IntroductionPain is the most common presenting feature within the ED, yet undertreatment of pain in the ED is a well-documented problem worldwide. Despite the development of interventions to address this problem, there is still limited understanding of how pain management can be improved within the ED. This systematic mixed studies review aims to identify and critically synthesise research exploring staff views of barriers and enablers to pain management to understand why pain continues to be undertreated in the ED.MethodsWe systematically searched five databases for qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies reporting ED staff views of barriers and enablers to pain management in the ED. Studies were quality assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were extracted and qualitative themes were generated by deconstructing data then developing interpretative themes. Data were analysed using convergent qualitative synthesis design.ResultsWe identified 15 297 articles for title/abstract review, reviewed 138 and included 24 in the results. Studies were not excluded due to low quality, although lower scoring studies contributed less data to the analysis. Quantitative surveys focused more on environmental factors (eg, high workload and bureaucratic restrictions), while qualitative studies revealed more insight about attitudes. We developed five interpretative themes from the thematic synthesis: (1) pain management is seen as important but not a clinical priority; (2) staff do not recognise the need to improve pain management; (3) the ED environment makes it difficult to improve pain management; (4) pain management is based on experience, not knowledge; and (5) staff lack trust in the patient’s ability to judge pain or manage it appropriately.ConclusionsOverly focusing on environmental barriers as principal barriers to pain management may mask underlying beliefs that hinder improvements. Improving feedback on performance and addressing these beliefs may enable staff to understand how to prioritise pain management.

AIM:To explore the barriers and facilitators to sexual discussions in primary care according to a sample of women aged 50 and older living with Type 2 diabetes.DESIGN:A qualitative, interpretative phenomenological analysis study.METHODS:Ten women aged 50-83 years living with Type 2 diabetes were interviewed between August 2016 -March 2017. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.RESULTS:The participants reported changes to their sexual health and well-being, which they attributed to diabetes, menopause, ageing and changes in intimate relationships. Not all changes were considered problematic, but those that were, tended not to be discussed with healthcare professionals. The women assumed that the topic of sex was not broached by professionals due to embarrassment (both their own and that of the healthcare professional), ageism and social taboos around older women's sexual pleasure. The place that sexual health and well-being held in the women's lives also influenced primary care discussions.CONCLUSION:These findings demonstrate that social taboos around gender, ageing and sex influenced the barriers to sexual health and well-being discussions in primary care. Facilitators to overcoming these barriers were professional-patient rapport, consulting with a female healthcare professional and instigation of the conversation by healthcare professionals.IMPACT:Type 2 diabetes can have a negative impact on women's sexual health and well-being. Prior to this study, little evidence existed of the barriers that older women with Type 2 diabetes faced with regard to sexual health care. This study shows that midlife-older women with Type 2 diabetes can experience sexual health and well-being problems which are neglected in primary care. It also shows that women want their healthcare professionals to explore these problems. Raising awareness and giving training for healthcare professionals may lead to better provision of sexual health support for midlife-older women with Type 2 diabetes.

Background: In 2015, approximately 2.16% of adults were recorded as having intellectual disabilities. UK government policy is that adults with intellectual disabilities should access mainstream health services. However, people with intellectual disabilities experience challenges when accessing primary and community health services that can lead to inequalities and shorter life expectancy. Objectives: To map and review the evidence on access to primary and community health-care services for adults with intellectual disabilities and their carers. To identify influencing factors for gaining access to primary and community health-care services. To determine which actions, interventions or models of service provision improve entry access to these services for people with intellectual disabilities and their carers. Finally, to identify the gaps in evidence and provide implications for health care and recommendations for research. Data sources: MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) and Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) were searched from 2002 to 2018. Review methods: The mapping review methodology included an extensive literature search, article selection and data extraction of relevant abstracts. Findings from the mapping review informed the scope of the targeted systematic review. Methodology for the targeted systematic review included an extensive literature search informed by the mapping review, article selection, data extraction, quality appraisal and narrative synthesis. Results: The mapping review included 413 studies with data extraction completed on abstracts. The targeted systematic review synthesised the evidence from 80 studies reported in 82 publications. During the review process, the team identified three key points at which people with intellectual disabilities potentially interacted with primary and community health-care services: identifying needs, accessing services and interaction during a consultation. In addition, there were a number of papers about interventions or innovations to improve access. Evidence from the studies was synthesised within the four clusters. Influencing factors were identified: staff knowledge/skills, joint working with learning disability services, service delivery model, uptake, appointment making, carer/support role, relationship with staff, time, accessible information and communication. The influencing factors were cross-cutting through the literature, with certain factors having more importance in certain clusters. Limitations: The main limitation was the weak evidence base. The studies generally had small samples, had study designs that were open to potential biases and measured only short-term outcomes. Conclusions: Health checks were found to help identify health needs and improve the care of long-term conditions. Important factors for accessing health services for adults with intellectual disabilities were consistency of care and support, staff training, communication skills and time to communicate, and provision of accessible information. Health professionals need to ensure that there is joint working between different services, clear communication and accurate record-keeping. Future research questions centre on the need to develop and value creative study designs capable of addressing the complex issues identified in the findings of the review for this complex population. Funding: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 8, No. 5. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

