Hans Van Remoortel

Evidence-based educational pathway for the integration of first aid training in school curricula

BACKGROUNDnCalling for help, performing first aid and providing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is part of the educational goals in secondary schools in Belgium (Flanders). However, for teachers it is not always clear at what age children can be taught which aspects of first aid. In addition, it is not clear what constitutes performing first aid and we strongly advocate that the first aid curriculum is broader than CPR training alone.nnnOBJECTIVESnTo develop an evidence-based educational pathway to enable the integration of first aid into the school curriculum by defining the goals to be achieved for knowledge, skills and attitudes, for different age groups.nnnMETHODSnStudies were identified through electronic databases research (The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase). We included studies on first aid education for children and adolescents up to 18 years old. A multidisciplinary expert panel formulated their practice experience and expert opinion and discussed the available evidence.nnnRESULTSnWe identified 5822 references and finally retained 30 studies (13 experimental and 17 observational studies), including studies concerning emergency call (7 studies), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (18 studies), AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use (6 studies), recovery position (5 studies), choking (2 studies), injuries (5 studies), and poisoning (2 studies). Recommendations (educational goals) were derived after carefully discussing the currently available evidence in the literature and balancing the skills and attitudes of children of different ages.nnnCONCLUSIONSnAn evidence-based educational pathway with educational goals concerning learning first aid for each age group was developed. This educational pathway can be used for the integration of first aid training in school curricula.

Methodologic quality assessment of red blood cell transfusion guidelines and the evidence base of more restrictive transfusion thresholds

Recent literature suggests that more restrictive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices are equivalent or better than more liberal transfusion practices. The methodologic quality of guidelines recommending more restrictive transfusion thresholds and their underlying scientific evidence is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the quality of the development process of RBC transfusion guidelines and to investigate the underlying evidence of guidelines recommending a more restrictive hemoglobin (Hb) threshold.

The effect of a standard whole blood donation on oxygen uptake and exercise capacity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Blood is a life‐saving product for many people worldwide. Voluntary blood donation serves the demand for blood but there are concerns among potential donors about the impact of blood loss on exercise performance. This systematic review aimed to collect the best available evidence of the effect of a standard whole blood donation on aerobic exercise performance.

Blood donor deferral: time for change? An evidence-based analysis

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Effectiveness of insecticide-treated and untreated nets to prevent malaria in India.

India is the most malaria‐endemic country in South‐East Asia, resulting in a high socio‐economic burden. Insecticide‐treated or untreated nets are effective interventions to prevent malaria. As part of an Indian first‐aid guideline project, we aimed to investigate the magnitude of this effect in India.

Is an endoscopic examination associated with transfusion-transmissible infections? A systematic review and meta-analysis: LINK BETWEEN ENDOSCOPY AND TTI

The purpose of a donor medical questionnaire is to identify the blood donors history relative to the current known blood‐safety risks. A temporary deferral from blood donation after an endoscopic examination is enforced because of the reusable nature of the endoscope and close contact with the inner body. The objective of this systematic review was to find the best available evidence on the association between an endoscopic examination and the risk of transfusion‐transmissible infections.

Engagement of stakeholders in the development of a Theory of Change for handwashing and sanitation behaviour change

Abstract A Theory of Change (ToC) is an approach to map programmes aimed at inducing change in a specific context, with the goal of increasing their impact. We applied this approach to the specific case of handwashing and sanitation practices in low- and middle-income countries and developed a ToC as part of a systematic review exercise. Different existing sources of information were used to inform the initial draft of the ToC. In addition, stakeholder involvement occurred and peer review took place. Our stakeholders included methodological (ToC/quantitative and qualitative research) and content experts (WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene)/behaviour change), as well as end-users/practitioners, policy-makers and donors. In conclusion, the development of a ToC, and the involvement of stakeholders in its development, was critical in terms of understanding the context in which the promotional programmes are being implemented. We recommend ToC developers to work with stakeholders to create a ToC relevant for practice.