anurajms/meta_analysis huggingface dataset:
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Bilateral versus unilateral hearing aids for bilateral hearing impairment in adults
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the fitting of two versus one ear‐level acoustic hearing aids in adults (over 18 years) with a bilateral hearing impairment, both ears being eligible for hearing aids.
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Influenza vaccines for preventing acute otitis media in infants and children
Randomised controlled trials comparing influenza vaccine with placebo or no treatment in infants and children aged younger than six years. We included children of either sex and of any ethnicity, with or without a history of recurrent AOM.
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Hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss in adults
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of hearing aids compared to a passive or active control in adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
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Heated, humidified air for the common cold
Randomised controlled trials using heated water vapour in participants with the common cold or experimentally induced common cold were eligible for inclusion.
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Coblation versus other surgical techniques for tonsillectomy
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of children and adults undergoing tonsillectomy with coblation compared with any other surgical technique. This review is limited to trials of extracapsular (traditional) tonsillectomy and excludes trials of intracapsular tonsil removal (tonsillotomy).
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Needle aspiration versus incision and drainage for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess
Randomised controlled trials comparing needle aspiration with incision and drainage.
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Interventions for children with ear discharge occurring at least two weeks following grommet (ventilation tube) insertion
Randomised controlled trials comparing at least two of the following: oral antibiotics, oral corticosteroids, antibiotic eardrops (with or without corticosteroid), corticosteroid eardrops, microsuction cleaning of the ear canal, saline rinsing of the ear canal, placebo or no treatment. The main comparison of interest was antibiotic eardrops (with or without corticosteroid) versus oral antibiotics.
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Nasal decongestants in monotherapy for the common cold
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster‐RCTs investigating the effectiveness and adverse effects of nasal decongestants compared with placebo for treating the common cold in adults and children. We excluded quasi‐RCTs.
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Interventions to improve hearing aid use in adult auditory rehabilitation
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions designed to improve or promote hearing aid use in adults with acquired hearing loss compared with usual care or another intervention. We excluded interventions that compared hearing aid technology. We classified interventions according to the 'chronic care model' (CCM). The primary outcomes were hearing aid use (measured as adherence or daily hours of use) and adverse effects (inappropriate advice or clinical practice, or patient complaints). Secondary patient‐reported outcomes included quality of life, hearing handicap, hearing aid benefit and communication. Outcomes were measured over the short (</= 12 weeks), medium (> 12 to < 52 weeks) and long term (one year plus).
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Betahistine for symptoms of vertigo
We included randomised controlled trials of betahistine versus placebo in patients of any age with vertigo from any neurotological diagnosis in any settings.
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Antibiotics for otitis media with effusion in children
Randomised controlled trials comparing oral antibiotics with placebo, no treatment or therapy of unproven effectiveness in children with OME.
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Short‐course oral steroids as an adjunct therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a short course (up to 21 days) of oral corticosteroids to placebo or no treatment, where all patients were also receiving pharmacological treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis.
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Different types of intranasal steroids for chronic rhinosinusitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a follow‐up period of at least three months comparing first‐generation intranasal corticosteroids (e.g. beclomethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, flunisolide, budesonide) with second‐generation intranasal corticosteroids (e.g. ciclesonide, fluticasone furoate, fluticasone propionate, mometasone furoate, betamethasone sodium phosphate), or sprays versus drops, or low‐dose versus high‐dose intranasal corticosteroids.
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Saline irrigation for chronic rhinosinusitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a follow‐up period of at least three months comparing saline delivered to the nose by any means (douche, irrigation, drops, spray or nebuliser) with (a) placebo, (b) no treatment or (c) other pharmacological interventions.
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Intranasal steroids versus placebo or no intervention for chronic rhinosinusitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a follow‐up period of at least three months comparing intranasal corticosteroids (e.g. beclomethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, flunisolide, budesonide) against placebo or no treatment in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.
