Publications by authors named "H M LIVINGSTONE"
Article Synopsis
- Depletion of species in the vaginal tract leads to bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is linked to poor reproductive health and higher risk of STIs; current antibiotic treatments have low success rates.
- A study conducted in Cape Town explored blood donors' knowledge and attitudes toward vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) as a potential alternative treatment for BV through a questionnaire.
- Results showed a significant majority (86%) of women were open to donating vaginal samples, with willingness increased by a belief in helping others and prior knowledge of healthy vaginal microbiomes; concerns about discomfort and embarrassment affected those unwilling to donate.
Article Synopsis
- A study was conducted in South Africa to assess the feasibility of establishing a stool donor bank in collaboration with WCBS and UCT, focusing on the willingness of blood donors to donate stool samples for microbiome research.
- The survey, conducted with 209 blood donors, revealed that compensation and the perceived societal benefits significantly influenced the willingness to donate, while age also played a minor role.
- The findings highlight important factors for potential donors and mark the first investigation into the perspectives of participants for a stool microbiome biobank in South Africa, which is crucial for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
Development of an international template to support patient submissions in Health Technology Assessments.
Int J Technol Assess Health Care
April 2021
Objectives: To develop an international template to support patient submissions in Health Technology Assessments (HTAs). This was to be based on the experience and feedback from the implementation and use of the Scottish Medicines Consortium's (SMC) Summary Information for Patient Groups (SIP).
Methods: To gather feedback on the SMC experience, web-based surveys were conducted with pharmaceutical companies and patient groups familiar with the SMC SIP.
Evaluation of the impact of patient input in health technology assessments at NICE.
Int J Technol Assess Health Care
January 2021
Objective: Accounts of patient experiences are increasingly used in health technology assessment (HTA) processes. However, we know little about their impact on the decision-making process. This study aims to assess the level and the type of impact of patient input to highly specialised technologies (HSTs) and interventional procedures (IPs) guidance at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStrengthening patient outcome evidence in health technology assessment: a coproduction approach.
Int J Technol Assess Health Care
January 2021
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) worked with patients and staff from six patient organizations to review existing health technology assessment (HTA) methods and coproduce proposals to improve the following: patient involvement, how patient evidence is identified and considered by committees, and the support offered to patient stakeholders. This engagement identified important factors that HTA bodies need to understand to enable meaningful patient and public involvement (PPI), such as having clearly documented processes, appropriate evidence submission processes, transparent decisions, and suitable support. This work demonstrated the benefits of HTA bodies working collaboratively with patient stakeholders to improve PPI.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF