Project description:To synthesise qualitative studies that explore prescribers' perceived barriers and enablers to minimising potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) chronically prescribed in adults.A qualitative systematic review was undertaken by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL and INFORMIT from inception to March 2014, combined with an extensive manual search of reference lists and related citations. A quality checklist was used to assess the transparency of the reporting of included studies and the potential for bias. Thematic synthesis identified common subthemes and descriptive themes across studies from which an analytical construct was developed. Study characteristics were examined to explain differences in findings.All healthcare settings.Medical and non-medical prescribers of medicines to adults.Prescribers' perspectives on factors which shape their behaviour towards continuing or discontinuing PIMs in adults.21 studies were included; most explored primary care physicians' perspectives on managing older, community-based adults. Barriers and enablers to minimising PIMs emerged within four analytical themes: problem awareness; inertia secondary to lower perceived value proposition for ceasing versus continuing PIMs; self-efficacy in regard to personal ability to alter prescribing; and feasibility of altering prescribing in routine care environments given external constraints. The first three themes are intrinsic to the prescriber (eg, beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, skills, behaviour) and the fourth is extrinsic (eg, patient, work setting, health system and cultural factors). The PIMs examined and practice setting influenced the themes reported.A multitude of highly interdependent factors shape prescribers' behaviour towards continuing or discontinuing PIMs. A full understanding of prescriber barriers and enablers to changing prescribing behaviour is critical to the development of targeted interventions aimed at deprescribing PIMs and reducing the risk of iatrogenic harm.
Project description:BACKGROUND:Polypharmacy (PP) and potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) are highly prevalent in older adults with cancer. This study systematically reviews the associations of PP and/or PIM with outcomes and, through a meta-analysis, obtains estimates of postoperative outcomes associated with PP in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials using standardized terms for concepts of PP, PIM, and cancer. Eligible studies included cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, meta-analyses, and clinical trials which examined outcomes associated with PP and/or PIM and included older adults with cancer. A random effects model included studies in which definitions of PP were consistent to examine the association of PP with postoperative complications. RESULTS:Forty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria. PP was defined as five or more medications in 57% of the studies. Commonly examined outcomes included chemotherapy toxicities, postoperative complications, functional decline, hospitalization, and overall survival. PP was associated with chemotherapy toxicities (4/9 studies), falls (3/3 studies), functional decline (3/3 studies), and overall survival (2/11 studies). A meta-analysis of four studies indicated an association between PP (?5 medications) and postoperative complications (overall odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval [1.3-2.8]). PIM was associated with adverse outcomes in 3 of 11 studies. CONCLUSION:PP is associated with postoperative complications, chemotherapy toxicities, and physical and functional decline. Only three studies showed an association between PIM and outcomes. However, because of inconsistent definitions, heterogeneous populations, and variable study designs, these associations should be further investigated in prospective studies. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) are prevalent in older adults with cancer. This systematic review summarizes the associations of polypharmacy and PIM with health outcomes in older patients with cancer. Polypharmacy and PIM have been associated with postoperative complications, frailty, falls, medication nonadherence, chemotherapy toxicity, and mortality. These findings emphasize the prognostic importance of careful medication review and identification of PIM by oncology teams. They also underscore the need to develop and test interventions to address polypharmacy and PIM in older patients with cancer, with the goal of improving outcomes in these patients.
Project description:ObjectiveLimited research has examined the effects of antihypertensive medication use and physical function. These studies provided mixed findings while employing a convenience sample and limiting their examination to few indices of physical function and few classes of antihypertensive medications. The purpose of this study was to examine whether several antihypertensive medication classes were associated with several measures of physical function in a national sample of U.S. middle-to-older age adults.MethodsData from the 1999-2002 and 2011-2012 NHANES were used. Antihypertensive medication use was assessed from an interviewer, and included angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, peripherally-acting antiadrenergic agents and centrally-acting antiadrenergic agents. Physical function-related parameters included objectively-measured lower extremity isokinetic knee extensor strength (IKES), objectively-measured grip strength, laboratory-assessed walking performance (8 and 20 ft walk tests) and self-reported physical activity engagement.ResultsThose on ACE inhibitors had a 37% reduced odds (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.48-0.83, P = .002) of engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, had reduced knee extensor strength (? = - 15.4, 95% CI: - 27.2 to - 3.4, P = .01) and took longer to complete the 20 ft (? = .42, 95% CI: 0.02-0.81, P = .04) and 8 ft walking tests (? = .22, 95% CI: 0.05-0.39, P = .01). Those on peripherally-acting antiadrenergic agents had reduced grip strength (? = - 4.8, 95% CI: - 9.1 to - 0.5, P = .02).ConclusionsAntihypertensive medication use, particularly ACE inhibitors, is associated with various measures of reduced physical function. Clinicians are encouraged to monitor the long-term mobility function of their patients on antihypertensive medications.
