Displaying publications 161 - 180 of 235 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext eComment: Early discharge post cardiac surgery: the gold standard or a false economy?
    Sachithanandan A
    Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg, 2011 Feb;12(2):134.
    PMID: 21257948 DOI: 10.1510/icvts.2010.249474A
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care/economics
  2. The development and comprehensibility of a pictorial asthma action plan
    Roberts NJ, Mohamed Z, Wong PS, Johnson M, Loh LC, Partridge MR
    Patient Educ Couns, 2009 Jan;74(1):12-8.
    PMID: 18789626 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2008.07.049
    OBJECTIVE: Written action plans are regarded as an important part of asthma self-management education and yet they may not be understood by those with limited literacy skills. This study was designed to produce an understandable pictorial asthma action plan.
    METHODS: With advice from a group of doctors and nurses a "standard" written action plan was translated by a medical artist into a series of pictorial images. These were assessed using the techniques of guessability and translucency by a series of adults attending a specialist asthma clinic in London and the same process was subsequently used to assess comprehensibility of the images and plans amongst a group of Somalis living in Manchester, UK and Malaysians in Seremban, Malaysia.
    RESULTS: Guessability testing showed that the majority of pictograms were well understood by each of the study groups. Translucency testing revealed close agreement with intended meaning for the majority of the images. One image, depicting extra use of reliever medication scored less well in all populations; two other images scored less well in the Somali and Malaysian groups and reflect less use of certain inhaler devices in other countries. The overall plan was well understood by all patients who were able to adequately recount the appropriate actions to take in different clinical scenarios.
    CONCLUSION: We have developed a pictorial asthma action plan understandable by 3 different populations of patients with asthma.
    PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Pictorial representations have been shown by other studies in other situations to be an effective method of reinforcing the spoken word. The pictorial asthma action plan developed for this study has been shown to be comprehensible, personalised to the individual in the usual fashion. It is now suitable for further evaluation in clinical practice.
    Study site in Malaysia: Asthma clinic, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Planning/organization & administration*
  3. Help-seeking pathways among Malay psychiatric patients
    Razali SM, Najib MA
    Int J Soc Psychiatry, 2000;46(4):281-9.
    PMID: 11201349
    The aim of this study is to explore the help-seeking behaviour of Malay psychiatric patients. A semi-structured interview based on a standard proforma was conducted to assess help seeking process and delays for Malay psychiatric patients attending the psychiatric clinic for the first time. Help-seeking process and delays were defined. Among 134 patients evaluated in the study, 69% had visited traditional healers (bomoh) for the present illness before consulting psychiatrists. The second popular choice of treatment was medical practitioner and only a small percentage of them had consulted homeopathic practitioners and herbalists. Patients who had consulted bomohs were significantly delayed in getting psychiatric treatment compared with those who had not consulted them. Consultation of bomohs was significantly higher among married patients, those with major psychiatric illnesses and in family who believed in supernatural causes of mental illness. However, there was no significant difference in age, gender, educational status and occupation between patients who had consulted and not consulted bomoh. We concluded that majority of the Malay psychiatric patients had sought the traditional treatment prior to psychiatric consultation. The strength of social support and the belief of the patients, friends, and/or relatives in supernatural causes of mental illness were strongly associated with the rate of traditional treatment. Deep-seated cultural beliefs were major barrier to psychiatric treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Team/utilization
  4. Delay in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients attending a university teaching hospital
    Liam CK, Tang BG
    Int J Tuberc Lung Dis, 1997 Aug;1(4):326-32.
    PMID: 9432388
    University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Team/statistics & numerical data
  5. Retained haemodialysis-catheter guidewire in the head and neck: a multidisciplinary team approach
    Xiao Hong C, Abd Wahab S, Azman M
    BMJ Case Rep, 2020 Oct 27;13(10).
    PMID: 33109696 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-236484
