An Economic Evaluation of a Web-Based Management Support System for Children With Urinary Incontinence: The eADVICE Trial

PURPOSE

Children who require specialist outpatient care typically wait substantial periods during which their condition may progress, making treatment more difficult and costly. Timely and effective therapy during this period may reduce the need for lengthy specialist care. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of an individualized, evidence-informed, web-based program for children with urinary incontinence awaiting a specialist appointment (Electronic Advice and Diagnosis Via the Internet following Computerized Evaluation [eADVICE]) compared to usual care. eADVICE was supervised by a primary physician and delivered by an embodied conversational agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A trial-based cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from the perspective of the health care funder as a substudy of eADVICE, a multicenter, waitlist-controlled, randomized trial. Outcomes measures were incremental cost per incremental change in continence status and quality of life on an intention-to-treat basis. Uncertainty was examined using cost-effectiveness planes, scenarios, and 1-way sensitivity analyses. Costs were valued in 2021 Australian dollars.

RESULTS

The use of eADVICE was found to be cost saving and beneficial (dominant) over usual care, with a higher proportion of children dry over 14 days at 6 months (risk difference 0.13; 95%CI 0.02-0.23, P = .03) and mean health care costs reduced by $188 (95%CI $61-$315) per participant.

CONCLUSIONS

An individualized, evidence-informed, web-based program delivered by an embodied conversational agent is likely cost saving for children with urinary incontinence awaiting a specialist appointment. The potential economic impact of such a program is favorable and substantial, and may be transferable to outpatient clinic settings for other chronic health conditions.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-Based Management Support System for Children With Urinary Incontinence: The eADVICE Trial

PURPOSE

Children referred to specialist outpatient clinics by primary care providers often have long waiting times before being seen. We assessed whether an individualized, web-based, evidence-informed management support for children with urinary incontinence while waiting reduced requests for specialist appointments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multicenter, waitlisted randomized controlled trial was conducted for children (5-18 years) with urinary incontinence referred to tertiary pediatric continence clinics. Participants were randomized to the web-based eHealth program electronic Advice and Diagnosis Via the Internet following Computerized Evaluation (eADVICE), which used an embodied conversational agent to engage with the child at the time of referral (intervention) or 6 months later (control). The primary outcome was the proportion of participants requesting a clinic appointment at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included persistent incontinence, and the Paediatric incontinence Questionnaire (PinQ) score.

RESULTS

From 2018 to 2020, 239 children enrolled, with 120 randomized to eADVICE and 119 to the control arm. At baseline, participants' mean age was 8.8 years (SD 2.2), 62% were males, mean PinQ score was 5.3 (SD 2.2), 36% had daytime incontinence, and 97% had nocturnal enuresis. At 6 months, 78% of eADVICE participants vs 84% of controls requested a clinic visit (relative risk 0.92, 95% CI 0.79, 1.06, P = .3), and 23% eADVICE participants vs 10% controls were completely dry (relative risk 2.23, 95% CI 1.10, 4.50, P = .03). The adjusted mean PinQ score was 3.5 for eADVICE and 3.9 for controls (MD -0.37, 95% CI -0.71, -0.03, P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

The eADVICE eHealth program for children awaiting specialist appointments doubled the proportion who were dry at 6 months and improved quality of life but did not reduce clinic appointment requests.

Learning outcomes from a systematic review workshop series for junior doctors

BACKGROUND

Systematic reviews provide the highest level of evidence about a topic. Ten-week workshops in conducting systematic reviews were held with hospital doctors in 2019 and 2020.

AIM

This study analysed participants' feedback about the systematic review workshops to improve how we teach clinicians about conducting systematic reviews.

METHODS

Attendees completed a post-workshop survey (with multiple-choice and free-text items) to assess knowledge and skills gained. We compared the responses of senior and junior doctors. We used descriptive statistics for the quantitative data and compared groups using Χ2 testing. Qualitative data were analysed using conceptual content analysis.

RESULTS

Of 81 attendees, 52% completed the survey. Of those, 69% had no prior experience with systematic reviews, 93% reported increased knowledge and ability to conduct research and 69% reported increased ability to conduct systematic reviews. More senior than junior clinicians reported gaining knowledge about writing and publishing (37% vs 11%, P = 0.047) and making greater use of skills gained to conduct research (56% vs 23%, P = 0.029). Five themes were identified: learning through course structure; learning through course organisation; teaching style; flexible learning; and suggestions for progression and improvement. Respondents suggested running the workshops during protected teaching time, more time for some sessions, conducting the workshop series more often and making clinicians aware of the workshop series at hospital orientation.

CONCLUSION

The skills learnt from the systematic review workshop series impacted not only participants' research knowledge and skills, and plans to conduct future research, but also facilitated looking up medical literature in daily clinical work, supporting evidence-based clinical practice.

'Every Human Interaction Requires a Bit of Give and Take': Medical Students' Approaches to Pursuing Feedback in the Clinical Setting

PhenomenonStudents, alongside teachers, play a key role in feedback. Student behavior in feedback processes may impact feedback outcomes. Student feedback behavior includes recognizing, seeking, evaluating, and utilizing feedback. Student feedback behavior is influenced by numerous student attributes and environmental factors. ApproachWe aimed to explore influences on medical student feedback behavior during clinical attachments. We adopted a subjective inductive qualitative approach. We conducted 7 focus groups with 46 medical students undertaking pediatric hospital-based attachments. We based our discussion framework on existing characterizations of student feedback behavior and the educational alliance model with its focus on the relationship between learners and teachers, and the active role played by both. During initial data analysis, we identified that our results exhibited aspects of Bandura's model of Triadic Reciprocal Causation within Social Cognitive Theory. In line with our subjective inductive approach, we adopted Triadic Reciprocal Causation at this point for further analysis and interpretation. This allowed us to conceptualize the emerging interactions between influences on feedback behavior. Findings We identified three key determinants of student feedback behavior: Environmental influences, Student attributes and Relationships between teachers and students. Environmental influences encompassed factors external to the student, including Teacher attributes and behaviors and The clinical learning context. Through the lens of Triadic Reciprocal Causation, the interrelationships between the determinants of feedback behavior gave rise to five key themes: Interactions between student feedback behavior and environmental influences of the clinical learning context, Interactions between student feedback behavior and environmental influences of teacher attributes and behaviors, Interactions between student attributes and student feedback behavior, Interactions between student attributes and environmental influences of teacher attributes and behaviors, and Relationships and the determinants of student feedback behavior. Insights: We apply the Triadic Reciprocal Causation model of Social Cognitive Theory to understand the influences on student feedback behavior and the interactions between them. We extend the model by situating relationships between students and teachers as a central factor. Future interventions to facilitate students' role in feedback will need to address student attributes, environmental factors, and student-teacher relationships, appreciating the codependent nature of these influences.

