Idag finns en nationell modell för hur öppna vertikala prioriteringar kan genomföras. Den är resultatet av de samlade erfarenheterna av att omsätta riksdagens riktlinjer för prioriteringar i praktiskt prioriteringsarbete. Modellen är framtagen av Socialstyrelsen, PrioriteringsCentrum samt flera vårdförbund och landsting gemensamt. Också FSA och LSR har ställt sig bakom den. Fram tills nu har det dock saknats praktisk erfarenhet av att tillämpa modellen inom arbetsterapi och sjukgymnastik. Men sedan drygt två år tillbaka har de båda rehabiliteringsenheterna Samrehab och Rehab Söder i Landstinget i Kalmar län med stöd av PrioriteringsCentrum bedrivit ett prioriteringsarbete i enlighet med modellen. Det är deras erfarenheter denna rapport handlar om.

Prioriteringsarbetet har med nära stöd av verksamhetsledningarna letts av en projektgrupp bestående av arbetsterapeuter och sjukgymnaster från de båda enheterna som fungerat som handledare, ansvarat för metodutveckling och utbildning samt kontinuerligt utvärderat arbetet. Själva tillämpningen av den nationella modellen har ett antal utvecklingsgrupper inom olika specialistområden stått för. De har valt ut och rangordnat tillstånd och olika åtgärder som de ansett angelägna att ta fram prioriteringar för.

Ett av syftena med prioriteringsarbetet i Samrehab och Rehab Söder var att få till stånd länsövergripande prioriteringar inom vissa verksamheter och/eller för vissa sjukdomstillstånd för en mer likvärdig vård. Idag finns elva sådana prioriteringsordningar presenterade på landstingets intranät och ytterligare ett tiotal är under bearbetning. Utöver vinsterna med det förbättrade samarbetet mellan länsdelarna har alltså den interna öppenheten i prioriteringarna ökat. Alla anställda kan lätt få fram prioriteringsordningarna via basenheternas hemsidor när man behöver det. Andra vinster av prioriteringsarbetet är att kännedomen och kunskapen om riksdagens riktlinjer för prioriteringar har ökat, att en större del av basenheternas verksamhet idag är faktabaserad än innan prioriteringsarbetet startade samt att den kliniska erfarenheten har tillvaratagits och dokumenterats på ett mer systematiskt sätt än tidigare. Det har dessutom skett en utveckling av den nationella modellen som har blivit mer konkret vad det gäller svårighetsgrad och nytta. En majoritet av deltagarna i utvecklingsgrupperna har haft en positiv inställning till att arbeta med prioriteringar utifrån modellen och upplever också att de erhållit ett språk som gör det möjligt att kommunicera prioriteringar med politiker och landstingsledning.

I rapporten presenteras också de frågor kring modellens olika steg som dykt upp under arbetets gång. Tre frågor har dominerat; syftet med prioriteringsarbetet, tolkningen av modellen samt dokumentationen av prioriteringsarbetet.

Syftet har inte alltid upplevts som helt klart och sambandet mellan prioriteringsarbetet och annat kvalitetsarbete som t ex framtagande av behandlingsriktlinjer har varit otydligt. När det gäller tolkningen av modellen har t ex graderingen av svårighetsgrad och patientnytta gett upphov till frustration. Också den skriftliga presentationen av prioriteringsordningarna har stundtals upplevts som krånglig och svår att förmedla till övriga medarbetare på ett användbart sätt.

Alla de åtgärder som projektgruppen vidtagit för att underlätta de svårigheter som dykt upp delar de här med sig av i rapporten. Likaså pekar de ut viktiga förutsättningar för ett prioriteringsarbete (som t ex tid, kompetens, kontinuitet och legitima deltagare). Syftet med att pröva om den nationella modellen för öppna vertikala prioriteringar är användbar i Samrehabs och Rehab Söders prioriteringsarbete är uppnådd och det har inte framkommit något som ger anledning att ifrågasätta modellens grundstruktur. Förslag har dock givits bl a avseende bedömning av svårighetsgrad och patientnytta för att ytterligare underlätta tillämpningen.

Nu planerar enheterna att gå vidare med sitt prioriteringsarbete, dels genom att fortsätta att ta fram behandlingsriktlinjer som kombineras med prioriteringar men också genom att ytterligare utveckla prioriteringsstödet för de enskilda medarbetarna i deras dagliga patientarbete. Om andra verksamheter i Sverige  följer efter detta exempel från Kalmar län med att öppet redovisa hur de hanterar prioriteringar i sin verksamhet kommer ytterligare nya erfarenheter att hjälpa metodutvecklingen på traven.

Citation frequencies and journal impact factors (JIFs) are being used more and more to assess the quality of research and allocate research resources. If these bibliometric indicators are not an adequate predictor of research quality, there could be severe negative consequences for research. To analyse to which extent citation frequencies and journal impact factors correlate with the methodological quality of clinical research articles included in an SBU systematic review of antibiotic prophylaxis in surgery. All 212 eligible original articles were extracted from the SBU systematic review "Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Surgery" and categorized according to their methodological rigourness as high, moderate or low quality articles. Median of citation frequencies and JIFs were compared between the methodological quality groups using Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test. An in-depth study of low-quality studies with higher citation frequencies/JIFs was also conducted. No significant differences were found in median citation frequencies (p = 0.453) or JIFs (p = 0.185) between the three quality groups. Studies that had high citation frequencies/JIFs but were assessed as low-quality lacked control groups, had high dropout rates or low internal validity. This study of antibiotic prophylaxis in surgery does not support the hypothesis that bibliometric indicators are a valid instrument for assessing methodological quality in clinical trials. This is a worrying observation, since bibliometric indicators have a major influence on research funding. However, further studies in other areas are needed.

The aim of this study was to explore how young (16-25 year old) informal carers of a person with a mental illness experience and use support. In a mixed method approach, we interviewed 12 young carers, and 241 completed a self-administered questionnaire. While the young carers strive to maintain control, their main support seems to be others in their lives, who often define the situation differently. The carers said web-support, counseling, and group counseling might be helpful, yet very few had any professional support. Young carers are greatly in need of support and it should be provided.

Objective: Compare the impact of two interventions, a web-based support and a folder support, for young persons who care for people who suffer from mental illness. Methods: This study was a randomized control trial, following the CONSORT statements, which compared the impact of two interventions. Primary outcome variable was stress, and secondary outcome variables were caring situation, general self-efficacy, well-being, health, and quality of life of young informal carers (N = 241). Data were collected in June 2010 to April 2011, with self-assessment questionnaires, comparing the two interventions and also to detect changes. Results: The stress levels were high in both groups at baseline, but decreased in the folder group. The folder group had improvement in their caring situation (also different from the web group), general self-efficacy, well-being, and quality of life. The web group showed increase in well-being. Conclusion: Young informal carers who take on the responsibility for people close to them; suffer consequences on their own health. They live in a life-situation characterized by high stress and low wellbeing. This signals a need for support. Practice implications: The non-significant differences show that each intervention can be effective, and that it depends upon the individuals preferences. This highlights the importance of adopting person-centered approach, in which young persons can themselves choose support strategy.

This study compared the caring situation, health, self-efficacy, and stress of young (16-25) informal carers (YICs) supporting a family member with mental illness with that of YICs supporting a friend. A sample of 225 carers, assigned to a family group (n = 97) or a friend group (n = 128) completed the questionnaire. It was found that the family group experiences a lower level of support and friends experienced a lower positive value of caring. No other differences in health, general self-efficacy and stress were found. YICs endure different social situations, which is why further study of the needs of YICs, especially those supporting friends, is urgently needed.

Denna rapport redovisar utvärderingen av en försöksverksamhet med ser-vice- och signalhundar som bedrevs mellan år 2009 och 2014. Utvärderingen inkluderar servicehundar, signalhundar samt alarmerande servicehundar (epilepsihundar och diabeteshundar). Totalt 56 ekipage (förare samt hund) ingick i utvärderingsstudien. Data i studien samlades in före samt efter genomgången service- och signalhundsutbildning. Syftet med utvärderingen är att studera hur certifierade service- och signalhundar påverkar förarnas behov av offentliga stödinsatser och de totala samhällskostnaderna. Dessutom studerades hur service- och signalhundar påverkar förarna med avseende på hälsorelaterad livskvalitet, välbefinnande, självförtroende och fysisk aktivitet samt om användningen av service- och signalhundar är kostnadseffektiv ur ett samhällsperspektiv.

