Kelly K. O’Brien

A scoping review on the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews

BackgroundScoping reviews are used to identify knowledge gaps, set research agendas, and identify implications for decision-making. The conduct and reporting of scoping reviews is inconsistent in the literature. We conducted a scoping review to identify: papers that utilized and/or described scoping review methods; guidelines for reporting scoping reviews; and studies that assessed the quality of reporting of scoping reviews.MethodsWe searched nine electronic databases for published and unpublished literature scoping review papers, scoping review methodology, and reporting guidance for scoping reviews. Two independent reviewers screened citations for inclusion. Data abstraction was performed by one reviewer and verified by a second reviewer. Quantitative (e.g. frequencies of methods) and qualitative (i.e. content analysis of the methods) syntheses were conducted.ResultsAfter searching 1525 citations and 874 full-text papers, 516 articles were included, of which 494 were scoping reviews. The 494 scoping reviews were disseminated between 1999 and 2014, with 45xa0% published after 2012. Most of the scoping reviews were conducted in North America (53xa0%) or Europe (38xa0%), and reported a public source of funding (64xa0%). The number of studies included in the scoping reviews ranged from 1 to 2600 (mean of 118). Using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology guidance for scoping reviews, only 13xa0% of the scoping reviews reported the use of a protocol, 36xa0% used two reviewers for selecting citations for inclusion, 29xa0% used two reviewers for full-text screening, 30xa0% used two reviewers for data charting, and 43xa0% used a pre-defined charting form. In most cases, the results of the scoping review were used to identify evidence gaps (85xa0%), provide recommendations for future research (84xa0%), or identify strengths and limitations (69xa0%). We did not identify any guidelines for reporting scoping reviews or studies that assessed the quality of scoping review reporting.ConclusionThe number of scoping reviews conducted per year has steadily increased since 2012. Scoping reviews are used to inform research agendas and identify implications for policy or practice. As such, improvements in reporting and conduct are imperative. Further research on scoping review methodology is warranted, and in particular, there is need for a guideline to standardize reporting.

Effectiveness of Aerobic Exercise in Adults Living with HIV/AIDS: Systematic Review

PURPOSEnThe objective of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness and safety of aerobic exercise interventions on immunological/virological, cardiopulmonary, and psychological outcomes in adults living with HIV/AIDS.nnnMETHODSnTen randomized trials of HIV-positive adults performing aerobic exercise three times per week for at least 4 wk were identified by searching 13 electronic databases, abstracts from conferences, reference lists, and personal contact with authors from 1980 to November 2002. At least two independent reviewers assessed articles for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Random effects models were used for meta-analysis.nnnRESULTSnMain results indicated that aerobic exercise was associated with small nonsignificant changes in CD4 count (weighted mean difference: 14 cells x mm(-3), 95% CI: -26, 54), viral load (weighted mean difference: 0.40 log10 copies, 95% CI: -0.28, 1.07), and VO2(max) (weighted mean difference: 1.84 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1), 95% CI: -0.53, 4.20). Individual studies suggested that aerobic exercise may improve psychological well-being for adults living with HIV/AIDS. These findings are limited to those participants who continued to exercise and for whom there was adequate follow-up.nnnCONCLUSIONnIn conclusion, performing constant or interval aerobic exercise, or a combination of constant aerobic exercise and progressive resistive exercise for at least 20 min, at least three times per week for 4 wk may be beneficial and appears to be safe for adults living with HIV/AIDS. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to small sample sizes and large dropout rates within the included studies. Future research would benefit from increased attention to participant follow-up and intention-to-treat analysis.

Effectiveness of aerobic exercise for adults living with HIV: systematic review and meta-analysis using the Cochrane Collaboration protocol

BackgroundPeople with HIV are living longer with the health-related consequences of HIV, multi-morbidity, and aging. Exercise is a key strategy that may improve or sustain health for people living with HIV. Our aim was to examine the safety and effectiveness of aerobic exercise interventions on immunological, virological, cardiorespiratory, strength, weight, body composition, and psychological outcomes in adults living with HIV.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review using the Cochrane Collaboration protocol. We searched databases up to April 2013. We included randomized controlled trials comparing aerobic exercise with no exercise or another intervention performed at least three times per week for at least four weeks among adults living with HIV. Two reviewers independently determined study eligibility. Data were extracted from studies that met inclusion criteria using standardized forms. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias. Outcomes were analyzed as continuous and meta-analyses conducted using random effects models with Review Manager (RevMan) computer software.ResultsTwenty-four studies met inclusion criteria (nu2009=u2009936 participants at study completion); the majority of participants were men (73xa0%) and the majority were taking antiretroviral therapy (19/24 included studies). The exercise intervention included aerobic exercise alone (11 studies) or a combination of aerobic and resistive exercise (13 studies) ranging from 5 to 52xa0weeks. Fifty-eight meta-analyses were performed. Main results indicated statistically significant improvements in selected outcomes of cardiorespiratory status (maximum oxygen consumption, exercise time), strength (chest press, knee flexion), body composition (lean body mass, percent body fat, leg muscle area), depression symptoms, and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) among exercisers compared with non-exercisers. No significant differences in change in CD4 count and viral load were found.ConclusionsPerforming aerobic exercise or a combination of aerobic and resistive exercise at least three times per week for at least five weeks is safe and can lead to improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, body composition and quality of life for adults with HIV. Aerobic exercise is safe and beneficial for adults living with HIV who are medically stable.

