Case Vignette Study Research Articles

Interrater reliability of the violence risk assessment checklist for youth: a case vignette study

BackgroundFacilities providing health- and social services for youth are commonly faced with the need for assessment and management of violent behavior. These providers often experience shortage of resources, compromising the feasibility of conducting comprehensive violence risk assessments. The Violence Risk Assessment Checklist for Youth aged 12–18 (V-RISK-Y) is a 12-item violence risk screening instrument developed to rapidly identify youth at high risk for violent behavior in situations requiring expedient evaluation of violence risk. The V-RISK-Y instrument was piloted in acute psychiatric units for youth, yielding positive results of predictive validity. The aim of the present study was to assess the interrater reliability of V-RISK-Y in child and adolescent psychiatric units and acute child protective services institutions.MethodsA case vignette study design was utilized to assess interrater reliability of V-RISK-Y. Staff at youth facilities (N = 163) in Norway and Sweden scored V-RISK-Y for three vignettes, and interrater reliability was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsResults indicate good interrater reliability for the sum score and Low-Moderate-High risk level appraisal across staff from the different facilities and professions. For single items, interrater reliability ranged from poor to excellent.ConclusionsThis study is an important step in establishing the psychometric properties of V-RISK-Y. Findings support the structured professional judgment tradition the instrument is based on, with high agreement on the overall risk assessment. This study had a case vignette design, and the next step is to assess the reliability and validity of V-RISK-Y in naturalistic settings.

Management of malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction (mGOO) due to pancreatic cancer in the era of EUS-Gastrojejunostomy: an international practice survey and case vignette study by Pancreas 2000 from the European Pancreatic Club.

Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction (mGOO) has been standardly treated by surgical Gastrojejunostomy (S-GJ) or Endoscopic Stenting (ES). Recently, EUS-Gastrojejunostomy (EUS-GJ) has emerged as an alternative, despite its worldwide diffusion is heterogeneous. The aim of this survey was to assess clinical decision-making around mGOO and to explore current opinions regarding EUS-GJ. An online survey, spread through social networks and EPC newsletter, was created exploring opinions regarding indications, contraindications, benefits/risks, availability of mGOO treatments; 2 case vignettes explored clinical decision-making in different scenarios. Overall, 290 pancreatologists from 44 countries responded, of whom 35% surgeons and 65% gastroenterologists. The most common treatment for mGOO was ES (86%), followed by laparoscopic GJ (76%). EUS-GJ was accessible to 59% of respondents, with 10% proficient in this technique. Gold-standard treatment for mGOO varied by specialty; 45% of gastroenterologists preferred ES, 20% EUS-GJ, and 10% surgical GJ, while among surgeons, these were 24%, 8%, and 25%, respectively. A higher annual volume of mGOO treated correlated with increased EUS-GJ adoption and reduced surgical advice. For 51%, EUS-GJ will become the primary treatment for mGOO, notably higher among gastroenterologists and high-volume centers. For 14%, EUS-GJ spread will be limited in the future, or used only when ES fails (19%). Life expectancy, disease stage and patient's frailty are the main decision driver in therapeutic choice, whereas future surgical resectability does not contraindicate any treatment for 75%. EUS-GJ's main advantages were its minimally invasive nature and clinical efficacy, offset by its steep learning curve. This survey revealed significant differences in the management of mGOO, depending on specialties, local expertise and treatment volume, suggesting the lack of standardized algorithms. Life expectancy and patients' frailty are the main decision drivers. Regarding EUS-GJ, its availability remains suboptimal, with learning curve as the main perceived barrier.

Comparing the Perspectives of Generative AI, Mental Health Experts, and the General Public on Schizophrenia Recovery: Case Vignette Study.