    Penetrating foreign body in the head and neck can be catastrophic from injury to the constellation of vascular and neural structures in the neck. Early recognition and prompt surgical intervention is imperative to save lives. Herein, we present an unusual case of iatrogenic foreign body-a coiled guidewire embedded in the deep neck space. The complications, radiological investigation and multidisciplinary surgical management are further discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Team*
  6. Fulltext Comparative efficacy and safety of warfarin care bundles and novel oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
    Ng SS, Lai NM, Nathisuwan S, Jahan NK, Dilokthornsakul P, Kongpakwattana K, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2020 01 20;10(1):662.
    PMID: 31959803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57370-2
    Warfarin care bundles (e.g. genotype-guided warfarin dosing, patient's self-testing [PST] or patient's self-management [PSM] and left atrial appendage closure) are based on the concept of combining several interventions to improve anticoagulation care. NOACs are also introduced for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (SPAF). However, these interventions have not been compared in head-to-head trials yet. We did a network meta-analysis based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing anticoagulant interventions for SPAF. Studies comparing these interventions in adults, whether administered alone or as care bundles were included in the analyses. The primary efficacy outcome was stroke and the primary safety outcome was major bleeding. Thirty-seven studies, involving 100,142 patients were assessed. Compared to usual care, PSM significantly reduced the risk of stroke (risk ratio [RR] 0.24, 95% CI 0.08-0.68). For major bleeding, edoxaban 60 mg (0.80, 0.71-0.90), edoxaban 30 mg (0.48, 0.42-0.56), and dabigatran 110 mg (0.81, 0.71-0.94) significantly reduced the risk of major bleeding compared with usual warfarin care. Cluster rank plot incorporating stroke and major bleeding outcomes indicates that some warfarin care bundles perform as well as NOACs. Both interventions are therefore viable options to be considered for SPAF. Additional studies including head-to-head trials and cost-effectiveness evaluation are still warranted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Bundles/methods*
  7. What role could community pharmacists in Malaysia play in diabetes self-management education and support? The views of individuals with type 2 diabetes
    Lee EL, Wong PS, Tan MY, Sheridan J
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2018 Apr;26(2):138-147.
    PMID: 28574154 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12374
    OBJECTIVES: This study explored the experiences and views of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) on their diabetes self-management and potential roles for community pharmacists in diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S) in Malaysia.
    METHODS: A qualitative study, using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, was conducted with patients with T2D attending a primary care health clinic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively.
    KEY FINDINGS: Fourteen participants with T2D were interviewed. Data were coded into five main themes: experience and perception of diabetes self-management, constraints of the current healthcare system, perception of the community pharmacist and community pharmacies, perceived roles for community pharmacists in diabetes care, and challenges in utilising community pharmacies to provide DSME/S. There were misconceptions about diabetes management that may be attributed to a lack of knowledge. Although participants described potential roles for community pharmacists in education, medication review and continuity of care, these roles were mostly non-clinically oriented. Participants were not confident about community pharmacists making recommendations and changes to the prescribed treatment regimens. While participants recognised the advantages of convenience of a community pharmacy-based diabetes care service, they raised concerns over the retail nature and the community pharmacy environment for providing such services.
    CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the need to improve the care provision for people with T2D. Participants with T2D identified potential, but limited roles for community pharmacists in diabetes care. Participants expressed concerns that need to be addressed if effective diabetes care is to be provided from community pharmacies in Malaysia.
    Study site: primary care health clinic (klinik kesihatan), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care/organization & administration
  8. Fulltext Development of a Search Strategy for an Evidence Based Retrieval Service
    Ho GJ, Liew SM, Ng CJ, Hisham Shunmugam R, Glasziou P
    PLoS One, 2016;11(12):e0167170.
    PMID: 27935993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167170
    BACKGROUND: Physicians are often encouraged to locate answers for their clinical queries via an evidence-based literature search approach. The methods used are often not clearly specified. Inappropriate search strategies, time constraint and contradictory information complicate evidence retrieval.

