Implementation of patient education for patients with atrial fibrillation: nationwide cross-sectional survey and one-year follow-up

AIMS

Clinical practice guidelines recommend patient education for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) as a part of holistic care, however, clinical guidelines lack detailed specification on the content, structure, and delivery of AF education programmes. To examine the implementation of education for patients with AF in Denmark in relation to coverage, organization, and content.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to May 2021. The survey contained questions on the organization, delivery, and content of education for patients with AF from all 29 AF outpatient hospital sites in Denmark. The survey was conducted by email and telephone. One-year follow-up was done in May 2022 by email. Patient education was provided by healthcare professionals in 16 (55%) hospitals. Nurse workforce issues, management, non-prioritization, and lack of guidance for implementation were reasons for the absence of patient education in 13 (45%) hospitals. The structure of patient education differed in relation to group or individual teaching methods and six different education models were used. Content of the AF disease education was generally similar. At 1-year follow-up, another four hospitals reported offering patient education (69% in total).

CONCLUSION

Initially, almost half of the hospitals did not provide patient education, but at 1-year follow-up, 69% of hospitals delivered patient education. Patient education was heterogeneous in relation to delivery, frequency, and duration. Future research should address individualized patient education that may demonstrate superiority in relation to quality of life, less hospital admissions, and increased longevity.

Digital Solutions to Optimize Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy Prescriptions in Heart Failure Patients: Current Applications and Future Directions

PURPOSEOF REVIEW

Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) underuse is common in heart failure (HF) patients. Digital solutions have the potential to support medical professionals to optimize GDMT prescriptions in a growing HF population. We aimed to review current literature on the effectiveness of digital solutions on optimization of GDMT prescriptions in patients with HF.

RECENT FINDINGS

We report on the efficacy, characteristics of the study, and population of published digital solutions for GDMT optimization. The following digital solutions are discussed: teleconsultation, telemonitoring, cardiac implantable electronic devices, clinical decision support embedded within electronic health records, and multifaceted interventions. Effect of digital solutions is reported in dedicated studies, retrospective studies, or larger studies with another focus that also commented on GDMT use. Overall, we see more studies on digital solutions that report a significant increase in GDMT use. However, there is a large heterogeneity in study design, outcomes used, and populations studied, which hampers comparison of the different digital solutions. Barriers, facilitators, study designs, and future directions are discussed. There remains a need for well-designed evaluation studies to determine safety and effectiveness of digital solutions for GDMT optimization in patients with HF. Based on this review, measuring and controlling vital signs in telemedicine studies should be encouraged, professionals should be actively alerted about suboptimal GDMT, the researchers should consider employing multifaceted digital solutions to optimize effectiveness, and use study designs that fit the unique sociotechnical aspects of digital solutions. Future directions are expected to include artificial intelligence solutions to handle larger datasets and relieve medical professional's workload.

[Development of criteria for the prospective assessment of the need for updating guideline recommendations: The AGIL criteria]

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based guideline and vaccination recommendations should continuously be updated to appropriately support health care decisions. However, resources for updating guidelines are often limited. The aim of this project was to develop a list of criteria for the prospective assessment of the need for updating individual guideline or vaccination recommendations, which can be applied from the time a guideline or guideline update is finalised.

METHODS

In this article we describe the development of the AGIL criteria (Assessment of Guidelines for Updating Recommendations). The AGIL criteria were developed by experienced scientists and experts in the field of guideline development in a multi-step process. The five steps included: 1) development of an initial list of criteria by the project team; 2) online survey of guideline experts on the initial version of the criteria list; 3) revision of the criteria list based on the results of the online survey; 4) workshop on the criteria list at the EbM Congress 2023; 5) creation of version 1.0 of the AGIL criteria based on the workshop results.

RESULTS

The initial list included the following three criteria: 1) relevance of the question 2) availability of new relevant evidence, and 3) impact of potentially new evidence. The response rate of the online survey for fully completed questionnaires was 31.0% (N=195; 630 guideline experts were contacted by email). For 90.3% (n=176) of the respondents, the criteria list included all essential aspects for assessing the need for updating guideline recommendations. More than three quarters of respondents rated the importance of the three criteria as "very important" or "important" (criteria 1-3: 75.3%, 86.1%, 85.2%) and - with the exception of criterion 1 - comprehensibility as "very comprehensible" or "comprehensible" (criteria 1-3: 58.4%, 75.9%, 78.5%). The results of the online survey and the workshop generally confirmed the three criteria with their two sub-questions. The incorporation of all feedback resulted in the AGIL criteria (version 1.0), recapping: 1) relevance of the question regarding a) PICO components and b) other factors, e.g. epidemiological aspects; 2) availability of new evidence a) on health-related benefits and harms and b) on other decision factors, e.g. feasibility, acceptability; 3) impact of new evidence a) on the certainty of evidence on which the recommendation is based and b) on the present recommendation, e.g.

STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION

DISCUSSION

The moderate response rate of the online survey may have limited its representativeness. Nevertheless, we consider the response rate to be satisfactory in this research context. The inclusion of many experts in the online survey and the EbM Congress workshop is a strength of the project and supports the quality of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

The AGIL criteria provide a structured guidance for the prospective assessment of the need for updating individual guideline recommendations and other evidence-based recommendations. The implementation and evaluation of the AGIL criteria 1.0 in a field test is planned.

Referral criteria for chronic kidney disease: implications for disease management and healthcare expenditure-analysis of a population-based sample

Background

Clinical practice guidelines recommend specialist referral according to different criteria. The aim was to assess recommended and observed referral rate and health care expenditure according to recommendations from:

• Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO,2012)

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE,2014)

• German Society of Nephrology/German Society of Internal Medicine (DGfN/DGIM,2015)

• German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (DEGAM,2019)

• Kidney failure risk equation (NICE,2021)

Methods

Data of the population-based cohort Study of Health in Pomerania were matched with claims data. Proportion of subjects meeting referral criteria and corresponding health care expenditures were calculated and projected to the population of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Results

Data from 1927 subjects were analysed. Overall proportion of subjects meeting referral criteria ranged from 4.9% (DEGAM) to 8.3% (DGfN/DGIM). The majority of patients eligible for referral were ≥ 60 years. In subjects older than 60 years, differences were even more pronounced, and rates ranged from 9.7% (DEGAM) to 16.5% (DGfN/DGIM). Estimated population level costs varied between €1,432,440 (DEGAM) and €2,386,186 (DGfN/DGIM). From 190 patients with eGFR < 60 ml/min, 15 had a risk of end stage renal disease > 5% within the next 5 years.

Conclusions

Applying different referral criteria results in different referral rates and costs. Referral rates exceed actually observed consultation rates. Criteria need to be evaluated in terms of available workforce, resources and regarding over- and underutilization of nephrology services.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-022-02845-0.

[Chest X-ray: implementation and indication : Recommendations of the thoracic imaging working group of the German Radiological Society]

BACKGROUND

Even after more than 100 years, the chest X‑ray is still an important technique to detect important pathological changes of lungs, heart and vessels in a fast and low-dose manner. For the German-speaking regions, there are only recommendations available published by the "Ständigen Strahlenschutzkommission (SSK)" regarding the indication. These recommendations are not updated on a regular basis and more recent developments are only integrated with delayed.

METHODS

The chest division of the German Radiological Society has summarized their expertise for the usage and indication of the chest X‑ray. Especially within the field of oncology the usage of chest X‑ray is evaluated differently to the aforementioned recommendations; here chest computed tomography (CT) is much more sensitive for evaluation of metastasis and local invasion of tumors. Also, within the area of infectious diseases in non-immunocompetent patients, CT is the method of choice. Based on the structure of the current recommendations, many current guidelines and indications are summarized and presented within the context of the usage of chest X‑ray.

[Radiological diagnosis of multiple myeloma : Role of imaging and the current S3 guideline]

CLINICAL ISSUE

Multiple myeloma is a clonal B‑lymphocyte neoplasm of terminally differentiated plasma cells and accounts for approximately 10% of all hematologic malignancies. Reduction of bone mass, seen on computed tomography (CT) as focal osteolysis, or general osteopenia is mainly caused by tumor-induced resorption of bone.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

Imaging methods are used in multiple myeloma to record the extent of various dimensions of the disease manifestations (damage to bone substance, bone marrow infiltration, extramedullary involvement) and the disease course. The aim of this review article is to summarize and outline the recommendations of the S3 guideline "Diagnostics, therapy and follow-up care for patients with monoclonal gammopathy of unclear significance (MGUS) or multiple myeloma" in terms of radiographic imaging.

APPRAISAL AND PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The use of the conventional X‑ray skeletal status (Paris scheme) is obsolete. When a patient with symptomatic multiple myeloma is initially diagnosed, a whole-body CT should be performed to determine the extent of skeletal damage. The S3 guideline also regards CT as the first imaging modality in relapse and progression.

Risk reduction strategies for BRCA1/2 hereditary ovarian cancer syndromes: a clinical practice guideline

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this guideline is to make recommendations regarding the care of women who harbour a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in BRCA1 and BRCA2.

