Referral Decisions Research Articles

FRI053 - Drivers of diagnosis and referral decisions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients

FRI053 - Drivers of diagnosis and referral decisions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients

Disentangling the Relationship between Physician and Organizational Performance: A Signal Detection Approach.

Background. In previous research, we employed a signal detection approach to measure the performance of general practitioners (GPs) when deciding about urgent referral for suspected lung cancer. We also explored associations between provider and organizational performance. We found that GPs from practices with higher referral positive predictive value (PPV; chance of referrals identifying cancer) were more reluctant to refer than those from practices with lower PPV. Here, we test the generalizability of our findings to a different cancer. Methods. A total of 252 GPs responded to 48 vignettes describing patients with possible colorectal cancer. For each vignette, respondents decided whether urgent referral to a specialist was needed. They then completed the 8-item Stress from Uncertainty scale. We measured GPs’ discrimination (d′) and response bias (criterion; c) and their associations with organizational performance and GP demographics. We also measured correlations of d′ and c between the 2 studies for the 165 GPs who participated in both. Results. As in the lung study, organizational PPV was associated with response bias: in practices with higher PPV, GPs had higher criterion (b = 0.05 [0.03 to 0.07]; P < 0.001), that is, they were less inclined to refer. As in the lung study, female GPs were more inclined to refer than males (b = −0.17 [−0.30 to −0.105]; P = 0.005). In a mediation model, stress from uncertainty did not explain the gender difference. Only response bias correlated between the 2 studies (r = 0.39, P < 0.001). Conclusions. This study confirms our previous findings regarding the relationship between provider and organizational performance and strengthens the finding of gender differences in referral decision making. It also provides evidence that response bias is a relatively stable feature of GP referral decision making.

Clinical assessment for high-risk patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in primary care and diabetology practices.

Primary care practitioners (PCPs) and diabetologists are at the frontline of potentially encountering patients with NASH. Identification of those at high risk for adverse outcomes is important. To provide practical guidance to providers on how to identify these patients and link them to specialty care. US members of the Global Council on NASH evaluated the evidence about NASH and non-invasive tests and developed a simple algorithm to identify high-risk NASH patients for diabetologists and primary care providers. These tools can assist frontline providers in decision-making and referral to gastroenterology/hepatology practices for additional assessments. The presence of NASH-related advanced fibrosis is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes. These patients with NASH are considered high risk and referral to specialists is warranted. Given that staging of fibrosis requires a liver biopsy, non-invasive tests for fibrosis would be preferred. Consensus recommendation from the group is to risk-stratify patients based on metabolic risk factors using the FIB-4 as the initial non-invasive test due to its simplicity and ease of use. A FIB-4 score ≥1.3 can be used for further assessment and linkage to specialty care where additional technology to assess liver stiffness or serum fibrosis test will be available. Due to the growing burden of NAFLD and NASH, PCPs and diabetologists are faced with increased patient encounters in their clinical practices necessitating referral decisions. To assist in identifying high-risk NASH patients requiring specialty care, we provide a simple and easy to use algorithm.

Smartphone-Guided Algorithms for Use by Community Volunteers to Screen and Refer People With Eye Problems in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya: Development and Validation Study

BackgroundThe provision of eye care services is currently insufficient to meet the requirements of eye care. Many people remain unnecessarily visually impaired or at risk of becoming so because of treatable or preventable eye conditions. A lack of access and awareness of services is, in large part, a key barrier to handle this unmet need.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess whether utilizing novel smartphone-based clinical algorithms can task-shift eye screening to community volunteers (CVs) to accurately identify and refer patients to primary eye care services. In particular, we developed the Peek Community Screening app and assessed its validity in making referral decisions for patients with eye problems.MethodsWe developed a smartphone-based clinical algorithm (the Peek Community Screening app) using age, distance vision, near vision, and pain as referral criteria. We then compared CVs’ referral decisions using this app with those made by an experienced ophthalmic clinical officer (OCO), which was the reference standard. The same participants were assessed by a trained CV using the app and by an OCO using standard outreach equipment. The outcome was the proportion of all decisions that were correct when compared with that of the OCO.ResultsThe required sensitivity and specificity for the Peek Community Screening app were achieved after seven iterations. In the seventh iteration, the OCO identified referable eye problems in 65.9% (378/574) of the participants. CVs correctly identified 344 of 378 (sensitivity 91.0%; 95% CI 87.7%-93.7%) of the cases and correctly identified 153 of 196 (specificity 78.1%; 95% CI 71.6%-83.6%) cases as not having a referable eye problem. The positive predictive value was 88.9% (95% CI 85.3%-91.8%), and the negative predictive value was 81.8% (95% CI 75.5%-87.1%).ConclusionsDevelopment of such an algorithm is feasible; however, it requires considerable effort and resources. CVs can accurately use the Peek Community Screening app to identify and refer people with eye problems. An iterative design process is necessary to ensure validity in the local context.

