Publication Of Clinical Practice Guidelines Research Articles

Finding a needle in a haystack: The identification of clinical practice guidelines for psychosocial oncology through an environmental scan of the academic and gray literature.

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are evidence-based tools well-suited to translate the latest research evidence into recommendations for routine clinical care. Given the rapid expansion of psychosocial oncology research, they represent a key opportunity for informing the treatment decisions of overburdened clinicians, standardizing service delivery, and improving patient-reported outcomes. Yet, there is little consensus on how clinicians can most effectively access these tools and little to no information on the current availability and scope of CPGs for the range of psychosocial symptoms and concerns experienced by patients with cancer. Our environmental scan consisted of an academic and gray literature designed to identify currently available CPGs addressing a range of cancer-related psychosocial symptoms. Findings revealed a total of 23 existing psychosocial oncology CPGs that met full eligibility criteria. The gray literature search was found to be more effective at identifying CPGs (n = 22) compared to the academic search (n = 9). Several concerns arose from the systematic search. The limited publication of CPGs in peer-reviewed journals may make clinicians and stakeholders more hesitant to implement CPGs due to uncertainties about the methodological rigor of the development process. Further, many existing CPGs are outdated or failed to be updated according to guideline recommendations, meaning that the recommendations may fall short of their purpose to translate up-to-date research findings. Future research should seek to systematically assess the quality of existing psychosocial oncology CPGs and shed light on the current state of implementation and adherence in clinical practice in order to better inform guideline developers on the current needs of the psychosocial oncology community.

Improving the quality of clinical practice guidelines in China: A call to action for editors of medical journals

High-quality clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have the potential to standardize medical practice and improve patient outcomes. However, in China, the quality of CPGs is generally lower than the global average, particularly in terms of methodological and reporting quality. This hinders the dissemination and implementation of CPGs in healthcare practice. To enhance the scientific rigor and authority of CPGs, their development should adhere to reporting guidelines. As medical journals serve as the platform for CPG publication, editors of medical journals have a significant responsibility for the quality control of publishing CPGs. We call on editors of medical journals to be equipped with the CPG reporting guidelines, implement them in their journal practice, and actively participate in the development of CPGs. Additionally, editors of medical journals can also promote CPG quality awareness among medical professionals and journal editors. These efforts will contribute to the high-quality development of CPGs in China.

0340 AASM Insomnia Summit 2022

Abstract Introduction Significant challenges exist in access to high-quality care for insomnia disorder. After the recent publication of clinical practice guidelines on behavioral/psychological treatments for insomnia in adults, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) hosted a virtual one-day summit in September 2022 to discuss improving care for patients with insomnia disorder. Methods Fifty attendees representing a variety of organizations (e.g., medical, psychological, and nursing associations; patient advocacy groups; and federal institutions) participated in the Summit. Videos highlighting patient perspectives and an overview of current insomnia disorder treatment guidelines were followed by thematic sessions: (1) barriers to care, (2) facilitators of high-quality care, and (3) future directions and innovations. After 3-4 brief topical presentations by content experts, summit participants divided into seven breakout groups to brainstorm and prioritize issues. Each breakout highlighted 3-5 priorities and reported back to the broader group following each thematic session. Results The top barriers to care for insomnia disorder identified by summit participants included (1) limited access to care, (2) limited awareness of insomnia treatment options, (3) limited treatment formats, (4) low perceived value of insomnia treatment, and (5) insufficient number of trained clinicians to provide care. The top facilitators of care included (1) increased education and awareness, (2) novel models to increase access to care, (3) developing and expanding the insomnia patient care workforce, (4) incorporating research into practice, and (5) increasing reimbursement. Top priorities for future directions included (1) increasing awareness among patients and healthcare providers, (2) increasing the number of skilled behavioral sleep medicine providers, (3) increasing advocacy efforts to address insurance issues (e.g., billing, reimbursement, and performance measures), and (4) working collaboratively with multidisciplinary organizations to achieve common goals for insomnia disorder care. Conclusion The AASM and participants from partnering organizations successfully engaged in a summit and identified prioritized strategies to improve access to high-quality care for insomnia disorder across diverse clinical settings (e.g., private practice, academic institutions, and rural areas). The priorities are to improve access to care for insomnia disorder, which require advocacy efforts to increase awareness of treatment options, improve reimbursement, and grow the skilled workforce for treating insomnia disorder. Support (if any) AASM

The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Eating Disorders.

The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Eating Disorders.