BACKGROUND:High-quality nutrition education is recommended as an essential component of diabetes care. In the UK, there has been a gradual shift of inter-professional boundaries with respect to providing nutritional care for people with type 2 diabetes. Only a minority now regularly receive advice from a dietitian. Instead, increased demands for nutrition education are being absorbed by practice nurses. The present study seeks to explore this situation through the views of practice nurses on the services that they provide and the issues they face.METHODS:A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was employed. Practice nurses were recruited using purposive sampling, and nine were interviewed. Data were analysed using the Framework Method. The Theoretical Domains Framework from the COM-B ('capability', 'opportunity', 'motivation' and 'behaviour') model of behaviour change, as increasingly employed to explore the behaviour of healthcare professionals, was used to further frame the findings.RESULTS:Practice nurses reported that ongoing diabetes nutrition education only took place at annual review appointments and was limited to 5-10 min. They described how they are expected to take on a more advanced role in diabetes nutrition education than they can provide and are becoming increasingly isolated in this role as a result of a lack of time, practical and informational support, and training standards and provision.CONCLUSIONS:A range of service improvements led by dietitians, which focus on strengthening the working environment and enhancing professional support available for practice nurses who provide diabetes nutrition education, could improve quality of care and health outcomes in people with diabetes within current time restraints.

Objective: To systematically review quantitative and qualitative literature on optimal provision of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (MND). Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases, together with supplementary search methods was used to identify relevant literature from the last 20 years. Studies of any empirical design with an English abstract were eligible for inclusion. Data from documents meeting our criteria were extracted and synthesized using narrative and thematic synthesis. A patient pathway of care model was used to integrate data and provide a process perspective to the findings. Results: While the importance of individualizing care was highlighted, factors optimizing use for all patients include: specialized multi-disciplinary team service provision; determining need using respiratory function tests in addition to symptom report; providing adequate information for patients and their family; paying attention to the role of carers in decision-making; adequately managing secretions; considering the most advantageous place of initiation; optimizing the interface, machine mode, and settings for patient comfort and effectiveness; providing supportive interventions where appropriate; regular monitoring and adjustment of settings; and providing opportunities for ongoing discussion of patient wishes. Conclusions: Optimizing use of NIV in people with MND requires consideration of multiple factors as part of a process throughout the patient pathway. Current guidelines predominantly focus on the initiation of NIV and may underplay psychosocial factors. We have made evidence-based recommendations for each step in the pathway, which may help improve optimal uptake, usage, quality of life, and survival outcomes in patients with MND.