Referral decisions based on a prehospital HEART score in suspected non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome: design of the FamouS Triage 3 study.

Background: It is not yet investigated whether referral decisions based on prehospital risk stratification of non-ST-elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (NSTE-ACS) by the complete History, ECG, Age, Risk factorsand initial Troponin (HEART) score are feasible and safe. Hypothesis: Implementation of referral decisions based on the prehospital acquired HEARTscore in patients with suspected NSTE-ACS is feasible and not inferior to routine management in the occurrence of major adverse cardiac eventswithin 45 days. Study design &methods: FamouS Triage 3 is a feasibility study with a before-after sequential design. The aim is to assess whether prehospital HEART-score management including point-of-care troponin measurement is feasible and noninferior to routine management. Primary end point is the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events within 45 days. Conclusion: If referral decisions based on prehospital acquired risk stratification are feasible and noninferior this can become the new prehospital management in suspected NSTE-ACS.

Reorganising dermatology care: predictors of the substitution of secondary care with primary care

BackgroundThe substitution of healthcare is a way to control rising healthcare costs. The Primary Care Plus (PC+) intervention of the Dutch ‘Blue Care’ pioneer site aims to achieve this feat by facilitating consultations with medical specialists in the primary care setting. One of the specialties involved is dermatology. This study explores referral decisions following dermatology care in PC+ and the influence of predictive patient and consultation characteristics on this decision.MethodsThis retrospective study used clinical data of patients who received dermatology care in PC+ between January 2015 and March 2017. The referral decision following PC+, (i.e., referral back to the general practitioner (GP) or referral to outpatient hospital care) was the primary outcome. Stepwise logistic regression modelling was used to describe variations in the referral decisions following PC+, with patient age and gender, number of PC+ consultations, patient diagnosis and treatment specialist as the predicting factors.ResultsA total of 2952 patients visited PC+ for dermatology care. Of those patients with a registered referral, 80.2% (N = 2254) were referred back to the GP, and 19.8% (N = 558) were referred to outpatient hospital care. In the multivariable model, only the treating specialist and patient’s diagnosis independently influenced the referral decisions following PC+.ConclusionThe aim of PC+ is to reduce the number of referrals to outpatient hospital care. According to the results, the treating specialist and patient diagnosis influence referral decisions. Therefore, the results of this study can be used to discuss and improve specialist and patient profiles for PC+ to further optimise the effectiveness of the initiative.