    AIMS: Our study aimed to develop a search strategy to answer clinical queries among physicians in a primary care setting.

    METHODS: Six clinical questions of different medical conditions seen in primary care were formulated. A series of experimental searches to answer each question was conducted on 3 commonly advocated medical databases. We compared search results from a PICO (patients, intervention, comparison, outcome) framework for questions using different combinations of PICO elements. We also compared outcomes from doing searches using text words, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), or a combination of both. All searches were documented using screenshots and saved search strategies.

    RESULTS: Answers to all 6 questions using the PICO framework were found. A higher number of systematic reviews were obtained using a 2 PICO element search compared to a 4 element search. A more optimal choice of search is a combination of both text words and MeSH terms. Despite searching using the Systematic Review filter, many non-systematic reviews or narrative reviews were found in PubMed. There was poor overlap between outcomes of searches using different databases. The duration of search and screening for the 6 questions ranged from 1 to 4 hours.

    CONCLUSION: This strategy has been shown to be feasible and can provide evidence to doctors' clinical questions. It has the potential to be incorporated into an interventional study to determine the impact of an online evidence retrieval system.

    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care/methods*
  9. Cost is an important factor influencing active management of extremely preterm infants
    Ma L, Liu C, Cheah I, Yeo KT, Chambers GM, Kamar AA, et al.
    Acta Paediatr, 2019 01;108(1):70-75.
    PMID: 30080290 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14533
    AIM: The attitudes of neonatologists towards the active management of extremely premature infants in a developing country like China are uncertain.

    METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to neonatologists from 16 provinces representing 59.6% (824.2 million) of the total population of China on October 2015 and December 2017.

    RESULTS: A total of 117 and 219 responses were received in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Compared to 2015, respondents in 2017 were more likely to resuscitate infants <25 weeks of gestation (86% vs. 72%; p < 0.05), but few would resuscitate infants ≤23 weeks of gestation in either epoch (10% vs. 6%). In both epochs, parents were responsible for >50% of the costs of intensive care, but in 2017, significantly fewer clinicians would cease intensive care (75% vs. 88%; p < 0.05) and more would request for economic aid (40% vs. 20%; p < 0.05) if parents could not afford to pay. Resource availability (e.g. ventilators) was not an important factor in either initiation or continuation of intensive care (~60% in both epochs).

    CONCLUSION: Cost is an important factor in the initiation and continuation of neonatal intensive care in a developing country like China. Such factors need to be taken into consideration when interpreting outcome data from these regions.

    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Team/economics*
  10. Fulltext Palliative care in Malaysia: a decade of progress and going strong
    Lim RBL
    J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother, 2003;17(3-4):77-85; discussion 87-9.
    PMID: 15022953 DOI: 10.1080/j354v17n03_11
    Palliative care first began in Malaysia in 1991, and since then there has been a growing interest in the field and its development both from the government and nongovernmental organizations. It is important to recognize the potential advantages and disadvantages of palliative care provided by both government and private programs to maximize development for the greater benefit of patients. A close relationship between these two bodies must be created so that there is smooth continuity of service and no overlapping of roles. This article highlights some thoughts on how palliative care has developed over the years from the perspective of a clinician who is currently working in the government sector and cooperating with nongovernmental organizations to develop a palliative care network in the region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care/organization & administration*
  11. Fulltext The integrated care pathway for post stroke patients (iCaPPS): a shared care approach between stakeholders in areas with limited access to specialist stroke care services
    Abdul Aziz AF, Mohd Nordin NA, Ali MF, Abd Aziz NA, Sulong S, Aljunid SM
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2017 Jan 13;17(1):35.
    PMID: 28086871 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1963-8
    BACKGROUND: Lack of intersectoral collaboration within public health sectors compound efforts to promote effective multidisciplinary post stroke care after discharge following acute phase. A coordinated, primary care-led care pathway to manage post stroke patients residing at home in the community was designed by an expert panel of specialist stroke care providers to help overcome fragmented post stroke care in areas where access is limited or lacking.