  Resultat och slutsatser

• Service- och signalhundar minskar i genomsnitt förarnas behov av offentliga stödinsatser med 197 000 kronor (6 procent) under en tioårsperiod.
• Livskvaliteten för personer med behov av service- och signalhundar är låg jämfört med den allmänna populationen i Sverige. Studien visar på en förbättring i livskvaliteten och välbefinnandet för förare med en certifierad hund.
• Förarnas grad av fysisk aktivitet ökade med en certifierad hund och majoriteten av dem angav att de ökat sin tid utanför hemmet samt att de även ökat sin tid för att delta i sociala aktiviteter tack vare hunden.
• Förarnas negativa emotionella upplevelser minskar med en certifierad hund.
• Förarna beskriver själva den certifierade hunden som ett viktigt verktyg för ökad självständighet och trygghet.
• Den hälsoekonomiska modellen som analyserar kostnadseffektiviteten visar att ett innehav av en certifierad hund är ett dominant alternativ jämfört med att inte ha en certifierad hund. Detta innebär att kostnaderna ur ett samhällsperspektiv under en tioårsperiod är lägre (-103 000 kronor) samtidigt som effekterna i form av vunna QALY (kvalitetsjusterade levnadsår) är högre (+0,15).
• Finansieringsanalysen visar att förare som har certifierade hundar sparar resurser åt alla aktörer (stat, kommun och landsting) men får själva ökade utgifter på grund av hunden.
• Studien baseras på ett lågt antal observationer (56 ekipage). Det i kombination med att det är en stor spridning i resursförbrukningen mellan ekipagen medför att det finns en statistisk osäkerhet i resultaten. Slutsatserna bedöms dock som rimliga eftersom de är samstämmiga.

Objective: To economically evaluate a caries-preventive program "Stop Caries Stockholm" (SCS) where a standard program is supplemented with biannual applications of fluoride varnish in toddlers and compared it with the standard preventive program. Material and methods: Data from the cluster randomized controlled field trial SCS including 3403 children, conducted in multicultural areas with low socioeconomic status was used. The difference in mean caries increment between the examinations; when the toddlers were 1 and 3 years old, was outcome measure of the intervention. The program was evaluated from a societal as well as a dental health care perspective. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated as the incremental cost for each defs prevented. Results: Average dental health care costs per child at age 3 years were EUR 95.77 for the supplemental intervention and EUR 70.52 for the standard intervention. The ICER was EUR 280.56 from a dental health care perspective and EUR 468.67 and considered high. Conclusions: The supplemental caries intervention program was not found to be cost-effective. The program raised costs without significantly reducing caries development. A better alternative use of the resources is recommended. Trial registration: (ISRCTN35086887).

Background and aim: The impact of nocturia (getting up at night to void) on health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) is often under-estimated. This study investigated the relative burden in terms of HRQoL and utilities of nocturia in a real-world setting. Methods: Patient data were collected from two surveys: a nocturia-specific, cross-sectional survey of physicians and their patients (DSP), and a general UK population health survey (HSFE). Utilities (EQ-5D-5L), productivity (Work Productivity and Activity Index), and the impact of nocturia symptoms (Nocturia Impact Diary and Overactive Bladder Questionnaires) were assessed against the number of voids. A robust linear regression model with propensity score weights was used to control for confounding factors in estimating utilities. Results: Physician-recorded data were available from 8,738 patients across the US, Germany, Spain, France, and the UK; of these, 5,335 (61%) included patient-reported outcomes. In total, 6,302 controls were drawn from the two surveys and compared to 1,104 nocturia patients. Deterioration of HRQoL was associated with increasing number of night-time voids (pamp;lt;0.0001). In particular, significant differences were observed between 0-1 and 2 voids (pamp;lt;0.001). The regression model demonstrated that nocturia (amp;gt;= 2 per night) is associated with a modest but significant deterioration in utility of 0.0134 (pamp;lt;0.05). Limitations: The cause of nocturia is multifactorial and the mostly elderly patients may have several concomitant diseases. The authors tried to adjust for the most common ones, but there may be diseases or unknown relationships not included. Conclusions: Nocturia negatively affected HRQoL and patient utility. A clear effect is seen already at two voids per night. Every effort should, therefore, be made to reduce nocturia below the bother threshold of two voids per night.

Background:

Non-communicable diseases are a leading cause of death and can largely be prevented by healthy lifestyles. Health care organizations are encouraged to integrate healthy lifestyle promotion in routine care. This study evaluates the impact of a team initiative on healthy lifestyle promotion in primary care.

Methods: A quasi-experimental, cross-sectional design compared three intervention centres that had implemented lifestyle teams with three control centres that used a traditional model of care. Outcomes were defined using the RE-AIM framework: reach, the proportion of patients receiving lifestyle promotion; effectiveness, self-reported attitudes and competency among staff; adoption, proportion of staff reporting regular practice of lifestyle promotion; implementation, fidelity to the original lifestyle team protocol. Data collection methods included a patient questionnaire (n = 888), a staff questionnaire (n = 120) and structured interviews with all practice managers and, where applicable, team managers (n = 8). The chi square test and problem-driven content analysis was used to analyse the questionnaire and interview data, respectively.

Results:Reach: patients at control centres (48%, n = 211) received lifestyle promotion significantly more often compared with patients at intervention centres (41%, n = 169). Effectiveness: intervention staff was significantly more positive towards the effectiveness of lifestyle promotion, shared competency and how lifestyle promotion was prioritized at their centre. Adoption: 47% of staff at intervention centres and 58% at control centres reported that they asked patients about their lifestyle on a daily basis. Implementation: all intervention centres had implemented multi-professional teams and team managers and held regular meetings but struggled to implement in-house referral structures for lifestyle promotion, which was used consistently among staff.

Conclusions:Intervention centres did not show higher rates than control centres on reach of patients or adoption among staff at this stage. All intervention centres struggled to implement working referral structures for lifestyle promotion. Intervention centres were more positive on effectiveness outcomes, attitudes and competency among staff, however. Thus, lifestyle teams may facilitate lifestyle promotion practice in terms of increased responsiveness among staff, illustrated by positive attitudes and perceptions of shared competency. More research is needed on lifestyle promotion referral structures in primary care regarding their configuration and implementation.

Background: Greater access to evidence-based psychological treatments is needed. This review aimed to evaluate whether internet-delivered psychological treatments for mood and anxiety disorders are efficacious, noninferior to established treatments, safe, and cost-effective for children, adolescents and adults. Methods: We searched the literature for studies published until March 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered for the assessment of short-term efficacy and safety and were pooled in meta-analyses. Other designs were also considered for long-term effect and cost-effectiveness. Comparisons against established treatments were evaluated for noninferiority. Two reviewers independently assessed the relevant studies for risk of bias. The quality of the evidence was graded using an international grading system. Results: A total of 52 relevant RCTs were identified whereof 12 were excluded due to high risk of bias. Five cost-effectiveness studies were identified and three were excluded due to high risk of bias. The included trials mainly evaluated internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT) against a waiting list in adult volunteers and 88% were conducted in Sweden or Australia. One trial involved children. For adults, the quality of evidence was graded as moderate for the short-term efficacy of I-CBT vs. waiting list for mild/moderate depression (d = 0.83; 95% CI 0.59, 1.07) and social phobia (d = 0.85; 95% CI 0.66, 1.05), and moderate for no efficacy of internet-delivered attention bias modification vs. sham treatment for social phobia (d = 20.04; 95% CI 20.24, 0.35). The quality of evidence was graded as low/very low for other disorders, interventions, children/adolescents, noninferiority, adverse events, and cost-effectiveness. Conclusions: I-CBT is a viable treatment option for adults with depression and some anxiety disorders who request this treatment modality. Important questions remain before broad implementation can be supported. Future research would benefit from prioritizing adapting treatments to children/adolescents and using noninferiority designs with established forms of treatment.

Screening to detect diseases early is attractive as it can improve the prognosis and decrease costs, but it is often a problematic concept and there are several pitfalls. Many healthy individuals have to be investigated to avoid a disease in a few, which results in a dilemma because to save a few, many are exposed to a procedure that could potentially harm them. Other examples of problems associated with screening are latent diseases and over-treating. The question of optimal design of a screening program is another source of uncertainty for decision-makers, as a screening program may potentially be implemented in very different ways. This highlights the need for structured analyses that weigh benefits against the harms and costs that occur as consequences of the screening.

The aim of this thesis is, therefore, to explore, develop and implement methods for health economic evaluations of screening programs. This is done to identify problems and suggest solutions to improve future evaluations and in extension policy making.

