The health and economic benefits of reducing intimate partner violence: an Australian example.

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has important impacts on the health of women in society. Our aim was to estimate the health and economic benefits of reducing the prevalence of IPV in the 2008 Australian female adult population. METHODS: Simulation models were developed to show the effect of a 5 percentage point absolute feasible reduction target in the prevalence of IPV from current Australian levels (27%). IPV is not measured in national surveys. Levels of psychological distress were used as a proxy for exposure to IPV since psychological conditions represent three-quarters of the disease burden from IPV. Lifetime cohort health benefits for females were estimated as fewer incident cases of violence-related disease and injury; deaths; and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). Opportunity cost savings were estimated for the health sector, paid and unpaid production and leisure from reduced incidence of IPV-related disease and deaths. Workforce production gains were estimated by comparing surveyed participation and absenteeism rates of females with moderate psychological distress (lifetime IPV exposure) against high or very high distress (current IPV exposure), and valued using the friction cost approach (FCA). The impact of improved health status on unpaid household production and leisure time were modelled from time use survey data. Potential costs associated with interventions to reduce IPV were not considered. Multivariable uncertainty analyses and univariable sensitivity analyses were undertaken. RESULTS: A 5 percentage point absolute reduction in the lifetime prevalence of IPV in the 2008 Australian female population was estimated to produce 6000 fewer incident cases of disease/injury, 74 fewer deaths, 5000 fewer DALYs lost and provide gains of 926,000 working days, 371,000 days of home-based production and 428,000 leisure days. Overall, AUD371 million in opportunity cost savings could be achievable. The greatest economic savings would be home-based production (AUD147 million), followed by leisure time (AUD98 million), workforce production (AUD94 million) and reduced health sector costs (AUD38 million). CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes new knowledge about the economic impact of IPV in females. The findings provide evidence of large potential opportunity cost savings from reducing the prevalence of IPV and reinforce the need to reduce IPV in Australia, and elsewhere

Comparisons between group- and individual-based interventions to support recovery from stroke and ischaemic heart disease in the community: a scoping review

Purpose To map and summarise available literature on the effectiveness or other benefits of group- and individual-based interventions provided for adults living with stroke or ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in the community. Material and Methods The review was conducted based on JBI methodology and reported using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Articles were retrieved from: Medline, PsychInfo, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL from 2002–2022. Extracted data from eligible studies included type of health outcomes (e.g., impairments), retention and adherence, social connectedness, and the costs associated with group- and individual-based interventions. Results After screening, five articles (representing 4 unique studies) comparing a group- and individual-based intervention were included (total sample size n = 87). Three types of interventions were assessed: exercise (3/5), communication (1/5), and occupational therapy (1/5). Effectiveness of group- and individual-based interventions at improving health outcomes (i.e. physical ability, communication, motivation, and quality of life) is unclear. Currently there is insufficient evidence to guide clinical practice. Conclusions There is limited evidence comparing interventions delivered in a group and individual modality for adults living with stroke or IHD. Adequately powered studies are needed to determine if mode of delivery is equivalent or more cost effective. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Rehabilitation interventions can be offered individually or in group settings with clinicians choosing the most appropriate modality. Both group- and individual-based interventions have advantages and disadvantages, with clinical, practical, and economic factors as important considerations when deciding between the two modalities. Based on this scoping review, the authors conclude that there is currently insufficient evidence to guide clinical practice in deciding which mode of delivery (group or individual) is optimal. There is insufficient research evidence to guide clinicians in their choice between offering rehabilitation interventions for stroke or IHD in groups or individually

Global Stroke Statistics 2023: Availability of reperfusion services around the world

Background: Disparities in the availability of reperfusion services for acute ischaemic stroke are considerable globally, and require urgent attention. Contemporary data on the availability of reperfusion services in different countries provide the necessary evidence to prioritise where access to acute stroke treatment is needed. // Aims: To provide a snapshot of published literature on the provision of reperfusion services globally, including when facilitated by telemedicine or mobile stroke unit services. Methods: We searched PubMed to identify original papers, published up to January 2023, with the most recent, representative and relevant data for each country. Keywords included thrombolysis and telemedicine. We also screened reference lists of review papers, citation history of papers, and the grey literature. The information is provided as a narrative summary. // Results: Of 11,222 potentially eligible papers retrieved, 148 were included for review following de-duplications and full text review. Data were also obtained from national stroke clinical registry reports, Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) and Pre-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization (PRESTO) repositories, and other national sources. Overall, we found evidence of the provision of intravenous thrombolysis services in 70 countries (6463% high-income countries (HICs)) and endovascular thrombectomy services in 33 countries (68% HICs), corresponding to far less than half of the countries in the world. Recent data (from 2019 or later) were lacking for 35 of 67 countries with known year of data (52%). We found published data on 74 different stroke telemedicine programs (93% in HICs) and 14 active mobile stroke unit pre-hospital ambulances services (80% in HICs) around the world. // Conclusion: Despite remarkable advancements in reperfusion therapies for stroke, it is evident from available data that their availability remains unevenly distributed globally. Contemporary published data on availability of reperfusion services remain scarce, even in HICs, thereby making it difficult to reliably ascertain current gaps in the provision of this vital acute stroke treatment around the world

