Expert Panel Discussion Research Articles

Sustainable disaster risk reduction training model for nurses: A descriptive qualitative approach

AimTo develop a sustainable disaster risk reduction training model for nurses and identify its key features. BackgroundAvailable disaster nursing education and training programmes have focused on improving the competency of nurses in all four disaster phases, including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. However, a limited programme is available that integrates nurses’ competencies for all four disaster phases within one training system. Moreover, no training system exists to ensure the sustainability of the programme to reduce disaster risks. MethodsThree methods were used to develop the model: (1) literature review, (2) focus group discussion, and (3) expert panel. Seven participants were involved in the focus group discussion, while five joined the expert panel discussion. Different criteria of participants were invited for focus groups and expert panel discussions. The data were collected from August to September, 2022. A descriptive qualitative approach was used to analyse the data. ResultsThe model is a 3-level training consisting of (1) master of trainer training (MOT), (2) training of trainer (TOT), and (3) training of providers (TOP). Professional governance is a key chain that integrates and connects these 3-level training. The model has six pillars, including (1) leadership, (2) resources, (3) intervention, (4) cultural and spiritual approach, (5) motivation, and (6) policy alignment. ConclusionsSustainable disaster risk reduction training model provides a potential conceptual framework that may assist the continuity of educational intervention related to disaster nursing training.

Research objectives and general considerations for pragmatic clinical trials of pain treatments: IMMPACT statement.

Many questions regarding the clinical management of people experiencing pain and related health policy decision-making may best be answered by pragmatic controlled trials. To generate clinically relevant and widely applicable findings, such trials aim to reproduce elements of routine clinical care or are embedded within clinical workflows. In contrast with traditional efficacy trials, pragmatic trials are intended to address a broader set of external validity questions critical for stakeholders (clinicians, healthcare leaders, policymakers, insurers, and patients) in considering the adoption and use of evidence-based treatments in daily clinical care. This article summarizes methodological considerations for pragmatic trials, mainly concerning methods of fundamental importance to the internal validity of trials. The relationship between these methods and common pragmatic trials methods and goals is considered, recognizing that the resulting trial designs are highly dependent on the specific research question under investigation. The basis of this statement was an Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT) systematic review of methods and a consensus meeting. The meeting was organized by the Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations, Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks (ACTTION) public-private partnership. The consensus process was informed by expert presentations, panel and consensus discussions, and a preparatory systematic review. In the context of pragmatic trials of pain treatments, we present fundamental considerations for the planning phase of pragmatic trials, including the specification of trial objectives, the selection of adequate designs, and methods to enhance internal validity while maintaining the ability to answer pragmatic research questions.

Development of the stroke patient concerns inventory: A modified Delphi study

ObjectivesStroke survivors often have unmet physical, psychological and/or social concerns. Patient Concerns Inventories (PCIs) have been developed for other health conditions to address concerns. Our objective was to develop a PCI for stroke care. MethodsThis was a development study, including Modified Delphi study design, with academic and healthcare professionals with stroke care expertise.In Stage 1, a draft Stroke PCI (Version 1a) was created through identifying patient-reported concerns post-stroke from three previous studies and through expert panel discussions using Nominal Group Technique.In Stage 2, Version 1a was sent to 92 academic and healthcare professionals with stroke care expertise. Participants ranked their top 20 Stroke PCI items in order of importance and provided feedback. Rankings were converted into scores, and, with the feedback, used to amend the Stroke PCI. Two further rounds of feedback followed until consensus was reached between participants. A final draft of the Stroke PCI was created. ResultsIn stage 1, 64 potential Stroke PCI items were generated.In Stage 2, 38 participants (41.3%) responded to the request to rank Stroke PCI items. The three highest ranked items were ‘Risk of another stroke’, ‘Walking’, ‘Recovery’.After three rounds of feedback and amendments, the final draft of the Stroke PCI consisted of 53 items. ConclusionsA Stroke PCI has been developed using patient-reported concerns in previous studies and input from academic and healthcare professionals. Future work will involve gathering further feedback on the tool and exploring its acceptability and usability in a pilot study.

