How do patient and practitioner characteristics influence empathy in healthcare? Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction
Empathy is a core component of high-quality care yet is expressed and received in different ways depending on the characteristics (including gender, race, socioeconomic status and disability) of both practitioners and patients. However, the evidence exploring how these characteristics or their overlap (‘intersectionality’) influence empathy has not been synthesised.

Methods and analysis
We will systematically review and meta-analyse studies exploring the influence of healthcare practitioners and patient characteristics on empathy in healthcare. MEDLINE, EMBASE (via Scopus), Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, CENTRAL Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects will be searched from database inception to present. Reference chasing will be used to identify additional studies. Studies that report empathy levels using either (1) the patient-reported Consultation and Relational Empathy Measure or (2) the practitioner or student-reported Jefferson Scale of Empathy. This will include validated versions or translations of both scales.
Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full texts and extract data using Rayyan. Discrepancies will be resolved in discussion with a third author if necessary. Two independent authors will evaluate the risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools.
Continuous data will be analysed based on the mean, SD, sample size and 95% CIs. Sensitivity analyses will be used to explore the potential impact of risk of bias and use of imputed data. We will explore differences between countries, demographic characteristics, disciplines and lengths of time in practice experience, as well as differences over time (comparing more recent with older studies). We will also explore differences between patient-reported and practitioner-reported empathy.
We will report our findings following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and flowchart.

Ethics and dissemination
Ethical approval is not required for this review as primary data will not be collected. The review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and presented at conferences.

PROSPERO registration number
CRD42024604677.

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Febbraio 2025

Evidence map of liver surgery: study protocol of a living systematic review

Introduction
The amount of scientific data on liver surgery is exploding. There is a critical unmet need to develop tools that will facilitate navigating the literature and offer easy, fast and accurate access to data with a high level of evidence. Evidence maps (EM) combining living systematic reviews (SR) and user-friendly synthesis with graphs and figures were developed for this purpose in other medical fields and showed promising results but remain yet unavailable in liver surgery. The present study protocol aims to generate an EM in liver surgery, gathering randomised clinical trials (RCT) and SR.

Methods and analysis
A systematic search will be conducted in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Embase and Medline to identify all RCT and SR concerning liver surgery. RCT and SR will be classified in research topics. Selected endpoints will be extracted and meta-analysed. Results will be freely available for patients, clinicians and researchers via a web-based evidence map platform. EM and meta-analyses (MA) will be updated at regular intervals.

Ethics and dissemination
Including publicly available data, this type of study design did not require ethical committee approval. EM displays the required properties to facilitate literature search and to get a rapid overview of the current evidence, an unavailable tool in liver surgery, to date. Generating such an aid may considerably help patients, clinicians and researchers in many aspects: accessing accurate data, helping in decision-making and identifying gaps in the field. On completion of the project, results will be published, freely available via www.evidencemap.surgery and permanently updated.

PROSPERO registration number
CRD42023489201 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/)

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Febbraio 2025

Physical and psychological predictors for persistent and recurrent non-specific neck pain: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction
Both physical adaptations (e.g., altered neck kinematics and muscle coordination) and psychological features are common in people presenting with neck pain (NP). Additionally, both physical and psychological features may be relevant for the development of persistent or recurrent NP. Although a number of original studies have reported this, currently there is no available systematic review reporting physical and psychological predictors for the recurrence of non-specific NP.

Methods and analysis
The report of this systematic review protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Studies will be searched from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO and grey literature. Title, abstract and full-text screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be conducted by two independent reviewers. Studies investigating the prediction of persistent or recurrent NP from physical or psychological predictors will be included. Physical predictors will be commonly reported objective measures including neck kinematics, measures of muscle activity and sensory function. Psychological predictors will include variables such as kinesiophobia, self-efficacy, pain coping strategies and quality of life. The main outcomes of interest are the Neck Disability Index, presence of pain recurrence, as well as pain intensity and frequency during a persistent or recurrent NP episode. Observational cohort studies will be included, and studies on both single-factor and multifactor predictions or associations will be investigated. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. The certainty of evidence will be rated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). A random-effect meta-analysis will be conducted if methodological and clinical homogeneity is deemed satisfactory.

Ethics and dissemination
Ethical approval will not be required for this review as there is no primary data collection involving humans. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number
CRD42024596844.