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Short‐course oral steroids alone for chronic rhinosinusitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a short course (up to 21 days) of oral corticosteroids with placebo or no treatment or compared with other pharmacological interventions.
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Systemic and topical antibiotics for chronic rhinosinusitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a follow‐up period of at least three months comparing systemic or topical antibiotic treatment to (a) placebo or (b) no treatment or (c) other pharmacological interventions.
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Water precautions for prevention of infection in children with ventilation tubes (grommets)
Randomised controlled trials recruiting children (0 to 17 years) with ventilation tubes and assessing the effect of water precautions while the tubes are in place. We considered all forms of water precautions, including behavioural (i.e. avoidance or swimming/bathing restrictions) and mechanical (ear plugs/moulds or hats/bands).
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Antihistamines for the common cold
We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) using antihistamines as monotherapy for the common cold. We excluded any studies with combination therapy or using antihistamines in patients with an allergic component in their illness.
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Corticosteroids for the common cold
Randomised, double‐blind, controlled trials comparing corticosteroids to placebo or to standard clinical management.
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Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for the common cold
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of NSAIDS in adults or children with the common cold.
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Virtual reality training for improving the skills needed for performing surgery of the ear, nose or throat
We included all randomised controlled trials and controlled trials comparing virtual reality training and any other method of training in ear, nose or throat surgery.
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Antibiotics for preventing recurrent sore throat
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of antibiotics in adults and children suffering from pre‐existing recurrent sore throat, defined as three or more sore throats in a year, examining the incidence of sore throat recurrence, with follow‐up of at least 12 months post‐antibiotic therapy.
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Topical nasal steroids for treating nasal polyposis in people with cystic fibrosis
Randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled comparing the effects of topical nasal steroids to placebo in people with nasal polyps with cystic fibrosis.
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Pharmacological agents for the prevention of vestibular migraine
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adults (over 18 years) with a diagnosis of vestibular migraine orprobable vestibular migraine according to the Bárány Society/International Headache Society (IHS) criteria, treated in any setting, comparing pharmacological treatments used in the prevention of vestibular migraine, including beta‐blockers, calcium antagonists, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, serotonin antagonists and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) against placebo or no treatment.
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Steroid‐eluting sinus stents for improving symptoms in chronic rhinosinusitis patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing steroid‐eluting sinus stents with non‐steroid‐eluting sinus stents, nasal packing or no treatment in adult CRS patients undergoing FESS.
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Antibiotics for acute laryngitis in adults
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any antibiotic therapy with placebo for acute laryngitis. The main outcome was objective voice scores.
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Vestibular rehabilitation for unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction
Randomised controlled trials of adults living in the community, diagnosed with symptomatic unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction. We sought comparisons of vestibular rehabilitation versus control (e.g. placebo), other treatment (non‐vestibular rehabilitation, e.g. pharmacological) or another form of vestibular rehabilitation. Our primary outcome measure was change in the specified symptomatology (for example, proportion with dizziness resolved, frequency or severity of dizziness). Secondary outcomes were measures of function, quality of life and/or measure(s) of physiological status, where reproducibility has been confirmed and shown to be relevant or related to health status (for example, posturography), and adverse effects
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Stereotactic radiotherapy for vestibular schwannoma
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the efficacy of stereotactic radiotherapy compared with observation alone, microsurgical resection or any other possible treatment or combination of treatments in patients with a cerebellopontine angle tumour up to 3 cm in diameter, presumed to be a vestibular schwannoma.
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The Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Randomised controlled trials of the Epley manoeuvre versus placebo, no treatment or other active treatment for adults diagnosed with posterior canal BPPV (including a positive Dix‐Hallpike test). The primary outcome of interest was complete resolution of vertigo symptoms. Secondary outcomes were conversion of a 'positive' Dix‐Hallpike test to a 'negative' Dix‐Hallpike test and adverse effects of treatment.