A mixed-methods feasibility study of a new digital health support package for people after stroke : The Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participation after Stroke (ReCAPS) intervention

Background Evidence for digital health programmes to support people living with stroke is growing. We assessed the feasibility of a protocol and procedures for the Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participation after Stroke (ReCAPS) trial. Methods We conducted a mixed-method feasibility study. Participants with acute stroke were recruited from three hospitals (Melbourne, Australia). Eligibility: Adults with stroke discharged from hospital to home within 10 days, modified Rankin Score 0–4 and prior use of Short Message System (SMS)/email. While in hospital, recruited participants contributed to structured person-centred goal setting and completed baseline surveys including self-management skills and health-related quality of life. Participants were randomised 7–14 days after discharge via REDCap® (1:1 allocation). Following randomisation, the intervention group received a 12-week programme of personalised electronic support messages (average 66 messages sent by SMS or email) aligned with their goals. The control group received six electronic administrative messages. Feasibility outcomes included the following: number of patients screened and recruited, study retainment, completion of outcome measures and acceptability of the ReCAPS intervention and trial procedures (e.g. participant satisfaction survey, clinician interviews). Protocol fidelity outcomes included number of goals developed (and quality), electronic messages delivered, stop messages received and engagement with messages. We undertook inductive thematic analysis of interview/open-text survey data and descriptive analysis of closed survey questions. Results Between November 2018 and October 2019, 312 patients were screened; 37/105 (35%) eligible patients provided consent (mean age 61 years; 32% female); 33 were randomised (17 to intervention). Overall, 29 (88%) participants completed the12-week outcome assessments with 12 (41%) completed assessments in the allocated timeframe and 16 also completing the satisfaction survey (intervention=10). Overall, trial participants felt that the study was worthwhile and most would recommend it to others. Six clinicians participated in one of three focus group interviews; while they reported that the trial and the process of goal setting were acceptable, they raised concerns regarding the additional time required to personalise goals. Conclusion The study protocol and procedures were feasible with acceptable retention of participants. Consent and goal personalisation procedures should be centralised for the phase III trial to reduce the burden on hospital clinicians. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12618001468213 (date 31/08/2018); Universal Trial Number: U1111-1206-723

Interventions for the uptake of evidence-based recommendations in acute stroke settings

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the effects of implementation interventions for promoting the uptake of evidence‐based recommendations in acute stroke unit environments. Secondary objectives are to describe any factors that may modify the effect of implementation interventions; determine factors that may influence the uptake of recommendations in acute stroke units; and determine if single or multifaceted intervention strategies (two or more interventions) are more effective in improving uptake of evidence, patient outcomes, system outcomes or professionals' knowledge, attitudes or intentions in this setting

Factors influencing self-reported anxiety or depression following stroke or TIA using linked registry and hospital data

Approximately 30-50% of survivors experience problems with anxiety or depression post-stroke. It is important to understand the factors associated with post-stroke anxiety or depression to identify effective interventions.Patient-level data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (years 2009-2013), from participating hospitals in Queensland (n = 23), were linked with Queensland Hospital Emergency and Admission datasets. Self-reported anxiety or depression was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L, obtained at 90-180\ua0days post-stroke. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression, with manual stepwise elimination of variables, was used to investigate the association between self-reported anxiety or depression, patient factors and acute stroke processes of care. Comorbidities, including prior mental health problems (e.g. anxiety, depression and dementia) coded in previous hospital admissions or emergency presentations using ICD-10 diagnosis codes, were identified from 5\ua0years prior to stroke event.2853 patients were included (median age 74; 45% female; 72% stroke; 24% transient ischaemic attack). Nearly half (47%) reported some level of anxiety or depression post-stroke. The factors most strongly associated with anxiety or depression were a prior diagnosis of anxiety or depression [Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 2.37, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.66-3.39; p

Global stroke statistics : An update of mortality data from countries using a broad code of “cerebrovascular diseases”

