Variation In Recommendations Research Articles

Quality appraisal of clinical guidelines for peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis prophylaxis in patients: a systematic review.

To evaluate and analyse the quality of clinical practice guidelines for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-related thrombosis (PICC-related thrombosis) to identify the most current and effective prophylactic measures recommended in the guidelines. Scoring and analysis of the guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II). Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wan Fang) and the relevant websites of the guideline were searched through 8 August 2024. Studies that primarily clinical practice guidelines on the prevention of PICC-related thrombosis were included. Two reviewers independently screened the searched items and extracted data and scored documents using AGREE II. Findings were summarised in Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence profiles and synthesised qualitatively. The analysis incorporated a total of nine guidelines, all rated as 'recommended' or 'recommended with modifications'. Standardised scores revealed elevated performance in the domains of Scope and Purpose, Clarity of Presentation and Editorial Independence. Conversely, the Stakeholder Involvement and Applicability domains yielded the lowest average standardised scores. Disparities in standardised scores across guidelines were particularly evident in the domains of Rigour of Development, Stakeholder Involvement and Applicability. The agreement between the two appraisers was almost perfect (intraclass correlation coefficients higher than 0.80). A considerable proportion of recommendations relied on evidence of low-quality, in certain instances, were derived from expert opinions within working groups. The review reveals that a significant portion of recommendations relies on low-quality evidence. Guideline developers are urged to prioritise methodological quality, with a specific focus on refining Stakeholder Involvement and Applicability domains. Addressing these aspects will enhance the overall quality and reliability of PICC-related thrombosis prevention guidelines. One potential way to mitigate these challenges is to endorse a standardised approach to guideline development and to synthesise reliable clinical evidence to reduce variation in recommendations. CRD42023495519.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Patients Before and After Thoracic Aortic Surgery: A Framework Analysis

Abstract Background Patients receive many different recommendations after thoracic aortic surgery. Unfortunately, there is much variation in recommendations between different surgical centers. This variation in recommendations creates uncertainty and anxiety in patients. Therefore, we aimed to provide an overview with clear lifestyle recommendations for patients before and after thoracic aortic surgery. Methods Documentary research and a framework analysis were used to analyze brochures, website texts, and health care protocols. These documents consisted of lifestyle recommendations for patients before and after thoracic aortic surgery (direct information) or cardiac surgery (indirect information). An analytical framework was constructed and all lifestyle recommendations for patients before and after thoracic aortic surgery were coded through indexing, charting, and mapping by two researchers (N.K. and H.v.Z.). The first draft with lifestyle recommendations was prepared by two researchers (N.K. and H.v.Z.). Feedback from all authors involved patients and consulted health care professionals was processed in the final draft. Results In total, 170 documents were analyzed. Indexing revealed 414 lifestyle recommendations, which were included in the first draft. Charting, mapping, removal of duplicates, and processing of feedback resulted in a final draft with 52 lifestyle recommendations about behavioral change, body weight, nutrition, cessation of alcohol and drug use, cessation of smoking, wound healing, sedentary behavior and physical activity, mental well-being, and family and close relatives. Conclusion This study provides an overview of clear lifestyle recommendations for patients before and after thoracic aortic surgery. This overview is the first step because follow-up research is needed on which lifestyle recommendations are necessary and evidence-based. The overview of lifestyle recommendations serves as a foundation, after which individual customization can be provided.

Knowledge gaps in diagnosing chronic polyneuropathy: Review of national guidelines.

The prevalence of chronic polyneuropathy will increase due to the aging population, and therefore, it becomes ever so important to optimize the diagnostic process. However, it is uncertain which blood tests are required and when nerve conduction studies (NCS) should be done in the workup of chronic polyneuropathy. We aimed to investigate the methodology used to develop national polyneuropathy guidelines and to provide an overview and strength of evidence of the recommendations. We searched PubMed and websites of national neurological associations as listed on the website of the World Federation of Neurology to identify national guidelines pertaining to the workup of chronic polyneuropathy by neurologists in an outpatient clinic setting. We identified three national guidelines in the United States and seven national guidelines in Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Turkey. The methodology used to develop the guidelines differed greatly. All guidelines recommend a series of blood tests. Some guidelines advise to conduct NCS in all patients, while other guidelines advise to conduct NCS when certain symptoms are present. There is variation in recommendations about the extensiveness of NCS, but all mention measuring the sural nerve and the motor peroneal nerve. The evidence for the recommendations is graded as low. Despite some overlap, there are disparities between guidelines regarding the workup that is advised to do in patients with chronic polyneuropathy. It remains unclear which combination of blood tests are to be strongly recommended. Furthermore, it is undetermined whether NCS are always necessary.

