Rapid Evidence Assessment Research Articles

Evidence-based practices of effective fire safety education programming for children

School-based fire safety education programs are implemented by fire services organisations around the world to improve children’s fire safety knowledge and skills. Such education is considered the single most modifiable strategy that fire services organisations can implement to reduce the risk that children will misuse fire or be harmed by fire. Despite this, there are no overarching and evidence-based guidelines for the development of new programs or the evaluation and modification of existing ones. To fill this void, a rapid evidence assessment of existing literature was conducted. Results revealed 25 evidence-based practices that held true in a variety of contexts and methodologically diverse studies. These practices inform an empirical framework that can be used to guide fire safety education programs for children.

A rapid evidence assessment of recent therapeutic touch research.

AimTo synthesize the most recent evidence investigating the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic touch as a complementary therapy in clinical health applications.DesignA rapid evidence assessment (REA) approach was used to review recent TT research adopting PRISMA 2009 guidelines.MethodsCINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane databases, Web of Science, PsychINFO and Google Scholar were screened between January 2009–March 2020 for studies exploring TT therapies as an intervention. The main outcome measures were for pain, anxiety, sleep, nausea and functional improvement.ResultsTwenty‐one studies covering a range of clinical issues were identified, including 15 randomized‐controlled trials, four quasi‐experimental studies, one chart review study and one mixed methods study including 1,302 patients. Eighteen of the studies reported positive outcomes. Only four exhibited a low risk of bias. All others had serious methodological flaws, bias issues, were statistically underpowered and scored as low‐quality studies. No high‐quality evidence was found for any of the benefits claimed.

The importance of collaboration for knowledge co‐construction in ‘close‐to‐practice’ research

This commentary is offered in response to the British Educational Research Association (BERA)’s commissioned report on close‐to‐practice research. In conducting a rapid evidence assessment coupled with a small number of qualitative interviews, the report represents an overly dichotomised and partial approach to understanding the relationships between research and practice, and the nature of knowledge generated within such relationships. Specifically, the report fails to adequately address the central importance of collaboration to the generation of knowledge and assumes that knowledge is either academic research or practitioner enquiry, without considering a more integrated, co‐constructed ‘third space’. I argue that practice‐focused research should be fundamentally concerned with making an impact on practice and, therefore, effective collaboration between research and practice necessarily entails grappling with issues of power and democratisation. These are values that underpin and shape research in important ways that must be considered in conceptualisations of methodological quality. I also raise questions about the transparency and quality of decision‐making in the close‐to‐practice BERA report, including whether the six papers identified as ‘high quality’ by the authors would meet their own definition. Their report is not definitive, but rather a catalyst for further discussion. I offer suggestions for some practical steps for how BERA could work to provide a more holistic framing for this vital field of inquiry.

Assessing personality disorder in learning disabled forensic populations: A rapid evidence assessment

Purpose:The aim of this rapid evidence assessment (REA) is to evaluate the literature pertaining to the assessment of Personality Disorder (PD) within Learning Disabled (LD) forensic populations. This paper will provide practitioners with recommendations about the administration of PD assessment that can be applied to clinical practice.Design/methodology/approach:Following the refinement of the search terms and a thorough literature search (using databases such as PsychINFO, OVID, SCOPUS), 98 abstracts were read. Through multiple exclusion criteria, seven papers were included in the results section of this paper.Findings:The primary research papers included in this report demonstrated various degrees of interrater reliability, predictive validity and utility for several specific assessments designed to assess PD.Research limitations/implications:There is a paucity of research in this area. It was therefore difficult to obtain primary research about assessing PD within LD populations. Further to this, there was just one paper that compared different diagnostic systems against one another. Therefore, this REA is not considered to be a full evaluation of the entire PD/LD evidence base. As a research method, REA’s are more biased than compared to a systematic review. This is because REA’s conduct limited data extraction and limit the types of research papers that are included meaning the search is not as comprehensive. Finally, there was only one reviewer for this REA. This is a limitation as the appraisal and selection of the research for this paper was not blind.Social implications:There are ethical concerns relating to the pursuit of diagnosing PD within LD populations. It has been argued a diagnosis of PD is essentially adding another pejorative label to an already marginalised group. However, research indicates that a better understanding of an individual’s presentations will yield a more robust formulation and an individualised intervention plan. This will in turn, improve treatment outcomes and has the potential to benefit the quality of life for people with PD/LD.Originality/value:As stated above, there is a paucity of research in this area. Currently there are no LD specific PD psychometric assessments and adaptations to mainstream assessments causes the assessment itself to lose validity and reliability. There is a clear need for further research in this area and for the development of more LD specific tools within forensic psychology.