The current paradigm in mental health care focuses on clinical recovery and symptom remission. This model's efficacy is influenced by therapist trust in patient recovery potential and the depth of the therapeutic relationship. Schizophrenia is a chronic illness with severe symptoms where the possibility of recovery is a matter of debate. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes integrated into the health care field, it is important to examine its ability to assess recovery potential in major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of large language models (LLMs) in comparison to mental health professionals to assess the prognosis of schizophrenia with and without professional treatment and the long-term positive and negative outcomes. Vignettes were inputted into LLMs interfaces and assessed 10 times by 4 AI platforms: ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, Google Bard, and Claude. A total of 80 evaluations were collected and benchmarked against existing norms to analyze what mental health professionals (general practitioners, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and mental health nurses) and the general public think about schizophrenia prognosis with and without professional treatment and the positive and negative long-term outcomes of schizophrenia interventions. For the prognosis of schizophrenia with professional treatment, ChatGPT-3.5 was notably pessimistic, whereas ChatGPT-4, Claude, and Bard aligned with professional views but differed from the general public. All LLMs believed untreated schizophrenia would remain static or worsen without professional treatment. For long-term outcomes, ChatGPT-4 and Claude predicted more negative outcomes than Bard and ChatGPT-3.5. For positive outcomes, ChatGPT-3.5 and Claude were more pessimistic than Bard and ChatGPT-4. The finding that 3 out of the 4 LLMs aligned closely with the predictions of mental health professionals when considering the "with treatment" condition is a demonstration of the potential of this technology in providing professional clinical prognosis. The pessimistic assessment of ChatGPT-3.5 is a disturbing finding since it may reduce the motivation of patients to start or persist with treatment for schizophrenia. Overall, although LLMs hold promise in augmenting health care, their application necessitates rigorous validation and a harmonious blend with human expertise.

A case vignette study to refine the target group of an intermediate care model: the Acute Geriatric Community Hospital

Key summary pointsAimRefining the admission criteria of the Acute Geriatric Community Hospital (AGCH) by defining its target group boundaries with (geriatric) hospital care and other bed-based intermediate care models.FindingsThe integration of medical specialist care (MSC) and medical generalist care (MGC) is unique for the AGCH compared to other intermediate care models and (geriatric) hospital care in the Netherlands. Based on these findings, 13 refined admission criteria were developed. Also, 10 additional consideration themes were identified.MessageBecause care is shifting from hospitals to the community, target group boundaries between (intermediate) care models should be continuously (re)defined; based on our experiences, we recommend using case vignettes as this yields rich and practical input.

Experts' decision-making processes in Swedish forensic psychiatric investigations: A case vignette study

It has previously been demonstrated that decisions made by forensic experts can suffer from issues with both bias and poor reliability. The outcome of Swedish forensic psychiatric investigations can have a major impact on the courts' choice of sanction for a mentally disordered offender. These investigations are performed by multi-professional teams of experts, where each expert is obliged to state their opinion on whether the client has a severe mental disorder (SMD) or not. In the present study, a case vignette design was used to simulate the decision-making process of forensic psychiatric investigations. Of the 73 Swedish experts working with forensic psychiatric investigations, a total of 27 (37%) participated in the study. The results showed that the Swedish experts formulated multiple diagnostic hypotheses about cases throughout the process and revised these hypotheses when presented with new information. There was substantial variation between the experts in which hypotheses were seen as most relevant. While the experts grew more certain of their opinions on SMD during the simulated investigation, there was considerable variation in their opinions both throughout and at the end of the process. Although low statistical power and the sample not being randomized limit generalizations, the results indicate no idiosyncratic patterns in the decision-making processes of Swedish experts or signs of confirmation bias. If used properly, the variation in both process and outcome could be used to safeguard and possibly increase the reliability and validity of the final decision of Swedish forensic psychiatric investigations.

Management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO) due to pancreatic cancer in the era of EUS-gastroenterostomy: an international practice survey and case vignette study

Management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO) due to pancreatic cancer in the era of EUS-gastroenterostomy: an international practice survey and case vignette study

Evaluation of a Digital Decision Support System to Integrate Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis Care: Case-Vignette Study in Simulated Environments.

As highlighted by the recent World Health Organization Oral Health Resolution, there is an urgent need to better integrate primary and oral health care. Despite evidence and guidelines substantiating the relevance of integrating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and periodontitis care, the fragmentation of primary and oral health care persists. This paper reports on the evaluation of a prototype digital decision support system (DSS) that was developed to enhance the integration of T2DM and periodontitis care. The effects of the prototype DSS were assessed in web-based simulated environments, using 2 different sets of case vignettes in combination with evaluation surveys among 202 general dental practitioners (GDPs) and 206 general practitioners (GPs). Each participant evaluated 3 vignettes, one of which, chosen at random, was assisted by the DSS. Logistic regression analyses were conducted at the participant and case levels. Under DSS assistance, GPs had 8.3 (95% CI 4.32-16.03) times higher odds of recommending a GDP visit. There was no significant impact of DSS assistance on GP advice about common risk factors for T2DM and periodontal disease. GDPs had 4.3 (95% CI 2.08-9.04) times higher odds of recommending a GP visit, 1.6 (95% CI 1.03-2.33) times higher odds of giving advice on disease correlations, and 3.2 (95% CI 1.63-6.35) times higher odds of asking patients about their glycated hemoglobin value. The findings of this study provide a proof of concept for a digital DSS to integrate T2DM and periodontal care. Future updating and testing is warranted to continuously enhance the functionalities of the DSS in terms of interoperability with various types of data sources and diagnostic devices; incorporation of other (oral) health dimensions; application in various settings, including via telemedicine; and further customization of end-user interfaces.

