Multidisciplinary Consensus Statement Research Articles

Multidisciplinary collaborative consensus statement on the barriers and solutions to care access, patient and caregiver support, and clinical capacity and capability for patients with spasticity.

There is evidence that patients with spasticity are not receiving adequate care. Identifying the unmet needs of patients with spasticity is essential to develop services and treatment strategies to better support this population This is an effort to identify challenges related to treatment of spasticity and provide the springboard for the implementation of identified solutions. To identify the main barriers to spasticity care and identify potential solutions. Delphi process. Expert panel. A total of 35 participants with diverse experience and knowledge related to spasticity care were invited and 29 attended an in-person 2022 Spasticity Summit hosted by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The expert panel participated in a presummit survey to identify the main potential barriers to spasticity care. During the in-person meeting the panel initially worked in small groups and then as whole to reach consensus through the Delphi process. The panel also completed a postsummit survey. Several barriers to spasticity care and potentials solutions were identified. Consensus was reached for the top three barriers and potential solutions (>50% and >75%, respectively). Top barriers included the need for a document listing all the challenges related to access of care for spasticity, increased caregiver and community awareness of spasticity, and education of clinicians regarding patient needs. Top solutions to barriers included increasing the number of providers who treat spasticity, enhancing patient and caregiver education, and developing and publishing a consensus guidance statement. Consensus was achieved on the top three barriers to spasticity care and potential solutions. The purpose of this analysis is to pave the way for further development of solutions to improve the care of patients with spasticity.

A Jordanian Multidisciplinary Consensus Statement on Chronic Kidney Disease Screening, Diagnosis, and Management

A Jordanian Multidisciplinary Consensus Statement on Chronic Kidney Disease Screening, Diagnosis, and Management

Diagnostic criteria for odontogenic sinusitis: narrative review of relevant literature data

Background. Specific tendency could be observed regarding increasing number of odontogenic sinusitis related publications within decades between 1990 and 2019, but even with upgrowing pool of literature data regarding odontogenic sinusitis evidences reported within it remains of low quality. Also, it should be noted that yet no evidence-based consensus decision have been made regarding strict diagnostic criteria of maxillary odontogenic sinusitis.
 Objective. To systematize relevant data regarding odontogenic maxillary sinusitis diagnostic criteria based on available guidelines, consensus reports, CBCT-based and clinical researches.
 Materials and Methods. Study was provided in the form of retrospective literature review. Seach of publications related with the objective of the research was held within PubMed Central database (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/) by applying Mesh-terms combinations. Articles included into study group were processed due to the following categories of content-analysis: signs and symptoms which may be used to prove odontogenic origin of maxillary sinusitis; diagnostic significance of different manifestations which may be used to prove odontogenic origin of maxillary sinusitis; approaches which should be followed to provide correct diagnostics of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis.
 Results. Out of 15 targeted publications, which formed study group, 2 were represented in the form of systematic review, 1 – in the form of online-survey study, 6 – in the form of literature/comprehensive/state-of-art review, 4 – in the form of retrospective study, 1 – in the form of international multidisciplinary consensus statement, 1 – in the form of experimental imaging study. Considering only one available international multidisciplinary consensus statement regarding odontogenic sinusitis diagnosis next approach should be followed in mentioned order for correct diagnostics of such pathology: 1) suspect odontogenic maxillary sinusitis; 2) confirm sinusitis; 3) confirm odontogenic pathology.
 Conclusion. Tomographical methods of examination are more accurate for the odontogenic maxillary sinusitis diagnostics, nevertheless if multidisciplinary diagnostic approach (endoscopy, tomography and clinical examination) is possible for realization it should be held as a primary diagnostic strategy. Cases of asymptomatic maxillary odontogenic sinusitis, while also symptomatic ones developing without background of recent dental treatment, may also be observed in clinical practice, and thus should be correctly diagnosed for appropriate treatment planning.