This aim was analysed using decision analytic cost-effectiveness analyses constructed as Markov models. These are well-suited for this task given the sequential management approach where all relevant data are unlikely to come from a single source of evidence. The input data were in this thesis obtained from the published literature and were complemented with data from Swedish registries and the included case studies. The case studies were two different types of screening programs; a program of screening for unknown atrial fibrillation and a program to detect colorectal cancer early. Further, the implementation of treatment with thrombectomy and novel oral anticoagulants were used to illustrate how factors outside the screening program itself have an impact on the evaluations.

As shown by the result of the performed analyses, the major contribution of this thesis was that it provided a simple and systematic approach for the economic evaluation of multiple screening designs to identify an optimal design.

In both the included case studies, the screening was considered costeffective in detecting the disease; unknown atrial fibrillation and colorectal cancer, respectively. Further, the optimal way to implement these screening programs is dependent on the threshold value for cost-effectiveness in the health care sector and the characteristics of the investigated cohort. This is because it is possible to gain increasingly more health benefits by changing the design of the screening program, but that the change in design also results in higher marginal costs. Additionally, changes in the screening setting were shown to be important as they affect the cost-effectiveness of the screening. This implies that flexible modelling with continuously updated models are necessary for an optimal resource allocation.

Background

There is an ongoing development in pathology laboratories towards increased digital storage and analysis of images from tissue samples through computer screens instead of conventional microscopes. The digital storage of information has a number of potential advantages. The information can be used by several individuals simultaneously, even remotely, which facilitates the use of expert knowledge and provide opportunities for increased capacity utilization.

An expected increase in costs resulting from the implementation of digital pathology combined with uncertainty about the positive effects makes health economic analyses requested. Lack of data regarding the effects of digitalization has not yet allowed any adequate evaluations of the health economic aspects. Despite the practical difficulties that exist today, there are reasons to start thinking about what we want to investigate, how to do it and the possibility to fill current knowledge gaps.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how a health economic evaluation of digital pathology can be designed, the possibility to make such an evaluation based on available data and identify the need for additional research.

Method

Digitalization of a pathology laboratory includes and affects many of the current activities at the unit in a complex manner. Therefore, the total economic effect of time savings, increased costs due to added operations, storage, and new equipment need to be studied.

To make an early attempt to identify the costs and benefits of digital pathology in the present analysis we used three models with different perspectives. Shortterm and long-term potential effects of a full-scale implementation were analyzed with the use of the three analytical models.

Results

Important information is missing regarding the situation today, but above all,about the effects of a digitalization. This means that it is currently impossible tomake calculations or well-informed conclusions regarding the health economicimpact of a digitalization. However, using the three models we could make someconclusions. We have speculated on the potential benefits of a full-scale digitalization in two of the three models. Model 1 can be used to analyze an improved work flow within the pathology unit, above all, it is interesting to try to measure the average processing time per slide for the pathologist. Model 2 can be used to study how a reduction in waiting times for PAD-results affects the patient in terms of reduced anxiety. Based on Model 3, we conclude that it is unlikely that any shortened waiting times as a result of a digitalization means measurable medical benefit. However, it is important to point out that we only studied one example where a medical benefit could be expected.

Conclusions

• No scientific evaluation of the effects and costs regarding the diglization ofpathology laboratories in a Swedish setting were identified.
• In the current situation it is not possible to make exact calculations or wellinformedconclusions regarding the health economic impact of a digitalizationas basic performance data and reliable cost data are not available.
• With the help of the three models developed in this analysis it is possible todraw some conclusions about what types of data that are relevant to study.Model 1 can be used to analyze an improved work flow within the pathologyunit. Model 2 can be used to study how a reduction in waiting times for PADresultsaffect the patient in terms of reduced anxiety. Model 3 can be used as abasis for identification and analyze of situations in the health care where ashorter response time can influence clinical decisions.

Studies of patient´s quality of life while waiting for test results is an exampleof data that need to be investigated for future health economic analyses. Suchanalyses would also benefit from an improved reporting of cost data. A thirdarea concerns studies of unnecessary or inaccurate health care due to false testresults.

Background: Colorectal cancer screening can decrease morbidity and mortality. However, there are widespread differences in the implementation of programmes and choice of strategy. The primary objective of this study was to estimate lifelong costs and health outcomes of two of the currently most preferred methods of screening for colorectal cancer: colonoscopy and sensitive faecal immunochemical test (FIT). Methods: A cost-effectiveness analysis of colorectal cancer screening in a Swedish population was performed using a decision analysis model, based on the design of the Screening of Swedish Colons (SCREESCO) study, and data from the published literature and registries. Lifelong cost and effects of colonoscopy once, colonoscopy every 10 years, FIT twice, FIT biennially and no screening were estimated using simulations. Results: For 1000 individuals invited to screening, it was estimated that screening once with colonoscopy yielded 49 more quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and a cost saving of (sic)64 800 compared with no screening. Similarly, screening twice with FIT gave 26 more QALYs and a cost saving of (sic)17 600. When the colonoscopic screening was repeated every tenth year, 7 additional QALYs were gained at a cost of (sic)189 400 compared with a single colonoscopy. The additional gain with biennial FIT screening was 25 QALYs at a cost of (sic)154 300 compared with two FITs. Conclusion: All screening strategies were cost-effective compared with no screening. Repeated and single screening strategies with colonoscopy were more cost-effective than FIT when lifelong effects and costs were considered. However, other factors such as patient acceptability of the test and availability of human resources also have to be taken into account.

Aims: A number of value sets are available today for converting EQ-5D questionnaire responses to quality-adjusted life year-weights used in health economic evaluations. The aim of this study is to analyse the differences between the commonly used hypothetical UK value set and the newly introduced Swedish experience-based value set and to evaluate health economic implications of such differences on policy decisions. Methods: Differences between the two value sets were studied using two methods: a comparison of health states and improvements as well as an empirical comparison. In the comparison of health states and improvements, the valuations of all EQ-5D states and all pure improvements were compared. In the empirical study, a database of 23,925 individuals was used to identify patient groups that could be affected by the implementation of the Swedish experience-based value set. Results: The comparison of health states and possible improvements showed that only three health states were assigned a lower quality-adjusted life year-weight and most improvements were given smaller absolute values if the experience-based value set was used. The empirical comparison showed that severe conditions were assigned higher values when using the experience-based value set. Conclusions: The Swedish experience-based value set seems to render a higher estimated level of health-related quality of life in virtually all health conditions compared to the hypothetical UK value set. In extension, health-related quality of life enhancing interventions are likely to be given higher priority in decision-making situations where hypothetical values are used to construct quality-adjusted life year-weights. In situations where experience-based quality-adjusted life year-weights are used, life-prolonging interventions would be prioritised.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adding endovascular thrombectomy to standard care in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS: The cost-effectiveness analysis of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke was based on a decision-analytic Markov model. Primary outcomes from ESCAPE, Extending the Time for Thrombolysis in Emergency Neurological Deficits-Intra-Arterial (EXTEND-IA), Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN), Endovascular Revascularization With Solitaire Device Versus Best Medical Therapy in Anterior Circulation Stroke Within 8 Hours (REVASCAT), and Solitaire with the Intention for Thrombectomy as Primary Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke (SWIFT PRIME) along with data from published studies and registries were used in this analysis. We used a health care payer perspective and a lifelong time horizon to estimate costs and effects.

RESULTS: The model showed that adding thrombectomy with stent retrievers to guideline-based care (including IV thrombolysis) resulted in a gain of 0.40 life-years and 0.99 quality-adjusted life-years along with a cost savings of approximately $221 per patient. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were not sensitive to changes in uncertain parameters or assumptions.

CONCLUSIONS: Adding endovascular treatment to standard care resulted in substantial clinical benefits at low costs. The results were consistent throughout irrespective of whether data from ESCAPE, EXTEND-IA, MR CLEAN, REVASCAT, or SWIFT PRIME were used in this model.

Aims The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of 2 weeks of intermittent screening for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in 75/76-year-old individuals. Methods and results The cost-effectiveness analysis of screening in 75-year-old individuals was based on a lifelong decision analytic Markov model. In this model, 1000 hypothetical individuals, who matched the population of the STROKESTOP study, were simulated. The population was analysed for different parameters such as prevalence, AF status, treatment with oral anticoagulation, stroke risk, utility, and costs. In the base-case scenario, screening of 1000 individuals resulted in 263 fewer patient-years with undetected AF. This implies eight fewer strokes, 11 more life-years, and 12 more quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per 1000 screened individuals. The screening implies an incremental cost of (sic)50 012, resulting in a cost of (sic)4313 per gained QALY and (sic)6583 per avoided stroke. Conclusions With the use of a decision analytic simulation model, it has been shown that screening for asymptomatic AF in 75/76-year-old individuals is cost-effective.