Defining the tasks of clinical reasoning in forensic psychiatric evaluation: Psychomedicolegal analysis competency

ObjectiveInconsistency in the quality of forensic psychiatry report has been criticized for several years. Yet, there are limited guidelines to provide minimally satisfactory forensic psychiatry evaluation conducted by psychiatrists. In addition to the impact towards the forensic psychiatry service, this lack of standardized guidelines may impact the relevant competency development and its various teaching methods of forensic psychiatry among general psychiatrists. Therefore, this study aims to identify components of psychomedicolegal analysis competency as a form of clinical reasoning in forensic psychiatry. MethodsA comprehensive literature review and expert panel discussions were conducted simultaneously to formulate an initial list of psychomedicolegal analysis competency. A total of fourteen experts were chosen based on their expertise in different disciplines that have intersections with forensic psychiatry and the general psychiatry curriculum (e.g. general psychiatrist, forensic psychiatrists and psychologist, law practitioner, and medical education director). The expert panel were instructed to score and provide feedbacks on the items of the initial list. Four-point Likert scale were used in order for the experts to express the relevancy of the core competence to forensic psychiatry practice until it reached the consensus. ResultsThe final 60 items of psychomedicolegal analysis competency were developed after three rounds of Delphi technique and reached a consensus (>70% and medians score of at least 3,25). These competency then categorized into four steps 1) preparing the case (Item 1–11), 2) conducting the evaluation (Item 12–41), 3) writing the report (42–51), and 4) giving expert opinion in court (Item 52–60). ConclusionWe developed 60 items of psychomedicolegal analysis competency that can be used as a standardized guide for psychiatrists to conduct forensic psychiatry evaluation, write the report and provide expert opinion in court. Implementation of this guideline can be used to shape further forensic psychiatry education for general psychiatrist and psychiatry residency.

Moving forward to achieve the ambitions of the European Water Framework Directive: Lessons learned from the Netherlands

The restoration and preservation of freshwater ecosystems is one of the prerequisites for a sustainable and fair future for all and therefore part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6). However, countries worldwide are facing a challenge to achieve this ambition by 2030. This paper focuses on the legal and governance challenges faced in the European context with regard to achieving water quality ambitions, using experiences from the Netherlands as a case study. Although many EU Member States (MS) are facing a challenge to meet the ambitions set by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) in 2027, literature on effectiveness of governance approaches in terms of actual water quality improvement, seems to be scarce. Based on interviews, a survey, expert panel discussions and literature we show that in the Netherlands, an important problem is that stakeholders, also within organisations, have different views on ambitions, achievements and necessary follow-up actions. This is problematic because for realising the water quality ambitions, cross-sectoral cooperation (e.g. from agriculture and spatial development) as well as strengthened interlinkages between these related policy fields is crucial. Moreover, there is a tendency to stick to the status quo. In order to increase effectiveness, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms for this lock-in will be necessary. This will enable the development of practical tools and instruments to support cross-sectoral and multi-level collaboration.The sectoral implementation of the WFD in the Netherlands was chosen by many other MS, resulting in similar cross-sectoral challenges as we found in the Netherlands. Insight into how other MS deal with lock-in situations is needed to develop pathways to achieving WFD ambitions.

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of University Education in Iran

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) within the context of the fourth industrial revolution has become a significant trend for societies worldwide. Methods of university education, as a crucial social structure, has always been influenced by technological advancements. However, AI has revolutionized university education at a rapid pace, with profound and extensive implications. The main question of this article was how AI expansion will impact the future of university education in Iran. To address this inquiry, various related questions are addressed, including global trends of AI in university education, the perspectives of Iranian academics on the influence of AI in university education, uncertainties arising from AI integration in Iranian university education, and the potential scenarios for Iran's university education under the shadow of AI. To answer these questions, the research employed several methodologies, such as trend analysis, expert panel discussions, brainstorming sessions, structural-interpretive analysis, and scenario development. The findings revealed that a national consensus on AI has not been established in Iran, consequently hindering the development of adequate legal, software, and hardware infrastructure. There is a need for an in-depth review of AI, its functions, and its effectiveness in university education in order to foster a comprehensive understanding of its implications.

Expert opinion on the role of bilastine and bilastine-montelukast combination in the management of allergic rhinitis

In India, the burden of allergic rhinitis (AR) is enormous, comprising 55% of all patients with allergies. Intranasal corticosteroids are the recommended first-line therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe AR, particularly when nasal congestion is the predominant symptom. However, second-generation antihistamines are the first line of treatment in mild AR and effectively improve symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, and rhinorrhoea. Bilastine is a second-generation H1-antihistamine indicated for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age. Though it is an effective individual molecule for the management of AR, studies have shown that synergistic combination therapy of bilastine-montelukast has a dual action on early- and late-phase allergic reactions in AR patients with concomitant asthma. An advisory board meeting was conducted (on a virtual platform) to gain insights from Indian experts on the following: (i) burden of AR and AR with concomitant asthma in Indian settings; (ii) current unmet needs; and (iii) role and positioning of bilastine and bilastine plus montelukast combination in the management of AR and AR with concomitant asthma in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age. The experts shared their opinions based on the available scientific evidence and/or clinical expertise or experience. In this article, we have summarized the highlights of the expert panel discussion and available evidence for each of these topics.

