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Interventions with a significant mortality difference in acute respiratory distress syndrome: A systematic review and comparison with Guidelines.

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has a high mortality rate. European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) and American Thoracic Society (ATS) Guidelines are the worldwide reference for clinicians in management of ARDS. Mortality represents one of the most important outcomes in intensive care practice and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) the highest level of evidence. We compared Guidelines recommendations with RCT results to highlight differences and find potential new therapeutic opportunities. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of all RCTs reporting a statistically significant mortality difference in ARDS and a subsequent comparison with ESICM and ATS Guidelines recommendations. RESULTS: We identified 33 RCTs and 23 interventions with mortality difference in ARDS patients. Seven interventions relate to invasive ventilation strategies, two to noninvasive ventilation strategies, one to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), 12 to drugs and one to nutritional support. In 25/33 (76%) RCTs the intervention was associated with mortality reduction and in 8/33 with mortality increase (24%). Multicenter studies were 24/33 (73%) while blinding was adopted in 19/33 (58%) studies. Guidelines recommendations supported by RCTs with mortality impact include: the use of low tidal volume ventilation, prone positioning, venovenous ECMO, steroids and the avoidance of high frequency oscillatory ventilation. Eight of the interventions identified were not mentioned by Guidelines but demonstrated reduced mortality, and five further interventions demonstrated increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review highlights potential gaps between RCTs results and Guidelines that could be used to plan future research or highlight topics to be discussed in future Guidelines.

Humans↗

Improving quality of care for acute myocardial infarction: The Guidelines Applied in Practice (GAP) Initiative.

CONTEXT: Quality of care of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has received intense attention. However, it is unknown if a structured initiative for improving care of patients with AMI can be effectively implemented at a wide variety of hospitals. OBJECTIVE: To measure the effects of a quality improvement project on adherence to evidence-based therapies for patients with AMI. DESIGN AND SETTING: The Guidelines Applied in Practice (GAP) quality improvement project, which consisted of baseline measurement, implementation of improvement strategies, and remeasurement, in 10 acute-care hospitals in southeast Michigan. PATIENTS: A random sample of Medicare and non-Medicare patients at baseline (July 1998--June 1999; n = 735) and following intervention (September 1--December 15, 2000; n = 914) admitted at the 10 study centers for treatment of confirmed AMI. A random sample of Medicare patients at baseline (January--December 1998; n = 513) and at remeasurement (March--August 2001; n = 388) admitted to 11 hospitals that volunteered, but were not selected, served as a control group. INTERVENTION: The GAP project consisted of a kickoff presentation; creation of customized, guideline-oriented tools designed to facilitate adherence to key quality indicators; identification and assignment of local physician and nurse opinion leaders; grand rounds site visits; and premeasurement and postmeasurement of quality indicators. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences in adherence to quality indicators (use of aspirin, beta-blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors at discharge; time to reperfusion; smoking cessation and diet counseling; and cholesterol assessment and treatment) in ideal patients, compared between baseline and postintervention samples and among Medicare patients in GAP hospitals and the control group. RESULTS: Increases in adherence to key treatments were seen in the administration of aspirin (81% vs 87%; P =.02) and beta-blockers (65% vs 74%; P =.04) on admission and use of aspirin (84% vs 92%; P =.002) and smoking cessation counseling (53% vs 65%; P =.02) at discharge. For most of the other indicators, nonsignificant but favorable trends toward improvement in adherence to treatment goals were observed. Compared with the control group, Medicare patients in GAP hospitals showed a significant increase in the use of aspirin at discharge (5% vs 10%; P<.001). Use of aspirin on admission, ACE inhibitors at discharge, and documentation of smoking cessation also showed a trend for greater improvement among GAP hospitals compared with control hospitals, although none of these were statistically significant. Evidence of tool use noted during chart review was associated with a very high level of adherence to most quality indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of guideline-based tools for AMI may facilitate quality improvement among a variety of institutions, patients, and caregivers. This initial project provides a foundation for future initiatives aimed at quality improvement.