P0619POINT OF CARE CREATININE FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF COMMUNITY ACQUIRED ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN NIGERIA. TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION AND DESIGN OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Abstract Background and Aims Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in low- and middle-income countries is mostly a community-acquired potentially reversible syndrome and has high morbidity and mortality. Due to limited laboratory infrastructure diagnosis of AKI is often delayed until life threatening complications have developed and dialysis treatment is largely unavailable. Decisions for hospital referral from primary health care centers and triage decisions for hospital admission are not based on laboratory results in Port Harcourt Nigeria. To address the need for early diagnosis and treatment of AKI we established a collaboration between the Renal Unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Primary Health Care Board Rivers State and the Renal Department of Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, aiming at the evaluation of the use of point of care (POC) Creatinine (Cr) for early detection and management of community acquired AKI. Method The first stage of the project evaluated the accuracy of POC Cr technology. Following informed consent patients underwent concurrent measurement of Cr using the central laboratory (Lab) assay (Jaffe) from a venous sample and a point of care Cr measurement using a capillary sample (fingerstick) with the NOVA Stasensor Xpress Cr analyser. Pearson Correlation and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess correlation and agreement between the two methods. During the second stage, the results were discussed at a focused AKI workshop and guidance for the use of POC Cr was developed. Results During the first phase 96 concurrent POC Cr capillary and venous Lab Cr samples were analysed. Mean age was 49±14 years and 66 subjects were females. POC Cr values were 127±122 umol/l and Lab Cr values were 100 ±85 umol/L, mean positive bias of 27.2±47.94 umol/L. Overall, correlation between POC Cr and Lab Cr was very good, with Pearson correlation r=0.956) Figure 1A. All 4 out of 96 values that were outside the limits of agreement (set at mean ±2 standard deviations) were for Lab Cr values &amp;gt;200 umol/L. A Bland-Altman Plot is presented for paired samples with Lab Cr values &amp;lt;200 umol/L (Figure 1B).

392-P: Development of a Fear of Hypoglycemia Screener: Type 1 Diabetes Health Care Provider Insight

Fear of hypoglycemia (FoH) contributes to poor behavioral and glycemic outcomes. The ADA position statement on psychosocial care for people with diabetes recommends screening for FoH, with referral if positive. A clinically useful screener for FoH does not exist, hindering further actions by clinicians to address FoH in their patients. As part of a multi–phase study to develop a validated screener for FoH, we conducted semi–structured interviews with 10 healthcare providers (HCPs) (6 endocrinologists, 4 certified diabetes educators) who treat patients with T1D. The objective was to understand current clinical methods of identifying, diagnosing, and/or assessing FoH, HCP perceptions of T1D patients’ fear of, and experience with, hypoglycemia. Interviews were transcribed, de–identified, and thematically analyzed. Key themes were summarized for each interviewee and common themes across interviews were identified. All HCPs reported assessing patients for FoH through discussion. Most HCPs (7/10) did not use formal screeners for psychosocial issues. Instead, they evaluated patients with open ended questions about their feelings and experiences about low blood sugar. Some HCPs identified FoH behaviors based on CGM and insulin pump usage data; however, this method was not applicable for patients not using these technologies. Most HCPs (9/10) were not familiar with Blood Glucose Awareness Training as a formal program, which is recommended by the ADA to re–establish awareness of hypoglycemia and reduce FoH. Most HCPs made mental health referral decisions after observing anxiety, depression, or chronic poor management behaviors. Results suggest that although clinicians are aware of FoH, due to the lack of a formal screening tool, most HCPs rely on subjective judgment to determine the need for further psychosocial care referral. Creation of a screener will provide a standardized tool to better implement the ADA position statement of psychosocial care on the management of FoH. Disclosure B. Mitchell: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. J. Bispham: None. A. Hughes: None. J. Liu: None. M. Perez-Nieves: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. J. Poon: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. L. Fan: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. A. McAuliffe-Fogarty: None. Funding Eli Lilly and Company

Mainstream Preschool Teachers' Skills at Identifying and Referring Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Background: Early intervention will help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to attain early learning reinforcement. This study focuses on exploring the ability of preschool teachers to identify children with ASD and their referral decision-making process. Method: This is a mixed-method study (qualitative and quantitative methods) involving 20 respondents. The qualitative study is based on an open question case study, while the quantitative study consists of questionnaire with demographic variables to identify the effect of the demographic variables on the preschool teachers’ ability to identify children with ASD. Sample: The sample was selected via convenience sampling among mainstream preschool teachers. The data was analyzed using SPSS software and thematic analysis. Results: The findings show that preschool teachers did not have skills at identifying children with ASD, and the majority of them labelled children with ASD as spoilt or hyperactive children. They also viewed children with ASD as having other disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or communication disorders such as introversion. Moreover, preschool teachers expressed that the reason for the child’s behaviour could be due to the parents’ inability to properly educate their child. Additionally, the demographic variables of the preschool teachers, such as age, education level and teaching experience, were found not to affect their ASD identification skills. Conclusion: Preschool teachers need to improve their skills in identifying ASD among children via training.