Leggi
Febbraio 2025

[Articles] Effects of lifestyle interventions on mental health in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Lifestyle interventions modestly improve depressive symptoms and quality of life in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, with additional benefits for self-concept and emotional functioning observed in NRSIs. These findings underscore the potential of lifestyle interventions to address both physical and mental health. Future research should focus on evaluating long-term psychological outcomes and developing cost-effective, culturally tailored interventions.

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Febbraio 2025

Comparative effectiveness and safety of nifedipine and magnesium sulfate as treatment options for preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives
Preterm birth (PTB) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Effective use of tocolytic agents may improve perinatal outcomes. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of nifedipine and magnesium sulfate in the treatment of PTB.

Design
A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources
China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, WanFang, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane were searched from inception to 1 December 2024.

Eligibility criteria
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that compare the efficacy and safety of magnesium sulfate versus nifedipine in treating PTB.

Data extraction and synthesis
Two researchers independently screened studies and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool for RCTs and the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for non-randomised studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager V.5.4.

Results
In all, 50 articles were included in this review, comprising 6072 cases (n=3014 for the magnesium sulfate group; n=3058 for the nifedipine group). Compared with the magnesium sulfate group, the nifedipine group was more favourable in terms of time to onset of action and prolongation of days of gestation, as well as higher neonatal 1 min Apgar scores. The use of magnesium sulfate was associated with a higher incidence of maternal side effects, specifically tachycardia, flushing, palpitations, dizziness and nausea. In addition, the magnesium sulfate group also showed a higher incidence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome than the nifedipine group.

Conclusion
Compared with magnesium sulfate, nifedipine is more effective with a faster onset of action and a longer prolonging pregnancy. Additionally, nifedipine may be safer for fewer maternal side effects and better neonatal outcomes. Further studies are needed to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of these treatments.

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Febbraio 2025

Medication adherence of patients with peripheral arterial disease to antithrombotic therapy: a systematic review

Objectives
Antithrombotic therapy (ATT) prevents atherothrombotic events (AE) in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, the benefit may be compromised by poor medication adherence (MA). Therefore, our primary objective was the proportion of patients with PAD with poor MA in literature following patient-reported, pharmacy-reported or laboratory-reported outcome measurements. Poor MA is a combined outcome of primary non-adherence (inability to initiate a prescription), secondary non-adherence (incorrect daily intake) and non-persistence (discontinuation of daily intake).

Design
Systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Data sources
PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched from 2000 to June 2023.

Eligibility criteria
Publications with a (sub)cohort of patients with PAD that reported on patients’ MA to ATT were included.

Data extraction and synthesis
All articles were reviewed on eligibility and methodological quality by two independent researchers. The data were retrieved and collected in Review Manager Web and the percentages were calculated per subgroup. The risk of bias was assessed by using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised controlled trials (RCT) and the methodological index for non-randomised studies score for non-RCTs.

Results
We identified 274 potential records of which 10 studies (32 628 patients) were included. Six studies were RCTs and two prospective and two retrospective studies. Most studies scored a moderate risk of bias and had heterogeneous study designs. Poor MA rates ranged between 2% and 45%. Higher rates of poor MA were found in studies with longer follow-ups, pharmacy-reported outcome measurements and registry-based cohorts.

Conclusion
Heterogeneous study designs create a wide dispersion in the proportions. However, poor MA to ATT was found in approximately one-third of the patients with PAD and seemed to increase with longer therapy duration, which highlights the magnitude of this societal challenge. Enhancing patients’ MA to ATT might be a key element in reducing the risk of AE, and therefore, more attention to MA in clinical and research settings is warranted.

PROSPERO registration number
CRD42023431803.

Leggi
Febbraio 2025

Listening-in-noise difficulties following stroke: a scoping review protocol

Introduction
Across different populations, listening difficulties have been shown to adversely impact social interactions and work performance, and substantively contribute to poorer quality of life. Following a stroke, people also report listening difficulties in noisy, everyday environments such as cafes and workplaces. Despite the prevalence of these challenges, there is limited understanding of this issue, which means the listening needs of stroke survivors remain under-recognised and unmet. The aim of this scoping review is to map the breadth and depth of the existing literature on stroke survivors’ experiences of listening in noisy environments, encompassing qualitative descriptions and quantitative assessments of listening-in-noise abilities, to identify contributing factors, knowledge gaps and potential intervention strategies.

