Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sarah Jane Flaherty, Hannah Delaney, Karen Matvienko-Sikar, Valerie Smith
Summary: This qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) explored the experience of maternity care during COVID-19 from the perspectives of women and maternity care providers. The findings revealed that maternity care during COVID-19 was negatively experienced by both women and maternity care providers. The study highlights the importance of resource and care planning to mitigate medium- and longer-term adverse sequelae.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Review
Nursing
Valerie Smith, Deirdre O'Malley, Kumaresan Cithambaram
Summary: This qualitative evidence synthesis explores the use and application of maternity early warning systems (MEWS) in clinical practice from the perspective of maternity care providers. Findings reveal that maternity care providers have diverse views on MEWS, with some considering it a helpful tool for guiding clinical care and identifying deterioration, while others express concerns about increased workload and inadequate training. Attention to implementation barriers is crucial for optimizing the use of MEWS in clinical practice.
Article
Nursing
Sunita Panda, Deirdre O'Malley, Paula Barry, Nora Vallejo, Valerie Smith
Summary: This study aimed to explore women's views and experiences of maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. Nineteen women participated in the study, revealing four dominant themes reflective of their views and experiences. The findings suggest that changes in care structures and processes as a result of COVID-19 posed additional challenges for women, but some adjustments were positively experienced.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jo Billings, Nada Abou Seif, Siobhan Hegarty, Tamara Ondruskova, Emilia Soulios, Michael Bloomfield, Talya Greene
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health and wellbeing of frontline health and social care workers, highlighting the need for better support systems. Peer support was identified as important but could also lead to burden, with mixed views on support from organizations, media, and the public. Disparities in psychological support services and access barriers were observed, calling for a more collaborative and comprehensive approach to supporting frontline workers.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Charlotte Leung, Tolulope Olufunlayo, Zahra Olateju, Christine MacArthur, Beck Taylor
Summary: This study explores the experiences and perceptions of maternity healthcare workers in Lagos State, Nigeria, in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 outbreak. The findings reveal that midwives and traditional birth attendants remain committed to their role despite facing negative influences such as fear, uncertainty, and infection risk. They are influenced by their professional duty, faith, and support from family and employers. The study also highlights the reduced access and uptake of maternity care by women, including challenges of overstretched health services, movement and cost barriers, and community fear of healthcare facilities.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emily Tumwakire, Hofmeister Arnd, Yahaya Gavamukulya
Summary: The study findings show that people with mental illness face many challenges in terms of sexual and reproductive health, requiring public health interventions. However, the integration of sexual and reproductive health services in mental hospitals has not been successful, and policies should be developed and implemented to address this issue.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Shanty Sterke, Ana Paula Nascimento da Cunha, Hanneke Oomen, Lennard Voogt, Marleen Goumans
Summary: The study investigated how physiotherapists work in Dutch nursing homes and their preferences. Physiotherapists are involved in preventing and managing various care situations, but the level of involvement varies and a shared vision is needed for more consistency.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Sarah Hampton, Joyce Man, Carrie Allison, Ezra Aydin, Simon Baron-Cohen, Rosemary Holt
Summary: Pregnant autistic women may experience heightened sensory and physical symptoms during pregnancy, and may hesitate to disclose their diagnosis to healthcare professionals due to perceived lack of knowledge. They require detailed information and time to process verbal information, and also emphasize the need for sensory adjustments in healthcare settings.
Article
Psychiatry
Juliette Rodriguez, Marie Rose Moro, Rahmeth Radjack
Summary: This qualitative study explores the subjective experiences of first-generation migrant women who gave birth by Caesarean section. The women's experiences of Caesarean section include shock, psychological suffering due to isolation and loneliness, negative preconceptions, and the importance of continuity of care.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Sarah Hampton, Joyce Man, Carrie Allison, Ezra Aydin, Simon Baron-Cohen, Rosemary Holt
Summary: Research showed that autistic participants may face sensory challenges during childbirth, highlighting the need for sensory adjustments and clear communication from healthcare professionals. Limited knowledge of autism among professionals could hinder the provision of appropriate adjustments. Both autistic and non-autistic participants reported parenting strengths and challenges, suggesting potential improvements in childbirth and postnatal healthcare for autistic individuals through sensory and communication adjustments, as well as increased autism-related training for professionals.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lasara Kariyawasam, Margarita Ononaiye, Chris Irons, Lusia Stopa, Sarah E. Kirby
Summary: The research aimed to explore the views and experiences of compassion in Sri Lankan students, revealing that they have a similar understanding of compassion as reflected in Western definitions, but face inhibitors in experiencing compassion. Factors such as religion, culture, society, and upbringing shape participants' experiences and views of compassion.
