Search the hub
Showing results for tags 'Research'.
Found 956 results
-
Content ArticlePsychosocial support programs are a way for hospitals to support the mental health of their staff. However, while support is needed, utilization of support by hospital staff remains low. This study from van de Baan et al. aims to identify reasons for non-use and elements that are important to consider when offering psychosocial support.
-
News Article
Nearly one in five of world’s newborns with sepsis die, study finds
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A study in 11 countries over four continents has shown the “catastrophic impact” of antibiotic resistance on babies with sepsis, with nearly one in five dying. The two year observational study enrolled 3204 babies with clinical sepsis in 19 hospitals in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It found that 17.7% were blood culture pathogen positive, and mortality rates among infants up to 60 days old with culture positive sepsis was 17.7%. The research, published in PlOS Medicine, also highlighted wide variation in treatment and frequent switching of antibiotics because of resistance, with 206 antibiotic combinations used by the hospitals studied in Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Greece, India, Italy, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, and Uganda. Read full story Source: BMJ, 9 June 2023 -
News Article
Puberty blockers to be given only in clinical research
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Puberty blockers will only be prescribed to children attending gender identity services as part of clinical research, NHS England has announced. The move comes after an interim report into children's gender services said there were "gaps in evidence" around the drugs. Blockers are used to "pause puberty" and work by supressing hormone release. Dr Hilary Cass's report called for a transformation in the model of care for children with gender-related distress. Currently, if a child seeks medical help, the drugs are one of the options a doctor could offer to help delay the onset of physical changes that do not match a child's gender identity. This change will come into effect when new clinics replacing the Gender Identity and Development Service (Gids) begin to open later this year. No patients being treated by the current Gids service will be affected. Read full story Source: BBC News, 10 June 2023 -
Content ArticleTwo information technology (IT)-based interventions, which aim to improve prescribing safety in primary care, have been rolled out across England over the past few years. Researchers identified five strategies which could help ensure that the systems continue to have an impact over the longer term. The first system (computerised decision support, or CDS) raises a warning when a clinician is about to prescribe a medicine that could increase a patient’s risk of harm. The second method (PINCER) is led by pharmacists; it searches people’s medical notes to identify potential errors that have already happened. Pharmacists, GPs and other clinicians work together to investigate and correct any errors. The research team examined documents, interviewed relevant professionals and carried out workshops which also involved members of the public. They identified strategies that could help ensure that these systems have an ongoing impact in primary care.
-
News ArticleMany media stories about ketamine as a treatment for psychiatric disorders such as depression “go well beyond the evidence base” by exaggerating the efficacy, safety and longevity of the drug or by overstating the risks, an analysis has found. Researchers examined 119 articles about ketamine and mental illness published by major print media in Australia, the US and UK over a five-year period. They found articles peaked in 2019, when the US Food and Drug Administration approved a ketamine-derived nasal spray known as esketamine for treatment-resistant depression. Researchers found 37% of articles contained inaccurate information, largely related to efficacy, safety information and the longevity of the effect of the treatment. Ketamine treatment was portrayed in an “extremely positive light” in 69% of articles, the review found. “Overly optimistic statements from medical professionals regarding efficacy or safety may encourage patients to seek treatments that may not be clinically appropriate,” says the paper, published in the journal BJPsych Open. “Disconcertingly, some articles included strong statements about treatment efficacy that went well beyond the evidence base. Conversely, exaggeration of the risks may discourage patients from pursuing a treatment that may be suitable for them.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 8 June 2023
-
News Article
Long Covid can impair quality of life more than advanced cancers, study says
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Many people with Long Covid have a lower health-related quality of life than people with some advanced cancers, research suggests. Fatigue is the symptom with the greatest impact on the daily lives of Long Covid patients, according to a study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) and the University of Exeter. They found that many were seriously ill and had fatigue scores worse than or similar to people with cancer-related anaemia or severe kidney disease. Their health-related quality of life scores were also lower than those of people with advanced metastatic cancers, such as stage 4 lung cancer. Overall, the impact of long Covid on the daily activities of patients was worse than that for stroke patients and comparable to people with Parkinson’s disease. The study co-author Prof William Henley, of Exeter University medical school, said: “Long Covid is an invisible condition, and many people are left trying to manage significant changes to how they can function. “Shockingly, our research has revealed that Long Covid can leave people with worse fatigue and quality of life than some cancers, yet the support and understanding is not at the same level. We urgently need more research to enable the development of evidence-based services to support people trying to manage this debilitating new condition.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 8 June 2023 -
Content ArticleThis study from Walker et al. describes self-reported characteristics and symptoms of treatment-seeking patients with Long Covid and assesses the impact of symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patients’ ability to work and undertake activities of daily living. It found that a high proportion were of working age with over half reporting moderately severe or worse functional limitation. There were substantial impacts on ability to work and activities of daily living in people with Long Covid. Clinical care and rehabilitation should address the management of fatigue as the dominant symptom explaining variation in functionality.