How Adolescents Trust Health Information on Social Media: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Given the potential for social media to spread health misinformation, it is important to understand how trusts impact adolescents' engagement with health content on social media.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the concept of trust when adolescents (13-18 years) engage with health information on social media. Five relevant databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, ERIC, and CINAHL) were systematically searched alongside Google Scholar and reference lists of included papers. Studies were included if they examined adolescents' trust when engaging with health information on social media.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the findings from this review.

RESULTS

Thirty-four papers were included. Three key domains were explored: trust in the social media platform/service (general distrust of social media for health information; safety and privacy); trust in other users (mistrust of unknown users; fear of bullying or judgment; trust in friends or peers; celebrities and popularity; trust in others' experience and the importance of social support); trust in content (tone and appearance of health information; expertise and verification; advertising, pushed, and suggested content).

LIMITATIONS

Narrow geographic representation of papers and limited quantitative studies.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

Adolescents' trust in health information on social media involves a complex interplay between trust in: social media platforms, other users, and health content. Central to many of the findings is the social and identity work done by adolescents on and through social media.

Baseline characteristics of participants in the NAVKIDS2 trial: a patient navigator program in children with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) require multidisciplinary care to meet their complex healthcare needs. Patient navigators are trained non-medical personnel who assist patients and caregivers to overcome barriers to accessing health services through care coordination. This trial aims to determine the effectiveness of a patient navigator program in children with CKD.

METHODS

The NAVKIDS² trial is a multi-center, waitlisted, randomized controlled trial of patient navigators in children with CKD conducted at five sites across Australia. Children (0-16 years) with CKD from low socioeconomic status rural or remote areas were randomized to an intervention group or a waitlisted control group (to receive intervention after 6 months). The study primary and secondary endpoints include the self-rated health (SRH) (primary), and utility-based quality of life, progression of kidney dysfunction of the child, SRH, and satisfaction with healthcare of the caregiver at 6 months post-randomization.

RESULTS

The trial completed recruitment in October 2021 with expected completion of follow-up by October 2022. There were 162 patients enrolled with 80 and 82 patients randomized to the immediate intervention and waitlisted groups, respectively. Fifty-eight (36%) participants were from regional/remote areas, with a median (IQR) age of 9.5 (5.0, 13.0) years, 46% were of European Australian ethnicity, and 65% were male. A total of 109 children (67%) had CKD stages 1-5, 42 (26%) were transplant recipients, and 11 (7%) were receiving dialysis.

CONCLUSION

The NAVKIDS² trial is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of patient navigation in children with CKD from families experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Adolescents' self-efficacy and digital health literacy: a cross-sectional mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

The internet and social media are increasingly popular sources of health information for adolescents. Using online health information requires digital health literacy, consisting of literacy, analytical skills and personal capabilities such as self-efficacy. Appraising trustworthiness and relevance of online health information requires critical health literacy to discriminate between sources, critically analyse meaning and relevance, and use information for personal health. Adolescents with poor digital health literacy risk using misinformation, with potential negative health outcomes. We aimed to understand adolescents' contemporary digital health literacy and compared self-efficacy with capability.

METHODS

Adolescents (12-17 years) completed an eHEALS self-report digital health literacy measure, a practical search task using a think-aloud protocol and an interview to capture perceived and actual digital health literacy. eHEALS scores were generated using descriptive statistics, search tasks were analysed using an observation checklist and interviews were thematically analysed based on Social Cognitive Theory, focussing on self-efficacy.

RESULTS

Twenty-one participants generally had high self-efficacy using online health information but perceived their digital health literacy to be higher than demonstrated. They accessed online health information unintentionally on social media and intentionally via search engines. They appraised information medium, source and content using general internet searching heuristics taught at school. Information on social media was considered less trustworthy than websites, but participants used similar appraisal strategies for both; some search/appraisal heuristics were insufficiently nuanced for digital health information, sometimes resulting in misplaced trust or diminished self-efficacy. Participants felt anxious or relieved after finding online health information, depending on content, understanding and satisfaction. They did not act on information without parental and/or health professional advice. They rarely discussed findings with health professionals but would welcome discussions and learning how to find and appraise online health information.

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst adolescents possess many important digital health literacy skills and generally feel self-efficacious in using them, their critical health literacy needs improving. Adolescents desire increased digital health literacy so they can confidently appraise health information they find online and on social media. Co-designed educational interventions with adolescents and health providers are required.

An Alarm Watch for Daytime Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Daytime urinary incontinence is disabling and occurs in 17% of school-aged children. Timed-voiding is part of standard therapy. Can an alarm watch to aid timed-voiding improve treatment response to standard therapy?

METHODS

The WATCH (Watch with Alarm for Timed-Voiding in Children) study is a randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to a vibrating alarm or nonalarming watch for 3-months. The primary outcome was the proportion who achieved a complete response (14 consecutive dry days) after 3-months of treatment. Children aged 5 to 13 years who were prescribed timed-voiding for daytime urinary incontinence.

RESULTS

Overall, 243 children, with a mean age of 8 years, were enrolled, with 62% girls. At 3-months, the complete response rates were similar between the 2 groups (22% alarm versus 17% control; difference: 5%; 95% confidence interval (CI): -5% to 16%; P = .42). In the alarm group, treatment adherence was higher (40% vs 10%; difference: 30%; 95% CI: 20% to 40%; P < .001), frequency of incontinence was lower (25% dry; 40% had 1-3 wet days per week, 24% had 4-6 wet days per week, and 12% had daily wetting, compared with 19%, 30%, 35%, and 16%, respectively; P =.05), and fewer had abnormal postvoid residual urine volumes (12% vs 24%; difference: -12%; 95% CI: -21% to -1%; P = .04) compared with the control group. Improvement was transient and did not persist 6 months beyond the treatment period.