Towards Optimal Cardiovascular Health: A Comprehensive Review of Preventive Strategies.

Heart disease remains a prominent global health concern, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) standing as a leading cause of death worldwide. Preventing heart disease not only decreases the risk of premature death but also mitigates complications like heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias, thereby enhancing overall health and quality of life. The economic burden of heart disease treatment highlights the importance of implementing preventive measures, such as lifestyle changes and early interventions, which can alleviate healthcare costs. These strategies, targeting risk factors like hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, and obesity, not only prevent heart disease but also reduce the risk of other health issues. Herein, this review covers various preventive measures, including dietary interventions, exercise, controlling HTN, DM, cholesterol, and weight, smoking cessation, and pharmacological interventions. By critically analyzing the guidelines and leveraging robust data alongside variations in recommendations, this review aims to elucidate effective primary prevention strategies for CVD.

A systematic review of nutritional guidelines for preterm infants

The estimated global preterm birth rate in 20201 was more than 10% of livebirths or 13.4 million infants. Nutrition in the neonatal period is a key factor to optimise growth, neurodevelopment, and later metabolic disease risk2. There is no consensus on optimal nutrition for preterm infants, leading to substantial practice variation3. We aimed to assess the quality of nutritional guidelines for preterm infants, the consistency of recommendations, and the gaps in these recommendations. This review is reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 checklist. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022327248). We searched six databases and 44 websites for nutritional guidelines for preterm infants before first hospital discharge, which were endorsed, prepared, or authorised by a regional, national, or international body, written in English, and published between 2012-2023. Two reviewers independently screened articles and extracted relevant data including nutritional recommendations (ranges or descriptions), the quality of recommendations (certainty of evidence and strength of recommendation), and gaps in recommendations, defined as those identified by the guidelines or when recommendations were based on very low certainty evidence. Disagreements were resolved by discussion or a third reviewer. Four reviewers appraised the included guidelines using AGREE II. We identified 7051 records, 27 guidelines were included in the review, 26% of which were of high quality. Most guidelines lacked stakeholder involvement and rigour of development. Twelve guidelines had recommendations for macronutrient intake, 18 for micronutrient intake, 12 for feeding, eight for fortification, and 14 for monitoring of nutritional adequacy. Only two guidelines provided recommendations for all five of these aspects. We found considerable variation in recommendations, many of which lacked details of certainty of evidence and strength of recommendation. Recommendations for feeding types and breastmilk fortification were consistent among high quality guidelines, but recommendations varied for intakes of almost all nutrients and monitoring of nutritional adequacy. Different guidelines gave different certainty of evidence for the same recommendations. Most gaps in recommendations were due to a very low certainty of evidence. Future development of nutritional guidelines for preterm infants should follow the standard guideline development method and ensure rigorous process including stakeholders’ involvement to improve the reporting of strength of recommendation, certainty of evidence, and gaps in recommendation. Evidence is needed to support recommendations about macro and micronutrient intakes, breastmilk fortification, and markers on adequacy of intake of different nutrients.

The CHIP Score: A Valuable Method for Determining Risk of Surgical Intervention for Hemangioma Patients

Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign tumor of infancy. These tumors may have wide-ranging effects on functional and cosmetic outcomes for patients. With variations in recommendations for surgery among providers, it can be difficult to counsel patients and their families on potential surgical treatment. Through the development of the Case Western Hemangioma Intervention Predictor (CHIP) score, this study aims to improve the consistency of counseling regarding surgery and timing of surgical referral. Methods: This was a retrospective review of all patients (179) treated for IHs at a single tertiary care center over 17 years. Patients were divided equally into 2 cohorts. Descriptive statistics and correlation plots were performed on the first cohort to evaluate which disease factors (including size, location, and complications) and patient factors significantly correlated with the decision to pursue surgical treatment (surgical risk). These factors were used to form a CHIP score, which was then validated through logistic regression with length of medical management as a covariate against the second cohort of patients. Results: After controlling for length of medical management to treat IH, lack of medical management, functional impairment, and ulceration were found to be significantly correlated with the risk of surgical intervention ( P < .05). When validated against the second half of our cohort, a CHIP score of 3 (of a maximum score of 3) was found to have a specificity of 92% and a sensitivity of 81% in predicting risk of surgical intervention. Conclusion: IHs can have clinical characteristics that may be predictors of complexity and surgical intervention. The CHIP score can assist in educating patients and families on surgery as a treatment option and guiding appropriate referrals.