Background: Digital and online symptom checkers and assessment services are used by patients seeking guidance about health problems. NHS England is planning to introduce a digital platform (NHS111 Online) to operate alongside the NHS111 urgent-care telephone service. This review focuses on digital and online symptom checkers for urgent health problems. Objectives: This systematic review was commissioned to provide NHS England with an independent review of previous research in this area to inform strategic decision-making and service design. Data sources: Focused searches of seven bibliographic databases were performed and supplemented by phrase searching for names of symptom checker systems and citation searches of key included studies. The bibliographic databases searched were MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), HMIC (Health Management Information Consortium), Web of Science and the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) Digital Library, from inception up to April 2018. Review methods: Brief inclusion criteria were (1) population – general population seeking information online or digitally to address an urgent health problem; (2) intervention – any online or digital service designed to assess symptoms, provide health advice and direct patients to appropriate services; and (3) comparator – telephone or face-to-face assessment, comparative performance in tests or simulations (studies with no comparator were included if they reported relevant outcomes). Outcomes of interest included safety, clinical effectiveness, costs or cost-effectiveness, diagnostic and triage accuracy, use of and contacts with health services, compliance with advice received, patient/carer satisfaction, and equity and inclusion. Inclusion was not restricted by study design. Screening studies for inclusion, data extraction and quality assessment were carried out by one reviewer with a sample checked for accuracy and consistency. Final decisions on study inclusion were taken by consensus of the review team. A narrative synthesis of the included studies was performed and structured around the predefined research questions and key outcomes. The overall strength of evidence for each outcome was classified as ‘stronger’, ‘weaker’, ‘conflicting’ or ‘insufficient’, based on study numbers and design. Results: In total, 29 publications describing 27 studies were included. Studies were diverse in their design and methodology. The overall strength of the evidence was weak because it was largely based on observational studies and with a substantial component of non-peer-reviewed grey literature. There was little evidence to suggest that symptom checkers are unsafe, but studies evaluating their safety were generally short term and small scale. Diagnostic accuracy was highly variable between different systems but was generally low. Algorithm-based triage tended to be more risk averse than that of health professionals. Inconsistent evidence was found on effects on service use. There was very limited evidence on patients’ reactions to online triage advice. The studies showed that younger and more highly educated people are more likely to use these services. Study participants generally expressed high levels of satisfaction with digital and online triage services, albeit in uncontrolled studies. Limitations: Findings from symptom checker systems for specific conditions may not be applicable to more general systems and vice versa. Studies of symptom checkers as part of electronic consultation systems in general practice were also included, which is a slightly different setting from a general ‘digital 111’ service. Most studies were screened by one reviewer. Conclusions: Major uncertainties surround the probable impact of digital 111 services on most outcomes. It will be important to monitor and evaluate the services using all available data sources and by commissioning high-quality research. Future work: Priorities for research include comparisons of different systems, rigorous economic evaluations and investigations of patient pathways. Study registration: The study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42018093564. Funding: The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

BACKGROUND:Patient and public involvement in diabetes research is an international requirement, but little is known about the relationship between the process of involvement and health outcomes. OBJECTIVE:This realist review identifies who benefits from different types of involvement across different contexts and circumstances. Search strategies Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE were searched to identify interventions using targeted, embedded or collaborative involvement to reduce risk and promote self-management of diabetes. People at risk/with diabetes, providers and community organizations with an interest in addressing diabetes were included. There were no limitations on date, language or study type. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS:Data were extracted from 29 projects using elements from involvement frameworks. A conceptual analysis of involvement types was used to complete the synthesis. MAIN RESULTS:Projects used targeted (4), embedded (8) and collaborative (17) involvement. Productive interaction facilitated over a sufficient period of time enabled people to set priorities for research. Partnerships that committed to collaboration increased awareness of diabetes risk and mobilized people to co-design and co-deliver diabetes interventions. Cultural adaptation increased relevance and acceptance of the intervention because they trusted local delivery approaches. Local implementation produced high levels of recruitment and retention, which project teams associated with achieving diabetes health outcomes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:Achieving understanding of community context, developing trusting relationships across sectors and developing productive partnerships were prerequisites for designing research that was feasible and locally relevant. The proportion of diabetes studies incorporating these elements is surprisingly low. Barriers to resourcing partnerships need to be systematically addressed.