CONCLUSIONS

Alarm watches do not appear to lead to complete resolution of urinary incontinence in children but did promote treatment adherence, normalization of postvoid residual volumes, and reduction in incontinent episodes while being used.

Urinary incontinence during laughter in children: Is it giggle incontinence?

AIM

Giggle incontinence is a distinct entity of childhood daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), where children wet themselves only when they laugh. The prevalence of true giggle incontinence is unknown, with confusion about the diagnosis of urinary incontinence occurring during laughter and true giggle incontinence. The aim of the study is to improve our understanding of urinary incontinence during laughter by comparing those children with children who have DUI at other times, but not with laughter.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective medical record review of children with DUI who presented to a tertiary continence service from 2017 to 2018, collecting data on age, gender, associated comorbidities, lower urinary tract symptoms, investigations, provisional diagnosis at first visit and initial treatment responses. Differences between those with DUI occurring during laughter and those with DUI at other times, but not with laughter were compared using standard statistical methods.

RESULTS

Of the 277 new patients seen during the study period, 140 (51%) had DUI, and of these, 72 (51%) had DUI occurring during laughter. Children with incontinence occurring during laughter were more likely to have incontinence associated with other activities. One child had giggle incontinence according to the International Children's Continence Society's definition. Four other children were referred specifically for urinary incontinence associated with laughter, with the term giggle incontinence sometimes used by the referring doctor.

CONCLUSION

Children with DUI commonly experience incontinence during laughter, but true giggle incontinence is rare. Correct diagnosis is essential as it directs treatment.

Toilet training children with special needs using a Potty Monkey toy device

AIM

Toilet training children with special needs can be challenging and can result in long-term consequences if inadequately addressed. This study evaluates the use of a 'Potty Monkey' toy for toilet training children with special needs.

METHODS

A pilot study using a 'Potty Monkey' to model timed voiding in children with special needs. We collected parental feedback and examined the experience of families using a 'Potty Monkey' to toilet train their child. Using logistic regression we explored patient factors for association with outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 21 children in our study, 15 were male. Age ranged 4-10 years (median 6.3 years). Days that 'Potty Monkey' was used ranged 0-156 (median 22 days). At 6 months, nine children had improved, five were unchanged and four were worse (three were unknown). We found no evidence of association between patient factors (age, gender, days using 'Potty Monkey', baseline toileting ability, Paediatric Incontinence Questionnaire score) and toileting outcome. The experience of families was ambivalent. 10 families reported 'Potty Monkey' had been helpful however many complained it interfered with family schedules. Reasons for the child not responding positively were due to sensory issues, embarrassment and being developmentally not ready. Our study demonstrated the practical challenges of conducting research among children with special needs.

CONCLUSION

Although some children's toileting improved after using 'Potty Monkey', we are uncertain 'Potty Monkey' is effective for toilet training children with special needs.

An educational intervention to increase student engagement in feedback

BACKGROUND

The learner has a central role in feedback. We developed a feedback workshop for medical students grounded in two concepts: (1) Student agency in feedback and its interplay in the context of brief clinical attachments; (2) The educational alliance.

AIMS

To determine whether a brief feedback training workshop prior to a series of two-week clinical attachments improves agentic student feedback behaviour (e.g. seeking, recognising, evaluating and utilising feedback) and student satisfaction with feedback.

METHODS

We conducted surveys among three consecutive student cohorts undertaking three fortnightly paediatric clinical attachments. We pilot tested a workshop with Cohort 1 and implemented it for the entire Cohorts 2 (n = 58) and 3 (n = 68). Participants completed the same survey at the start and end of term, with different free-text items. Quantitative and qualitative responses were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Student-reported agentic feedback behaviour increased across all outcomes except for feedback utilisation. Overall student satisfaction with feedback increased during the term in Cohorts 2 (23-65%, p = 0.002) and 3 (40-70%, p = 0.003) but not in Cohort 1 non-participating students (27-42%, p = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

A brief one-off student-directed feedback workshop may improve agentic student feedback behaviours (e.g. feedback-seeking) and student satisfaction with feedback.

How adolescent patients search for and appraise online health information: A pilot study

AIM

Adolescents increasingly use smartphones to look up online health information. This pilot study aimed to explore the search and assessment strategies of adolescents looking for online health information.

METHODS

We performed an observed, practical task on mobile devices, followed by a semi-structured interview with adolescent patients at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney. Observational data were analysed using an observation rubric, and interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed through inductive thematic analysis using line-by-line coding and the constant comparative process.

RESULTS

The research was undertaken with 10 participants. Three themes were identified: (i) participants' searching strategies to find online health information; (ii) techniques for assessing relevance; and (iii) techniques for assessing credibility. These themes demonstrated that most participants accessed online health information due to its ease and accessibility but failed to assess credibility. Most prioritised relevance of information over credibility, determined by their personal knowledge and experience. Our results indicate that there was a large discrepancy between adolescents' ability to search for and assess online health information and their perceived ability. This demonstrates a discrepancy between perceived and performance-based eHealth literacy and highlights poor critical self-awareness, which can prevent adolescents from seeking help. This may underlie the biggest challenge in adolescents' access of online health information and highlights the need for education.

CONCLUSIONS

Many adolescents' search and appraisal ability is negatively impacted by low eHealth literacy. These adolescents' inability to recognise their need for assistance in improving their search and assessment strategies highlights the need for multi-stage education.

An interprofessional approach to managing children with treatment-resistant enuresis: an educational review

Enuresis (intermittent urinary incontinence during sleep in a child aged ≥ 5 years) is commonly seen in paediatric practice. Despite the availability of effective interventions, treatment resistance is encountered in up to 50% of children. In this educational review we attempt to provide insight into the causes of treatment resistance, and offer practical suggestions for addressing this condition using an interprofessional approach. We explore the pathophysiology of and standard treatments for enuresis and discuss why standard treatments may fail. An interprofessional approach to treatment resistance is proposed which utilises the expertise of professionals from different disciplines to address the problems and barriers to treatment. The two interprofessional approaches include a multidisciplinary approach that involves the patient being sent to experts in different disciplines at different times to address their treatment resistance utilising the skills of the respective experts, and an interdisciplinary approach that involves a patient being managed by members of interdisciplinary team who integrate their separate discipline perspectives into a single treatment plan. Although an interdisciplinary approach is ideal, interdisciplinary teams may not be available in all circumstances. Understanding the roles of other disciplines and engaging clinicians from other disciplines when appropriate can still be helpful when treatment resistance is encountered.