Project description:BackgroundTo further inform benefits and risks of medications on physical function in aging populations, we have evaluated the associations of antihypertensive (antiHTN) class and number used with skeletal muscle function, mobility, sedentary time, and symptoms in older persons.MethodsUsing baseline data from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence in Elder (LIFE) study (N = 1567, mean age 78.9 years) and multivariable models, we evaluated cross-sectional associations of antiHTN class and number used with physical measures and symptom questionnaires. AntiHTN class included diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), calcium channel blockers (CCB), and beta blockers (BB). Physical measures included respiratory muscle weakness (maximal inspiratory pressure), grip weakness (dynamometer), impaired lower extremity proximal muscle strength (chair stands), impaired balance (three-stage test), slow gait (400 m walk), mobility impairment (Short Physical Performance Battery), and high sedentary time (accelerometry). Symptoms included dyspnea and fatigue. Covariates included clinical characteristics and non-antiHTNs.ResultsUse of any antiHTN was highly prevalent (n = 1248 [79.6%]). In the antiHTN subgroup, each antiHTN class was well represented (ranging 36.6%-62.7%) and included use of three or more antiHTNs (32.0%). In adjusted models, the only statistically significant associations were use of BB and three or more antiHTNs with high sedentary time: odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) 1.44 (1.12, 1.85) and 1.52 (1.04, 2.23), respectively.ConclusionUse of BB and three or more antiHTNs yielded 44% and 52% increased odds of accelerometry-defined high sedentary time, respectively. Notably, high sedentary time is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes. Thus, future work should evaluate whether high sedentary time mitigates benefits or increases risks, regarding antiHTN use in aging populations.
Project description:We aimed to evaluate the effects of statins on mood, sleep, and physical function.We performed a systematic computer-aided search of MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register and augmented this search by scrutinizing reference lists and making inquiries among colleagues and experts in the field. All patient populations and study types were considered. We selected studies of statin therapy compared with no statin or placebo. Outcome measures included mood, sleep, and physical function.Thirty-four studies were included in qualitative synthesis. Seven of eight (88 %) observational studies, 4/6 (66 %) randomized trials with mood as a primary endpoint (487 total participants; exposure 4 weeks to 1 year), and 3/3 (100 %) randomized trials with mood as a secondary endpoint (2,851 total participants; exposure 1-4 years) were not compatible with a negative mood effect of statins. Comparatively, fewer studies examined statin effects on sleep and physical function. Studies reporting negative effects contained potential sources of bias, including multiple testing or lack of adjustment for confounders in observational studies, and failure to prespecify outcomes or report blinding in trials.A limited body of available evidence is most compatible with no adverse effect of statins on quality of life measures, namely, mood, sleep, and physical function. Studies suggesting such effects suffer from an increased risk of bias. High-quality, prospective, and adequately powered studies are needed, especially in the domains of sleep and physical function, with careful attention to patients who may be most vulnerable to adverse effects.
Project description:BackgroundInappropriate health care leads to negative patient experiences, poor health outcomes and inefficient use of resources. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of inappropriately used clinical practices in Canada.MethodsWe searched multiple bibliometric databases and grey literature to identify inappropriately used clinical practices in Canada between 2007 and 2021. Two team members independently screened citations, extracted data and assessed methodological quality. Findings were synthesized in 2 categories: diagnostics and therapeutics. We reported ranges of proportions of inappropriate use for all practices. Medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs), based on the percentage of patients not receiving recommended practices (underuse) or receiving practices not recommended (overuse), were calculated. All statistics are at the study summary level.ResultsWe included 174 studies, representing 228 clinical practices and 28 900 762 patients. The median proportion of inappropriate care, as assessed in the studies, was 30.0% (IQR 12.0%-56.6%). Underuse (median 43.9%, IQR 23.8%-66.3%) was more frequent than overuse (median 13.6%, IQR 3.2%-30.7%). The most frequently investigated diagnostics were glycated hemoglobin (underused, range 18.0%-85.7%, n = 9) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (overused, range 3.0%-35.1%, n = 5). The most frequently investigated therapeutics were statin medications (underused, range 18.5%-71.0%, n = 6) and potentially inappropriate medications (overused, range 13.5%-97.3%, n = 9).InterpretationWe have provided a summary of inappropriately used clinical practices in Canadian health care systems. Our findings can be used to support health care professionals and quality agencies to improve patient care and safety in Canada.