A Jordanian Multidisciplinary Consensus Statement on the Management of Dyslipidemia.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the primary contributor to global mortality rates, which significantly escalates healthcare expenditures. Risk factors for ASCVD (including dyslipidemia) frequently present in clusters rather than separately. Addressing these risk factors is crucial in the early initiation of a comprehensive management plan that involves both lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy to reduce the impact of ASCVD. A team of Jordanian professionals from various medical organizations and institutes took the initiative to create a set of guidelines for dyslipidemia screening and therapy. A detailed, comprehensive literature review was undertaken utilizing several databases and keywords. This consensus statement provides recommendations for dyslipidemia management in Jordanians on several issues including cardiovascular risk estimation, screening eligibility, risk categories, treatment goals, lifestyle changes, and statin and non-statin therapies. It is recommended that all Jordanian individuals aged 20 years old or older undergo lipid profile testing. This should be followed by determining the level of cardiovascular risk depending on the presence or absence of ASCVD and cardiovascular risk factors, eligibility for lipid-lowering therapy, and the target low-density cholesterol serum level to be achieved. In conclusion, prioritizing the management of dyslipidemia is of the utmost importance in improving public health and reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases.

British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology (BSPAD) assessment and support of mental health in children and young people (CYP) with skin conditions: A multi-disciplinary expert consensus statement and recommendations.

Psychological and mental health difficulties are common in children and young people (CYP) living with skin conditions and can have a profound impact on wellbeing. There is limited guidance on how best to assess and support the mental health of this population who are at risk of poor health outcomes. The primary objective was to provide consensus-based recommendations on the assessment and monitoring of and support for mental health difficulties in children and young people (CYP) with skin conditions (affecting the skin, hair and nails). The secondary objectives were to address practical clinical implementation questions relating to consensus guidance; and to provide audit and research recommendations. This set of recommendations has been developed with reference to the AGREE II instrument. A systematic review and literature appraisal was carried out. A multidisciplinary consensus group was convened with two virtual panel meetings taking place: an initial meeting to discuss the scope, review the current evidence and identify areas for development; the second to agree content and wording of the recommendations. Recommendations were then circulated to stakeholders, following which amendments were made and agreed by email. The expert panel achieved consensus on eleven recommendations for health workers managing CYP with skin conditions. A new patient completed history taking aid - 'You and Your Skin' was developed and is being piloted. The recommendations focus on improved mental health assessments for CYP presenting with a skin condition with clinical guidance and suggested screening measures included. Information is given regarding accessing psychological support for CYP when required and recommendations provided for training in mental health and neurodiversity for staff. Embedding a psychosocial approach within services treating CYP with skin disease should ensure that CYP with psychological needs are able to be identified, listened to, supported and treated. This is likely to improve health outcomes.

An international multidisciplinary consensus statement on MAFLD and the risk of CVD.

Fatty liver disease in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption is an increasingly common condition with a global prevalence of ~ 25-30% and is also associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since systemic metabolic dysfunction underlies its pathogenesis, the term metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed for this condition. MAFLD is closely intertwined with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherogenic dyslipidemia, which are established cardiovascular risk factors. Unlike CVD, which has received attention in the literature on fatty liver disease, the CVD risk associated with MAFLD is often underestimated, especially among Cardiologists. A multidisciplinary panel of fifty-two international experts comprising Hepatologists, Endocrinologists, Diabetologists, Cardiologists and Family Physicians from six continents (Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Oceania) participated in a formal Delphi survey and developed consensus statements on the association between MAFLD and the risk of CVD. Statements were developed on different aspects of CVD risk, ranging from epidemiology to mechanisms, screening, and management. The expert panel identified important clinical associations between MAFLD and the risk of CVD that could serve to increase awareness of the adverse metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes of MAFLD. Finally, the expert panel also suggests potential areas for future research.

Crohn's disease: review and standardization of nomenclature.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. It has a variable clinical course, with alternating periods of disease activity and remission. Because the incidence and prevalence of Crohn's disease have been increasing, evaluation by imaging methods has become more important. The most widely used methods are computed tomography enterography, magnetic resonance enterography (as an elective examination), and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (in the context of emergency). Computed tomography enterography and magnetic resonance enterography are useful for diagnosis, follow-up, evaluation of complications, and prognosis. Both can be used in order to evaluate the small bowel loops and the associated mesenteric findings, as well as to evaluate other abdominal organs. They both also can detect signs of disease activity, fibrosis, penetrating disease, and complications. The interpretation of such changes is essential to the multidisciplinary approach, as is the standardization of the nomenclature employed in the reports. In this paper, we review and illustrate the imaging findings of Crohn's disease, using the standardized nomenclature proposed in the multidisciplinary consensus statement issued by the Society of Abdominal Radiology, the Society of Pediatric Radiology, and the American Gastroenterology Association, with recommendations for descriptions, interpretations, and impressions related to those findings.

