Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatment

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine system disorder that affects women of reproductive age. If not treated properly, PCOS can lead to infertility. Lack of proper treatment of PCOS may also result in medical complications such as diabetes or heart disease. The rural clinic where this project took place did not have a mandatory guideline for treatment of PCOS; therefore, no standardized method of diagnosis or treatment of PCOS existed. The purpose of this project, guided by the IOWA evidence-based practice model, was to educate providers on the evidence-based guideline for diagnosis and treatment of PCOS outlined by the Endocrine Society Taskforce. The guideline was selected after a comprehensive literature review and was used to develop an educational program that was provided to 5 nurse practitioners, the medical director and staff. A pre-test post-test design was used to determine if the participants understood the content from the guideline that was presented. Results showed that the researcher-developed test administered to participants yielded scores of 74 on the pre-test and increased after the education program with all participants scoring 100 on the post-test. The guideline used for the education was then presented to the clinic for implementation with the assistance of the medical director\u27s support. The project provided an evidence-based guideline for diagnosing and treating PCOS and raised awareness of PCOS among all staff in a rural clinic where many patients with PCOS are treated. Positive social change may result as providers are better prepared to deliver evidence-based care for PCOS and as infertility and complications of untreated PCOS are reduced

Treatment of symptoms of the menopause: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline

Objective: The objective of this document is to generate a practice guideline for the management and treatment of symptoms of the menopause. Participants: The Treatment of Symptoms of the Menopause Task Force included six experts, a methodologist, and a medical writer, all appointed by The Endocrine Society. Evidence: The Task Force developed this evidenced-based guideline using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to describe the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. The Task Force commissioned three systematic reviews of published data and considered several other existing meta-analyses and trials. Consensus Process: Multiple e-mail communications, conference calls, and one face-to-face meeting determined consensus. Committees of The Endocrine Society, representatives from endorsing societies, and members of The Endocrine Society reviewed and commented on the drafts of the guidelines. The Australasian Menopause Society, the British Menopause Society, European Menopause and Andropause Society, the European Society of Endocrinology, and the International Menopause Society (co-sponsors of the guideline) reviewed and commented on the draft. Conclusions: Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and other symptoms of the climacteric. Benefits may exceed risks for the majority of symptomatic postmenopausal women who are under age 60 or under 10 years since the onset of menopause. Health care professionals should individualize therapy based on clinical factors and patient preference. They should screen women before initiating MHT for cardiovascular and breast cancer risk and recommend the most appropriate therapy depending on risk/benefit considerations. Current evidence does not justify the use of MHT to prevent coronary heart disease, breast cancer, or dementia. Other options are available for those with vasomotor symptoms who prefer not to use MHT or who have contraindications because these patients should not use MHT. Low-dose vaginal estrogen and ospemifene provide effective therapy for the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and vaginal moisturizers and lubricants are available for those not choosing hormonal therapy. All postmenopausal women should embrace appropriate lifestyle measures

Is traditional Chinese medicine recommended in Western medicine clinical practice guidelines in China? A systematic analysis

BackgroundEvidence-based medicine promotes and relies on the use of evidence in developing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). The Chinese healthcare system includes both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine, which are expected to be equally reflected in Chinese CPGs.ObjectiveTo evaluate the inclusion of TCM-related information in Western medicine CPGs developed in China and the adoption of high level evidence.MethodsAll CPGs were identified from the China Guideline Clearinghouse (CGC), which is the main Chinese organisation maintaining the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health of China, the Chinese Medical Association and the Chinese Medical Doctors’ Association.TCM-related contents were extracted from all the CPGs identified. Extracted information comprised the institution issuing the guideline, date of issue, disease, recommendations relating to TCM, evidence level of the recommended content and references supporting the recommendations.ResultsA total of 604 CPGs were identified, only a small number of which (74/604; 12%) recommended TCM therapy and only five guidelines (7%) had applied evidence grading. The 74 CPGs involved 13 disease systems according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th edition. TCM was mainly recommended in the treatment part of the guidelines (73/74, 99%), and more than half of the recommendations (43/74, 58%) were related to Chinese herbal medicine (single herbs or herbal treatment based on syndrome differentiation).ConclusionsFew Chinese Western medicine CPGs recommend TCM therapies and very few provide evidence grading for the TCM recommendation. We suggest that future guideline development should be based on systematic searches for evidence to support CPG recommendations and involve a multidisciplinary approach including TCM expertise

