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1.
BMC Med Educ ; 24(1): 106, 2024 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38302979

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In 2009, Yvonne Steinert et al., at McGill University, published a study exploring barriers to faculty development (FD) participation among urban faculty. Over a decade later, we set out to replicate and expand on that study to learn what has changed in continued professional development (CPD) and what the current barriers are to participation in CPD for specialists and family physicians in rural and urban locations. METHODS: Informed by a collaborative inquiry research framework, we invited faculty across rural and urban Saskatchewan to focus groups and interview sessions. The results were analyzed for themes. RESULTS: Thirty-four faculty members from both rural and urban areas participated in this study. Of these, 50% were female, 74% practiced in urban areas, and 56% had over 20 years of experience. Frequently cited reasons for nonparticipation included time constraints, organizational and logistical challenges, poor resonance with material and presenters, and lack of recognition for teaching provided. Racism contributed to feelings of disconnectedness among physician faculty members. CONCLUSION: Even after more than a decade, our research uncovered consistent reasons for nonparticipation in locally organized CPD events. New findings highlighted feelings of disconnectedness, notably stemming from racism and workplace discrimination. However, with recent societal developments brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, can we ride these major waves of change to a new future of engagement? The pandemic led to a shift to virtual and hybrid professional development programs, presenting both benefits and challenges. Additionally, the peri-COVID anti-racism movement may positively address previously unidentified reasons for nonattendance. Harnessing these major changes could lead to a new future of engagement for continued professional development.


Subject(s)
Learning , Pandemics , Humans , Female , Male , Faculty , Physicians, Family , Focus Groups
2.
CMAJ Open ; 11(2): E248-E254, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36918208

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive diagnostic imaging referral guidelines are an important tool to assist referring clinicians and radiologists in determining the safest and best-clinical-value diagnostic imaging study for their patients; the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) last produced its diagnostic imaging referral guidelines in 2012. In partnership with several national organizations, referring clinicians, radiologists, and patient and family advisors from across Canada, the association is redoing its referral guidelines using a new methodology for guideline development, and these guideline recommendations will be suited for integration into clinical decision support systems. METHODS: Expert panels of radiologists, referring clinicians and a patient advisor will work with epidemiologists at the CAR to create guidelines across 13 clinical sections. The expert panel for each section will first create a comprehensive list of clinical and diagnostic scenarios to include in the guidelines. Canadian Association of Radiologists epidemiologists will then conduct a systematic rapid scoping review to identify systematically produced guidelines from other guideline groups. The corresponding expert panel will develop diagnostic imaging recommendations for each clinical and diagnostic scenario using the recommendations identified from the scoping review and contextualize them to the Canadian health care systems. The expert panels will accomplish this using an adapted Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework, which reflects the benefits and harms, values and preferences, equity, accessibility, resources and cost. INTERPRETATION: Freely available, up-to-date, comprehensive Canadian-specific diagnostic imaging referral guidelines are needed. A transparent and structured guideline-development approach will aid the CAR and its partners in producing guidelines across its 13 sections.


Subject(s)
Radiologists , Referral and Consultation , Humans , Canada
3.
J Tissue Viability ; 32(1): 33-38, 2023 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36586765

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a foot self-management strategy that utilized a commercially-available infrared thermometer (CAIT) for prevention of diabetic foot ulcers. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this six-month pilot randomized controlled trial, Phase 2 of a three-phase mixed methods research study, 62 participants were randomized to a thermometer and education group (n = 34) and an education-only group (n = 26). Both groups received foot care education and were assessed by a certified orthotist. All participants recorded their number of steps and recorded a foot assessment in a logbook daily. The thermometer and education group also recorded their daily temperature assessment. A temperature difference of >4° Fahrenheit (F) between the two feet prompted participants to rest their feet. Participants were directed to see their healthcare provider if the temperature difference did not decrease to below 4° F in two days. Phase 3 of the study explored the Phase 2 results to understand the findings further. RESULTS: The strategy improved foot assessment and action: the thermometer and education group had significantly more days with any assessment completed than the education-only group (150.98/180 vs. 119.84/180, p = 0.02). Phase 3 findings showed that the thermometer engaged participants, prompted action, and offered reassurance regarding foot health. CONCLUSIONS: A CAIT is a tool that could support foot self-management and may offer several benefits, such as promoting and providing structure for a foot assessment and direction for action. CLINICAL TRIAL REG NO: NCT0306776 clinicaltrials.gov.


