Online advice for the symptomatic management of post-stroke fatigue: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Limited medical evidence for managing post-stroke fatigue leads stroke survivors to seek information through other sources. This scoping review aimed to identify and assess the range and quality of web-based recommendations for managing post-stroke fatigue. METHODS: Publicly accessible websites providing advice for post-stroke fatigue management were considered for review using the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology. Using the search term "fatigue stroke", the first two pages of results from each search engine (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) were assessed against predetermined criteria. Findings were reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR checklist. Quality and readability were also assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven websites were identified; 16 primary and 11 linked websites met the inclusion criteria and demonstrated moderate to high quality and high readability. Primary websites were curated by non-government organizations (n = 10/16), companies (n = 4/16) or were media and blog websites (n = 2/16). Additional resources were provided on linked websites. All websites provided non-pharmacological advice, with four also describing pharmacological management. Many websites included advice related to physical activity modification (n = 18/27) and energy conservation strategies (e.g. activity prioritization, planning, pacing) (n = 26/27). Direction to seek health professional advice appeared frequently (n = 16/27). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of publicly available web-based advice for people with post-stroke fatigue was moderate to high in most websites, with high readability. Energy conservation strategies and physical activity modification appear frequently. The general nature of the advice provided on most websites is supported by direction to healthcare professionals (i.e., clinical referral) who may assist in the practical individualization of strategies for managing post-stroke fatigue.

Discussions during shared decision-making in older adults with advanced renal disease: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: This review summarises the information available for clinicians counselling older patients with kidney failure about treatment options, focusing on prognosis, quality of life, the lived experiences of treatment and the information needs of older adults. DESIGN: We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for Scoping Reviews. The final report conforms to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, TRIP and online repositories (for dissertations, guidelines and recommendations from national renal associations). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION: Articles in English studying older adults with advanced kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2); published between January 2000 and August 2018. Articles not addressing older patients separately or those comparing between dialysis modalities were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two independent reviewers screened articles for inclusion and grouped them by topic as per the objectives above. Quantitative data were presented as tables and charts; qualitative themes were identified and described. RESULTS: 248 articles were included after screening 15 445 initial results. We summarised prognostic scores and compared dialysis and non-dialytic care. We highlighted potentially modifiable factors affecting quality of life. From reports of the lived experiences, we documented the effects of symptoms, of ageing, the feelings of disempowerment and the need for adaptation. Exploration of information needs suggested that patients want to participate in decision-making and need information, in simple terms, about survival and non-survival outcomes. CONCLUSION: When discussing treatment options, validated prognostic scores are useful. Older patients with multiple comorbidities do not do well with dialysis. The modifiable factors contributing to the low quality of life in this cohort deserve attention. Older patients suffer a high symptom burden and functional deterioration; they have to cope with significant life changes and feelings of disempowerment. They desire greater involvement and more information about illness, symptoms and what to expect with treatment.