The Effects of Implementing Best Practice on Clostridium Difficile Infection Treatment

For many years the number of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) has steadily risen. This common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea can have variable clinical presentations ranging from mild diarrhea to severe cases complicated by the development of pseudomembranous colitis, electrolyte abnormalities, dehydration, sepsis, and even death. The resistant nature of the spores produced by the bacteria and the emergence of hypervirulent strains have made treatment challenging. Previous studies have demonstrated clinician non-adherence to CDI clinical treatment guidelines may result in poor patient outcomes. This evidence-based practice project was implemented at a 311 bed academic medical center in the Midwest. The project development, implementation, and evaluation was guided by the Iowa Model Revised: Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Excellence in Health Care. Pre-post analysis was used to determine the effect of clinician utilization of an evidence-based CDI treatment order set on clinical cure rate (resolution of diarrhea and no longer requiring treatment for CDI), 30-day disease recurrence, and 30-day readmission rates for CDI. Treatment guideline adherence was 35% in pre-implementation group and 48.9% in post-implementation group (p= 0.113). Guideline adherence did not have a statistically significant effect on recurrence rates (12.3% vs 14.8%, p = 0.425) or clinical cure rates (15.8% vs 23.9%, p = 0.241). The rate of 30-day readmission was higher among the guideline treatment adherent group (7% vs 1.1%, p = 0.078). However, this finding was not statistically significant. Clinician order set utilization increased the rate of guideline adherence versus clinicians that did not use the order set in the post-implementation group (83.3% vs 43.6%, p = 0.096). Although this is a promising result, the small sample size was not adequate enough to demonstrate statistical significance. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of clinician treatment guideline adherence on patient outcomes

Is traditional Chinese medicine recommended in Western medicine clinicalpractice guidelines in China? A systematic analysis.

Background: Evidence-based medicine promotes and relies on the use of evidence in developing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). The Chinese healthcare system includes both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine, which are expected to be equally reflected in Chinese CPGs. Objective: To evaluate the inclusion of TCM-related information in Western medicine CPGs developed in China and the adoption of high level evidence. Methods: All CPGs were identified from the China Guideline Clearinghouse (CGC), which is the main Chinese organisation maintaining the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health of China, the Chinese Medical Association and the Chinese Medical Doctors' Association. TCM-related contents were extracted from all the CPGs identified. Extracted information comprised the institution issuing the guideline, date of issue, disease, recommendations relating to TCM, evidence level of the recommended content and references supporting the recommendations. Results: A total of 604 CPGs were identified, only a small number of which (74/604; 12%) recommended TCM therapy and only five guidelines (7%) had applied evidence grading. The 74 CPGs involved 13 disease systems according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th edition. TCM was mainly recommended in the treatment part of the guidelines (73/74, 99%), and more than half of the recommendations (43/74, 58%) were related to Chinese herbal medicine (single herbs or herbal treatment based on syndrome differentiation). Conclusions: Few Chinese Western medicine CPGs recommend TCM therapies and very few provide evidence grading for the TCM recommendation. We suggest that future guideline development should be based on systematic searches for evidence to support CPG recommendations and involve a multidisciplinary approach including TCM expertise

Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy

Objective To provide a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, imaging, treatment and prognosis for Achilles tendinopathy. To make clinical recommendations for healthcare practitioners and patients. Design Comprehensive multidisciplinary guideline process funded by the Quality Foundation of the Dutch Federation of Medical Specialists. This process included a development, commentary and authorisation phase. Patients participated in every phase. Data sources Multiple databases and existing guidelines were searched up to May 2019. Information from patients, healthcare providers and other stakeholders were obtained using a digital questionnaire, focus group interview and invitational conference. Study eligibility criteria Studies on both insertional and/or midportion Achilles tendinopathy were eligible. Specific eligibility criteria were described per module. Data extraction and synthesis To appraise the certainty of evidence, reviewers extracted data, assessed risk of bias and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method, where applicable. Important considerations were: patient values and preferences, costs, acceptability of other stakeholders and feasibility of implementation. Recommendations were made based on the results of the evidence from the literature and the considerations. Primary outcome measure The primary and secondary outcome measures were defined per module and defined based on the input of patients obtained in collaboration with the Netherlands Patient Federation and healthcare providers from different professions. Results Six specific modules were completed: risk factors and primary prevention, diagnosis, imaging, treatment prognosis and secondary prevention for Achilles tendinopathy. Summary/conclusion Our Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy provides six modules developed according to the standards of the Dutch Federation of Medical Specialists. Evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice are given for risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, imaging, treatment and prognosis. This guideline can assist healthcare providers and patients in clinical practice