Is there adequate evidence to support the use of compassion focused therapy group interventions with forensic mental health service users? A rapid evidence assessment

Compassion focused therapy (CFT) is a model of psychotherapy based on cultivating the capacity for compassion to others and self. The evidence base has grown considerably in the last decade regarding CFT’s effectiveness for a range of mental health problems. However, the literature supporting CFT as a treatment provision for forensic service users with mental health needs is lacking despite the observed overlap in needs between this population and their non-offending clinical counterparts. This rapid evidence assessment (REA) sought to evaluate the current evidence of CFT’s effectiveness as a group therapeutic intervention with clinical populations to allow consideration of the use of CFT with individuals with both mental health and criminogenic needs. A search of electronic databases was undertaken and after a process of review and extraction 10 papers were included. These studies showed promising effects of group-level CFT for those with complex mental health needs. Some evidence emerged of CFT generating significant improvements compared to no treatment and treatment as usual (TAU), but insufficient evidence has been produced in respect of whether CFT can supersede traditional ‘gold-standard’ approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Tentative conclusions are made regarding the applicability of CFT interventions but the observed reductions in shame and self-criticism and a move towards more guilt-based motivational drives suggest that this approach shows some promise in being able to assist forensic service users in taking more responsibility for their harmful actions and foster social and affiliative processes with others. Further high quality RCTs are needed in order to make firm conclusions about the clinical utility of this therapy for forensic populations with mental health needs.

Use of schema-focused approaches in informing treatment needs of those who sexually offend: A rapid evidence assessment

Treatment programmes for individuals who sexually offend have followed primarily Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy principles, however, in recent years they have begun to apply other psychological models (Mews, et al., 2017). The aim of the present study was to investigate how schema-focused approaches may be able to further inform treatment for those who sexually offend, through the identification of early maladaptive schemas (EMS). A rapid evidence assessment (REA) was completed with six, cross-sectional design studies to determine which early maladaptive schemas were most prevalent amongst individuals who sexually offend, and how this information could be used to inform treatment.Results showed that individuals who sexually offend against children were likely to have the following schemas; Abandonment/Instability, Mistrust/Abuse, Defectiveness/Shame, Self-Sacrifice, Negativity/Pessimism, and Emotional Inhibition. Additionally, Social Isolation, Dependence/Incompetence, Vulnerability to harm or illness, Enmeshment/Undeveloped self, Failure to achieve, Entitlement/Grandiosity, Subjugation, Unrelenting standards/Hypercriticalness and Punitiveness schemas were also found to be prevalent for individuals who sexually offend against children. However, these schemas were also reflected to be prevalent for those who sexually offend against adults.Overall, the findings suggested that the above schemas are important and potentially contribute to the prevalence of sexual offending. As such, the findings can be used to inform treatment programmes to include exploration of the effects of adverse life experiences, interpersonal effectiveness in relationships, emotional management, and the exploration of offence supportive attitudes and beliefs as part of the treatment. Due to the ‘rapid’ nature of this assessment and its limitations, findings should not be treated as conclusive and may require further investigation.

Understanding motivation and what works to motivate male offenders into engaging with treatment: A rapid evidence assessment

Background:The development of motivational programmes that are able to successfully enhance offenders’ readiness for treatment could mean that more individuals may decide to partake in programmes.Aims:The aim of this research is to explore the existing evidence on the topic in order to answer two main questions: 1) What factors are associated with motivation to engage in interventions?; 2) What works as best practice for motivation and readiness enhancement?Method:This study utilised a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) methodology, looking in particular at the existing studies with the following characteristics: English language, published globally, between the years 2005–2020, and Peer-reviewed-only.Results:From a total of 3596 papers obtained with the initial searches, a total of six studies were eventually selected as the most suitable for this review overall. These covered three main areas: (1) assessments tools currently available; (2) factors specifically associated with motivation and readiness; and (3) relevant processes/interventions that directly affect motivation or readiness.Conclusions/Implications for practice:With regards to the factors (and barriers) linked to motivation and readiness to engage with treatment, the evidence presented in this review confirmed the multi-factorial nature of these concepts. The proposed synthesis seems to be in line with what is outlined within the Multifactor Offender Readiness Model (MORM; Ward et al., 2004) and the main point that emerged from this review is that offenders’ motivation and readiness is best understood through aspects that are both internal to the person or that depend on individuals, and external, in the features of the context, environment and people that surround them. As regards interventions to enhance readiness and motivation, the evidence is rather limited and mainly restricted to specific types of offenders; based on what is available, it appears that some interventions with this purpose can have positive effects on individuals.

