ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, so as to provide references for its clinical application. MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 11, 2013), CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data were systematically searched up to November 2013 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) about HIFU in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality of included studies. Then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0. ResultsA total of 23 studies (19 RCTs and 4 CCTs) were included, of which 14 studies reported safety. The results of meta-analysis showed that:survival rates at the 6th month and the 12th month, overall efficacy and clinical benefit rate in the HIFU plus radiation and chemotherapy group were significantly higher than those in groups treated with three dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) (P < 0.05), gemcitabine (GEM) (P < 0.05), GEM plus cisplatin (DDP) (P < 0.05), and GEM plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (P < 0.05). The adverse effects (mainly including skin damage and fever) in the HIFU plus radiation and chemotherapy group was similar to those in the control group with no significant difference (P > 0.05). ConclusionCurrent evidence suggests that HIFU plus radiation and chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer is superior to other therapies with less adverse reaction. However, the poor quality of the included studies reduces the reliability of outcome to some extent. Thus, it is necessary to regulate and unify the criteria of diagnosis and outcome measures in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and improve the quality of study design and implementation in clinical studies, so as to provide high quality evidence for its clinical application.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of pancreatic cancer guidelines using evidence-based methods based on the global burden of pancreatic cancer, so as to explore its status, region distribution, characteristics of coverage themes, and difference of therapies recommended by the guidelines of various quality, and to provide references for clinical decisionmaking. MethodsPubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 11, 2013), CBM, CNKI, and VIP, as well as the website of National Guidelines Clearinghouse (NGC), Guidelines International Network (GIN), and National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) were systematically searched for pancreatic cancer treatment guidelines. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE Ⅲ) was applied to assess methodological quality of included guidelines. ResultsA total of 14 relevant guidelines (including five evidence-based guidelines) were included involving seven countries of four continents (Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania) and four international academic organizations. There were only two domains, namely "scope and purpose" and "clarity of presentations" which got high average scores (more than 60%) among all 14 guidelines. The mean AGREE domain scores in guidelines varied with areas, and the quality of five evidence-based guidelines was superior to that established by consensus. According to the outcomes of AGREE Ⅲ, 11 guidelines were weakly recommended, while 3 were not recommended due to poor methodological quality. The subjects of 14 guidelines covered six treatment categories, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, support therapy, radiotherapy, and interventional therapy. ConclusionThe overall methodological quality of pancreatic cancer guidelines is not high among different countries or regions. The quality of evidence-based guidelines is superior to that established by consensus. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and support therapy were reccommended as predominant choice by these guidelines.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of epidermal growth factor receptortyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) as the first-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodDatabases including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2015) , CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data were electronically searched from inception to March 2015, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about EGFR-TKIs versus chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC patients. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsA total of 9 RCTs involving 3 841 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: for patients with EGFR mutation-positive, the rate of progression-free survival (PFS) (HR=0.41, 95%CI 0.31 to 0.54, P<0.000 01) , objective response rate (ORR) (RR=2.23, 95% CI 1.73 to 2.87, P<0.000 01) and quality of life (QoL) in the EGFR-TKI group were superior to the chemotherapy group; There was no statistical difference between two groups in rate of overall survival (OS) (HR=1.04, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.24, P=0.62) . The incidences of diarrhea (RR=3.81, 95% CI 2.15 to 6.76, P<0.001) and rash (RR=8.14, 95% CI 3.55 to 18.68, P<0.001) were significantly higher, but the incidence of blood toxicity was lower in the EGFR-TKI group that those in the chemotherapy group. ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows EGFR-TKI is superior to chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation-positive. However, due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