Implementing functional electrical stimulation clinical practice guidelines to support mobility: A stakeholder consultation.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has been used to support mobility for people with upper motor neuron conditions such as stroke and multiple sclerosis for over 25 years. Recent development and publication of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) provide evidence to guide clinical decision making for application of FES to improve mobility. Understanding key barriers to the implementation of these CPGs is a critical initial step necessary to create tailored knowledge translation strategies. A public involvement and engagement consultation was conducted with international stakeholders including researchers, clinicians and engineers working with FES to inform implementation strategies for CPG use internationally. Reflexive thematic analysis of the consultation transcripts revealed themes including inconsistent use of CPGs, barriers to implementation such as limited access to FES and low clinician confidence, and the need for a tiered education approach with ongoing support. Insights derived from this consultation will inform the development of knowledge translation strategies to support the next steps to implementing FES use for mobility.

2022 Guideline for the Management of Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

2022 Guideline for the Management of Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Giving an account of patients' experience: A qualitative study on the care process of hip and knee osteoarthritis.

IntroductionDespite the publication of clinical practice guidelines, the quality of the care process as experienced by patients with osteoarthritis (OA) appears suboptimal. Hence, this study investigates how patients with OA experience their disease and care process, highlighting potential elements that can enhance or spoil it, to optimise their quality of care.MethodsA qualitative study based on semi‐structured interviews. Patients with hip and knee OA in Italy were interviewed. The interview guide was created by a pool of health professionals and patients. The interviews were analysed through a theme‐based analysis following a philosophy of descriptive phenomenological research.ResultsOur analysis revealed seven main themes: (1) Experiencing a sense of uncertainty, as interviewees perceived treatment choices not to be based on medical evidence; (2) Establishing challenging relationships with the self and the other, as they did not feel understood and felt ashamed or hopeless about their condition; (3) Being stuck in one's own or the health professionals' beliefs about the disease management, as a common thought was the perception of movement as something dangerous together with a frequent prescription of passive therapies; (4) Dealing with one's own attitudes towards the disease; Understanding (5) the barriers to and (6) the facilitators of the adherence to therapeutic exercise, which revolve around the therapy cost, the time needed and the patients' willingness to change their life habits and (7) Developing an uneasy relationship with food since the diet was considered as something that “you force yourself to follow” and overeating as a way “to eat your feelings”.ConclusionThe lack of clear explanations and a negative attitude towards first‐line nonsurgical treatments (mainly physical exercise), which are considered as a way to fill the time while waiting for surgery, underlines the importance of providing patients with adequate information about OA treatments and to better explain the role of first‐line intervention in the care of OA. This will enhance patient‐centred and shared decision‐making treatments.Patient ContributionPatients with hip and knee OA participated in creating the interview and contributed with their experience of their care process.

Ten-year reduction in thoracic injury-related mortality among Israel Defense Forces soldiers

IntroductionThis study aims to describe injury patterns, prehospital interventions and mortality rates of combat-related thoracic injuries during the past decade among Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers before and after implementation...

Trends in combat casualty care following the publication of clinical practice guidelines.

The current study explores the trends in the application of combat casualty care following the publication of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in five domains for 13 years. The Israel Defense Forces Trauma Registry was used to assess practice and adherence to guidelines in five domains: (a) crystalloid transfusions, (b) tranexamic acid use, (c) freeze-dried plasma use, (d) chest decompression, and (e) airway management. All patients injured between January 2006 and December 2018 were included in the analysis. Trends were analyzed and presented monthly using linear regression and were compared using the Chow test. The mean ± SD crystalloid volume transfused decreased from 1,179 ± 653 mL in 2006 to 466 ± 202 mL in 2018 (B = 0.016, 0.006-0.044). The proportion of patients with an indication treated with tranexamic acid dropped from 8% (238 of 2,979 patients) to 2.5% (60 of 2,356 patients) following the stricter guideline's publication. Freeze-dried plasma administration in indicated casualties rose from 12.5% in 2013 to 48% in 2018 (B = 1.63, 1.3-2.05). The overall proportion of casualties undergoing chest decompression rose from 1% (61 of 6,036 casualties) to 1.5% (155 of 10,493 casualties) following the release of a new CPG in 2012 (p = 0.013). There were no significant trends in intubation ratios before (B = 0.987, 0.953-1.02) or after 2012 (B = 10.2, 0.996-1.05). Some aspects demonstrate the desired trends in response to new CPGs; in others, initial improvement is achieved but followed by stagnation. In some medical care aspects, completely unexpected and undesirable trends are observed. Every change and update in CPGs should be based on reliable data. The effect of every change must be monitored carefully to ensure adequate adherence to lifesaving guidelines. Epidemiological study, level IV.

