Review Protocol Research Articles

Longitudinal Interprofessional Education in Undergraduate Health Profession Education: A Scoping Review Protocol

Interprofessional education (IPE) is essentially applied in the medical professions curriculum to produce graduates ready for collaborative practice. Globally, competency frameworks and guidelines have been developed to guide the integration and implementation of IPE into formal curriculum. Developing student competencies to become collaborative-ready health professionals takes a long time. This is also influenced by the formation and development of an interprofessional team’s maturity, which is a time-consuming process. Therefore, repetitive exposure to interprofessional learning throughout the curriculum (longitudinal education) should be implemented, since undergraduate level. This scoping review aims to explore the breadth of the longitudinal literature related to IPE. This article explores the global literature to identify, characterise, and summarise evidence from the published literature on longitudinal IPE. This scoping review considers the longitudinal activities of IPE in various contexts. The papers included report on the learning experiences of two or more types of students in a healthcare profession programme. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the scoping review guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, and ScienceDirect databases were searched. The results were limited to papers published in the English language from 2016 to the present. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts, and extracted data from the full-text articles. The results are presented descriptively in diagrams, tables, or other relevant formats, followed by narrative summaries.

Barriers and Facilitators to Dental Care Services Utilization Among Children With Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis.

This systematic review investigates barriers and enablers to dental care utilization by disabled children. Given the high global prevalence of disabilities in children, coupled with poor oral hygiene and a 45% rate of dental caries in this group, developing inclusive oral health strategies is critical. The review aims to synthesize literature on factors affecting oral healthcare improvement for disabled children, identifying barriers, facilitators and knowledge gaps. The review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute's methods and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search spanned multiple databases, considering perspectives from carers, parents, dentists and health professionals. The focus was on studies involving children up to age 17 with disabilities, as defined by WHO, using dental care services. Exclusions included non-qualitative studies, populations over 18 and nondisabled children. There were no restrictions on publication date or language. Thematic synthesis of the studies extracted themes related to barriers and enablers in oral healthcare for disabled children. Thematic synthesis identified five overarching themes: stigma, communication issues, professional development, oral health education and medical-dental collaboration. Facilitators included enhancing accessibility and availability of dental care through a holistic approach, improving dental care facility environments and ensuring skilled dental care providers. The review underscores the importance of interprofessional collaboration, improved parent/caregiver education and specialized dental facilities to support children with disabilities. It identifies key barriers and facilitators in dental care, including challenging stereotypes, improving communication between providers and parents, enhancing holistic training and addressing gaps in oral health education and integrated healthcare systems. Addressing the complex dynamics of dental care for disabled children is essential for developing inclusive and effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the need for tailored approaches and enhanced support systems to improve oral health outcomes in this vulnerable population. The members of the family support department, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Organization for Rare Disease and Disability who provided the disability voice and contributed to providing input to the review protocol.

Online peer-to-peer health communities for individuals affected by chronic kidney disease: a scoping review protocol.

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and describe research exploring online peer-to-peer health communities for individuals affected by chronic kidney disease. The proliferation of online peer-to-peer health communities has created new opportunities for individuals affected by chronic kidney disease to come together for mutual social, emotional, and informational support. This scoping review will include qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and evidence synthesis studies, as well as gray literature relating to online peer-to-peer health communities for individuals affected by chronic kidney disease. The search will not be limited by language, time frame, geographic location, or publication date. This review will be undertaken in accordance with JBI methodology for scoping reviews and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. The following databases will be searched: Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), and Web of Science. Gray literature will be searched via MedNar, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. After duplicates have been removed, 2 reviewers will independently screen the title, abstract, and full text of the search results. Data will be extracted using a modified data extraction tool as per JBI, and presented in tabular format, accompanied by a narrative summary describing how the findings relate to the scoping review questions. https://osf.io/kfj9v.