Improving Patient Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: Identifying Rehabilitation Pathways Based on Modifiable Psychological Risk and Resilience Factors.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a commonly implemented elective surgical treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee, demonstrating high success rates when assessed by objective medical outcomes. However, a considerable proportion of TKA patients report significant dissatisfaction postoperatively, related to enduring pain, functional limitations, and diminished quality of life. In this conceptual analysis, we highlight the importance of assessing patient-centered outcomes routinely in clinical practice, as these measures provide important information regarding whether surgery and postoperative rehabilitation interventions have effectively remediated patients’ real-world “quality of life” experiences. We propose a novel precision medicine approach to improving patient-centered TKA outcomes through the development of a multivariate machine-learning model. The primary aim of this model is to predict individual postoperative recovery trajectories. Uniquely, this model will be developed using an interdisciplinary methodology involving non-linear analysis of the unique contributions of a range of preoperative risk and resilience factors to patient-centered TKA outcomes. Of particular importance to the model’s predictive power is the inclusion of a comprehensive assessment of modifiable psychological risk and resilience factors that have demonstrated relationships with TKA and other conditions in some studies. Despite the potential for patient psychological factors to limit recovery, they are typically not routinely assessed preoperatively in this patient group, and thus can be overlooked in rehabilitative referral and intervention decision-making. This represents a research-to-practice gap that may contribute to adverse patient-centered outcomes. Incorporating psychological risk and resilience factors into a multivariate prediction model could improve the detection of patients at risk of sub-optimal outcomes following TKA. This could provide surgeons and rehabilitation providers with a simplified tool to inform postoperative referral and intervention decision-making related to a range of interdisciplinary domains outside their usual purview. The proposed approach could facilitate the development and provision of more targeted rehabilitative interventions on the basis of identified individual needs. The roles of several modifiable psychological risk and resilience factors in recovery are summarized, and intervention options are briefly presented. While focusing on rehabilitation following TKA, we advocate for the broader utilization of multivariate prediction models to inform individually tailored interventions targeting a range of health conditions.

Impact of a digital Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised on likelihood and age of autism diagnosis and referral for developmental evaluation.

This was a project in primary care for young children (1-2 years old). We tested a parent questionnaire on a tablet. This tablet questionnaire asked questions to see whether the child may have autism. We compared the paper and pencil version of the questionnaire to the tablet questionnaire. We read the medical charts for the children until they were 4 years old to see whether they ended up having autism. We found that doctors were more likely to recommend an autism evaluation when a parent used the tablet questionnaire. We think that the tablet's automatic scoring feature helped the doctors. We also think that the doctors benefited from the advice the tablet gave them.

Attitudes and knowledge regarding referrals for bariatric surgery among Danish secondary healthcare providers: A national survey.

Bariatric surgery induces significant and sustained weight loss and subsequently reduces obesity-related comorbidities. However, only a small percentage of patients with severe obesity undergo bariatric surgery in Denmark. There is limited knowledge about the experiences with and possible reservations to bariatric surgery among secondary healthcare providers. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate referral patterns and knowledge regarding the criteria for bariatric surgery among Danish secondary healthcare providers, treating obesity-related diseases. A questionnaire regarding experiences with and reservations to referring patients for consideration for bariatric surgery, along with thoughts to specific patient cases were sent to several specialists: endocrinologists, obstetricians and gynaecologists, orthopaedic surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists. Most questions required responses on a 5-point Likert scale and frequency distributions were calculated. A total of 345 (44%) specialists responded to the questionnaires. Good knowledge of the criteria for referral to bariatric surgery varied among the specialist from 6% to 68%. One of the main issues was a concern about the medical and surgical postoperative complications, which was a barrier to and influenced referral decisions. Furthermore, specialists were more likely to refer patients to bariatric surgery when patients requested this. Except for endocrinologists, the Danish secondary healthcare specialists interviewed have limited knowledge about bariatric surgery, which results in a reluctance in referring patients. Our results indicate that there is a need to improve knowledge among specialists, regarding the indications, criteria and outcomes for bariatric surgery to establish a more pro-active, specialist led approach to referrals.

Patterns and predictors of referral among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A real-world study.

e17051 Background: The multidisciplinary treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has demonstrated considerable challenges in widespread clinical adoption. Despite guidelines recommending multidisciplinary, utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for bladder cancer treatment remains low in the real-world settings. This study aims to examine the real-world referral patterns from urology to medical oncology and/or radiation oncology and the factors that associated with the referral following a diagnosis of MIBC. Methods: Following approval of involved IRBs, investigators followed a common protocol under the auspices of the Rapid Case Ascertainment at the Yale Cancer Center and performed manual chart review of MIBC patients diagnosed in the state of Connecticut from 2004 – 2015 and treated at investigator-affiliated hospitals. Information on medical history, radical or partial cystectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, initial treating physician, and referrals to additional providers were recorded. This data set was linked to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for demographic information. Logistic regression analysis adjusted with demographics (i.e. gender, race) and medical histories (i.e. prior cancers) was conducted to identify factors associated with referral. Results: Of the 665 patients whose initial treating physician was urologist, only 291 (43.8%) were referred to a medical oncologist and/or a radiation oncologist. Independent factors associated with lack of referral included: older age (OR = 0.994 for every incremental year, P-value: 0.0055), and greater Charlson comorbidity score (OR = 1.064. P-value: 0.015). Patients with kidney diseases and diabetes were less likely to be referred. Conclusions: Lack of referral to medical oncology and/or radiation oncology is a critical barrier to the use of optimal multidisciplinary therapy. Referral decision made by urologists is impacted by a patient’s age and overall health condition. [Table: see text]

Prediction of Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Development of Machine Learning Models on a Prospective Cohort.

BackgroundPreeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are placental dysfunction–related disorders (PDDs) that require a referral decision be made within a certain time period. An appropriate prediction model should be developed for these diseases. However, previous models did not demonstrate robust performances and/or they were developed from datasets with highly imbalanced classes.ObjectiveIn this study, we developed a predictive model of PDDs by machine learning that uses features at 24-37 weeks’ gestation, including maternal characteristics, uterine artery (UtA) Doppler measures, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-1 (sFlt-1), and placental growth factor (PlGF).MethodsA public dataset was taken from a prospective cohort study that included pregnant women with PDDs (66/95, 69%) and a control group (29/95, 31%). Preliminary selection of features was based on a statistical analysis using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute). We used Weka (Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis) 3.8.3 (The University of Waikato, Hamilton, NZ) to automatically select the best model using its optimization algorithm. We also manually selected the best of 23 white-box models. Models, including those from recent studies, were also compared by interval estimation of evaluation metrics. We used the Matthew correlation coefficient (MCC) as the main metric. It is not overoptimistic to evaluate the performance of a prediction model developed from a dataset with a class imbalance. Repeated 10-fold cross-validation was applied.ResultsThe classification via regression model was chosen as the best model. Our model had a robust MCC (.93, 95% CI .87-1.00, vs .64, 95% CI .57-.71) and specificity (100%, 95% CI 100-100, vs 90%, 95% CI 90-90) compared to each metric of the best models from recent studies. The sensitivity of this model was not inferior (95%, 95% CI 91-100, vs 100%, 95% CI 92-100). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was also competitive (0.970, 95% CI 0.966-0.974, vs 0.987, 95% CI 0.980-0.994). Features in the best model were maternal weight, BMI, pulsatility index of the UtA, sFlt-1, and PlGF. The most important feature was the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. This model used an M5P algorithm consisting of a decision tree and four linear models with different thresholds. Our study was also better than the best ones among recent studies in terms of the class balance and the size of the case class (66/95, 69%, vs 27/239, 11.3%).ConclusionsOur model had a robust predictive performance. It was also developed to deal with the problem of a class imbalance. In the context of clinical management, this model may improve maternal mortality and neonatal morbidity and reduce health care costs.