Scoping the Field: Identifying Key Research Priorities in HIV and Rehabilitation

The purpose of this project was to identify key research priorities related to HIV and rehabilitation. We conducted a scoping study which included a literature review of published and grey literature, followed by focus group and interview consultations with 28 participants including people living with HIV, researchers, educators, clinicians, and policy makers with expertise in HIV and rehabilitation. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify emergent themes related to research priorities in HIV and rehabilitation. The resulting Framework of HIV and Rehabilitation Research provided an outline for approaching research in the field. The framework included three overlapping research priorities: (a) living with HIV across the lifespan, (b) disability, and (c) rehabilitation that should be viewed through environmental and/or personal contextual lenses, using different methodological approaches. Six key research priorities from this framework were identified through additional consultation with new and returning participants including: (1) disability and episodic disability, (2) concurrent health conditions aging with HIV, (3) HIV and the brain, (4) labour force and income support, (5) access to and effectiveness of rehabilitation, and (6) development and evaluation of outcome measurement tools. These priorities inform a future plan for HIV and rehabilitation research that will increase our knowledge to enhance practice, programming and policy for people living with HIV.

Enhancing Labour Force Participation for People Living with HIV: A Multi-Perspective Summary of the Research Evidence

Labour force participation has been identified as a critical social and health issue facing people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs). We conducted a scoping study (a form of literature synthesis that summarizes research findings, research activity, and identifies literature strengths and gaps) on labour force participation for PHAs, guided by a community advisory committee. We summarized information from 243 peer-reviewed articles and 42 reports from the grey literature, and synthesized the evidence into a preliminary conceptual framework with five components: (1) the meaning of work, (2) key factors (barriers and facilitators) influencing labour force participation, (3) factors affecting vulnerable populations, (4) strategies and supports for returning to or sustaining work, and (5) outcomes (benefits and risks) of labour force participation for individuals and employers. The framework supports the development of labour force initiatives requiring collaborative efforts in multiple domains (health, employment, community) by PHAs, rehabilitation professionals, employers, insurers, and policy makers.

Effectiveness of early discharge planning in acutely ill or injured hospitalized older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundOlder age and higher acuity are associated with prolonged hospital stays and hospital readmissions. Early discharge planning may reduce lengths of hospital stay and hospital readmissions; however, its effectiveness with acutely admitted older adults is unclear.MethodsIn this systematic review, we compared the effectiveness of early discharge planning to usual care in reducing index length of hospital stay, hospital readmissions, readmission length of hospital stay, and mortality; and increasing satisfaction with discharge planning and quality of life for older adults admitted to hospital with an acute illness or injury.We searched the Cochrane Library, DARE, HTA, NHSEED, ACP, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Proquest Dissertations and Theses, PubMed, Web of Science, SciSearch, PEDro, Sigma Theta Tau International’s registry of nursing research, Joanna Briggs Institute, CRISP, OT Seeker, and several internet search engines. Hand-searching was conducted in four gerontological journals and references of all included studies and previous systematic reviews. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Data were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis. Where meta-analysis was not possible, narrative analysis was performed.ResultsNine trials with a total of 1736 participants were included. Compared to usual care, early discharge planning was associated with fewer hospital readmissions within one to twelve months of index hospital discharge [risk ratio (RR) = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.69 − 0.90]; and lower readmission lengths of hospital stay within three to twelve months of index hospital discharge [weighted mean difference (WMD) = −2.47, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = −4.13 − −0.81)]. No differences were found in index length of hospital stay, mortality or satisfaction with discharge planning. Narrative analysis of four studies indicated that early discharge planning was associated with greater overall quality of life and the general health domain of quality of life two weeks after index hospital discharge.ConclusionsEarly discharge planning with acutely admitted older adults improves system level outcomes after index hospital discharge. Service providers can use these findings to design and implement early discharge planning for older adults admitted to hospital with an acute illness or injury.