Review
Dermatology
E. Teasdale, I. Muller, K. Sivyer, D. Ghio, K. Greenwell, S. Wilczynska, A. Roberts, M. J. Ridd, N. Francis, L. Yardley, K. S. Thomas, M. Santer
Summary: The study synthesized 39 papers (reporting 32 studies) from 13 countries, developing four analytical themes: eczema not viewed as a long-term condition; significant psychosocial impact not acknowledged by others; hesitancy about eczema treatments; and insufficient information and advice. Findings suggest that frustration arises from managing a condition seen as mundane but with significant psychosocial impacts, complicated by conflicting and insufficient information and advice. Effective self-management could be supported by addressing beliefs about treatments, acknowledging psychosocial impacts, and providing clear advice.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Nursing
Lok-Lam Ho, Yan Li, Richard Gray, Grace W. K. Ho, Daniel Bressington
Summary: This paper synthesizes the qualitative research findings on carers' views and experiences of physical health care for people with SMI, highlighting the perceived facilitators, barriers, and roles identified by carers. Carers expressed concerns similar to those of professionals and service users, emphasizing the importance of addressing poor service access and communication difficulties with healthcare professionals. Mental health nurses should actively involve carers in managing the physical health of people with SMI, providing practical advice and information to improve physical health care.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC AND MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mercedes Colomar, Newton Opiyo, Carol Kingdon, Qian Long, Soledad Nion, Meghan A. Bohren, Ana Pilar Betran
Summary: This qualitative evidence synthesis explores women's preferences for mode of birth and factors underlying preferences for CS. The study included 52 studies from 28 countries, and identified fear of pain, uncertainty with vaginal birth, and positive views on CS as major contributing factors to women's preferences for CS.
Article
Oncology
Beth Herring, Helena Lewis-Smith, Nicole Paraskeva, Diana Harcourt
Summary: This study explores the care-giving experiences of informal carers of men with breast cancer in the UK, identifying their psychosocial support needs and preferences. The results highlight the significant impact on informal carers' physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being when providing care for men diagnosed with breast cancer, and their experiences of distress and isolation. There is a need for increased awareness and further research to better understand the psychosocial impact and support needs for informal carers of men with breast cancer.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Rama Vancheeswaran, Merlin Luke Willcox, Beth Stuart, Matthew Knight, Hala Kandil, Andrew Barlow, Mayon Haresh Patel, Jade Stockham, Aisling O'Neill, Tristan W. Clark, Tom Wilkinson, Paul Little, Nick Francis, Gareth Griffiths, Michael Moore
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ellen Kulik, Beth Stuart, Merlin Willcox
Summary: Concerns about rheumatic fever drive antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat in endemic areas. Factors like positive group A streptococcal swab, previous RF history, and cardiac murmur are significantly associated with RF development in ST patients. Further research is needed to develop better clinical prediction tools and rationalize antibiotic use for ST.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vincent Mubangizi, Jane Plastow, Florence Nakaggwa, Haven Nahabwe, Sylvia Natukunda, Fiona Atim, Brenda Mawere, Matthew Laughton, Ingrid Muller, Judith Owokuhaisa, Sabine Coates, Isabella Chambers, Clare Goodhart, Merlin Willcox
Summary: This study aimed to compare and assess the acceptability of health promotion films based on documentary or drama, and their effect on knowledge, attitudes, and intention to use family planning. Watching a short documentary on the contraceptive implant led to positive changes in knowledge, while a short drama improved attitudes and intentions to discuss the implant with their partner. The drama and documentary have complementary features, and most participants wanted to see both.
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nick A. A. Francis, Taeko Becque, Merlin Willcox, Alastair D. D. Hay, Mark Lown, Richard Clarke, Beth Stuart, Lucy Yardley, Michael Moore, Joelle Houriet, Paul Little
Summary: This study found that non-pharmaceutical interventions such as wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, and frequent handwashing have strong protective effects against COVID-19 infection.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Xiao-Yang Hu, Ru-Yu Xia, Michael Moore, Beth Stuart, Ling-Zi Wen, Bertrand Graz, Lily Lai, Jian-Ping Liu, Yu -Tong Fei, Merlin Willcox
Summary: This study aimed to identify the use of various treatments and their association with the use of antibiotics and patient reported clinical recovery in Chinese adults with acute cough. An online survey was conducted to collect data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, treatments received, and perceived changes in symptoms among adults with recent acute cough. The study found a high proportion of inappropriate use of antibiotics for the treatment of simple acute cough.