Pros and cons of live kidney donation in prediabetics: A critical review and way forward.

There is shortage of organs, including kidneys, worldwide. Along with deceased kidney transplantation, there is a significant rise in live kidney donation. The prevalence of prediabetes (PD), including impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance, is on the rise across the globe. Transplant teams frequently come across prediabetic kidney donors for evaluation. Prediabetics are at risk of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular events, stroke, neuropathy, retinopathy, dementia, depression and nonalcoholic liver disease along with increased risk of all-cause mortality. Unfortunately, most of the studies done in prediabetic kidney donors are retrospective in nature and have a short follow up period. There is lack of prospective long-term studies to know about the real risk of complications after donation. Furthermore, there are variations in recommendations from various guidelines across the globe for donations in prediabetics, leading to more confusion among clinicians. This increases the responsibility of transplant teams to take appropriate decisions in the best interest of both donors and recipients. This review focuses on pathophysiological changes of PD in kidneys, potential complications of PD, other risk factors for development of type 2 diabetes, a review of guidelines for kidney donation, the potential role of diabetes risk score and calculator in kidney donors and the way forward for the evaluation and selection of prediabetic kidney donors.

Return to school practices after hematopoietic cell transplantation: a survey of transplant centers in the United States.

To understand transplant center recommendations on return-to-school timing and related support for hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) survivors, we conducted a two-phase, cross-sectional, web-based survey: In Phase I, medical directors of pediatric HCT centers from the National Marrow Donor Program/ Be The Match Registry were asked regarding the availability of a return to school standardized operating procedure (SOP). In Phase II, HCT physician members of the Pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Consortium were approached to study inter-physician practice variability regarding return to school post-HCT, factors affecting their decision-making, and support provided by HCT centers for return to school. Out of 46 respondents in Phase I (55% response rate), 28 (61%) reported having a SOP. Wide variations in recommendations were noted in 12 received SOPs. In Phase II, 122 physicians (60 centers) responded (30.6% response rate). The majority (60%) recommended autologous HCT recipients return to school within 6 months post-HCT but 65% recommended allogeneic HCT recipients return to school after 6 months or once off immunosuppression. Our findings indicate a lack of consensus within and across HCT centers regarding recommended return to school timing and underscore need for a guideline to standardize this process to ensure patient safety and re-integration into school.

Variation in clinical practice guideline recommendations for medication use in pregnancy in Australia: A systematic review.

Medication use in pregnancy is common; however, it is unknown if clinical practice guideline (CPG) prescribing recommendations referred to in Australia at the state, national and international level are consistent. This systematic review aimed to: (1) identify sources of CPGs that inform prescribing during pregnancy in Australia; (2) assess CPG quality; and (3) evaluate variation within CPG recommendations for medication use in three common conditions in pregnancy: prophylactic antibiotics following premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term, antidepressants in pregnancy and metformin in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE databases. Grey literature was identified through publicly available Australian policy statements. Prescribing recommendations for prophylactic antibiotics following PROM at term, antidepressants in pregnancy and metformin in GDM, were compared at the state, national and international levels. CPG quality was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. We identified 39 CPG sources that inform prescribing during pregnancy in Australia. CPG quality varied between resources. There was minor variation in recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis in PROM at term. Recommendations regarding metformin use in GDM were also variable, with CPGs either recommending its use as a first-line agent when lifestyle modifications are not effective or when insulin therapy is not practicable. Recommendations for antidepressant use were consistent across CPGs analysed. Multiple CPGs exist to inform prescribing during pregnancy in Australia, with variation present within CPG quality and recommendations. These findings offer insight into potential sources of variation in maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

UTI in Primary Care: Are we Prescribing Too Much?