Measuring the ratio of true‐positive to false‐positive judgements made by child and family social workers in England: A case vignette study

AbstractSocial workers routinely make judgements and decisions as part of their everyday practice. The nature and quality of these can have a significant and long‐lasting impact on the children and families concerned. In this paper, we present an analysis of more than 20 000 judgements (n = 21 193) made by social workers (n = 586) in relation to case vignettes, based on a series of anonymized referrals (n = 12) to social services in England. We do so to ascertain how accurately the social workers were able to predict subsequent actions, events and outcomes, and to calculate the ratio of true positives to false positives at various decision thresholds. We find that the social workers' predictions were more accurate than chance in relation to all but one of the referrals, albeit at the cost of a high rate of false positive errors. We consider these findings in relation to what appears to be a general lowering of the threshold for child protection interventions in England in recent years and in relation to who suffers the injustice of false positive errors in child and family social work.

International expert opinion on optimal treatment of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection: A case-vignette study

International expert opinion on optimal treatment of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection: A case-vignette study

Deprescribing in a multimorbid older adult: A case vignette study among community pharmacists and primary care physicians.

Collaborative deprescribing can include pharmacists' medication review with identification and suggestion of potential deprescribing targets to physicians. Case vignettes can be a valuable method for researching variations in clinical decision making, especially in settings unaccustomed to newer clinical approaches such as deprescribing. This study aimed to explore if pharmacists can identify deprescribing targets and if physicians would accept pharmacist's deprescribing rationales. A cross-sectional study was performed using an online case vignette based on a real-life elderly patient. Pharmacists were asked to indicate which medicines they would recommend deprescribing, alongside a rationale. Physicians were asked to state their acceptance of the proposed pharmacist's deprescribing suggestion. Pharmacists gave 1275 deprescribing rationales, and most were given for deprescribing opioids, NSAID and diuretics. Physicians would accept rationales to deprescribe a median of 10 medicines, while pharmacist would recommend deprescribing a median of six medicines. Most difference lays in deprescribing of preventative medicines. Healthcare providers share agreement on deprescribing targets, but pharmacists show hesitancies in making recommendations that could hamper potential collaboration. Action is needed to improve pharmacists' skills in recognizing deprescribing targets and confidence in making suggestions, which could lead to opening of possibilities for joint patient care.

Clinical decisions in pancreatic cancer surgery: a national survey and case-vignette study.

Very few surveys have been carried out of oncosurgical decisions made in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC), or of the possible differences in therapeutic approaches between low/medium and high-volume centers. A survey was sent out to centers affiliated to the Spanish Group of Pancreatic Surgery (GECP) asking about their usual pre-, intra- and post-operative management of PC patients and describing five imaginary cases of PC corresponding to common scenarios that surgeons regularly assess in oncosurgical meetings. A consensus was considered to have been reached when 80% of the answers coincided. We received 69 responses from the 72 GECP centers (response rate 96%). Pre-operative management: consensus was obtained on 7/16 questions (43.75%) with no significant differences between low- vs high-volume centers. Intra-operative: consensus was obtained on 11/28 questions (39.3%). D2 lymphadenectomy, biliary culture, intra-operative biliary margin study, pancreatojejunostomy, and two loops were significantly more frequent in high-volume hospitals (p < 0.05). Post-operative: consensus was obtained on 2/8 questions (25%). No significant differences were found between low-/medium- vs high-volume hospitals. Of the 41 questions asked regarding the cases, consensus was reached on 22 (53.7%). No differences in the responses were found according to the type of hospital. Management and cases: consensus was reached in 42/93 questions (45.2%). At GECP centers, consensus was obtained on 45% of the questions. Only 5% of the answers differed between low/medium and high-volume centers (all intra-operative). A more specific assessment of why high-volume centers obtain the best results would require the design of complex prospective studies able to measure the therapeutic decisions made and the effectiveness of their execution. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04755036.