Aged↗

Results of a randomized controlled trial of intervention to implement smoking guidelines in Veterans Affairs medical centers: increased use of medications without cessation benefit.

BACKGROUND: The AHRQ Clinical Practice Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence recommends screening and treatment of all tobacco users. Effective methods to implement recommendations are needed because simple guideline dissemination does not necessarily result in changes in practice. OBJECTIVES: The Guideline Implementation for Tobacco (GIFT) study tested an organizational intervention to improve Guideline implementation. RESEARCH DESIGN: GIFT randomized 20 Veterans Affairs medical centers to intervention or control conditions. We trained prime movers at each site to improve identification of smoking status, promote primary care interventions and increase availability of smoking cessation medications. Sites and patients were evaluated before and after intervention. SUBJECTS: GIFT included 20 Veterans Affairs medical centers and 5678 subjects. MEASURES: Data regarding smoking status, delivery of treatment, medication use, and smoking cessation were collected from participant surveys, medical record review, survey of site leaders, and Pharmacy Benefits Management. RESULTS: The intervention did not increase participant report of being asked about smoking status or receipt of counseling. It did increase the rate of identification of smoking status in the medical record (P = 0.0001) but did not increase the rate of counseling to stop smoking. Site level data showed no increase in the number of patients receiving smoking cessation medications or dollars spent on medications. Individual smoker data showed a significant increase in the use of medications for smoking cessation in intervention sites (odds ratio = 6.89, P < 0.0001); however, only a small minority of smokers received medication even after the intervention. There was no difference in smoking cessation rates between participants at the intervention and treatment sites. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that improvements in smoking cessation rates are likely to require more intensive intervention in this population.

Cohort Studies↗

Meeting Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requirements for tobacco cessation: the St. Joseph's/Candler Health System approach to success.

Health care institutions can no longer treat only the sequelae of tobacco use. Smoking-cessation programs must be instituted to meet health promotion and education goals developed on admission for all patients. Leading authorities, such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, now include tobacco-cessation counseling as quality performance measures. This article discusses successful strategies that health care professionals have used at St. Joseph's/Candler Health System in Savannah, Georgia, to meet these standards.

Clinical Protocols↗

Perceived adherence to prescribed or recommended standards of care among adults with diabetes.

PURPOSE: Adults with diabetes were surveyed to determine the extent to which respondents perceived specific preventive regimens (diet, exercise, weight control, and education) had been prescribed or recommended, adhered to their prescribed regimens, and identified barriers to nonadherence. METHODS: Surveys were mailed to 2 samples of adults diagnosed with diabetes. The clinic sample was from health department clinics (n = 264); the agency sample was from a nonprofit agency serving people with diabetes (n = 111). RESULTS: Of the 4 preventive measures under investigation, diet plans and weight reduction were perceived as most commonly recommended by health professionals; exercise schedules were the least commonly recommended. Diabetes self-management education was reportedly recommended more often among the agency sample. In terms of adherence, approximately half of both samples were able to lose weight. A smaller portion of the clinic sample was able to get needed foods and exercise, and maintain weight loss. The most frequently cited reasons for nonadherence were cost, transportation, and other health conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in the implementation of preventive behaviors is needed, particularly exercise schedules. Barriers to care, such as costs and transportation, may need special consideration.

Adult↗

Self-management of alcohol problems among aging adults.

Alcohol abuse among aging adults is thought to be one of the fastest growing health concerns in the United States. To manage this problem, a stepped-care approach is recommended. This approach consists of brief interventions and, if necessary, a more extensive treatment program to help individuals self-manage their drinking habits. Brief interventions fall within the harm reduction philosophy and normally consist of one to five short sessions. In contrast, The Gerontology Alcohol Project (GAP) offers a more comprehensive treatment protocol for individuals who require enhanced self-management guidelines. Both treatment strategies are supported by research conducted with older alcohol abusers.

