News media framing of food poverty and insecurity in high-income countries: A rapid review

Food poverty and insecurity have become a public health emergency in many high-income countries. News media coverage can shape public and political views towards such issues. This rapid review synthesizes the evidence on how food poverty and insecurity are represented in the news media. Peer-reviewed publications were accessed through three electronic databases, with reference lists of all included studies screened. Primary research studies conducted in high-income countries and published in English since 1995 were included, with no restrictions on study methods. A combination of deductive coding to Entman's framing theory and inductive analysis was used. Ten studies, mostly rated as low quality, were included in the review. Newspapers were the only type of news media examined. The findings showed a largely absent nuanced understanding of food poverty and insecurity, with the problem often defined by food bank use and the consequences mainly focused on physical health. The causes were mostly attributed to structural factors, with the solutions largely focused on charitable food aid. The discourse of recipient (un)deservingness of food aid was evident. Articles often contained views from government officials and charities, with individuals' experiences of food poverty and insecurity largely absent. The findings of this review highlight that a major shift in print media discourse on food poverty and insecurity is required. More balanced and critical news reporting is required to present a more realistic picture of food poverty and insecurity, including its multi-dimensional nature, limitations of food charity and the need for structural solutions to this important issue.</p

Barriers and facilitators to implementation of menu labelling interventions from a food service industry perspective: a mixed methods systematic review

BACKGROUND: Eating outside the home contributes to poor dietary habits worldwide and is associated with increased body fat and weight gain. Evidence shows menu labelling is effective in promoting healthier food choices; however, implementation issues have arisen. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesise the evidence on the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementation of menu labelling interventions from the perspective of the food service industry. METHODS: Peer-reviewed and grey literature were searched using databases, specialised search engines and public health organisation websites. Screening reference lists, citation chaining and contacting authors of all included studies were undertaken. Primary research studies relevant to direct supply-side stakeholders were eligible for inclusion. There were no restrictions on menu labelling scheme or format, study methods, publication year or language. At least two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal. The results were synthesised using the 'best fit' framework synthesis approach, with reference to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). RESULTS: Seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria, with the majority rated as average quality (n =¿10). The most frequently cited barriers were coded to the CFIR constructs 'Consumer Needs & Resources' (e.g. lack of customer demand for/interest in menu labelling, risk of overwhelmed/confused customers) and 'Compatibility' with organisation work processes (e.g. lack of standardised recipes, limited space on menus). Frequently cited facilitators were coded to the CFIR constructs 'Relative Advantage' of menu labelling (e.g. improved business image/reputation) and 'Consumer Needs & Resources' (e.g. customer demand for/interest in menu labelling, providing nutrition information to customers). An adapted framework consisting of a priori and new constructs was developed, which illustrates the relationships between domains. CONCLUSION: This review generates an adapted CFIR framework for understanding implementation of menu labelling interventions. It highlights that implementation is influenced by multiple interdependent factors, particularly related to the external and internal context of food businesses, and features of the menu labelling intervention. The findings can be used by researchers and practitioners to develop or select strategies to address barriers that impede implementation and to leverage facilitators that assist with implementation effort

Effects of an eight-week supervised, structured lifestyle modification programme on anthropometric, metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in severely obese adults

Background: Lifestyle modification is fundamental to obesity treatment, but few studies have described the effects of structured lifestyle programmes specifically in bariatric patients. We sought to describe changes in anthropometric and metabolic characteristics in a cohort of bariatric patients after participation in a nurse-led, structured lifestyle programme. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study of adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kgm−2 (or ≥35 kgm−2 with significant co-morbidity) who were attending a regional bariatric service and who completed a single centre, 8-week, nurse-led multidisciplinary lifestyle modification programme. Weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, HbA1c, fasting glucose and lipid profiles as well as functional capacity (Incremental Shuttle Walk Test) and questionnaire-based anxiety and depression scores before and after the programme were compared in per-protocol analyses. Results: Of 183 bariatric patients enrolled, 150 (81.9 %) completed the programme. Mean age of completers was 47.9 ± 11.2 years. 34.7 % were male. There were statistically significant reductions in weight (129.6 ± 25.9 v 126.9 ± 26.1 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (46.3 ± 8.3 v 44.9 ± 9.0 kgm−2, p < 0.001), waist circumference (133.0 ± 17.1 v 129.3 ± 17.5 cm in women and 143.8 ± 19.0 v 135.1 ± 17.9 cm in men, both p < 0.001) as well as anxiety and depression scores, total- and LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels, with an increase in functional capacity (5.9 ± 1.7 v 6.8 ± 2.1 metabolic equivalents of thermogenesis (METS), p < 0.001) in completers at the end of the programme compared to the start. Blood pressure improved, with reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure from 135 ± 16.2 to 131.6 ± 17.1 (p = 0.009) and 84.7 ± 10.2 to 81.4 ± 10.9 mmHg (p < 0.001), respectively. The proportion of patients achieving target blood pressure increased from 50.3 to 59.3 % (p = 0.04). The proportion of patients with diabetes achieving HbA1c <53 mmol/mol increased from 28.6 to 42.9 %, p = 0.02. (Continued on next page)Conclusions: Bariatric patients completing an 8 week, nurse-led structured lifestyle programme had improved adiposity, fitness, lipid profiles, psychosocial health, blood pressure and glycaemia. Further assessment of this programme in a pragmatic randomised controlled trial seems warranted. Keywords: Bariatric, Structured lifestyle modification, Cardiovascular risk, CLANN (Changing Lifestyle with Activity and Nutrition) Programme, Nurse-led, Diabete

Key Learning Outcomes for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Education in Europe: A Modified Delphi Study.

