scholarly journals Identifying Continence OptioNs after Stroke (ICONS): an evidence synthesis, case study and exploratory cluster randomised controlled trial of the introduction of a systematic voiding programme for patients with urinary incontinence after stroke in secondary care

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lois H Thomas ◽  
Beverley French ◽  
Christopher J Sutton ◽  
Denise Forshaw ◽  
Michael J Leathley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
Systematic Voiding Programme ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundUrinary incontinence (UI) following acute stroke is common, affecting between 40% and 60% of people in hospital, but is often poorly managed.AimTo develop, implement and evaluate the preliminary effectiveness and potential cost-effectiveness of a systematic voiding programme (SVP), with or without supported implementation, for the management of UI after stroke in secondary care.DesignStructured in line with the Medical Research Council framework for the evaluation of complex interventions, the programme comprised two phases: Phase I, evidence synthesis of combined approaches to manage UI post stroke, case study of the introduction of the SVP in one stroke service; Phase II, cluster randomised controlled exploratory trial incorporating a process evaluation and testing of health economic data collection methods.SettingOne English stroke service (case study) and 12 stroke services in England and Wales (randomised trial).ParticipantsCase study, 43 patients; randomised trial, 413 patients admitted to hospital with stroke and UI.InterventionsA SVP comprising assessment, individualised conservative interventions and weekly review. In the supported implementation trial arm, facilitation was used as an implementation strategy to support and enable people to change their practice.Main outcome measuresParticipant incontinence (presence/absence) at 12 weeks post stroke. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, frequency and severity of incontinence, urinary symptoms, activities of daily living and death, at discharge, 6, 12 and 52 weeks post stroke.ResultsThere was no suggestion of a beneficial effect on outcome at 12 weeks post stroke [intervention vs. usual care: odds ratio (OR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 1.93; supported implementation vs. usual care: OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.09]. There was weak evidence of better outcomes on the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire in supported implementation (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.72 to 2.08) but the CI is wide and includes both clinically relevant benefit and harm. Both intervention arms had a higher estimated odds of continence for patients with urge incontinence than usual care (intervention: OR 1.58, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.99; supported implementation: OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.88 to 3.43). The process evaluation showed that the SVP increased the visibility of continence management through greater evaluation of patients’ trajectories and outcomes, and closer attention to workload. In-hospital resource use had to be based on estimates provided by staff. The response rates for the postal questionnaires were 73% and 56% of eligible patients at 12 and 52 weeks respectively. Completion of individual data items varied between 67% and 100%.ConclusionsThe trial was exploratory and did not set out to establish effectiveness; however, there are indications the intervention may be effective in patients with urge and stress incontinence. A definitive trial is now warranted.Study registrationThis study is registered as ISRCTN08609907.Funding detailsThe National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research programme. Excess treatment costs and research support costs were funded by participating NHS trusts and health boards, Lancashire and Cumbria and East Anglia Comprehensive Local Research Networks and the Welsh National Institute for Social Care and Health Research.

scholarly journals Longer-term health and social care strategies for stroke survivors and their carers: the LoTS2Care research programme including cluster feasibility RCT