Assessment and intervention of stalking behaviours perpetuated by females: A rapid evidence assessment

Assessment and intervention of stalking behaviours perpetuated by females: A rapid evidence assessment

Rapid evidence assessment: The criminogenic needs of women with gang affiliated offending in the UK

Purpose:The criminogenic needs of females in gangs is under-researched in the UK. Little is known about appropriate rehabilitative options for this group. The aim of this paper is to explore the evidence base for criminogenic needs of women with gang affiliated offending in the UK.Method:REA methodology was used to search three databases (EBSCO, ProQuest, Google Scholar) for relevant articles, against pre-determined criteria. Additional sources were also reviewed. A total of 271 articles were identified and assessed through PRISMA. Eleven articles were screened in, through application of CASP.Findings:Four overarching themes of criminogenic needs were identified: interpersonal relationships, safety seeking, social identity and attitudes. Social factors were also highlighted as important, for a holistic consideration of women’s needs.Research limitations:This REA was produced in a short time frame and may not include all the relevant or the most up to date literature. Any views expressed in this summary are not necessarily those of Women’s Estate Psychological Services or HMPPS policy.Practical implications:The current study was consistent with previous literature and indicated the inter-related nature of needs, and importance of trauma informed pathways. It further suggests a formulative and holistic approach, such as the bio-psychosocial model, should be considered when intervention planning.Originality/value:There have been no REAs completed of the criminogenic needs of women with gang affiliated offending in the UK.

Retaining newly Registered Nurses in the profession.

Newly qualified nurses (NQNs) are one group at risk of early exit from the workforce. There is a need to reinforce the 'flaky bridge' (Health Education England [HEE] 2018) and ease 'transition shock' to facilitate NQN retention. (1) establish the current state of the art in the UK for nurse retention and transition from student to Registered Nurse; (2) provide UK healthcare organisations, higher education institutions and individual nurses with an evidence-based approach to plan for successful transition; (3) develop an evidence-based toolkit that enables NQNs and their employers to identify, implement and evaluate an individualised approach to transition. A rapid evidence assessment (REA) of NQN transition and retention was undertaken followed by 40 interviews with final year nursing students, NQNs, clinical leaders and academics and 113 written reflections from final year nursing students captured qualitative data on transition. A 'transition toolkit' was developed and used with one group of students (n=75) and data on retention and employment captured to determine impact on the number of nurses retained at the end of 12 months. A variety of formal and informal approaches that enhance and support transition were identified by the REA including having a formal orientation period; the initial placement; satisfaction with the unit and clinical supervision; empowerment; pre-registration employment; and low stress levels having had previous experience in the unit. Preceptorship was found to significantly increase NQNs competence, though no firm conclusions could be reached regarding the impact on retention. Qualitative data suggested that NQNs still experience transition shock and support during the transition period was important. Quantitative data indicated that most NQNs were employed full-time and working in local NHS hospitals. Most had undertaken employment during their programme and when qualified had not changed employer or role and did not plan to change. In the post-intervention group, most had engaged with the STaR project material and had accessed their place of first employment through the project. There were no statistically significant differences between cohorts, and no statistically significant relationships among the data. A supportive framework incorporating supernumerary status, preceptorship or equivalent, peer and organisational culture of support can help to ensure a smooth, seamless and comfortable transition. The link between NQN support and retention remains poorly evidenced.

Supplemental Material for Using Personality Feedback for Work-Related Development and Performance Improvement: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

Supplemental Material for Using Personality Feedback for Work-Related Development and Performance Improvement: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

What leadership styles and traits do industry partners need to exhibit to produce positive outcomes from collaborative projects with researchers from other types of organizations?