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Surgical versus medical interventions for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Randomised controlled trials of any surgical intervention (e.g. polypectomy, endoscopic sinus surgery) versus any medical treatment (e.g. intranasal and/or systemic steroids), including placebo, in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
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Over‐the‐counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing oral OTC cough preparations with placebo in children and adults suffering from acute cough in community settings. We considered all cough outcomes; secondary outcomes of interest were adverse effects.
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Surgical interventions for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled trials in patients over 16 with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, who have failed a course of medical management and who have not previously undergone any previous surgical intervention for their nasal disease. Studies compared nasal polypectomy with more extensive sinus clearance in this patient cohort.
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Tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy versus non‐surgical treatment for chronic/recurrent acute tonsillitis
Randomised controlled trials comparing tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) with non‐surgical treatment in adults and children with chronic/recurrent acute tonsillitis.
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Amplification with hearing aids for patients with tinnitus and co‐existing hearing loss
Randomised controlled trials and non‐randomised controlled trials recruiting adults with subjective tinnitus and some degree of hearing loss, where the intervention involves amplification with hearing aids and this is compared to interventions involving other medical devices, other forms of standard or complementary therapy, or combinations of therapies, no intervention or placebo interventions.
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Once or twice daily versus three times daily amoxicillin with or without clavulanate for the treatment of acute otitis media
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of children aged 12 years or younger with AOM, diagnosed by acute ear pain (otalgia) and inflamed ear drum (confirmed by positive tympanocentesis or tympanogram of type B or C).
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Nebulized epinephrine for croup in children
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs of children with croup evaluated in an ED or admitted to hospital. Comparisons were: nebulized epinephrine versus placebo, racemic nebulized epinephrine versus L‐epinephrine (an isomer) and nebulized epinephrine delivered by intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) versus nebulized epinephrine without IPPB. Primary outcome was change in croup score post‐treatment. Secondary outcomes were rate and duration of intubation and hospitalization, croup return visit, parental anxiety and side effects.
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Oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays for improving recovery following tonsillectomy
We included randomised controlled trials in which oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays, used pre‐ and postoperatively, have been compared with placebo in adults or children undergoing tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy.
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Steroids for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
We identified all randomised controlled trials (with or without blinding) in which steroids were evaluated in comparison with either no treatment or a placebo. We considered trials including the use of steroids in combination with another treatment if the comparison control group also received the same other treatment. The two authors reviewed the full‐text articles of all the retrieved trials of possible relevance and applied the inclusion criteria independently.
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Acetaminophen (paracetamol) for the common cold in adults
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acetaminophen to placebo or no treatment in adults with the common cold. Studies were included if the trials used acetaminophen as one ingredient of a combination therapy. We excluded studies in which the participants had complications. Primary outcomes included subjective symptom score and duration of common cold symptoms. Secondary outcomes were overall well being, adverse events and financial costs.
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Intranasal ipratropium bromide for the common cold
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IB to placebo or no treatment in children and adults with the common cold.
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Antibiotics for the common cold and acute purulent rhinitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any antibiotic therapy against placebo in people with symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infection for less than seven days, or acute purulent rhinitis less than 10 days in duration.
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Acetylcysteine and carbocysteine for acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections in paediatric patients without chronic broncho‐pulmonary disease
To study efficacy, we used randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of acetylcysteine or carbocysteine versus placebo, either alone or as an add‐on therapy. To study safety, we used trials comparing acetylcysteine or carbocysteine versus active treatment or no treatment and case reports.
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Autoinflation for hearing loss associated with otitis media with effusion
We selected randomised controlled trials that compared any form of autoinflation to no autoinflation in individuals with 'glue ear'.
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Interventions for the prevention of postoperative ear discharge after insertion of ventilation tubes (grommets) in children
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of prophylactic interventions against placebo/control and/or with other prophylactic interventions for postoperative otorrhoea in children.
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Surgery for Ménière's disease
Randomised or quasi‐randomised controlled studies of a surgical modality versus a placebo therapy in Ménière's disease.