    METHODS: Expert panel discussions comprising Family Medicine Specialists, Neurologists, Rehabilitation Physicians and Therapists, and Nurse Managers from Ministry of Health and acadaemia were conducted. In Phase One, experts chartered current care processes in public healthcare facilities, from acute stroke till discharge and also patients who presented late with stroke symptoms to public primary care health centres. In Phase Two, modified Delphi technique was employed to obtain consensus on recommendations, based on current evidence and best care practices. Care algorithms were designed around existing work schedules at public health centres.

    RESULTS: Indication for patients eligible for monitoring by primary care at public health centres were identified. Gaps in transfer of care occurred either at post discharge from acute care or primary care patients diagnosed at or beyond subacute phase at health centres. Essential information required during transfer of care from tertiary care to primary care providers was identified. Care algorithms including appropriate tools were summarised to guide primary care teams to identify patients requiring further multidisciplinary interventions. Shared care approaches with Specialist Stroke care team were outlined. Components of the iCaPPS were developed simultaneously: (i) iCaPPS-Rehab© for rehabilitation of stroke patients at community level (ii) iCaPPS-Swallow© guided the primary care team to screen and manage stroke related swallowing problems.

    CONCLUSION: Coordinated post stroke care monitoring service for patients at community level is achievable using the iCaPPS and its components as a guide. The iCaPPS may be used for post stroke care monitoring of patients in similar fragmented healthcare delivery systems or areas with limited access to specialist stroke care services.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: No.: ACTRN12616001322426 (Registration Date: 21st September 2016).
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Team/organization & administration
  12. Fulltext Expert panel consensus recommendations for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in Asia: The HOPE Asia Network
    Kario K, Shin J, Chen CH, Buranakitjaroen P, Chia YC, Divinagracia R, et al.
    J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich), 2019 Sep;21(9):1250-1283.
    PMID: 31532913 DOI: 10.1111/jch.13652
    Hypertension is an important public health issue because of its association with a number of significant diseases and adverse outcomes. However, there are important ethnic differences in the pathogenesis and cardio-/cerebrovascular consequences of hypertension. Given the large populations and rapidly aging demographic in Asian regions, optimal strategies to diagnose and manage hypertension are of high importance. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is an important out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement tool that should play a central role in hypertension detection and management. The use of ABPM is particularly important in Asia due to the specific features of hypertension in Asian patients, including a high prevalence of masked hypertension, disrupted BP variability with marked morning BP surge, and nocturnal hypertension. This HOPE Asia Network document summarizes region-specific literature on the relationship between ABPM parameters and cardiovascular risk and target organ damage, providing a rationale for consensus-based recommendations on the use of ABPM in Asia. The aim of these recommendations is to guide and improve clinical practice to facilitate optimal BP monitoring with the goal of optimizing patient management and expediting the efficient allocation of treatment and health care resources. This should contribute to the HOPE Asia Network mission of improving the management of hypertension and organ protection toward achieving "zero" cardiovascular events in Asia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Management/methods
  13. Fulltext Effects of a nutrition support team on clinical outcomes, metabolic complications and electrolyte abnormalities in patients receiving parenteral nutrition
    Chong PF, Paraidathathu T
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2013;22(4):548-56.
    PMID: 24231015 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.2013.22.4.15
    The effectiveness of the Nutrition Support Team (NST) at Hospital Sungai Buloh, a large public hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in optimising parenteral nutrition (PN) has not been evaluated. To evaluate the effects of this NST in optimising patient outcomes, treatment outcomes, and adherence to biochemical monitoring guidelines, two groups of patients, those given PN before (n = 106) NST intervention and those given PN after (n=106) NST intervention, were retrospectively compared. Intervention by the NST significantly reduced metabolic abnormalities, reducing sodium abnormalities from 67% to 44% (p<0.01); potassium abnormalities from 42% to 15% (p<0.01); magnesium abnormalities from 13% to 3% (p<0.05) and phosphate abnormalities from 21% to 9% (p=0.01). Intervention by the NST also significantly reduced the incidence of hypertriglyceridemia from 68% to 45% (p=0.002) and significantly improved adherence to biochemical monitoring guidelines from 46% to 72% (p<0.01). However, the length of hospital stay, patient mortality, and duration of PN were similar in both groups. This study failed to demonstrate that the establishment of a NST gave better outcomes in terms of the common measures of effectiveness. In conclusion, although management by an NST significantly reduced metabolic abnormalities and improved adherence to biochemical monitoring guidelines, the NST did not improve patient mortality rates and length of hospital stay.