Supporting the role and enabling the potential of community health workers in Bangladesh’s rural maternal and newborn health programs: a qualitative study

Background In the global journey towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), strong primary healthcare systems are essential. This includes the frontline health workers, the bedrock of which are community health workers (CHWs). In Bangladesh, this largely female workforce plays a critical role in health promotion and linking communities with the formal health care system. With the launch of the new national strategy on CHWs, and its ambitions around the implementation of harmonized systems of financing, certification, job harmonization, performance assessment and supportive supervision, it is important to reference the perceptions, experiences, needs and aspirations of CHWs themselves. Methods This qualitative exploratory study examines three UNICEF supported maternal and newborn health (MNH) programs in rural Bangladesh, with two districts sampled for each program. In-depth interviews were conducted with CHWs, community members, other health workers, and program managers. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, with a particular focus on the voice and experience of CHWs and the programmatic features that support them in serving their communities. Results Across all three programs, CHWs function as critical local agents for health promotion and referral whose recruitment from and support by the community, enhances their effectiveness. Regular communication and collaboration between CHWs and public-sector frontline workers were perceived as important in enabling their role in increasing the coverage of essential services. Support for structured systems of training, supervision and monitoring which encompass the support of referral decisions, was also apparent. Of particular note were the needs and aspirations of CHWs regarding work-life balance, job satisfaction and desire for professional development. These concerns emphasize the importance of flexibility in how the CHW workforce is configured such that roles, responsibilities and remuneration are keyed to experience and qualifications, and the dynamic needs and aspirations of CHWs over the life course. Conclusions As Bangladesh pursues its UHC agenda, CHWs are pivotal in linking underserved communities to the formal health system. Flexibility in the scope of CHW roles and responsibilities, as well as supportive supervision, regular training and fair remuneration, will optimize their contributions towards UHC and better MNH outcomes.

Predicting future courses of psychotherapy within a grouped LASSO framework

Objective: There is a paucity of studies examining the experience of clients who undergo multiple courses of psychotherapy. Conducted within a large practice research network, this study demonstrated that returning therapy clients comprise a considerable portion of the clinical population in university counseling settings, and identified variables associated with return to therapy. Method: Utilizing data spanning 2013 to 2017, statistical variable selection for predicting return to therapy was conducted via grouped least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (grouped LASSO) applied to logistic regression. The grouped LASSO approach is described in detail to facilitate learning and replication. The paper also addresses methodological considerations related to this approach, such as sample size, generalizability, as well as general strengths and limitations. Results: Attendance rate, duration of initial treatment course, social anxiety, perceived social support, academic distress, and alcohol use were identified as predictive of return to therapy. Conclusions: Findings could help inform more cost-effective policies for session limits (e.g., extending session limits for clients with social anxiety), referral decisions (e.g., for clients with alcohol use problems), and appointment reminders (based on the association between poor attendance rate and return to therapy). Taking into account the many reasons that can explain why clients do or do not return to therapy, these findings also could inform clinicians’ early case conceptualizations and treatment interventions.

When is referral from primary care to specialist services appropriate for survivors of stroke? A modified RAND-appropriateness consensus study

BackgroundThere is guidance in the United Kingdom about what long-term care stroke survivors should receive, but a lack of guidance about who should deliver it and where this care should take place. This is a key issue given the evidence that current needs are not well addressed. The purpose of this study was to explore when a referral from generalist to specialist services is appropriate in the long-term management of stroke survivors.MethodsA modified RAND-Appropriateness method was used to gain consensus from a range of stroke specialist and generalist clinicians. Ten panelists rated fictional patient scenarios based on long-term post-stroke needs. Round 1 was an online survey in which panelists rated the scenarios for a) need for referral to specialist care and b) if referral was deemed necessary, need for this to be specifically to a stroke specialist. Round 2 was a face-to-face meeting in which panelists were presented with aggregate scores from round 1, and invited to discuss and then re-rate the scenarios.ResultsSeventeen scenarios comprising 69 referral decisions were discussed. Consensus on whether the patient needed to be referred to a specialist was achieved for 59 (86%) decisions. Of the 44 deemed needing referral to specialists, 18 were judged to need referral to a stroke-specialist and 14 to a different specialist. However, for 12 decisions there was no consensus about which specialist the patient should be referred to. For some scenarios (spasticity; incontinence; physical disability; communication; cognition), referral was deemed to be indicated regardless of severity, whereas indications for referral for topics such as risk factor management and pain depended on complexity and/or severity.ConclusionsThere was broad agreement about when a stroke survivor requires referral to specialist care, but less agreement about destination of referral. Nevertheless, there was agreement that some of the longer-term issues facing stroke survivors are best addressed by stroke specialists, some by other specialists, and some by primary care. This has implications for models of longer-term stroke care, which need to reflect that optimal care requires access to, and better co-ordination between, both generalist and specialist healthcare.