Definition, diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer: A Delphi consensus study in Europe

BackgroundLocal treatment improves the outcomes for oligometastatic disease (OMD, i.e. an intermediate state between locoregional and widespread disseminated disease). However, consensus about the definition, diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer is lacking. The aim of this study was to develop a multidisciplinary European consensus statement on the definition, diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer. MethodsIn total, 65 specialists in the multidisciplinary treatment for oesophagogastric cancer from 49 expert centres across 16 European countries were requested to participate in this Delphi study. The consensus finding process consisted of a starting meeting, 2 online Delphi questionnaire rounds and an online consensus meeting. Input for Delphi questionnaires consisted of (1) a systematic review on definitions of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer and (2) a discussion of real-life clinical cases by multidisciplinary teams. Experts were asked to score each statement on a 5-point Likert scale. The agreement was scored to be either absent/poor (<50%), fair (50%–75%) or consensus (≥75%). ResultsA total of 48 experts participated in the starting meeting, both Delphi rounds, and the consensus meeting (overall response rate: 71%). OMD was considered in patients with metastatic oesophagogastric cancer limited to 1 organ with ≤3 metastases or 1 extra-regional lymph node station (consensus). In addition, OMD was considered in patients without progression at restaging after systemic therapy (consensus). For patients with synchronous or metachronous OMD with a disease-free interval ≤2 years, systemic therapy followed by restaging to consider local treatment was considered as treatment (consensus). For metachronous OMD with a disease-free interval >2 years, either upfront local treatment or systemic treatment followed by restaging was considered as treatment (fair agreement). ConclusionThe OMEC project has resulted in a multidisciplinary European consensus statement for the definition, diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma and squamous cell cancer. This can be used to standardise inclusion criteria for future clinical trials.

The use of cerebral computed tomographic angiography as an ancillary investigation to support a clinical diagnosis of death using neurological criteria: a consensus guideline

This multidisciplinary consensus statement was produced following a recommendation by the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine to develop a UK guideline for ancillary investigation, when one is required, to support the diagnosis of death using neurological criteria. A multidisciplinary panel reviewed the literature and UK practice in the diagnosis of death using neurological criteria and recommended cerebral CT angiography as the ancillary investigation of choice when death cannot be confirmed by clinical criteria alone. Cerebral CT angiography has been shown to have 100% specificity in supporting a diagnosis of death using neurological criteria and is an investigation available in all acute hospitals in the UK. A standardised technique for performing the investigation is described alongside a reporting template. The panel were unable to make recommendations for ancillary testing in children or patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

A multidisciplinary consensus statement on the optimal pharmacological treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The addition of docetaxel or new hormone therapies (abiraterone, apalutamide, or enzalutamide) improves overall survival and is currently the standard of care. However, the decision on the specific regimen to accompany ADT should be discussed with the patient, considering factors such as possible associated toxicities, duration of treatment, comorbidities, patient preferences, as there is no sufficient evidence to recommend one regimen over the other in most cases. This paper summarizes the evidence on the management of mHSPC and provides consensus recommendations on the optimal treatment in combination with ADT in mHSPC patients, with special attention to the patient's clinical profile.

Interpretation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation and immune effector cell therapy: an international and multidisciplinary consensus statement

2022年2月，Lancet Child Adolescent Health发表“接受造血细胞移植或免疫效应细胞治疗患儿实施体外膜氧合（ECMO）的国际多学科共识声明”，是全球首个在该类患儿中使用ECMO的共识，为儿童重症、体外循环和血液肿瘤科医师启动和管理ECMO提供临床决策，本文对该专家共识进行解读。.

Personalized Management of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in Clinical Practice: A Multidisciplinary Consensus Statement.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a sino-nasal chronic inflammatory disease, occurring in 5–15% of the general population. CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is present in up to 30% of the CRS population. One-third of CRSwNP patients suffer from disease that is uncontrolled by current standards of care. Biologics are an emerging treatment option for patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP, but their positioning in the treatment algorithm is under discussion. Effective endotyping of CRSwNP patients who could benefit from biologics treatment is required, as suggested by international guidelines. Other issues affecting management include comorbidities, such as allergy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug–exacerbated respiratory disease, and asthma. Therefore, the choice of treatment in CRSwNP patients depends on many factors. A multidisciplinary approach may improve CRSwNP management in patients with comorbidities, but currently there is no shared management model. We summarize the outcomes of a Delphi process involving a multidisciplinary panel of otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, and allergist-immunologists involved in the management of CRSwNP, who attempted to reach consensus on key statements relating to the diagnosis, endotyping, classification and management (including the place of biologics) of CRSwNP patients.