Factors affecting the construction quality in Bangladesh

PurposeQuality is a sensitive and high-priority issue in the global construction including in Bangladesh. This research is intended to provide necessary information to stakeholders and authorities for better management of the construction quality in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study seeks to find and prioritize the factors affecting the construction quality in Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachIn total 65 factors were extracted and categorized from the literature and expert panel discussion. Subsequently, these factors were designed in a questionnaire under 13 major groups for a survey where 176 construction professionals participated and returned their completed survey form. Collected data were tested by the Cronbach Alpha to check the reliability before proceeding to the Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis for determining the relative ranks of identified factors.FindingsStatistical analysis of survey data represents that the most significant factors are: lack of management commitment, lack of technical skill and experience of the consultant, delays in progress investigation, political interference and contractor's desire for unrealistic profit. The most crucial major groups of factors influencing the construction quality are management, material, consultant, cost and time and contract-related major groups.Originality/valueIt will contribute to the body of knowledge, as it points out the impact of factors affecting quality in Bangladeshi construction. Authorities and stakeholders can be helped by the overview of the high and low ranks factors, understanding the diverse characteristics of factors and making more aware the industry about the quality issues which need to be a top concern to solve. Other developing countries that share the same socio-economic context as Bangladesh can be benefit from the results of this study to control quality issues in construction.

Barriers to the Engagement of Complementary and Integrative Health Providers in Public Health Responses to COVID-19: Recommendations From a Multidisciplinary Expert Panel

ObjectiveThe purpose of this project was to explore barriers to the involvement of complementary and integrative health (CIH) providers in the public health response to COVID-19 and potential solutions for future involvement in public health crises. MethodsAn expert panel of 10 people, which included doctors of chiropractic, naturopathic doctors, public health practitioners, and researchers from the United States, was convened for a day-long online panel discussion. Facilitators asked panelists how CIH practitioners could contribute and be mobilized. We summarized themes and recommendations from the discussion. ResultsDespite their skills and resources, few CIH providers participated in public health efforts like testing and contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists described that CIH professionals may not have participated in those efforts due to the CIH providers possibly not having sufficient public health training and limited contact with public health professionals, as well as policy and financial challenges during the pandemic. Panelists proposed solutions to these barriers, including more public health training, stronger formal relationships between CIH and public health organizations, and improved financial support for both CIH care and public health efforts. ConclusionThrough an expert panel discussion, we identified barriers that hindered the involvement of CIH providers in the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During future pandemics in the United States, public health planners should recognize CIH providers as part of the existing labor resource, with clinical expertise and community-level connections that can be called upon in a crisis. During future events, CIH professional leaders should be more proactive in seeking out a supportive role and sharing their knowledge, skills, and expertise.

What are the Unmet Needs and Most Relevant Treatment Outcomes According to Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease? A Qualitative Patient Preference Study.

As more therapeutic options with their own characteristics become available for inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], drug development and individual treatment decision-making needs to be tailored towards patients' preferences and needs. This study aimed to understand patient preferences among IBD patients, and their most important treatment outcomes and unmet needs. This qualitative study consisted of [1] a scoping literature review, [2] two focus group discussions [FGDs] with IBD patients [n = 11] using the nominal group technique, and [3] two expert panel discussions. IBD patients discussed a multitude of unmet needs regarding their symptoms, side-effects, and psychological and social issues for which they would welcome improved outcomes. In particular, IBD patients elaborated on the uncertainties and fears they experienced regarding the possible need for surgery or an ostomy, the effectiveness and onset of action of their medication, and the medication's long-term effects. Furthermore, participants extensively discussed the mental impact of IBD and their need for more psychological guidance, support, and improved information and communication with healthcare workers regarding their disease and emotional wellbeing. The following five characteristics were identified during the attribute grading as most important: prevent surgery, long-term clinical remission, improved quality of life [QoL], occurrence of urgency and improved labour rate. This study suggests that IBD drug development and treatment decision-making are needed to improve IBD symptoms and adverse events that significantly impact IBD patients' QoL. Furthermore, this study underlines patients' need for a shared decision-making process in which their desired treatment outcomes and uncertainties are explicitly discussed and considered.