How Adolescents Search for and Appraise Online Health Information: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of the evidence concerning whether and how adolescents search for online health information and the extent to which they appraise the credibility of information they retrieve.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic search of online databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, ERIC) was performed. Reference lists of included papers were searched manually for additional articles. Included were studies on whether and how adolescents searched for and appraised online health information, where adolescent participants were aged 13-18 years. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the findings.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. In line with the research questions, 2 key concepts were identified within the papers: whether and how adolescents search for online health information, and the extent to which adolescents appraise online health information. Four themes were identified regarding whether and how adolescents search for online health information: use of search engines, difficulties in selecting appropriate search strings, barriers to searching, and absence of searching. Four themes emerged concerning the extent to which adolescents appraise the credibility of online health information: evaluation based on Web site name and reputation, evaluation based on first impression of Web site, evaluation of Web site content, and absence of a sophisticated appraisal strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents are aware of the varying quality of online health information. Strategies used by individuals for searching and appraising online health information differ in their sophistication. It is important to develop resources to enhance search and appraisal skills and to collaborate with adolescents to ensure that such resources are appropriate for them.

Moving beyond 'not enough time': factors influencing paediatric clinicians' participation in research

BACKGROUND

Increasing the amount of clinical research that occurs in healthcare settings has been identified as an important mechanism to improve healthcare outcomes. While clinicians are key persons in achieving this aim, research participation amongst clinicians is generally limited.

AIMS

To identify the factors (barriers and facilitators) influencing clinician research participation and determine how professional culture impacts on these factors.

METHODS

Forty clinicians working at a tertiary children's hospital participated in six discipline-specific focus groups. Thematic analysis was performed using an inductive process based in grounded theory.

RESULTS

Four major themes (cultural factors, personal factors, resources and solutions) and 16 subthemes were identified. Participants described how the current health system discourages clinician research. They reported that their research participation requires personal sacrifice of their own time; income or career progression. Research participation was seen to compete with other priorities in clinicians' workload and is disadvantaged because of the primacy of clinical work and the lack of immediate tangible benefit from research projects. Solutions suggested by our participants included better alignment of clinical and research goals, improved availability of research mentors and collaborative opportunities. Nurses and allied health professionals reported a changing professional culture that values research. Only doctors identified research participation to be important for career progression.

CONCLUSIONS

For clinician research participation to flourish, significant changes in healthcare structure and priorities will be required that result in research becoming more embedded in healthcare delivery. Initiatives to improve collaboration between clinicians and universities may also support these aims.

Researchers', Regulators', and Sponsors' Views on Pediatric Clinical Trials: A Multinational Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The last decade has seen dramatic changes in the regulatory landscape to support more trials involving children, but child-specific challenges and inequitable conduct across income regions persist. The goal of this study was to describe the attitudes and opinions of stakeholders toward trials in children, to inform additional strategies to promote more high-quality, relevant pediatric trials across the globe.

METHODS

Key informant semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders (researchers, regulators, and sponsors) who were purposively sampled from low- to middle-income countries and high-income countries. The transcripts were thematically analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-five stakeholders from 10 countries were interviewed. Five major themes were identified: addressing pervasive inequities (paucity of safety and efficacy data, knowledge disparities, volatile environment, double standards, contextual relevance, market-driven forces, industry sponsorship bias and prohibitive costs); contending with infrastructural barriers (resource constraints, dearth of pediatric trial expertise, and logistical complexities); navigating complex ethical and regulatory frameworks ("draconian" oversight, ambiguous requirements, exploitation, excessive paternalism and precariousness of coercion versus volunteerism); respecting uniqueness of children (pediatric research paradigms, child-appropriate approaches, and family-centered empowerment); and driving evidence-based child health (advocacy, opportunities, treatment access, best practices, and research prioritization).

CONCLUSIONS

Stakeholders acknowledge that changes in the regulatory environment have encouraged more trials in children, but they contend that inequities and political, regulatory, and resource barriers continue to exist. Embedding trials as part of routine clinical care, addressing the unique needs of children, and streamlining regulatory approvals were suggested. Stakeholders recommended increasing international collaboration, establishing centralized trials infrastructure, and aligning research to child health priorities to encourage trials that address global child health care needs.

A randomised controlled trial of a code-word enuresis alarm

OBJECTIVE

To compare a novel code-word alarm with a commercially available wireless alarm for treating enuresis.

SETTING

A tertiary paediatric centre.

PATIENTS

Children aged 6-18 with at least 3 wet nights per week in the previous 6 months referred by doctors.

OUTCOMES

Primary outcome: the proportion who achieved a full response (14 consecutive dry nights) by 16 weeks. Secondary outcomes: change in frequency of wetting, duration of alarm training, percentage of wet nights that the child woke to the alarm, adherence to treatment, adverse events and satisfaction with treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 353 participants, 176 were assigned to the code-word alarm and 177 to control. At 16 weeks, 54% (95% CI 47% to 61%) in the experimental group and 47% (95% CI 40% to 55%) in the control group had achieved a full response (p=0.22), with 74% and 66%, respectively, attaining a 50% or more reduction in wetting frequency (p=0.14). The experimental group woke more often than the control group (median percentage of waking 88% vs 77%, p=0.003) and had a greater reduction in wet nights (median reduction of 10 vs 9 nights per fortnight). Fewer in the experimental group discontinued therapy before achieving a full response (27% vs 37% discontinued, p=0.04). There were no significant differences in relapse rates at 6 months, adverse events or satisfaction between the two alarms.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the code-word alarm increased waking, no difference in full response rates was demonstrated between the two alarms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12609000070235.

Stakeholder Views of Clinical Trials in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Clinical trials are necessary to improve the health care of children, but only one-quarter are conducted in the low- to middle-income countries (LMICs) in which 98% of the global burden of disease resides.

OBJECTIVE

To describe stakeholder beliefs and experiences of conducting trials in children in LMICs.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases were searched to August 2014.

STUDY SELECTION

Qualitative studies of stakeholder perspectives on conducting clinical trials among children in LMICs.