ObjectivesThe primary objectives of this rapid health technology assessment (RHTA) were to assess the safety and effectiveness of Da Vinci surgical system compared with traditional e surgeries, so as to provide the currently-available best evidence for health decision makers and clinical workers. MethodsA comprehensive search of electronic databases (EMbase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, CBM and WanFang Data) and relevant professional HTA websites were conducted from inceptionto October 9, 2012. Two reviews independently screen literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assess the quality of included studies. The data based on secondary studies were reported, and a final recommendation and its level was made based on assessment outcome. ResultsA total of 21 studies were included, encompassing 7 HTAs and 14 systematic reviews/metaanalyses. The included studies involved radical prostatectomy, hysterectomy, nephrectomy, coronary artery bypass graft, and gastric fundoplication. Though the included HTAs and systematic reviews/meta-analyses focus on different diseases, the outcomes showed significant differences existed between Da Vinci surgical system and other routine surgery in clinical effectiveness and safety of different diseases. Compared with routine surgery, Da Vinci surgical system shortened hospital stay; decreased operation conversion rates, blood loss and blood transfusion rates during surgery; but it increased operative time. Besides, compared with traditional laparoscopic surgery, Da Vinci surgical system shortened operation time and hospital stay, and decreased operation conversion rates, blood loss and blood transfusion rates during surgery. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that the clinical effectiveness and safety outcomes of Da Vinci surgical system differ in diseases. Currently, most included HTAs and systematic reviews/meta-analyses are based on observational studies, relevant prospective randomized controlled trials lack, and the evidence is graded as low quality, health decision makers are suggested to apply this evidence with caution on the basis of comprehensive consideration.
ObjectiveTo investigate the distribution of human resources in primary healthcare system of Xinjin county in Chengdu in 2010, so as to provide the evidence for appropriate allocation of health manpower. MethodsWe collected the data of human resources in the regional health information and management platform, and the list of health workers and their registration information. Microsoft Excel 2003 and SPSS 13.0 software were used to analyze data. Resultsa) A total of 1 551 health workers were in Xinjin primary healthcare system in 2010, including 1 124 in tenure position (accounting for 72.5%) and 427 in contract (accounting for 27.5%). b) In county-level hospital (CLH) or community healthcare centre (CHC) or township hospital (TH), the proportion of health professionals were 83.2%, 79.0% and 80.0% respectively; and 28.8%, 27.2% and 28.7% for registered & assistant doctors; 39.3%, 22.7% and 16.2% for registered nurses; 6.7%, 8.3% and 4.7% for technicians; and 5.9%, 6.8% and 6.9% for pharmacists, respectively. c) Health personnel per 1 000 population in CLH, CHC, and TH were 3.10, 1.98, and 1.92, respectively; health professionals per 1 000 population were 2.58, 1.58, and 1.54, respectively; registered & assistant doctors per 1 000 population were 0.89, 0.54, 0.55, respectively; and registered nurses were 1.22, 0.45, 0.31, respectively. The nurse-to-doctor ratios were 1.36, 0.83, and 0.56 nurses per doctor in CLH, CHC, and TH, respectively. The bed-to-nurse ratios were 0.59, 0.38, and 0.19 nurses per bed respectively. d) Most health professionals were junior professionals (about 60%), in college-level education (about 50%), between 25 to 44 years old (20%-70%), work experience between 5 to 19 years (40%-63%). e) Temporary employees in TH accounted for 46.4%, among which 86.6% younger than 35 years old, 23.4% in internship, and 64.1% at clinical position. Conclusiona) The shortage of health personnel is very obvious in Xinjin county with inappropriate proportions of health professionals; b) The stability of health personnel is challenging due to the large proportion of temporary employees in THs; c) health professionals in Xinjin county features a younger population, and in lower professional positions; d)Therefore, the related policies should be adjusted and innovated to enhance the education and training, to maintain the stability of health personnel and to promote the healthy and sustainable development of primary healthcare services.