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Clinical service organisation for adults with atrial fibrillation
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), published as full texts and as abstract only, involving adults (≥ 18 years) with a diagnosis of any type of AF. We included RCTs comparing organised clinical service, disease‐specific management interventions (including e‐health models of care) for people with AF that were multicomponent and multidisciplinary in nature to usual care.
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Collaborative care approaches for people with severe mental illness
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) where interventions described as 'collaborative care' were compared with 'standard care' for adults (18+ years) living in the community with a diagnosis of SMI. SMI was defined as schizophrenia, other types of schizophrenia‐like psychosis or bipolar affective disorder. The primary outcomes of interest were: quality of life, mental state and psychiatric admissions at 12 months follow‐up.
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Admission avoidance hospital at home
Randomised controlled trials recruiting participants aged 18 years and over. Studies comparing admission avoidance hospital at home with acute hospital inpatient care.
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Primary‐level and community worker interventions for the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of well‐being in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of primary‐level and/or community health worker interventions for promoting mental health and/or preventing mental disorders versus any control conditions in adults and children in LMICs.
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Interventions to improve the appropriate use of polypharmacy for older people
For this update, we included randomised trials only. Eligible studies described interventions affecting prescribing aimed at improving appropriate polypharmacy (four or more medicines) in people aged 65 years and older, which used a validated tool to assess prescribing appropriateness. These tools can be classified as either implicit tools (judgement‐based/based on expert professional judgement) or explicit tools (criterion‐based, comprising lists of drugs to be avoided in older people).
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Interventions for the uptake of evidence‐based recommendations in acute stroke settings
We included randomised trials and cluster‐randomised trials.Participants were health professionals providing care to patients in acute stroke units; implementation interventions (i.e. strategies to improve delivery of evidence‐based care) were compared to no intervention or another implementation intervention. We included studies only if they reported on our primary outcome which was quality of care, as measured by adherence to evidence‐based recommendations, in order to address the review aim.
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Acute assessment services for patient flow assistance in hospital emergency departments
Studies eligible for inclusion were randomised trials and cluster‐randomised trials with at least two intervention and two control sites. Participants were adults (as defined by study authors) receiving care either in the ED or the acute assessment service, where both were based in the hospital setting. The comparison was hospital‐based acute assessment services with usual, ED‐only care. The outcomes of this review were mortality at time point closest to 30 days, length of stay in the service (in minutes), and waiting time to see a doctor (in minutes).
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Pharmacological, non‐invasive brain stimulation and psychological interventions, and their combination, for treating depression after stroke
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing: 1) pharmacological interventions with placebo; 2) non‐invasive brain stimulation with sham stimulation or usual care; 3) psychological therapy with usual care or attention control; 4) pharmacological intervention and psychological therapy with pharmacological intervention and usual care or attention control; 5) pharmacological intervention and non‐invasive brain stimulation with pharmacological intervention and sham stimulation or usual care; 6) non‐invasive brain stimulation and psychological therapy versus sham brain stimulation or usual care and psychological therapy; 7) pharmacological intervention and psychological therapy with placebo and psychological therapy; 8) pharmacological intervention and non‐invasive brain stimulation with placebo and non‐invasive brain stimulation; and 9) non‐invasive brain stimulation and psychological therapy versus non‐invasive brain stimulation and usual care or attention control, with the intention of treating depression after stroke.
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Case management for integrated care of older people with frailty in community settings
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared case management with standard care in community‐dwelling people aged 65 years and older living with frailty.
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Medication review in hospitalised patients to reduce morbidity and mortality
We included randomised trials of medication reviews delivered by healthcare professionals for hospitalised adult patients. We excluded trials including outpatients and paediatric patients.