A scoping review of cultural issues concerning institutional quarantine and isolation during major multi‐country outbreaks in Africa: 2000–2023

AbstractBackground and AimsInfectious disease outbreaks pose significant challenges in Africa due to its ecology, socioeconomic conditions, and weak health systems. Implementing institutional quarantine and isolation (Q&I) measures is crucial for managing major outbreaks. However, the cultural context often determines the success of these measures. This scoping review aims to examine existing evidence on the cultural aspects of institutional Q&I in Africa over the past two decades, focusing on the COVID‐19 pandemic and other major multi‐country disease outbreaks.MethodsThis scoping review's protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework registry. Nine research databases were systematically searched to retrieve all relevant literature, followed by deduplication and a two‐stage screening process using the Rayyan web application. The inclusion of any literature into this review was based on a set of eligibility criteria. Also, manual searching of the reference lists of included literature was done to retrieve any other eligible literature. From the included literature, data were charted, collected, and summarized.FindingsOut of the 787 articles retrieved from the database searches, this review found only one to be eligible for inclusion. Also, no other eligible article was obtained after manual searching of the reference list for this article. The reviewed article presented empirical findings on the impact of COVID‐19 Q&I protocols on traditional burial rites in Ghana. Many Ghanaian families were against their country's protocol because they felt it was insensitive to their traditional values and burial practices. Also, the way the protocol was implemented made some Ghanaian families feel that foreign burial practices were imposed on them, which bred feelings of cultural exclusion and neglect (by the government) among Ghanaians.ConclusionResearch evidence on the cultural implications of Q&I in Africa is very scanty. More research is needed on this topic of public health interest.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between young maternal age and fetal abnormalities

Fetal anomalies among young women and adolescents pose major public health concerns. This systematic review aims to elucidate the relationship between young maternal age and the incidence of fetal abnormalities. According to the systematic review and meta-analysis PRISMA protocol, cohort, cross-sectional and case–control studies were scrutinized to include 80,393,450 participants across diverse regions. The meta-analysis utilized Odds Ratios (OR) as the effect measure, adopting a random-effects model. The screening process involved 157 selected and verified manuscripts, which ultimately resulted in the final inclusion of 20 studied in the meta-analysis. The criterion for young maternal age was the age of ≤ 20 years. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled OR of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.82–1.05, p = 0.252), indicating no statistically significant association between young maternal age (≤ 20 years) and fetal anomalies. However, considerable heterogeneity (I² = 96.21%) was noted, prompting the use of a random-effects model to derive the reported results. The meta-analysis did not find statistically significant differences in the occurrence of congenital anomalies in fetuses of younger women than in overall population. Although due to significant heterogeneity of the analyzed studies, and a risk of bias, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results, further investigation may be warranted to understand the relationship between maternal age and risk of fetal anomalies. Nevertheless, the study shows significant differences, which diminish in collective analysis, suggests that factors beyond age may be influential. Specifically, the limited access to or quality of healthcare in certain regions could be a more critical factor than maternal age itself.

Factors influencing the positive aspects of caring for dementia patients by family caregivers: a systematic mixed studies review protocol

AimTo provide an overview of the various influencing factors related to the positive aspects of caring for dementia patients by family caregivers.DesignA systematic mixed studies review.MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guided this protocol as reported. Peer-reviewed studies published in English from 1997 to the present will be searched via information sources, gray literature, and the following databases: Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible trials will also be retrieved from ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. This will be a mixed studies review. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool will be used for the mixed-method studies. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for case–control and cohort studies and the JBI quality scale for cross-sectional and interventional (i.e., randomized or quasi-experimental) studies will be consulted. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research will be used for the qualitative studies. All the data will be extricated with JBI data extraction tools. The convergent synthesis method will be used in the review.DiscussionThis systematic review will synthesize and analyze the factors that influence the positive aspects of caring for dementia patients by family caregivers.ConclusionThe findings will help decision-makers to adopt more appropriate and effective interventions for caregivers of people with dementia.Patient or public contributionsThis review protocol will ascertain the factors affecting the mediation of and path to improved caregiving, explore the factors’ action mechanisms, and examine the controlling factors to design a more targeted intervention program to improve caregiving, thus improving dementia patients’ outcomes and care. Contributions of the findings will include evidence of strategies that address ongoing dementia caregiving issues and the identification of areas for future research.

Experiences and perceptions of patients with cancer receiving home-based chemotherapy: a qualitative systematic review protocol