Rehabilitation Professionals and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Care: Results of a National Canadian Survey

OBJECTIVEnTo describe rehabilitation professionals practices, knowledge and training, professional views, and service delivery issues for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (PHAs) in Canada.nnnDESIGNnNationwide cross-sectional postal survey.nnnSETTINGnCanada.nnnPARTICIPANTSnRandom sample (N=2105) of occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physiatrists who had practiced in the past year.nnnINTERVENTIONSnNot applicable.nnnMAIN OUTCOME MEASURESnSurvey items on current practices, HIV knowledge and training, professional views on rehabilitation and HIV, and HIV rehabilitation service delivery issues.nnnRESULTSnSeventy-four percent (1492/2006) of the traceable sample responded, 53% (n=1058) of whom yielded completed surveys. Sixty-one percent of survey respondents never knowingly had served an HIV-positive patient. Of this group, 27% indicated these were patients they would like to work with, 27% indicated they were unwilling, and 46% were unsure. The 39% who knowingly had served PHAs had served an average of 4 PHAs in the last year, and less than 25% of their HIV patients rehabilitation issues were HIV-related.nnnCONCLUSIONSnDespite the role rehabilitation professionals have to play in the care of PHAs, only a minority serves PHAs. Results of this survey show a potential gap between the documented rehabilitative needs of PHAs and services provided by the rehabilitation professional community.

Reference values for standardized tests of walking speed and distance: A systematic review

OBJECTIVEnTo provide an overview of the reference values and methodology used to obtain them for time- and distance-limited walk tests.nnnMETHODSnWe performed a systematic review and searched PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, PEDro, and The Cochrane Library from 1946 to May 2013. Full-text peer-reviewed articles written in English, French or Spanish were considered eligible. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts. One author determined eligibility of full-text articles, appraised methodological quality, and extracted data. A second author independently verified the accuracy of extracted data.nnnRESULTSnOf the 41 eligible studies reviewed, 25 failed to describe the method used to select participants and 10 had an inadequate sample size. Twenty-five studies provided reference values for one time-limited walk test (6-min walk test (6 MWT)) and 18 studies provided reference values for 15 distance-limited walk tests. Across studies, walk test distances ranged from 3m to 40m. Descriptive values and reference equations for the 6 MWT were reported in 15 and 20 studies, respectively. Across 43 regression equations (median R(2)=0.46), age (98%) and sex (91%) were most frequently included. The equation yielding the maximum R(2) value (0.78) included age, height, weight and percentage of predicted maximum heart rate. Among six unique regression equations for distance-limited walk tests (median R(2)=0.17), sex (83%), age (67%) and weight (67%) were most frequently included. The equation yielding the maximum R(2) value (0.25) included age and sex.nnnCONCLUSIONSnReference values reported for these tests provide a basis for classifying walking capacity as within normal limits, determining the magnitude of deficit, educating clients, setting rehabilitation goals, and planning studies.

Impact of hepatitis B and C co-infection on health-related quality of life in HIV positive individuals

PurposeConcurrent infection with HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) often occurs due to the commonality in risk factors for acquisition. Few studies have examined the effect of co-infection on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in HIV positive individuals.MethodsOntario HIV Treatment Network Cohort Study (OCS) participants who completed an annual interviewer-administered questionnaire on up to three occasions were included. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess the impact of HBV and HCV co-infection on physical and mental HRQOL component summary scores (range 0–100) as measured by the Medical Outcomes SF-36 health survey.ResultsAs of March 2010, 1,223 participants had completed the questionnaire; 964 were HIV mono-infected, 128 were HIV–HBV co-infected, 112 were HIV–HCV co-infected, and 19 were HIV–HBV–HCV tri-infected. Eighty percent were male, median age 46 (IQR 40–53) years, 61xa0% Caucasian, median CD4 count 464 (IQR 319–636) cells/mm3, and 74xa0% had undetectable HIV viremia. Physical HRQOL was lower in HIV–HBV and HIV–HCV co-infected individuals (49.4 (IQR 42.0–53.9) and 48.1 (IQR 36.9–52.8) vs. 51.5 (IQR 45.0–55.4); pxa0=xa00.01 and <0.0001) compared to mono-infected individuals. In the multivariable GEE model, the negative impact of HCV remained significant (−2.18; pxa0=xa00.01) after adjusting for drug use, smoking, age, and gender. Unadjusted mental HRQOL was lower in HIV–HCV co-infected individuals (44.6 (IQR 34.6–54.0) vs. 48.9 (IQR 36.8–55.9); pxa0=xa00.03) compared to mono-infected individuals but no association of mental HRQOL with either co-infection was observed in multivariable GEE models.ConclusionsHCV appears to negatively impact physical HRQOL suggesting a greater health burden for co-infected individuals. HBV and HCV co-infections were not related to lower mental HRQOL among people living with HIV/AIDS.

Aging with HIV: A Model of Disability

The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a theoretical model describing the disability experienced by older adults living with HIV. Forty nine HIV positive men and women over the age of 50 years participated in in-depth qualitative interviews. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. Uncertainty or worrying about the future was at the core of the model. Components of disability including symptoms and impairments, difficulties with day to day activities and challenges to social participation were experienced in the context of extrinsic or environmental factors (social support, stigma) and intrinsic contextual factors (positive living strategies, age). Time was an overarching component of the model. The model suggests areas for interventions to prevent or reduce disability related to the consequences of aging with HIV and improve overall quality of life.