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Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for community‐dwelling, high‐risk, frail, older people
We included randomised trials that compared CGA for community‐dwelling, frail, older people at risk of poor healthcare outcomes to usual care in the community.Older people were defined as 'at risk' either by being frail or having another risk factor associated with poor health outcomes.Frailty was defined as a vulnerability to sudden health state changes triggered by relatively minor stressor events, placing the individual at risk of poor health outcomes, and was measured using objective screening tools.Primary outcomes of interest were death, nursing home admission, unplanned hospital admission, emergency department visits and serious adverse events.CGA was delivered by a team with specific gerontological training/expertise in the participant's home (domiciliary Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (dCGA)) or other sites such as a general practice or community clinic (community Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (cCGA)).
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Discharge planning from hospital
Randomised trials that compared an individualised discharge plan with routine discharge that was not tailored to individual participants. Participants were hospital inpatients.
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Early warning systems and rapid response systems for the prevention of patient deterioration on acute adult hospital wards
We included randomised trials, non‐randomised studies, controlled before‐after (CBA) studies, and interrupted time series (ITS) designs measuring our outcomes of interest following implementation of EWS and RRS in acute hospital wards compared to ward settings without EWS and RRS.
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Routine provision of feedback from patient‐reported outcome measurements to healthcare providers and patients in clinical practice
Two review authors independently screened and selected studies for inclusion. We included randomised trials directly comparing the effects on outcomes and processes of care of PROMs feedback to healthcare professionals and patients, or both with the impact of not providing such information.
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Decision‐support tools via mobile devices to improve quality of care in primary healthcare settings
Study design: we included randomized trials, including full‐text studies, conference abstracts, and unpublished data irrespective of publication status or language of publication. Types of participants: we included studies of all cadres of healthcare providers, including lay health workers and other individuals (administrative, managerial, and supervisory staff) involved in the delivery of primary healthcare services using clinical decision‐support tools; and studies of clients or patients receiving care from primary healthcare providers using digital decision‐support tools.Types of interventions: we included studies comparing digital CDSS accessible via mobile devices with non‐digital CDSS or no intervention, in the context of primary care. CDSS could include clinical protocols, checklists, and other job‐aids which supported risk prioritization of patients. Mobile devices included mobile phones of any type (but not analogue landline telephones), as well as tablets, personal digital assistants, and smartphones. We excluded studies where digital CDSS were used on laptops or integrated with electronic medical records or other types of longitudinal tracking of clients.
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Telerehabilitation services for stroke
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of telerehabilitation in stroke. We included studies that compared telerehabilitation with in‐person rehabilitation or no rehabilitation. In addition, we synthesised and described the results of RCTs that compared two different methods of delivering telerehabilitation services without an alternative group. We included rehabilitation programmes that used a combination of telerehabilitation and in‐person rehabilitation provided that the greater proportion of intervention was provided via telerehabilitation.
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Pharmacy‐based management for depression in adults
We included all RCTs and cluster‐RCTs where a pharmacy‐based intervention was compared with treatment as usual, waiting list, or an alternative intervention in the management of depression in adults over 16 years of age. Eligible studies had to report at least one of the following outcomes at any time point: depression symptom change, acceptability of the intervention, diagnosis of depression, non‐adherence to medication, frequency of primary care appointments, quality of life, social functioning, or adverse events.
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Manually‐generated reminders delivered on paper: effects on professional practice and patient outcomes
We included randomised and non‐randomised trials assessing the impact of manually‐generated reminders delivered on paper as a single intervention (compared with usual care) or added to one or more co‐interventions as a multicomponent intervention (compared with the co‐intervention(s) without the reminder component) on professional practice or patients' outcomes. We also included randomised and non‐randomised trials comparing manually‐generated reminders with other quality improvement (QI) interventions.
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Telephone counselling for smoking cessation
Randomised or quasi‐randomised controlled trials which offered proactive or reactive telephone counselling to smokers to assist smoking cessation.