BackgroundHome-based chemotherapy (HBC) has emerged as a standard option for treating various types of cancer, primarily to decrease the waiting time for treatment. As HBC gains more recognition, ongoing research is delving into the experiences of patients with cancer who receive chemotherapy in a home setting or chemotherapy closer to home. Understanding these experiences is vital for the use of chemotherapy delivery outside the traditional hospital environments. This review aims to synthesize and critically appraise qualitative studies that investigate the experience and perspectives of patients with cancer who received parenteral chemotherapy administration in home settings. Findings will be used to develop evidence-based policies to support home-based care models.MethodsThis review will follow JBI methods for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. The databases for searching will include MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), ProQuest Health and Medical Collection, two Chinese databases, CNKI and Wanfang, and one Thai database, ThaiJO. Studies published in English, Chinese, and Thai will be considered for inclusion. Two reviewers will independently undertake study selection, data extraction, and critical appraisal of the methodological quality of studies. The synthesized findings will be assessed using the ConQual approach.DiscussionThe synthesis of qualitative studies on this topic will provide insights into the nuanced and varied experiences of patients receiving chemotherapy within the comfort of their homes. The review will also provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers and healthcare administrators, to support the implementation of HBC for patients.Systematic review registrationSystematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42024500476.

Reporting and communication of sample size calculations in adaptive clinical trials: a review of trial protocols and grant applications

BackgroundAn adaptive design allows modifying the design based on accumulated data while maintaining trial validity and integrity. The final sample size may be unknown when designing an adaptive trial. It is therefore important to consider what sample size is used in the planning of the study and how that is communicated to add transparency to the understanding of the trial design and facilitate robust planning. In this paper, we reviewed trial protocols and grant applications on the sample size reporting for randomised adaptive trials.MethodWe searched protocols of randomised trials with comparative objectives on ClinicalTrials.gov (01/01/2010 to 31/12/2022). Contemporary eligible grant applications accessed from UK publicly funded researchers were also included. Suitable records of adaptive designs were reviewed, and key information was extracted and descriptively analysed.ResultsWe identified 439 records, and 265 trials were eligible. Of these, 164 (61.9%) and 101 (38.1%) were sponsored by industry and public sectors, respectively, with 169 (63.8%) of all trials using a group sequential design although trial adaptations used were diverse.The maximum and minimum sample sizes were the most reported or directly inferred (n = 199, 75.1%). The sample size assuming no adaptation would be triggered was usually set as the estimated target sample size in the protocol. However, of the 152 completed trials, 15 (9.9%) and 33 (21.7%) had their sample size increased or reduced triggered by trial adaptations, respectively.The sample size calculation process was generally well reported in most cases (n = 216, 81.5%); however, the justification for the sample size calculation parameters was missing in 116 (43.8%) trials. Less than half gave sufficient information on the study design operating characteristics (n = 119, 44.9%).ConclusionAlthough the reporting of sample sizes varied, the maximum and minimum sample sizes were usually reported. Most of the trials were planned for estimated enrolment assuming no adaptation would be triggered. This is despite the fact a third of reported trials changed their sample size. The sample size calculation was generally well reported, but the justification of sample size calculation parameters and the reporting of the statistical behaviour of the adaptive design could still be improved.

Epidemiology of human and animal leptospirosis in Kenya: A systematic review and meta-analysis of disease occurrence, serogroup diversity and risk factors.

Leptospirosis is a priority zoonotic disease in Kenya, but an in-depth review of its presence in humans, animals and the environment is lacking. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the epidemiological situation to date. We searched for literature in African journals online, AGRIS, Embase, the Leptospira WOAH reference laboratory library, ProMED-mail, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the institutional repositories of 33 academic institutions and included 66 publications on leptospirosis in Kenya which spanned from 1951 to 2022. The review was registered on the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY). Most investigations were done in rural and urban areas in western, southern, central, and coastal areas in Kenya and the largely pastoral eastern and northern areas were under-represented. A wide host range of domestic animals and wildlife was revealed, and occupational exposure was an important risk factor for humans. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was the most frequent test, particularly common in studies conducted during the 1980s and 1990s. However, varying MAT panels and cut-off titres were observed. The overall seroprevalence in cattle was 28.2% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 12.0-53.0; heterogeneity: I2 = 96.7%, τ2 = 1.4), and 11.0% in goats (95% CI: 5.4-21.2; heterogeneity: I2 = 78.8%, τ2 = 0.4). Molecular tests were seldom used to determine species and illustrate strain diversity. There was a lack of awareness of leptospirosis among farmers and health practitioners. The widespread presence of leptospires and inadequate diagnostic capacity demonstrate that leptospirosis is a common but underreported disease in Kenya. Raising awareness and boosting the country's diagnostic capacity is crucial to timely detection and disease control.

The Transition of Care Between Emergency Department and Primary Care: An Integrative Systematic Review.