The impact of race, gender, and heroin use on opioid addiction stigma

IntroductionStigmatization of an opioid addiction acts as a barrier to those seeking substance use treatment. As opioid use and overdoses continue to rise and affect minority populations, understanding the impact that race and other identities have on stigma is pertinent. MethodsThis study aimed to examine the degree to which race and other identity markers (i.e., gender and type of opioid used) interact and drive the stigmatization of an opioid addiction. To assess public perceptions of stigma, this research team conducted a randomized, between-subjects case vignette study (N = 1833) with a nation-wide survey. Participants rated a hypothetical individual who became addicted to opioids on four stigma indices (responsibility, dangerousness, positive affect, and negative affect) based on race (White or Black), gender (male or female), and end point (an individual who transitioned to using heroin or who continued using prescription painkillers). ResultsOur results first showed that the White individual had higher stigma ratings compared to the Black individual (range of partial η2 = 0.002–0.004). An interaction effect demonstrated that a White female was rated with higher responsibility for opioid use than a Black female (Cohen's d = 0.21) and a Black male was rated with higher responsibility for opioid use than a Black female (Cohen's d = 0.26). Last, we showed that a male and an individual who transitioned to heroin had higher stigma than a female and an individual who continued to use prescription opioids (range of partial η2 = 0.004–0.007). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that information about multiple identities can impact stigmatizing attitudes, which can provide deeper knowledge on the development of health inequities for individuals with an opioid addiction.

International expert opinion on optimal treatment of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection: a case-vignette study

PurposeLittle is known about the optimal treatment of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer and whether treatment strategy depends on leakage features and patient characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine which treatment principles are used by expert colorectal surgeons worldwide.MethodsIn this international case-vignette study, participants completed a survey on their preferred treatment for 11 clinical cases with varying leakage features and two patient scenarios depending on surgical risk (a total of 22 cases).ResultsIn total, 42 of 64 invited surgeons completed the survey from 18 countries worldwide. The majority worked at a university training hospital (62%) and had more than 15 years of experience performing LAR for rectal cancer (52%). Early leaks in septic patients were preferably treated by major salvage surgery, to some extent depending on the patient scenario. In early leaks in non-septic patients, drainage and faecal diversion were the cornerstones of the proposed treatment. Endoscopic vacuum therapy was more often proposed than percutaneous drainage. A minority proposed anastomotic reconstruction, more often for larger defects. Treatment of late leaks ranged from watchful waiting, drainage, or transanal repair to major (non-)restorative salvage surgery, with minimal influence of the degree of symptoms on the proposed strategy. Leaks of the blind loop and rectovaginal fistulae showed high variability in the proposed treatment strategy.ConclusionThis TENTACLE-Rectum case-vignette study demonstrates tailored treatment strategies depending on the clinical type of leak and patient characteristics, with variable degrees of consensus and knowledge gaps which should be addressed in future studies.

Management of infection prophylaxis in Dutch patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, a web-based case vignette questionnaire: The MINDSET study.

ObjectivesInfections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The objective of the MINDSET study was to evaluate haematologists' management of infection prevention in MDS patients using a case vignette study and to assess the availability of guidelines.MethodsWe conducted a web‐based, nationwide survey amongst haematologists in the Netherlands between September and December 2021. The survey included a set of case vignettes. In addition, the availability of protocols was evaluated.ResultsSixty responses were obtained (23.6%). These responses were well distributed across hospital types as well as level of experience. No protocols regarding infection prophylaxis specifically for MDS patients were received. In the case vignette of a 75‐year‐old MDS patient, respondents would primarily prescribe infection prophylaxis in case of recurrent infections (96.7%) and neutropenia (75.0% for absolute neutrophil count [ANC] < 0.2 × 109/L and 53.3% for ANC < 0.5 × 109/L), especially in combination with hypomethylating agents (80.0%), lenalidomide (66.7%) or chemotherapy (51.7%). Respondents would predominantly choose antibacterial agents (85.0%), followed by antifungal agents (71.7%).ConclusionsThis study showed diverse reasons and considerations of haematologists regarding whether to prescribe infection prophylaxis in MDS patients. Given the seriousness of infections in MDS patients, patient‐tailored recommendations might be valuable in clinical decision‐making.