Objectives: The aim of this article were to review usefulness of early clinical detection of UTI without lab tests as diagnostic tool for UTI in primary care and to describe when to start antibiotic treatment for management of UTI according to international guidelines. The emphasis of this review is uncomplicated UTI. Methods: A search was conducted on PubMed and official webpages of major urological, infectious diseases and general practice organisations to identify peer reviewed original articles and reviews, using the search terms ‘UTI’. I considered only papers written in English, with emphasis on more recent articles published up to July 2023. Results: There is a variation in recommendations between guidelines can be a source of confusion and controversy for clinicians in primary care. However, early detection and treatment, education of patients and removal of risk factors may reduce the number of symptomatic episodes, antibiotics usage and antimicrobial resistance in primary care. Conclusion: The diagnosis of acute uncomplicated cystitis in healthy women can be made with reasonable certainty by evaluation of symptoms and signs without a doctor’s visit or urine tests. Individualised assessment of risk factors and previous clinical history is needed to choose the most suitable antimicrobial treatment. Immediate antimicrobial therapy with Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (160/800 mg twice daily for 3 days), Nitrofurantoin (100 mg twice daily for 5-7 days), or Fosfomycin (3g in a single dose) is indicated for acute cystitis in adult women. However, local guidelines advice that immediate antibiotic treatment was not considered necessary for women with uncomplicated lower UTI. Antimicrobial resistance have complicated treatment of UTI worldwide.

Abstract P1-08-10: A web-based Patient Decision Aid Toolkit for unaffected BRCA mutation carriers

Abstract Women with a pathogenic mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have an elevated lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. To address this risk, women are managed with a combination of surveillance and/or risk-reduction strategies. Decisions about risk management strategies can be complex, personal and multifactorial. Women often struggle with the decision-making process. In addition, within the clinical environment, there may be variations in recommendations between clinicians that can leave women uncertain and less able to choose a risk management pathway. The overall aim of this project is the development of a web-based patient decision aid toolkit for BRCA mutation carriers that will improve the decision-making process by providing the user with information about their cancer risk, options for risk management and potential benefits and side effects. Development of the patient decision aid was guided by the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS). With appropriate ethical approval, a mixed methods approach was used to identify suitable content for the decision aid. A decision-making needs assessment was conducted to identify the information needs of women with a BRCA mutation. Semi-structured interviews were held with cancer unaffected BRCA mutation carriers (n = 16) and key stakeholders including healthcare professionals, policy makers and patient group representatives (n= 10). Data were analysed by thematic analysis. Systematic scoping reviews were conducted to synthesise relevant evidence on risk-management options, benefits, harms and the development and testing of patient decision aids in general. Content for the decision aid was refined using a Delphi process to build consensus on items for inclusion in the decision aid amongst a diverse panel of experts (n=13). A prototype patient decision aid was developed which included written information as well as visual depictions of risk, videos and photographs to enhance the patient’s information experience. A ‘values clarification’ activity was included to enable women to work through their own values and preferences relating to risk management interventions and their associated benefits and side-effects. Initial ‘sandpit’ testing of the decision aid prototype was performed by the research team and advisory group. Usability testing was conducted with BRCA mutation carries (n = 8) and healthcare professionals (n = 8) using both qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. The research team made final revisions to the decision aid based on participant feedback and committee consensus. This evidence-based patient decision aid can be used by BRCA mutation carriers unaccompanied or during a clinical consultation. We envisage that this decision aid will improve the decision-making process by assisting women and clinicians during shared decision-making regarding cancer risk management. Citation Format: Sarah A. McGarrigle, Carol Spillane, Niamh Byrne, Manria Polus, Geraldine Prizeman, Amanda Drury, Elizabeth Connolly, Anne-Marie Brady, Yvonne Hanhauser. A web-based Patient Decision Aid Toolkit for unaffected BRCA mutation carriers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-08-10.

Cystic Diseases of the Kidneys: From Bench to Bedside.

Exploration into the causes of hereditary renal cystic diseases demonstrates a deep-rooted connection with the proteomic components of the cellular organelle cilia. Cilia are essential to the signaling cascades, and their dysfunction has been tied to a range of renal cystic diseases initiating with studies on the oak ridge polycystic kidney (ORPK) mouse model. Here, we delve into renal cystic pathologies that have been tied with ciliary proteosome and highlight the genetics associated with each. The pathologies are grouped based on the mode of inheritance, where inherited causes that result in cystic kidney disease phenotypes include autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, nephronophthisis (Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Joubert Syndrome), and autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease. Alternatively, phakomatoses-, also known as neurocutaneous syndromes, associated cystic kidney diseases include tuberous sclerosis (TS) and Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Additionally, we group the pathologies by the mode of inheritance to discuss variations in recommendations for genetic testing for biological relatives of a diagnosed individual.

Prevention of breast cancer-related lymphoedema: Quality of clinical practice guidelines and variations in recommendations.