Subject(s)
Diabetic Foot , Self-Management , Humans , Thermometers , Skin Temperature , Foot , Diabetic Foot/prevention & control
4.
BMJ Open ; 12(2): e059711, 2022 Feb 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35210352

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Sleep-time blood pressure correlates more strongly with adverse cardiovascular events than does daytime blood pressure. The BedMed trial evaluates whether bedtime antihypertensive administration, as compared with conventional morning use, reduces major adverse cardiovascular events. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: DesignProspective randomised, open-label, blinded end-point trial.ParticipantsHypertensive primary care patients using blood pressure lowering medication and free from glaucoma.SettingCommunity primary care providers in 5 Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario) are mailing invitations to their eligible patients. Social media campaigns (Google, Facebook) are additionally running in the same provinces.InterventionConsenting participants are allocated via central randomisation to bedtime vs morning use of all antihypertensives.Follow-up(1) Telephone or email questionnaire at 1 week, 6 weeks, 6 months and every 6 months thereafter, and (2) accessing linked governmental healthcare databases tracking hospital and community medical services.Primary outcomeComposite of all-cause death, or hospitalisation for myocardial infarction/acute-coronary syndrome, stroke or congestive heart failure.Secondary outcomesEach primary outcome element on its own, all-cause hospitalisation or emergency department visit, long-term care admission, non-vertebral fracture, new glaucoma diagnosis, 18-month cognitive decline from baseline (via Short Blessed Test).Select other outcomesSelf-reported nocturia burden at 6 weeks and 6 months (no, minor or major burden), 1-year self-reported overall health score (EQ-5D-5L), self-reported falls, total cost of care (acute and community over study duration) and mean sleep-time systolic blood pressure after 6 months (via 24-hour monitor in a subset of 302 sequential participants).Primary outcome analysisCox proportional hazards survival analysis.Sample sizeThe trial will continue until a projected 254 primary outcome events have occurred.Current statusEnrolment ongoing (3227 randomised to date). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: BedMed has ethics approval from six research ethics review boards and will publish results in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02990663.


Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases , Glaucoma , Alberta , Antihypertensive Agents/therapeutic use , Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy , Glaucoma/chemically induced , Humans , Pragmatic Clinical Trials as Topic , Prospective Studies , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Research Design , Risk Factors , Treatment Outcome
5.
Can J Diabetes ; 46(1): 40-46, 2022 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34144906

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of self-management of feet for patients with diabetes from the perspective of the patient, support person and health-care provider. METHODS: The qualitative method, Interpretive Description, was used to guide data collection and analysis. Semistructured interviews were completed with 11 patients, 4 support persons and 9 health-care providers. RESULTS: The overarching theme was that self-management of diabetes and specifically foot health is complex. Six subthemes were identified. Four confirmed what is known in the literature: knowledge of foot self-management, physical ability to provide foot care, footwear and support. The remaining 2 subthemes, readiness to self-manage feet and communication between patients and health-care providers, offered new insights in relation to self-management of foot health. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings have major implications for clinical practice, which can be categorized as the 3Rs: rapport, readiness and reinforcement. Rapport with patients and support persons is vital in creating an environment where foot health concerns can be addressed. Readiness to self-manage foot health is an important factor; health-care providers can capitalize on a patient's level of readiness, regularly tailoring foot education to a patient's needs. Reinforcement of positive foot health with patients and support persons is an important strategy for all health-care providers.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Self-Management , Adult , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Educational Status , Health Personnel , Humans , Qualitative Research , Self Care
6.
MedEdPublish (2016) ; 9: 253, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38058952