Decision-making factors for the long-term topical treatment of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis: TEPPSO, a case-vignette study on clinical practice

ObjectivesTopical maintenance therapy strategy with regard to patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis (PP) continues to be heterogeneous and insufficiently investigated in real-life clinical practice. The objective of this study was to describe the initiation of long-term maintenance treatment and to identify clinical parameters influencing the therapeutic decision. MethodsTEPPSO was a French and Belgian multicentre cross-sectional study based on completion of questionnaires and assessment of credible clinical scenarios of mild-to-moderate PP by physicians using the validated case-vignette method. ResultsMaintenance therapy was recommended by dermatologists (Ds) and by general practitioners (GPs) in 79.1% and 76.8% of cases, respectively. GPs recommended the use of a fixed-dose combination of corticosteroid and vitamin D analogues in only 14.8% of cases, whereas this therapy was recommended by French and Belgian Ds in 54.8% and 39.8% of cases, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, significant determinants of the therapeutic decision were skin lesions impacting quality of life (OR 1.9 [95% CI: 1.1; 3.2] P=0.01) for Ds, and patient corticophobia (OR 1.7 [95% CI: 1.1; 2.7] P=0.03) or the presence of skin pruritus (OR 1.8 [95% CI: 1.2; 1.8] P=0.004) for GPs, respectively. ConclusionsMaintenance treatment with topical agents in patients with mild-to-moderate PP was considered in more than two thirds of cases. Heterogeneity in the choice of topical agents was evidenced particularly between Ds and GPs. Our study is the first to identify significant clinical determinants affecting the therapeutic decision. Updated and validated clinical practice guidelines are needed to ensure uniform therapeutic choices.

The effect of objectively collected medication adherence information on bipolar I and major depressive disorder treatment decisions: A randomized case vignette study of psychiatric clinicians

• In the absence of credible medication adherence data, prescribers were more likely to confound medication nonadherence and nonresponse. • In the presence of credible adherence data, prescribers were more likely to prescribe LAI formulations. This effect was much stronger for those treating BD than those treating MDD. • The difference in prescribing decisions between to those exposed to credible information and those relying solely upon patient and collateral self-report illustrate the challenges associated with assessing adherence when psychiatric symptoms are not well controlled. Adherence to antipsychotic medications is critical for treatment and relapse prevention in serious mental illness. Accurate assessment of medication adherence can be difficult, clinicians frequently overestimate patient adherence, and new accurate methods assessing medication adherence are needed. This study estimated the influence of antipsychotic medication adherence information on clinician treatment decisions among patients with bipolar I (BD) and major depressive (MDD) disorders. This study was a cross-sectional, random assignment survey of psychiatric clinicians who prescribe medication for the treatment of BD and/or MDD. Clinicians ( N = 180) were recruited using national association lists and were presented with either BD or MDD case vignettes that described symptoms, level of functioning, and self-reported medication adherence. Cases were randomly assigned to vignettes that presented subjective (self-report) or objective adherence (from refill rates and MEMS caps data) information. Respondents were asked to recommend adjustments in medication regimen. A total of 180 clinicians participated. In the BD arm ( N = 90), participants were primarily female (55.5%), and specialized in psychiatry (97.8%). In the MDD arm ( N = 90), participants were primarily female (64.4%) and specialized in psychiatry (98.9%). The BD arm was more likely to modify antipsychotic treatment as opposed to mood stabilizers and the MDD arm was more likely to modify antidepressant treatment as opposed to antipsychotic prescriptions. Among vignettes indicating non-adherence, cases that reviewed objective adherence data were more likely to adopt medication adherence enhancing interventions including long-acting injectable antipsychotics. As expected, the rate of LAI choice overall was greater for cases reviewing BD compared to those reviewing MDD vignettes. This study utilized a convenience sample and synthetic vignettes. The survey response arrays do not cover the full array of treatment options available to all clinicians. These data suggest the presence of objective adherence data may help clinicians distinguish between medication nonresponse and medication nonadherence as illustrated by the relationship between the presence of objective adherence information and selection of treatment modifications.

