Qualitative study on postbariatric surgery follow-up in France: a new patient-physician relationship

Background
Most studies on bariatric patients to date have only examined mortality and morbidities in terms of surgery or no surgery. Few have investigated loss to follow-up in post-surgery patients.

Purpose
This study aimed to describe the dynamics behind non-adherence to follow-up in bariatric patients postsurgery.

Design
Using semi-structured interviews, we performed a qualitative study. Using a thematic analysis, we described themes involved in patient adherence to postsurgery follow-up.

Setting
Participants were recruited from a university hospital near Paris and via social networks.

Participants
17 patients who had undergone surgery, some of whom were lost to follow-up, 15 women and 2 men, were interviewed, during a mean time of 90 min. 10 were adherent, and 7 were lost to follow-up.

Results
Follow-up was seen as a support in which the care provider–patient relationship can act on the four following themes: (1) regaining control, (2) knowledge acquisition, (3) management of fears and (4) overall restructuring of one’s life postsurgery.

Conclusions
Patients’ experiences and representations of postsurgery follow-up should be documented in detail in order to define the specific roles of the various care providers offering support to this population, and to strengthen the coordination of care pathways between these actors. In addition, improving the quality of communication could improve adherence to follow-up after bariatric surgery.

Leggi
Giugno 2025

What drives clinic follow-up after traumatic spinal injury? An observational cohort study from Tanzania

Objectives
To evaluate factors associated with clinic follow-up after traumatic spinal injury (TSI) in Tanzania, focusing on demographic, injury-related and hospital variables. We hypothesised that socioeconomic and injury-specific factors would predict follow-up adherence.

Design
Retrospective observational cohort study.

Setting
Tertiary government referral centre for neurosurgery and orthopaedics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Participants
443 adults with TSI admitted between September 2016 and October 2021. Inclusion criteria included survival to discharge and availability of the discharge date. Patients with missing data were excluded.

Primary and secondary outcome measures
Primary outcomes were any clinic follow-up and 1-year follow-up post-discharge. Secondary outcome was time to loss of follow-up. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with follow-up, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis assessed follow-up duration.

Results
Of 443 patients (85.8% male, median age 34 years), 52.4% returned for follow-up. Independent factors associated with return included private insurance (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.69, 95% CI 1.38 to 5.45, p=0.005), involvement in a road traffic accident (aOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.83, p=0.009), lumbar injuries (aOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.30 to 4.00, p=0.004), neurological improvement at discharge (aOR 3.52, 95% CI 1.72 to 7.64, p=0.001) and hospital stays shorter than 24 days (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.47, p=0.022). Among those who returned, only 25.4% completed 1 year of follow-up. Predictors of 1-year follow-up included being female (aOR 4.87, 95% CI 2.31 to 10.56, p

Leggi
Giugno 2025

Quality of hospital and follow-up care among patients with type 2 diabetes and newly diagnosed cardiovascular disease: a cohort study in Sweden

Objective
To examine hospital discharge practices, including clinical and laboratory assessments, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following their first hospitalisation for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and to explore the association of these practices with adverse events, defined as hospital readmission, emergency department visits and mortality.

Design
Retrospective cohort study.

Setting
Follow-up for 100 days after a newly diagnosed CVD among patients with T2DM in Region Halland, Sweden.

Participant
A total of 1482 patients with T2DM and a new diagnosis of CVD during hospitalisation were included. Patients were followed from hospital discharge for up to 100 days. Inclusion criteria were a hospital discharge diagnosis of CVD and a prior diagnosis of T2DM. Patients with incomplete discharge data or without follow-up records were excluded.

Primary and secondary outcome measures
The primary outcome was the overall risk of serious adverse events after hospital discharge, including mortality, hospital readmission and ED encounters, within 100 days of discharge. Secondary outcomes included primary care visits and pharmacotherapy adjustments for CVD and T2DM during the same period.

Results
The readmission rate within the study period was 27%, while 86% of patients visited primary care within 100 days after discharge. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy increased, with beta-blocker usage rising to 73% and statin use reaching 82%. A significant, though modest, increase in pharmacotherapy for T2DM was observed, with metformin use increasing from 53% to 57% (p

Leggi
Giugno 2025

International Registry of thyroid cancer in Latin American (CaTaLiNA): epidemiology, clinical and follow-up study protocol in Latin American countries during the period 2023-2028

Introduction
Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, with a high 5-year survival rate of approximately 98%. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, up to 20% of patients experience recurrence, adversely affecting their quality of life. Predictive models have been developed to assess recurrence risk and guide clinical decision-making, but these models often face limitations such as retrospective design, lack of diversity in study populations and absence of external validation. The primary aim is to externally validate existing predictive models for DTC recurrence using prospective data from a diverse Latin American cohort. The secondary aim is to explore opportunities for model recalibration to improve their performance in our population.

Methods and analysis
The CaTaLiNA study is a multicentre prospective observational study conducted across 10 hospitals in five Latin American countries, including Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay and Mexico. Patients aged 18 years or older receiving treatment for DTC, such as the first thyroid surgery, active surveillance or radiofrequency ablation will be included. Recruitment will occur from November 2023 to June 2025, with follow-up extending until June 2028. Data collection will include baseline clinical, surgical and histological characteristics, treatment details and follow-up outcomes. Statistical analysis will follow the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis guidelines, using imputation strategies for missing data and evaluating calibration and discrimination of the prediction models. Calibration measures include the ratio of expected and observed events, calibration slope and calibration plot, while discrimination will be assessed using the C-index and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Ethics and dissemination
This study protocol was approved by Comité de Ética de Investigación en Seres Humanos de la Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ ‘CEISH-USFQ’ APO-010–2023-CEIHS-USFQ Oficio No. 161-2023-CA-23030M-CEISH-USFQ. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications.

Leggi
Giugno 2025

Implementation and effectiveness of a nurse-enabled, shared-care follow-up model for early breast cancer survivors (The IBIS-Survivorship Study): protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial

Introduction
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Survivors often experience physical and psychological effects arising from breast cancer and its treatment, which can last months and years, adversely impacting quality of life. As the number of early breast cancer survivors increases, models of specialist-led follow-up care in hospital settings are not sustainable and evidence suggests that they may not meet survivors’ needs. Nurse-enabled, shared-care, follow-up models between cancer specialist and primary care teams have potential to address this need.

Methods and analysis
The proposed research is a multicentre, prospective, pragmatic, stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial designed to test the effectiveness and implementation of IBIS-Survivorship, a follow-up care model for patients with early breast cancer who have completed primary treatment. The IBIS-Survivorship intervention involves a nurse-led consultation, development of a Survivorship Care Plan and case-conferencing between a breast care nurse and the patient’s primary care provider. This study seeks to recruit 1079 breast cancer survivors across six cancer centres (clusters) in Australia. Health-related quality of life at 12 months assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast Cancer questionnaire will be the primary endpoint, along with a range of patient-reported outcomes, safety indicators and cost-effectiveness measures as secondary endpoints. General and generalised linear mixed models will be used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention versus usual care. Implementation and process outcomes will be assessed using the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance framework.

Ethics and dissemination
Ethical approval was provided by the Metro South Hospital and Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/2020/QMS/59892) and reciprocally across the other five trial sites under National Mutual Acceptance arrangements. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed academic journal publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

Trial registration
Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) Trial ID: ACTRN12621000188831.

Leggi
Giugno 2025

Trends and regional disparities in the global burden of disease attributable to household air pollution in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2021: an analysis of the global burden of disease study

Objectives
We aimed to analyse the disease burden and trends related to household air pollution (HAP) from 1990 to 2021 and to assess the correlation between development status and HAP burden using the Sociodemographic Index (SDI).

Design
Observational study using data from the global burden of disease (GBD) 2021.

Main outcomes and measures
The GBD results tool provided comprehensive data on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to HAP, stratified by age, sex, year, and geographical location.

Results
A significant reduction of approximately 50% in global HAP-related DALYs was observed between 1990 and 2021. However, a minor increase in HAP-related DALYs was noted between 2020 and 2021. The highest burden was found in children under five. Males generally had higher DALY rates than females. A negative correlation was identified between SDI and HAP-related DALY rates, with the highest rate in Oceania and the lowest in high-income North America. Maternal and neonatal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory infections and tuberculosis, and chronic respiratory diseases were the leading causes of HAP-related DALYs.

Conclusion
The study highlighted the progress in reducing the global burden of HAP-related diseases, yet it also revealed persistent disparities that require targeted public health interventions. Continued efforts to promote cleaner energy solutions and address regional, age and gender-specific vulnerabilities are essential for further reducing the health impact of HAP. Future research should focus on understanding the contributing factors to these disparities and developing innovative mitigation strategies.

Leggi
Giugno 2025

Validation of urinary biomarkers for accurate diagnosis of urinary tract infections in older adults across primary care, hospitals and long-term care facilities in the Netherlands and UK (UTI-GOLD): a multicentre observational study protocol

Introduction
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly prevalent and pose a significant burden among older adults. Accurate diagnosis in this population is challenging due to the high prevalence of pre-existing lower urinary tract symptoms, inability to express symptoms and asymptomatic bacteriuria. Current diagnostic tests are unreliable, often resulting in over- and underdiagnosis. A previous pilot study proposed a higher cut-off for pyuria and identified five promising biomarkers for the diagnosis of UTIs in older adults. The UTI-GOLD study aims to validate these five new biomarkers and the higher leucocyte cut-off as a diagnostic tool for UTIs in older people in a real-world setting.

Methods and analysis
Between August 2024 and December 2027, an observational multicentre diagnostic accuracy study is being conducted across primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities in the Netherlands and the UK. Adults ≥65 years with a suspected UTI will be considered eligible. Patients with pre-existing decision-making incapacity or an indwelling catheter will be excluded. UTI will be defined according to an international consensus-based reference standard. Biomarkers will be measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 and CXC motif chemokine ligand 9) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (interleukin 6 and azurocidin). Pyuria will be quantified by automated microscopy and/or flow cytometry. Diagnostic accuracy measures will be calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curves, and sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and predictive values will be reported for optimal cut-offs.