Timing of elective surgery and risk assessment after SARS-CoV-2 infection: an update: A multidisciplinary consensus statement on behalf of the Association of Anaesthetists, Centre for Perioperative Care, Federation of Surgical Specialty Associations, Royal College of Anaesthetists, Royal College of Surgeons of England.

SummaryThe impact of vaccination and new SARS‐CoV‐2 variants on peri‐operative outcomes is unclear. We aimed to update previously published consensus recommendations on timing of elective surgery after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection to assist policymakers, administrative staff, clinicians and patients. The guidance remains that patients should avoid elective surgery within 7 weeks of infection, unless the benefits of doing so exceed the risk of waiting. We recommend individualised multidisciplinary risk assessment for patients requiring elective surgery within 7 weeks of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This should include baseline mortality risk calculation and assessment of risk modifiers (patient factors; SARS‐CoV‐2 infection; surgical factors). Asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with previous variants increased peri‐operative mortality risk three‐fold throughout the 6 weeks after infection, and assumptions that asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 infection does not add risk are currently unfounded. Patients with persistent symptoms and those with moderate‐to‐severe COVID‐19 may require a longer delay than 7 weeks. Elective surgery should not take place within 10 days of diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, predominantly because the patient may be infectious, which is a risk to surgical pathways, staff and other patients. We now emphasise that timing of surgery should include the assessment of baseline and increased risk, optimising vaccination and functional status, and shared decision‐making. While these recommendations focus on the omicron variant and current evidence, the principles may also be of relevance to future variants. As further data emerge, these recommendations may be revised.

Guidelines and standards for the study of death and recalled experiences of death--a multidisciplinary consensus statement and proposed future directions.

An inadvertent consequence of advances in stem cell research, neuroscience, and resuscitation science has been to enable scientific insights regarding what happens to the human brain in relation to death. The scientific exploration of death is in large part possible due to the recognition that brain cells are more resilient to the effects of anoxia than assumed. Hence, brain cells become irreversibly damaged and "die" over hours to days postmortem. Resuscitation science has enabled life to be restored to millions of people after their hearts had stopped. These survivors have described a unique set of recollections in relation to death that appear universal. We review the literature, with a focus on death, the recalled experiences in relation to cardiac arrest, post-intensive care syndrome, and related phenomena that provide insights into potential mechanisms, ethical implications, and methodologic considerations for systematic investigation. We also identify issues and controversies related to the study of consciousness and the recalled experience of cardiac arrest and death in subjects who have been in a coma, with a view to standardize and facilitate future research.

How to close the gaps between evidence and practice for perioperative opioids.

Excellent resources are now available that distil the best evidence around opioid prescribing in the perioperative period, including the list of recommendations provided by the international multidisciplinary consensus statement on the prevention of opioid-related harm in adult surgical patients. While some of the recommendations have been widely accepted as an essential part of postoperative practice, others have had slow and variable adoption. This article focuses on the items where theory and practice still diverge and suggests how best to close that gap. We must also remain mindful that while education is essential, it is on the lowest rung of implementation efficacy and, on its own, is a poor driver of behaviour change. Ongoing structural nudges and the use of local procedure-specific analgesic pathways will also be helpful in addressing the gap between evidence-based recommendations and practice.

A multidisciplinary approach and consensus statement to establish standards of care for Angelman syndrome.

BackgroundAngelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurogenetic disorder present in approximately 1/12,000 individuals and characterized by developmental delay, cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, seizures, gastrointestinal concerns, and abnormal electroencephalographic background. AS is caused by absent expression of the paternally imprinted gene UBE3A in the central nervous system. Disparities in the management of AS are a major problem in preparing for precision therapies and occur even in patients with access to experts and recognized clinics. AS patients receive care based on collective provider experience due to limited evidence‐based literature. We present a consensus statement and comprehensive literature review that proposes a standard of care practices for the management of AS at a critical time when therapeutics to alter the natural history of the disease are on the horizon.MethodsWe compiled the key recognized clinical features of AS based on consensus from a team of specialists managing patients with AS. Working groups were established to address each focus area with committees comprised of providers who manage >5 individuals. Committees developed management guidelines for their area of expertise. These were compiled into a final document to provide a framework for standardizing management. Evidence from the medical literature was also comprehensively reviewed.ResultsAreas covered by working groups in the consensus document include genetics, developmental medicine, psychology, general health concerns, neurology (including movement disorders), sleep, psychiatry, orthopedics, ophthalmology, communication, early intervention and therapies, and caregiver health. Working groups created frameworks, including flowcharts and tables, to help with quick access for providers. Data from the literature were incorporated to ensure providers had review of experiential versus evidence‐based care guidelines.ConclusionStandards of care in the management of AS are keys to ensure optimal care at a critical time when new disease‐modifying therapies are emerging. This document is a framework for providers of all familiarity levels.

