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CAHE Journal Club Critically Appraised articles

The number of CAHE Journal Clubs is constantly increasing, and in order to provide access to our Journal Clubs Critically Appraised Papers (CAPs) CAHE has provide the following summaries.  This page is regularly updated.

• Critically Appraised articles and Allied Health Disciplines
• DOHSA Librarian Contacts
• CASP Tools

 

Critically Appraised articles and Journal Club Disciplines

Search for:

• Mental Health CAPs
• Multi-Disciplinary CAPs  (These are multi-disciplinary (MD) Journal Clubs. Scenarios can be single or MD)
• Occupational Therapy CAPs
• Physiotherapy CAPs
• Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy CAPs
• Social Work CAPs
• Speech Pathology CAPs

 

Mental Health CAPs

 

Journal Club	Date	Clinical Scenario
CNAHS Western District	Oct 2008	What is an effective strategy to improve attendance rates to therapy appointments of patients with mental health diseases?

 

        

Multi-Disciplinary CAPs

These are multi-disciplinary Journal Clubs.
Clinical scenarios  and PICO formats can be single or multi-disciplinary as appropriate.

Journal Club	Date	Clinical Scenario
ECH (Greenacres Community Therapy Service)	Dec 2008	Is there a difference in the effects of exercise alone and exercise with diet on weight and muscle strength among older adults?
	Feb 2009	Is there evidence for the effectiveness of multidisciplinary approach to diabetes management in terms of glycaemic control?
ECH (Southern Therapy Service)	Pilot 2007	Are exercise diaries effective in improving compliance in carrying out therapist set home programs in elderly community dwellers?
	Pilot 2007	Do foot problems contribute to falls in community dwelling elders?
	Pilot 2007	Is group exercise more effective than hands on physiotherapy in reducing low back pain
	Nov 2007	Is upper limb splinting effective in reducing hypertonicity/ contractures in post-CVA community-dwelling elderly patients?
	Jul 2008	What is the effect of daily stretching on wrist contracture of stroke patients?
	Aug 2008	What is the effectiveness of Mental Imagery in promoting relearning for people after stroke?
	Sept 2007	Is short-term outpatient treatment better than long-term treatment in community dwelling elderly people who have had a stroke?
	Oct 08	Is there a difference in the effectiveness of speech therapy delivered continuously versus therapy with regular breaks (blocks of treatment) in improving the communication skills of aphasic stroke patients?
	Nov 2008	Is there evidence for the effectiveness of Tai-chi in improving muscle strength and balance among community dwelling older people?
	Feb 2009	Is group-based exercise effective in improving fitness and symptoms of breathlessness in patients with COPD?
	Mar 2009	What is the effect of home-based progressive resistance exercise program in patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in terms of impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions?
	April 2009	What is the effectiveness of hip protectors in preventing hip fractures in older people living in nursing homes?
	May 2009	Is group exercise effective in reducing symptoms of depression or anxiety among older clients?
	June 2009	Are there any foot/ankle factors which predispose the elderly to falls?
Noarlunga Health Services	Pilot 2007	Is Allied Health involvement in the ED effective in improving outcomes such as need for admission/ length of time in ED/ cost/patient satisfaction/quality of life?
	Pilot 2007	Is co-ordinated multidisciplinary allied health care effective in reducing length of stay for medical or surgical inpatients in an acute care hospital?
	Pilot 2007	Is exercise effective in improving QOL compared with medication in people over 60 with diagnosed dementia?
	Jul 2008	What is an effective clinical or administrative process to improve patient attendance in their appointments?
	Nov 2008	Is there evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in reducing symptoms of depression among older patients?
	Mar 2009	Is allied health involvement in the emergency department (ED) effective in improving outcomes such as need for admission, length of time in ED, patient satisfaction, quality of life? (First posed in Pilot 2007)
Southern Cross Care	Pilot 2007	Is exercise effective in improving QOL compared with medication in people over 60 with clinically diagnosed depression?
	Pilot 2007	Are relaxation techniques effective in reducing upper limb tone for people who have had a stroke more than 1 year previous?
	Pilot 2007	Home-based interventions for elderly adults with COPD
	Pilot 2007	Is home based exercise more effective than therapist supervised exercises in improving mobility in post acute stroke clients?
	Pilot 2007	When would treatment effects be expected to plateau / no further improvement be reasonably expected? (Maintenance physiotherapy)
	Sept 2008	Which of the different management techniques for Dupuytren’s contracture has the best evidence for effectiveness?
	May 2008	What is the effectiveness of multidisciplinary pain management program in the reduction of pain, disability and improvement of quality of life among patients who experience chronic pain?
	Nov 2008	Which of the different conservative therapies for secondary lymphedema has the best evidence for effectiveness?
	Feb 2009	Is there evidence for the effectiveness of thera-band strengthening exercises program over other forms of exercise in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathies?
	Mar 2009	Is there evidence for the effectiveness and safety of TENS in relieving musculo-skeletal pain for aged patients?