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Follow‐up services for improving long‐term outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors
We included randomised and non‐randomised studies with adult participants, who had been discharged from hospital following an ICU stay. We included studies that compared an ICU follow‐up service using a structured programme and co‐ordinated by a healthcare professional versus no follow‐up service or standard care.
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Patient‐mediated interventions to improve professional practice
Randomised studies comparing patient‐mediated interventions to either usual care or other interventions to improve professional practice.
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Impact of public release of performance data on the behaviour of healthcare consumers and providers
We searched for randomised or non‐randomised trials, interrupted time series, and controlled before‐after studies of the effects of publicly releasing data regarding any aspect of the performance of healthcare organisations or professionals. Each study had to report at least one main outcome related to selecting or changing care.
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Pharmacist services for non‐hospitalised patients
Randomised trials of pharmacist services compared with the delivery of usual care or equivalent/similar services with the same objective delivered by other health professionals.
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Hospitalisation in short‐stay units for adults with internal medicine diseases and conditions
We included randomised trials and cluster‐randomised trials, comparing hospitalisation in a short‐stay unit with usual care (hospitalisation in a traditional hospital ward or other services). We defined a short‐stay unit to be a hospital ward where the targeted length of stay in hospital for patients was five days or less. We included both multipurpose and specialised short‐stay units. Participants were adults admitted to hospital with an internal medicine disease or condition. We excluded surgical, obstetric, psychiatric, gynaecological, and ambulatory participants. Trials were included irrespective of publication status, date, and language.
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Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care
Randomised trials evaluating the outcomes of nurses working as substitutes for doctors. The review is limited to primary healthcare services that provide first contact and ongoing care for patients with all types of health problems, excluding mental health problems. Studies which evaluated nurses supplementing the work of primary care doctors were excluded.
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Improving adherence to Standard Precautions for the control of health care‐associated infections
We included randomised trials of individuals, cluster‐randomised trials, non‐randomised trials, controlled before‐after studies, and interrupted time‐series studies that evaluated any intervention to improve adherence to Standard Precautions by any healthcare worker with responsibility for patient care in any hospital, long‐term care or community setting, or artificial setting, such as a classroom or a learning laboratory.
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Comprehensive geriatric assessment for older people admitted to a surgical service
Randomized trials of people undergoing surgery aged 65 years and over comparing CGA with usual surgical care and reporting any of our primary (mortality and discharge to an increased level of care) or secondary (length of stay, re‐admission, total cost and postoperative complication) outcomes. We excluded studies if the participants did not receive a complete CGA, did not undergo surgery, and if the study recruited participants aged less than 65 years or from a setting other than an acute care hospital.
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Patient reminder and recall interventions to improve immunization rates
We included randomized trials, controlled before and after studies, and interrupted time series evaluating immunization‐focused patient reminder or recall interventions in children, adolescents, and adults who receive immunizations in any setting. We included no‐intervention control groups, standard practice activities that did not include immunization patient reminder or recall, media‐based activities aimed at promoting immunizations, or simple practice‐based awareness campaigns. We included receipt of any immunizations as eligible outcome measures, excluding special travel immunizations. We excluded patients who were hospitalized for the duration of the study period.
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Providing physicians with feedback on medication adherence for people with chronic diseases taking long‐term medication
We included randomised trials, controlled before‐after studies, and interrupted time series studies that compared the effects of providing feedback to physicians about their patients' adherence to prescribed long‐term medications for chronic diseases versus usual care. We included published or unpublished studies in any language. Participants included any physician and any patient prescribed with long‐term medication for chronic disease. We included interventions providing the prescribing physician with information about patient adherence to medication. Only studies in which feedback to the physician was the sole intervention or the essential component of a multifaceted intervention were eligible. In the comparison groups, the physicians should not have had access to information about their patients' adherence to medication. We considered the following outcomes: medication adherence, patient outcomes, health resource use, processes of care, and adverse events.