Aged↗

Atrial fibrillation and stroke: from scientific evidence to practice.

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is the most frequent cause of cardioembolic stroke. Due to the aging of the population, NVAF is becoming an important public health issue. Despite the impressive results of trials with oral anticoagulation (OAC) in primary and secondary prevention of stroke in NVAF patients, OAC remains underused or misused in practice. Beyond the risk of bleeding, there also are several arguments for a lack of knowledge about trials and guidelines. Medical education could then be one of the most effective way to improve stroke prevention in NVAF patients in practice.

Anticoagulants↗

Strategies to contain the emergence of antimicrobial resistance: a systematic review of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review of the literature to describe and critically appraise studies reporting on the cost and/or effectiveness of interventions proposed to control the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). METHODS: The search for relevant studies encompassed consultation with world experts in AMR, and electronic bibliographic database search of: Medline (1960-2000); ISI (1981-2000); EMBASE (1988-2000); Grey Literature (1999-2000); Database of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE) and the NHS Health Economic Evaluation Database (HEED) at York University's Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) (numerous years); OPAC (1975-2000); and the Cochrane Library Online (1990-2000). Only studies that concerned the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of measures specifically designed to contain the emergence of AMR were reviewed. Standardised data extraction sheets, based on existing checklists for effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, were used to assess the validity of each study using the 'risk of bias criteria' suggested in the Cochrane Handbook. Only studies categorised as being at low or moderate risk of bias were reported fully. The reliability of the data review process was monitored by comparison of several, random, independent assessments by all authors. The mix of study methods (i.e. including studies based on non-randomised controlled trials) meant that formal meta-analysis was not possible, and thus a qualitative review was performed. RESULTS: In total, 43 studies were reviewed, with 21 classed as being at moderate or low risk of bias and therefore reported in the paper. These studies covered policies on: restricting the use of antimicrobials (five studies, suggesting that restriction policies can alter prescriber behaviour, although with limited evidence of subsequent effect on AMR); prescriber education, feedback and use of guidelines (six studies, with no clear conclusion); combination therapies (seven studies, showing the potential to lower drug-specific resistance, although for an indeterminate time period); vaccination (three studies showing cost/effectiveness). Most of these studies were: from the developed world, principally the USA; hospital-based, with few community level interventions; and concerned with effectiveness, not cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there is an absence of good evidence concerning what is effective, and especially cost-effective, in reducing the emergence of AMR. However, in addition to more research concerning these forms of intervention, the paper highlights four specific areas for further investigation: validating intermediate or surrogate outcome measures to enable better use to be made of the literature on intermediate measures; development and evaluation of 'macro' strategies; research into specific aspects of AMR in developing countries; and empirical and methodological research concerning the economic evaluation of interventions.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Maternal screening and treatment for group B streptococcus.

Maternal group B streptococcus colonization can result in complications for both mother and fetus. There are two protocols for decreasing the risk of infection: antenatal cultures and intrapartum risk-factor screening. Compliance with guidelines improves with the active participation of nurses who monitor women at risk, notify clinicians when treatment is appropriate, and provide patient support and education.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Finding evidence-based answers to clinical questions online.

You can find evidence-based answers to clinical questions quickly by searching online medical databases. The key is to be selective, on the basis of the type of information you need. Online textbooks, consensus guidelines systematic reviews, and MEDLINE are all available.

Directories as Topic↗

Evaluation of an educational tool to enhance outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer.

Patients with head and neck cancer often present with locally advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Treatment plans include aggressive radiation therapy, often with concurrent chemotherapy. This treatment causes significant toxicity resulting from normal tissue damage. Currently, no consensus or evidence-based practice guidelines exist regarding which type of oral care products are best to use. Nurses in one radiation oncology department initiated a performance improvement project to develop oral care guidelines and an educational-tool for patients.

Evidence-Based Medicine↗