METHODS

Draft recommendations were formulated based on evidence obtained through a systematic review of RCTs, comparative retrospective studies and guideline endorsement. The draft recommendations underwent an internal review by clinical and methodology experts, and an external review by clinical practitioners.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 1 guideline, 5 systematic reviews, and 15 studies that met the eligibility criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

In women who harbour a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in BRCA1 and BRCA2 screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended. Risk-reducing surgery is recommended to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. In the absence of contraindications, premenopausal women undergoing RRSO should be offered hormone therapy until menopause. Systemic hormone replacement therapy, is not recommended for women who have had a personal history of breast cancer. RRSO should be considered for breast cancer risk reduction in women younger than 50 years. After a breast cancer diagnosis, RRSO for breast cancer mortality reduction can be considered within two years to women who harbour a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in BRCA1 if younger than the recommended age range for ovarian cancer risk reduction. RRSO before the age of 40 and specifically for breast cancer treatment in BRCA2 should be considered only if recommended by their breast cancer oncologist. Following RRSO, it is not recommended to do surveillance for peritoneal cancer.

The Burden of Short-Acting β2-Agonist Use in Asthma: Is There an Italian Case? An Update from SABINA Program

Introduction

Preliminary results from the SABINA (SABA use INAsthma) program showed lower overuse of short-acting β₂-agonist (SABA) in Italy compared to other European countries. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether SABINA’s results might have been affected by the Italian National Health System and pharmaceutical market dynamics, by examining patients’ characteristics in relation to SABA prescription/purchase habits.

Methods

Multiple approaches were used: (1) a retrospective study using the General Practitioners’ (GPs) Italian IQVIA Longitudinal Patient Database (LPD) to assess SABA overuse (more than two canisters/year) and its association with exacerbation risk; (2) a survey conducted across 200 Italian pharmacies to calculate the proportions of SABA purchases without a prescription; (3) a cross-sectional study on the specialists’ IQVIA Patient Analyzer database to understand the SABA prescription habits of specialists.

Results

Among SABA users identified through IQVIA LPD, the proportion of patients having more than two SABA canisters/year was 32%. Overall, patients prescribed more than two SABA canisters/year by GPs had 30% higher risk of exacerbations than patients with a maximum of two SABA canisters/year. The joint evaluation of IQVIA LPD and survey’s findings revealed that IQVIA LPD tracks three out of four SABA canisters dispensed. The survey showed that, on average, SABA users purchased four canisters/year. Patients prescribed SABA by specialists were more frequently men, younger, thinner, and had higher spirometry values.

Conclusion

SABA overuse is common in Italy, with a share of consumption not regulated by medical prescriptions. Because SABA overuse increases exacerbation risk, changes to national guidelines should be encouraged to ensure implementation of global recommendations.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-01772-0.

Documented diabetes care among older people receiving home care services: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Home care services plays an important role in diabetes management, and to enable older adults remain home-dwellers. Adequate follow-up and systematic nursing documentation are necessary elements in high quality diabetes care. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the diabetes treatment and management for older persons with diabetes receiving home care services.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was used to assess the diabetes treatment and management in a Norwegian municipality. Demographic (age, sex, living situation) and clinical data (diabetes diagnose, type of glucose lowering treatment, diabetes-related comorbidities, functional status) were collected from electronic home care records. Also, information on diabetes management; i.e. follow-up routines on glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c), self-monitoring of blood glucose, insulin administration and risk factors (blood pressure, body mass index and nutritional status) were registered. HbA_1c was measured upon inclusion. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in the data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 92 home care records from older home-dwelling persons with diabetes, aged 66-99 years were assessed. Only 52 (57 %) of the individuals had the diabetes diagnosis documented in the home care record. A routine for self-monitoring of blood glucose was documented for 27 (29 %) of the individuals. Only 2 (2 %) had individual target for HbA_1c documented and only 3 (3 %) had a documented routine for measuring HbA_1c as recommended in international guidelines. Among 30 insulin treated older individuals, a description of the insulin regimen lacked in 4 (13 %) of the home care records. Also, documentation on who performed self-monitoring of blood glucose was unclear or lacking for 5 (17 %) individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates lack of documentation in home care records with respect to diagnosis, treatment goals and routines for monitoring of blood glucose, as well as insufficient documentation on responsibilities of diabetes management among older home-dwelling adults living with diabetes. This indicates that home care services may be suboptimal and a potential threat to patient safety.

Prioritizing suicide prevention guideline recommendations in specialist mental healthcare: a Delphi study

BACKGROUND

The Delphi technique is a proven and reliable method to create common definitions and to achieve convergence of opinion. This study aimed to prioritize suicide prevention guideline recommendations and to develop a set of quality indicators (QIs) for suicide prevention in specialist mental healthcare.