-
Content ArticleLittle information is available about the effect of childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) on family function. The aim of this study was to identify the areas of family life most affected and their perceived importance. Intensive qualitative interviews with 34 families were conducted and 11 basic problem areas were identified.
-
News ArticleA blood test for more than 50 types of cancer has shown real promise in a major NHS trial, researchers say. The test correctly revealed two out of every three cancers among 5,000 people who had visited their GP with suspected symptoms, in England or Wales. In 85% of those positive cases, it also pinpointed the original site of cancer. The Galleri test looks for distinct changes in bits of genetic code that leak from different cancers. Spotting treatable cancer early can save lives. The test remains very much a "work in progress", the researchers, from Oxford University, say, but could increase the number of cancers identified. Read full story Source: BBS News, 2 June 2023
-
Content ArticleAchieving an evidence-based practice not only depends on implementation of evidence-based interventions, but also requires de-implementing interventions that are not evidence-based, also known as low-value care (LVC). This is quite a new topic and knowledge is lacking concerning how de-implementation and implementation processes and determinants might differ. This scoping review identified 10 studies describing theoretical approaches that have been used concerning de-implementation of LVC. The findings point to the need for more research to identify the most important processes and determinants for successful de-implementation of LVC, and to explore differences between de-implementation and implementation.
-
News ArticleResearchers have completed the first successful in-patient trial of liver dialysis. The DIALIVE device, invented by researchers at UCL’s Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, was found to be safe and effective, research suggests. According to a new study, the device is associated with substantial improvement in the severity of symptoms and organ function in a greater proportion of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), when compared with patients receiving standard of care. The next step would be a larger clinical trial, which if successful could see DIALIVE approved for clinical use within the next three years. Read full story Source: The Independent, 1 June 2023
-
Content ArticleThis study in BMJ Open Quality aimed to assess the patient safety status in selected hospitals in Ghana. The authors concluded that the current patient safety status in the hospitals in the study was generally good, with the highest score in the knowledge and learning in the patient safety domain. Patient safety surveillance was identified as the weakest action area.
-
Content Article
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Evidence Collections draw together evidence from important NIHR-funded and wider research. They aim to help people in policy and practice understand recent important research in a topic area. The most recent Collection is Maternity services: evidence for improvement. In this blog, one of the Collection's authors, Candace Imison, describes how it was framed by the findings from a recent investigation into failings in East Kent Hospitals’ maternity services. She focuses on some key messages from evidence on how to identify poor performance and provide effective board governance and oversight. -
Content ArticleThis study in the Journal of Patient Safety and Risk Management aimed to assess the patient safety situation in Ghana across the World Health Organization's (WHO’s) 12 action areas of patient safety. The authors used interviews and observation including a WHO adapted questionnaire across 16 selected hospitals, including two teaching hospitals selected from the northern and southern parts of the Ghana. The key strength identified in the patient safety situational analysis was knowledge and learning in patient safety, while patient safety surveillance was the weakest action area identified. There were also weaknesses in areas such as national patient policy, healthcare associated infections, surgical safety, patient safety partnerships and patient safety funding.