 

        

 

Occupational Therapy CAPs

 

Journal Club	Date	Clinical Scenario
Calvary College Grove Rehabilitation Hospital	May 2008	What is the most effective management strategy for oedema of UE following CVA?
Flinders Medical Centre OT	Aug 2008	Is there evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation for aged care patients in terms of improving their functional independence?
	Oct 2008	Is there evidence for the effectiveness of tailored activities in the management of neuro-psychiatric behaviours among patients with dementia?
	Mar 2009	Does botox reduce tone and improve upper limb function in people with spasticity secondary to a stroke?
	May 2009	What intervention for improving UE function among ataxic stroke clients has evidence for effectiveness?
Masonic Homes OT	Oct 2008	How do community exercise programs contribute to the improved health of older people who have chronic conditions living in the community?
	Nov 2008	How do community exercise programs contribute to the improved health of older people who have chronic conditions living in the community?
	Dec 2008	Do health-promotion groups targeted at community dwelling people improve quality of life compared to social-only/nil groups?
	Feb 2009	What are the benefits/differences of older people living in the community with varying levels of cognitive deficits attending Montessori-Based Dementia Programming groups compared to other community groups that use different cognitive/social models?
	Mar 2009	Masonic Homes Therapy Services, much like other metropolitan therapy services, offer groups for community-dwelling people (60+yo) who have varying levels of cognitive deficits.
	April 2009	What are the client outcomes for those utilising prescribed pressure cushions to address good pressure management (vs. not using a pressure cushion)?
Port Pirie	Pilot 2007	For 0-4 year olds with autism is group therapy more superior to individual therapy for increasing functional outcomes.
	Pilot 2007	For children aged 18months to 5 years with speech or language delays who demonstrate aggression and/or oppositional behaviours is therapy including ABA (applied behaviour analysis) or therapy non-inclusive on ABA more successful in increasing functional outcomes?
	Pilot 2007	For children with autism aged 2-6 years, what is the impact of home visits versus centre based therapy on functional outcomes?
	Pilot 2007	Behavioural interventions to promote increase in non-preferred food intake in children
	Oct 2007	Is a mealtime intervention delivered by a multi-disciplinary team better than feeding intervention by individual disciplines to children aged 0-7 and their families?
	Aril 2008	Is there an overall improvement in development or behaviour in children under 5yrs with developmental delays/behaviour issues who receive therapy with a developmental framework?
	Mar2009	What is the effect of gluten-free diet on social behaviour of children with autism?
		What therapeutic treatment combinations are most effective in improving contractures of the hand, thus improving client functionality & independence?
		Is parent education effective in improving the developmental skills of children (<6y/o) with Global Developmental Delay?
		What is the effectiveness of Hanen Program in improving the communication ability of children with motor disorders?
		What are the effects of stretching on hypertonic muscles of children aged 0-6?