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the current status of primary healthcare system reform in Xinjin county, in order to provide baseline data for improving the healthcare service system and population health in Chengdu. MethodsPrimary health care services and population health in Xinjin county were quantitatively described and compared. Resultsa) Eleven township hospitals (100%) and 89 village clinics (66.42%) were upgraded according to the national standards. The management of 60 village clinics were integrated with township hospitals. And 417 and 76 essential healthcare services were provided by township hospitals and village clinics, respectively. b) In 2010, the number of outpatients and inpatients in Xinjin county were increased by 24.2% and 46.3% respectively compared to those of 2009, while the costs per outpatient visit and inpatient discharge were reduced by 21.5% and 18.6% respectively. c) In 2010, health records of 98.2% of population in Xinjin county have been established; 96.3% of pregnant women were managed systematically; 98.8% of children immunization programs were implemented; 100% patients with severe mental disorders and about 78% with hypertension and diabetes were in follow-up and treatment; and 28.8% of total population got the free physical exams in 2010. d) The essential medicine accounted for 96.7% of total types of medicines and 97.8% of total expenditure of medicines in primarily healthcare institutions in Xinjin. The cost of medicine management was reduced from 8.5% to 4.2% while the medicine turnover rate was increased by 50%. e) Average life expectancy in Xinjin county was 77.97 years, infant mortality rate was 6.82‰ in 2010; and there was no maternal death in recent 8 years. f) The regional healthcare information system was established covering three-tier rural health care network spanning the county, township and village. Conclusiona) The primary healthcare system reform in Xinjin county improves the infrastructure of primary care system, the utilization of essential medical care, essential public health service, and essential medicines. b) Life expectancy, infant mortality rate and maternal mortality of Xinjin county are better than the average levels in Sichuan province and China. Xinjin county is a representative pilot county for healthcare service system reform in Chengdu city and a nice model to successfully promote healthcare system reform based on regional healthcare information system.
ObjectivesTo investigate the utilization of essential medicines and antibiotics in primary healthcare system of Xinjin county of Chengdu city from 2009 to 2011. MethodsThe data of utilization of all the medicines, essential medicines and antibiotics was collected from 17 hospitals of Xinjin primary healthcare system. Microsoft Excel 2003 was used to analyze the data. ResultsCompared with 2009, the total costs of medicines and essential medicines increased by 72.27% and 135.4% respectively in 2010. After the implementation of essential medicine policy in 2010, the proportion of essential medicines accounted for more than 90% in community healthcare centers (CHCs) and township hospitals (THs) and over 50% in county-level hospitals in 2011. In 2010, the average cost per prescription among outpatients increased by 3.51% in total, but deceased by 16.23% in CHCs/THs (RMB 15.09 yuan per prescription). In July of 2011, the policy to control the use of antibiotics was implemented in Xinjin county. The use of antibiotics decreased, but still accounted for over 30% in 9 out of 13 CHCs/THs. The use of bigeminy antibiotics and trigeminy antibiotics accounted for 0.42 to 5.56% and 0 to 0.44%, respectively. ConclusionsThe use of essential medicines increases in Xinjin county and met the national requirements. The average cost per prescription among outpatient decreases in THs and CHCs. After controlling the use of antibiotics, the proportion and cost of antibiotics is still very high, and irrational use of antibiotics probably still exists. The training and guide for evidence-based rational use of medicine should be enhanced in future.
ObjectiveTo investigate the essential healthcare system performance in Xinjin county of Chengdu city from 2009 to 2010, so as to provide baseline data for further study. MethodsThe general information of the essential healthcare, such as the numbers of out and in-patients, service and profits were collected and then analyzed using the software of Microsoft Excel 2003 and SPSS 13.0. Resultsa) The results showed that the numbers of out and in-patients were in the rank of the county, township and community hospital. The numbers of out and emergency patients has been decreased 31.0% and 25.3% in the community hospital from 2009 to 2010, while patients in the county and township hospital has been increased. The numbers of in-patients has been increased by year; b) hospital bed occupancy has been increased by year, and the hospital bed occupancy of county hospitals was 8% lower than national level in 2009, 33.5% higher in 2010, the hospital bed occupancy of township hospitals from 2009 to 2010 was higher than national level, the ones of community hospital was lower than national level; c) there is an annual decreasing tendency for average days for hospitalization in county and community hospital, which were higher than national level; d) it was lower than national average rate; e) the inpatient fee per time was lower than national average rate; f) in the components of the in-patients expense, drug expense, operation expense and diagnose expense were constituted more than 86% in all eight costs; and g) the receipts and expenditure of Xinjin hospital throughout the year increased by years, the income and expenses showed 39.3% and 37.7%. ConclusionThe hospital bed occupancy, average hospitalization days and the inpatient fee per time in Xinjin county of Chengdu city during 2009-2010, were higher than national level. The overall health performance of hospitals in Xinjin county was satisfied. However, there was significant difference between the best and the worst. In order to distribute health resources, both benefit and efficient should be emphasized.
