonstrate that models built on data that could be recorded routinely available on commercial dairy farms, can achieve useful predictive ability of subclinical mastitis even with reduced frequency of milk composition and SCC recording.

PRO score: predictive scoring system for visual outcomes after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To compare risk factors for poor visual outcomes in patients undergoing primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair and to develop a scoring system.

METHODS

Analysis of the Primary Retinal detachment Outcomes (PRO) study, a multicentre interventional cohort of consecutive primary RRD surgeries performed in 2015. The main outcome measure was a poor visual outcome (Snellen VA ≤20/200).

RESULTS

A total of 1178 cases were included. The mean preoperative and postoperative logMARs were 1.1±1.1 (20/250) and 0.5±0.7 (20/63), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression identified preoperative risk factors predictive of poor visual outcomes (≤20/200), including proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.40), history of antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections (1.38; 1.11 to 1.71), >1-week vision loss (1.17; 1.08 to 1.27), ocular comorbidities (1.18; 1.00 to 1.38), poor presenting VA (1.06 per initial logMAR unit; 1.02 to 1.10) and age >70 (1.13; 1.04 to 1.23). The data were split into training (75%) and validation (25%) and a scoring system was developed and validated. The risk for poor visual outcomes was 8% with a total score of 0, 17% with 1, 29% with 2, 47% with 3, and 71% with 4 or higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent risk factors were compared for poor visual outcomes after RRD surgery, which included PVR, anti-VEGF injections, vision loss >1 week, ocular comorbidities, presenting VA and older age. The PRO score was developed to provide a scoring system that may be useful in clinical practice.

Cognitive phenotypes in late-life depression

OBJECTIVE

To identify cognitive phenotypes in late-life depression (LLD) and describe relationships with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING

Baseline data from participants recruited via clinical referrals and community advertisements who enrolled in two separate studies.

PARTICIPANTS

Non-demented adults with LLD (n = 120; mean age = 66.73 ± 5.35 years) and non-depressed elders (n = 56; mean age = 67.95 ± 6.34 years).

MEASUREMENTS

All completed a neuropsychological battery, and individual cognitive test scores were standardized across the entire sample without correcting for demographics. Five empirically derived cognitive domain composites were created, and cluster analytic approaches (hierarchical, k-means) were independently conducted to classify cognitive patterns in the depressed cohort only. Baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were then compared across groups.

RESULTS

A three-cluster solution best reflected the data, including "High Normal" (n = 47), "Reduced Normal" (n = 35), and "Low Executive Function" (n = 37) groups. The "High Normal" group was younger, more educated, predominantly Caucasian, and had fewer vascular risk factors and higher Mini-Mental Status Examination compared to "Low Executive Function" group. No differences were observed on other sociodemographic or clinical characteristics. Exploration of the "High Normal" group found two subgroups that only differed in attention/working memory performance and length of the current depressive episode.

CONCLUSIONS

Three cognitive phenotypes in LLD were identified that slightly differed in sociodemographic and disease-specific variables, but not in the quality of specific symptoms reported. Future work on these cognitive phenotypes will examine relationships to treatment response, vulnerability to cognitive decline, and neuroimaging markers to help disentangle the heterogeneity seen in this patient population.

P17 National antimicrobial point prevalence survey in adult inpatient mental health facilities in Ireland

Background

Antimicrobial use in mental health inpatient settings has not been extensively examined in Ireland. The Healthcare-Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Use in Long-Term Care Facilities (HALT) study 2016 found that Irish long-term care facilities caring for residents with psychiatric conditions had an antimicrobial prevalence rate of 7.7%, higher than the European average of 4.9%. National community antimicrobial prescribing guidelines are available at www.antibioticprescribing.ie. In addition, a preferred antibiotic initiative for community settings advocates prescribers to choose ‘Green’ (preferred) antibiotics over ‘Red’ (reserved) agents. Reserved agents are considered to have more adverse effects, drug interactions and potential for development of antimicrobial resistance. The patient safety implications of antimicrobial stewardship along with an ageing population, and potential drug–drug interactions between many antimicrobials and psychotropic medications prompted a review of antimicrobial use practices in mental health services.

Methods

A sample of adult inpatient mental health facilities (MHF) operated by the state's Health Service Executive (HSE) were surveyed by community antimicrobial pharmacists (AMPs) between November 2021 and January 2022. AMPs reviewed patients’ medication charts for systemic antimicrobial prescriptions in the previous 30 days in addition to medical notes and laboratory results (where available). Adherence to HSE National community antimicrobial guidelines and the systems and structures in place to support antimicrobial stewardship were assessed.

Results

In total, 1003 patients in 51 MHFs were surveyed. At the time of survey, 6.3% (n=66) patients were on a systemic antimicrobial and 15% (n=153) had received a systemic antimicrobial within the previous 30 days. Prophylaxis accounted for 50% of antibiotic use (3.3% of all patients), with the most common indication being the prevention of urinary tract infection (UTI) (58%). Prophylaxis duration exceeded six months in 61% of prescriptions. The median duration of treatment courses was seven days. The proportion of ‘Green’ (preferred) antimicrobials versus ‘Red’ (reserved) antimicrobials was 58% versus 38%. Co-amoxiclav, a ‘Red’ agent was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for treatment of infection (31%). Adherence with choice of antimicrobial agent as per national antimicrobial guidelines was 76%; adherence of dosing regimen was 75% and adherence with recommended duration was 46%. The main themes for non-adherence with choice of agent were use of unnecessarily broad spectrum agents, nitrofurantoin prescribed in renal impairment and inappropriate formulation of nitrofurantoin chosen. Dipstick urinalysis was performed routinely (on admission and/or at designated intervals) for persons asymptomatic of UTI in 53% (n=27) of MHFs.

Conclusions

This PPS established antimicrobial use practices in HSE MHFs and identified opportunities for improvement relating to the safe and optimal use of antimicrobials. Key national recommendations from this survey were:

O02 Improving antimicrobial use in HSE older persons residential care facilities

Background

Antimicrobial use in Irish older persons residential care facilities (OP RCFs) is higher than in other European countries. In 2020/21, for the first time, an antimicrobial pharmacist (AMP) was appointed to each community healthcare organization (CHO) to monitor, develop and promote antimicrobial stewardship in community settings.

Objectives

To establish baseline antibiotic use, develop antimicrobial stewardship tools for OP RCFs, promote best practice in relation to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and monitor trends in antimicrobial use in HSE (state-run) OP RCFs.

Methods

A baseline point prevalence survey (PPS) of antimicrobial use was conducted across all HSE OP RCFs between October 2020 and August 2021. Following the survey, key national recommendations and AMS resources were developed in collaboration with the national Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control Programme. Feedback was provided to participating facilities by CHO AMPs with antimicrobial stewardship support and education for nursing and medical staff. In September 2021, monthly monitoring of antibiotic use was established in HSE OP RCFs in collaboration with local managers, to capture the proportion of antibiotics used for prophylaxis or treatment each month.