ABSTRACT

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a rapid shift in primary care from in-clinic visits to virtual visits. Physicians must adapt to supervising learners in these virtual visits. Multiple factors should be considered prior to a virtual clinic day, including the type of virtual visit, the learner's level of competence, and the patient's characteristics and concerns. Although the approach to supervision of virtual visits may vary, direct supervision and assessment should still continue in a standardized and effective manner. Aim: We have created a novel virtual visit direct observation assessment form to facilitate feedback when physicians are supervising learners in virtual care. Methods: We gathered and reviewed information from the College of Family Physicians of Canada and other resources that were rapidly disseminated during the COVID-19 pandemic to create a direct observation assessment form based on evolving best practice. We conducted an internal peer-review process at our institution for the direct observation assessment form. We then distributed the form across our provincial academic sites for use. Results: The authors present a standardized virtual visit direct observation assessment form for use when supervising learners. This form assesses important skills for effective patient care in a virtual setting. The criteria consist of general competencies and corresponding detailed skills. Conclusion: As primary care incorporates more virtual visits, direct supervision and assessment of residents must remain a priority for academic medicine. The virtual supervision assessment form can be used as an assessment modality, a springboard for feedback, and a learning tool for residents and supervisors as they provide care in an increasingly virtual environment.

7.
Can Fam Physician ; 65(4): 241-242, 2019 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30979748

Subject(s)
Military Family , Canada , Empathy
10.
N Engl J Med ; 379(15): 1416-1430, 2018 10 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30304655

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Myeloproliferative neoplasms, such as polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis, are chronic hematologic cancers with varied progression rates. The genomic characterization of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms offers the potential for personalized diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment. METHODS: We sequenced coding exons from 69 myeloid cancer genes in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, comprehensively annotating driver mutations and copy-number changes. We developed a genomic classification for myeloproliferative neoplasms and multistage prognostic models for predicting outcomes in individual patients. Classification and prognostic models were validated in an external cohort. RESULTS: A total of 2035 patients were included in the analysis. A total of 33 genes had driver mutations in at least 5 patients, with mutations in JAK2, CALR, or MPL being the sole abnormality in 45% of the patients. The numbers of driver mutations increased with age and advanced disease. Driver mutations, germline polymorphisms, and demographic variables independently predicted whether patients received a diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia as compared with polycythemia vera or a diagnosis of chronic-phase disease as compared with myelofibrosis. We defined eight genomic subgroups that showed distinct clinical phenotypes, including blood counts, risk of leukemic transformation, and event-free survival. Integrating 63 clinical and genomic variables, we created prognostic models capable of generating personally tailored predictions of clinical outcomes in patients with chronic-phase myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelofibrosis. The predicted and observed outcomes correlated well in internal cross-validation of a training cohort and in an independent external cohort. Even within individual categories of existing prognostic schemas, our models substantially improved predictive accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive genomic characterization identified distinct genetic subgroups and provided a classification of myeloproliferative neoplasms on the basis of causal biologic mechanisms. Integration of genomic data with clinical variables enabled the personalized predictions of patients' outcomes and may support the treatment of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. (Funded by the Wellcome Trust and others.).