DATA EXTRACTION

Findingswere analyzed by using thematic synthesis.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies involving 3110 participants (children [n = 290], parents or caregivers [n = 1609], community representatives [n = 621], clinical or research team members [n = 376], regulators [n = 18], or sponsors [n = 15]) across 22 countries were included. Five themes were identified: centrality of community engagement (mobilizing community, representatives' pivotal role, managing expectations, and retaining involvement); cognizance of vulnerability and poverty (therapeutic opportunity and medical mistrust); contending with power differentials (exploitation, stigmatization, and disempowerment); translating research to local context (cultural beliefs, impoverishment constraints, and ethical pluralism); and advocating fair distribution of benefits (health care, sponsor obligation, and collateral community benefits).

LIMITATIONS

Studies not published in English were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Conducting trials in children in LMICs is complex due to social disadvantage, economic scarcity, idiosyncratic cultural beliefs, and historical disempowerment, all of which contribute to inequity, mistrust, and fears of exploitation. Effective community engagement in recruiting, building research capacities, and designing trials that are pragmatic, ethical, and relevant to the health care needs of children in LMICs may help to improve the equity and health outcomes of this vulnerable population.

Impact of social media on the health of children and young people

This paper reviews the literature on the impact of social media on the health of children and young people. Relevant papers were identified from Medline, Embase and PsycINFO databases. The studies identified that the health impact of social media on children and young people was greatest on mental health and specifically in the areas of self-esteem and well-being, with related issues around cyberbullying and 'Facebook Depression', with an association between the use of social media and self-esteem and body image. However, it is difficult to determine the cause and effect, which is likely to be related to the nature of the young person. There is little work on the impact of social media on younger children. More research is needed to identify those most at risk of harm from social media and risk mitigation strategies to assist health-care professionals to provide essential education for parents and young people.

Clinical Trial Decisions in Difficult Circumstances: Parental Consent Under Time Pressure

Treatments and interventions used to care for children in emergencies should be based on strong evidence. Well-designed clinical trials investigating these interventions for children are therefore indispensable. Parental informed consent is a key ethical requirement for the enrollment of children in such studies. However, if time is limited because of an urgent need for intervention, there are additional ethical challenges to adequately support the informed consent process. The acute situation and associated psychological impact may compromise the ability of parents to give informed consent. Little evidence exists to guide the process of consent seeking for a child's research participation when time is limited. It is also unclear in what circumstances alternatives to prospective informed consent could be applied. This article describes possible options to manage the informed consent process in an appropriate, practical, and, we believe, ethical way when time is limited.

Development of postgraduate research supervisors within a teaching hospital setting

The recent trend to embed medical research at point of care has created a need for postgraduate research supervisors in hospitals who are practising clinicians and lab-based researchers. We explored the training needs of supervisors to inform the design and evaluation of a hospital-based development programme. We found that if hospital-based supervisors are to improve their practice, the programme needs to be on-site to ensure access and relevance to local issues.

Embedding research in clinical practice: differences in attitudes to research participation among clinicians in a tertiary teaching hospital

Despite a drive to increase research in healthcare settings, clinician participation in research remains infrequent. This paper describes an online survey comparing attitudes with research participation among clinicians (doctors, nurses and allied health professionals) at an Australian tertiary children's hospital. Differences between professional groups support the existence of different professional cultures surrounding research, suggesting that multiple strategies are required to improve participation in research.

Simple behavioural interventions for nocturnal enuresis in children

BACKGROUND

Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) is a socially disruptive and stressful condition which affects around 15% to 20% of five year olds and up to 2% of adults. Although there is a high rate of spontaneous remission, the social, emotional and psychological costs can be great. Behavioural interventions for treating bedwetting are defined as interventions that require a behaviour or action by the child which promotes night dryness and includes strategies which reward that behaviour. Behavioural interventions are further divided into:(a) simple behavioural interventions - behaviours or actions that can be achieved by the child without great effort; and(b) complex behavioural interventions - multiple behavioural interventions which require greater effort by the child and parents to achieve, including enuresis alarm therapy.This review focuses on simple behavioural interventions.Simple behavioural interventions are often used as a first attempt to improve nocturnal enuresis and include reward systems such as star charts given for dry nights, lifting or waking the children at night to urinate, retention control training to enlarge bladder capacity (bladder training) and fluid restriction. Other treatments such as medications, complementary and miscellaneous interventions such as acupuncture, complex behavioural interventions and enuresis alarm therapy are considered elsewhere.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of simple behavioural interventions in children with nocturnal enuresis.The following comparisons were made:1. simple behavioural interventions versus no active treatment;2. any single type of simple behavioural intervention versus another behavioural method (another simple behavioural intervention, enuresis alarm therapy or complex behavioural interventions);3. simple behavioural interventions versus drug treatment alone (including placebo drugs) or drug treatment in combination with other interventions.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE in process, and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 15 December 2011). The reference lists of relevant articles were also searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised trials of simple behavioural interventions for treating nocturnal enuresis in children up to the age of 16. Studies which included children with daytime urinary incontinence or children with organic conditions were also included in this review if the focus of the study was on nocturnal enuresis. Trials focused solely on daytime wetting and trials of adults with nocturnal enuresis were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the eligible trials and extracted data. Differences between reviewers were settled by discussion with a third reviewer.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixteen trials met the inclusion criteria, involving 1643 children of whom 865 received a simple behavioural intervention. Within each comparison, outcomes were mostly addressed by single trials, precluding meta-analysis. The only exception was bladder training versus enuresis alarm therapy which included two studies and demonstrated that alarm therapy was superior to bladder training.In single small trials, rewards, lifting and waking and bladder training were each associated with significantly fewer wet nights, higher full response rates and lower relapse rates compared to controls. Simple behavioural interventions appeared to be less effective when compared with other known effective interventions (such as enuresis alarm therapy and drug therapies with imipramine and amitriptyline). However, the effect was not sustained at follow-up after completion of treatment for the drug therapies. Based on one small trial, cognitive therapy also appeared to be more effective than rewards. When one simple behavioural therapy was compared with another, there did not appear to be one therapy that was more effective than another.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Simple behavioural methods may be superior to no active treatment but appear to be inferior to enuresis alarm therapy and some drug therapy (such as imipramine and amitriptyline). Simple behavioural therapies could be tried as first line treatment before considering enuresis alarm therapy or drug therapy, which may be more demanding and have adverse effects, although evidence supporting their efficacy is lacking.

