Hayley Hutchings

The OPTION scale: measuring the extent that clinicians involve patients in decision-making tasks.

Objective  To examine the psychometric properties of a revised scale, named ‘observing patient involvement in decision making’ (OPTION), by analysing its reapplication to a sample of routine primary care consultations. The OPTION instrument assesses to what degree clinicians involve patients in decision making.

Measurement properties of the UK-English version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL) generic core scales.

BackgroundHealth related quality of life (HRQL) has been recognised as an important paediatric outcome measurement. One of the more promising measures to emerge in recent years is the Pediatric Quality Of Life Inventory (PedsQL™), developed in the US. Advantages of the PedsQL™ include brevity, availability of age appropriate versions and parallel forms for child and parent. This study developed a UK-English version of PedsQL™ generic module and assessed its performance in a group of UK children and their parents.MethodsPedsQL™ was translated to UK-English. The psychometric properties of the UK version were then tested following administration to 1399 children and 970 of their parents. The sample included healthy children, children diagnosed with asthma, diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease and children in remission from cancer.ResultsPsychometric properties were similar to those reported for the original PedsQL™. Internal reliability exceeded 0.70 for all proxy and self-report sub-scales. Discriminant validity was established for proxy and self-report with higher HRQL being reported for healthy children than those with health problems. Sex differences were noted on the emotional functioning subscale, with females reporting lower HRQL than males. Proxy and self-report correlation was higher for children with health problems than for healthy children.ConclusionThe UK-English version of PedsQL™ performed as well as the original PedsQL™ and is recommended for assessment of paediatric HRQL in the UK.

Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and Clostridium difficile diarrhoea in older inpatients (PLACIDE): a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial

BACKGROUND Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) occurs most frequently in older (≥65 years) inpatients exposed to broad-spectrum antibiotics. When caused by Clostridium difficile, AAD can result in life-threatening illness. Although underlying disease mechanisms are not well understood, microbial preparations have been assessed in the prevention of AAD. However, studies have been mostly small single-centre trials with varying quality, providing insufficient data to reliably assess effectiveness. We aimed to do a pragmatic efficacy trial in older inpatients who would be representative of those admitted to National Health Service (NHS) and similar secondary care institutions and to recruit a sufficient number of patients to generate a definitive result. METHODS We did a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pragmatic, efficacy trial of inpatients aged 65 years and older and exposed to one or more oral or parenteral antibiotics. A computer-generated randomisation scheme was used to allocate participants (in a 1:1 ratio) to receive either a multistrain preparation of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, with a total of 6 × 10(10) organisms, one per day for 21 days, or an identical placebo. Patients, study staff, and specimen and data analysts were masked to assignment. The primary outcomes were occurrence of AAD within 8 weeks and C difficile diarrhoea (CDD) within 12 weeks of recruitment. Analysis was by modified intention-to-treat. This trial is registered, number ISRCTN70017204. FINDINGS Of 17,420 patients screened, 1493 were randomly assigned to the microbial preparation group and 1488 to the placebo group. 1470 and 1471, respectively, were included in the analyses of the primary endpoints. AAD (including CDD) occurred in 159 (10·8%) participants in the microbial preparation group and 153 (10·4%) participants in the placebo group (relative risk [RR] 1·04; 95% CI 0·84-1·28; p=0·71). CDD was an uncommon cause of AAD and occurred in 12 (0·8%) participants in the microbial preparation group and 17 (1·2%) participants in the placebo group (RR 0·71; 95% CI 0·34-1·47; p=0·35). 578 (19·7%) participants had one or more serious adverse event; the frequency of serious adverse events was much the same in the two study groups and none was attributed to participation in the trial. INTERPRETATION We identified no evidence that a multistrain preparation of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria was effective in prevention of AAD or CDD. An improved understanding of the pathophysiology of AAD is needed to guide future studies. FUNDING Health Technology Assessment programme; National Institute for Health Research, UK.

Voluntary suppression of cough induced by inhalation of capsaicin in healthy volunteers

The aim of the present study was to investigate the voluntary suppression of cough in response to capsaicin inhalation in healthy volunteers, and to determine if the dose-response curve to capsaicin was significantly altered when volunteers were asked to suppress their cough response. The quantification of the degree of voluntary suppression of induced cough could provide a new methodology for screening antitussive agents as antitussives may act by influencing voluntary control of cough. Cough was induced by inhalation of capsaicin. Two challenges were given 5 min apart, each comprising five ascending concentrations of capsaicin (1 x 10(-5) M-3.33 x 10(-4) M). During one of these challenges the volunteer was allowed to cough when required, and during the other they were asked to suppress cough. These two conditions were given in random order. The cough response was recorded by means of a microphone with the integrated sound trace displayed on a chart recorder. A dose-response relationship was obtained on administration of ascending concentrations of capsaicin. In the non-suppressed challenge 23/24 subjects coughed on inhalation of capsaicin (3.33 x 10(-4) M) with a mean number of coughs of 2.92 +/- 0.34, whereas in the suppressed challenge only 3/24 subjects coughed with a mean number of coughs of 0.29 +/- 0.18 (P < 0.001). These results demonstrate that cough induced by inhalation of capsaicin can be voluntarily suppressed. The mechanism of voluntary suppression of cough is discussed in relation to capsaicin challenge and the screening of antitussive medications.