Expert Panel Discussion: Sports Betting and Wagering in the Age of Legalization Virtual Panel: Part 3 Q & A

Gaming Law ReviewVol. 26, No. 8 CommentariesExpert Panel Discussion: Sports Betting and Wagering in the Age of Legalization Virtual Panel: Part 3 Q & AModerator: Andrew Topps, Participants: Michael Mccann, Cathy Judd-Stein, Charlie Mcintyre, Professor Kristy Gale, Professor John T. Holden, and Daniel WallachModerator: Andrew ToppsSearch for more papers by this author, Participants: Michael MccannMichael McCann is director of the Sports and Entertainment Institute at UNH law school.Search for more papers by this author, Cathy Judd-SteinCathy Judd-Stein is Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.Search for more papers by this author, Charlie McintyreCharlie McIntyre is New Hampshire Lottery Executive Director.Search for more papers by this author, Professor Kristy GaleProfessor Kristy Gale is instructor in the Sports Wagering and Integrity Program at UNH Law.Search for more papers by this author, Professor John T. HoldenProfessor John T. Holden is assistant professor at the Department of Management in the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State.Search for more papers by this author, and Daniel WallachDaniel Wallach is co-founder of the Sports Wagering and Integrity Program at UNH Law.Search for more papers by this authorPublished Online:14 Oct 2022https://doi.org/10.1089/glr2.2022.29062.awtAboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail View articleFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 26Issue 8Oct 2022 InformationCopyright 2022, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishersTo cite this article:Moderator: Andrew Topps, Participants: Michael Mccann, Cathy Judd-Stein, Charlie Mcintyre, Professor Kristy Gale, Professor John T. Holden, and Daniel Wallach.Expert Panel Discussion: Sports Betting and Wagering in the Age of Legalization Virtual Panel: Part 3 Q & A.Gaming Law Review.Oct 2022.435-441.http://doi.org/10.1089/glr2.2022.29062.awtPublished in Volume: 26 Issue 8: October 14, 2022Online Ahead of Print:September 26, 2022Keywordssports bettingsports wageringMassachusetts sports bettinggaming regulation(s)iGamingPDF download

Developing a professional competence framework for the master of nursing specialist degree program in China: A modified Delphi study

BackgroundThe urgency of ensuring adequate professional competence in clinical nursing practice is evident. However, there is little formal professional competence framework for the education of master's degree students in nursing specialist programs in China. ObjectiveTo develop a professional competence framework for the Master of Nursing Specialist (MNS) degree program in China. DesignA modified Delphi study. ParticipantsAn expert panel discussion was held with 12 experts, and Delphi rounds were conducted with 24 experts. MethodsA literature review and an expert panel discussion were conducted to develop an initial competence framework. A two-round Delphi survey was employed to obtain a consensus on the framework through either an online or paper questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The consensus threshold was set according to the mean (≥ 4.0), coefficient of variation (< 0.25), and consensus level of agreement (≥70 %). ResultsA consensus on seven domains and 54 items of the professional framework for the MNS degree program was achieved. The framework domains included clinical practice (12 items), professional attitude (8 items), collaboration and communication (5 items), professional development (8 items), research (7 items), education (7 items), and administration (7 items). ConclusionThe professional competence framework offers guidelines for MNS degree programs in China. Future research should focus on imbedding these competences in MNS degree programs to prepare qualified advanced practice nurses.

Tackling Thyroid Cancer in Europe-The Challenges and Opportunities.

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system that affects the thyroid gland. It is usually treatable and, in most cases, curable. The central issues are how to improve knowledge on TC, to accurately identify cases at an early stage that can benefit from effective intervention, optimise therapy, and reduce the risk of overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Questions remain about management, about treating all patients in referral centres, and about which treatment should be proposed to any individual patient and how this can be optimised. The European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM) hosted an expert panel discussion to elucidate some of the challenges, and to identify possible steps towards effective responses at the EU and member state level, particularly in the context of the opportunities in the European Union’s evolving initiatives—notably its Beating Cancer Plan, its Cancer Mission, and its research funding programmes. Recommendations emerging from the panel focus on improved infrastructure and funding, and on promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration between national and European initiatives to complement, support, and mutually reinforce efforts to improve patient care.