 

        

 

Physiotherapy CAPs

 

Journal Club	Date	Clinical Scenario
Australian Physiotherapy Association	Aug 2008	Is there evidence for the effectiveness of whole body vibration in improving balance amongst old patients aged 60 (or 65) and older?
	Feb 2009	Is there evidence that repeated passive movement of the knee decreases spasticity among stroke patients?
Calvary SA	Aug 2008	Is constraint-induced movement therapy better than either BIT or normal treatment in improving upper limb function in adults with CVA?
Flinders Medical Centre Physio OUTPATIENTS	June 2009	Pre-operative rehabilitation is commonly prescribed for patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament instability, but minimal research evidence currently exists to support this prescription. This prospective non randomised controlled study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a 6 week pre-operative program for patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament instability.
Flinders Medical Centre Physio	June 2009	What evidence is there to support the use of deep breathing and coughing techniques in the management of chronic bronchitis?  Using AGREE APPRAISAL INSTRUMENT (AAL)
	June 2009	What evidence is there to support the use of deep breathing and coughing techniques in the management of chronic bronchitis?
Lyell McEwin Hospital	Pilot 2007	Is hydrotherapy better than usual care for pregnant women with LBP/pelvic pain?
	Pilot 2007	Are SIJ belts effective in reducing pelvic pain/ improving quality of life for pregnant women?
	Pilot 2007	Is physiotherapy effective in improving return to function/work post knee arthroscopy?
	Pilot 2007	Are pre-admission clinics with multi-disciplinary involvement effective in reducing post-operative complications, hospital length of stay, improving patient satisfaction/QOL for patients undergoing arthroplasty?
	Nov 2007	Does serial casting improve gait in toe-walkers?
	April 2008	What is the impact of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on the psychosocial health and well-being of post cardiac surgery patients?
	June 2008	What is the effectiveness of chest physical therapy in the clinical resolution of children with pneumonia?
	July 2008	What is the effectiveness of using arm ergometer in improving the cardiovascular endurance and quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders?
	Oct 2008	Is there evidence for the effectiveness of spirometry in preventing pulmonary complications or improving pulmonary outcomes amongst patients who underwent upper abdominal surgery?
Masonic Homes	June 2008	Is there any difference in the efficacy of glucosamine chondroitin versus glucosamine alone in the management of arthritic pain?
	Jul 2008	Which exercises are most effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with rotator cuff tear?
	Aug 2008	What are the effects of different types of pillows on waking neck pain and stiffness on adults?
	Sept 2008	Are hip protectors effective in preventing fractured neck of femur in elderly patients who are at risk of falls?
Western District Health Service	April 2008	What is the impact of professional interpreters on the quality of care of patients with limited English proficiency?
	May 2008	What is the effectiveness of a weight-bearing strengthening program compared with that of a non-weight-bearing strengthening program for older inpatients undergoing rehabilitation?
	June 2008	What is the effectiveness of functional training versus strength training in improving impairment status and function of elderly outpatients?
	July 2008	Is sit-to-stand exercise more effective than knee extension exercises in improving mobility and balance among old patients?
	Aug 2008	What is the impact of various forms of physical training on various aspects of locomotor function in older people of any health or residential status?
	Mar 2009	What is the effectiveness of PEP devices versus traditional chest physiotherapy in improving symptoms and reducing length of hospital stay for patients with chest infection?
	May 2009	What is the effectiveness of PEP (positive expiratory pressure) devices versus traditional chest physiotherapy in improving symptoms and reducing length of hospital stay for patients with COPD?

 

        

 

Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy CAPs

 

Journal Club	Date	Clinical Scenario
Flinders Medical Centre OT & PT	Nov 2008	What is the best management option following immobilisation for patients with fractured distal radius in improving function, range of motion and strength?
	Nov 2008	Is surgical decompression better than a physiotherapy exercise program in improving pain and function among patients with sub-acromial impingement?
	Feb 2009	For any patient suffering a CVA, will early mobilisation/rehabilitation as compared to current or standard practice improve long-term functional recovery?
	Feb 2009	How can falls among elderly be reduced best in an acute care setting?
	Feb 2009	What is the best management for patients following Dupuytren’s surgery?
	Mar 2009	What is the evidence regarding the uptake of falls prevention strategies by older people?
	Mar 2009	Which of the interventions for neglect among Stroke patients have the best evidence for effectiveness?