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Team*
  14. Fulltext Application of three-dimensional computed tomography in craniofacial clinical practice and research
    Anderson PJ, Yong R, Surman TL, Rajion ZA, Ranjitkar S
    Aust Dent J, 2014 Jun;59 Suppl 1:174-85.
    PMID: 24611727 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12154
    Following the invention of the first computed tomography (CT) scanner in the early 1970s, many innovations in three-dimensional (3D) diagnostic imaging technology have occurred, leading to a wide range of applications in craniofacial clinical practice and research. Three-dimensional image analysis provides superior and more detailed information compared with conventional plain two-dimensional (2D) radiography, with the added benefit of 3D printing for preoperative treatment planning and regenerative therapy. Current state-of-the-art multidetector CT (MDCT), also known as medical CT, has an important role in the diagnosis and management of craniofacial injuries and pathology. Three-dimensional cone beam CT (CBCT), pioneered in the 1990s, is gaining increasing popularity in dental and craniofacial clinical practice because of its faster image acquisition at a lower radiation dose, but sound guidelines are needed to ensure its optimal clinical use. Recent innovations in micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) have revolutionized craniofacial biology research by enabling higher resolution scanning of teeth beyond the capabilities of MDCT and CBCT, presenting new prospects for translational clinical research. Even after four decades of refinement, CT technology continues to advance and broaden the horizons of craniofacial clinical practice and phenomics research.
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Planning
  15. Pairing as an instructional strategy to promote soft skills amongst clinical dental students
    Abu Kasim NH, Abu Kassim NL, Razak AA, Abdullah H, Bindal P, Che' Abdul Aziz ZA, et al.
    Eur J Dent Educ, 2014 Feb;18(1):51-7.
    PMID: 24423176 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12058
    Training dentists today is challenging as they are expected to provide a wide range of dental care. In the provision of good dental care, soft skills are equally important as clinical skills. Therefore in dental education the development of soft skills are of prime concern. This study sought to identify the development of soft skills when dental students are paired in their clinical training. In this perception study, four open-ended items were used to elicit students' feedback on the appropriateness of using clinical pairing as an instructional strategy to promote soft skills. The most frequently cited soft skills were teamwork (70%) and communication (25%) skills. However, both negative and positive behaviours were reported. As for critical thinking and problem solving skills, more positive behaviours were reported for abilities such as to explain, analyze, find ideas and alternative solutions, and make decisions. Leadership among peers was not evident as leading without legitimate authority could be a hindrance to its development. If clinical pairing is to be used as an effective instructional strategy to promote soft skills amongst students, clear guidelines need to be developed to prepare students to work in a dental team and the use of appropriate assessment tools can facilitate the development of these soft skills.
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Team
  16. Soft skills and dental education
    Gonzalez MA, Abu Kasim NH, Naimie Z
    Eur J Dent Educ, 2013 May;17(2):73-82.
    PMID: 23574183 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12017
    Soft skills and hard skills are essential in the practice of dentistry. While hard skills deal with technical proficiency, soft skills relate to a personal values and interpersonal skills that determine a person's ability to fit in a particular situation. These skills contribute to the success of organisations that deal face-to-face with clients. Effective soft skills benefit the dental practice. However, the teaching of soft skills remains a challenge to dental schools. This paper discusses the different soft skills, how they are taught and assessed and the issues that need to be addressed in their teaching and assessment. The use of the module by the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya for development of soft skills for institutions of higher learning introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Team