Methods and analysis
This protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework (protocol number: 39TCA) and follows the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews. The protocol was developed by a multidisciplinary and multiprofessional team, led by a survivor of stroke and informed by additional patient input. A mixed-methods approach will be used to generate independent narrative summaries of qualitative and quantitative studies, followed by an integrated narrative of findings across data types. We will first conduct a comprehensive search using Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Scopus, Cumulated Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Web of Science databases in February 2025. Eligible studies will include stroke survivors as participants and focus on listening-in-noise experiences or abilities. Qualitative studies must explore personal experiences or perceptions related to listening in noisy environments, and quantitative studies must assess listening-in-noise performance. Studies addressing mediating factors, such as cognition, comorbidities (eg, hearing loss, aphasia), environmental factors and intervention strategies (eg, auditory training, assistive devices) will also be included. Two independent reviewers will assess the studies for eligibility. In cases of disagreement, a third reviewer will independently compare and resolve any discrepancies, ensuring a consensus is reached. This approach aims to minimise bias and enhance the validity of the review findings. The data extraction and synthesis will adhere to established guidelines, ensuring a robust and transparent analysis.

Ethics and dissemination
Ethical approval is not required as this review will analyse the existing literature. The results will be published in an open-access peer-reviewed journal and presented at local and international conferences. This dissemination strategy aims to reach a wide audience, including clinicians, researchers, policymakers and people with lived experience of stroke.

Trial registration number
Open Science Framework (https://osf.io; protocol number: 39TCA).

Leggi
Febbraio 2025

Health impacts of the Sure Start programme on disadvantaged children in the UK: a systematic review

Objectives
With rising poverty and widening health inequity among children in the UK, the objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the Sure Start programme on child health outcomes in disadvantaged children.

Design
Systematic review.

Data sources
We conducted a comprehensive search of three databases: Embase, Medline and Social Policy and Practice, with grey literature searched using Open Grey, Social Care Online and Google Scholar. The search was conducted in January 2024.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies
All primary studies investigating health outcomes in children as a result of Sure Start intervention were eligible for inclusion, without limitations on study design.

Data extraction and synthesis
Full-text articles in English were independently screened according to the eligibility criteria by two researchers. Results were synthesised and presented in both a quantitative and narrative format. We assessed the risk of bias in each included study.

Results
Our initial search identified 585 records, of which 9 met our inclusion criteria with a further 3 grey literature reports included. Three themes were identified: physical health, social functioning and neurodevelopmental disorders. In terms of physical health, our findings indicate significant reductions in hospitalisations in older children, accidental injury and obesity prevalence. Furthermore, Sure Start increased the prevalence of breastfeeding and improved dental hygiene in children. In the social functioning domain, the Sure Start programme produced mixed findings: with children from certain backgrounds observing adverse effects as a result of the intervention. Yet, Sure Start demonstrated significant improvement in education attainment, with a maximal improvement of grade improvement in children from low socio-economic and ethnic minority backgrounds. For neurodevelopmental disorders, Sure Start was able to significantly improve conduct disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptomatology with long-term clinical stabilisation, as well as improving screening rates for developmental disorders.

Conclusion
This study examines the evidence of the Sure Start programme, as an example of an early-years community-based intervention, to mitigate health inequity among disadvantaged children. The findings suggest the Sure Start programme to be effective in health generation across the domains of physical health and neurodevelopmental disorders for disadvantaged children, but with mixed findings for social development that can only partially be explained by methodological flaws.

Trial registration number
PROSPERO CRD42024503234.

Leggi
Febbraio 2025

Threats to grant peer review: a qualitative study

Background and objectives
Peer review is ubiquitous in evaluating scientific research. While peer review of manuscripts submitted to journals has been widely studied, there has been relatively less attention paid to peer review of grant applications (despite how crucial peer review is to researchers having the means and capacity to conduct research). There is spirited debate in academic community forums (including on social media) about the perceived benefits and limitations of grant peer review. The aim of our study was to understand the experiences and challenges faced by grant peer reviewers.