To identify the barriers and enablers of effective transitions of care between the emergency department and primary care providers. Successful patient care transitions from the emergency department to primary care providers are important because this process has implications for the quality, patient safety, and cost of patient care. Failure in follow-up consultations with primary care can result in representations to the emergency department, which can impact negative emergency department operational issues throughout the entire hospital. An integrative systematic review was reported according to PRISMA guidelines. The reviewers followed a systematic review protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022316165). A search strategy was applied to extract articles from included databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health databases. Articles were assessed using a predetermined eligibility criterion. Quality assessment and a narrative synthesis were conducted. Of the 1200 articles screened, 25 studies were included. Four additional articles were identified from reference lists. The range of study designs included: four qualitative, three mixed methods and 22 quantitative studies. A total of 291,012 patients were represented. Successful care transition was enhanced by access to insurance, ease of payment methods, effective communication, prior booked primary care provider appointments and access to transportation. Many patients experienced financial toxicity, and the shortfall between fees charged and rebates provided was found to influence primary care provider follow-up compliance. Future recommendations to provide safe and effective transitions of care would be to optimise supported self-management for patients and deliver timely and clear communication with standardised discharge documentation to be shared between the emergency department and primary care providers. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to delivering safe care transitions between emergency department and primary care providers, and future research should target high-risk groups. Prospero: CRD42022316165.

Methaemoglobin as a surrogate marker of primaquine antihypnozoite activity in Plasmodium vivax malaria: A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

The 8-aminoquinolines, primaquine and tafenoquine, are the only available drugs for the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax hypnozoites. Previous evidence suggests that there is dose-dependent 8-aminoquinoline induced methaemoglobinaemia and that higher methaemoglobin concentrations are associated with a lower risk of P. vivax recurrence. We undertook a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis to examine the utility of methaemoglobin as a population-level surrogate endpoint for 8-aminoquinoline antihypnozoite activity to prevent P. vivax recurrence. We conducted a systematic search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, from 1 January 2000 to 29 September 2022, inclusive, of prospective clinical efficacy studies of acute, uncomplicated P. vivax malaria mono-infections treated with radical curative doses of primaquine. The day 7 methaemoglobin concentration was the primary surrogate outcome of interest. The primary clinical outcome was the time to first P. vivax recurrence between day 7 and day 120 after enrolment. We used multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression with site random-effects to characterise the time to first recurrence as a function of the day 7 methaemoglobin percentage (log base 2 transformed), adjusted for the partner schizonticidal drug, the primaquine regimen duration as a proxy for the total primaquine dose (mg base/kg), the daily primaquine dose (mg/kg), and other factors. The systematic review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023345956). We identified 219 P. vivax efficacy studies, of which 8 provided relevant individual-level data from patients treated with primaquine; all were randomised, parallel arm clinical trials assessed as having low or moderate risk of bias. In the primary analysis data set, there were 1,747 patients with normal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity enrolled from 24 study sites across 8 different countries (Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, Colombia, Ethiopia, and India). We observed an increasing dose-response relationship between the daily weight-adjusted primaquine dose and day 7 methaemoglobin level. For a given primaquine dose regimen, an observed doubling in day 7 methaemoglobin percentage was associated with an estimated 30% reduction in the risk of P. vivax recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.57, 0.86]; p = 0.0005). These pooled estimates were largely consistent across the study sites. Using day 7 methaemoglobin as a surrogate endpoint for recurrence would reduce required sample sizes by approximately 40%. Study limitations include the inability to distinguish between recrudescence, reinfection, and relapse in P. vivax recurrences. For a given primaquine regimen, higher methaemoglobin on day 7 was associated with a reduced risk of P. vivax recurrence. Under our proposed causal model, this justifies the use of methaemoglobin as a population-level surrogate endpoint for primaquine antihypnozoite activity in patients with P. vivax malaria who have normal G6PD activity.