Results

A baseline PPS of antimicrobial use in 2020/21 showed that 11.9% (528/4446) of residents were on a systemic antibiotic, with 6.3% on antibiotic prophylaxis. Urinary tract infection accounted for 51% of antibiotic prescriptions. Following the baseline PPS, CHO AMPs developed an AMS toolkit for OP RCFs, engaged with nursing and medical staff to communicate PPS results, AMS resources and support implementation of AMS recommendations. Subsequently, monthly self-reporting of antimicrobial use in HSE OP RCFs was commenced in September 2021 and showed a sustained decrease in antimicrobial use with 7.9% residents on an antibiotic in Quarter 2 2022, with 2.7% on antibiotic prophylaxis.

Conclusions

Newly appointed CHO AMPs have successfully promoted AMS across HSE OP RCFs. Following audit, feedback, education, development and promotion of antimicrobial stewardship resources, there was a sustained decrease in the proportion of residents on antibiotics used for treatment and prophylaxis of infection.

48 EXPLORING RESIDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SOCIAL AND LEISURE OCCUPATIONAL CHOICE WITHIN NATIONAL NURSING HOME CARE FACILITIES

Background

National standards state that nursing homes in Ireland must provide residents with a variety of engaging activities that accommodate their needs and preferences. Despite this, residents are at risk of experiencing occupational deprivation as a result of limited choices within these settings. Due to the subjective nature of occupational choice, the objective of this study is to analyse residents’ perceptions of leisure and social occupational choice in nursing homes in Ireland.

Methods

The study adopted a qualitative-descriptive design. Six residents from three different nursing homes participated in two semi-structured interviews that analysed their leisure and social occupational engagement within their nursing home.

Results

The data identified two main themes that were divided into six related sub-themes. Residents' felt their social and leisure occupational choice was influenced by: (1) environmental factors (the cultural, social, physical, and temporal contexts of the nursing home) and (2) personal attributes (residents' health status and personal attitudes).

Conclusion

Residents' leisure and social occupational choices are substantially influenced by the cultural context of the nursing home. This stresses the significant need for person-centred care in nursing homes, in order to promote occupational choice. The findings also highlight the benefits of accessible communal spaces to enable unstructured social interaction. Occupational therapists are essential to support the leisure and social occupational choices of nursing home residents and minimise occupational deprivation, by building residents’ skills, providing staff education and modifying tasks and/or the environment.

Dual-energy fast neutron imaging using tunable short-pulse laser-driven sources

A novel dual-energy fast neutron imaging technique is presented using short-pulse laser-driven neutron sources to leverage their inherent adaptive spectral control to enable 3D volume segmentation and reconstruction. Laser-accelerated ion beams incident onto secondary targets create directional, broadband, MeV-class neutrons. Synthetic radiographs are produced of multi-material objects using ion and neutron spectra derived from analytic and numerical models. It is demonstrated that neutron images generated from small changes to the neutron spectra, controlled by altering the initial laser conditions, are sufficient to isolate materials with differing attenuation coefficients. This is first demonstrated using a simplistic combinatorial isolation method and then by employing more advanced reconstruction algorithms to reduce artifacts and generate a segmentation volume of the constituent materials.

Structural MRI-Based Measures of Accelerated Brain Aging do not Moderate the Acute Antidepressant Response in Late-Life Depression

OBJECTIVE

Late-life depression (LLD) is characterized by accelerated biological aging. Accelerated brain aging, estimated from structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data by a machine learning algorithm, is associated with LLD diagnosis, poorer cognitive performance, and disability. We hypothesized that accelerated brain aging moderates the antidepressant response.

DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS

Following MRI, participants entered an 8-week randomized, controlled trial of escitalopram. Nonremitting participants then entered an open-label 8-week trial of bupropion.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety-five individuals with LLD.

MEASUREMENTS

A machine learning algorithm estimated each participant's brain age from sMRI data. This was used to calculate the brain-age gap (BAG), or how estimated age differed from chronological age. Secondary sMRI measures of aging pathology included white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes and hippocampal volumes. Mixed models examined the relationship between sMRI measures and change in depression severity. Initial analyses tested for a moderating effect of MRI measures on change in depression severity with escitalopram. Subsequent analyses tested for the effect of MRI measures on change in depression severity over time across trials.

RESULTS

In the blinded initial phase, BAG was not significantly associated with a differential response to escitalopram over time. BAG was also not associated with a change in depression severity over time across both arms in the blinded phase or in the subsequent open-label bupropion phase. We similarly did not observe effects of WMH volume or hippocampal volume on change in depression severity over time.

CONCLUSION

sMRI markers of accelerated brain aging were not associated with treatment response in this sequential antidepressant trial.

The Self-Determination Inventory: Student Report American Sign Language Translation

Research literature and community narratives both emphasize the importance of self-determination in the lives of deaf youth. This paper describes the development, initial validation, and potential applications of a translated measure of self-determination for deaf youth, the SDI:SR ASL Translation (SDI:SR ASL). A sample of 3,309 young people who completed the SDI:SR, of whom 392 were deaf, was used in this validation study. Results provide preliminary support for the use of SDI:SR ASL with deaf youth. Findings also indicate that deaf youth who take the SDI:SR ASL score more similarly to youth without disabilities taking the SDI:SR than youth with disabilities. The SDI:SR ASL can be an important tool for researchers and practitioners to better understand self-determination among deaf youth and facilitate continued development of self-determination skills.

General Anxiety Is Associated with Problematic Initial Recovery After Carpal Tunnel Release

BACKGROUND

Carpal tunnel release can stop the progression of idiopathic median neuropathy at the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome). Intermittent symptoms tend to resolve after surgery, but loss of sensibility can be permanent. Both pathophysiology (severe neuropathy) and mental health (symptoms of despair or worry) contribute to problematic recovery after carpal tunnel release, but their relative associations are unclear.

QUESTION/PURPOSE

Is problematic initial recovery after carpal tunnel release associated with psychologic distress rather than with disease severity?

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 156 patients who underwent in-office carpal tunnel release between November 2017 and February 2020, and we recorded their symptoms of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD]) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire), signs of severe median neuropathy (loss of sensibility, thenar muscle atrophy, and palmar abduction weakness), and problematic recovery. The initial recovery (first 2 weeks) was categorized as problematic if the patient was upset about persistent numbness, experienced unsettling postoperative pain, developed hand stiffness, or experienced wound issues-all of which are routinely recorded in the medical record by the treating surgeon along with signs of severe median neuropathy. Twenty-four percent (38 of 156) of patients had a problematic initial recovery characterized by distress regarding persistent numbness (16% [25 of 156]), unsettling pain (8% [12 of 156]), hand stiffness (5% [8 of 156]), or wound issues (1% [2 of 156]); 6% (9 of 156) of patients had more than one issue. Associations between problematic initial recovery and age, gender, symptoms of anxiety and depression, disease severity, specific exam findings, and insurance were evaluated using t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and chi-square tests, with the plan to perform logistic regression if at least two variables had an association with p < 0.10.