ObjectiveTo investigate the drug utilization in primary healthcare system of Xinjin county of Chengdu in 2010. MethodsThe drug utilization information in regional health information platform of Xinjin county were collected. Microsoft Excel 2003 software was used to describe the types, forms and expenditure of medicines, particularly the use of antibiotics among outpatients and inpatients. ResultsThe drug utilization of 17 hospitals in Xinjin county in 2010 was summarized below:a) there were 1 507, 1 356 and 695 kinds of drugs dispended for outpatients, and 1 271, 1 023 and 317 for inpatients in county-level hospitals (CLH), township hospitals (TH) and community healthcare centre (CHC), respectively. Among which, oral biomedicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) accounted for about 45% of total types, and 46% to 73% of total drug expenditure among outpatients; while oral biomedicine and the injection accounted 37% to 61% of total types of medicines dispended to inpatients, particularly injection of biomedicine accounting for over 75% of total drug expenditure among inpatients. b) The expenditure of top 30 drugs in primary care hospitals accounted for 50% of total drug expenditure among outpatients and over 85% among inpatients. c) Among the top 20 drugs, there were 15 antibiotics, which accounted for 26.5% of total drug expenditure in Xinjin county. The top 10 antibiotics were mainly cephalosporin, accounting for 59.36% and 66.27% of total antibiotics expenditure among outpatients and inpatients respectively. Conclusiona) The main forms of medicines dispended to outpatients are oral biomedicine and TCM, while oral agents and injection of biomedicine are the majority of medicines used for inpatients. b) The top 30 drugs should be monitored for rational use of drugs considering the huge expenditure. And c) the types, proportion of use and expenses of antimicrobial drugs ranked the first in CLH, CHC and TH, which may imply irrational use of antibiotics.
ObjectiveTo comprehensively evaluate the essential public health service in Xinjin county of Chengdu from 2009 to April 2011, so as to provide evidence for improving primary healthcare system reform in Chengdu city. MethodsThe data was collected from the Xinjin county-wide health information system. The electronic health records, chronic disease management, childbirth management and mental health were quantitatively described and compared. Resultsa) In 2010, 88 772 residents had the physical examination and health assessment, among which, 14 497 (16%) were detected with some health problems. The average cost per positive detection was RMB 122.5 yuan. b) Up to April 2011, 98.2% of people in Xinjin county have their health records but the proportions were ranged from 68.08% to 109.02% in different primary healthcare providers. The details of the most health records were incomplete. c) 7 318 patients with hypertension and 2 187 diabetes mellitus were detected, and among them, 90.1% of patients with hypertension and 95.1% of patients with diabetes had their health records for chronic diseases management. d) The rate of stillbirth or neonatal mortality was lower than 4‰. There was no maternal death in the 8 years. But the cesarean section rate was about 61%. e) 97.3% of the patients with mental disorders were supervised in 2010, which was reduced by 2.7% compared to 2009. Conclusionsa) There is low proportion of all the residents in Xinjin having physical examination and health assessment and the rate of diseases detection is low as well. b) There is very wide coverage of health records for residents in Xinjin county, nearly universal coverage. c) The health records for the chronic disease patients were well-established, but the early detection rate of the chronic diseases is low. d) High proportion of the patients with mental disorders is supervised. e) The strategy that only county-level hospitals could provide obstetrical service instead of township hospitals is successful to reduce the neonatal mortality and maternal mortality. However, the cesarean section rate is high. f) It acts, to some extent, as a model to successfully improve the essential public health service and management based on the conuty-wide healthcare information system. However, the data quality, data mining and data utilization should be further improved