Impact of hospital pharmacy interventions on length of stay in hospitals: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Length of stay (LOS) is an essential metric for hospital efficiency, patient outcomes and satisfaction. Studies indicate hospital pharmacy interventions positively affect LOS and other outcomes, yet results vary due to study differences. No systematic review or meta-analysis has been conducted on this topic; thus, the aim of this study is to systematically assess the effect of interventions on LOS. Methods This review will conduct a systematic search across MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Trials, Cochrane Reviews and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature to identify pertinent studies. An expert librarian will craft the search strategy, ensuring our review adheres to standard guidelines. We will use Covidence, a specialized systematic review management software, to optimize data management, the selection process and data extraction. A dedicated team of reviewers will independently evaluate titles and abstracts in duplicate, progressing to full-text examination of articles, to determine inclusion in our review and analysis. Data will be extracted by one reviewer, with independent data extraction by a second reviewer in a proportion of papers, and checking for consistency by a third. A template in Covidence will guide extraction of study, setting, participant, intervention and outcome characteristics and findings. The findings will be described narratively, and if possible given the methodological and statistical heterogeneity, meta-analysis will be undertaken. Discussion Considering the inconsistency of previous studies, this systematic review aims to clarify the potential impact of hospital pharmacy interventions on LOS. It will expand and reinforce existing knowledge, and provide detail about which intervention types have the most impact on LOS.

Patient satisfaction with infection prevention control practices in the acute hospital setting: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Patient satisfaction with infection prevention control practices in the acute hospital setting: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Digitalization and non-profits: Competency requirements in non-profit sector of Saudi Arabia

Digitalization is emerging as a broader socio-technical transformation affecting businesses of all types. The paradigm shifts in digital technology have mandated new mindsets and approaches to managerial, leadership, and entrepreneurial competitiveness in organizations. Human capital with the ability to convey digital knowledge and strategies is regarded as a crucial resource for digital transformations (DT) in organizations. In fact, the development of relevant technological and digital competencies (DCs) is regarded as the biggest obstacle to DT in non-profit organizations (NPOs) as well. However, the growth of literature in this direction has been fragmented by the lack of any formal integration of DCs. The current study is formulated with the primary goal of exploring the digital competency requirements of NPOs. A systematic literature review protocol adhering to PRISMA guidelines was undertaken to synthesize the initial draft of DCs. Subsequently, a modified two-round Delphi survey with a panel of 25 experts was used to rate the competencies quantitatively. The analysis followed the prescribed Delphi principles to determine the results' validity and reliability. As a result, a comprehensive set of eighteen competencies was generated and categorized into three areas (‘digital leadership’, ‘personnel and organizational’, and ‘technical’ competencies). While filling an important void in the literature, the study's findings lay the groundwork for a digital transformation education, learning, and development agenda in non-profits.

Impact of the degree of synergy between patient and nurse perceptions on the clinical outcome of pressure injury prevention: a mixed-methods systematic review protocol

IntroductionPressure injuries are a common and significant concern in clinical practice, often serving as a vital quality indicator. While (clinical) practice guidelines have been established to offer recommendations for mitigating...

Effect of Addition of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles on the Strength of Heat-Cured Denture Base Resins: Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of In Vitro Studies.

Metal oxide nanoparticle-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has been shown to improve mechanical properties, such as strength. Different types of metal oxide nanoparticles have been used previously, but the comparative effect on the strength of heat-cured denture base resins remains unclear. This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis that will aim to pool evidence to compare and analyze the effects of the addition of different metal oxide nanoparticles, with varied sizes and concentrations, on the strength (flexural, impact, transverse, compressive tensile strength, and fracture toughness) of heat-cured PMMA. In addition, this review aims to analyze methodological factors, such as adherence to testing and sample-making guidelines, and the effects of surface treatments of the nanoparticles on the strength of heat-cured denture base resins. The protocol has been registered in the Open Science Framework. Search strategies to identify studies on the effect of metal oxide nanoparticles on the strength of heat-cured PMMA were developed by the subject matter expert in library science. Following this, a systematic search of 5 electronic databases (PubMed [NCBI], Scopus [Elsevier], Cochrane Library [Wiley], CINAHL Plus with Full Text [EBSCO], and Dimensions Free Web App) was conducted to retrieve in vitro studies published in English from January 2012 to October 2023. Along with this citation chasing, other online sources and gray literature were also searched. Furthermore, papers will be screened, and appropriate data elements will be extracted in a standardized manner. A risk-of-bias assessment will be performed using a modified Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. A meta-analysis will be performed using a random-effects model. Search in databases resulted in 1837 papers, of which 1752 were duplicates, leaving 85 records that were screened for titles and abstracts based on the eligibility criteria. A similar search run on other online sources identified 129 papers that will be further analyzed for inclusion. The study was initiated in November 2023 and research questions and search strategies were formulated. The proposed study is expected to be completed by December 2024. This systematic review will comprehensively analyze the effects of the incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles in heat-cured denture base resins on the strength of the material. We anticipate gaining a deeper understanding of the effects and method of use of metal oxide nanoparticles to improve the strength of PMMA denture base resins. PRR1-10.2196/59999.