RESULTS

The only factor associated with problematic initial recovery was greater symptoms of anxiety (median GAD score 1.5 [interquartile range 0 to 7.8] for problematic initial recovery compared with a median score of 0 [IQR 0 to 2] for nonproblematic recovery; p = 0.04), so we did not perform a logistic regression. Physical examination findings consistent with severe median neuropathy were not associated with problematic initial recovery.

CONCLUSION

The finding that problematic initial recovery after carpal tunnel release was related to symptoms of anxiety and not to the severity of median neuropathy highlights the need to study the ability of efforts to ameliorate anxiety symptoms before carpal tunnel release as an effective intervention to reduce unplanned visits and additional tests, therapy, and repeat surgery, while improving patient-reported outcomes and experience.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Predictors of Vision Loss after Surgery for Macula-Sparing Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE

To determine factors associated with loss of good vision (defined as Snellen visual acuity [VA] < 20/40) after surgery among eyes presenting with macula-on primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with initial VA ≥20/40.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study of eyes undergoing scleral buckle (SB), pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), or combined pars plana vitrectomy/scleral buckle (PPV/SB) for non-complex macula-on RRD with initial VA ≥20/40.

RESULTS

Among 646 eyes with macula-on RRDs with initial VA ≥20/40, 106 (16.4%) had VA <20/40 (i.e. lost good vision) at final follow-up. Eyes losing good vision had slightly worse pre-operative logMAR VA (mean 0.15 ± 0.10 [20/28]) compared to eyes that preserved good vision (mean 0.11 ± 0.10 [20/26]) (p = 0.004). RRDs extending greater than 6 clock-hours were more likely to lose good vision than smaller detachments (multivariate OR 4.57 [95% CI 1.44-14.51]; p = 0.0099). Compared to eyes repaired with SB alone, eyes undergoing PPV (multivariate OR 7.22 [95% CI 2.10-24.90]; p = 0.0017) or PPV/SB (multivariate OR 10.74 [95% CI 3.20-36.11]; p = 0.0001) were each more likely to lose good vision. Eyes requiring further RRD-related (multivariate OR 8.64 [95% CI 1.47-50.66]; p < 0.017) and non-RRD related vitreoretinal surgery (multivariate OR 14.35 [95% CI 5.39-38.21]; p <0.0001) were more likely to lose good vision.

CONCLUSION

Among macula-on RRDs, loss of good vision was associated with worse vision on presentation, vitrectomy-based procedures, greater extent of detachment, and lack of single surgery success. Understanding predictors of visual outcome in macula-on RRD repair may guide pre-operative counseling regarding visual prognosis.

Outcomes of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair in Eyes With Preoperative Grade B or C Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Purpose:

This work evaluates the anatomic and functional outcomes of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) with preoperative grade B and C proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) vs eyes without PVR.

Methods:

As a multi-institutional, interventional, retrospective study of all patients undergoing primary RRD surgical procedures from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015, this study evaluated the visual acuity (VA) outcomes and single-surgery anatomic success rates (SSAS) of patients with primary grade B and C PVR at the time of RRD repair.

Results:

A total of 2486 eyes underwent primary RD surgery during the study period, of which 153 eyes (6.2%) had documented preoperative PVR grade B or C. Eyes without PVR had better SSAS compared with eyes with grade B or C PVR (87% vs 83% vs 75%, respectively, P < .0001). Eyes without PVR also had better final mean (SD) logMAR VA (0.35 [0.47]; 20/45 Snellen equivalent) than eyes with PVR of grade B (0.50 [0.56]; 20/63 Snellen equivalent) or grade C ( P < .0001). In only eyes with preoperative PVR, there were no significant differences in final VA or SSAS on multivariate analysis based on surgical approach or use of retinectomy or membrane peeling alone in the intraoperative management of PVR.

Conclusions:

Eyes with primary preoperative grade B and C PVR appear to have significantly worse VA outcomes and lower surgical success rates. Surgical approach and management of PVR membranes did not appear to affect VA or success rates, indicating that preoperative PVR severity may dictate these outcomes.

Supporting sAFE and GradUAl ReDuctIon of loNG-term BenzodiaZepine Receptor Agonist uSe: development of the SAFEGUARDING-BZRAs toolkit using a co-design approach

Introduction

Long-term benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) use (&gt;3 months) persists worldwide and poses risks of harm. Effective interventions are needed to address this issue.

Aim

To develop an intervention to support discontinuation of long-term benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) use.

Methods

The intervention development process built on previous qualitative work that used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore perceived barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term BZRA use (1). A co-design approach was used whereby lay individuals and professionals worked as equals during the research process based on principles of authentic participation and collaboration (2). The co-design team included five ‘experts by lived experience’ with experience of long-term BZRA use who previously provided input on other related work as patient and public involvement representatives or responded to an expression of interest call on social media. Two online co-design team meetings were held. During the first meeting, a summary of previous findings was presented together with a long-list of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) generated using established mapping matrices in which BCTs were reliably allocated to the TDF. Each team member independently documented their decision as to whether each BCT should be included in a short-list for potential inclusion in the final intervention using online polling software. The a priori decision rule was that 70% of team members had to agree regarding the inclusion/exclusion of a BCT. All other BCTs were then discussed at a follow-up meeting. A finalised list of BCTs for inclusion in the intervention was agreed at the second meeting using a consensus-based approach involving the same decision rule. Potential ways in which BCTs could be operationalised were then discussed.

Results

Thirty BCTs were discussed and six BCTs were excluded. For example, team members recommended avoiding ‘Social comparison’ as individual circumstances and experiences of discontinuation and associated withdrawal symptoms are unique and not directly comparable. Given the number of included BCTs, the co-design team recommended presenting them as a toolkit. The SAFEGUARDING-BZRAs (Supporting sAFE and GradUAl ReDuctIon of loNG-term BenzodiaZepine Receptor Agonist uSe) toolkit comprises 24 BCTs: ‘Goal setting (behaviour)’, ‘Review behaviour goal(s)’, ‘Review outcome goal(s)’, ‘Feedback on behaviour’, ‘Self-monitoring of behaviour’, ‘Social support (practical)’, ‘Social support (emotional)’, ‘Information about health consequences’, ‘Monitoring of emotional consequences’, ‘Information about emotional consequences’, ‘Prompts/cues’, ‘Habit reversal’, ‘Graded tasks’, ‘Pros and cons’, ‘Comparative imagining of future outcomes’, ‘Social reward’, ‘Self-reward’, ‘Reduce negative emotions’, ‘Distraction’, ‘Adding objects to the environment’, ‘Body changes’, ‘Verbal persuasion about capability’, ‘Focus on past success’ and ‘Credible source’. The toolkit includes recommendations targeted at primary care-based clinicians for operationalising each BCT to support BZRA discontinuation.