Subject(s)
Calreticulin/genetics , Janus Kinase 2/genetics , Mutation , Myeloproliferative Disorders/genetics , Precision Medicine , Receptors, Thrombopoietin/genetics , Bayes Theorem , DNA, Neoplasm/analysis , Disease Progression , Disease-Free Survival , Humans , Multivariate Analysis , Myeloproliferative Disorders/classification , Phenotype , Prognosis , Proportional Hazards Models , Sequence Analysis, DNA
11.
J Clin Oncol ; 36(34): 3361-3369, 2018 12 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30153096

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Cytoreductive therapy is beneficial in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) at high risk of thrombosis. However, its value in those lacking high-risk features remains unknown. This open-label, randomized trial compared hydroxycarbamide plus aspirin with aspirin alone in patients with ET age 40 to 59 years and without high-risk factors or extreme thrombocytosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were age 40 to 59 years and lacked a history of ischemia, thrombosis, embolism, hemorrhage, extreme thrombocytosis (platelet count ≥ 1,500 × 109/L), hypertension, or diabetes requiring therapy. In all, 382 patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to hydroxycarbamide plus aspirin or aspirin alone. The composite primary end point was time to arterial or venous thrombosis, serious hemorrhage, or death from vascular causes. Secondary end points were time to first arterial or venous thrombosis, first serious hemorrhage, death, incidence of transformation, and patient-reported quality of life. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 73 months and a total follow-up of 2,373 patient-years, there was no significant difference between the arms in the likelihood of patients reaching the primary end point (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.42 to 2.25; P = 1.0). The incidence of significant vascular events was low, at 0.93 per 100 patient-years (95% CI, 0.61 to 1.41). There were also no differences in overall survival; in the composite end point of transformation to myelofibrosis, acute myeloid leukemia, or myelodysplasia; in adverse events; or in patient-reported quality of life. CONCLUSION: In patients with ET age 40 to 59 years and lacking high-risk factors for thrombosis or extreme thrombocytosis, preemptive addition of hydroxycarbamide to aspirin did not reduce vascular events, myelofibrotic transformation, or leukemic transformation. Patients age 40 to 59 years without other clinical indications for treatment (such as previous thrombosis or hemorrhage) who have a platelet count < 1,500 × 109/L should not receive cytoreductive therapy.


Subject(s)
Aspirin/administration & dosage , Hydroxyurea/administration & dosage , Janus Kinase 2/genetics , Thrombocythemia, Essential/drug therapy , Thrombocythemia, Essential/genetics , Thrombosis/prevention & control , Adult , Aspirin/adverse effects , Australia , Disease Progression , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Administration Schedule , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , France , Humans , Hydroxyurea/adverse effects , Internationality , Ireland , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Male , Middle Aged , New Zealand , Prognosis , Proportional Hazards Models , Prospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Severity of Illness Index , Thrombocythemia, Essential/diagnosis , Thrombocythemia, Essential/mortality , Treatment Outcome , United Kingdom
12.
CJEM ; 20(2): 207-215, 2018 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28693640

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Injury and death involving all-terrain vehicles (ATV) has been reported in a number of Canadian provinces. The objective of this study is to describe the frequency, nature, severity, population affected, immediate health costs, efficacy of related legislation, and helmet use in ATV related injuries and deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). METHODS: A retrospective review of injured or deceased ATV riders of all ages entered in the Newfoundland and Labrador Trauma Registry from 2003 to 2013 was conducted. Variables studied included demographics, injury type and severity, use of helmets, admission/discharge dates, and referring/receiving institution. Data was also obtained from the Newfoundland and Labrador Center for Health Information (NLCHI) and included all in-hospital deaths and hospitalizations due to ATVs between 1995 and 2013. RESULTS: There were a total of 298 patients registered in the trauma registry, resulting in 2759 admission days, nine deaths, and a total estimated immediate healthcare system cost in excess of $1.6 million. More males (N=253, 84.9%) than females (N=45, 15.1%) were injured in ATV related incidents, t(20)=7.12, p<.0001. Head and thorax injuries were the most serious. 38.6% of patients were confirmed to be wearing helmets. Mean injury severity scores are as follows: head injury (M=11, SD=9.51), thorax (M=10, SD=8.3), abdominal/pelvis (M=9, SD=7.62), upper extremity (M=9, SD=8.53), other injuries (M=9, SD=10.56) lower extremity (M=8, SD=8.34), and spine (M=8, SD=6.52). CONCLUSIONS: This study describes ATV related injuries and deaths in NL. Information from this study may guide physician practice, public education, and future legislation.