The effect of telemedicine employing telemonitoring instruments on readmissions of patients with heart failure and/or COPD: a systematic review.

Hospital readmissions pose a challenge for modern healthcare systems. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of telemedicine incorporating telemonitoring of patients' vital signs in decreasing readmissions with a focus on a specific patient population particularly prone to rehospitalization: patients with heart failure (HF) and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through a comparative effectiveness systematic review. Three major electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest's ABI/INFORM, were searched for English-language articles published between 2012 and 2023. The studies included in the review employed telemedicine incorporating telemonitoring technologies and quantified the effect on hospital readmissions in the HF and/or COPD populations. Thirty scientific articles referencing twenty-nine clinical studies were identified (total of 4,326 patients) and were assessed for risk of bias using the RoB2 (nine moderate risk, six serious risk) and ROBINS-I tools (two moderate risk, two serious risk), and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (three good-quality, four fair-quality, two poor-quality). Regarding the primary outcome of our study which was readmissions: the readmission-related outcome most studied was all-cause readmissions followed by HF and acute exacerbation of COPD readmissions. Fourteen studies suggested that telemedicine using telemonitoring decreases the readmission-related burden, while most of the remaining studies suggested that it had a neutral effect on hospital readmissions. Examination of prospective studies focusing on all-cause readmission resulted in the observation of a clearer association in the reduction of all-cause readmissions in patients with COPD compared to patients with HF (100% vs. 8%). This systematic review suggests that current telemedicine interventions employing telemonitoring instruments can decrease the readmission rates of patients with COPD, but most likely do not impact the readmission-related burden of the HF population. Implementation of novel telemonitoring technologies and conduct of more high-quality studies as well as studies of populations with ≥2 chronic disease are necessary to draw definitive conclusions. This study is registered at the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY), identifier (INPLASY202460097).

Strategies used to deliver bad news to the family of unexpected and sudden death victims: a scoping review protocol

Objective: This scoping review aims to map the strategies used during the communication of bad news to families of unexpected and sudden death victims from the perspective of those receiving the news. Introduction: The strategies used in communicating a person’s death to their family, especially in unexpected and sudden situations, can have a profound impact on the grief management process. This communication is often carried out by a health professional (doctor, nurse, or paramedic), but may also be carried out by a police officer, depending on the context in which the situation has occurred (in or out of hospital). Inclusion criteria: This scoping review will include studies on families of victims of unexpected and sudden death. All studies focusing on the strategies used to communicate bad news of unexpected and sudden death face to face, implemented by any professional in an intra-hospital or extra-hospital context, from the perspective of those who received the news, will be considered. Methods: The JBI methodology for scoping reviews will be followed. An initial search will be conducted, followed by a second search for published and unpublished studies in major health-related electronic databases. Studies published in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese will be included, with no geographical, cultural, or time limits. Data selection, extraction, and synthesis will be performed independently by 2 reviewers and will include details of populations, study methods, and strategies used. A narrative synthesis will accompany the results and describe how they relate to the objectives of the review. Review registration: Open Science Framework https://osf.io/4rhw3

Effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on the sexual function of climacteric women: a systematic review protocol

Introduction Climacteric period signifies a transitional phase characterized by ovarian failure and a decline in estrogen levels, leading to various urogynecological alterations, including potential sexual dysfunctions. Among these, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function plays a pivotal role in female sexual function. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on the sexual function of climacteric women. Methods Experimental or quasi-experimental studies published in peer-reviewed journals, assessing the sexual function of perimenopausal women with PFMT as an intervention, will be included. Studies conducted in institutionalized populations or with neurological and cognitive diseases will be excluded. This systematic review protocol follows the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). The searches will be carried out in the Pubmed, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences), Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro, using the Search equation: climacteric women/menopause and PFMT and (sexual function or sexual dysfunction). The assessment of methodological quality will be carried out using the Pedro and GRADE scale, which will involve two independent researchers to evaluate the criteria. A third researcher will resolve discrepancies. Ethics and disclosure Ethical approval is not required as this is a secondary data study. This systematic review began in April 2024 and all steps are expected to be completed by November 2024. PROSPERO registration number CRD42024534297

Efficacy of selenium supplementation for patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism during methimazole treatment: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease is a common organ-specific autoimmune disease. Selenium is an essential trace element of the human body that is mainly concentrated in the...