  17. Academic surgery in Asia
    Yip CH
    ANZ J Surg, 2008 May;78(5):345-6.
    PMID: 18380727 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2008.04471.x
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care
  18. Management studies in medical education
    Noor Ghani S, Saimy I
    Med J Malaysia, 2005 Aug;60 Suppl D:66-8.
    PMID: 16315627
    In 1977, the World Health Assembly (WHA) set the social target--the "Health For All" goal and in 1995, urged member states to "re-orientate medical education and medical practice for "Health For All" (resolution WHA 48.8). This led to World Health Organisation to enunciate the "5-star doctor" needing skills in healthcare management, quality assurance and health economics. The Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya introduced the New Integrated Curriculum (NIC) in 1995. The objective was aimed at producing a competent doctor with a holistic approach to the practice of medicine. This was to be achieved by having 3 strands of studies i.e. The Scientific Basis of Medicine (SBM), the Doctor, Patient, Health and Society (DPHS), and Personal and Professional Development (PPD) over the 5-year programme, split into 3 phases. Elements of the "5-star doctor" were introduced in strand 2--DPHS and strand 3--PPD. Management studies were introduced in the Personal and Professional Development (PPD) strand. This led to an instructional module--"Principles of Management in Health Care Services (PMGT)" comprising of the Management of Self, Resources and People and incorporating a three week field programme. Evaluation is undertaken at the end of the phase IIIA of the studies. This NIC approach will be able to produce a "5-star doctor", a team player, leader, communicator and an effective manager.
    Matched MeSH terms: Patient Care Team
  19. Fulltext Ending preventable newborn deaths in a generation
    Akseer N, Lawn JE, Keenan W, Konstantopoulos A, Cooper P, Ismail Z, et al.
    Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2015 Oct;131 Suppl 1:S43-8.
    PMID: 26433505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.03.017
    The end of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) era was marked in 2015, and while maternal and child mortality have been halved, MGD 4 and MDG 5 are off-track at the global level. Reductions in neonatal death rates (age <1 month) lag behind those for post-neonates (age 1-59 months), and stillbirth rates (omitted from the MDGs) have been virtually unchanged. Hence, almost half of under-five deaths are newborns, yet about 80% of these are preventable using cost-effective interventions. The Every Newborn Action Plan has been endorsed by the World Health Assembly and ratified by many stakeholders and donors to reduce neonatal deaths and stillbirths to 10 per 1000 births by 2035. The plan provides an evidence-based framework for scaling up of essential interventions across the continuum of care with the potential to prevent the deaths of approximately three million newborns, mothers, and stillbirths every year. Two million stillbirths and newborns could be saved by care at birth and care of small and sick newborns, giving a triple return on investment at this key time. Commitment, investment, and intentional leadership from global and national stakeholders, including all healthcare professionals, can make these ambitious goals attainable.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  20. Fulltext Social Network Strategies to Address HIV Prevention and Treatment Continuum of Care Among At-risk and HIV-infected Substance Users: A Systematic Scoping Review
    Ghosh D, Krishnan A, Gibson B, Brown SE, Latkin CA, Altice FL
    AIDS Behav, 2017 Apr;21(4):1183-1207.
    PMID: 27125244 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1413-y
    Social network analysis (SNA) and social network-based interventions (SNI) are important analytical tools harnessing peer and family influences critical for HIV prevention and treatment among substance users. While SNA is an effective way to measure social network influences, SNI directly or indirectly involves network members in interventions. Even though these methods have been applied in heterogeneous ways, leading to extensive evidence-based practices, systematic reviews are however, lacking. We searched five bibliographic databases and identified 58 studies involving HIV in substance users that had utilized SNA or SNI as part of their methodology. SNA was used to measure network variables as inputs in statistical/mathematical models in 64 % of studies and only 22 % of studies used SNI. Most studies focused on HIV prevention and few addressed diagnosis (k = 4), care linkage and retention (k = 5), ART adherence (k = 2), and viral suppression (k = 1). This systematic review highlights both the advantages and disadvantages of social network approaches for HIV prevention and treatment and gaps in its use for HIV care continuum.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator ([email protected])

External Links