Conclusion

The SAFEGUARDING-BZRAs toolkit has been developed using a systematic, theory-based approach that addresses identified limitations of previous research (e.g. lack of detailed intervention description). In terms of limitations, it is possible that a different group of individuals may have developed a different type of intervention. To overcome this, a priori decision rules were used for decision making. Further research is needed to assess the toolkit’s usability and acceptability by service users and clinicians.

References

(1) Lynch et al. Health Expect. [in press] DOI: 10.1111/hex.13392.

(2) O’Donnell et al. BMC Health Serv Res. 2019;19(1):797

Pimavanserin augments the efficacy of atypical antipsychotic drugs in a mouse model of treatment-refractory negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Negative symptoms are a core, pervasive, and often treatment-refractory phenotype of schizophrenia, one which contributes to poor functional outcome, ability to work, pursue educational goals, and quality of life, as well as caretaker burden. Improvement of negative symptoms in some patients with schizophrenia has been reported with some atypical antipsychotic drugs [AAPDs], but improvement is absent in many patients and partial in others. Therefore, more effective treatments are needed, and better preclinical models of negative symptoms are needed to identify them. Sub-chronic [sc] treatment of rodents with phencyclidine [PCP], a noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate [NMDAR] antagonist, produces deficits in social interactions [SI] that have been widely studied as a model of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Acute restraint stress [ARS] also provides a model of treatment-refractory negative symptoms [TRS] to AAPDs. By themselves, in sc-PCP mice, the AAPDs, risperidone, olanzapine, and aripiprazole, but not the selective 5-HT_2AR inverse agonist, pimavanserin [PIM], rescued the SI deficit in sc-PCP mice, as did the combination of PIM with sub-effective doses of each of these AAPDs. These three AAPDs alone did not rescue SI deficit in sc-PCP+2h-ARS mice, indicating these mice were treatment refractory. However, co-administration of PIM with any of the AAPDs significantly restored SI in these mice. PIM may be an effective adjunctive therapy for treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia in some patients who have failed to respond to AAPDs, but further studies are needed.

Surgical techniques for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments between surgeons with high versus low single surgery success rates

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To identify differences in preoperative characteristics and intraoperative approaches between surgeons with higher versus lower single surgery success rates (SSSR) for repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs).

METHODS

This study is a sub-analysis of subjects who underwent RRD repair in the Primary Retinal Detachment Outcomes (PRO) study, a multi-institutional, retrospective comparative interventional study. The PRO study examined consecutive primary RRD surgeries from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. The primary outcome was variations in surgical approach to different types of RRDs with secondary analyses of pre and intraoperative metrics for surgeons with SSSR > 90% compared to those <80% who performed at least 40 operations during the study period.

RESULTS

A total of 689 surgeries were included in the analysis. The mean SSSR was 94% for the higher tier and 75% for the lower tier (p < 0.0001). Surgeons with >90% SSSR were more likely to have graduated fellowship more recently (p = 0.0025), use less perfluorocarbon liquid (p < 0.0001), perform less 360 degree laser retinopexy (p < 0.0001), and perform a higher percentage of primary buckles and combined PPV/SB (p < 0.0001). For pseudophakic eyes there was no difference between PPV and PPV/SB use (p = 0.6211).

CONCLUSION

Surgeons with high SSSR typically performed SB as well as combination PPV/SB for more RRDs. Similar numbers of PPV and PPV/SB were performed for pseudophakic eyes, suggesting that the difference in SSSR between the two groups may be related to a combination of preoperative and intraoperative decisions as well as differences in technique.

178 A RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF PROCESS OUTCOMES OF OLDER ADULTS REFERRED TO A COMMUNITY RE-ENABLEMENT TEAM FROM THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Background

Emergency Departments (ED) are complex and challenging environments to provide care to older adults. There is currently a paucity of high quality methodological research investigating the effectiveness of interventions focused on transitions of care from the ED to primary care services (Hughes et al, 2019). This study aims to evaluate the impact of a collaborative model of care between primary and secondary care services for older adults discharged home following ED index visit.

Methods

This was an observational retrospective study. Participants aged ≥65 years discharged home from the ED of a University Teaching Hospital and referred to a Multidisciplinary Community Intervention Team (MDCIT) were included. Referral pathways were via the OPTIMEND team (Cassarino et al, 2021) and MDCIT, which is a rapid access re-enablement team based in the community and compromises nursing staff, an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, therapy and healthcare assistants. Descriptive statistics were used to profile the baseline characteristics of study participants and to summarise data related to process outcomes. Ethical approval was granted for this study (020/2021).

Results

In the study period, January—December 2020, 54 patients were referred to the MDCIT. The mean age of participants was 80.1 years (SD 8.2), 57% were female, and the most common Manchester Triage System presenting complaint was ‘limb problems’. The median Patient Experience Time within the ED was 7.4 hours (IQR 13.1); 55% of participants were seen in their home within 24 hours of discharge. A mean of 10 interventions were delivered by the MDCIT. A 9.1% incidence rate of 30 day unscheduled hospital readmission was recorded.

Conclusion

Integrated care programmes have been advocated to improve the continuum of care from the ED into the community. This evaluation has demonstrated the feasibility of implementing such a model of care. However, further methodologically robust research is required to advance the evidence base and should also focus on patient outcomes.

125 WARD-BASED MEDICAL TEAMS: IMPACT ON THE CARE OF THE OLDER PERSON WARD

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic forced healthcare management to make structural adaptations in the interest of infection control. One such adaptation is the introduction of ward-based medical teams. The multidisciplinary team (MDT) is one of the cornerstones of geriatric medicine. Therefore, we aimed to explore the perception of the care of the older person MDT on the introduction of ward-based medical teams.

Methods

Qualitative data was collected on a geriatric ward in October 2020 via written questionnaire. The questionnaire analysed how the transition to ward based medical teams was perceived in terms of inter-professional collaboration and clinical service delivered to patients.

Results

There were 14 respondents, 10 of whom were nursing staff (71%). 86% strongly agreed that the medical team was more accessible, with most interactions occurring face-to-face. Patient care and safety was thought to have improved, 79% and 71% of respondents respectively. 93% felt they had a better rapport with the medical team. 71% felt the MDT meeting is more effective, 57% believed the meeting had greater impact on patient care.

However, 93% felt there was less workspace. 21% believed there were more daily admissions and 57% felt the majority of patient transfers from other wards were inappropriate.

Overall 86% favoured ward-based medical teams, with 57% of staff reporting that the change led to increased personal job satisfaction.

Conclusion

By increasing the geographic proximity of doctors to other professionals, doctors were more accessible, issues were tackled quicker, and there was less time wasted bleeping medical teams. Overall staff favoured a ward-based system. However, there are challenges implementing this system. Particular attention should be paid to the availability of adequate workspace, including telephones and computers. Ward transfers should be minimized as continuity of care can be compromised. Strategies should be implemented so medical charts are available to the MDT during consultant-led ward rounds.