Project description:Drug-drug interactions (DDI) occurring with potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) are additional risk factors that may increase the inappropriate character of PIM. The aim of this study was (1) to describe the prevalence and severity of DDI in patients with PIM and (2) to evaluate the DDI specifically regarding PIM. This systematic review is based on a search carried out on PubMed and Web-of-Science from inception to June 30, 2020. We extracted data of original studies that assessed the prevalence of both DDI and PIM in elderly patients in primary care, nursing home and hospital settings. Four hundred and forty unique studies were identified: 91 were included in the qualitative analysis and 66 were included in the quantitative analysis. The prevalence of PIM in primary care, nursing home and hospital were 19.1% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 15.1-23.0%), 29.7% (95% CI: 27.8-31.6%) and 44.6% (95% CI: 28.3-60.9%), respectively. Clinically significant severe risk-rated DDI averaged 28.9% (95% CI: 17.2-40.6), in a hospital setting; and were approximately 7-to-9 lower in primary care and nursing home, respectively. Surprisingly, only four of these studies investigated DDI involving specifically PIM. Hence, given the high prevalence of severe DDI in patients with PIM, further investigations should be carried out on DDI involving specifically PIM which may increase their inappropriate character, and the risk of adverse drug reactions.
Project description:Background: Blood flow restriction or KAATSU exercise training is associated with greater muscle mass and strength increases than non-blood flow restriction equivalent exercise. Blood flow restriction exercise has been proposed as a possible alternative to more physically demanding exercise prescriptions (such as high-load/high-intensity resistance training) in a range of clinical and chronic disease populations. While the maintenance of muscle mass and size with reduced musculoskeletal tissue loading appeals in many of these physically impaired populations, there remains a disconnect between some of the desired clinical measures for chronic disease populations and those commonly measured in the literature examining blood flow restriction exercise. While strength does play a vital role in physical function, task-specific objective measures of physical function indicative of activities of daily living are often more clinically relevant and applicable for evaluating the success of medical and surgical interventions or monitoring age- and disease-related physical decline. Objective: To determine whether exercise interventions utilizing blood flow restriction are able to improve objective measures of physical function indicative of activities of daily living. Methods: A systematic search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Springer identified 13 randomized control trials utilizing an exercise intervention combined with blood flow restriction, while measuring at least one objective measure of physical function. Participants were ≥18 years of age. Systematic review of the literature and quality assessment of the included studies used the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk bias. Results: Data from 13 studies with a total of 332 participants showed blood flow restriction exercise, regardless of modality, most notably increased performance on the 30 s sit-to-stand and timed up and go tests, and generally improved physical function on other tests including walking tests, variations of sit-to-stand tests, and balance, jumping, and stepping tests. Conclusions: From the evidence available, blood flow restriction exercise of multiple modalities improved objective measures of physical function indicative of activities of daily living.
Project description:BackgroundICU admissions are ever increasing across the United States. Following critical illness, physical functioning (PF) may be impaired for up to 5 years. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of interventions targeting PF among ICU survivors. The objective of this study was to identify effective interventions that improve long-term PF in ICU survivors.MethodsMEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Physiotherapy Evidence-Based Database (PEDro) were searched between 1990 and 2012. Two reviewers independently evaluated studies for eligibility, critically appraised the included studies, and extracted data into standardized evidence tables.ResultsFourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included exercise/physical therapy (PT), parenteral nutrition, nurse-led follow-up, spontaneous awakening trials, absence of sedation during mechanical ventilation, and early tracheotomy. Nine studies failed to demonstrate efficacy on PF of the ICU survivors. However, early physical exercise and PT-based interventions had a positive effect on long-term PF.ConclusionsThe only effective intervention to improve long-term PF in critically ill patients is exercise/PT; its benefit may be greater if started earlier. Further research in this area comparing different interventions and timing is needed.
Project description:BackgroundOlder adults with dementia are at high risk for drug-related adverse outcomes. While much is known about potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults, its prevalence and characteristics among those with dementia are not as well elucidated. We conducted a literature review to examine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use among home-dwelling older adults with dementia. Our secondary aim was to determine the most frequently implicated medications and factors associated with potentially inappropriate medication use.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched between 1946 and 2014 for articles that referenced potentially inappropriate medication use and types of dementia. One reviewer screened all titles and abstracts from the initial search and full-text articles after the initial screen for eligibility, then 2 reviewers independently abstracted data from included studies.ResultsSearches yielded 81 articles, of which 7 met inclusion criteria. Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use varied from 15% to 46.8%. No single drug or drug class was reported consistently across all studies as the most frequent potentially inappropriate medication, but anticholinergics and benzodiazepines, drugs that affect cognition, were among the most common medications or pharmacological classes listed.DiscussionOlder adults with dementia may be particularly vulnerable to potentially inappropriate medications because of cognitive impairment from their condition and the greater likelihood of experiencing adverse events from medications. Given this population's greater susceptibility to adverse events, more intense medication and patient monitoring may be warranted, especially among those taking anticholinergics and benzodiazepines, as these drugs can contribute to cognitive impairment.