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-268
Author(s):  
Anne Forster ◽  
Seline Ozer ◽  
Thomas F Crocker ◽  
Allan House ◽  
Jenny Hewison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Usual Care ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Stroke Services ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background It is reported that the longer-term outcomes for stroke survivors are poor, with a range of unmet needs identified. Objectives The aims were to develop and test a longer-term stroke care strategy focused on improving the quality of life of stroke survivors and their carers by addressing unmet needs, and maintenance and enhancement of participation (i.e. involvement in life situations). Design Five overlapping workstreams were undertaken – (1) refinement of content by semistructured interviews with stroke survivors and their carers and by a review of the literature to inform content and delivery of the care strategy; (2) exploration of service models by national survey and focus groups with purposely selected services; (3) intervention development by interaction with a reference group of stroke survivors, carers, and health and social care professionals; (4) refinement and pilot implementation of the developed intervention in three stroke services (case studies); and (5) a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial in 10 stroke services across England and Wales. Setting The intervention development work and feasibility trial were in stroke services (inclusive of primary, secondary, community and social care provision) across England and Wales. Participants Participants were stroke survivors resident in the community and their carers, and health and social care professionals in the included stroke services. Data sources Interviews with 28 stroke survivors and their carers at least 9 months post stroke ascertained their needs and the barriers to and facilitators of addressing those needs. Additional literature reviews identified 23 needs. No evidence-based interventions to address these needs were reported; self-management was highlighted as a possible delivery mechanism. In workstream 2, a national survey revealed that the most common model of stroke service provision was care up to 12 months post stroke, reported by 46 (40%) services. Thirty-five (30%) services provided care up to 6 months post stroke and 35 (30%) provided care beyond 12 months, thus identifying 6 months post stroke as an appropriate delivery point for a new intervention. Through focus groups in a range of services, stroke survivors’ perceived unmet needs and the barriers to and enablers of service provision were identified. Intervention Using information obtained in workstreams 1 and 2 and working closely with a stakeholder reference group, we developed an intervention based on the unmet needs prioritised by stroke survivors and their carers (workstream 3). In workstream 4, action groups (clinicians, stroke survivors and researchers) were established in three stroke services that led implementation in their service and contributed to the iterative refinement of the intervention, associated training programme and implementation materials. The intervention (called New Start) was delivered at 6 months post stroke. Key components were problem-solving self-management with survivors and carers, help with obtaining usable information, and helping survivors and their carers build sustainable, flexible support networks. Results A cluster randomised feasibility trial (workstream 5) was successfully implemented in 10 stroke services across England and Wales, with associated process and health economic evaluations. Five services were randomised to provide New Start, while five continued with usual care; 269 participants were recruited. Progression criteria – in terms of our pre-determined (red, amber, green) criteria for progress to a full trial: target stroke survivor recruitment rates were achieved, on average, across sites (24.1 per site over 6 months, green); 216 (80.3%) registered stroke survivors returned follow-up questionnaires at 9 months (84.1% in the intervention arm and 75.8% in the usual care arm, green); according to data reported by sites, overall, 95.2% of registered stroke survivors were offered at least one session of the intervention (green); all five intervention sites had at least two facilitators deemed competent, delivered the New Start intervention and provided it to stroke survivors (green). However, at some sites, there were concerns regarding the number of stroke survivors being offered, accepting and receiving the intervention. Only small differences in outcomes and costs were observed between the New Start and usual care groups, and considerable uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness remains. Conclusions We report a complex programme of work that has described the longer-term needs of stroke survivors and highlighted evidence and service gaps. Working closely with stroke survivors, an intervention was developed that has been refined in three services and feasibility tested in a cluster randomised controlled trial. Further refinement of the target population and optimisation of the intervention materials is required prior to a full randomised controlled trial evaluation. Future work Optimisation of the intervention, and clearer specification of recipients, are required prior to a full trial evaluation. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN38920246. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full in Programme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 9, No. 3. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

scholarly journals Reducing shoulder complaints in employees with high occupational shoulder exposures: study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled study (The Shoulder-Café Study)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanette Trøstrup ◽  
Lone Ramer Mikkelsen ◽  
Poul Frost ◽  
Annett Dalbøge ◽  
Mette Terp Høybye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Usual Care ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Cluster Randomised Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background: In Denmark, exercise therapy in combination with work modifications is the first choice treatment for persons with shoulder complaints and high occupational shoulder exposures. To obtain this treatment they must visit several healthcare providers, which makes usual care fragmented and uncoordinated. Therefore, we developed a new intervention which unifies the expertise that is needed. The main hypotheses are that a group-based Shoulder-Café intervention will reduce (I) shoulder complaints and (II) occupational shoulder exposures more effectively than an individual-based Shoulder-Guidance intervention (active control – enhanced usual care). Methods: A cluster-randomised trial is conducted including 120 employees with high occupational shoulder exposures. Companies (clusters) are randomised to either Shoulder-Café or Shoulder-Guidance with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants are 18–65 years old and have an Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) ≤ 40. Both interventions include a home-based shoulder exercise programme, assessment of shoulder exposures by technical measurements and self-report, and general information on how to reduce shoulder exposures. The Shoulder-Café course also includes three café meetings with physiotherapist-supervised exercises, clinical shoulder evaluation, education on shoulder anatomy, workplace-oriented counselling, and an opportunity for a workplace visit by a health and safety consultant. The primary outcomes are the OSS at 6 month follow-up (hypothesis I), and the mean number of minutes/day with the arm elevated > 60° shortly after end of intervention (hypothesis II). We will use mixed model analysis that allows for company clustering, and data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: Persons with shoulder complaints and high occupational shoulder exposures are an obvious target group for secondary prevention efforts. We developed the Shoulder-Café to reduce shoulder complaints and shoulder exposures while unifying the expertise that is needed to evaluate and treat shoulder complaints. If the intervention is effective, it would warrant widespread implementation. Trial registration: The trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov on 18 May 2017 (ID: NCT03159910). Keywords: Exercise, Intervention, Mechanical exposure, Occupation, Randomised controlled trial, Shoulder, Training programme.