We aimed to evaluate the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for breast cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL) and compare the similarities and differences in recommendations. Many CPGs of BCRL have been developed; however, their recommendations and quality are controversial. Relevant papers were retrieved from electronic databases, professional associations and guideline development organizations, from 1 January 2015 to 30 September 2021. The Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument was used to evaluate the quality of the guidelines. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was used to evaluate the overall consistency among evaluators. Eight CPGs were included. The ICC values evaluation for CPGs ranged from 0.76 to 0.95, with good consensus among evaluators. The highest median score was 68.75% (61.46, 72.22%) for clarity, and the lowest was 37.50% (25.78, 51.30%) for applicability. The NICE, ACS/ACSO and APTA CPGs were rated well in most areas. Professional health education, individualized exercise programme and regular surveillance are the main methods to prevent lymphoedema. In the past 6years, the quality of BCRL guidelines has varied greatly, especially in the domains of rigour and applicability. Interrater agreement was excellent, but recommendation showed some inconsistencies in the details.

(Un)warranted variation in local hospital protocols for neonatal referral to the pediatrician: An explorative study in the Netherlands.

Studies indicate unwarranted variation in a wide range of neonatal care practices, contributing to preventable morbidity and mortality. Unwarranted variation is the result of complex interactions and multiple determinants. One of the determinants contributing to unwarranted variation in care may be variation in local hospital protocols. The purpose of this study was to examine variation in the content of obstetric and neonatal protocols for six common indications for neonatal referral to the pediatrician: large for gestational age/macrosomia, small for gestational age/fetal growth restriction, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, vacuum extraction, forceps extraction, and cesarean birth. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study examining protocols for neonatal referral to the pediatrician in the obstetric and neonatal departments of all Dutch hospitals. Variation in protocols was analyzed between regions, between neonatal and obstetrics departments located in the same hospital, and within neonatal and obstetrics departments. There was considerable variation in protocols between regions, between neonatal and obstetrics departments, and within neonatal and obstetrics departments. The results of this study showed considerable variation in recommendations for type of referral, admission, screening/diagnostic tests, treatment, and discharge. Furthermore, results generally showed lower referral thresholds in neonatal departments compared with obstetric departments, and higher referral thresholds in the eastern region of the Netherlands. We also found variation in local hospital protocols, which could not be explained by population characteristics but which may be explained by varying recommendations in existing national and international guidelines and/or lack of adherence to these guidelines. To reduce unwarranted variation in local protocols, evidence-based, multidisciplinary guidelines should be developed in the Netherlands. Further research addressing knowledge gaps is needed to inform these guidelines. Attention should be paid to the implementation of evidence, and only where evidence is lacking or inconclusive should agreements be based on multidisciplinary consensus. Where protocols deviate from evidence-based guidelines because of specific local circumstances, clearer, more transparent justifications should be made. Uniformity in guidance will offer clear standards for care evaluation and provide opportunities to reduce inappropriate care.

Quality assessment and comparative analysis on the recommendations of current guidelines on screening and diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease: a systematic review

ObjectivesThere are several clinical practice guidelines available for peripheral artery disease (PAD). The paucity of strong evidence is known to give room for variations in recommendations across guidelines, with attendant...

Predictive validity of the Infant Toddler Checklist in primary care at the 18-month visit and developmental diagnosis at 3–5 years: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThere is international variation in recommendations regarding developmental screening and growing recognition of the low sensitivity of commonly used developmental screening tools. Our objective was to examine the predictive validity...

Management of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Quality Assessment of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Variations in Recommendations on Drug Therapy for Prevention and Treatment.

Purpose: To assess the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) related to drug therapy for prevention and control of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and compare the differences and similarities between recommendations. Methods: Electronic databases (including PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, Web of Science), guideline development organizations, and professional societies were searched to identify CPGs for VAP from 20 January 2012 to 20 January 2022. The Appraisal of Guidelines Research & Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument was used to evaluate the quality of the guidelines. The recommendations on drug therapy for prevention and treatment for each guideline were extracted, and then a descriptive synthesis was performed to analyze the scope/topic, and consistency of the recommendations. Results: Thirteen CPGs were included. The median score and interquartile range (IQR) in each domain are shown below: scope and purpose 72.22% (63.89%,83.33%); stakeholder involvement 44.44% (38.89%,52.78%); rigor of development 43.75% (31.25%,57.29%); clarity and presentation 94.44% (77.78%,94.44%); applicability 20.83 (8.34%,33.34%) and editorial independence 50% (33.33%,66.67%). We extracted 21 recommendations on drug therapy for prevention of VAP and 51 recommendations on drugs used for treatment. Some controversies remained among the included guidelines. Conclusion: There is considerable variability in the development processes and reporting of VAP guidelines. Despite many similarities, the recommendations still had some inconsistencies in the details. For the prevention and treatment of VAP, local microbial epidemiology and antibiotic sensitivity must be considered, and recommendations should be regularly revised as new evidence emerges.