Harmonizing clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (CPT) education in Europe is necessary to ensure that the prescribing competency of future doctors is of a uniform high standard. As there are currently no uniform requirements, our aim was to achieve consensus on key learning outcomes for undergraduate CPT education in Europe. We used a modified Delphi method consisting of three questionnaire rounds and a panel meeting. A total of 129 experts from 27 European countries were asked to rate 307 learning outcomes. In all, 92 experts (71%) completed all three questionnaire rounds, and 33 experts (26%) attended the meeting. 232 learning outcomes from the original list, 15 newly suggested and 5 rephrased outcomes were included. These 252 learning outcomes should be included in undergraduate CPT curricula to ensure that European graduates are able to prescribe safely and effectively. We provide a blueprint of a European core curriculum describing when and how the learning outcomes might be acquired

Implementation of menu labelling interventions in the out-of-home food environment

Background: Prevention of obesity is a public health priority both globally and in Ireland. While the causes of obesity are complex and multifaceted, poor diet is a leading risk factor. Labelling menus with nutrition information has gathered growing public and legislative support in response to the increased consumption of foods prepared outside the home and the associated risks of poor dietary quality and increased body weight. Evidence shows that menu labelling has positive effects on consumer food choices and industry/catering practices; however, challenges to implementation have arisen. To date, no previous review has synthesised the evidence on the determinants of menu labelling implementation. Moreover, few studies report the extent to which menu labelling is implemented as designed. Aims: The overall aim of this thesis is to contribute to the evidence base on implementation of menu labelling interventions in the out-of-home food environment, with the goal of shaping policy to reduce overweight and obesity. In line with this aim, the research sought to (i) synthesise the evidence on the barriers and facilitators to implementing menu labelling interventions from a food service industry perspective, and (ii) assess the levels of implementation fidelity to a calorie posting policy in Irish public hospitals; and to identify the perceived factors influencing implementation, and in particular, factors specific to fidelity. Methods: The systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature followed the steps of the ‘best fit’ framework synthesis approach and incorporated a combination of deductive and inductive analysis techniques. There were no restrictions on menu labelling scheme or format, study methods, publication year or language. The mixed methods study used a sequential design (quant → QUAL), with a nested case study consisting of four acute public hospitals for the qualitative component. A triangulation protocol was used to integrate fidelity findings from multiple sources. Data on influencing factors and fidelity were then combined using joint displays for within and cross-case analysis. To help systematically evaluate the determinants of implementation, both studies were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results: The review, which found 17 eligible studies, identified multiple interdependent factors influencing implementation of menu labelling interventions, many of which acted simultaneously as barriers and facilitators. Factors influencing implementation were predominantly related to key characteristics of the menu labelling intervention as well as factors operating within the internal setting of food businesses and external context of food businesses. Based on the review findings, an adapted CFIR framework consisting of a priori and new constructs was constructed to illustrate how factors interact to influence implementation effectiveness of menu labelling interventions from a food service industry perspective. Findings from the quantitative phase of the mixed methods study revealed seven hospitals were categorised as low implementers and 28 hospitals were high implementers of the calorie posting policy. Across the four hospitals selected as cases for the qualitative phase, integrated analysis of fidelity from both phases indicated a pattern of partial adherence to the calorie posting policy. Across the four hospitals, factors influencing implementation and fidelity were multiple, and operated independently and in combination. Factors were related to the internal hospital environment, external hospital environment, features of the calorie posting policy, and the implementation process. Conclusion: This research includes the first systematic review to focus on the determinants of menu labelling implementation. The mixed method study is also one of few studies, with none in the healthcare setting, to examine fidelity to a calorie menu labelling policy. The overall research findings point to the need for menu labelling legislation with adequate monitoring and enforcement as well as increased consumer demand. Future research should assess other dimensions of fidelity, document and track adaptations to menu labelling interventions, and develop and test implementation strategies to address the determinants identified in the current research

Barriers and facilitators to implementation of menu labelling interventions to support healthy food choices: a mixed methods systematic review protocol