Risk factors that predict mortality in patients with blunt chest wall trauma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The risk factors for mortality following blunt chest wall trauma have neither been well established or summarised. OBJECTIVE To summarise the risk factors for mortality in blunt chest wall trauma patients based on available evidence in the literature. DATA SOURCES A systematic review of English and non-English articles using MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from their introduction until May 2010. Additional studies were identified by hand-searching bibliographies and contacting relevant clinical experts. Grey literature was sought by searching abstracts from all Emergency Medicine conferences. Broad search terms and inclusion criteria were used to reduce the number of missed studies. STUDY SELECTION A two step study selection process was used. All published and unpublished observational studies were included if they investigated estimates of association between a risk factor and mortality for blunt chest wall trauma patients. DATA EXTRACTION A two step data extraction process using pre-defined data fields, including study quality indicators. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS Each study was appraised using a previously designed quality assessment tool and the STROBE checklist. Where sufficient data were available, odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Mantel-Haenszel method for the risk factors investigated. The I(2) statistic was calculated for combined studies in order to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS Age, number of rib fractures, presence of pre-existing disease and pneumonia were found to be related to mortality in 29 identified studies. Combined odds ratio of 1.98 (1.86-2.11, 95% CI), 2.02 (1.89-2.15, 95% CI), 2.43 (1.03-5.72, 95% CI) and 5.24 (3.51-7.82) for mortality were calculated for blunt chest wall trauma patients aged 65 years or more, with three or more rib fractures, pre-existing conditions and pneumonia respectively. CONCLUSIONS The risk factors for mortality in patients sustaining blunt chest wall trauma were a patient age of 65 years or more, three or more rib fractures and the presence of pre-existing disease especially cardiopulmonary disease. The development of pneumonia post injury was also a significant risk factor for mortality. As a result of the variable quality in the studies, the results of the selected studies should be interpreted with caution.

The effects of the Two-Week Rule on NHS colorectal cancer diagnostic services: A systematic literature review

BackgroundThe Two-Week Rule (TWR) was introduced to ensure that all patients with a suspected colorectal cancer (CRC) saw a hospital specialist within 14 days of an urgent GP referral. Guidelines were available to GPs to facilitate the appropriate TWR referral of patients exhibiting high-risk CRC symptoms.MethodsWe aimed to evaluate the TWR and its CRC detection rate on NHS CRC diagnostic services by performing a literature search and critically appraising the peer-reviewed studies. Only 12 studies were eligible for inclusion. Data was collected and overall results were given as weighted averages.ResultsThe studies identified indicated that only 10.3% of patients referred by the TWR were eventually diagnosed with CRC. When examining the referral origin of all CRC patients diagnosed during the time of the studies, 24% had been referred using the TWR, 24.1% were referred as emergency cases, and 52.4% were referred using alternative routes. No evidence was found to indicate that the TWR had resulted in identifying CRC patients at an earlier, more treatable stage of their disease.ConclusionThe TWR referral system needs to be improved to increase the number of CRC patients referred using this fast track method as they present to their GP. The TWR and new NICE Guidelines for the referral of patients with suspected cancer should be independently evaluated.

Population requirement for adult critical-care beds: a prospective quantitative and qualitative study

BACKGROUND The provision of adult critical-care facilities is not based on a rational or scientific assessment of need. We aimed to define the numbers of adult critical-care beds required for a population of 500000. METHODS In five hospitals in Wales, UK, we classified patients who might be suitable for critical care in intensive-care or high-dependency units. On every 12th day for 1 calendar year, we counted the numbers of such patients admitted in a defined geographical population. A panel of ten intensivists made consensus decisions about whether individual patients were in the appropriate unit. The data were used to predict the numbers of beds and units required for the population. FINDINGS 4058 patients were suitable for critical care, of whom 3028 lived in the study area. 56.4% were in general wards, 22.3% in high-dependency units, and 21.3% in intensive-care units. The mean risk of death was 22.0% and the in-hospital death rate 17.3%. According to the masked consensus, 41.3% of patients required high-dependency beds and 21.5% intensive-care beds. Mean risk of death increased from general wards (14.7%) to high-dependency units (19.2%) to intensive care (37.0%). Based on the consensus decisions, the average daily requirement of intensive-care beds was 21 and of high-dependency beds 43; to meet needs 95% of times required 30 and 55 beds, respectively, in a single critical-care unit. INTERPRETATION We estimated, scientifically, numbers of adult critical-care beds required to meet population needs. Studies are necessary periodically to track changes in admissions requiring critical care.