An international multidisciplinary consensus statement on the prevention of opioid-related harm in adult surgical patients.

This international multidisciplinary consensus statement was developed to provide balanced guidance on the safe peri-operative use of opioids in adults. An international panel of healthcare professionals evaluated the literature relating to postoperative opioid-related harm, including persistent postoperative opioid use; opioid-induced ventilatory impairment; non-medical opioid use; opioid diversion and dependence; and driving under the influence of prescription opioids. Recommended strategies to reduce harm include pre-operative assessment of the risk of persistent postoperative opioid use; use of an assessment of patient function rather than unidimensional pain scores alone to guide adequacy of analgesia; avoidance of long-acting (modified-release and transdermal patches) opioid formulations and combination analgesics; limiting the number of tablets prescribed at discharge; providing deprescribing advice; avoidance of automatic prescription refills; safe disposal of unused medicines; reducing the risk of opioid diversion; and better education of healthcare professionals, patients and carers. This consensus statement provides a framework for better prescribing practices that could help reduce the risk of postoperative opioid-related harm in adults.

Practice Recommendations for Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography in Critically Ill Children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus Statement.

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) is being used in many pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of children with known or suspected pathophysiological changes to cerebral hemodynamics. Standardized approaches to scanning protocols, interpretation, and documentation of TCD examinations in this setting are lacking. A panel of multidisciplinary clinicians with expertise in the use of TCD in the PICU undertook a three-round modified Delphi process to reach unanimous agreement on 34 statements and then create practice recommendations for TCD use in the PICU. Use of these recommendations will help to ensure that high quality TCD images are captured, interpreted, and reported using standard nomenclature. Furthermore, use will aid in ensuring reproducible and meaningful study results between TCD practitioners and across PICUs.

Salivary and lacrimal dysfunction after radioactive iodine for differentiated thyroid cancer: American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section and Salivary Gland Section joint multidisciplinary clinical consensus statement of otolaryngology, ophthalmology, nuclear medicine and endocrinology.

Postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) administration is widely utilized in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. While beneficial in select patients, it is critical to recognize the potential negative sequelae of this treatment. The prevention, diagnosis, and management of the salivary and lacrimal complications of RAI exposure are addressed in this consensus statement. A multidisciplinary panel of experts was convened under the auspices of the American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery and Salivary Gland Sections. Following a comprehensive literature review to assess the current best evidence, this group developed six relevant consensus recommendations. Consensus recommendations on RAI were made in the areas of patient assessment, optimal utilization, complication prevention, and complication management. Salivary and lacrimal complications secondary to RAI exposure are common and need to be weighed when considering its use. The recommendations included in this statement provide direction for approaches to minimize and manage these complications.

Proton pump inhibitor administration in neonates and infants. Lack of consensus – An ASPO survey

ObjectiveLaryngopharyngeal and Gastroesophageal reflux (LPR and GER) are distinct clinical entities that present with a range of non-specific symptoms. The exact prevalence in the pediatric population is unknown. While there has been an increase in the use of PPIs, lack of clear guidelines, conflicting evidence regarding efficacy and safety concerns with long-term use require physicians to use their own anecdotal experience and clinical judgement when treating patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate practice patterns among pediatric otolaryngologists regarding the use of proton-pump inhibitors for reflux-related conditions. MethodsA survey was submitted to American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) members to determine practice patterns regarding use of PPIs for reflux-related conditions in the newborn and infant population. Statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test was performed. Results37% of respondents would not prescribe PO PPIs in neonates, with 50% not prescribing IV PPIs. 60% would prescribe a PPI as second or third-line treatment for infants (10 weeks to 1-year). Only 10% would prescribe as first-line in this age group. 48% would prescribe PPIs once daily and 19% as BID. No significant practice differences exist based on years of experience, number of relevant patients seen, and setting of practice. ConclusionThere was no agreement regarding dosage, frequency and duration of PPI treatment for reflux disease in neonates and infants. There was also no correlation with experience or practice setting. This emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach and consensus statement to guide management of GER and LPR in this population.