Costs and benefits of a formal quality framework for colonoscopy: Economic evaluation.

Reduction of colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality is one of the primary objectives of colonoscopy. Post-colonoscopy colorectal cancers (PCCRCs) are critical outcome parameters. Analysis of PCCRC rates can validate quality assurance measures in colonoscopy.

Post-colonoscopy upper gastrointestinal malignancies in positive immunochemical fecal occult blood test patients: An Australian data linkage study.

Background And Aim: In immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) positive subjects, colonoscopy screening can detect colorectal cancers and advanced adenomas, yet most iFOBT-positive subjects find no relevant lower gastrointestinal lesions. Limited data are available on upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer risk in iFOBT-positive patients. This study investigated the incidence of UGI malignancies diagnosed within 3 years post-colonoscopy after a positive iFOBT.

Cost-effectiveness of taurolidine-citrate in a cohort of patients with intestinal failure receiving home parenteral nutrition.

Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for chronic intestinal failure (CIF) are associated with significant morbidity and financial costs. Taurolidine is associated with a reduction in bloodstream infections, with limited information on the cost-effectiveness as the primary prevention. This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of using taurolidine-citrate for the primary prevention of CRBSIs within a quaternary hospital.

Interventions for improving clinical outcomes and health-related quality-of-life for people living with skeletal dysplasias: an evidence gap map.

Purpose: Skeletal dysplasias are rare genetic disorders that are characterized by abnormal development of bone and cartilage. There are multiple medical and non-medical treatments for specific symptoms of skeletal dysplasias e.g.

Social determinants and participation in fecal occult blood test based colorectal cancer screening: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis.

Issue Addressed: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening through fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) has saved thousands of lives globally with multiple countries adopting comprehensive population wide screening programs. Participation rates in FOBT based CRC screening for the socially and economically disadvantaged remains low. The aim of this systematic review is to explore empirical evidence that will guide targeted interventions to improve participation rates within priority populations.

Upper GI endoscopy in subjects with positive fecal occult blood test undergoing colonoscopy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: The role of gastroscopy to investigate the upper GI (UGI) tract in subjects with a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT+) result is controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, which aimed to determine the prevalence of UGI lesions in FOBT+ subjects.

Methods: Databases were searched until March 31, 2022 for studies reporting UGI lesions in FOBT+ subjects undergoing colonoscopy and gastroscopy.

Standardising policy and technology responses in the immediate aftermath of a pandemic: a comparative and conceptual framework.

Background: The initial policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic has differed widely across countries. Such variability in government interventions has made it difficult for policymakers and health research systems to compare what has happened and the effectiveness of interventions across nations. Timely information and analysis are crucial to addressing the lag between the pandemic and government responses to implement targeted interventions to alleviate the impact of the pandemic.

Health System Shock Frameworks Between Theory, Application, and Assessment Comment on "The COVID-19 System Shock Framework: Capturing Health System Innovation During the COVID-19 Pandemic".

The COVID-19 System Shock Framework (CSSF) tested the resilience of service providers throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Australia. In this commentary, we tackle the topic of the CSSF applicability in less mature health systems and propose elements or dimensions that could be added to provide comprehensive response to future shocks. We acknowledge the fact that information systems, telehealth, and standard operation procedures constitute important pillars of system shock frameworks.

Risk-based decision-making related to preprocedural coronavirus disease 2019 testing in the setting of GI endoscopy: management of risks, evidence, and behavioral health economics.

Background And Aims: Controversies exist regarding the benefits and most appropriate approach for preprocedural coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing (eg, rapid antigen test, polymerase chain reaction, or real-time polymerase chain reaction) for outpatients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as GI endoscopy, to prevent COVID-19 infections among staff. Guidelines for protecting healthcare workers (HCWs) from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection from outpatient procedures varies across medical professional organizations. This study provides an evidence-based decision support tool for key decision-makers (eg, clinicians) to respond to COVID-19 transmission risks and reduce the effect of personal biases.

COVID-19: The need for an Australian economic pandemic response plan.

Objectives: Pandemics pressure national governments to respond swiftly. Mitigation efforts created an imbalance between population health, capacity of the healthcare system and economic prosperity. Each pandemic arising from a new virus is unknown territory for policy makers, and there is considerable uncertainty of the appropriateness of responses and outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Greece, Iceland, New Zealand, and Singapore: Health policies and lessons learned.

Objectives: This paper aims at providing an overview of the COVID-19 situation, health policies, and economic impact in Greece, Iceland, New Zealand, and Singapore. The four countries were chosen due to their ability to contain the spread and mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on their societies.

Methods: We use document analysis based on the available national reports, media announcements, official coronavirus websites and governmental decrees in each of the four countries starting from the 1st of January o the 9th of August announcements.

COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.

Objectives: To describe epidemiological data on cases of COVID-19 and the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in the United Kingdom (UK), and the subsequent policy and technological response to the pandemic, including impact on healthcare, business and the economy.

Methods: Epidemiological, business and economic data were extracted from official government sources covering the period 31st January to 13th August 2020; healthcare system data up to end of June 2019.

Results: UK-wide COVID-19 cases and deaths were 313,798 and 46,706 respectively (472 cases and 70 deaths per 100,000 population) by 12th August.

How much is too much? The effects of information quantity on crowdfunding performance.

We explore the effects of the quantity of information on the tendency to contribute to crowdfunding campaigns. Using the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, we analyze the campaign descriptions and the performance of over 70,000 projects. We look empirically at the effect of information quantity (word count) on funding success (as measure by amount raised and number of backers).