Ambulatory urodynamic studies (UDS) in children using a Bluetooth-enabled device

OBJECTIVES

• To report the early observations of using ambulatory urodynamic studies (UDS) using a Bluetooth-enabled device in children • To evaluate the incremental value of ambulatory over conventional UDS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Ambulatory UDS were performed in selected children with voiding dysfunction between August 2009 and October 2010. • Conventional UDS were concurrently performed wherever possible. • The test results and treatment consequences of the two tests were compared.

RESULTS

• In all, 12 ambulatory and seven conventional UDS were performed on 10 children (five boys, median [range] age 7 [4-16] years). • Six of the seven children had a normal conventional UDS. Ambulatory UDS detected phasic detrusor overactivity (DO) in five children and generalised DO in one. • Direct correlation of symptoms to DO was possible in two children during ambulatory UDS. Pressure rise during filling, seen in two children on conventional UDS, was not seen during ambulatory UDS. • Five children showed clinical improvement when therapy was guided by ambulatory UDS results. • Ambulatory UDS was generally well tolerated in eight children, with two complaining of discomfort. Inadequate information was obtained in two children who underwent ambulatory UDS due to technical problems in one and distress induced by the UDS in the other.

CONCLUSIONS

• Ambulatory UDS provides useful additional information over conventional UDS and can be used to guide further therapy in selected children with voiding dysfunction. • It is safe and well tolerated in children. • There is a need for explicit guidance for the technical delivery and interpretation of ambulatory UDS in children.

Easy guide to searching for evidence for the busy clinician

The busy clinician is constantly faced with clinical questions regarding patient care. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the large amount of health information available electronically. This article offers one easy approach for searching the electronic database. It is intended for the busy clinician who is unsure how to conduct an electronic search. It provides guidance on where to search and how to search using the PICO search method. It also provides a list of useful resources to help clinicians critically appraise the articles found to determine its relevance.

Medical management of nocturnal enuresis

Nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting, is the most common cause of urinary incontinence in children. It is known to have a significant psychosocial impact on the child as well as the family. Nocturnal enuresis typically presents as failure to become dry at night after successful daytime toilet training. It can be primary or secondary (developing after being successfully dry at night for at least 6 months). Children with nocturnal enuresis may have excessive nocturnal urine production, poor sleep arousal and/or reduced bladder capacity. Alarm therapy is the recommended first-line therapy, with treatment choices being influenced by the presence or absence of the abnormalities mentioned above. Children with nocturnal enuresis may also have daytime urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence of urine. This group (non-monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis) requires a different clinical approach, with a focus on treating daytime bladder symptoms, which commonly involves pharmacotherapy with anticholinergic medications and urotherapy (including addressing bowel problems). This review discusses the current management of nocturnal enuresis using the terminologies recommended by the International Children's Continence Society.

Management of daytime urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms in children

Lower urinary tract symptoms, particularly urgency, frequency and incontinence are common in school-aged children but are often overlooked. They may cause considerable physical, social and psychological difficulties to children and their families, and usually are manifestations of underlying non-neurogenic voiding disorders. The differential diagnoses include overactive bladder syndrome, dysfunctional voiding and vaginal reflux as well as less common conditions like giggle incontinence, voiding postponement, pollakiuria and diabetes insipidus. In this paper, we discuss an evidence-based approach to the management of conditions causing daytime urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms in children from a general paediatrician's perspective.

The ethics of paediatric research

Paediatric research is essential for improving health outcomes of children. Waiting for adult studies before conducting paediatric studies will prolong the denial of effective treatment for children. If we rely on information from adult studies rather than conducting studies with children, we risk causing harm to children. In this paper, we identify and examine ethical issues unique to conducting research with children. These include the function and the value of a child's assent and the criteria that should guide a proxy in making decisions about a child's involvement in research, offering payment to children for research participation and acceptable levels of risk for paediatric research. Justice demands that children not be denied the benefits of research, and it is the role of the paediatric medical community to advocate not only for more research for children but also to ensure that the research conducted is of the highest quality.

Strategies for increasing recruitment to randomised controlled trials: systematic review

BACKGROUND

Recruitment of participants into randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is critical for successful trial conduct. Although there have been two previous systematic reviews on related topics, the results (which identified specific interventions) were inconclusive and not generalizable. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relative effectiveness of recruitment strategies for participation in RCTs.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

A systematic review, using the PRISMA guideline for reporting of systematic reviews, that compared methods of recruiting individual study participants into an actual or mock RCT were included. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and reference lists of relevant studies. From over 16,000 titles or abstracts reviewed, 396 papers were retrieved and 37 studies were included, in which 18,812 of at least 59,354 people approached agreed to participate in a clinical RCT. Recruitment strategies were broadly divided into four groups: novel trial designs (eight studies), recruiter differences (eight studies), incentives (two studies), and provision of trial information (19 studies). Strategies that increased people's awareness of the health problem being studied (e.g., an interactive computer program [relative risk (RR) 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-2.18], attendance at an education session [RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.28], addition of a health questionnaire [RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.14-1.66]), or a video about the health condition (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.11-2.74), and also monetary incentives (RR1.39, 95% CI 1.13-1.64 to RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28-1.84) improved recruitment. Increasing patients' understanding of the trial process, recruiter differences, and various methods of randomisation and consent design did not show a difference in recruitment. Consent rates were also higher for nonblinded trial design, but differential loss to follow up between groups may jeopardise the study findings. The study's main limitation was the necessity of modifying the search strategy with subsequent search updates because of changes in MEDLINE definitions. The abstracts of previous versions of this systematic review were published in 2002 and 2007.

CONCLUSION

Recruitment strategies that focus on increasing potential participants' awareness of the health problem being studied, its potential impact on their health, and their engagement in the learning process appeared to increase recruitment to clinical studies. Further trials of recruitment strategies that target engaging participants to increase their awareness of the health problems being studied and the potential impact on their health may confirm this hypothesis. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Diagnosing daytime bladder symptoms in children with nocturnal enuresis: a comparison of brief parental questionnaire with in-depth, physician-elicited, assessment

AIMS

To assess the accuracy of brief parental questionnaire reporting of daytime bladder symptoms in children with nocturnal enuresis and compare with in-depth reporting elicited by physician assessment, for diagnosing monosymptomatic and non-monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of consecutive children attending an outpatient nocturnal enuresis clinic at a tertiary paediatric hospital participated in the study. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire as part of routine assessment at their first visit which was compared with a detailed clinical assessment by the physician involving eliciting a thorough history from the parent and child.