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Interventions to change the behaviour of health professionals and the organisation of care to promote weight reduction in children and adults with overweight or obesity
We considered randomised trials that compared routine provision of care with interventions aimed either at changing the behaviour of healthcare professionals or the organisation of care to promote weight reduction in children and adults with overweight or obesity.
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Comprehensive geriatric assessment for older adults admitted to hospital
We included randomised trials that compared inpatient CGA (delivered on geriatric wards or by mobile teams) versus usual care on a general medical ward or on a ward for older people, usually admitted to hospital for acute care or for inpatient rehabilitation after an acute admission.
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Interprofessional collaboration to improve professional practice and healthcare outcomes
We included randomised trials of practice‐based IPC interventions involving health and social care professionals compared to usual care or to an alternative intervention.
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Home or foster home care versus institutional long‐term care for functionally dependent older people
We included randomised and non‐randomised trials, controlled before‐after studies and interrupted time series studies complying with the EPOC study design criteria and comparing the effects of long‐term home care versus institutional care for functionally dependent older people.
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Non‐medical prescribing versus medical prescribing for acute and chronic disease management in primary and secondary care
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster‐RCTs, controlled before‐and‐after (CBA) studies (with at least two intervention and two control sites) and interrupted time series analysis (with at least three observations before and after the intervention) comparing: 1. non‐medical prescribing versus medical prescribing in acute care; 2. non‐medical prescribing versus medical prescribing in chronic care; 3. non‐medical prescribing versus medical prescribing in secondary care; 4 non‐medical prescribing versus medical prescribing in primary care; 5. comparisons between different non‐medical prescriber groups; and 6. non‐medical healthcare providers with formal prescribing training versus those without formal prescribing training.
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Tools developed and disseminated by guideline producers to promote the uptake of their guidelines
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster‐RCTs, controlled before‐and‐after studies (CBAs) and interrupted time series (ITS) studies evaluating the effects of guideline implementation tools developed by recognised guideline producers to improve the uptake of their own guidelines. The guideline could target any clinical area.
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Mobile clinics for women's and children's health
We included individual‐ and cluster‐randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non‐RCTs. We included controlled before‐and‐after (CBA) studies provided they had at least two intervention sites and two control sites. Also, we included interrupted time series (ITS) studies if there was a clearly defined point in time when the intervention occurred and at least three data points before and three after the intervention. We defined the intervention of a mobile clinic as a clinic vehicle with a healthcare provider (with or without a nurse) and a driver that visited areas on a regular basis. The participants were women (18 years or older) and children (under the age of 18 years) in low‐, middle‐, and high‐income countries.
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Integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) strategy for children under five
We sought to include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled before‐after (CBA) studies with at least two intervention and two control sites evaluating the generic IMCI strategy or its adaptation in children younger than age five, and including at minimum efforts to improve health care worker skills for case management. We excluded studies in which IMCI was accompanied by other interventions including conditional cash transfers, food supplementation, and employment. The comparison group received usual health services without provision of IMCI.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Professional interventions for general practitioners on the management of musculoskeletal conditions
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non‐randomised controlled trials (NRCTs), controlled before‐and‐after studies (CBAs) and interrupted time series (ITS) studies of professional interventions for GPs, taking place in a community setting, aiming to improve the management (including diagnosis and treatment) of musculoskeletal conditions and reporting any objective measure of GP behaviour, patient or economic outcomes. We considered professional interventions of any length, duration, intensity and complexity compared with active or inactive controls.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Transition of care for adolescents from paediatric services to adult health services
We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled before‐ and after‐studies (CBAs), and interrupted time‐series studies (ITSs) that evaluated the effectiveness of any intervention (care model or clinical pathway), that aimed to improve the transition of care for adolescents from paediatric to adult health services. We considered adolescents with any chronic condition that required ongoing clinical care, who were leaving paediatric services and going on to receive services in adult healthcare units, and their families. Participating providers included all health professionals responsible for the care of young people.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Interventions to optimise prescribing for older people in care homes
We included randomised controlled trials evaluating interventions aimed at optimising prescribing for older people (aged 65 years or older) living in institutionalised care facilities. Studies were included if they measured one or more of the following primary outcomes: adverse drug events; hospital admissions; mortality; or secondary outcomes, quality of life (using validated instrument); medication‐related problems; medication appropriateness (using validated instrument); medicine costs.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Interactive telemedicine: effects on professional practice and health care outcomes
We considered randomised controlled trials of interactive TM that involved direct patient‐provider interaction and was delivered in addition to, or substituting for, usual care compared with usual care alone, to participants with any clinical condition. We excluded telephone only interventions and wholly automatic self‐management TM interventions.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Alternative versus standard packages of antenatal care for low‐risk pregnancy
Randomised trials comparing a reduced number of antenatal visits, with or without goal‐oriented care, versus standard care.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Medical day hospital care for older people versus alternative forms of care
Randomised and quasi‐randomised trials comparing medical day hospitals with alternative care for older people (mean/median > 60 years of age).