Background: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) prolongs survival and quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); however, its benefits depend upon the optimisation of both ventilation and adherence. We aimed to identify factors associated with effective initiation and ongoing use of NIV in ALS to develop evidence-based guidance and identify areas for further research. Methods: We searched 11 electronic databases (January 1998 to May 2018) for all types of quantitative and qualitative studies. Supplementary grey literature searches were conducted. Records were screened against eligibility criteria, data were extracted from included studies and risk of bias was assessed. We present findings using a narrative synthesis. Results: We screened 2430 unique records and included 52 quantitative and six qualitative papers. Factors reported to be associated with NIV optimisation included coordinated multidisciplinary care, place of initiation, selection of interfaces, ventilator modes and settings appropriate for the individual patient, and adequate secretion management. The literature indicated that patients with significant bulbar dysfunction can still derive considerable benefit from NIV if their needs are met. Research emphasises that obstructive airway events, mask leak and uncontrolled secretions should be addressed by adjustments to the interface and machine settings, and the concomitant use of cough augmentation. Conclusion: This review highlights that NIV optimisation requires an individualised approach to respiratory management tailored to the differing needs of each patient. Ultimately, this should lead to improved survival and quality of life. This review expands on recommendations in current international guidelines for NIV use in ALS and identifies areas for future research.

Background There have been calls for greater consideration of applicability and transferability in systematic reviews, to improve their usefulness in informing policy and practice. Understanding how evidence is, or is not applicable and transferable to varying local situations and contexts, is a key challenge for systematic review synthesis in healthcare. Assessing applicability and transferability in systematic reviews is reported to be difficult, particularly in reviews of complex interventions. There is a need for exploration of factors perceived to be important by policy-makers, and for further guidance on which items should be reported. In this paper we focus on the process of development of a framework that can be used by systematic reviewers to identify and report data across studies relating to applicability and transferability. Methods The framework was developed by scrutinising existing literature on applicability and transferability, examining data during a systematic review of highly complex changes to health service delivery, and was informed by stakeholder engagement. The items of the framework were thus grounded in both data identified during a real review, and stakeholder input. The paper describes examples of data identified using the framework during a review of integrated care interventions, and outlines how it informed analysis and reporting of the review findings. Results The Framework for Implementation Transferability Applicability Reporting (FITAR) comprises 44 items which can be used to structure analysis and reporting across studies during systematic reviews of complex interventions. The framework prompts detailed consideration of contextual data during extraction and reporting, within areas of: patient type and populations; type of organisations and systems; financial and commissioning processes; systems leadership elements; features of services; features of the workforce; and finally elements of the interventions/initiatives. Conclusions Use of the framework during our review of complex healthcare interventions helped the review team to surface contextual data, which may not be commonly extracted, analysed and reported. Further exploration and evaluation of systems for identifying and reporting these factors during reviews is required.

OBJECTIVES:In England, the NHS111 service provides assessment and triage by telephone for urgent health problems. A digital version of this service has recently been introduced. We aimed to systematically review the evidence on digital and online symptom checkers and similar services. DESIGN:Systematic review. DATA SOURCES:We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Health Management Information Consortium, Web of Science and ACM Digital Library up to April 2018, supplemented by phrase searches for known symptom checkers and citation searching of key studies. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:Studies of any design that evaluated a digital or online symptom checker or health assessment service for people seeking advice about an urgent health problem. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS:Data extraction and quality assessment (using the Cochrane Collaboration version of QUADAS for diagnostic accuracy studies and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute tool for observational studies) were done by one reviewer with a sample checked for accuracy and consistency. We performed a narrative synthesis of the included studies structured around pre-defined research questions and key outcomes. RESULTS:We included 29 publications (27 studies). Evidence on patient safety was weak. Diagnostic accuracy varied between different systems but was generally low. Algorithm-based triage tended to be more risk averse than that of health professionals. There was very limited evidence on patients' compliance with online triage advice. Study participants generally expressed high levels of satisfaction, although in mainly uncontrolled studies. Younger and more highly educated people were more likely to use these services. CONCLUSIONS:The English 'digital 111' service has been implemented against a background of uncertainty around the likely impact on important outcomes. The health system may need to respond to short-term changes and/or shifts in demand. The popularity of online and digital services with younger and more educated people has implications for health equity. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER:CRD42018093564.

Alongside a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of offering a cash transfer scheme (shopping vouchers) to mothers in areas with low breastfeeding rates, qualitative interviews were conducted with health care professionals delivering the scheme to explore their experiences. Health care professionals (n = 34; mainly midwives and health visitors) were interviewed in depth. Transcripts from recorded interviews were analyzed using a Framework Analysis approach. There was widespread acceptance of the scheme by health care professionals, with prior concerns regarding bribery and coercion being quickly allayed. Health care professionals reported that the scheme fitted in well with their routine ways of promoting and endorsing breastfeeding. They described their experiences of women’s positive reaction toward the scheme and how the scheme encouraged breastfeeding and gave breastfeeding higher value. Health care professionals reported that the incentives helped them engage women and promote and support breastfeeding in areas with low breastfeeding rates.