Aims: The primary objective of this study was to use computer simulations to suggest an optimal age for initiation of screening for unknown atrial fibrillation and to evaluate if repeated screening will add value.

Methods and results: In the absence of relevant clinical studies, this analysis was based on a simulation model. More than two billion different designs of screening programs for unknown atrial fibrillation were simulated and analysed. Data from the published scientific literature and registries were used to construct the model and estimate lifelong effects and costs. Costs and effects generated by 2 147 483 648 different screening designs were calculated and compared. Program designs that implied worse clinical outcome and were less cost-effective compared to other programs were excluded from the analysis. Seven program designs were identified, and considered to be cost effective depending on what the health-care decision makers are ready to pay for gaining a quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Screening at the age of 75 implied the lowest cost per gained QALY (€4 800/QALY).

Conclusion: In conclusion, examining the results of more than two billion simulated screening program designs for unknown atrial fibrillation, seven designs were deemed cost-effective depending on how much we are prepared to pay for gaining QALYs. Our results showed that repeated screening for atrial fibrillation implied additional health benefits to a reasonable cost compared to one-off screening.

AIM: The aim of this prospective substudy was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of treating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) with radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) compared with antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) as first-line treatment.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A decision-analytic Markov model, based on MANTRA-PAF (Medical Antiarrhythmic Treatment or Radiofrequency Ablation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation) study data, was developed to study long-term effects and costs of RFA compared with AADs as first-line treatment. Positive clinical effects were found in the overall population, a gain of an average 0.06 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) to an incremental cost of €3033, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €50 570/QALY. However, the result of the subgroup analyses showed that RFA was less costly and more effective in younger patients. This implied an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €3434/QALY in ≤50-year-old patients respectively €108 937/QALY in >50-year-old patients.

CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency catheter ablation as first-line treatment is a cost-effective strategy for younger patients with paroxysmal AF. However, the cost-effectiveness of using RFA as first-line therapy in older patients is uncertain, and in most of these AADs should be attempted before RFA (MANTRA-PAF ClinicalTrials.gov number; NCT00133211).

Given the setting of Stockholm County, a recently published health-economic analysis shows that the cost per Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) of a free TBE vaccinations program is below generally acceptable cost-effectiveness thresholds in Sweden. A report from the Public Health Agency (PHA), based on similar input data, shows that it is not cost effective to subsidize TBE vaccination in the Stockholm county. The main difference in the two analyses is the time horizon for the analyses; a life-time perspective versus 10-year perspective. Health economics of vaccination strategies should be based on a long time perspective and especially when the disease is more severe in older adults, i.e. TBE. Health-care decision-makers should be aware of the importance of the time horizon for the results when considering these evaluations in prioritization decisions. With a life-time perspective a TBE-vaccination program appears cost-effective.

Objectives: To examine the current knowledge on oral health status and dental care of older persons through a systematic mapping of systematic reviews of low or moderate risk of bias. Background: Geriatric dentistry covers all aspects of oral health and oral care of older persons. Oral health is part of general health and contributes to a persons physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Methods: A literature search was performed in three different databases (PubMed, The Cochrane Library and Cinahl) within 12 domains: Dental caries, periodontitis, Orofacial pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, mucosal lesions, oral motor function, dry mouth, halitosis, interaction between oral status and other medical conditions, ability to interrelate and communicate, quality of life, ethics and organisation of dental care for older persons. Systematic reviews were identified and scrutinised, highlighting scientific knowledge and knowledge gaps. Results: We included 32 systematic reviews of which 14 were judged to be of low/moderate risk of bias. Most of the domains lack systematic reviews with low or moderate risk of bias. In two of the domains evidence was identified; in institutionalised people aged 65 or older, effective oral hygiene can prevent pneumonia. Furthermore, there is an evidence of a relationship between malnutrition (protein energy-related malnutrition, PEM) and poor appetite and edentulousness. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for further research and evidence-based knowledge within most domains in geriatric dentistry and in other fields related to oral health and dental care for older persons striving for multi-disciplinary research programmes.

Objectives: To evaluate the available evidence that the use of arginine-containing dental care products prevents the development of new caries lesions and the progression of existing lesions. Search Methods: We performed a systematic literature search of databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE. Selection Criteria: We selected randomized controlled trials of treatment with arginine in fluoride-containing dental products measuring dental caries incidence or progression in children, adults and elderly subjects. Data Collection and Analysis: Two review authors independently assessed trials for risk of bias and evaluated overall study quality using the GRADE classification. Main Results: Due to conflicts of interest and weak transferability to Swedish conditions, no conclusions can be drawn from studies on the effects of arginine-fluoride toothpaste in children. Arginine-containing toothpaste costs about 40% more than basic fluoride toothpaste; to determine whether it is more cost-effective, the higher cost must be considered in relation to any additional caries-preventive effect. The literature review also disclosed some questionable research ethics: in several of the studies, the children in the control group used non-fluoride toothpaste. Toothpaste without fluoride is not as effective against dental caries as the standard treatment - fluoride toothpaste - which has a well -documented effect. This contravenes the fundamental principles of research ethics. Conclusion: At present there is insufficient evidence in support of a caries-preventive effect for the inclusion of arginine in toothpastes. More rigorous studies, and studies which are less dependent on commercial interests, are required. (C) 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel

Objectives To estimate productivity loss and associated indirect costs in high-risk patients treated for hyperlipidemia who experience cardiovascular (CV) events. Methods Retrospective population-based cohort study conducted using Swedish medical records linked to national registers. Patients were included based on prescriptions of lipid-lowering therapy between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2011 and followed until 31 December 2012 for identification of CV events and estimation of work productivity loss (sick leave and disability pension) and indirect costs. Patients were stratified into two cohorts based on CV risk level: history of major cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk equivalent. Propensity score matching was applied to compare patients with new events (cases) to patients without new events (controls). The incremental effect of CV events was estimated using a difference-in-differences design, comparing productivity loss among cases and controls during the year before and the year after the cases event. Results The incremental effect on indirect costs was largest in the CHD risk equivalent cohort (n = 2946) at (sic)3119 (P value amp;lt;0.01). The corresponding figure in the major CVD history cohort (n = 4508) was (sic)2210 (P value amp;lt;0.01). There was substantial variation in productivity loss depending on the type of event. Transient ischemic attack and revascularization had no significant effect on indirect costs. Myocardial infarction ((sic)), unstable angina ((sic)) and, most notably, ischemic stroke ((sic)) yielded substantial incremental cost estimates (P values amp;lt;0.01). Conclusions Indirect costs related to work productivity losses of CV events are substantial in Swedish high-risk patients treated for hyperlipidemia and vary considerably by type of event.

Background We have previously reported inconclusive results from a randomized controlled trial in elderly with hip-fracture comparing intra-operative goal-directed therapy with routine fluid treatment. Now we aimed to describe and compare secondary outcomes at 4 months and 1 year follow-up and to analyze the cost-effectiveness. Methods Patients with hip fracture (age amp;gt;= 70) were randomized for GDT or routine fluid treatment (RFT). The secondary outcomes were long-term survival, complications, number of hospital readmissions, and quality of life (EQ-5D) changes. Additionally, cost effectiveness was analyzed by an analytic tool which combines the clinical effectiveness, quality of life changes and costs. Results Patient data (GDT n = 74; RFT n = 75) were analyzed on an intention to treat basis. Statistically significant differences (GDT vs RFT) were not found considering survival (RR 0.76, 95%CI 0.45-1.28) and complications (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.4-1.10) at 12 months. No statistically significant difference was found between hospital readmissions and quality of life changes. Conclusion The statistical uncertainty of risk reduction of negative outcomes and the large variability of the collected data indicate the need of further research in large sample sizes. To enable future health economic evaluation for decision support surrounding implementation of GDT, we suggest adding patient-oriented outcomes in future trials.

Background

A randomized, controlled trial, intended to include 460 patients, is currently studying peroperative goal-directed hemodynamic treatment (GDHT) of aged hip-fracture patients. Interim efficacy analysis performed on the first 100 patients was statistically uncertain; thus, the trial is continuing in accordance with the trial protocol. This raised the present investigation’s main question: Is it reasonable to continue to fund the trial to decrease uncertainty? To answer this question, a previously developed probabilistic cost-effectiveness model was used. That model depicts (1) a choice between routine fluid treatment and GDHT, given uncertainty of current evidence and (2) the monetary value of further data collection to decrease uncertainty. This monetary value, that is, the expected value of perfect information (EVPI), could be used to compare future research costs. Thus, the primary aim of the present investigation was to analyze EVPI of an ongoing trial with interim efficacy observed.