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Chronic disease management programmes for adults with asthma
We included individual or cluster‐randomised controlled trials, non‐randomised controlled trials, and controlled before‐after studies comparing chronic disease management programmes with usual care in adults over 16 years of age with a diagnosis of asthma. The chronic disease management programmes had to satisfy at least the following five criteria: an organisational component targeting patients; an organisational component targeting healthcare professionals or the healthcare system, or both; patient education or self‐management support, or both; active involvement of two or more healthcare professionals in patient care; a minimum duration of three months.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
In‐service training for health professionals to improve care of seriously ill newborns and children in low‐income countries
Randomised trials, non‐randomised trials, controlled before and after studies and interrupted‐time‐series studies that compared the effects of in‐service emergency care training versus usual care were eligible for inclusion. We included only hospital‐based studies and excluded community‐based studies. Two review authors independently screened and selected studies for inclusion.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Case management approaches to home support for people with dementia
We include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of case management interventions for people with dementia living in the community and their carers. We screened interventions to ensure that they focused on planning and co‐ordination of care.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Dental auxiliaries for dental care traditionally provided by dentists
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non‐randomised controlled clinical trials (NRCTs), interrupted time series (ITSs) and controlled before and after studies (CBAs) evaluating the effectiveness of dental auxiliaries compared with dentists in undertaking clinical tasks traditionally performed by a dentist.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Task shifting from doctors to non‐doctors for initiation and maintenance of antiretroviral therapy
We included controlled trials (randomised or non‐randomised), controlled‐before and after studies, and cohort studies (prospective or retrospective) comparing doctor‐led antiretroviral therapy delivery to delivery that included another cadre of health worker other than a doctor, for initiating treatment, continuing treatment, or both, in HIV infected patients.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Computerized advice on drug dosage to improve prescribing practice
We included randomized controlled trials, non‐randomized controlled trials, controlled before‐and‐after studies and interrupted time series analyses of computerized advice on drug dosage. The participants were healthcare professionals responsible for patient care. The outcomes were any objectively measured change in the health of patients resulting from computerized advice (such as therapeutic drug control, clinical improvement, adverse reactions).
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Nutritional screening for improving professional practice for patient outcomes in hospital and primary care settings
Randomised controlled studies, controlled clinical trials, controlled before‐after studies and interrupted time series studies assessing the effectiveness of nutritional screening were eligible for inclusion in the review. We considered process outcomes (for example patient identification, referral to dietitian) and patient outcomes (for example mortality, change in body mass index (BMI)). Participants were adult patients aged 16 years or over. We included studies conducted in different settings, including hospitals, out‐patient clinics, primary care or long term care settings.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Managerial supervision to improve primary health care in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Randomised controlled trials, controlled before‐and‐after studies, and interrupted time series studies, conducted in PHC in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Supervision includes site visits from a central level of the health system, plus at least one supervisory activity. We excluded studies aimed solely at improving the clinical skills of PHC workers.