Gun Violence and Mass Shootings as a Public Health Priority in the United States: An Expert Panel Discussion.

Gun Violence and Mass Shootings as a Public Health Priority in the United States: An Expert Panel Discussion.

BREAST-Q Translation and Linguistic Validation to European Portuguese.

Evaluating the impact of surgical treatment on health-related quality of life of breast cancer patients has become increasingly relevant, particularly for reconstructive procedures. The BREAST-Q consists of a broadly used patient-reported outcome measure to assess the impact of breast surgery on the health-related quality of life of these patients. The aim of this study was to translate and linguistically validate the BREAST-Q reconstructive module to European Portuguese. The translation and linguistic validation process was based on the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research guidelines and started after obtaining permission from the original authors (developers). It involved two direct English to European Portuguese translations and a back translation, maintaining conceptual and cultural equivalence, an expert panel discussion, cognitive interviews with five patients and a final consensus. The forward translations led to the revision of three conceptually distinct items. The backward translation resulted in predominantly wording discrepancies and the three conceptual disparities noted in the back translation were revised on a consensual version. All material was openly discussed with the original authors and in an expert panel meeting. One item was changed after the cognitive interviews. The final consensual version was obtained. This stepwise approach allowed to linguistically validate the BREAST-Q reconstructive module to European Portuguese so that it can be used in the Portuguese population. Additionally, the applied methodology may serve to support and guide other instruments for linguistic validation.

Recommendations for outcome measurement for deprescribing intervention studies.

Interpreting results from deprescribing interventions to generate actionable evidence is challenging owing to inconsistent and heterogeneous outcome definitions between studies. We sought to characterize deprescribing intervention outcomes and recommend approaches to measure outcomes for future studies. A scoping literature review focused on deprescribing interventions for polypharmacy and informed a series of expert panel discussions and recommendations. Twelve experts in deprescribing research, policy, and clinical practice interventions participating in the Measures Workgroup of the US Deprescribing Research Network sought to characterize deprescribing outcomes and recommend approaches to measure outcomes for future studies. The scoping review identified 125 papers reflecting 107 deprescribing studies. Common outcomes included medication discontinuation, medication appropriateness, and a broad range of clinical outcomes potentially resulting from medication reduction. Panel recommendations included clearly defining clinically meaningful medication outcomes (e.g., number of chronic medications, dose reductions), ensuring adequate sample size and follow-up time to capture clinical outcomes resulting from medication discontinuation (e.g., quality of life [QOL]), and selecting appropriate and feasible data sources. A new conceptual model illustrates how downstream clinical outcomes (e.g., reduction in falls) should be interpreted in the context of initial changes in medication measures (e.g., reduction in mean total medications). Areas needing further development include implementation outcomes specific to deprescribing interventions and measures of adverse drug withdrawal events. Generating evidence to guide deprescribing is essential to address patient, caregiver, and clinician concerns about the benefits and harms of medication discontinuation. This article provides recommendations and an initial conceptual framework for selecting and applying appropriate intervention outcomes to support deprescribing research.

Competency assessment for community health nurses: a focus group expert panel discussion

BackgroundGeneral Practice setting in the Primary Health Care Services are the utmost visited by the public. It is important that the nurses’ competencies in this area be assessed to ensure provision of safe and quality services.Aim/objectiveTo explore perceptions and experiences of competencies assessment tool for community health nurses working at the General Practice setting in the Primary Health Care Services.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study utilizing focus group discussions were conducted on purposive sample of 12 officers with expertise in competency assessment and community health nursing from higher nursing education institutions, the Nursing Training and Development Centre, the Nursing Board and the Community Health Nursing Services in Brunei Darussalam. The existing competencies assessment tool was revised, the participants were divided into two groups of expert panel review team and two focus group discussions were held with each team. The focus group discussions encompassed components and methods of assessment; methods of grading; and overall organization and structure of the revised competency assessment tool.FindingsFour themes emerged: 1) International equivalent core competencies components; 2) Multi-methods approach to assessment; 3) Definitive guidelines as framework for assessment; and 4) Understanding and acceptability of the competency assessment tool.Conclusions/implications to practiceThe expert panel reviews provide practical input that were inculcated in the preliminary developed competencies assessment tool. Identification of eligible assessors were recommended based on standardized criteria, and socialization and training held to set direction and guidance for implementing the utilization of the competencies assessment tool. Further studies are deemed important to critically evaluate and validate the preliminary competencies assessment tool for development of a more robust assessment instrument.