BackgroundThe prevalence and incidence of obesity are high in people with severe mental illness (SMI). In England, around 6000 people with SMI access care from secure mental health units. There is currently no specific guidance on how to reduce the risk of obesity-related morbidity and mortality in this population.AimsTo identify international evidence that addresses the issue of obesity in mental health secure units.MethodA mixed method review of evidence (published 2000–2015) was carried out to assess obesity prevalence, intervention and policy change, as well as barriers to change.ResultsEvidence from 22 mainly small, non-comparator studies (reported in 21 papers) using a range of methods was reviewed. Dietary, physical activity and cultural interventions being implemented within secure units to address the problem of obesity showed some promising outcomes for physical health and health education. These were facilitated by adequate organisational resources, staff training and motivated staff. Holistic interventions that included a social and/or competitive element were more likely to be taken up. Involving patients in decision-making mediated the tension between facilitating behaviour change and imposing control. Barriers to successful outcomes included patient movement in and out of units, severity of mental health condition and resistance to change by patients and staff.ConclusionsDespite the promising outcomes reported, further assessment is needed of the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of interventions and policies targeting the obesogenic environment, using robust research methods.Declaration of interestNone.

Background: A cluster randomised controlled trial of a financial incentive for breastfeeding conducted in areas with low breastfeeding rates in the UK reported a statistically significant increase in breastfeeding at 6–8 weeks. In this paper we report an analysis of interviews with women eligible for the scheme, exploring their experiences and perceptions of the scheme and its impact on breastfeeding to support the interpretation of the results of the trial. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 35 women eligible for the scheme during the feasibility and trial stages. All interviews were recorded and verbatim transcripts analysed using a Framework Analysis approach. Results: Women reported that their decisions about infant feeding were influenced by the behaviours and beliefs of their family and friends, socio-cultural norms and by health and practical considerations. They were generally positive about the scheme, and felt valued for the effort involved in breastfeeding. The vouchers were frequently described as a reward, a bonus and something to look forward to, and helping women keep going with their breastfeeding. They were often perceived as compensation for the difficulties women encountered during breastfeeding. The scheme was not thought to make a difference to mothers who were strongly against breastfeeding. However, women did believe the scheme would help normalise breastfeeding, influence those who were undecided and help women to keep going with breastfeeding and reach key milestones e.g. 6 weeks or 3 months. Conclusions: The scheme was acceptable to women, who perceived it as rewarding and valuing them for breastfeeding. Women reported that the scheme could raise awareness of breastfeeding and encourage its normalisation. This provides a possible mechanism of action to explain the results of the trial. Trial registration: The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number 44898617, https://www.isrctn.com

A cluster randomised controlled trial of a financial incentive for breastfeeding conducted in areas with low breastfeeding rates in the UK reported a statistically significant increase in breastfeeding at 6–8 weeks. In this paper we report an analysis of interviews with women eligible for the scheme, exploring their experiences and perceptions of the scheme and its impact on breastfeeding to support the interpretation of the results of the trial.

Background Healthcare systems around the world have been responding to the demand for better integrated models of service delivery. However, there is a need for further clarity regarding the effects of these new models of integration, and exploration regarding whether models introduced in other care systems may achieve similar outcomes in a UK national health service context. Methods The study aimed to carry out a systematic review of the effects of integration or co-ordination between healthcare services, or between health and social care on service delivery outcomes including effectiveness, efficiency and quality of care. Electronic databases including MEDLINE; Embase; PsycINFO; CINAHL; Science and Social Science Citation Indices; and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant literature published between 2006 to March 2017. Online sources were searched for UK grey literature, and citation searching, and manual reference list screening were also carried out. Quantitative primary studies and systematic reviews, reporting actual or perceived effects on service delivery following the introduction of models of integration or co-ordination, in healthcare or health and social care settings in developed countries were eligible for inclusion. Strength of evidence for each outcome reported was analysed and synthesised using a four point comparative rating system of stronger, weaker, inconsistent or limited evidence. Results One hundred sixty seven studies were eligible for inclusion. Analysis indicated evidence of perceived improved quality of care, evidence of increased patient satisfaction, and evidence of improved access to care. Evidence was rated as either inconsistent or limited regarding all other outcomes reported, including system-wide impacts on primary care, secondary care, and health care costs. There were limited differences between outcomes reported by UK and international studies, and overall the literature had a limited consideration of effects on service users. Conclusions Models of integrated care may enhance patient satisfaction, increase perceived quality of care, and enable access to services, although the evidence for other outcomes including service costs remains unclear. Indications of improved access may have important implications for services struggling to cope with increasing demand. Trial registration Prospero registration number: 42016037725 .