RESULTS

Parents of 585 children participated in the study (mean age 9.2 years, range 5.0-17.5 years). Sixty percent of children were males. There was poor agreement between initial parental reporting and physician diagnosis of monosymptomatic and non-monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (Kappa = 0.3, 95% confidence interval 0.21-0.37), mainly because parents underreport daytime incontinence and urgency compared with physician-elicited information (43% vs. 69% and 66% vs. 87%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Parents underreport daytime symptoms by 20-25%. Reliance on a brief parental history without prompting by physicians for daytime symptoms for diagnosing type of nocturnal enuresis may be misleading and result in suboptimal management.

'I enjoy teaching but...': Paediatricians' attitudes to teaching medical students and junior doctors

AIM

To explore consultant paediatricians' attitudes, motivations, and barriers to training medical students and junior doctors.

METHODS

Qualitative research involving 24 paediatricians (with a diversity of specialties, experience, age, gender, teaching activity and employment status) from a tertiary paediatric hospital and clinical school in Sydney, Australia. Participants were engaged in semi-structured focus group discussions which explored their attitudes to teaching medical students and junior doctors, their role and experience of teaching, their training in medical education, perceived barriers to teaching, and possible solutions to these barriers. Data from the transcriptions of the focus group discussions were coded using the constant comparative method and analysed for themes using NVivo 7 software. Differences in responses between participants were explored.

RESULTS

All participants reported enjoying teaching. However, a number of factors which occurred at the consultant, learner and institution level affected the enjoyment or challenge of teaching. Consultant factors included time commitments, knowledge of and confidence in the learner's course, and comfort with teaching. Learner factors included level of knowledge, attendance, interest and enthusiasm, and cultural changes. Institution factors included acknowledgement of teaching contribution, communication, teaching support and resources, and attitude to teaching. These factors and the consultant's relationship with the learner and institution impacted on their ownership, involvement, and commitment to teaching.

CONCLUSIONS

Consultant paediatricians identified challenges to their involvement and commitment to teaching. Actions to address these challenges and improve the relationship between the consultant and the learner and the consultant and the institution may enhance the consultant's commitment to teaching.

Antibiotic prophylaxis and recurrent urinary tract infection in children

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics are widely administered to children with the intention of preventing urinary tract infection, but adequately powered, placebo-controlled trials regarding efficacy are lacking. This study from four Australian centers examined whether low-dose, continuous oral antibiotic therapy prevents urinary tract infection in predisposed children.

METHODS

We randomly assigned children under the age of 18 years who had had one or more microbiologically proven urinary tract infections to receive either daily trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole suspension (as 2 mg of trimethoprim plus 10 mg of sulfamethoxazole per kilogram of body weight) or placebo for 12 months. The primary outcome was microbiologically confirmed symptomatic urinary tract infection. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed with the use of time-to-event data.

RESULTS

From December 1998 to March 2007, a total of 576 children (of 780 planned) underwent randomization. The median age at entry was 14 months; 64% of the patients were girls, 42% had known vesicoureteral reflux (at least grade III in 53% of these patients), and 71% were enrolled after the first diagnosis of urinary tract infection. During the study, urinary tract infection developed in 36 of 288 patients (13%) in the group receiving trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (antibiotic group) and in 55 of 288 patients (19%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio in the antibiotic group, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.40 to 0.93; P = 0.02 by the log-rank test). In the antibiotic group, the reduction in the absolute risk of urinary tract infection (6 percentage points) appeared to be consistent across all subgroups of patients (P > or = 0.20 for all interactions).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term, low-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was associated with a decreased number of urinary tract infections in predisposed children. The treatment effect appeared to be consistent but modest across subgroups. (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12608000470392.)

Risk factors for nocturnal enuresis in school-age children

PURPOSE

Although nocturnal enuresis is common in children, its etiology is multifactorial and not fully understood. We evaluated potential risk factors for presence and severity of nocturnal enuresis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A validated, reproducible questionnaire was distributed to 8,230 school children in Sydney, Australia. Nocturnal enuresis was defined as any wetting in the previous month and categorized as mild (1 to 6 nights), moderate (7 or more nights but less than nightly) or severe (nightly).

RESULTS

Parents of 2,856 children (mean +/- SD age 7.3 +/- 1.3 years) completed the questionnaire (response rate 35%). Overall prevalence of nocturnal enuresis was 18.2%, with 12.3% of patients having mild, 2.5% moderate and 3.6% severe enuresis. Multivariate analysis showed that daytime incontinence (OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.9 to 7.9), encopresis (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.6 to 4.4), bladder dysfunction (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.4 to 5.3) and male gender (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.1) were associated with severe nocturnal enuresis after adjustment for age. Emotional stressors (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.2) and social concerns (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.5) were associated with moderate nocturnal enuresis only.

CONCLUSIONS

Encopresis and daytime incontinence are significant modifiable risk factors for nocturnal enuresis. Expressed as population attributable risk, 23% of nocturnal enuresis is associated with encopresis and daytime incontinence. Psychosocial factors appear to contribute to moderate but not severe nocturnal enuresis.

Efficacy of the bell and pad alarm therapy for nocturnal enuresis

AIM

(i) To determine the efficacy of bell and pad alarm therapy as an initial and relapse treatment for nocturnal enuresis; (ii) to explore risk factors for treatment failure; and (iii) to explore risk factors for relapse within 12 months of successful bell and pad alarm therapy.

METHODS

A 22-item questionnaire was sent to 240 children who received bell and pad alarm therapy in a 6-year period via a community centre. The questionnaire recorded demographic characteristics of the child, length of the first bell and pad alarm therapy, outcome of initial treatment and relapse information.

RESULTS

The initial response and relapse rates of bell and pad alarm therapy were 84 and 30%, respectively. Female gender, absence of diurnal symptoms and willingness to use alarm therapy were associated with better treatment outcomes. Treatment success was associated with shorter treatment length. The success rate of repeating alarm therapy after relapse was 78%, with an average length of treatment of 10 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The bell and pad alarm therapy is an effective treatment for nocturnal enuresis both as initial therapy and after relapse. The association between patient characteristics and treatment response found in our study may help inform clinicians of likely treatment outcomes, and identify those who may need a different approach.