Methods

A previously developed probabilistic decision analytic cost-effectiveness model was employed to compare the routine fluid treatment to GDHT. Results from the interim analysis, published trials, the meta-analysis, and the registry data were used as model inputs. EVPI was predicted using (1) combined uncertainty of model inputs; (2) threshold value of society’s willingness to pay for one, quality-adjusted life-year; and (3) estimated number of future patients exposed to choice between GDHT and routine fluid treatment during the expected lifetime of GDHT.

Results

If a decision to use GDHT were based on cost-effectiveness, then the decision would have a substantial degree of uncertainty. Assuming a 5-year lifetime of GDHT in clinical practice, the number of patients who would be subject to future decisions was 30,400. EVPI per patient would be €204 at a €20,000 threshold value of society’s willingness to pay for one quality-adjusted life-year. Given a future population of 30,400 individuals, total EVPI would be €6.19 million.

Conclusions

If future trial costs are below EVPI, further data collection is potentially cost-effective. When applying a cost-effectiveness model, statements such as ‘further research is needed’ are replaced with ‘further research is cost-effective and ‘further funding of a trial is justified’.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review assesses the effect of methods commonly used to manage the pulp in cases of deep caries lesions, and the extent the pulp chamber remains uninfected and does not cause pulpal or periapical inflammatory lesions and associated tooth-ache over time.

STUDY DESIGN: An electronic literature search included the databases PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Reviews from January 1950 to March 2013. In addition, hand searches were carried out. Two reviewers independently evaluated abstracts and full-text articles. An article was read in full if at least one of the two reviewers considered the abstract potentially relevant. Altogether, 161 articles were read in full text. Of these, 24 studies fulfilled established inclusion criteria. Based on studies of at least moderate quality, the quality of evidence of each procedure was rated in four levels according to GRADE.

RESULTS: No study reached the high quality level. Twelve were of moderate quality. The overall evidence was insufficient to assess which of indirect pulp capping, stepwise excavation, direct excavation and pulp capping/partial pulpotomy, pulpotomy or pulpectomy is the most effective treatment approach for teeth with deep caries.

CONCLUSIONS: Because of the lack of good studies it is not possible to determine whether an injured pulp by deep caries can be maintained or whether it should be removed and replaced with a root canal filling. Both randomized studies and prospective observational studies are needed to investigate whether a pulp exposed to deep caries is best treated by measures intended to preserve it or by pulpectomy and root filling.

Since 2008, FRAMM has been a guideline for caries prevention for all 3- to 15-year-olds in the Vastra Gotaland Region in Sweden and a predominant part is school-based fluoride varnish applications for all 12- to 15-year-olds. The aims were to evaluate dental health-economic data among 12- to 15-year-olds, based on the approximal caries prevalence at the age of 12, and to evaluate cost-effectiveness. Caries data for 13,490 adolescents born in 1993 who did not take part and 11,321 adolescents born in 1998 who followed this guideline were extracted from dental records. Those with no dentin and/or enamel caries lesions and/or fillings on the approximal surfaces were pooled into the "low" subgroup, those with 1-3 into the "moderate" subgroup and those with amp;gt;= 4 into the "high" subgroup. The results revealed that the low subgroup had a low approximal caries increment compared with the moderate and high subgroups during the 4-year study period. In all groups, there were statistically significant differences between those who took part in the guideline and those who did not. The analysis of cost-effectiveness revealed the lowest incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the high subgroup for decayed and/or filled approximal surfaces (DFSa) and approximal enamel lesions together and the highest ICER for the low subgroup for DFSa alone. To conclude, the FRAMM Guideline reduced the caries increment for adolescents with low, moderate and high approximal caries prevalence. The subgroup with the most favourable cost-effectiveness comprised those with a high caries prevalence at the age of 12. (C) 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel

Purpose

To study pain perception in 10–15-year-olds, during and after uncomplicated extractions of bilateral maxillary premolars. The study investigated pain’s natural course and made comparisons between the first and second extractions.

Methods

31 Swedish children in need of orthodontic treatment were identified and consecutively enrolled. Tooth extractions followed a standardised protocol and the two teeth were extracted with at least 10 days between. The participants rated pain intensity using visual analogue scale (VAS) at 14 different time points from treatment and 7 days forward.

Results

The pain intensity profile followed the same pattern for all patients. Pain intensity peaked 2 h after extractions (mean VASPI 27.3, SD 20.8; median 23.0) when moderate pain intensity (VASPI ≥ 40) was registered for 16 (28%) of 57 cases. After that, there was a rapid decrease in pain intensity notable already at 4 h after extractions. There were no statistically significant differences in any VASPI measurements between the first and second extractions, sexes, or different age groups.

Conclusions

The majority of the participants who undergo uncomplicated bilateral extraction of maxillary premolars experience mild to moderate levels of postoperative pain during a short period of time, with no differences between the first and second extractions. Bilateral tooth extractions is a suitable model for further studies on pain management.

Background There is an uncertainty regarding how to optimally prevent and/or reduce pain after dental treatment on children and adolescents. Aim To conduct a systematic review (SR) and health technology assessment (HTA) of oral analgesics administered after dental treatment to prevent postoperative pain in children and adolescents aged 3-19 years. Design A PICO-protocol was constructed and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017075589). Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Cinahl, and EMBASE, November 2018. The researchers (reading in pairs) assessed identified studies independently, according to the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, following the PRISMA-statement. Results 3,963 scientific papers were identified, whereof 216 read in full text. None met the inclusion criteria, leading to an empty SR. Ethical issues were identified related to the recognized knowledge gap in terms of challenges to conduct studies that are well-designed from methodological as well as ethical perspectives. Conclusions There is no scientific support for the use or rejection of oral analgesics administered after dental treatment in order to prevent or reduce postoperative pain in children and adolescents. Thus, no guidelines can be formulated on this issue based solely on scientific evidence. Well-designed studies on how to prevent pain from developing after dental treatment in children and adolescents is urgently needed.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to survey minor home help services provided by Swedish municipalities with the main purpose to prevent fall injuries.

METHODS: If minor home help services were presented on the homepage of a municipality, an initial telephone contact was taken. Thereafter a questionnaire was administered, including questions about target groups, aim with the services, tasks included, costs and restrictions for users, budget, and experienced gains with the services. Municipalities not providing minor home help services were asked about the reason therefore and if the municipality had previously provided the services Results: The questionnaire response rate was 92%. In 191 of Sweden's 290 municipalities services were provided by, or in cooperation with, the municipality. Reasons for not providing the services were mainly financial and lack of demand. Services were more often provided in larger cities and in municipalities located in populous regions. In some municipalities services were performed by persons with functional disabilities or unemployed persons. CONCLUSIONS: BOTH PROVIDERS AND USERS EXPRESSED SATISFACTION WITH THE SERVICES ASPECTS EXPRESSED WERE THAT SERVICES LEAD TO GREATER SENSE OF SAFETY AND SOCIAL GAINS THE EFFECT OF THE SERVICES IN TERMS OF FALL PREVENTION IS YET TO BE PROVED WITH ONLY A SMALL FALL-PREVENTIVE EFFECT SERVICES ARE PROBABLY COST-EFFECTIVE IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE, SENSE OF SAFETY, AND BEING ABLE TO OFFER MEANINGFUL WORK TO OTHERWISE UNEMPLOYED PERSONS ARE IMPORTANT ASPECTS THAT MIGHT IN THEMSELVES MOTIVATE THE PROVISION OF MINOR HOME HELP SERVICES.

Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) measure health by combining length and quality of life. QALYs constitute the effect side of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, describing the results of health economic evaluations. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the prevalence of states worse than dead (SWD) when using the EuroQol-5D UK value set, and (2) to study to what extent SWDs are reasonable with a starting point in experience-based valuations of health states. Data from a Swedish cross-sectional population survey were used. The survey was directed to 10,000 persons 65 years and older and its primary aim was to investigate the prevalence and consequences of chronic pain. The survey included questions reflecting life situation and well-being. Some of these were used in order to characterise people in SWD. SWD were found in 1.8% of the 6611 respondents. The prevalence of SWD increased with advancing age and was more common among women than men. The control questions used indicated that most of the persons being in SWD according to the EQ-5D UK value set most probably would not judge themselves to be in a SWD. Though negative QALY-weights are not very common, they constitute a non-negligible part of health states in a Swedish population 65 years and older. Prevalence of SWD is higher among women than men and increases with age. From responses to other questions on well-being and life situation, there is reason to doubt the reasonableness of experience-based negative QALY-weights in many cases.