The International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC) is an online, open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original articles in the field of integrated care on a continuous basis.IJIC has an Impact Factor of 5.120 (2020 JCR, received in June 2021)

IMPORTANCE Although breastfeeding has a positive effect on an infant's health and development, the prevalence is low in many communities. The effect of financial incentives to improve breastfeeding prevalence is unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of an area-level financial incentive for breastfeeding on breastfeeding prevalence at 6 to 8 weeks post partum. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Nourishing Start for Health (NOSH) trial, a cluster randomized trial with 6 to 8 weeks follow-up, was conducted between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016, in 92 electoral ward areas in England with baseline breastfeeding prevalence at 6 to 8 weeks post partum less than 40%. A total of 10 010 mother-infant dyads resident in the 92 study electoral ward areas where the infant's estimated or actual birth date fell between February 18, 2015, and February 17, 2016, were included. Areas were randomized to the incentive plus usual care (n = 46) (5398 mother-infant dyads) or to usual care alone (n = 46) (4612 mother-infant dyads). INTERVENTIONS Usual care was delivered by clinicians (mainly midwives, health visitors) in a variety of maternity, neonatal, and infant feeding services, all of which were implementing the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative standards. Shopping vouchers worth 40 pound (US$50) were offered to mothers 5 times based on infant age (2 days, 10 days, 6-8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months), conditional on the infant receiving any breast milk. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was electoral ward area-level 6-to 8-week breastfeeding period prevalence, as assessed by clinicians at the routine 6-to 8-week postnatal check visit. Secondary outcomes were area-level period prevalence for breastfeeding initiation and for exclusive breastfeeding at 6 to 8 weeks. RESULTS In the intervention (5398 mother-infant dyads) and control (4612 mother-infant dyads) group, the median (interquartile range) percentage of women aged 16 to 44 years was 36.2%(3.0%) and 37.4%(3.6%) years, respectively. After adjusting for baseline breastfeeding prevalence and local government area and weighting to reflect unequal cluster-level breastfeeding prevalence variances, a difference in mean 6-to 8-week breastfeeding prevalence of 5.7 percentage points (37.9% vs 31.7%; 95% CI for adjusted difference, 2.7% to 8.6%; P < .001) in favor of the intervention vs usual care was observed. No significant differences were observed for the mean prevalence of breastfeeding initiation (61.9% vs 57.5%; adjusted mean difference, 2.9 percentage points; 95%, CI, -0.4 to 6.2; P = .08) or the mean prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 to 8 weeks (27.0% vs 24.1%; adjusted mean difference, 2.3 percentage points; 95% CI, -0.2 to 4.8; P = .07). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Financial incentives may improve breastfeeding rates in areas with low baseline prevalence. Offering a financial incentive to women in areas of England with breastfeeding rates below 40% compared with usual care resulted in a modest but statistically significant increase in breastfeeding prevalence at 6 to 8 weeks. This was measured using routinely collected data.