Subject(s)
Off-Road Motor Vehicles/statistics & numerical data , Registries , Wounds and Injuries/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cause of Death/trends , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Newfoundland and Labrador/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Survival Rate/trends , Young Adult
14.
JMIR Mhealth Uhealth ; 3(2): e39, 2015 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25956377

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Headaches are prevalent among teens and young adults. Self-monitoring is essential for managing headaches and can be accomplished with the help of electronic headache diaries. An increasing number of electronic headache diaries exist, yet the absence of quality standards compromises their use for research and clinical purposes. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to develop and test the usability, feasibility, and psychometric properties of an electronic diary iPhone application for self-monitoring by adolescents and young adults with headaches. METHODS: We used an iterative participatory design to develop and test our electronic headache diary. Participants aged 14-28 years old with recurrent headaches were recruited internationally. Screening and consent were conducted online. Following completion of an online pre-questionnaire, participants downloaded the diary to use in their natural environment for 14 days. An online post-questionnaire was completed following testing. The diary's usability and feasibility were tested first and determined to be complete when improvements to the diary did not result in a statistically significant impact on indicators of feasibility and adherence. Interviews were conducted with participants of usability and feasibility testing. The psychometric properties of the diary were then tested, and a case study analysis of one participant was completed. RESULTS: Three cycles to test the usability and feasibility were conducted. Each cycle included 11-19 unique participants ranging in age from 16 to 28 years. Following the testing period for each cycle, 15% to 25% of participants took part in the post-cycle interview. Participants perceived the final version of the diary as useful, easy to learn, and efficient to use. Psychometric properties were then tested with a sample of 65 participants (6 aged 14-17 years old; 59 aged 18-28 years old). All items in the diary had substantial between- and within-subjects variability (percent of variance for the two participant groups ranged from 20.64 to 75.60 and 23.74 to 79.21, respectively). Moreover, the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) included in the diary had adequate between-subjects reliability (R1F=0.66, RKF=0.98), but low within-subjects reliability (RC=0.51). Critical elements of the diary demonstrated adequate convergent and concurrent validity, particularly in the older age group (18-28 years). The validity of some critical elements of the diary could not be explored in the younger age group due to the small subgroup size. The case study provides an example of the potential utility of the diary. CONCLUSIONS: Our electronic headache diary was shown to be a usable and feasible self-monitoring tool when used by adolescents and young adults with headaches for 14 days. This study provides preliminary support of its psychometric properties. Our diary has the potential for helping users to better understand their headaches and, consequently, to change behaviors to improve self-management of their headaches. Its effectiveness as a component of an intervention will be the focus of future research.

15.
Nat Commun ; 6: 6691, 2015 Apr 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25849990

ABSTRACT

Clonal proliferation in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) is driven by somatic mutations in JAK2, CALR or MPL, but the contribution of inherited factors is poorly characterized. Using a three-stage genome-wide association study of 3,437 MPN cases and 10,083 controls, we identify two SNPs with genome-wide significance in JAK2(V617F)-negative MPN: rs12339666 (JAK2; meta-analysis P=1.27 × 10(-10)) and rs2201862 (MECOM; meta-analysis P=1.96 × 10(-9)). Two additional SNPs, rs2736100 (TERT) and rs9376092 (HBS1L/MYB), achieve genome-wide significance when including JAK2(V617F)-positive cases. rs9376092 has a stronger effect in JAK2(V617F)-negative cases with CALR and/or MPL mutations (Breslow-Day P=4.5 × 10(-7)), whereas in JAK2(V617F)-positive cases rs9376092 associates with essential thrombocythemia (ET) rather than polycythemia vera (allelic χ(2) P=7.3 × 10(-7)). Reduced MYB expression, previously linked to development of an ET-like disease in model systems, associates with rs9376092 in normal myeloid cells. These findings demonstrate that multiple germline variants predispose to MPN and link constitutional differences in MYB expression to disease phenotype.