This is a Rapid Evidence Assessment focused on the identification of leadership styles and traits that enable industry partners to optimize their support on collaborative research projects. While there is considerable research on collaboration, there is a gap related to the leadership contributions that industry partners bring to team science projects. Literature searches returned 192 titles and abstracts, which were assessed for applicability. Of these, seven met the criteria for inclusion. These seven articles formed the basis for snowballing, which contributed to the addition of 19 articles. The 26 papers provided robust research design to be applicable for industry leaders who are supporting government-university-industry partnership projects. Evidence highlighted leadership style and traits that could be applied by industry. The servant leadership style and the capacity to inspire trust were highlighted by the selected research. Operating as a servant leader, an industry leader participating in a team science project has a greater potential to meet research goals and achieve innovative solutions through teamwork. Findings indicate that the facilitation skills common among industry leaders are essential to support a university-industry-government partnership project. Industry partners are well suited to support collaboration while avoiding competitive practices that might otherwise complicate the achievement of project objectives.

Rapid evidence assessment of the impacts of sewerage, drainage, and piped water chlorination in urban settings of low- and middle-income countries

Abstract The aim of this review was to rapidly synthesize the available evidence regarding the expected impacts of piped water chlorination, drainage, and sewerage on individuals living in low- and middle-income urban settings. A systematic search was conducted in bibliographic databases and library catalogs. Impact evaluations that included a comparator and one of the three interventions of interest, attempted to control for confounding and selection bias, and took place in urban settings in a low- or middle-income country were considered. Outcomes related to health, well-being, economic growth, and the bacterial content of water were considered. A total of 1,483 articles were identified, with 18 included after final screening. Most studies were case-control and took place in Brazil, the Pacific Islands, or south-western Asia. Fifteen studies considered sewerage, five considered chlorination, and two studies considered drainage with some studies considering multiple interventions. All primary outcomes were related to health. When implemented alone, the sewerage and chlorination interventions were largely successful. The evidence regarding the effects of chlorination, drainage, and sewerage interventions is limited and generally has a high risk of bias. When properly implemented, sewerage and chlorination are likely to have positive health impacts. However, when implemented poorly, all three interventions can have negative health impacts.

Conditions under Which Trickle-Down Effects Occur: A Realist Synthesis Approach

Policy makers often legitimize bids for major sport events and public funding of elite sports by trickle-down effects, suggesting that hosting events, sporting success, and athlete role models inspire the population to participate themselves in sport and physical activity. According to previous review articles, empirical evidence of trickle-down effects are mixed, with several studies citing marginal or no effect. The purpose of this study is to apply a realist synthesis approach to evaluate under which conditions trickle-down effects occur (i.e., what works for whom under which circumstances?). Using rapid evidence assessment methodology, 58 empirical articles were identified in the search process and critically analyzed through the lens of realist synthesis evaluation. The analysis identified six conditions under which trickle-down effects have occurred: Event leveraging initiatives, capacity of community sport to cater for new participants, live spectating experiences, consumption possibilities on television or other media, and communities housing event venues. The findings have implications for the sustainability of sport policy decisions and public finance, as the likelihood of trickle-down effects increases with integrated planning and sustainable spending related to the above six conditions.

PNS252 Patient Involvement in Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics and Outcomes Research: Rapid Evidence Assessment and Interviews on the Use of Plain Language Summaries

PNS252 Patient Involvement in Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics and Outcomes Research: Rapid Evidence Assessment and Interviews on the Use of Plain Language Summaries

Clinicians\u2019 experience of providing care: a rapid review

BackgroundHealth care services internationally are refocussing care delivery towards patient centred, integrated care that utilises effective, efficient and innovative models of care to optimise patient outcomes and system sustainability. Whilst significant efforts have been made to examine and enhance patient experience, to date little has progressed in relation to provider experience. This review aims to explore this knowledge gap by capturing evidence of clinician experience, and how this experience is defined and measured in the context of health system change and innovation.MethodsA rapid review of published and grey literature review was conducted utilising a rapid evidence assessment methodology. Seventy-nine studies retrieved from the literature were included in the review. Fourteen articles were identified from the grey literature search and one article obtained via hand searching. In total, 94 articles were included in the review. This study was commissioned by and co-designed with the New South Wales, Ministry of Health.ResultsClinician experience of delivering health care is inconsistently defined in the literature, with identified articles lacking clarity regarding distinctions between experience, engagement and work-related outcomes such as job satisfaction. Clinician experience was commonly explored using qualitative research that focused on experiences of discrete health care activities or events in which a change was occurring. Such research enabled exploration of complex experiences. In these contexts, clinician experience was captured in terms of self-reported information that clinicians provided about the health care activity or event, their perceptions of its value, the lived impacts they experienced, and the specific behaviours they displayed in relation to the activity or event. Moreover, clinician’s experience has been identified to have a paucity of measurement tools.ConclusionLiterature to date has not examined clinician experience in a holistic sense. In order to achieve the goals identified in relation to value-based care, further work is needed to conceptualise clinician experience and understand the nature of measurement tools required to assess this. In health system application, a broader ‘clinician pulse’ style assessment may be valuable to understand the experience of clinical work on a continuum rather than in the context of episodes of change/care.