BackgroundThe NHS has been challenged to adopt new integrated models of service delivery that are tailored to local populations. Evidence from the international literature is needed to support the development and implementation of these new models of care.ObjectivesThe study aimed to carry out a systematic review of international evidence to enhance understanding of the mechanisms whereby new models of service delivery have an impact on health-care outcomes.DesignThe study combined rigorous and systematic methods for identification of literature, together with innovative methods for synthesis and presentation of findings.SettingAny setting.ParticipantsPatients receiving a health-care service and/or staff delivering services.InterventionsChanges to service delivery that increase integration and co-ordination of health and health-related services.Main outcome measuresOutcomes related to the delivery of services, including the views and perceptions of patients/service users and staff.Study designEmpirical work of a quantitative or qualitative design.Data sourcesWe searched electronic databases (between October 2016 and March 2017) for research published from 2006 onwards in databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Science Citation Index, Social Science Citation Index and The Cochrane Library. We also searched relevant websites, screened reference lists and citation searched on a previous review.Review methodsThe identified evidence was synthesised in three ways. First, data from included studies were used to develop an evidence-based logic model, and a narrative summary reports the elements of the pathway. Second, we examined the strength of evidence underpinning reported outcomes and impacts using a comparative four-item rating system. Third, we developed an applicability framework to further scrutinise and characterise the evidence.ResultsWe included 267 studies in the review. The findings detail the complex pathway from new models to impacts, with evidence regarding elements of new models of integrated care, targets for change, process change, influencing factors, service-level outcomes and system-wide impacts. A number of positive outcomes were reported in the literature, with stronger evidence of perceived increased patient satisfaction and improved quality of care and access to care. There was stronger UK-only evidence of reduced outpatient appointments and waiting times. Evidence was inconsistent regarding other outcomes and system-wide impacts such as levels of activity and costs. There was an indication that new models have particular potential with patients who have complex needs.LimitationsDefining new models of integrated care is challenging, and there is the potential that our study excluded potentially relevant literature. The review was extensive, with diverse study populations and interventions that precluded the statistical summary of effectiveness.ConclusionsThere is stronger evidence that new models of integrated care may enhance patient satisfaction and perceived quality and increase access; however, the evidence regarding other outcomes is unclear. The study recommends factors to be considered during the implementation of new models.Future workLinks between elements of new models and outcomes require further study, together with research in a wider variety of populations.Study registrationThis study is registered as PROSPERO CRD37725.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

Background: The tracing and screening of people who have had contact with an active case of tuberculosis (TB) is an important element of TB control strategies. Objectives: This study aimed to carry out a review of evidence regarding TB contact tracing, with a particular emphasis on research that was applicable to TB contact tracing in specific population groups in the UK. Design: An evidence synthesis of literature of any study design on TB contact tracing in developed countries was carried out. Setting: Any setting. Population: Individuals found to have active TB disease, and people who have come into contact with them. Interventions: Contact-tracing investigations. Main outcome measures: Any outcome related to TB infection, contact investigations and/or the views of staff, people with TB disease, or their contacts. Data sources: Searches for research published 1995 onwards were undertaken in the following databases: MEDLINE via Ovid SP, EMBASE via Ovid SP, EconLit via Ovid SP, PsycINFO via Ovid SP, Social Policy and Practice via Ovid SP, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature via EBSCOhost, Science and Social Science Citation Indices via Web of Science and The Cochrane Library via Wiley Online Library. Review methods: The study comprised a review of TB contact tracing in specific population groups and a review in wider populations. A narrative synthesis was completed and a logic model was developed from the literature. Results: There were 112 articles in the review: 23 related to specific populations and 89 related to wider populations. The literature was of limited quality, with much general description of investigations. We identified only two (uncontrolled) studies that could be considered evaluative. Although the limitations of the evidence should be recognised, the review suggested the following: the value of a location-based approach, working with local communities and the media, partnership working, using molecular epidemiological testing, ensuring adequate systems and addressing fear of stigma. The literature on investigations for specific populations has much concordance with that reporting findings from wider population groups. The recognised limitations of conventional investigation methods may, however, be exacerbated in specific populations. Limitations: The English-language inclusion criterion may have limited the breadth of countries represented. A meta-analysis was not possible owing to the nature of the literature. Relevant studies may have been missed by our searches, which used terminology relating to contact tracing rather than to active case finding or screening. Conclusions: The review identified a sizeable volume of literature relating to contact investigations. However, it is currently predominantly descriptive, with little evaluative work underpinning investigations in either specific or wider populations. Our findings are, therefore, based on limited evidence. Further research is required if robust conclusions are to be made. Future work: Research should further explore the development of measures that can be used to compare the effectiveness of different contact investigations, in studies using evaluative designs. Funding: The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.