Chronic pain among elderly people has long been a well-known problem, in terms of both societal costs and the quality of life of affected individuals. To estimate the magnitude of the problems associated with chronic pain in an elderly population, data on both costs and quality of life were gathered. A postal questionnaire was sent out to a stratified sample of 10 000 inhabitants 65 years and older in Linköping and Norrköping. The survey included questions on demographics, habits, and life situation, and different kinds of questions and instruments related to well-being (e.g., quality-of-life and pain-specific questions). In the questionnaire respondents were asked whether they were receiving any help—informal care—from a relative. If they answered yes, they were asked for permission to contact the informal caregiver and to provide contact details. The amount of informal care provided by relatives to persons with chronic pain was investigated by use of a questionnaire directed to the caregiving relatives, containing questions about time spent providing informal care.

Data on costs were collected from registers of consumption of health care, drugs, and municipal services.

The results of the study showed a very clear association between existence and severity of chronic pain and societal costs. The study population was subdivided into three groups with respect to having chronic pain or not, and a pain intensity during the last week of 0–4 (mild), 5–7 (moderate), or 8–10 (severe) on a scale of 0–10. Taking all costs (health care, drugs, municipal services, and informal care) into account, persons in the severe chronic pain group consumed on average 72% more resources than persons in the moderate chronic pain group and 143% more than those in the no or mild chronic pain group. Differences were most pronounced concerning municipal services and informal care costs.

Even more alarming are the results on the quality of life of persons in the different groups. On the EQ-5D index, the average value for persons in the no or mild chronic pain group was 0.82. For those in the moderate chronic pain group the average value was 0.64, and for those in the severe chronic pain group the average value was only 0.38. EQ-VAS resulted in less pronounced but still clearly significant differences.

It is concluded that this study, reaching a rather large part of the target population, shows that existence and severity of chronic pain among people 65 years and older affects costs to society and the quality of life of affected individuals in a massive way.

Chronic pain is associated with large societal costs, but few studies have investigated the total costs of chronic pain with respect to elderly subjects. The elderly usually require informal care, care performed by municipalities, and care for chronic diseases, all factors that can result in extensive financial burdens on elderly patients, their families, and the social services provided by the state. This study aims to quantify the societal cost of chronic pain in people of age 65 years and older and to assess the impact of chronic pain on quality of life. This study collected data from 3 registers concerning health care, drugs, and municipal services and from 2 surveys. A postal questionnaire was used to collect data from a stratified sample of the population 65 years and older in southeastern Sweden. The questionnaire addressed pain intensity and quality of life variables (EQ-5D). A second postal questionnaire was used to collect data from relatives of the elderly patients suffering from chronic pain. A total of 66.5% valid responses of the 10,000 subjects was achieved; 76.9% were categorized as having no or mild chronic pain, 18.9% as having moderate chronic pain, and 4.2% as having severe chronic pain. Consumed resources increased with the severity of chronic pain. Clear differences in EQ-5D were found with respect to the severity of pain. This study found an association between resource use and severity of chronic pain in elderly subjects: the more severe the chronic pain, the more extensive (and expensive) the use of resources.

Allergier orsakar mycket besvär för drabbade individer och stora kostnader för hälso- och sjukvården och samhället. Tidigare forskning tyder på att allergen immunterapi (AIT) kan vara ett framgångsrikt sätt att behandla personer med allergisk rinit/rinokonjunktivit. Tidigare genomförda hälsoekonomiska studier tyder också på en acceptabel kostnadseffektivitet för AIT jämfört med enbart symtomatisk behandling.

Syftet med denna studie var att kartlägga evidensläget för att undersöka möjligheterna att uttala sig om för vilka patienter som AIT är lämpligt, samt när förskrivning kan bedömas som kostnadseffektiv. Grundtanken var att försöka dela in patienter i subgrupper med olika egenskaper, behandlingseffekt och kostnadseffektivitet. Indelningen i subgrupper var i första hand tänkt att baseras på ålder, typ av allergen, symtomens svårighetsgrad och symtomens varaktighet.

Tidigt beslutades att evidensläget inte tillåter analys av subkutan (SCIT) och sublingual (SLIT) immunterapi separat, utan dessa behandlas i klump med det förenklade antagandet om en jämn fördelning mellan SCIT och SLIT. Denna analys genomfördes som en modellanalys med antagandet att personer startar AIT-behandling vid 25 års ålder. Det generella resultatet av analysen var att med ett samhällsperspektiv är AIT dominant, dvs. att behandlingen både sparar kostnader och genererar hälsovinster jämfört med enbart symtomatisk behandling. Med ett hälso- och sjukvårdsperspektiv blev kostnadseffektivitetskvoten av AIT jämfört med enbart symtomatisk behandling cirka 245 000 kronor per kvalitetsjusterat levnadsår (QALY).

Tillgänglig evidens tillåter tyvärr inte subgruppsanalyser på det sätt som var tänkt. Detta beroende på att behandlingseffekt specificerat på allergentyp, allergins svårighetsgrad och symtomens varaktighet inte analyserats och rapporterats i tidigare publicerade studier. Den enda uppdelningen som befanns vara någorlunda meningsfull var den baserad på ålder. Inte heller avseende denna variabel har skillnader i behandlingseffekt studerats. Däremot antogs olika indirekta kostnader (produktionsförluster) för barn, ungdomar och vuxna. Dessa kostnader saknar betydelse i en analys med hälso- och sjukvårdsperspektiv varför detta resultat inte påverkas. Med ett samhällsperspektiv däremot befanns AIT mest kostnadseffektiv riktad till vuxna (dominant), följt av barn (179 000 kronor/QALY) och ungdomar (245 000 kronor/QALY). För att kunna genomföra en mer komplett kostnadseffektanalys behövs en del information som i dagsläget saknas. Exempel på kunskapsluckor som identifierats är:

• En meningsfull uppdelning i tillstånd baserat på svårighetsgrad (lindrig/måttlig/svår), utifrån biomarkörer och/eller symtom.
• Effektiviteten av AIT och dess inverkan på övergångar mellan tillstånd.
• Livskvalitet och kostnader förknippade med olika tillstånd.
• Skillnader i behandlingseffektivitet för olika subgrupper (ålder, svårighet och varaktighet av symtom, olika allergener).
• Evidens som möjliggör jämförelse mellan SCIT och SLIT, när är den ena respektive den andra mest effektiv/kostnadseffektiv?
• Långtidseffekt av vissa AIT-terapier.

Background. Understanding of attitudes, knowledge, and behavior related to evidence-based practice (ESP) and use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in primary care physical therapy is limited. Objectives. The objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate self-reported attitudes, knowledge, behavior, prerequisites, and barriers related to EBP and guideline use among physical therapists in primary care and (2) to explore associations of self-reported use of guidelines with these social cognitive factors along with demographic and workplace characteristics. Design. This was a cross-sectional survey. Methods. A web-based survey of 419 physical therapists in primary care in western Sweden was performed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with guideline use. Results. The response rate was 64.7%. Most respondents had positive attitudes toward EBP and guidelines: 90% considered EBP necessary, and 96% considered guidelines important. Approximately two thirds reported confidence in finding and using evidence. One third reported being aware of guidelines. Thirteen percent knew where to find guidelines, and only 9% reported having easy access to guidelines. Fewer than half reported using guidelines frequently. The most important barriers to using guidelines were lack of time, poor availability, and limited access to guidelines. Young age and brief work experience were associated with positive attitudes toward EBP. A postgraduate degree was associated with higher application of EBP. Positive attitudes, awareness of guidelines, considering guidelines to facilitate practice, and knowing how to integrate patient preferences with guideline use were associated with frequent use of guidelines. Limitations. Data were self-reported, which may have increased the risk of social.desirability bias. Conclusions. Use of guidelines was not as frequent as could be expected in view of the positive attitudes toward EBP and guidelines among physical therapists. Awareness of and perceived access to guidelines were limited. The identified determinants can be addressed when developing guideline implementation strategies.

BACKGROUND:

Clinical practice guidelines are important for transmitting research findings into practice and facilitating the application of evidence-based practice (EBP). There is a paucity of knowledge about the impact of guideline implementation strategies in primary care physical therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a guideline implementation intervention in primary care physical therapy in western Sweden.