Subject(s)
Polycythemia Vera/genetics , Thrombocythemia, Essential/genetics , Adult , Aged , Alleles , Calreticulin/genetics , Case-Control Studies , Cohort Studies , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Female , GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics , Gene Frequency , Genes, myb/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genetic Variation , Genotype , HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics , Humans , Janus Kinase 2/genetics , MDS1 and EVI1 Complex Locus Protein , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation , Myeloproliferative Disorders/genetics , Peptide Elongation Factors/genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Proto-Oncogenes/genetics , Receptors, Thrombopoietin/genetics , Telomerase/genetics , Transcription Factors/genetics
16.
Epilepsia ; 55(1): 108-16, 2014 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24417555

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Infantile spasms (IS) have long been suspected to be a risk factor for impairment in intellectual development, but there are no controlled, prospective longitudinal data in well-characterized conditions to confirm this suspicion. We tested the hypothesis in a longitudinal study of children with tuberous sclerosis (TS), who have a high risk of developing IS. METHODS: Eleven infants with TS were recruited and studied longitudinally using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Seizure histories were assessed using a structured parent interview and by review of medical notes. Intellectual development was examined in relation to the onset and length of exposure to IS and other types of seizures. RESULTS: Six children developed IS and five children developed other types of seizure disorders. Among those that developed IS, estimated mean IQ dropped significantly (nonparametric test for trend p = 0.002) from 92 (prior to onset of spasms) to 73 (after exposure to IS for a month or less) and 62 (after exposure to IS for more than a month). By contrast, there was no significant drop in estimated IQ among the five infants exposed to other types of seizure disorders (nonparametric test for trend p = 0.9). All six children exposed to infantile spasms developed clinically significant intellectual impairment. SIGNIFICANCE: These data provide the first clear evidence of clinically significant, dose dependent, impairment in intellectual development following exposure to infantile spasms. The mechanisms underlying this developmental impairment and methods for preventing it require in depth study.


Subject(s)
Child Development , Intellectual Disability/etiology , Spasms, Infantile/complications , Tuberous Sclerosis/complications , Age of Onset , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Intelligence Tests , Male , Neuropsychological Tests , Prospective Studies
17.
J Clin Pathol ; 65(12): 1124-7, 2012 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22944622

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To investigate the experience of clinicians in the management of patients with myelofibrosis, current treatment options and their utility. METHODS: We used an internet-based survey RESULTS: Of 105 respondents (mostly consultants), 79% identified bothersome symptoms as the most common issue to be addressed, while for 19%, lack of efficacy of treatment fell into this category. The survey found that a wide variety of treatments are employed but with poor perceived efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first UK based assessment of management of myelofibrosis. Perspectives may evolve with the inception of novel therapeutics in this field , but clinical guidelines for effective management currently recommend a wide variety of agents and suggest a limited likely success rate.


Subject(s)
Practice Patterns, Physicians' , Primary Myelofibrosis/therapy , Health Care Surveys , Humans , Internet , United Kingdom
18.
Blood ; 120(7): 1409-11, 2012 Aug 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22709688

ABSTRACT

Essential thrombocythemia, a myeloproliferative neoplasm, is associated with increased platelet count and risk of thrombosis or hemorrhage. Cytoreductive therapy aims to normalize platelet counts despite there being only a minimal association between platelet count and complication rates. Evidence is increasing for a correlation between WBC count and thrombosis, but prospective data are lacking. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between vascular complications and 21 887 longitudinal blood counts in a prospective, multicenter cohort of 776 essential thrombocythemia patients. After correction for confounding variables, no association was seen between blood counts at diagnosis and future complications. However, platelet count outside of the normal range during follow-up was associated with an immediate risk of major hemorrhage (P = .0005) but not thrombosis (P = .7). Elevated WBC count during follow-up was correlated with thrombosis (P = .05) and major hemorrhage (P = .01). These data imply that the aim of cytoreduction in essential thrombocythemia should be to keep the platelet count, and arguably the WBC count, within the normal range. This study is registered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials Number Registry (www.isrctn.org) as number 72251782.