Dental Visits for Autistic Children: A Qualitative Focus Group Study of Parental Perceptions

INTRODUCTION

Patient groups who pose behavioral challenges during dental attendance may be offered more restricted dental treatment options. Unsuccessful participation with dental visit tasks and demands has been commonly reported for autistic children.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine parental perceptions of difficulties associated with dental attendance and oral care for autistic children and young adults, to highlight reported challenges and potential adaptations, and to identify interventions that will encourage positive experiences of dental attendance.

METHODS

Qualitative data were gathered through 2 focus groups with parents of primary school and secondary school pupils with autism, interviewed in separate groups. Questions about parents' perceptions of dental attendance and oral care were asked. The groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analyzed and initial codes generated. Development of subthemes and themes followed a process of thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Parental perceptions, which confirmed data from other studies, included the need for understanding and training, awareness of sensory issues, recognition of the individuality of autistic traits, time and clarity for communication, and factors affecting the confidence of parents to advocate in the clinical environment. Focus group participants identified the critical value of empathizing with an autistic perspective and highlighted the importance of positive oral health messages. They also noted the lack of understanding regarding the complexity of altering self-imposed, ritualistic dietary regimes and attempting to enact good dental preventive habits for their children.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of data from parent focus groups provided a greater understanding of the needs and responsivity required for successful dental visits for autistic children and young adults. A range of potential interventions was identified and incorporated within a model of needs. Interventions based on Partnership Working, System Change, and Training of Dental Staff could be effective in reducing challenges posed by dental attendance for many children with autism.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

Sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, comorbid intellectual disability, and dental anxiety are barriers to successful participation during dental attendance for autistic children. This research proposes that interventions supporting Partnership Working, System Change, and Training of Dental Staff can reduce challenges posed by dental attendance. The model of interventions developed as part of this project can be used by oral care teams to help reduce barriers and improve the success of dental visits for autistic children.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF 360-DEGREE LASER RETINOPEXY DURING PRIMARY VITRECTOMY WITH OR WITHOUT SCLERAL BUCKLE FOR RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT AND IMPACT ON SURGICAL OUTCOMES (PRO STUDY REPORT NUMBER 4)

PURPOSE

To determine factors associated with 360-degree laser retinopexy (360LR) during primary pars plana vitrectomy ± scleral buckle for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and its impact on surgical outcomes.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, retrospective, interventional study. Patients undergoing primary pars plana vitrectomy or primary pars plana vitrectomy + scleral buckle for noncomplex primary RRD in 2015 were evaluated. Primary outcomes were single surgery anatomical success (SSAS) and final anatomical success. Secondary outcomes included final logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity, epiretinal membrane formation, cystoid macular edema development, and number of subsequent vitrectomies. Multivariate regressions were performed.

RESULTS

Two thousand two hundred and forty-eight surgeries by 61 surgeons were included; of which, 516 underwent 360LR. Younger age (P = 0.01), more retinal breaks (P = 0.01), more extensive RRD (P < 0.001), and surgeon ID (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with 360LR. No significant associations between 360LR and single surgery anatomical success (P = 0.44), epiretinal membrane formation (P = 0.14), cystoid macular edema development (P = 0.28), or number of subsequent vitrectomies (P = 0.41) were found. Controlling for case complexity, 360LR was significantly associated with lower final anatomical success (P < 0.001) and worse final logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Multiple factors influenced whether 360LR was performed during primary pars plana vitrectomy ± scleral buckle for RRD. However, 360LR was not associated with improved surgical outcomes, and in fact, it may be associated with poorer outcomes.

Robotic versus laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: a case-matched study

The current gold standard surgical treatment for right colonic malignancy is the laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRH). However, laparoscopic surgery has limitations which can be overcome by robotic surgery. The benefits of robotics for rectal cancer are widely accepted but its use for right hemicolectomy remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes in patients undergoing robotic right hemicolectomy (RRH) and LRH in a university teaching hospital. Demographic, perioperative and postoperative data along with early oncological outcomes of patients who underwent RRH and LRH with extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA) were identified from a prospectively maintained database. A total of 70 patients (35 RRH, 35 LRH) were identified over a 4-year period. No statistically significant differences in estimated blood loss, conversion to open surgery, postoperative complications, anastomotic leak, 30-day reoperation, 30-day mortality, surgical site infection or lengths of stay were demonstrated. Surgical specimen quality in both groups was favourable. The mean duration of surgery was longer in RRH (p <  < 0.00001). A statistically significant proportion of RRH patients had a higher BMI and ASA grade. The results demonstrate that RRH is safe and feasible when compared to LRH, with no statistical difference in postoperative morbidity, mortality and early oncological outcomes. A difference was noted in operating time, however was influenced by training residents in docking the robot and a technically challenging cohort of patients. Operative time has shortened with further experience. Incorporating an intracorporeal anastomosis technique in RRH offers the potential to improve outcomes compared to LRH.

Scleral Buckling for Primary Retinal Detachment: Outcomes of Scleral Tunnels versus Scleral Sutures

Purpose

There are primarily two techniques for affixing the scleral buckle (SB) to the sclera in the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD): scleral tunnels or scleral sutures.

Methods

This retrospective study examined all patients with primary RRD who were treated with primary SB or SB combined with vitrectomy from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 across six sites. Two cohorts were examined: SB affixed using scleral sutures versus scleral tunnels. Pre- and postoperative variables were evaluated including visual acuity, anatomic success, and postoperative strabismus

Results

The mean preoperative logMAR VA for the belt loop cohort was 1.05 ± 1.06 (Snellen 20/224) and for the scleral suture cohort was 1.03 ± 1.04 (Snellen 20/214, p = 0.846). The respective mean postoperative logMAR VAs were 0.45 ± 0.55 (Snellen 20/56) and 0.46 ± 0.59 (Snellen 20/58, p = 0.574). The single surgery success rate for the tunnel cohort was 87.3% versus 88.6% for the suture cohort (p = 0.601). Three patients (1.0%) in the scleral tunnel cohort developed postoperative strabismus, but only one patient (0.1%) in the suture cohort (p = 0.04, multivariate p = 0.76). All cases of strabismus occurred in eyes that underwent SB combined with PPV (p = 0.02). There were no differences in vision, anatomic success, or strabismus between scleral tunnels versus scleral sutures in eyes that underwent primary SB.

Conclusion

Scleral tunnels and scleral sutures had similar postoperative outcomes. Combined PPV/SB in eyes with scleral tunnels might be a risk for strabismus post retinal detachment surgery.

Surgical Outcomes of Primary RRD With and Without Concurrent Full-Thickness Macular Hole (PRO Study Report No. 7)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Non-causal macular holes (MHs) can occur concurrently with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs). The visual outcomes and surgical approach for these eyes are variable.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a multi-institutional, retrospective review of all primary retinal detachment surgeries from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative metrics were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 2,242 eyes that had pars plana vitrectomy for primary RRD, 43 (1.9%) of which had a MH at the time of surgery. The mean postoperative logMAR visual acuity (VA) for the MH cohort was 0.87 ± 0.64 (20/148) and for eyes without a MH was 0.47 ± 0.63 (20/59; P < .0001). The single-surgery re-attachment rate for the MH cohort and no MH cohort was 86.1% and 84.9%, respectively (P = 1.0000).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with noncausal MHs and RRD had significantly worse VA than patients without a MH. Preoperative counseling is imperative in patients with both RRD and MH. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:500-505.].

511 DO ORAL NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE FRAIL ELDERLY- A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background

Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are regularly used in older frail adults to help reduced oral intake, recovery from acute illness and weight gain. As, many frailer patients have limited life expectancies the priority for treatment should be improving quality of life (QoL). We set out to find if ONS increase QoL in the frail elderly adult.

Method

We searched Embase, Medline and OVID databases for using terms for ONS, frail older adults and QoL. The two authors independently reviewed all papers with any dispute was resolved by discussion. Each paper was then reviewed by both authors to extract data and determine bias before collation.

Results

The search returned 516 papers. Each paper was briefly reviewed to check for relevance leaving 65 papers for detailed review of which 8 papers were included. Two systematic reviews were included. One was unable to draw conclusions from the 3 papers (out of 17) that included QoL as the graded evidence was too poor. The other showed no impact on QoL (in the 2 out of 12 papers that included QoL) in patients post hip fracture receiving ONS. One paper interviewed frail elderly patients about the perceived benefits of their ONS. Nursing home residents perceived that ONS improved their ability to see family which was inferred as improving QoL. Three papers assessed ONS in conjunction with physical exercise. Two showed an improvement in quality of life in the ONS group despite controls also receiving a physical exercise programme. Two papers assessed the impact of ONS on patients discharged from hospital and those chronically unwell- neither showed any difference in QoL.

Discussion

Quality of life has been a neglected area of study when assessing the impact of ONS on frail elderly patients. When used in conjunction with physical exercise it seems to have a positive effect.

Secondary School-based Interventions and Social Engagement of Deaf Young Adults

Successful social engagement is one of many important outcomes for deaf youth as they transition from high school to adult life. This study examined the effect of self-advocacy and social/life skill trainings in secondary school settings on social engagement after high school using propensity score modeling and data from the large-scale and nationally representative National Longitudinal Transition Study-2. Analyses focused on three types of post-high school social engagement: frequency of seeing friends, involvement in group activities, and participation in community service. A fourth outcome variable was created to indicate whether the individual was at least minimally engaged. Results found that deaf youth who received self-advocacy training in secondary school were significantly more likely to be at least minimally engaged than those who had not. These findings suggest that self-advocacy training in high school can help protect deaf youth against social isolation in young adulthood.

Risk Factors for Presence of Cystoid Macular Edema following Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Surgery

Purpose: Cystoid macular edema (CME) following cataract surgery is a well-known entity. Less is known regarding the risk factors of developing CME following repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD).Methods: This was a multi-institutional study of primary RRD surgeries from 1/1/2015 through 12/31/2015. The primary outcome was the development of postoperative CME following RRD surgery. Post-operative optical coherence tomography imaging and 3 months of follow-up following RRD repair were required.Results: There were 1,466 eyes that met the inclusion criteria, and 140 (9.6%) developed postoperative CME following primary RRD repair. On multivariate analysis, the statistically significant metrics were older patient age (OR 1.03 per year, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05), pre-operative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR, OR 1.74, 95% 1.03 to 2.95), and cataract surgery following RRD repair (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.47 to 3.25). Single surgery success was protective against CME (OR 0.20 (95% CI 0.14-0.30). Seventy-six (9.0%) of the phakic eyes and 60 (9.9%) of the pseudophakic eyes developed post-operative CME. Multivariate analysis showed that cataract surgery following RRD repair (p < .0001) for phakic eyes and older age (p = .0075) for pseudophakic eyes were risk factors. In eyes that underwent successful retinal reattachment with one surgery, post-operative cataract surgery (p = .0005) and pre-operative PVR (p = .0011) were risk factors for CME in this subgroup.Conclusion: CME occurred in nearly 10% of the eyes following RRD repair. The biggest risk factors were recurrent RRD, preexisting PVR, older age, and cataract surgery following RRD repair.

O74: ASSESSING THE USEFULNESS OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGING AND VIRTUAL REALITY IN SURGICAL PLANNING: A MEDICAL STUDENT LED PILOT STUDY

Introduction

Nephron-sparing surgery is becoming more common as surgical techniques advance. VR and 3D visualisation appear to provide better anatomical understanding in presurgical planning than two-dimensional alone. 3D models may enable greater tissue salvation and fewer complications. 3D model preparation and advancing research is expensive and time consuming. We aim to pilot study led by medical student, create reliable anatomical kidney models and assess usefulness in surgical planning.

Method

Routine CT urograms were performed on 128 slice scanner using split bolus technique. Medical student segmented and displayed models in VR using 3DSlicer. Radiology registrar and consultant validated models. Two urology surgeons completed qualitative questionnaires.

Result

We included two patients. Only minor segmentation tweaks by radiologist ensured accurately demonstrated tumors. Tissue contrast quality varied between CT scans complicating segmentation. Both surgeons deemed models helpful in visualising hilar anatomy, predicting bleeding complications, determining laparoscopic/open and partial/full nephrectomy approach. Surgeons prioritised vasculature visualisation over collecting system. Surgeons suggested gauging tumor depth would be useful. Considering 3D printing cost, surgeons agreed VR alone may suffice.

Conclusion

Surgeons found 3D and VR enabled accurate surgical planning and patient counselling regarding nephrectomy risk. Minor CT protocol recommendations enable easier and more accurate segmentation, without increasing patient's radiation exposure. Annual leave during 8-week summer project reflects case numbers. Since, we've identified more cases to assess surgical parameters against matched cohort. We've begun work for adrenal surgery. It's feasible for medical students with minimal surgical/radiological knowledge to advance this research, gaining valuable experience.

Abbrev

Virtual Reality(VR), Three-dimensional(3D), Computerised Tomography(CT)

Take-home message

Three-dimensional imaging and virtual reality may improve surgical planning and patient counselling. Regarding nephrectomy, this could give surgeons the confidence to convert from full nephrectomy to partial nephrectomy approach, improving patient outcome.

Barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term use of benzodiazepine receptor agonists: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Introduction

Long-term use (&gt;3 months) of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) persists in healthcare settings worldwide despite guidelines recommending short-term use (≤4 weeks). Potential harms of long-term BZRA use include dependence and withdrawal symptoms. A systematic review highlighted that brief interventions targeting long-term BZRA use lacked theoretical underpinning and were often poorly described (1). It is advocated that interventions should be systematically developed and reported, use an appropriate theory-base and involve key stakeholders in their development. Semi-structured interviews based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) can be used to identify patient-level barriers and facilitators that should be targeted by interventions (2).