Methods
Therefore, we conducted qualitative interviews with 18 members of grant review panels—the Chairs, peer reviewers and Scientific Officers of a national funding agency—that highlight threats to the integrity of grant peer review.

Results
We identified three threats: (1) lack of training and limited opportunities to learn, (2) challenges in differentiating and rating applications of similar strength, and (3) reviewers weighting reputations and relationships in the review process to differentiate grant applications of a similar strength. These threats were compounded by reviewers’ stretched resources or lack of time. Our data also highlighted the essential role of the Chair in ensuring transparency and rigorous grant peer review.

Conclusions
As researchers continue to evaluate the threats to grant peer review, the reality of stretched resources and time must be considered. We call on funders and academic institutions to implement practices that reduce reviewer burden.

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Febbraio 2025

Correction: What is the current scope of research assessing patients and clinicians perspectives on clozapine treatment? A comprehensive scoping review

Jakobsen MI, Schaug JP, Storebø OJ, et al. What is the current scope of research assessing patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives on clozapine treatment? A comprehensive scoping review. BMJ Open 2025;15:e085956. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085956 This article was previously published with an error. Few lines in the Abstract and the Conclusion sections have been rephrased to avoid misinterpretation regarding the recommendations for future research. The following sentences have been reworded in the Abstract’s Results section: Three gaps in research were identified: (1) studies exploring clozapine-eligible, yet clozapine-naïve, patients’ attitudes towards clozapine commencement, (2) studies exploring clinicians’ reasons for clozapine withholding and perceived facilitators of clozapine treatment in individual patient-cases and (3) studies on patient and clinician perspectives on clozapine discontinuation, continuation and rechallenge in individual patient cases. The following are the revised sentences in the Conclusions section: This behaviour leaves three distinct gaps in research: (1) studies exploring clozapine-eligible, yet clozapine-naïve, patients’…

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Febbraio 2025

Understanding how midwife-led continuity of care can be implemented and under what circumstances: a realist review

Objectives
To understand how and under what circumstances midwife-led continuity of care (MLCC) can be implemented in high-income countries.

Design
A realist review was conducted to examine interactions between contexts, mechanisms and outcomes.

Methods
An initial programme theory described a hypothesis of how MLCC might be implemented successfully. Literature from a systematic search on the implementation of MLCC was synthesised and supplemented with unstructured searches to identify literature that reinforced the emerging concepts. The synthesis was an iterative process, endorsed in consultation with stakeholders, leading to a refined programme theory.

Results
A total of 45 documents were included. The mechanisms identified can be grouped around macrolevel challenges, leadership, role ambiguity and conflict, and personal and professional boundaries. Despite strong evidence supporting MLCC, diverse stakeholder interests and power dynamics hinder its implementation. Implementing MLCC disrupts established roles and power structures, creating uncertainty and anxiety at all levels. To successfully navigate healthcare providers through the transition, both formal and informal leaders must demonstrate the courage and vision to challenge existing norms.

Conclusions
Realist methodology allowed the identification of mechanisms that often remain unnoticed but significantly impact the implementation of MLCC. Concrete policies and guidelines are essential to ensure consistency in care delivery. Collaborative efforts and a shared philosophy among all stakeholders, combined with strong leadership that builds trust and addresses anxiety, can create a supportive environment for MLCC implementation.

PROSPERO registration number
CRD42023446437.

Leggi
Febbraio 2025

Designing vaping prevention messages for youth: a scoping review protocol

Introduction
Youth vaping has become a significant public health concern globally. Effective prevention messages are essential to reduce the prevalence of vaping among young people. However, evidence on the design of youth vaping prevention messages is limited. This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing evidence, identify research gaps, and provide recommendations for future research and practice.

Methods and analysis
The review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A comprehensive search strategy has been developed focusing on the population-concept-context elements of youth, vaping, prevention, message design and global context. Six databases will be searched: Web of Science Core Collection (including MEDLINE), PubMed, Embase, Scopus, APA PsycInfo and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Grey literature sources, including relevant organisational websites, will also be searched. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, review full texts, and extract data using a predefined data charting form. The extracted data will be synthesised narratively.

Ethics and dissemination
As this scoping review will only include published data and does not involve human participants, institutional review board approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, academic networks, and social media.

Leggi
Febbraio 2025