Subject(s)
Thrombocythemia, Essential/blood , Thrombocythemia, Essential/complications , Vascular Diseases/blood , Vascular Diseases/etiology , Follow-Up Studies , Hemorrhage/blood , Hemorrhage/etiology , Humans , Platelet Count , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Thrombosis/blood , Thrombosis/etiology
19.
Can Fam Physician ; 57(12): e473-81, 2011 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22170209

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine health care professional and parental preferences for receiving progress letters from a pediatric mental health program between a traditional text-only format and a version in which information was presented using graphs and tables with limited text. DESIGN: Mailed survey. SETTING: Nova Scotia. PARTICIPANTS: Parents (n = 98) of children who received treatment from and health care professionals (n = 74) who referred patients to the Strongest Families Program (formerly the Family Help Program) were eligible. Most of the health care professionals were family practitioners (83.8%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preference between 2 letters that contained the same content (including progress in the program, results from a questionnaire, and resolved and ongoing problems) in different formats--one using text only, the other using graphs as well as text. RESULTS: In total, 83.8% of health professionals and 76.5% of parents indicated that they preferred to receive feedback in letters containing information in graphical format. Background and demographic information did not predict preferences. Parents preferred to receive progress letters at the beginning, midway through, and at the end of treatment, and health professionals preferred to receive progress letters at the beginning and end of treatment. CONCLUSION: When receiving progress letters from a pediatric mental health program, health care professionals and parents preferred to receive letters that used graphs to help convey information.


Subject(s)
Computer Graphics , Correspondence as Topic , Mental Health Services , Parents/psychology , Physicians/psychology , Adult , Attitude of Health Personnel , Female , Humans , Male , Nova Scotia , Patient Preference , Pediatrics
20.
J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry ; 50(11): 1162-72, 2011 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22024004

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Most children with mental health disorders do not receive timely care because of access barriers. These initial trials aimed to determine whether distance interventions provided by nonprofessionals could significantly decrease the proportion of children diagnosed with disruptive behavior or anxiety disorders compared with usual care. METHOD: In three practical randomized controlled trials, 243 children (80 with oppositional-defiant, 72 with attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and 91 with anxiety disorders) were stratified by DSM-IV diagnoses and randomized to receive the Strongest Families intervention (treatment) or usual care (control). Assessments were blindly conducted and evaluated at 120, 240, and 365 days after randomization. The intervention consisted of evidence-based participant materials (handbooks and videos) and weekly telephone coach sessions. The main outcome was mental health diagnosis change. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis showed that for each diagnosis significant treatment effects were found at 240 and 365 days after randomization. Moreover, in the overall analysis significantly more children were not diagnosed as having disruptive behavior or anxiety disorders in the treatment group than the control group (120 days: χ(2)(1) = 13.05, p < .001, odds ratio 2.58, 95% confidence interval 1.54-4.33; 240 days: χ(2)(1) = 20.46, p < .001, odds ratio 3.44, 95% confidence interval 1.99-5.92; 365 days: χ(2)(1) = 13.94, p < .001, odds ratio 2.75, 95% confidence interval 1.61-4.71). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with usual care, telephone-based treatments resulted in significant diagnosis decreases among children with disruptive behavior or anxiety. These interventions hold promise to increase access to mental health services. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Strongest Families: Pediatric Disruptive Behaviour Disorder, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00267579; Strongest Families: Pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00267605; and Strongest Families: Pediatric Anxiety, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00267566.


Subject(s)
Anxiety Disorders/therapy , Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders/therapy , Family Therapy , Remote Consultation , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nova Scotia , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Single-Blind Method , Treatment Outcome
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