METHODS

This study selected 12 key recommendations from the guideline to modify them into QIs. After feedback from two face-to-face workgroup sessions, 11 recommendations were rephrased and selected to serve as QIs. Next, a Delphi study with the 11 QIs was performed to achieve convergence of opinion among a panel of 90 participants (23 suicide experts, 23 members of patients' advisory boards or experts with experiences in suicidal behavior and 44 mental healthcare professionals). The participants scored the 11 QIs on two selection criteria: relevance (it affects the number of suicides in the institution) and action orientation (institutions or professionals themselves can influence it) using a 5-point Likert scale. Also, data analysts working in mental healthcare institutions (MHIs) rated each QI on feasibility (is it feasible to monitor and extract from existing systems). Consensus was defined as 70% agreement with priority scores of four or five.

RESULTS

Out of the 11 recommendations, participants prioritized five recommendations as relevant and action-oriented in optimizing the quality of care for suicide prevention: 1) screening for suicidal thoughts and behavior, 2) safety plan, 3) early follow-up on discharge, 4) continuity of care and 5) involving family or significant others. Only one of the 11 recommendations early follow-up on discharge reached consensus on all three selection criteria (relevance, action orientation, and feasibility).

CONCLUSIONS

The prioritization of relevant and action-oriented suicide prevention guideline recommendations is an important step towards the improvement of quality of care in specialist mental healthcare.

Acute epididymitis revisited: impact of molecular diagnostics on etiology and contemporary guideline recommendations

BACKGROUND

Acute epididymitis is a common infectious disease of unknown etiology in about 30% of cases with guidelines based on studies published >15 yr ago.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the etiology of acute epididymitis using state-of-the-art methods and to provide rational data for antimicrobial therapy and clinical management.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Between 2007 and 2013, 237 patients (150 antimicrobially naive and 87 antibiotically pretreated) with acute epididymitis underwent comprehensive investigation comprising microbiologic cultures, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) analysis, and PCR detection of 23 viruses. Clinical management followed international guidelines.

OUTCOME MEASURES AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Etiology, clinical management, and outcome after 3 mo were assessed.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A causative pathogen, predominantly Escherichia coli (56%), was identified in 132 antibiotic-naive patients (88%) and 44 pretreated patients (51%); 16S rDNA analysis increased the detection rate by 10%. STIs were present in 34 cases (14%) (25 patients with Chlamydia trachomatis) and were not restricted to a specific age group. Enteroviruses were found in only two patients (1%). In naive patients, cultured bacteria were susceptible to fluoroquinolones and group 3 cephalosporins in >85% of cases (preateted patients: 42% and 67%, respectively). Primary empirical therapy was continued in 88% of naive patients for 11 d and in 77% of pretreated patients for 13 d with indwelling urinary catheters, rendering patients as high risk for switching. Only six patients (2.5%) underwent semicastration. Prostate-specific antigen levels halved within 3 mo, except in patients who were antibiotic naive and without detected pathogens. Study limitations included a lack of susceptibility testing in cases of STIs.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in antimicrobially pretreated patients, acute epididymitis is mainly of bacterial origin. STIs are not limited to patients aged <35 yr. Viral epididymitis seems a rare condition. Current guideline recommendations on empirical antimicrobial therapy are adequate.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Patients with acute epididymitis should receive appropriate diagnostics and antimicrobial therapy for safe conservative management.

Adherence to clinical care guidelines for cystic fibrosis-related diabetes in 659 German/Austrian patients

BACKGROUND

In Germany/Austria, data on medical care for cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is limited.

METHODS

Anonymized data from 659 CFRD patients were analyzed and compared to the latest ADA/CFF guidelines.

RESULTS

Specialized diabetes clinics were attended less frequently than recommended (3.1 vs. 4.0 times yearly). 7.9% of patients had a complete profile of examinations: diabetes education (44.9%), HbA1c (88.8%), blood pressure (79.5%), BMI (86.5%), lipid status (37.5%), retinopathy (29.9%), microalbuminuria (33.2%), and self-monitoring of blood glucose (71.6%). HbA1c and blood pressure were measured less frequently than recommended (2.3 and 2.0 vs. 4.0 times yearly). Overall, guidelines were followed more frequently in children than adults. Contrary to recommendations, not all patients were treated with insulin (77.2 vs. 100.0%). Insulin therapy was initiated earlier in children than adults, but there was still a substantial delay (0.9 vs. 2.7years after diagnosis, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In CFRD patients studied, adherence to care guidelines was suboptimal.