Background: Current information on mortality attributed to stroke among different countries is important for policy development and monitoring prevention strategies. Unfortunately, mortality data reported to the World Health Organization by different countries are inconsistent. Aims and/or hypothesis: To update the repository of the most recent country-specific data on mortality from stroke for countries that provide data using a broad code for “cerebrovascular disease.” Methods: Data on mortality from stroke were obtained from the World Health Organization mortality database. We searched for countries that provided data, since 1999, on a combined category of “cerebrovascular disease” (code 1609) that incorporated International Classification of Diseases (10th edition) codes I60–I69. Using population denominators provided by the World Health Organization for the same year when available, or alternatively estimates obtained from the United Nations, we calculated crude mortality from “cerebrovascular disease” and mortality adjusted to the World Health Organization world population. We used the most recent year reported to the World Health Organization, as well as comparing changes over time. Results: Since 1999, seven countries have provided these mortality data. Among these countries, crude mortality was greatest in the Russian Federation (in 2011), Ukraine (2012), and Belarus (2011) and was greater in women than men in these countries. Crude mortality was positively correlated with the proportion of the population aged ≥65 years but not with time. Age-adjusted mortality was greatest in the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan, and greater in men than women. Over time, mortality declined, with the greatest decline per annum evident in Kazakhstan (8.7%) and the Russian Federation (7.0%). Conclusions: Among countries that provided data to the World Health Organization using a broad category of “cerebrovascular disease,” there was a decline in mortality in two of the countries that previously had some of the largest mortality rates for stroke

Global stroke statistics

Background: Up to date data on incidence, mortality, and case-fatality for stroke are important for setting the agenda for prevention and healthcare. Aims and/or hypothesis: We aim to update the most current incidence and mortality data on stroke available by country, and to expand the scope to case-fatality and explore how registry data might be complementary. Methods: Data were compiled using two approaches: (1) an updated literature review building from our previous review and (2) direct acquisition and analysis of stroke events in the World Health Organization (WHO) mortality database for each country providing these data. To assess new and/or updated data on incidence, we searched multiple databases to identify new original papers and review articles that met ideal criteria for stroke incidence studies and were published between 15 May 2013 and 31 May 2016. For data on case-fatality, we searched between 1980 and 31 May 2016. We further screened reference lists and citation history of papers to identify other studies not obtained from these sources. Mortality codes for ICD-8, ICD-9, and ICD-10 were extracted. Using population denominators provided for each country, we calculated both the crude mortality from stroke and mortality adjusted to the WHO world population. We used only the most recent year reported to the WHO for which both population and mortality data were available. Results: Fifty-one countries had data on stroke incidence, some with data over many time periods, and some with data in more than one region. Since our last review, there were new incidence studies from 12 countries, with four meeting pre-determined quality criteria. In these four studies, the incidence of stroke, adjusted to the WHO World standard population, ranged from 76 per 100,000 population per year in Australia (2009–10) up to 119 per 100,000 population per year in New Zealand (2011–12), with the latter being in those aged at least 15 years. Only in Martinique (2011–12) was the incidence of stroke greater in women than men. In countries either lacking or with old data on stroke incidence, eight had national clinical registries of hospital based data. Of the 128 countries reporting mortality data to the WHO, crude mortality was greatest in Kazhakstan (in 2003), Bulgaria, and Greece. Crude mortality and crude incidence of stroke were both positively correlated with the proportion of the population aged ≥ 65 years, but not with time. Data on case-fatality were available in 42 studies in 22 countries, with large variations between regions. Conclusions: In this updated review, we describe the current data on stroke incidence, case-fatality and mortality in different countries, and highlight the growing trend for national clinical registries to provide estimates in lieu of community-based incidence studies

Understanding the role of external facilitation to drive quality improvement for stroke care in hospitals

The use of external facilitation within the context of multicomponent quality improvement interventions (mQI) is growing. We aimed to evaluate the influence of external facilitation for improving the quality of acute stroke care. Clinicians from hospitals participating in mQI (Queensland, Australia) as part of the Stroke123 study were supported by external facilitators in a single, on-site workshop to review hospital performance against eight clinical processes of care (PoCs) collected in the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR) and develop an action plan. Remote support (i.e., telephone/email) after the workshop was provided. As part of a process evaluation for Stroke123, we recorded the number and mode of contacts between clinicians and facilitators; type of support provided; and frequency of self-directed, hospital-level stroke registry data reviews. Analysis: We measured the association between amount/type of external facilitation, (i) development of action plans, and (ii) adherence to PoCs before and after the intervention using AuSCR data from 2010 to 2015. In total, 14/19 hospitals developed an action plan. There was no significant difference in amount or type of external facilitator support provided between hospitals that did, and did not, develop an action plan. There was no relationship between the amount of external facilitation and change in adherence to PoCs. Most (95%) hospitals accessed stroke registry performance data. In the Stroke123 study, the amount or type of external facilitation did not influence action plan development, and the amount of support did not influence the changes achieved in adherence to PoCs. Remote support may not add value for mQI