scholarly journals Outpatient antibiotic prescribing for common infections via telemedicine versus face-to-face visits: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Suzuki ◽  
Alexandre R. Marra ◽  
Shinya Hasegawa ◽  
Daniel J. Livorsi ◽  
Michihiko Goto ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the frequency of antibiotic prescribing for common infections via telemedicine compared to face-to-face visits. Design: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Embase (Elsevier platform) and Cochrane CENTRAL to identify studies comparing frequency of antibiotic prescribing via telemedicine and face-to-face visits without restrictions by publish dates or language used. We conducted meta-analyses of 5 infections: sinusitis, pharyngitis, otitis media, upper respiratory infection (URI) and urinary tract infection (UTI). Random-effect models were used to obtain pooled odds ratios (ORs). Heterogeneity was evaluated with I2 estimation and the Cochran Q statistic test. Results: Among 3,106 studies screened, 23 studies (1 randomized control study, 22 observational studies) were included in the systematic literature review. Most of the studies (21 of 23) were conducted in the United States. Studies were substantially heterogenous, but stratified analyses revealed that providers prescribed antibiotics more frequently via telemedicine for otitis media (pooled odds ratio [OR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.52; I2 = 31%) and pharyngitis (pooled OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01–1.33; I2 = 0%). We detected no significant difference in the frequencies of antibiotic prescribing for sinusitis (pooled OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.70–1.06; I2 = 91%), URI (pooled OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.59–2.39; I2 = 100%), or UTI (pooled OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 0.88–7.46; I2 = 91%). Conclusions: Telemedicine visits for otitis media and pharyngitis were associated with higher rates of antibiotic prescribing. The interpretation of these findings requires caution due to substantial heterogeneity among available studies. Large-scale, well-designed studies with comprehensive assessment of antibiotic prescribing for common outpatient infections comparing telemedicine and face-to-face visits are needed to validate our findings.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takaaki Kobayashi ◽  
Alexandre R Marra ◽  
Marin L Schweizer ◽  
Patrick Ten Eyck ◽  
Chaorong Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Morbidity and mortality from candidemia remain unacceptably high. While infectious disease consultation (IDC) is known to lower the mortality from Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, little is known about the impact of IDC in candidemia. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of candidemia patients at a large tertiary care hospital between 2015 and 2019. The crude mortality rate was compared between those with IDC and without IDC. Then, we systematically searched 5 databases through February 2020 and performed a meta-analysis of the impact of IDC on the mortality of patients with candidemia. Results A total of 151 patients met the inclusion criteria, 129 (85%) of whom received IDC. Thirty-day and 90-day mortality rates were significantly lower in the IDC group (18% vs 50%; P = .002; 23% vs 50%; P = .0022, respectively). A systematic literature review returned 216 reports, of which 13 studies including the present report fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among the 13 studies with a total of 3582 patients, IDC was performed in 50% of patients. Overall mortality was 38.2% with a significant difference in favor of the IDC group (28.4% vs 47.6%), with a pooled relative risk of 0.41 (95% CI, 0.35–0.49). Ophthalmology referral, echocardiogram, and central line removal were performed more frequently among patients receiving IDC. Conclusions This study is the first systematic literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between IDC and candidemia mortality. IDC was associated with significantly lower mortality and should be considered in all patients with candidemia.


Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (8) ◽  
pp. 1818-1825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Hagège ◽  
Elina Tan ◽  
Martine Gayraud ◽  
Bruno Fautrel ◽  
Laure Gossec ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Remission (REM) or low disease activity (LDA) is the treatment target in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The objective of this study was to assess the reporting and prevalence of REM/LDA in published studies of PsA. Methods This was a systematic literature review of all clinical papers published in PubMed, EMBASE or Cochrane database in English between 2012 and 2019 in the field of PsA. Data were collected regarding reporting of REM/LDA by very low disease activity/minimal disease activity (VLDA/MDA), Disease Activity index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), or Disease Activity Score 28 joints (DAS28). The pooled rates of REM and LDA by each definition were calculated by random effect meta-analysis. Results In all, 258 publications (corresponding to 114 651 patients), of which 81 (31%) were randomized controlled trials, were analysed: patients’ mean age was 49.4 ( 4.4) years; with a mean disease duration of 8.5 ( 3.8) years. REM/LDA was reported in 91/258 (35.3%) publications. VLDA/MDA was used in 61/91 (67.0%) studies, DAPSA in 27/91 (29.6%) and DAS28 in 28/91 (30.7%), with 40/91 (43.9%) papers reporting several of these definitions. The pooled prevalence (lower–upper limits) of REM was 13.1% (10.9–15.4), 23.1% (16.8–30.1) and 42.1% (33.9–50.4) using VLDA, DAPSA-REM and DAS28, respectively. For LDA the pooled prevalence was 36.3% (32.3–40.5), 52.8% (41.8–63.6) and 60.4% (52.5–68.0) using MDA, DAPSA-LDA and DAS28, respectively. Conclusion REM/LDA status was reported in only1/3 of recent studies on PsA, with important variations in the frequency of these outcomes according to the definition used: 13.1–42.1% for REM, and 36.3–60.4% for LDA. This highlights the need for consensus.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaneil Tanna ◽  
Susana Luengo Cubillo ◽  
Rosie Bhogal ◽  
Sonika Sethi ◽  
Nishma Gokani ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND With the advent of internet-based communications, face-to-face interactions are becoming increasingly uncommon and inconvenient, including those between the doctor and the patient. Social media (SM) has been recognized as a tool that could potentially help nourish and expand relationships in healthcare; however, much remains to be explored. OBJECTIVE A systematic literature Review (SLR) was conducted to explore the use of SM in the United States (US) healthcare setting, and the characteristics of its use, including barriers and facilitators. METHODS A SLR was conducted using three peer-reviewed databases; PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE. EBSCOhost database was included to gain a deeper understanding of companies’ use of SM and any lessons that can be learnt and applied to the healthcare setting. RESULTS Over the last decade there has been a rapid shift in the US towards the uptake of SM technologies, with many hospitals now using platforms such as Twitter and Facebook for communication, health promotion, education and research. SM can also present a competitive and financial advantage to increase a hospital’s reputation and reduce costs. However, despite its many proven or apparent uses, SM also brings with it many challenges, such as ethical considerations, need for clear guidelines and evaluation, perceptions and attitudes of patients and staff, and the possibility of mismatched offer versus patients’ needs. CONCLUSIONS The future of SM lies first of all in developing sound practices, and in its integration into the hospitals’ overall communication strategies, as well as expanding the number of uses and stakeholders involved.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 1863-1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin B Knopf ◽  
Mei Sheng Duh ◽  
Marie-Hélène Lafeuille ◽  
Jonathan Gravel ◽  
Patrick Lefebvre ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1863 Introduction: Bortezomib is approved for the treatment of MM, and bortezomib-based therapies are a cornerstone of care for both first-line and relapsed and/or refractory MM. As bortezomib is administered for a finite course, as opposed to treatment being continued to disease progression, patients may remain sensitive to bortezomib-based therapy at relapse. A number of prospective and retrospective studies in patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM have demonstrated the efficacy of subsequent retreatment with bortezomib-containing regimens. We report a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of bortezomib-based retreatment in relapsed and/or refractory MM. Methods: Using PubMed and major hematology/oncology conference proceedings, a systematic literature review was performed to identify studies from January 2005 to May 2012 of bortezomib-based therapy in patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM. All studies of bortezomib-based retreatment in MM patients with prior exposure to bortezomib were systematically selected. Treatments were classified as bortezomib ± dexamethasone (dex) or bortezomib-based combinations. The proportion of bortezomib-refractory patients was identified for each study where available. Additional prognostic factors, including number of prior therapies, proportion of patients with prior autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), and time since last bortezomib, were extracted and used in weighted stratified analyses of time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Random-effect pooled estimates (taking into account heterogeneity across studies) were calculated for overall response rate (ORR; partial response or better) and rates of common adverse events (AEs). A meta-regression was conducted to explore the interactive effects of prognostic factors on ORR. Results: Twenty-three studies (N=1051 patients) were identified. Bortezomib was administered IV in all studies. Retreatment comprised bortezomib ± dex in 5 studies and combination therapy in 18. Bortezomib-refractory patients were included in 11 studies (10–100% of patients), 6 studies included only relapsed patients, and data were not available for 6 studies. Across studies in which data were available, the pooled, weighted average ORR was 39% (95% CI: 31–47) and the pooled, weighted average median TTP, PFS, and OS were 7.5, 5.8, and 16.6 months, respectively. Data from stratified univariate analyses are shown in the table. Outcomes appeared generally consistent across groups while patients with fewer prior therapies (≤4) and relapsed (but not refractory) patients achieved higher ORRs of 43% (95% CI: 31–55) and 57% (95% CI: 45–69), respectively. Random-effects meta-regression analysis controlling for number of prior therapies and % prior ASCT confirmed that, compared to refractory patients, relapsed patients were associated with a higher ORR by 28–41 percentage points. In studies of bortezomib ± dex in patients with a median age >65 years and with a lower % of patients receiving prior ASCT (≤30%), retreatment remained active (pooled average ORR of 51%, median TTP and OS of 8.4 and 19.2 months). The most common grade 3/4 AEs included thrombocytopenia (35%), neutropenia (15%), anemia (14%), pneumonia (10%), and peripheral neuropathy (3%). Conclusions: Based on these findings, retreatment with bortezomib alone or in combination is efficacious and well tolerated in relapsed patients, with an ORR of 57% and median TTP and OS of 8.5 and 19.7 months. In an era of new and emerging treatment options for relapsed and/or refractory MM, these data indicate bortezomib retreatment remains a highly effective therapeutic option in previously treated patients. Disclosures: Knopf: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy. Duh:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Lafeuille:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Gravel:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Lefebvre:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Niculescu:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Ba-Mancini:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Ma:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Shi:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Comenzo:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.


Diabetes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1159-P
Author(s):  
GLENN M. DAVIES ◽  
ANN MARIE MCNEILL ◽  
ELIZA KRUGER ◽  
STACEY L. KOWAL ◽  
FLAVIA EJZYKOWICZ ◽  
...  

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