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Maya Tholandi, Siem Zethof, Young-Mi Kim, Abera Kenay Tura, Johannes Ket, Merlin Willcox, Thomas van den Akker, Onaedo Ilozumba
Summary: In the absence of robust vital registration systems, many low- and middle-income countries rely on national surveys or routine surveillance systems to estimate maternal mortality ratio. This study aims to assess methods for estimating maternal mortality in these countries and understand the rationale behind these modifications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Merlin L. Willcox, Immaculate A. Okello, Alice Maidwell-Smith, Abera Kenay Tura, Thomas Van den Akker, Marian Knight, Alexandre Dumont, Ingrid Muller
Summary: The implementation of MPDSR can be improved by introducing structural changes, strengthening data collection tools and information systems, mobilizing adequate resources, and building capabilities of all stakeholders. The study highlights the importance of capabilities, opportunities, and motivation in influencing behaviors related to the implementation of MPDSR in LMICs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Ruyu Xia, Xiaoyang Hu, Michael Moore, Beth Stuart, Lingzi Wen, Bertrand Graz, Jianping Liu, Merlin Willcox, Yutong Fei
Summary: Anti-microbial resistance is a global public health threat, and promoting effective alternative treatments such as Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. This study in China found that nearly 40% of participants with acute cough used CHMs, and the proportion of those who subsequently needed antibiotics was lower compared to other treatments.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ruyu Xia, Yutong Fei, Lishan Zhang, Zhijun Jie, Xiaoyun Fan, Mengyuan Dai, Michael Moore, Merlin Willcox, Xiaoyang Hu, Nick Francis, Changhao Liang, Guanghe Fei, Jianping Liu
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Chinese patent herbal medicine Shufeng Jiedu capsule (SFJD) for treating acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). It is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 300 patients recruited in Beijing, Shanghai and Hefei. The primary outcome will be COPD symptom severity as measured by the EXAcerbation of Chronic Pulmonary Disease Tool score.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Merlin L. Willcox, Xiao-Yang Hu, Tom Oliver, Kerensa Thorne, Cherish Boxall, George He, Catherine Simpson, Becci Brotherwood, Alice O'Neil, Robert Waugh, Emma Tilt, Jeanne Trill, Neville Goward, Nick Francis, Michael Thomas, Paul Little, Tom Wilkinson, Jian-Ping Liu, Gareth Griffiths, Michael Moore
Summary: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial of the Chinese herbal medicine Shufeng Jiedu (SFJD) for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in UK primary care. The results showed that the recruitment rate was lower than expected, possibly due to the lower incidence of AECOPD during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients starting antibiotics from rescue packs before seeing their GP, and challenges in the primary care workforce. However, the study was still able to demonstrate the feasibility of recruiting and randomising participants and identified approaches to address recruitment challenges.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Shraddha Sriraman, Devika Sreejith, Evie Andrew, Immaculate Okello, Merlin Willcox
Summary: This study aims to understand the views and experiences of patients and health professionals on herbal treatments for self-management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The results show that many T2DM patients are interested in finding a cure and often seek advice from friends, families, traditional healers, and mass media. However, they are reluctant to discuss herbal medicines with health professionals whom they perceive as closed-minded. Most health professionals are also hesitant to discuss herbal medicines due to lack of knowledge and concerns about their quality, efficacy, and potential interactions.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Marcela Velez, Luz Helena Lugo-Agudelo, Daniel F. Patino Lugo, Claire Glenton, Ana M. Posada, Luisa Fernanda Mesa Franco, Stefano Negrini, Carlotte Kiekens, Maria Alejandra Spir Brunal, Anne-Stine Bergquist Roberg, Kelly Mariana Cruz Sarmiento
Summary: In order to increase access to rehabilitation services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to explore and adapt the delivery of these services. This study identified factors that influence in-person home-based rehabilitation and home-based telerehabilitation, providing useful insights for healthcare providers and policymakers.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Family Studies
Sumayyah Ahmed, Abigail McLoughlin Dymond, Michele Correa, Merlin L. Willcox
Summary: Ethnic minorities in high-income countries have higher rates of unintended pregnancies but lower likelihood of using highly efficacious long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Factors influencing LARC uptake include side effects, convenience, perceived efficacy, cultural concerns, and societal influences. Convenience, control over reproductive decisions, and desire to prevent pregnancy are facilitators, while cultural concerns, racial discrimination concerns, and negative views from family/friends are barriers.
BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Vincent Mubangizi, Nuala McGrath, Jerome Kahuma Kabakyenga, Ingrid Muller, Beth L. Stuart, James P. Raftery, Sylvia Natukunda, Joseph Ngonzi, Clare Goodhart, Merlin Luke Willcox
Summary: This trial aims to test the feasibility of antenatal couples' counseling in Uganda and collect data to evaluate its impact on improving birth planning and postpartum family planning.
PILOT AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES
(2022)
Review
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Claire Glenton, Simon Lewin, Soo Downe, Elizabeth Paulsen, Susan Munabi-Babigumira, Smisha Agarwal, Heather Ames, Sara Cooper, Karen Daniels, Catherine Houghton, Akram Karimi-Shahanjarini, Hlengiwe Moloi, Willem Odendaal, Elham Shakibazadeh, Lavanya Vasudevan, Andreas Xyrichis, Meghan A. Bohren
Summary: Systematic reviews of qualitative research are increasingly popular and provide important insights into people's views and experiences. However, more guidance is needed on how to conduct these reviews in an environment that is more familiar with quantitative research reviews. This paper discusses the differences between Cochrane qualitative evidence syntheses and intervention effectiveness reviews, and how these differences have influenced the guidance developed by the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care group. It also explores the lessons that reviews of effectiveness can learn from qualitative research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUALITATIVE METHODS
(2022)