2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Optimizing the management of castration-resistant prostate cancer patients: A practical guide for clinicians.

Advanced prostate cancer (PC) patients, especially those with metastatic prostate cancer (mPC), often require complex management pathways. Despite the publication of clinical practice guidelines by leading urological and oncological organizations that provide a substantial and comprehensive framework, there are numerous clinical scenarios that are not always addressed, especially as new treatments become available, new imaging modalities are developed, and advances in genetic testing continue. A 14-member expert review panel comprised of urologists and medical oncologists were chosen to provide guidance on addressing specific topics and issues regarding metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. Panel members were chosen based upon their experience and expertise in the management of PC patients. Four academic members (two urologists and two medical oncologists) of the panel served as group leaders; the remaining eight panel members were from Large Urology Group Practice Association (LUGPA) practices with proven experience in leading their advanced PC clinics. The panel members were assigned to four separate working groups, each assigned a specific mCRPC topic to review and discuss with the entire panel. This article describes the practical recommendations of an expert panel on the management of mCRPC patients. The target reading audience for this publication is all providers (urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, or advanced practice providers) who evaluate and manage advanced PC patients, regardless of their practice setting. The panel has provided recommendations for managing mCRPC with regard to specific issues: (a) biomarker monitoring and the role of genetic and molecular testing; (b) rationale, current strategies, and optimal sequencing of the various approved therapies, including hormonal therapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiopharmaceuticals and immunotherapy; (c) adverse event management and monitoring; and (d) imaging advanced PC patients. These recommendations seek to complement national guidelines, not replace them, and a discussion of where the panel agreed or disagreed with national guidelines is included.

Treatment-related adverse events of combination immune checkpoint inhibitors: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

e15060 Background: Despite increasing clinical experience with immune checkpoint inhibitors and the recent publication of clinical practice guidelines for managing treatment-related adverse events, precise and nuanced checkpoint inhibitor data in the setting of combination therapy is lacking. Herein we have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment-related adverse event data from clinical trials evaluating combination immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: Studies published in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Database from conception to September 28, 2019 were included in the meta-analysis. Studies were eligible for inclusion if combination immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy was evaluated in advanced unresectable cancer and treatment-related adverse event data were available. For comparison of severity of adverse events in combination versus monotherapy, only the studies containing monotherapy arms as a control population were included, while all were included for calculation of pooled incidence of selected adverse events. Pooled risk ratio (RR) was used for the comparison of combination versus monotherapy and the logit transformed proportion for calculation of pooled incidence. Between-study risk of bias was evaluated using the Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test. Subgroup analysis was conducted by combination regimen, cancer type, and dosing regimen. Results: A total of 18 studies comprising 2767 patients across 10 cancer types were included in the final analysis. Combination ICI was associated with a slightly higher risk of all-grade adverse events (RR 1.07 [95% CI 1.03-1.11]) and markedly greater risk of grade 3 or higher adverse events (RR 2.21 [95% CI 1.57-3.10]) compared to monotherapy ICI. Subgroup analyses showed significant differences in risk of grade 3 or higher adverse events between treatment type (PD-1+CTLA-4 and PD-L1+CTLA-4), among cancer types, and among dosing regimens (N1I3, N3I1 and D20T1). Incidence of all-grade adverse events was 0.905 [95% CI 0.842-0.945] and grade 3 or higher events/all-grade adverse events was 0.396 [95% CI 0.315-0.483]. The most common all-grade TRAEs were diarrhea/colitis, fatigue/asthenia, nausea/vomiting, rash, and pruritis. Conclusions: Combination ICI therapy has a significantly different treatment-related adverse event profile compared to monotherapy.

Status of use of protease inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: An epidemiologic analysis of the evidence-practice gap using a health insurance claims database.

Existing evidence suggests that protease inhibitors (PIs) used to prevent or treat pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are ineffective, and their use is not recommended by clinical practice guidelines. However, in Japan, PIs are administered with the aim to prevent or treat post-ERCP pancreatitis. This study aimed to clarify the gap between guideline recommendations and contents of practice. We used the health insurance claims database of Japan Medical Data Center. Among patients who had undergone ERCP, those with acute pancreatitis or post-ERCP pancreatitis recorded in claims as disease names were defined as post-ERCP pancreatitis patients. The study period was divided into three terms according to the date of publication of clinical practice guidelines for acute pancreatitis. Among 2,945 patients who had undergone ERCP, 2,847 were eligible for analysis. Of these, 1,375 (48.3%) patients had claims with pancreatitis recorded as the disease name; PIs were prescribed to 1,238 (90.0%). Rates of prescription of PIs were 72.3% in 2005-07, 70.9% in 2008-09, and 83.6% in 2010-15, showing a significant increase (p < 0.001). In conclusion, PIs are administered in clinical practice in Japan for the purpose of preventing or treating pancreatitis, with an increasing trend in prescription in recent years.

2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

CLO19-028: Incidence and Management of Toxicities Associated With Anti-PD1 and Anti-PD-L1 Treatment Among Patients Enrolled in Medicare Advantage

Background: Anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy is standard-of-care for patients with a variety of advanced malignancies. Although clinical trials report a lower incidence of grade 3-4 toxicities than observed with cytotoxic agents, it is imperative that clinicians identify and manage the unique toxicities of these agents. We aimed to identify real-world incidence of immune-related toxicities and management for patients treated with anti-PD1/PD-L1 agents prior to publication of clinical practice guidelines. Methods: Patients enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan who initiated any anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy September 1, 2014–February 28, 2018 were identified. NCCN Guidelines for immune-related toxicity were used to determine appropriate pharmacy and medical codes from administrative claims data for toxicity identification and management. ICD-10 codes were examined for patients requiring hospital or ED visits, and HCPCS and NDC codes were used for patients requiring toxicity treatment (eg, corticosteroids, anti-TNFα). Results: 6,005 patients were identified; 39.1% were female, median (IQR) age was 72 years (67–77). The majority (64.7%) had thoracic cancers; 16.3% genitourinary cancers; and 12.8% skin cancers. The median number of anti-PD1/PD-L1 doses received was 4 (2–8). Overall, 62.5% (n=3,751) of patients experienced &gt;1 toxicity with half (n=1,913) requiring an inpatient stay or ED visit, and the other half (n=1,838) receiving outpatient toxicity medication. A similar proportion of patients developed &gt;1 toxicity, regardless of age: &lt;75 years, 62.4% (n=2,416); and 62.5% (n=1,335) &gt;75 years. Systemic corticosteroids were used by 61.3% (n=2,300) of patients that experienced toxicity. The most frequently observed toxicity in this dataset by organ system was cardiovascular (18.5%, n=1,108), which was comprised largely of arrhythmias (13.7%; n=823), and endocrine toxicities (15.8%; n=950), mostly type 2 diabetes (11.9%; n=714). Conclusion: Real-world data from a large Medicare Advantage plan indicate that half of patients receiving anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1 may experience a toxicity resulting in an inpatient stay or ED visit with no difference by age. While attribution of toxicity may be challenging using claims data, the spectrum of immune-related toxicities in the real world may differ from those reported in clinical trials. Future research should evaluate incidence and management of toxicities post-guideline release and monitor changes in site of care for management.

NCCN Asia Consensus Statement prostate cancer.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an NPO organization comprised of university hospitals and cancer centers in the US. The publication of clinical practice guidelines on the treatment, diagnosis, prevention and screening is one of important activities. Background factors of prostate cancer patients, such as the prevalence, age at the diagnosis and mortality are markedly different between Western countries and Asia. Thus, various factors should be taken into consideration at the treatment choice for individual patients. Experts from Asian countries were published as the Asia Consensus Statement. In this review, we explain important points of the Asia Consensus Statement such as differences in the epidemiological backgrounds of patients, differences in treatment options and differences in medical insurance systems.

Precision medicine and cardiac troponin biomarkers: new practice recommendations advance diagnostic precision

A review of the historic use of cardiac biomarkers for evaluation of coronary syndromes creates a twisting network of timelines and advances that illustrate the scientific method of precision medicine. Publication of clinical practice guidelines have established milestones along those timelines and the recent consensus recommendations for use of cardiac troponins (cTn) (1) exists in the context of previous accomplishments and the challenges ahead.

Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fractures: A Multicenter Review of the AAOS Clinical Practice Guidelines Before and After 2009.