Timing of onset of systemic treatment in asymptomatic patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer: An international expert survey and case-vignette study.

e16256 Background: The number of asymptomatic patients diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPDAC) is increasing, mostly due to increased use of imaging. Traditionally, systemic therapy is started immediately on disease detection. However, one perspective is that delaying therapy may preserve/maintain quality of life for longer. The impact on survival is unknown. The aim of this study was to gain further insights into current perspectives and clinical decision making regarding timing of start of systemic treatment in asymptomatic patients with mPDAC. Methods: An online survey (11 questions and 9 case vignettes) was sent to all first and last authors of published clinical trials on mPDAC over the past 10 years and medical oncologists of the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group. Differences in preferred treatment (i.e. immediate vs. delayed) between continents and years of experience (i.e. &lt; 5 years, 5-10 years, &gt; 11 years) were analyzed using the Fisher’s exact test. Results: Seventy-eight of 291 (27%) medical oncologists responded from 15 countries over 4 continents (62% Europe, 23% North America, 10% Asia, and 5% Australia). Most respondents worked in an academic hospital (73%) and reported more than 11 years’ experience (76%). The majority (63%) preferred immediate start of chemotherapy after diagnosis of metastastic disease. Thirty-two percent favored delayed treatment; 5% at symptom occurrence, 5% at objective disease progression, and 22% either at symptom occurrence or objective disease progression (whichever comes first). For the case vignettes, immediate treatment was preferred in 6/9 cases (67%). In the 3 remaining cases, delayed treatment was favored (case context: just one small lung metastasis, older age, significant comorbidities). The recommended timing of treatment (i.e. immediate or delayed treatment) was different between continents in 1/9 cases (11%, p = 0.012) and between years of experience in 5/7 cases (56%, all p &lt; 0.001); medical oncologists from Europe and with &lt; 5 years of experience preferred delayed treatment more often. Conclusions: This international survey based on case-vignettes indicated that immediate treatment was mostly preferred in asymptomatic patients with mPDAC. However, in one-third of cases, delayed treatment initiation was favored (e.g., due to patient selection and oncologists preference). The relation between timing of systemic treatment initiation and outcome in mPDAC is unknown and warrants further investigation.

Diagnosis and treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in chronic pancreatitis: An international expert survey and case vignette study

IntroductionDespite evidence-based guidelines, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide insight into the current opinion and clinical decision-making of international pancreatologists regarding the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. MethodsAn online survey and case vignette study was sent to experts in chronic pancreatitis and members of various pancreatic associations: EPC, E-AHPBA and DPSG. Experts were selected based on publication record from the past 5 years. ResultsOverall, 252 pancreatologists participated of whom 44% had ≥ 15 years of experience and 35% treated ≥ 50 patients with chronic pancreatitis per year. Screening for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as part of the diagnostic work-up for chronic pancreatitis is performed by 69% and repeated annually by 21%. About 74% considers nutritional assessment to be part of the standard work-up. Patients are most frequently screened for deficiencies of calcium (47%), iron (42%), vitamin D (61%) and albumin (59%). In case of clinically steatorrhea, 71% prescribes enzyme supplementation. Of all pancreatologists, 40% refers more than half of their patients to a dietician. Despite existing guidelines, 97% supports the need for more specific and tailored instructions regarding the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. ConclusionThis survey identified a lack of consensus and substantial practice variation among international pancreatologists regarding guidelines pertaining the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. These results highlight the need for further adaptation of these guidelines according to current expert opinion and the level of available scientific evidence.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Chronic Pancreatitis: An International Expert Survey and Case Vignette Study

Introduction: Despite evidence-based guidelines, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide insight into the current opinion and clinical decision-making of international pancreatologists regarding the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Cross-cultural comparisons of the effect of a schizophrenia label on stigmatizing family attitudes: A case vignette study.

It has been proposed that stigmatizing attitudes toward a family member with schizophrenia are less prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LAMIC) than in high-income countries (HIC). Furthermore, studies from HIC have shown that labeling increases certain aspects of stigma. This raises concerns about an export of this Western psychiatric labeling practice to LAMIC. The aim of the present research was to determine (a) whether stigmatizing family attitudes are less prevalent in LAMIC than in HIC and (b) whether stigmatizing family attitudes are intensified in both country types by introducing a schizophrenia label. Adults from two HIC (n = 718) and four LAMIC (n = 763) participated in the online study by reading a vignette, which depicted a family member presenting schizophrenia symptoms. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either the label (mental illness called schizophrenia) or the no label condition. Stigma-related stereotypes, emotions, and negative family affect were measured. A two-way multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted. This analysis revealed that participants from LAMIC showed significantly less stigmatizing attitudes toward their family members compared to those from HIC. Introducing a schizophrenia label significantly increased stigmatizing family attitudes in both country types, but the association between labeling and family attitudes was stronger in HIC than in LAMIC. Our results indicate that family attitudes toward schizophrenia and associated labeling effects differ between countries with varying economic strata and cultural values. This needs to be considered in stigma research and in the tailoring of antistigma interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).