The frequency of constipation in children with nocturnal enuresis: a comparison with parental reporting

AIMS

To identify the prevalence of constipation in children with nocturnal enuresis presenting to a tertiary paediatric outpatient service and to assess parental and clinician recognition of constipation.

METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional study of children with nocturnal enuresis at presentation to a continence service. Data relating to the child's bowel habits, pattern of enuresis and other history items were obtained from parental questionnaires and paediatrician assessments. Presence and severity of constipation was assessed independently by parents and clinicians. Kappa was used to compare agreement between parental reporting and clinician assessment of constipation.

RESULTS

Of the 277 participants aged 4.8-17.5 years (median 8.6 years), 36.1% (n = 95) were identified as constipated by the clinician-based scoring method ('Constipation Score') compared with 14.1% from parental reporting (Kappa = 0.155, P = 0.003). Despite the poor overall recognition of constipation by parents, parental and clinician assessment of frequency of bowel motions (Kappa = 0.804) and soiling (Kappa = 0.384) were similar. Major factors influencing parental reporting of constipation were frequency of bowel motions and soiling with less emphasis on straining and stool consistency.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of constipation was high among children with nocturnal enuresis as assessed by clinicians despite poor identification by parents. This may limit optimal diagnosis and management.

4. Bedwetting and toileting problems in children

Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) is common. It occurs in up to 20% of 5 year olds and 10% of 10 year olds, with a spontaneous remission rate of 14% per year. Weekly daytime wetting occurs in 5% of children, most of whom (80%) also wet the bed. Bedwetting can have a considerable impact on children and families, affecting a child's self-esteem and interpersonal relationships, and his or her performance at school. Primary nocturnal enuresis (never consistently dry at night) should be distinguished from secondary nocturnal enuresis (previously dry for at least 6 months). Important risk factors for primary nocturnal enuresis include family history, nocturnal polyuria, impaired sleep arousal and bladder dysfunction. Secondary nocturnal enuresis is more likely to be caused by factors such as urinary tract infections, diabetes mellitus and emotional stress. The treatment for monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting with no daytime symptoms) is an alarm device, with desmopressin as second-line therapy. Treatment for non-monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting with daytime symptoms--urgency and frequency, with or without incontinence) should initially focus on the daytime symptoms.Bedwetting without daytime symptoms, the most common toileting problem, can be effectively treated with an alarm device.

Barriers to Australian physicians’ and paediatricians’ involvement in randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To compare attitudes of Australian physicians and paediatricians about treatment and randomised controlled trial (RCT) participation.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

A cross-sectional survey using the validated "Physician Orientation Profile" (POP), with 250 physicians and 250 paediatricians surveyed.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Five indices - primary allegiance, decision making under uncertainty, professional activities, perceived rewards, and peer-group influence - with scores for each participant ranging along a continuum from clinician-oriented to research-oriented and expressed as a number between 0 and 1.

RESULTS

Overall response rate was 60%, with 135 physicians (54%) and 165 paediatricians (66%) responding. Paediatricians and physicians were similar in their attitudes to RCT participation, being generally clinician-oriented rather than research-oriented and less inclined to participate in RCTs when there is uncertainty about the best treatment. Most assign limited time to research, with 26.9% not currently involved in research and 31.5% having no experience of RCT participation. Doctors perceive few rewards and little peer-group influence regarding trial participation. Independent predictors of favourable attitudes to trial participation (based on POP scores) were the presence of allocated research time (0.37 for no allocated research time v 0.61 for > 70% research time; P < 0.0001), previous experience enrolling a patient in an RCT (0.40 for no experience v 0.46 for experience; P < 0.0001), and articles published in the past 12 months (0.40 for no publications v 0.55 for > 3 publications; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the minor importance of research for most Australian physicians. Research plays only a small role in their professional activities, and the importance of research participation is not recognised. They are clinician-oriented in their attitudes to RCT participation. To encourage greater involvement in trials among physicians in Australia, clinical research needs to be restructured in a primarily clinically oriented setting with dedicated research time.

Clinical trials in children

The imperative to undertake randomised trials in children arises from extraordinary advances in basic biomedical sciences, needing a matching commitment to translational research if child health is to reap the benefits from this new knowledge. Unfortunately, many prescribed treatments for children have not been adequately tested in children, sometimes resulting in harmful treatments being given and beneficial treatments being withheld. Government, industry, funding agencies, and clinicians are responsible for research priorities being adult-focused because of the greater burden of disease in adults, coupled with financial and marketing considerations. This bias has meant that the equal rights of children to participate in trials has not always been recognised. This is changing, however, as the need for clinical trials in children has been increasingly recognised by the scientific community and broader public, leading to new legislation in some countries making trials of interventions mandatory in children as well as adults before drug approval is given. Trials in children are more challenging than those in adults. The pool of eligible children entering trials is often small because many conditions are uncommon in children, and the threshold for gaining consent is often higher and more complex because parents have to make decisions about trial participation on behalf of their child. Uncertain about what is best, despite supporting the notion of trials in principle, parents and paediatricians generally opt for the new intervention or for standard care rather than trial participation. In this review, we explore issues relating to trial participation for children and suggest some strategies for improving the conduct of clinical trials involving children.

Pediatricians' attitudes toward randomized controlled trials involving children

OBJECTIVE

To examine pediatricians' attitudes toward children's participation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and identify possible barriers to participation.

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative analysis of focus group discussions involving 16 pediatricians and 5 trainees from a pediatric teaching hospital in Australia. Doctors varied in occupation, experience, research activity, age, sex, ethnicity, and parenthood experience. A professional facilitator conducted the semistructured group discussions. The transcribed audiotapes were analyzed by theme linkage by using the constant comparative method.

RESULTS

Pediatricians believed parents balanced perceived gains and risks when deciding about trial participation. They thought the child's condition, parents' health beliefs and personal attributes, and the doctors' beliefs and relationship with the investigators influenced parents' attitudes. Perceived gains included professional benefits for pediatricians, improved patient care, convenience for the families and themselves, and scientific advancement. Perceived risks included inconvenience, inadequate resources, and potential harms to the patient and doctor-patient relationship. Pediatricians with previous research experience were most knowledgeable about RCTs and perceived greatest gains from trial participation. Pediatricians' personal treatment preferences hindered trial support.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that children's participation in trials will be enhanced by increasing pediatricians' awareness of RCTs through education and involvement in trials and by improving the gains-risk balance.