METHODS:

An implementation strategy based on theory and current evidence was developed. A tailored, multi-component implementation intervention, addressing earlier identified determinants, was carried out in three areas comprising 28 physical therapy practices including 277 physical therapists (PTs) (intervention group). In two adjacent areas, 171 PTs at 32 practices received no intervention (control group). The core component of the intervention was an implementation seminar with group discussions. Among other components were a website and email reminders. Data were collected at baseline and follow-up with a web-based questionnaire. Primary outcomes were the self-reported awareness of, knowledge of, access to, and use of guidelines. Secondary outcomes were self-reported attitudes toward EBP and guidelines. Analyses were performed using Pearson's χ2 test and approximative z-test.

RESULTS:

168 PTs (60.6%) in the intervention group and 88 PTs (51.5%) in the control group responded to the follow-up questionnaire. 186/277 PTs (67.1%) participated in the implementation seminars, of which 97 (52.2%) responded. The proportions of PTs reporting awareness of (absolute difference in change 20.6%, p = 0.023), knowledge where to find (20.4%, p = 0.007), access to (21.7%, p < 0.001), and frequent use of (9.5%, NS) guidelines increased more in the intervention group than in the control group. The proportion of PTs reporting frequent guideline use after participation in the implementation seminar was 15.2% (p = 0.043) higher than the proportion in the control group. A higher proportion considered EBP helpful in decision making (p = 0.018). There were no other significant differences in secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

A tailored, theory- and evidence-informed, multi-component intervention for the implementation of clinical practice guidelines had a modest, positive effect on awareness of, knowledge of, access to, and use of guidelines, among PTs in primary care in western Sweden. In general, attitudes to EBP and guidelines were not affected.

Background: The national health and social care systems in Europe remain poorly integrated with regard to the care needs of older persons. The present study examined the range of health and social care services used by older people and their unmet care needs, across six European countries. Methods: Family carers of older people were recruited in six countries via a standard protocol. Those providing care for disabled older people (n = 2629) provided data on the older persons service use over a 6-month period, and their current unmet care needs. An inventory of 21 services common to all six countries was developed. Analyses considered the relationship between older peoples service use and unmet care needs across countries. Results: Older people in Greece, Italy and Poland used mostly health-oriented services, used fewer services overall and also demonstrated a higher level of unmet care needs when compared with the other countries. Older people in the United Kingdom, Germany and Sweden used a more balanced profile of socio-medical services. A negative relationship was found between the number of different services used and the number of different areas of unmet care needs across countries. Conclusions: Unmet care needs in older people are particularly high in European countries where social service use is low, and where there is a lack of balance in the use of health and social care services. An expansion of social care services in these countries might be the most effective strategy for reducing unmet needs in disabled older people.

Introduction Diagnoses related to common mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders and stress-related disorders are one of the leading causes of long-term sick leave for both women and men in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. To increase the rate of return-to-work workplace involvement in a coordinated return-to-work process has been included in recent best practice guidelines. This form of cooperation is a complex process, involving political structures and a wide range of stakeholders. The studys first aim is to describe facilitators and barriers to the coordination of return-to-work from the perspectives of: (A) employees on sick leave due to common mental disorders, (B) employers, (C) rehabilitation coordinators, (D) physicians and (E) other stakeholders. The second aim is to identify ethical issues that arise in the coordination of return-to-work and analyse how these can be resolved. Methods and analysis The study has a qualitative design using interviews with employees on sick leave due to common mental disorders, employers, rehabilitation coordinators, physicians and other stakeholders. The study is conducted in the Swedish primary healthcare. Employees, employers and rehabilitation coordinators are recruited via primary healthcare centres. Rehabilitation coordinators receive information about the study and those who consent to participation are asked to recruit employees and employers. Interview guides have been developed from the consolidated framework for implementation research and ethical values and norms found in Swedish healthcare, social services and workplace legislation. Data will be analysed with qualitative content analysis reflecting manifest and latent content, and ethical issues will be analysed by means of reflective equilibrium methodology. Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Stockholm, Sweden (Reg.no 2018/677-31/2 and 2018/2119-32). The findings will be disseminated through publication in scientific journals, social media, seminars and national and international conferences.

Background: Common mental disorders affect about one-third of the European working-age population and are one of the leading causes of sick leave in Sweden and other OECD countries. Besides the individual suffering, the costs for society are high. This paper describes the design of a study to evaluate a work-related, problem-solving intervention provided at primary health care centers for employees on sick leave due to common mental disorders. Methods: The study has a two-armed cluster randomized design in which the participating rehabilitation coordinators are randomized into delivering the intervention or providing care-as-usual. Employees on sick leave due to common mental disorders will be recruited by an independent research assistant. The intervention aims to improve the employees return-to-work process by identifying problems perceived as hindering return-to-work and finding solutions. The rehabilitation coordinator facilitates a participatory approach, in which the employee and the employer together identify obstacles and solutions in relation to the work situation. The primary outcome is total number of sick leave days during the 18-month follow-up after inclusion. A long-term follow-up at 36 months is planned. Secondary outcomes are short-term sick leave (min. 2 weeks and max. 12 weeks), psychological symptoms, work ability, presenteeism and health related quality of life assessed at baseline, 6 and 12-month follow-up. Intervention fidelity, reach, dose delivered and dose received will be examined in a process evaluation. An economic evaluation will put health-related quality of life and sick leave in relation to costs from the perspectives of society and health care services. A parallel ethical evaluation will focus on the interventions consequences for patient autonomy, privacy, equality, fairness and professional ethos and integrity. Discussion: The study is a pragmatic trial which will include analyses of the interventions effectiveness, and a process evaluation in primary health care settings. Methodological strengths and challenges are discussed, such as the risk of selection bias, contamination and detection bias. If the intervention shows promising results for return-to-work, the prospects are good for implementing the intervention in routine primary health care.

To date several studies have investigated the intergenerational effect of preterm and small-for-gestational-age births. However, most studies excluded both twin mothers and twin offspring from the analyses. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the intergenerational effect of preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA) among twins and singletons.

A prospective population based register study of mother-first-born offspring pairs recorded in the Swedish Medical Birth Register was performed. The study included 4073 twins and 264,794 singletons born in 1973-1983 and their firstborns born in 1986-2009. Preterm birth was defined as birth <37 weeks of gestation and SGA as < 2 standard deviations of the Swedish standard. Logistic regressions were performed to estimate the intergenerational effect of each birth characteristic. Adjustments were made for maternal grandmothers and mother’s socio-demographic factors in addition to maternal birth- characteristics.

Among mothers born as singletons, being born preterm was associated with an increased risk for delivering a preterm child (adjusted OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.29-1.50) while being born SGA increased the likelihood of a SGA child (adjusted OR 3.04, 95% CI 2.80-3.30) as well as a preterm child (adjusted OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.20-1.40). In twin mothers, the corresponding ORs tended to be lower and the only statistically significant association was between a SGA mother and a SGA child (adjusted OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.40-3.31). A statistically significant interaction between twinning and mother’s size for gestational was identified in a multivariate linear regression analysis indicating that singleton mothers born SGA were associated with a lower birth weight compared to mothers not born SGA.

Preterm birth and SGA appear to be transferred from one generation to the next, although not always reaching statistical significance. These effects seem to be less evident in mothers born as twins compared with those born as singletons.

Background Twinning has been shown to be associated with a reduced reproductive rate compared to singletons. This can partly be explained by the birth-characteristics pertaining to twinning as many twins are born preterm, with low birth weight or small for gestational age. However, the intergenerational reproductive rate may also be due to familial factors such as number of siblings.

Methods This is a register-based study of all men and women born in Sweden between 1973 and 1993 who were living in Sweden at 13 years of age. Data on the study objects’ own births as well as their offspring, parental socio-demographic factors were collected from Swedish population based registers. Hazard ratios for the likelihood of becoming a parent were estimated using Cox’s proportion hazard models. All models were adjusted for socio-demographic and birth characteristics.

Results Adjusting for number of siblings, socio-demographic factors and birth characteristics, twinning was associated with a decreased likelihood of becoming a first-time parent, compared with singletons both for females (HR (95% CI)=0.90 (0.88-0.93) and males (HR (95% CI)=0.96 (0.93-0.99). Having 3 or more siblings increased the chance of becoming a first-time parent among both male twins (HR (95% CI)=1.17 (1.08-1.27)) and singletons (HR (95% CI)=1.16 (1.15-1.18)) compared to having fewer than 3 siblings. This increased likelihood of becoming a parent was also present among female twins (HR (95% CI)=1.18 (1.10-1.26)) and singletons (HR (95% CI)=1.22 (1.21-1.24)).