The frequency and nature of prescribing problems by GPs-in-training (REVISiT): a retrospective review.

Prescribing errors can cause significant morbidity and occur in about 5% of prescriptions in English general practices. To describe the frequency and nature of prescribing problems in a cohort of GPs-in-training to determine whether they need additional prescribing support. A primary care pharmacist undertook a retrospective review of prescriptions issued between 9 October 2014 and 11 March 2015 by 10 GPs in their final year of training from 10 practices in England. Pre-existing standards and expert panel discussion were used to classify the appropriateness of prescribing. Data were imported into Stata (version 13) to perform descriptive analysis. An individualised report highlighting prescribing errors, suboptimal prescribing, and areas of good practice identified during the review was shared with the GPs-in-training and their trainers. This report was used to guide discussions during the GP-in-training's feedback session. A total of 1028 prescription items were reviewed from 643 consultations performed by 10 GPs-in-training. There were 92 prescribing errors (8.9%) and 360 episodes of suboptimal prescribing (35.0%). The most common types of error concerned medication dosages (n = 30, 32.6% of errors). Personalised review of prescribing revealed an error rate higher than recorded in a previous similar study mainly comprising GPs who had completed postgraduate training, and a substantially higher rate of suboptimal prescribing. A larger intervention study is now required to evaluate the effectiveness of receiving a personalised review of prescribing, and to assess its impact on patient safety.

Reliability and Validity of the Urdu Version of Psychosomatic Symptoms Scale in Pakistani Patients.

The current study was aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Urdu version of the Psychosomatic Symptoms Scale (PSSS) in Pakistani patients. The PSSS is time-saving and easy to administer. The field experts drafted the translated version of PSSS. The Urdu version of PSSS, Patient Health Questionnaire- 9 (PHQ-9), and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) Urdu version were used for assessment. The translation procedure was comprised of three steps, namely forward translation, back translation, and expert panel discussion. A sample of 982 (men = 50.5% and women = 49.5%) was collected with a convenient sample technique from a general hospital and private clinic. The Cronbach’s alpha for PSSS was 0.974. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that all the items factor loading of PSSS were more than 0.35, the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was = 0.062, the standardized root mean residual (SRMR) was = 0.043, and the comparative fit index (CFI) was = 0.97 with 90% CI. The results also showed that women (M = 72.08, SD = 6.79) are more likely to have psychosomatic symptoms than men (M = 51.21, SD = 13.36) on P < 0.001. The PSSS Urdu version is proven to be a useful and reliable instrument for screening, monitoring, and assessing Pakistani patients’ psychosomatics symptoms.

Development and evaluation of a search filter to identify prognostic factor studies in Ovid MEDLINE

BackgroundSystematic reviews (SRs) are valuable resources as they address specific clinical questions by summarizing all existing relevant studies. However, finding all information to include in systematic reviews can be challenging. Methodological search filters have been developed to find articles related to specific clinical questions. To our knowledge, no filter exists for finding studies on the role of prognostic factor (PF). We aimed to develop and evaluate a search filter to identify PF studies in Ovid MEDLINE that has maximum sensitivity.MethodsWe followed current recommendations for the development of a search filter by first identifying a reference set of PF studies included in relevant systematic reviews on the topic, and by selecting search terms using a word frequency analysis complemented with an expert panel discussion. We evaluated filter performance using the relative recall methodology.ResultsWe constructed a reference set of 73 studies included in six systematic reviews from a larger sample. After completing a word frequency analysis using the reference set studies, we compiled a list of 80 of the frequent methodological terms. This list of terms was evaluated by the Delphi panel for inclusion in the filter, resulting in a final set of 8 appropriate terms. The consecutive connection of these terms with the Boolean operator OR produced the filter. We then evaluated the filter using the relative recall method against the reference set, comparing the references included in the SRs with our new search using the filter. The overall sensitivity of the filter was calculated to be 95%, while the overall specificity was 41%. The precision of the filter varied considerably, ranging from 0.36 to 17%. The NNR (number needed to read) value varied largely from 6 to 278. The time saved by using the filter ranged from 13–70%.ConclusionsWe developed a search filter for OVID-Medline with acceptable performance that could be used in systematic reviews of PF studies. Using this filter could save as much as 40% of the title and abstract screening task. The specificity of the filter could be improved by defining additional terms to be included, although it is important to evaluate any modification to guarantee the filter is still highly sensitive.