scholarly journals An external pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of a theory-based intervention to improve appropriate polypharmacy in older people in primary care (PolyPrime): study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey Rankin ◽  
◽  
Cathal A. Cadogan ◽  
Heather E. Barry ◽  
Evie Gardner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Older People ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Online Video ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background The use of multiple medications (polypharmacy) is a concern in older people (≥65 years) and is associated with negative health outcomes. For older populations with multimorbidity, polypharmacy is the reality and the key challenge is ensuring appropriate polypharmacy (as opposed to inappropriate polypharmacy). This external pilot cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) aims to further test a theory-based intervention to improve appropriate polypharmacy in older people in primary care in two jurisdictions, Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Methods Twelve GP practices across NI (n=6) and the six counties in the ROI that border NI will be randomised to either the intervention or usual care group. Members of the research team have developed an intervention to improve appropriate polypharmacy in older people in primary care using the Theoretical Domains Framework of behaviour change. The intervention consists of two components: (1) an online video which demonstrates how a GP may prescribe appropriate polypharmacy during a consultation with an older patient and (2) a patient recall process, whereby patients are invited to scheduled medication review consultations with GPs. Ten older patients receiving polypharmacy (≥4 medications) will be recruited per GP practice (n=120). GP practices allocated to the intervention arm will be asked to watch the online video and schedule medication reviews with patients on two occasions; an initial and a 6-month follow-up appointment. GP practices allocated to the control arm will continue to provide usual care to patients. The study will assess the feasibility of recruitment, retention and study procedures including collecting data on medication appropriateness (from GP records), quality of life and health service use (i.e. hospitalisations). An embedded process evaluation will assess intervention fidelity (i.e. was the intervention delivered as intended), acceptability of the intervention and potential mechanisms of action. Discussion This pilot cRCT will provide evidence of the feasibility of a range of study parameters such as recruitment and retention, data collection procedures and the acceptability of the intervention. Pre-specified progression criteria will also be used to determine whether or not to proceed to a definitive cRCT. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN41009897. Registered 19 November 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04181879. Registered 02 December 2019.

scholarly journals Understanding usual care for patients with multimorbidity: baseline data from a cluster-randomised trial of the 3D intervention in primary care

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. e019845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Chaplin ◽  
Peter Bower ◽  
Mei-See Man ◽  
Sara T Brookes ◽  
Daisy Gaunt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
External Validity ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Baseline Data ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Treatment Burden ◽  
Practice Staff ◽  
Illness Burden ◽  
Cluster Randomised

ObjectivesRecent evidence has highlighted the high prevalence and impact of multimorbidity, but the evidence base for improving management is limited. We have tested a new complex intervention for multimorbidity (the 3D model). The paper describes the baseline characteristics of practices and patients in order to establish the external validity of trial participants. It also explores current ‘usual primary care’ for multimorbidity, against which the 3D intervention was tested.DesignAnalysis of baseline data from patients in a cluster-randomised controlled trial and additional data from practice staff.SettingPrimary care in the UK.ParticipantsPatients with multimorbidity (n=5253) and 154 practice staff.Primary and secondary outcome measuresUsing surveys and routinely available data, we compared the characteristics of participating and non-participating practices and participating and non-participating eligible patients.Baseline questionnaire data from patient participants was used to examine participant illness burden, treatment burden and perceptions of receiving patient-centred care. We obtained data about usual care preintervention from practice staff using questionnaires and a structured pro forma.ResultsParticipating practices were slightly larger, in less deprived areas, and with slightly higher scores for patient satisfaction compared with non-participating practices. Patients with dementia or learning difficulties were likely to be excluded by their general practitioners, but comparison of participants with non-participants identified only minor differences in characteristics, suggesting that the sample was otherwise representative. Patients reported substantial illness burden, and an important minority reported high treatment burden. Although patients reported relatively high levels of satisfaction with care, many reported not having received potentially important components of care.ConclusionThis trial achieved good levels of external validity. Although patients were generally satisfied with primary care services, there was significant room for improvement in important aspects of care for multimorbidity that are targeted by the 3D intervention.Trial registration numberISRCTN06180958; Post-results.

scholarly journals Interdisciplinary COPD intervention in primary care: a cluster randomised controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 1801530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenifer Liang ◽  
Michael J. Abramson ◽  
Grant Russell ◽  
Anne E. Holland ◽  
Nicholas A. Zwar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Smoking Abstinence ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
Randomised Controlled