Inclusion of the US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation for Mammography in State Comprehensive Cancer Control Plans in the US

The recommendations for the age and frequency that women at average risk for breast cancer should undergo breast cancer mammography screening have been a matter of emotional, political, and scientific debate over the past decades. Multiple national organizations provide recommendations for breast cancer screening age and frequency. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding for state comprehensive cancer control (CCC) planning requires compliance with stated objectives for attaining goals. US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on cancer prevention and control are currently used to require coverage of prevention services. To evaluate the consistency of state CCC plan objectives compared with the most current (2016) USPSTF recommendations for the age and frequency that individuals should undergo mammography screening and to make recommendations for improvement of state CCC plans. This cross-sectional study used a descriptive, point-in-time evaluation and was conducted from November 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021. In November 2019, the most recent CCC plans from 50 US states and the District of Columbia were downloaded from the CDC website. The recommended ages at which to begin and end mammography examinations and the frequency of mammography examinations were extracted from plan objectives. The recommendations found in CCC plan objectives regarding the ages at which to begin and end mammography examinations and the frequency of mammography examinations for women with average risk for breast cancer were compared with USPSTF recommendations. Of the 51 CCC plans, 16 (31%) were consistent with all USPSTF recommendations for age and frequency that women at average risk should undergo mammography. Twenty-six plans (51%) were partially consistent with recommendations, and 9 plans (18%) were not consistent with any of the 3 guideline components. Compared with the USPSTF recommendation, state CCC plans are not homogenous regarding the age and frequency that women at average risk for breast cancer should undergo mammography. This variation is partially due to differences in state-specific planning considerations and discretion, variations in recommendations among national organizations, and publication of plans prior to the most current USPSTF recommendation (2016). Specifying the concept that high-risk populations need different age and frequency of screening recommendations than the general population may reduce heterogeneity among plans.

Discharge instructions given to women following delivery by cesarean section in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review.

A scoping review of discharge instructions for women undergoing cesarean section (c-section) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Studies were identified from PubMed, Globus Index Medicus, NiPAD, EMBASE, and EBSCO databases. Eligible papers included research based in a SSA country, published in English or French, and containing information on discharge instructions addressing general postnatal care, wound care, planning of future births, or postpartum depression targeted for women delivering by c-section. For analysis, we used the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews followed by a narrative synthesis. We assessed quality of evidence using the GRADE system. We identified 78 eligible studies; 5 papers directly studied discharge protocols and 73 included information on discharge instructions in the context of a different study objective. 37 studies addressed wound care, with recommendations to return to a health facility for dressing changes and wound checks between 3 days to 6 weeks. 16 studies recommended antibiotic use at discharge, with 5 specifying a particular antibiotic. 19 studies provided recommendations around contraception and family planning, with 6 highlighting intrauterine device placement immediately after birth or 6-weeks postpartum and 6 studies discussing the importance of counselling services. Only 5 studies provided recommendations for the evaluation and management of postpartum depression in c-section patients; these studies screened for depression at 4-8 weeks postpartum and highlighted connections between c-section delivery and the loss of self-esteem as well as connections between emergency c-section delivery and psychiatric morbidity. Few studies in SSA directly examine discharge protocols and instructions for women following c-section. Those available demonstrate wide variation in recommendations. Research is needed to develop structured evidence-based instructions with clear timelines for women. These instructions should account for financial burden, access to resources, and education of patients and communities.

Venous Thromboembolism Risk Score and Pregnancy.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pregnancy is associated with the development of a baseline hypercoagulable state. The two strongest risk factors for pregnancy-associated VTE are previous VTE and/or high risk thrombophilia. The others risk factors for VTE during pregnancy are well known such as maternal, pregnancy and delivery characteristics. Considering the variation in recommendation in guidelines and low-quality evidence on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment, practice differs between countries and clinical institutions. Some authors developed risk scores, enabling individualized estimation of thrombotic risk during pregnancy, and permitting implementation of a risk-adapted strategy for thromboprophylaxis during pregnancy and postpartum. This review describes the existing VTE risk scores during the antenatal and postnatal period. The important message beyond the score used is that all women should undergo VTE risk factor assessment. The use of a Computerized Clinical Decision Support System for VTE risk assessment should be explored in obstetrics.