Ethics and dissemination
The protocol was reviewed by the local Leiden University Medical Center research committee, who declared on 15 April 2024 that the medical research involving human subject act (Dutch abbreviation: WMO) does not apply to the current study (reference number nWMODIV2_2024025). The study also received approval from the NHS Research Ethics Committee in the UK (reference number 24/LO/0649).
The study findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at academic congresses and shared with healthcare providers.

Trial registration number
The study was registered at clinicaltrial.gov on the 24 September 2024 with registration number: NCT06610721.

Leggi
Giugno 2025

Trends in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, defined as ECG abnormalities and/or self-reported events, in Mauritius between 1987 and 2021: analysis of data from seven large population-based surveys

Objective
To estimate the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in Mauritius. Over the last half century, rapid socioeconomic development has taken place in the multiethnic Mauritius. It is unclear if this is paralleled with an increasing prevalence of CHD.

Design
Repeated cross-sectional population-based studies.

Setting
Mauritius.

Participants
Seven population-based surveys were performed in Mauritius between 1987 and 2021. Altogether, 29 997 participants aged 35–74 years were included.

Measures
Except in 2004 and 2021, all participants were examined with an ECG. ECG changes were classified as ‘probable CHD’ and ‘possible CHD’ according to the Minnesota Code model. Participants were asked about previous myocardial infarction, stroke and angina pectoris as told by a doctor. An affirmative answer to any of these questions was labelled as the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since 2009, questions about previous coronary bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention were included. The prevalence estimates were age and sex standardised to the 2008 Mauritian population. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated associations between traditional CVD risk factors and CHD.

Results
The prevalence (with 95% CI) of probable CHD according to ECG did not increase between 1987 and 2015, 1.6% (1.2–2.1%) and 1.9% (1.5–2.3%), respectively, whereas the prevalence of possible CHD decreased, 23.7% (22.3–25.1%) and 17.3% (16.2–18.3%), respectively. Self-reported CVD did not increase between 1987 and 2021. Male sex, diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), hypertension, smoking and self-reported history of CVD were associated independently with probable CHD, whereas female sex, IGT, hypertension, high cholesterol and self-reported history of CVD were associated independently with possible CHD. Ethnicity did not associate with probable CHD but with possible CHD. Postload plasma glucose associated with probable and possible CHD.

Conclusions
The prevalence of probable CHD according to ECG and the prevalence of self-reported history of CVD did not increase in Mauritius. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were associated significantly with the presence of probable and possible CHD.

Leggi
Giugno 2025

Non-randomised prospective clinical trial to improve follow-up adherence, survivorship knowledge and late effects documentation at a childhood cancer clinic in Western Kenya: a study protocol

Introduction
International survivorship guideline consortia have developed strategies to prevent, detect and manage late effects of childhood cancer survivors. However, recommendations do not adequately reflect the everyday reality of paediatric oncology care in low- and middle-income countries. In this study protocol, a survivorship intervention programme, comprising an educational component and a follow-up component, is described. The Educational Programme aims to improve follow-up adherence of childhood cancer survivors through increasing survivorship knowledge of caregivers. The Follow-up Programme aims to map late effects by implementing a follow-up form at the outpatient clinic to be used by trained healthcare providers.

Methods and analysis
This non-randomised prospective clinical trial will be performed at a referral hospital in Western Kenya. 100 caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer, who will complete treatment within 2 months, will be enrolled and followed for 24 months after completion of treatment. A caregiver control group receiving usual care will be recruited, and sequentially, caregivers will be included in an intervention group to attend an educational group session where they receive educational materials (video, booklet and Survivorship Card). Primary study outcome will be survivors’ follow-up adherence. Survivors will be considered lost to follow-up after they miss a scheduled appointment and do not revisit the clinic for more than 6 months. Mixed models regression analyses will be performed to determine intervention effects on follow-up adherence and on caregiver survivorship knowledge uptake. Additionally, healthcare providers will be trained on follow-up care, whereafter a form will be introduced at the outpatient clinic to document late effects in paediatric survivors attending the clinic for the period of a year. Secondary outcomes will be late effects prevalence as documented in the follow-up form and caregiver and healthcare provider survivorship knowledge uptake. Implementation measures (reach, potential effectiveness, adoption, satisfaction and maintenance) will be evaluated for both programmes.

Ethics and dissemination
The Institutional Research and Ethics Committee has approved the study protocol. Findings will also be shared with governmental and non-governmental organisations that support children with cancer in Kenya to inform their target audiences and guide their policy development.
Lessons learnt from this study could inform healthcare providers and policy makers on how to shape survivorship programmes in the Kenyan context and possibly implement similar programmes in other centres in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Trial registration number
NCT06680687.

Leggi
Giugno 2025