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of individuals who had previously used BZRAs on a long-term basis through semi-structured interviews and to identify key theoretical domains that acted as barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term BZRA use.

Methods

A multi-strand convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants through community pharmacies, general practices and social media (e.g. Twitter, Instagram). Individuals who had successfully discontinued long-term BZRA use were eligible to participate if they were ≥18 years of age, community dwelling and resident in the Republic of Ireland. Individuals with a: cognitive impairment, history of epilepsy, serious mental illness (e.g. prescribed anti-psychotics) or receiving opioid substitution treatment were excluded. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a TDF-based topic guide (2). Questions covering each TDF domain were used to explore participants’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term BZRA use. Data were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were independently checked for accuracy. Data were analysed using the framework method. Interviews continued until data saturation was achieved. Ethical approval was granted by the RCSI Research Ethics Committee.

Results

Thirteen patients were interviewed (seven female; median age: 43 years; median duration of use: six years). Key barriers to discontinuing BZRA use were identified under the ‘Emotions’ and ‘Reinforcement’ domains. These included participants’ first-hand experience of withdrawal symptoms and resultant fear towards discontinuation of the medication. ‘Intentions’ and ‘Social influences’ were identified as key theoretical domains that facilitated participants in discontinuing BZRA use. For example, participants described having strong intentions to discontinue BZRA use and discussed the positive influence of healthcare professionals such as community pharmacists in supporting them.

Conclusion

The study findings indicate that individuals who have successfully discontinued long-term BZRA use often have strong intentions to do so, as well as the support of healthcare professionals. However, challenges to discontinuing BZRA use include withdrawal symptoms and negative emotions towards the discontinuation process. The main strength of this study is that it used the TDF to examine barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term BZRA use. A notable limitation was that none of the participants were aged ≥65 years which limits the transferability of the findings. Future work will look to examine the views and experiences of current long-term BZRA users, integrate the findings with this study and map key domains to behaviour change techniques to inform the development of an intervention to reduce long-term BZRA use.

References

1. Lynch T, Ryan C, Hughes CM, Presseau J, van Allen ZM, Bradley CP, et al. Brief interventions targeting long-term benzodiazepine and Z-drug use in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction. 2020;115(9):1618–39.

2. Cane J, O’Connor D, Michie S. Validation of the theoretical domains framework for use in behaviour change and implementation research. Implementation Science. 2012;7(1):37.

RETINAL DETACHMENT WITH INFERIOR RETINAL BREAKS: Primary Vitrectomy Versus Vitrectomy With Scleral Buckle (PRO Study Report No. 9)

INTRODUCTION

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with inferior retinal breaks are believed to have a higher risk of recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. This study compared anatomic and visual outcomes between primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and combination PPV with scleral buckle (PPV/SB) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with inferior retinal breaks.

METHODS

This is an analysis of the Primary Retinal Detachment Outcomes study, a multi-institutional cohort study of consecutive primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgeries from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015. The primary outcome was single-surgery success rate. Only eyes with inferior retinal breaks (one break in the detached retina between five and seven o'clock) were included.

RESULTS

There were 238 eyes that met the inclusion criteria, 95 (40%) of which underwent primary PPV and 163 (60%) that underwent combined PPV/SB. The single-surgery success rate was 76.8% for PPV and 87.4% for PPV/SB (P = 0.0355). This remained significant on multivariate analysis (P = 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that a superior single-surgery success rate of PPV/SB was especially noted in phakic eyes (85.2% vs. 68.6%; P = 0.0464).

CONCLUSION

Retinal detachment with inferior retinal breaks had a higher single-surgery success rate if treated with PPV/SB compared with PPV alone, particularly in phakic eyes.

Comparison of Visual and Anatomic Outcomes Following RRD Surgery Using 23-Gauge Versus 25-Gauge Vitrectomy: PRO Study Report No. 12

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Most surgeons now utilize small-gauge (23- or 25-gauge) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without scleral buckling for repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD), in addition to primary scleral buckle (SB), but comparative data between the two gauges are limited.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study is an analysis of primary RRD repairs comparing 23- versus 25-gauge vitrectomy for PPV or combination PPV/SB from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015, across multiple institutions. The primary outcome was single-surgery success and secondary outcomes included postoperative complications.

RESULTS

There were 1,932 eyes that met inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in single-surgery success (82.9% vs. 83.8%; P = 0.6329). There were similar rates of postoperative hypotony, endophthalmitis, vitreous hemorrhage, and choroidal detachment. The findings were similar when analyzing only eyes that underwent primary PPV without SB.

CONCLUSION

Both 23- and 25-gauge vitrectomy systems have similar anatomic and visual outcomes in the primary repair of RRD. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:70-76.].

A non-randomised pilot study of the Solutions for Medication Adherence Problems (S-MAP) intervention in community pharmacies to support older adults adhere to multiple medications

BACKGROUND

Older patients prescribed multiple medications commonly experience difficulties with adherence. High-quality evidence on interventions targeting older patients is lacking. Theory is rarely used to tailor adherence solutions. This study aimed to pilot test a novel intervention, developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework, which guides community pharmacists in identifying adherence barriers and delivering tailored solutions (behaviour change techniques). Key study procedures (e.g. recruitment, data collection) for a future randomised controlled trial (cRCT) were also assessed.

METHODS

Using purposive sampling, this non-randomised pilot study aimed to recruit 12 community pharmacies (six in Northern Ireland; six in London, England). Pharmacists were trained to deliver the intervention to non-adherent older patients (maximum 10 per pharmacy; target n = 60-120) aged ≥ 65 years (reduced to 50 years due to recruitment challenges) and prescribed ≥ 4 regular medicines. The intervention, guided by an iPad web-application, was delivered over 3-4 face-to-face or telephone sessions, tailored to specific barriers to adherence. We assessed the feasibility of collecting adherence data (primary outcome: self-report and dispensing records), health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and unplanned hospitalisations (secondary outcomes) at baseline and 6-months. The final decision on progressing to a cRCT, using pre-defined 'stop-amend-go' criteria, is presented.

RESULTS

Fifteen pharmacists from 12 pharmacies were recruited and trained. One pharmacy subsequently dropped out. Sixty patients were recruited (meeting the 'Amend' progression criteria), with 56 receiving the intervention. Adherence barriers were identified for 55 patients (98%) and a wide range of behaviour change solutions delivered (median: 5 per patient). Self-report and dispensing adherence data were available for 37 (61.7%) and 44 (73.3%) patients, respectively. HRQOL data were available for 35 (58.3%) patients. GP-reported and self-reported hospitalisations data were available for 47 (78.3%) and 23 (38.3%) patients, respectively. All progression concepts were met (nine 'Go' and three 'Amend' criteria).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility of key study procedures (e.g. pharmacy recruitment) and delivery of a tailored adherence intervention in community pharmacies. However, modifications are required to enhance issues identified with patient recruitment, retention and missing data. A future definitive cRCT will explore the effectiveness of the intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN, ISRCTN73831533 , Registered 12 January 2018.