Particle therapy tumour outcomes: An updated systematic review.

Particle therapy (PT) offers the potential for reduced normal tissue damage as well as escalation of target dose, thereby enhancing the therapeutic ratio in radiation therapy. Reflecting the building momentum of PT use worldwide, construction has recently commenced for The Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research in Adelaide - the first PT centre in Australia. This systematic review aims to update the clinical evidence base for PT, both proton beam and carbon ion therapy. The purpose is to inform clinical decision-making for referral of patients to PT centres in Australia as they become operational and overseas in the interim. Three major databases were searched by two independent researchers, and evidence quality was classified according to the National Health and Medical Research Council evidence hierarchy. One hundred and thirty-six studies were included, two-thirds related to proton beam therapy alone. PT at the very least provides equivalent tumour outcomes compared to photon controls with the possibility of improved control in the case of carbon ion therapy. There is suggestion of reduced morbidities in a range of tumour sites, supporting the predictions from dosimetric modelling and the wide international acceptance of PT for specific indications based on this. Though promising, this needs to be counterbalanced by the overall low quality of evidence found, with 90% of studies of level IV (case series) evidence. Prospective comparative clinical trials, supplemented by database-derived outcome information, preferably conducted within international and national networks, are strongly recommended as PT is introduced into Australasia.

Referring to psychological therapy services in secondary NHS mental health services – how do mental health care professionals decide?

PurposeEvidence-based psychological therapies are available for severe and enduring mental health problems, but resources and access to these are limited within England. Practitioners in community mental health teams (CMHTs) can act as gatekeepers for access to psychological therapies for those in secondary care, but little is known about how they make referral decisions. This paper aims to understand how CMHT practitioners make decisions about who to refer or not, to secondary care psychological therapy services (PTS).Design/methodology/approachA total of 11 CMHT practitioners were interviewed to understand the decision making processes underpinning their referrals or otherwise, to a PTS within NHS England. The data were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis.FindingsThematic analysis resulted in 11 sub-themes under three main themes of the self, the organisation and wider structure and the service user. Results indicated that some participants were referred automatically for psychological therapy if a service user asked or if there was external pressure to refer, while others’ decisions were informed by contextual information such as the service user’s ability to engage or change, risk status and limited organisational resources.Originality/valueThis study explores the decision making of multi-disciplinary professionals referring to PTS. The findings have important implications for understanding some of the factors that can influence patient access to psychological treatment in secondary care.

Approach to the snoring child.

Sleep is an important component in a child's growth and development. Snoring is common in children and often perceived as benign, but habitual snoring may be an indication of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). OSA can have health, developmental and cognitive consequences. The three common risk factors for paediatric OSA are tonsillar and/or adenoidal hypertrophy, obesity and allergic rhinitis. Primary care providers are well-placed to identify children at risk by screening for habitual snoring and associated OSA risk factors during routine consultations. Physician awareness of OSA symptoms/signs facilitates diagnosis, management and referral decisions. A trial of medical treatment may be considered for habitual snoring with mild symptoms/signs before referral. Overnight polysomnography is the gold standard investigation utilised by paediatric sleep specialists to diagnose OSA. Adenotonsillectomy is the first-line management for OSA with adenotonsillar hypertrophy, but residual/recurrent OSA may occur, so follow-up by primary care providers is important after surgery.