We evaluated the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary, primary care-based model of care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in 43 general practices in Australia. Adults with a history of smoking and/or COPD, aged ≥40 years with two or more clinic visits in the previous year were enrolled following spirometric confirmation of COPD. The model of care comprised smoking cessation support, home medicines review (HMR) and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (HomeBase). Main outcomes included changes in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), dyspnoea, smoking abstinence and lung function at 6 and 12 months.We identified 272 participants with COPD (157 intervention, 115 usual care); 49 (31%) out of 157 completed both HMR and HomeBase. Intention-to-treat analysis showed no statistically significant difference in change in SGRQ at 6 months (adjusted between-group difference 2.45 favouring intervention, 95% CI –0.89–5.79). Per protocol analyses showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in SGRQ in those receiving the full intervention compared to usual care (difference 5.22, 95% CI 0.19–10.25). No statistically significant differences were observed in change in CAT, dyspnoea, smoking abstinence or lung function.No significant evidence was found for the effectiveness of this interdisciplinary model of care for COPD in primary care over usual care. Low uptake was a limitation.

scholarly journals Promoting Independence in Dementia (PRIDE): protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aisha Shafayat ◽  
Emese Csipke ◽  
Lucy Bradshaw ◽  
Georgina Charlesworth ◽  
Florence Day ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Mild Dementia ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Memory services often see people with early stage dementia who are largely independent and able to participate in community activities but who run the risk of reducing activities and social networks. PRIDE is a self-management intervention designed to promote living well and enhance independence for people with mild dementia. This study aims to examine the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomised trial comparing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the PRIDE intervention offered in addition to usual care or with usual care alone. Methods/design PRIDE is a parallel, two-arm, multicentre, feasibility, randomised controlled trial (RCT). Eligible participants aged 18 or over who have mild dementia (defined as a score of 0.5 or 1 on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale) who can participate in the intervention and provide informed consent will be randomised (1:1) to treatment with the PRIDE intervention delivered in addition to usual care, or usual care only. Participants will be followed-up at 3 and 6 month’s post-randomisation. There will be an option for a supporter to join each participant. Each supporter will be provided with questionnaires at baseline and follow-ups at 3 to 6 months. Embedded qualitative research with both participants and supporters will explore their perspectives on the intervention investigating a range of themes including acceptability and barriers and facilitators to delivery and participation. The feasibility of conducting a full RCT associated with participant recruitment and follow-up of both conditions, intervention delivery including the recruitment, training, retention of PRIDE trained facilitators, clinical outcomes, intervention and resource use costs and the acceptability of the intervention and study related procedures will be examined. Discussion This study will assess whether a definitive randomised trial comparing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of whether the PRIDE intervention offered in addition to usual care is feasible in comparison to usual care alone, and if so, will provide data to inform the design and conduct of a future trial. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN11288961, registered on 23 October 2019, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12345678 Protocol V2.1 dated 19 June 2019.

scholarly journals Reducing shoulder complaints in employees with high occupational shoulder exposures: study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled study (The Shoulder-Café Study)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanette Trøstrup ◽  
Lone Ramer Mikkelsen ◽  
Poul Frost ◽  
Annett Dalbøge ◽  
Mette Terp Høybye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Usual Care ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
General Information ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Cluster Randomised Trial ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
First Choice

Abstract Background: In Denmark, exercise therapy in combination with work modifications is the first choice treatment for persons with shoulder complaints and high occupational shoulder exposures. To obtain this treatment they must visit several healthcare providers, which makes usual care fragmented and uncoordinated. Therefore, we developed a new intervention which unifies the expertise that is needed. The main hypotheses are that a group-based Shoulder-Café intervention will more effectively reduce (I) shoulder complaints and (II) occupational shoulder exposures than an individual-based Shoulder-Guidance intervention (active control – enhanced usual care). Methods: A cluster-randomised trial is conducted including 120 employees with high occupational shoulder exposures. Companies (clusters) are randomised to either Shoulder-Café or Shoulder-Guidance with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants are 18–65 years old and have an Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) ≤ 40. Both interventions include a home-based shoulder exercise programme, assessment of shoulder exposures by technical measurements and self-report, and general information on how to reduce shoulder exposures. The Shoulder-Café course also includes three café meetings with physiotherapist-supervised exercises, clinical shoulder evaluation, education on shoulder anatomy, workplace-oriented counselling, and an opportunity for a workplace visit by a health and safety consultant. The primary outcomes are the OSS at 6 month follow-up (hypothesis I), and the mean number of minutes/day with the arm elevated > 60° shortly after end of intervention (hypothesis II). We will use mixed model analysis that allows for company clustering, and data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: Persons with shoulder complaints and high occupational shoulder exposures are an obvious target group for secondary prevention efforts. We developed the Shoulder-Café to reduce shoulder complaints and shoulder exposures while unifying the expertise that is needed to evaluate and treat shoulder complaints. If the intervention is effective, it would warrant widespread implementation. Trial registration: The trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov on 18 May 2017 (ID: NCT03159910).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document