Abstract Background Menu labelling is continuing to gather public and legislative support as one of the potential environmental strategies for addressing the obesity pandemic. However, issues relating to implementation have been reported in countries where menu labelling has been introduced on a voluntary or mandatory basis. The aim of this mixed methods systematic review is to synthesise the empirical evidence on the barriers and facilitators to implementation of menu labelling interventions to support healthy food choices. Methods This review will use the ‘best fit’ framework synthesis approach to synthesise qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods evidence. Peer-reviewed publications will be accessed through PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus. Grey literature will be accessed through Google Scholar, OpenGrey, RIAN, EThOS, ProQuest, WorldCat, Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, and public health organisation websites. Screening reference lists, citation chaining and contacting authors of all included studies will be undertaken. There will be no restriction on menu labelling scheme or format, publication year or language; however, only primary research studies relevant to supply-side stakeholders will be eligible for inclusion. Study quality will be assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. At least two independent reviewers will perform study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal; if consensus is required, another independent reviewer will be consulted. A combination of deductive coding, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as the a priori framework, and inductive analysis, using secondary thematic analysis, will be used. The overall process will assist in the construction of a new evidence-based conceptual model regarding the implementation of menu labelling interventions. The new model will be assessed for bias and a sensitivity analysis performed. Discussion Given the growing consensus that a systemic, sustained portfolio of obesity prevention strategies, delivered at scale, is needed to address the obesity epidemic, greater understanding of the practical issues relating to implementation of such strategies is required. Findings from this review will be used to develop a set of best-practice guidelines to enhance the adoption, implementation and sustainability of menu labelling interventions across countries worldwide. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD4201708330

Effects of an icon-based menu labelling initiative on consumer food choice.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of an icon-based menu labelling initiative on consumer buying behaviour. Methods: This quasi-experimental study recruited a convenience sample of eight food service establishments, all with at least one menu item meeting the heart healthy criteria. Data from sales of all menu items sold over an 8-week period were collated 4 weeks prior to and 4 weeks during the display of information icons related to healthy food choices on menus. Results: The absolute change in menu item sales showed a non-significant trend towards an increase in healthier menu item selections. Furthermore, there was no association between the type of food service establishment and the percentage change in labelled menu item sales. Conclusion: The study did not find a statistically significant influence of the icon-based menu labels on consumer food choice. Given the limited amount of research that examines alternative menu labelling formats in real-world settings, more studies are necessary to confirm these results. Further research is needed to identify the optimal format, content and impact of menu labels on consumer behaviour.This research was funded by Croí, the West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation, Croí House, Moyola Lane, Newcastle, Galway.peer-reviewe

Reliability of assessment of medical students' non-technical skills using a behavioural marker system:does clinical experience matter?

Introduction Non-technical skills are recognised to play an integral part in safe and effective patient care. Medi-StuNTS (Medical Students' Non-Technical Skills) is a behavioural marker system developed to enable assessment of medical students' non-technical skills. This study aimed to assess whether newly trained raters with high levels of clinical experience could achieve reliability coefficients of &gt;0.7 and to compare differences in inter-rater reliability of raters with varying clinical experience. Methods Forty-four raters attended a workshop on Medi-StuNTS before independently rating three videos of medical students participating in immersive simulation scenarios. Data were grouped by raters' levels of clinical experience. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results Eleven raters with more than 10 years of clinical experience achieved single-measure ICC of 0.37 and average-measures ICC of 0.87. Fourteen raters with more than or equal to 5 years and less than 10 years of clinical experience achieved single-measure ICC of 0.09 and average-measures ICC of 0.59. Nineteen raters with less than 5 years of clinical experience achieved single-measure ICC of 0.09 and average-measures ICC 0.65. Conclusions Using 11 newly trained raters with high levels of clinical experience produced highly reliable ratings that surpassed the prespecified inter-rater reliability standard; however, a single rater from this group would not achieve sufficiently reliable ratings. This is consistent with previous studies using other medical behavioural marker systems. This study demonstrated a decrease in inter-rater reliability of raters with lower levels of clinical experience, suggesting caution when using this population as raters for assessment of non-technical skills.</p

Exploring transformative learning when developing medical students' non-technical skills

Context: Non-technical skills (NTS) training should be incorporated into medical students' education and simulation-based approaches are often utilised to facilitate this. Such experiences have the potential to foster transformative learning by facilitating a reassessment of one's prior assumptions and a significant shift in one's outlook, referred to as the process of perspective transformation. The aim of this research was to explore how NTS training might facilitate transformative learning in final-year medical students. Methods: Following ethical approval, medical student volunteers from four medical schools (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow) participated in simulation sessions, were debriefed with an emphasis on NTS using a behavioural marker system and then took part in focus groups. Focus group discussions were semi-structured and questions were based on the phases of perspective transformation identified by Jack Mezirow. Focus group discussions were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymised and analysed using template analysis. Results: A total of 33 medical students took part in five focus groups. There was evidence of the following stages of perspective transformation: Phase 2 (self-examination with emotional disturbance, including fear, anxiety, guilt, shame and frustration); Phase 3 (critical assessment of assumptions, including the undervaluing of NTS, recognising that technical skills alone are insufficient, and recognising that it is possible to improve one’s NTS); Phase 5 (exploring options for new roles, relationships and actions), and Phase 6 (planning a course of action for future simulations, as a medical student and as a doctor). Conclusions: This study deepens our understanding of how exposure to NTS training in simulation-based education influences the learning of medical students and shows that such exposure can result in the cognitive phases of transformative learning. It provides us with valuable insights into medical students' perspectives on their learning of NTS at a pivotal stage in training and represents an interesting way of assessing the educational impact of such sessions.</p