Re: Efficacy and Safety of Combination Pharmacotherapy for Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Rapid Evidence Assessment.

No AccessJournal of UrologyUrological Survey1 Dec 2020Re: Efficacy and Safety of Combination Pharmacotherapy for Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Rapid Evidence Assessment Alan J. WeinMD, PhD (hon), FACS Alan J. WeinAlan J. Wein More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001286.03AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "Re: Efficacy and Safety of Combination Pharmacotherapy for Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Rapid Evidence Assessment." The Journal of Urology, 204(6), pp. 1388–1389 Reference 1. : Combination treatment with mirabegron and solifenacin in patients with overactive bladder: efficacy and safety results from a randomised, double-blind, dose-ranging, phase 2 study (SYMPHONY). Eur Urol 2015; 67: 577. Google Scholar Suggested Reading : Diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder (non-neurogenic) in adults: AUA/SUFU Guideline amendment. J Urol 2015; 193: 1572. Link, Google Scholar : Mirabegron as add-on treatment to solifenacin in patients with incontinent overactive bladder and an inadequate response to solifenacin monotherapy. J Urol 2016; 196: 809. Link, Google Scholar : Long-term combination treatment with solifenacin and mirabegron is effective and well tolerated in patients with overactive bladder. J Urol 2017; 197: e607. Link, Google Scholar : Diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder (non-neurogenic) in adults: AUA/SUFU Guideline amendment 2019. J Urol 2019; 202: 558. Link, Google Scholar © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 204Issue 6December 2020Page: 1388-1389 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Alan J. Wein More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Commentary: Clinical academic careers for general practice nurses: a rapid evidence assessment.

Commentary: Clinical academic careers for general practice nurses: a rapid evidence assessment.

Clinical academic careers for general practice nurses: a rapid evidence assessment.

Clinical academics are health professionals who provide direct patient care alongside engaging in health research. Despite the generally agreed consensus that such roles enhance evidence-based care, availability and uptake has been sporadic in non-medical professions. With no data readily available regarding general practice nurses undertaking clinical academic roles, there is a need to understand the barriers and enabling factors that impact general practice nurses considering or pursuing a clinical academic career. This review aims to address the question 'What are the barriers and enablers relevant to general practice nurses in the UK pursuing clinical academic careers?' by providing an overview of the relevant existing literature and drawing out the implications for policy and practice. Literature published in the past 10 years was systematically searched. Using agreed inclusion criteria, papers were first screened on titles and abstracts, with papers included at this stage reviewed as full texts. Thirteen papers met the criteria for inclusion. The extraction and synthesis of findings allowed for the development of three themes: roles and responsibilities; embarking on a clinical academic career; and organisational research culture. Findings suggest that infrastructure developments are required across higher education institutions and general practice organisations to bring about a cultural change to equip and empower general practice nurses to consider and pursue clinical academic careers.

Measuring Incubator Success During a Global Pandemic: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

Business incubators have become a popular option for innovators and entrepreneurs looking for workspace, resources, and partnerships. This rapid evidence assessment (REA) will examine how business incubators can measure success during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The best available academic literature regarding business incubator performance metrics have been evaluated to determine how entrepreneurs are meeting the challenge to create solutions during COVID-19. Eleven peer-reviewed academic articles related to business incubator performance and metrics were evaluated and critically appraised to develop recommendations for business incubators. Thematic synthesis was used to find themes in the appraised articles. Theoretically, the contingency theory was used to underpin this REA. Challenges were incurred in that there is limited literature on how to measure these benchmarks, which indicates an inconsistency in reporting success to the incubator stakeholders. The discussion concludes with recommendations for business incubators of ways in which to begin measuring success now and post-COVID-19.