Conclusions Twins have a decreased likelihood of becoming a parent compared to singletons even when adjusting for number of siblings.

Objective: To contribute with information on cost-effectiveness of pulp capping and root canal treatment of posterior permanent vital teeth in children and adolescents with pulp exposures due to caries. Material and methods: Cost-effectiveness by means of a Markov simulation model was studied in a Scandinavian setting. In a simulated 12-year-old patient, treatment of pulpal exposure of a permanent tooth, either by the initial treatment pulp capping or root canal treatment, was followed for 9 years until the patient was 21. The model was based on outcome data obtained from published literature and cost data based on reference prices. Results: In the simulated case, with the annual failure probalility (AFP) of 0.034 for pulp capping, the total cost for an initial treatment with pulp capping and any anticipated following treatments during the 9 years, was 367 EUR lower than for a root canal treatment as the initial treatment. After an initial treatment with pulp capping 10.4% fewer teeth, compared with initial root canal treatment, were anticipated to be extracted. Pulp capping was thus considered to be the cost-effective alternative. The sensitivity analyses showed that the AFP of a tooth requiring a root canal treatment after an initial pulp capping needed to be 0.2 before root canal treatment may be considered being the cost-effective treatment. Conclusions: This model analysis indicated initial treatment by pulp capping to be cost-effective compared to root canal treatment in children and adolescents with pulp exposures due to caries.

Resource allocation in publicly funded healthcare systems is inevitably linked with priority setting between different patient groups and between different service areas, so-called meso level priorities. Behind every priority-setting decision (investments, reallocating or rationing), are values affecting both the content of the decisions and how the decisions are made. The importance for priority-setting to reflect social values, has been emphasised for the legitimacy of the healthcare systems and the decision makers. Also important, if supposed to provide enough guidance in practice, is that content values, expressed in ethical principles and criteria, are further operationalised. Few studies exist where Swedish citizens have been asked about priority setting and rationing at meso level, and findings from other countries cannot automatically be transferred to the Swedish context.

The overall aim of this thesis is to extend and deepen the knowledge of the Swedish citizens´ views on acceptance of rationing in healthcare, on appropriate decision makers for rationing, and on the severity criterion for priority setting. Two qualitative and one mixmethod study were conducted, where citizens were interviewed. Citizens´ views on severity were also compared, both with a Severity Framework, derived from parliamentary-decided ethical principles and used for resource allocation, and with health professionals´ and politicians´ ranking of different aspects of severity in a quantitative, survey study.

Study I shows that citizen participants perceived that acceptance of rationing at meso level is built on the awareness of priority-setting dilemmas between patient groups. No such spontaneous awareness was found. Depending on reactions of self-interest or solidarity, acceptance was also perceived to be built on acceptable principles for rationing and/or access to alternatives to public care. Study II shows that awareness of the meso level forms the basis for awareness of different risks of unfairness, linked with potential decision makers (even health professionals). Collaborative arrangements were promoted in order to control for such risks, especially the risk of self-interest. Politicians, in contrast to previous studies, were favoured as final decision makers for rationing healthcare. In study III, citizen participants identified the same severity aspects as health professionals and experts had done in the Severity Framework. They contributed with some possible refinements, but also promoted aspects not in line with established ethical criteria for priority setting in Sweden. Study IV shows that citizen respondents differ to a larger proportion compared to politicians´ ranking of severity aspects, than with that of health professionals´. The greatest number of significant differences was found between politicians and health professionals.

This thesis has several implications. Politicians ought to strive for greater public awareness of the priority-setting dilemma at the meso level in healthcare, both according to the process and the content values behind the decisions. Social values not in accordance to the parliamentary decision indicate a need to facilitate an ongoing dialogue, reason-giving activities and promotion of content values of solidarity. To capture social values on priority setting and rationing, ambitious public deliberation is not the only way. Methodologically stringent research, with a variety of study designs, could contribute in many important ways.

I förarbetet till riksdagsbeslutet om prioriteringar som lades fast på 1990-talet, underströk den dåvarande regeringen att aktörer i hälso- och sjukvården är skyldiga att utforma metoder som möjliggör för medborgare att förstå på vilka grunder prioriteringar görs. Förhoppningen var att detta skulle underlätta det demokratiska samtalet och medborgarnas acceptans av nödvändiga prioriteringar. Men metoder behövs också för att underlätta dialog inom sjukvården mellan olika aktörer för att skapa gemensam förståelse för prioriteringar och dess grunder. En sådan metod, den nationella modellen för öppna prioriteringar inom hälso- och sjukvård, presenteras i detta kapitel. I kapitel 9-12 ges flera exempel på hur modellen tillämpas av myndigheter, landsting och i delar av landstingens sjukvårdsverksamhet.

Den här boken är avsedd som ett stöd för alla som vill ge sig i kast med frågan om prioriteringar i hälso- och sjukvården. Den diskuterar orsakerna till att riksdagsbeslutet om prioriteringar inte genomförts i hälso- och sjukvården, trots att de etiska principer som prioriteringsordningen vilar på är djupt förankrade hos både vårdpersonal och befolkningen i övrigt. Vidare diskuteras grundläggande begrepp i sammanhanget liksom hälso- och sjukvårdens roll i förhållande till ohälsa och sjukdom i befolkningen. I boken betonas vikten av att många erfarenheter och perspektiv möts i dialogen kring prioriteringsfrågorna. En rad olika metoder och erfarenheter som kan underlätta det gemensamma arbetet presenteras också.Boken är avsedd som ett diskussionsunderlag för de som leder eller deltar i prioriteringssammanhang i landstingens och kommunernas hälso- och sjukvård. Den kan också användas i utbildningen av hälso- och sjukvårdspersonal.

The national model for transparent prioritisation concerns a systematic method of interpreting and implementing the Riksdag’s guidelines and ethical platforms in practice. The model may be used for prioritisation, primarily at group level, by all types of publicly funded health care providers, within county councils, municipalities and privately managed health care. The prioritisation model is applicable in both vertical and horizontal prioritisation.

The national model for transparent prioritisation aims to increase the systematic application of the Riksdag’s guidelines in order to ensure that a greater proportion of resources are allocated appropriately and efficiently to the care of those in greatest need of it, enabling and facilitating transparent prioritisation. The model does not, however, stipulate how the actual work of priority setting shall be organised.

The national model for transparent prioritisation concerns a systematic method of interpreting and implementing the Riksdag’s guidelines and ethical platforms in practice. The model may be used for prioritisation, primarily at group level, by all types of publicly funded health care providers, within county councils, municipalities and privately managed health care. The prioritisation model is applicable in both vertical and horizontal prioritisation.

The national model for transparent prioritisation aims to increase the systematic application of the Riksdag’s guidelines in order to ensure that a greater proportion of resources are allocated appropriately and efficiently to the care of those in greatest need of it, enabling and facilitating transparent prioritisation. The model does not, however, stipulate how the actual work of priority setting shall be organised.

Previous studies show that citizens usually prefer physicians as decision makers for rationing in health care, while politicians are downgraded. The findings are far from clear-cut due to methodological differences, and as the results are context sensitive they cannot easily be transferred between countries. Drawing on methodological experiences from previous research, this paper aims to identify and describe different ways Swedish citizens understand and experience decision makers for rationing in health care, exclusively on the programme level. We intend to address several challenges that arise when studying citizens' views on rationing by (a) using a method that allows for reflection, (b) using the respondents' nomination of decision makers, and (c) clearly identifying the rationing level. We used phenomenography, a qualitative method for studying variations and changes in perceiving phenomena. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 14 Swedish citizens selected by standard criteria (e.g. age) and by their attitude towards rationing. The main finding was that respondents viewed politicians as more legitimate decision makers in contrast to the results in most other studies. Interestingly, physicians, politicians, and citizens were all associated with some kind of risk related to self-interest in relation to rationing. A collaborative solution for decision making was preferred where the views of different actors were considered important. The fact that politicians were seen as appropriate decision makers could be explained by several factors: the respondents' new insights about necessary trade-offs at the programme level, awareness of the importance of an overview of different health care needs, awareness about self-interest among different categories of decision-makers, including physicians, and the national context of long-term political accountability for health care in Sweden. This study points to the importance of being aware of contextual and methodological issues in relation to research on how citizens experience arrangements for rationing in health care.