S1 Guideline onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails. In Europe, tinea unguium is mainly caused by dermatophytes. The diagnostic workup comprises microscopic examination, culture and/or molecular testing (nail scrapings). Local treatment with antifungal nail polish is recommended for mild or moderate nail infections. In case of moderate to severe onychomycosis, oral treatment is recommended (in the absence of contraindications). Treatment should consist of topical and systemic agents. The aim of this update of the German S1 guideline is to simplify the selection and implementation of appropriate diagnostics and treatment. The guideline was based on current international guidelines and the results of a literature review conducted by the experts of the guideline committee. This multidisciplinary committee consisted of representatives from the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German‐Speaking Mycological Society (DMykG), the Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD), the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), the German Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ), the Working Group for Pediatric Dermatology (APD) and the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI). The Division of Evidence‐based Medicine (dEBM) provided methodological assistance. The guideline was approved by the participating medical societies following a comprehensive internal and external review

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Hodgkin Lymphoma-Favorable Prognosis Stage I and II

This topic addresses the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with favorable prognosis stage I and II Hodgkin lymphoma. In most cases, combined modality therapy (chemotherapy followed by involved site radiation therapy) constitutes the current standard of care. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. By combining the most recent medical literature and expert opinion, this revised guideline can aid clinicians in the appropriate use of combined modality therapy for favorable prognosis stage I and II Hodgkin lymphoma. Increasing information about the late effects of treatment has led to attempts to decrease toxicity by using less chemotherapy (decreased duration and/or intensity or different agents) and less radiation therapy (reduced volume and/or dose) while maintaining excellent efficacy

Practice Guidelines for Continuous Pulse Oximetry Monitoring for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

As the rate of obesity has increased in the United States to include approximately 40% of the adult population, there has been a corresponding rise in the number of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The OSA population is at risk for adverse perioperative respiratory depression. Continuous pulse oximetry monitoring is indicated for these patients upon discharge from the recovery room into other treatment settings and when cared for by telemetry or by trained hospital staff in the patient\u27s room. The practice question was whether an evidence-based practice guideline could be developed to help ensure safe postoperative monitoring of patients with OSA on the medical-surgical units. Guided by the Iowa model as the framework, a 13-member team from respiratory, anesthesiology, and technology departments participated in the guideline development. Three members of the 13-member interdisciplinary team evaluated the guideline using the AGREE II tool with the highest level of agreement on 6 of 6 domains; 100% of the team members agreed to move the developed guideline to the relevant hospital quality improvement committees. Availability of an evidence-based practice guideline for hospital nursing staff on general medical units has the potential to ensure safe management of patients with OSA while achieving cost savings when higher level of care settings may be unavailable for the growing number of patients with OSA. If safely implemented, these guidelines could be adapted in other healthcare facilities to ensure optimal health outcomes for patients with OSA

Clinical Practice Guideline for Care in the Last Days of Life

A clinical practice guideline for patients in the dying process in general wards and their families, developed through an evidence-based process, is presented herein. The purpose of this guideline is to enable a peaceful death based on an understanding of suitable management of patients’ physical and mental symptoms, psychological support, appropriate decision- making, family care, and clearly-defined team roles. Although there are limits to the available evidence regarding medical issues in patients facing death, the final recommendations were determined from expert advice and feedback, considering values and preferences related to medical treatment, benefits and harms, and applicability in the real world. This guideline should be applied in a way that takes into account specific health care environments, including the resources of medical staff and differences in the available resources of each institution. This guideline can be used by all medical institutions in South Korea.ope