 

        

 

Social Work CAPs

 

Journal Club	Date	Clinical Scenario
Eastern Community Mental Health Services	June 2008	Is there evidence for the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in decreasing alcohol use among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia?
	Aug 2008	Is there a difference in the outcomes of mentally-ill patients who engage in voluntary treatment compared to those who receive involuntary treatment?
	Sept 2008	Is there evidence for the effectiveness of art therapy in reducing relapse among patients diagnosed with a mental illness?
	Oct 2008	Is there evidence for the effectiveness of crisis intervention in reducing the number of hospital admission among adult patients with mental illness?
	Feb 2009	What is the impact of burnout on social workers’ ability to perform their duties?
	Mar 09	Is there evidence for the contribution of therapeutic relationship in the reduction of symptoms among patients with mental illness?
Northern Mental Health Services	June 2008	What is the effectiveness of collaborative therapy in improving function among adult patients diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia?
	July 2008	Do adults 18-65 with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia who are provided with Relapse Interventions have better mental health outcomes including reduced hospitalisation admissions, reducing crises, reducing overall psychopathology, and/or improvement in standardised clinical measures such as NOCC?

 

        

 

Speech Pathology CAPs

 

Journal Club	Date	Clinical Scenario
Flinders medical Centre SP	Sept 2008	How effective are computer-based programs in improving school performance of children diagnosed with APD (Auditory processing disorder) compared to the typical approach of using an FM system?
	Aug 2008	Does mouth care for HLC (high level care) patients admitted to hospital with aspiration pneumonia reduce hospital length of stay?
	Oct 2008	Does speech pathology based therapy in conjunction with cognitive behaviour therapy lead to better voice outcomes in adults with psychogenic voice disorders?
	Feb 2009	Does the introduction of early swallow exercises lead to improved swallow outcome for people with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy?
Royal Adelaide Hospital	Pilot 2007	For patients with dementia, what is the impact of enteral feeding compared to oral intake on morbidity, mortality and quality of life?
	Pilot 2007	Oral intake in patients with tracheostomy tube in-situ

 

        

CAHE will continually update this compendium of critically appraised research publications as a resource for health services interested in implementing journal clubs within their health services.

 

DOHSA Librarian Contact Details

The Centre for Allied Health Evidence aims to make CAHE Journal Club Critically Appraised articles available for review and consideration by South Australian Department of Health employees.

In order to access the articles South Australian Department of Health (DoHSA) employees will need to contact the DoHSA Librarian:

South Australian Department of Health
Library & Information Services
Level 2 162 Grenfell Street Adelaide SA
PO Box 287 Rundle Mall Adelaide SA 5000
Phone 08 8226 6070 Fax 08 8226 6677
Email health.library@health.sa.gov.au
Department of Health, South Australia, Library website

 

        

 

CASP Tools

To interpret the CAHE Journal Appraised Article summaries you will require the appropriate CASP tool:

CASP RCT tool (Randomised Controlled Trial)

CASP SR tool (Systematic Review)

CASP Cohort tool

CASP Case Cohort tool

The four CASP tools as are provided courtesy of Milton Keynes Primary Care Trust 2002. All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of Milton Keynes Primary Care Trust. If permission is given, then copies must include this statement together with the words Milton Keynes Primary Care Trust 2002. However, NHS organisations may reproduce or use the publication for non-commercial educational purposes provided the source is acknowledged.

 

Critical appraisal of publications

Searching of the database will retrieve the most relevant publication that has been appraised by the CAHE working party or as a result of previous appraisal by a CAHE journal club. The appraisal is available as free access to all users. Depending on copyright requirements, some abstracts and full texts of publications would also be available as external links.

Retrieving full text publications

Availability of full text publications will be dependent on copyright requirements. If the chosen publication is freely available, appropriate links to this effect will be provided. If, due to copyright requirements, the publication has limited access, contact details will be provided for South Australian public health sector employers directing them to appropriate library sources.
For more information on library services available to individual health care practitioners, please contact CAHE journal club working party staffs.

 

 

        

 

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