-
Content ArticleIn England, the NHS National Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) offers routine breast screening to all women, some trans men and non-binary people, between the ages of 50 years and up to their 71st birthday, every 3 years. The unfolding Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 was understandably a time of great anxiety and concern. Culturally we were seeing strong behavioural shifts such as social distancing and a general change in all our daily life patterns. Conceptually, and as leaders, we understood the vulnerability we observed, but felt that we did not have the 'right language' and in fact lacked the relevant experience of how to address and communicate with staff and clients during this crisis. A semiotic, observational research project was utilised that aimed at providing insight how cultural behaviour was being shaped and expressed during the early onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in England. The recommendations of the project were then integrated and implemented into an action plan and subsequent practice. Semiotic analysis revealed that several factors (positive and negative) impacted on peoples' confidence and had practical and emotional implications. Eleven main codes which are belief systems about oneself and others were identified and expressed in a multitude of different ways revealing three main themes or needs i.e. Reassurance, Trust and Clarity. An action plan was developed in response to the project findings and recommendation were implemented. Effective leadership relies on situational awareness. This semiotic project enabled the authors to find the 'right' language and communication style so that they could connect with staff at the time of crisis.
-
News Article
GPs urged to trial experimental drugs on patients
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Lord O’Shaughnessy has carried out a widespread review of clinical trials in Britain and found it is falling behind in medical research. He has suggested a raft of reforms, which include financial incentives for GPs who carry out community drugs and treatments trials on their patients at local surgeries or in their own homes. Patients who receive genomic testing on the NHS should also be automatically asked to consent to their genetic data being used for research, the report recommends. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has been told to cut red tape and speed up approvals for medicines. It has also been asked to approve clinical trials within 60 days of submission. Writing in The Telegraph, Will Quince, Minister of State for Health and Secondary Care, said: “Cutting the time it takes for new medicines to reach patients is vital and has a direct impact on how patients recover faster or better manage conditions. “We want to make it easier for more people to be a part of life-changing research and giving the option to take part in trials virtually will improve the scope of who wants to, or can take part. “From cancer to obesity, these research studies can lead to billions of pounds in savings for the NHS and cut waiting lists through faster diagnosis and enhanced treatment.” Read full story (paywalled_ Source: The Telegraph, 26 May 2023 -
Content ArticleIn February 2023, the government commissioned an independent review to offer recommendations on how to resolve key challenges in conducting commercial clinical trials in the UK and transform the UK commercial clinical trial environment. The review sets out 27 recommendations, including both priority actions to progress in 2023 and longer-term ambitions for UK commercial clinical trials. The review was conducted by Lord James O’Shaughnessy, Senior Partner at consultancy firm Newmarket Strategy, Board Member of Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and former Health Minister, who was appointed as review Chair. During the review, Lord O’Shaughnessy consulted closely with industry and a wide range of stakeholders across the UK clinical trials sector. The government response welcomes all recommendations from the review, in principle, and makes 5 headline commitments backed by £121 million. An implementation update, setting out progress made against these commitments and a comprehensive response to the remaining recommendations, will be published in the autumn.