Case–control study of the health of those looked after by local authorities

AIMS To assess the health needs and provision of health care to school age children in local authority care. METHODS A total of 142 children aged 5 to 16 in local authority care, and 119 controls matched by age and sex were studied. Main outcome measures were routine health care, physical, emotional, and behavioural health, health threatening and antisocial behaviour, and health promotion. RESULTS Compared with children at home, those looked after by local authorities were significantly more likely to: experience changes in general practitioner; have incomplete immunisations; receive inadequate dental care; suffer from anxieties and difficulties in interpersonal relationships; wet the bed; smoke; use illegal drugs; and have been cautioned by police or charged with a criminal offence. They also tend to receive less health education. They were significantly more likely to have had a recent hearing or eye sight test, and reported significantly less physical ill health overall. CONCLUSIONS The overall health care of children who have been established in care for more than six months is significantly worse than for those living in their own homes, particularly with regard to emotional and behavioural health, and health promotion. In contrast to uncontrolled observational studies we have not found evidence of problems with the physical health of these children.

It could be a ‘Golden Goose’: a qualitative study of views in primary care on an emergency admission risk prediction tool prior to implementation

BackgroundRising demand for health care has prompted interest in new technologies to support a shift of care from hospital to community and primary care, which may require clinicians to undertake new working practices. A predictive risk stratification tool (Prism) was developed for use in primary care to estimate patients’ risk of an emergency hospital admission. As part of an evaluation of Prism, we aimed to understand what might be needed to bring Prism into effective use by exploring clinicians and practice managers’ attitudes and expectations about using it. We were informed by Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) which examines the work needed to bring an innovation into use.MethodsWe conducted 4 focus groups and 10 interviews with a total of 43 primary care doctors and colleagues from 32 general practices. All were recorded and transcribed. Analysis focussed in particular on the construct of ‘coherence’ within NPT, which examines how people understand an innovation and its purpose.ResultsRespondents were in agreement that Prism was a technological formalisation of existing practice, and that it would function as a support to clinical judgment, rather than replacing it. There was broad consensus about the role it might have in delivering new models of care based on active management, but there were doubts about the scope for making a difference to some patients and about whether Prism could identify at-risk patients not already known to the clinical team. Respondents did not expect using the tool to be onerous, but were concerned about the work which might follow in delivering care. Any potential value would not be of the tool in isolation, but would depend on the availability of support services.ConclusionsPolicy imperatives and the pressure of rising demand meant respondents were open to trying out Prism, despite underlying uncertainty about what difference it could make.Trial registrationControlled Clinical Trials no. ISRCTN55538212.

The opioid agonist codeine and antagonist naltrexone do not affect voluntary suppression of capsaicin induced cough in healthy subjects

Opioids exert an analgesic action by mimicking the effects of endogenous neurotransmitter substances in the central nervous system. Opioids are widely used as antitussives, and it is reasonable to assume that endogenous opioids are involved in the control of cough. In order to investigate this hypothesis, a parallel design study was carried out to examine the effects of 50 mg codeine (opioid agonist), 50 mg naltrexone (opioid antagonist) and placebo on capsaicin-induced cough in 80 healthy volunteers (mean age 25 yrs). Volunteers received two capsaicin challenge units (each consisting of five inhalations of different concentrations of capsaicin, 0.00-3.33 x 10(-4) M). On one challenge unit subjects were instructed to suppress cough, and on the other challenge unit subjects coughed freely. Coughs were recorded on a tape cassette player and later played back into a pen recorder to produce integrated sound traces. The number of coughs in the suppression challenge unit was significantly reduced in all three treatment groups compared to that recorded in the non-suppression challenge unit. Comparisons between the three treatment groups showed that there was no statistical difference between the three groups both before and 90 min after treatment for the total coughs in the suppression challenge unit and for the total coughs in the non-suppression challenge unit. These results demonstrate that capsaicin-induced cough can be voluntarily suppressed, but that both suppressed and non-suppressed cough were unaffected by treatment with codeine, naltrexone or placebo. These results do not provide any support for the hypothesis that capsaicin-induced cough is influenced by endogenous opioid substances.