Adverse Childhood Communication Experiences Associated With an Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases in Adults Who Are Deaf

INTRODUCTION

This study explores adverse childhood communication experiences and its RRs for acquiring specific chronic diseases and mental health disorders in adults who are deaf and hard of hearing.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design with snowball sampling was used to recruit adults who were deaf and hard of hearing and were born or became deaf in both ears before age 13 years. Patient-reported outcomes surveys in American Sign Language and English were disseminated to collect data about early life communication experiences with caregivers. Modified Poisson regression with robust SEs was used to calculate RR estimates and 95% CIs for all medical conditions with early life communication experiences as main predictors.

RESULTS

Data collection occurred from May 2016 to July 2016, October 2016 to April 2018, and October 2018 to May 2019. The U.S. sample consisted of 1,524 adults who were born or became deaf early. After adjusting for parental hearing status and known correlates of medical conditions, poorer direct child-caregiver communication was significantly associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with diabetes (RRR=1.12, 95% CI=1.01, 1.24), hypertension (RRR=1.10, 95% CI=1.03, 1.17), and heart disease (RRR=1.61, 95% CI=1.39, 1.87). Poor indirect family communication/inclusion increased risks for lung diseases (RRR=1.19, 95% CI=1.07, 1.33) and depression/anxiety disorders (RRR=1.34, 95% CI=1.24, 1.44). The absolute risk increase and number needed to harm are also reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes data reported by patients who were deaf and hard of hearing demonstrated that poorer direct child-caregiver communication and ongoing exclusion from incidental family communication were associated with increased risks for multiple chronic health outcomes. Practices should consider developing and utilizing an adverse childhood communication screening measure to prevent or remediate language deprivation and communication neglect in pediatric patients who were deaf and hard of hearing.

Psoriasis severity: commonly used clinical thresholds may not adequately convey patient impact

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis severity is usually evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures, including per cent body surface area (BSA) involvement, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a patient-reported questionnaire. However, standardized definitions for psoriasis severity categories have not been well established. A PASI of 10 or 12 has remained the minimal severity threshold defining eligibility for psoriasis treatments. In the present study, the validity of this cut-off was re-evaluated in the context of quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the thresholds commonly used to define moderate psoriasis (PASI of 10-12 and BSA of 10) are supported by patient-reported DLQI data.

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials that enrolled mild or moderate patients published between January 2000 and June 2017 was used to assess correlations between provider and patient-generated severity at baseline.

RESULTS

For subject groups with high impact on quality of life (DLQI > 10), the mean weighted BSA was 7.6 (Range: 7.1-8.4) and the mean weighted DLQI was 11 (Range: 10.2-12.2). Similarly, the mean weighted PASI for patients with DLQI > 10 was 8.7 (Range: 7.1-10.1) and the mean weighted DLQI was 10.9 (Range: 10.1-12.2).

CONCLUSION

Patients with PASI or BSA scores less than 10 can have major quality of life impairment. In general, the objective measures of BSA and PASI alone, when excluding DLQI, may not fully capture the impact of disease severity.

Impact of contact versus non-contact wide-angle viewing systems on outcomes of primary retinal detachment repair (PRO study report number 5)

Background/aims

Vitrectomy to repair retinal detachment is often performed with either non-contact wide-angle viewing systems or wide-angle contact viewing systems. The purpose of this study is to assess whether the viewing system used is associated with any differences in surgical outcomes of vitrectomy for primary non-complex retinal detachment repair.

Methods

This is a multicenter, interventional, retrospective, comparative study. Eyes that underwent non-complex primary retinal detachment repair by either pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone or in combination with scleral buckle/PPV in 2015 were evaluated. The viewing system at the time of the retinal detachment repair was identified and preoperative patient characteristics, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes were recorded.

Results

A total of 2256 eyes were included in our analysis. Of those, 1893 surgeries used a non-contact viewing system, while 363 used a contact lens system. There was no statistically significant difference in single surgery anatomic success at 3 months (p=0.72), or final anatomic success (p=0.40). Average postoperative visual acuity for the contact-based cases was logMAR 0.345 (20/44 Snellen equivalent) compared with 0.475 (20/60 Snellen equivalent) for non-contact (p=0.001). After controlling for numerous confounding variables in multivariable analysis, viewing system choice was no longer statistically significant (p=0.097).

Conclusion

There was no statistically significant difference in anatomic success achieved for primary retinal detachment repair when comparing non-contact viewing systems to contact lens systems. Postoperative visual acuity was better in the contact-based group but this was not statistically significant when confounding factors were controlled for.

Development of a complex community pharmacy intervention package using theory-based behaviour change techniques to improve older adults' medication adherence

BACKGROUND

To improve the effectiveness of interventions targeting non-adherence in older adults, a systematic approach to intervention design is required. The content of complex interventions and design decisions are often poorly described in published reports which makes it difficult to explore why they are ineffective. This intervention development study reports on the design of a community pharmacy-based adherence intervention using 11 Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) which were identified from previous qualitative research with older patients using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

METHODS

Using a group consensus approach, a five-step design process was employed. This focused on decisions regarding: (1) the overall delivery format, (2) formats for delivering each BCT; (3) methods for tailoring BCTs to individual patients; (4) intervention structure; and (5) materials to support intervention delivery. The APEASE (Affordability; Practicability; Effectiveness/cost-effectiveness; Acceptability; Side effects/safety; Equity) criteria guided the selection of BCT delivery formats.

RESULTS

Formats for delivering the 11 BCTs were agreed upon, for example, a paper medicines diary was selected to deliver the BCT 'Self-monitoring of behaviour'. To help tailor the intervention, BCTs were categorised into 'Core' and 'Optional' BCTs. For example, 'Feedback on behaviour' and 'Action planning' were selected as 'Core' BCTs (delivered to all patients), whereas 'Prompts and cues' and 'Health consequences' were selected as 'Optional' BCTs. A paper-based adherence assessment tool was designed to guide intervention tailoring by mapping from identified adherence problems to BCTs. The intervention was designed for delivery over three appointments in the pharmacy including an adherence assessment at Appointment 1 and BCT delivery at Appointments 2 and 3.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper details key decision-making processes involved in moving from a list of BCTs through to a complex intervention package which aims to improve older patients' medication adherence. A novel approach to tailoring the content of a complex adherence intervention using 'Core' and 'Optional' BCT categories is also presented. The intervention is now ready for testing in a feasibility study with community pharmacists and patients to refine the content. It is hoped that this detailed report of the intervention content/design process will allow others to better interpret the future findings of this work.