-
Content Article
Medical device safety: effective testing is key
NicholasTHFarr posted an article in Medical devices (new)
In this blog, University of Sheffield based researcher Dr Nicholas Farr explains why investing in the development of testing methods is key to ensuring medical devices are safe to use. His current work focuses on how the materials used in medical devices react within the body. Most recently, he has looked at mesh implants and how they degrade and change over time. Nicholas and colleagues at the University of Sheffield have developed innovative testing methods that mimic key features of the human body within the lab. He believes this will improve our understanding of the materials being used in the development of medical devices at an early stage in the process – saving time and money, and reducing the risk of patient harm. -
News Article
New treatment ‘can help people stop taking opioid painkillers for chronic pain’
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A new treatment could help people to stop taking addictive opioid painkillers for chronic pain, research suggests. Data suggests there are one million people at risk from longer-term continuous opioid prescriptions, and more than 50,000 have been taking these for six months or more. While recent NHS initiatives have managed to reduce opioid prescribing by 8%, saving an estimated 350 lives, the new research has found evidence that could help many more people stop their opioid painkiller use. A team of researchers and doctors has developed and successfully trialled a programme designed to guide people in coming off prescription painkillers, tapering their opioid intake and learning how to manage their pain using alternative techniques with a course which combines one-to-one and group support. According to the findings, after one year, one in five people were able to stop taking opioids without their pain increasing. The scientists suggest the new treatment is an alternative to opioid use and has potential to give patients a better quality of life. Read full story Source: The Independent, 23 May 2023 -
Content ArticleA mixed methods study undertaken July 2014 to February 2015, employing expert discussion, consensus and statistical modelling to identify indicators of quality and safety, establish a set of criteria to inform decisions about which indicators were robust and useful measures, and whether these could be used to identify positive deviants. Published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.
-
Content ArticleMany cross-sectional studies and reviews have demonstrated that higher registered nurse staffing levels are associated with better patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify and assess the evidence for an association between nurse staffing levels, including the composition of the nursing team, and patient outcomes in acute care settings from longitudinal studies.
-
Content ArticleInstitutional racism within the United Kingdom's (UK) Higher Education (HE) sector, particularly nurse and midwifery education, has lacked empirical research, critical scrutiny, and serious discussion. This paper focuses on the racialised experiences of nurses and midwives during their education in UK universities, including their practice placements. It explores the emotional, physical, and psychological impacts of these experiences. The study concludes that the endemic culture of racism in nurse and midwifery education is a fundamental factor that must be recognised and called out. The study argues that universities and health care trusts need to be accountable for preparing all students to challenge racism and provide equitable learning opportunities that cover the objectives to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements to avoid significant experiences of exclusion and intimidation.
-
Content ArticleThe aim of this Australian study was to assess the impact of adding assistants in nursing to acute care hospital ward nurse staffing on adverse patient outcomes using administrative health data. The results suggest that the introduction of assistants in nursing into ward staffing in an additive role should be done under a protocol which clearly defines their role, scope of practice, and working relationship with registered nurses, and the impact on patient care should be monitored.
-
Content ArticleThe implementation and continuous improvement of patient safety learning systems (PSLS) is a principal strategy for mitigating preventable harm to patients. Although substantial efforts have sought to improve these systems, there is a need to more comprehensively understand critical success factors. This study aims to summarise the barriers and facilitators perceived by hospital staff and physicians to influence the reporting, analysis, learning and feedback within PSLS in hospitals.
-
News Article
‘Little evidence’ whether or not most antidepressants work for chronic pain
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Antidepressants commonly used to treat chronic pain lack evidence as to whether or not they work, researchers have said, declaring the situation a global public health concern. Chronic pain, typically defined as pain lasting three months or more, is a widespread problem affecting up to one in three people, with conditions ranging from osteoarthritis to fibromyalgia. While exercise is often recommended, this is difficult for some patients, while there are concerns that opioids and other painkillers such as aspirin and paracetamol could do more harm than good. Increasing numbers of patients are prescribed antidepressants to treat their pain, with hundreds of thousands in the UK estimated to be taking amitriptyline. Antidepressants affect chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which is how they are thought to relieve pain. But a new Cochrane review, led by Prof Tamar Pincus, professor in health psychology at the University of Southampton, has revealed there is little evidence whether or not amitriptyline and many other common antidepressants work when it comes to tackling chronic pain. “The fact that we don’t find evidence whether it works or not, is not the same as finding evidence that it doesn’t work,” she said. “We don’t know. The studies simply are not good enough.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 10 May 2023