To determine if the AAOS clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for the treatment of pediatric femoral shaft fractures (2009) changed treatment, we analyzed pediatric femoral shaft fractures at 4 high-volume, geographically separated, level-1 pediatric trauma centers over a 10-year period (2004 to 2013). Consecutive series of pediatric femoral shaft fractures (ages, birth to 18 y) treated at the 4 centers were reviewed. Treatment methods were analyzed by age and treatment method for each center and in aggregate. Of 2646 fractures, 1476 (55.8%) were treated nonoperatively and 1170 fractures operatively. Of the operative group, flexible intramedullary nails (IMN) were used for 568 patients (21.5%), locked intramedullary nails (LIMNs) for 309 (11.7%), and plating for 188 (7.1%). In total, 105 fractures were treated with external fixation or skeletal traction. Analysis before and after the CPG publication revealed a significant increase in the use of interlocked IMNs in patients younger than 11 years (0.5% before, 3.8% after; P<0.001). Over the same time period there was an increase in surgical management, regardless of technique, for patients younger than 5 years (6.4% before, 8.4% after; P=0.206). There were considerable differences in treatment among centers: 74% of fractures treated with plating were from a single center (center A), which also contributed 68% of patients younger than 5 years treated with plating; center B had the highest rate (41%) of flexible IMN in children younger than 5 years; center C had the highest rate (63%) of LIMN in children younger than 11 years; and center D treated the fewest patients outside the CPG guidelines. Following publication of the AAOS CPG, there was a significant increase in the use of LIMNs in patients younger than 11 years old and a trend toward surgical treatment in patients younger than 5 years. The considerable variability among centers in treatment methods and adherence to the CPG highlights the need for further outcome studies to better define optimal treatment methods and perhaps update the AAOS CPG guidelines. Level III-therapeutic.

Factors Associated With Nonaccidental Trauma Evaluation Among Patients Below 36 Months Old Presenting With Femur Fractures at a Level-1 Pediatric Trauma Center.

In 2009, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons published clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on the treatment of pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures, which recommended a nonaccidental trauma (NAT) evaluation for all patients below 36 months of age. A recent study of these guidelines found <50% clinical compliance with this treatment recommendation. We aimed to identify areas for improvement in compliance with this guideline. A retrospective review was performed of all patients presenting to a single pediatric tertiary care hospital with a diaphyseal femur fracture from January 2007 to June 2013 who were below 36 months old. Medical records were reviewed for documentation of a NAT evaluation, patient characteristics, presence of other fractures or injuries, and hospital of presentation. Radiographs were reviewed for fracture pattern. Statistical analysis was performed to assess for differences overall and before and after CPG publication. During the study period, 281 children below 36 months presented with femur fractures; 41% were evaluated for NAT. Overall, the following factors were significantly associated with receipt of a NAT evaluation: younger age (P<0.001), transfer from an outside facility (P=0.027), and identification of another fracture (P=0.004). Before publication of the CPG, nonwhite patients were much more likely to undergo NAT evaluation compared with white patients (43% vs. 19%; P=0.014). After publication of the CPGs, this differential disappeared (43% vs. 47%; P=0.685). Fracture pattern and patient sex did not influence receipt of NAT evaluation. We found poor utilization of NAT evaluation for patients below 36 months old presenting with femur fracture. Despite CPG publication, only modest improvements in this evaluation occurred over the study period, with less than half of all patients being evaluated. Younger children, patients transferred from other institutions, and patients presenting with concomitant fractures were more likely to undergo NAT evaluation. Compliance with the CPG may be improved by focusing on older children, patients who initially present to tertiary care centers, and those with an isolated femur fracture. Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Tinnitus Treatment Trends.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) recently published guidelines on the treatment of tinnitus. This paper examines the possible impact of those guidelines on otologic practice. A survey was sent to the members of the American Neurotology Society before and after the publication of Clinical practice guideline: tinnitus. The goals of this study were to see if the guidelines changed attitudes of otologists, confirm what treatments and explanations are being used in the field before and after the guidelines were published. Five hundred fifty-eight surveys were sent out and there were 216 responses. Otologists generally seemed to practice in accordance with the recommendations of the guidelines even before these were published. Drugs and sound therapies were not commonly used for primary tinnitus either before or after publication of the guidelines. One treatment that otologists seemed to have confidence in that was omitted from the guidelines was surgical treatment of hearing loss. Opinions regarding the treatment of tinnitus vary considerably. The AAO-HNS clinical practice guideline: tinnitus has not significantly altered the practices of otologists, but the guidelines provide meaningful, important information for other clinicians who deal infrequently with tinnitus.