In-Hospital Initiation of Secondary Stroke Prevention Therapies Yields High Rates of Adherence at Follow-up Update to the AHA/ASA recommendations for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack. Multifaceted implementation of stroke prevention guidelines in primary care: cluster-randomised evaluation of clinical and cost effectiveness Intensified secondary prevention intending a reduction of recurrent events in TIA and minor stroke patients (INSPiRE-TMS): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial Secondary Prevention after Minor Stroke and TIA - Usual Care and Development of a Support Program Effectiveness of a postdischarge care management model for stroke and transient ischemic attack: a randomized trial. The preventing recurrent vascular events and neurological worsening through intensive organized case-management (PREVENTION) trial protocol [clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00931788] The social experiences of cancer patients under treatment: a comparative study. Preventing food allergy: protocol for a rapid systematic review Safety and feasibility of post-stroke care and exercise after minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: MotiveS & MoveIT. Cluster randomized trial in the general practice research database: 2. Secondary prevention after first stroke (eCRT study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial Effectiveness of workplace interventions in rehabilitating musculoskeletal disorders and preventing its consequences among workers with physical and sedentary employment: systematic review protocol The SPHERE Study. Secondary prevention of heart disease in general practice: protocol of a randomised controlled trial of tailored practice and patient care plans with parallel qualitative, economic and policy analyses. [ISRCTN24081411] Program of rehabilitative exercise and education to avert vascular events after non-disabling stroke or transient ischemic attack (PREVENT Trial): a multi-centred, randomised controlled trial Multifaceted Intervention Including Motivational Interviewing to Support Medication Adherence after Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack: A Randomized Trial Pioglitazone for secondary prevention after ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack: rationale and design of the Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke Trial. Tailored interventions to improve hypertension management after stroke or TIA--phase II (TIMS II). A Pan-Canadian practice guideline: prevention, screening, assessment, and treatment of sleep disturbances in adults with cancer Peer education for secondary stroke prevention in inner-city minorities: design and methods of the prevent recurrence of all inner-city strokes through education randomized controlled trial.
Background and Purpose — The Stroke PROTECT ( Preventing Recurrence Of Thromboembolic Events through Coordinated Treatment ) program systematic ally implements , at the time of acute transient ischemic attack ( TIA ) or ischemic stroke admission , 8 medication/behavioral secondary prevention measures known to improve outcome in patients with cerebrovascular disease . The objective of this study was to determine if the high utilization rates previously demonstrated at hospital discharge were maintained at 90 days after discharge . Methods — Data were prospect ively collected on consecutively encountered ischemic stroke and TIA patients admitted to a university hospital stroke service beginning September 1 , 2002 .  PROTECT interventions were initiated before hospital discharge in all PROTECT – target ( underlying stroke mechanism large vessel atherosclerosis or small vessel disease ) and PROTECT – ACS ( At-risk for Coronary Sequelae ) patients . Adherence to program goals was assessed 3 months after discharge . Results — During the period from September 2002 to August 2003 , 144 individuals met criteria for PROTECT intervention . Of the 130 patients ( 90 % ) with available day 90 follow-up data , mean age was 72 ( range , 37 to 95 ) , and 63 % were male .  Adherence rates in patients without specific contraindications were 100 % for antithrombotics , 99 % for statins , 92 % for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers , and 80 % for thiazides . Awareness of the importance of calling 911 in response to stroke was 87 % . Adherence to diet and exercise guidelines were 78 % and 70 % , respectively . Of the 24 smokers , tobacco cessation was maintained in 20 ( 83 % ) . Conclusions — High rates of adherence to PROTECT therapies were maintained at 90 days after hospital discharge The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association ( AHA/ASA ) Writing Committee for the Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack ( TIA ) has review ed the results of recent trials that were published after our previous recommendations were issued.1 Our intention in the present statement is to provide a brief review of the new data , to up date specific recommendations , and to provide the reasons for any modifications . The 2 areas in which major new clinical trials have been published are ( 1 ) the use of specific antiplatelet agents for stroke prevention in patients with a history of noncardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIA and ( 2 ) the use of statins in the prevention of recurrent stroke . Recently published trials have added to the evidence of the benefit of the use of specific antiplatelet agents for stroke prevention in patients with a history of noncardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIA . The secondary prevention guidelines 1 have been up date d to reflect this new evidence . # # # Addition of Clopidogrel to Aspirin for Prevention of Vascular Events The Clopidogrel and Aspirin Versus Aspirin Alone for the Prevention of Atherothrombotic Events ( CHARISMA ) trial2 was a double-blinded study that r and omized 15 603 subjects with cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease to either clopidogrel 75 mg plus low-dose aspirin ( 75 to 162 mg ) or placebo plus aspirin ( 75 to 162 mg ) . Roughly 35 % of subjects ( n=4320 ) qualified on the basis of the presence of cerebrovascular disease within 5 years of enrollment ; approximately a third experienced TIA . The median follow-up was 28 months . No significant differences were seen in the rates of nonfatal ischemic stroke between the 2 groups ( 1.7 % versus 2.1 % , P = 0.07 ) . The placebo plus aspirin group showed a higher rate of nonfatal stroke than did the clopidogrel group ( 1.9 % versus 2.4 % , P = 0.03 ) . The 2 groups experienced no differences in the rate of intracerebral hemorrhage Objective : To evaluate clinical and cost effectiveness of implementing evidence -based guidelines for the prevention of stroke . Design : Cluster-r and omised trial Setting : Three primary care organisations in the North of Engl and covering a population of 400 000 . Participants : Seventy six primary care teams in four clusters : North , South & West , City I and City II . Intervention : Guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation and transient ischaemic attack ( TIA )  were developed and implemented using a multifaceted approach including evidence -based recommendations , audit and feedback , interactive educational sessions , patient prompts and outreach visits . Outcomes : Identification and appropriate treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation or TIA , and cost effectiveness . Results : Implementation led to 36 % increase ( 95 % CI 4 % to 78 % ) in diagnosis of atrial fibrillation , and improved treatment of TIA ( odds ratio of complying with guidelines 1.8 ; 95 % CI 1.1 to 2.8 ) . Combined analysis of atrial fibrillation and TIA estimates that compliance was significantly greater ( OR 1.46 95 % CI 1.10 to 1.94 ) in the condition for which practice s had received the implementation programme . The development and implementation of guidelines cost less than £ 1500 per practice . The estimated costs per quality -adjusted life year gained by patients with atrial fibrillation or TIA were both less than £ 2000 , very much less than the usual criterion for cost effectiveness . Conclusions : Implementation of evidence -based guidelines  improved the quality of primary care for atrial fibrillation and TIA . The intervention was feasible and very cost effective . Key components of the model include context ual analysis , strong professional support , clear recommendations based on robust evidence , simplicity of adoption , good communication and use of established networks and opinion leaders Background Patients with recent stroke or TIA are at high risk for new vascular events . Several evidence based strategies in secondary prevention of stroke are available but frequently underused . Support programs with multifactorial risk factor modifications after stroke or TIA have not been investigated in large-scale prospect i ve controlled trials so far . INSPiRE-TMS is a prospect i ve , multi-center , r and omized open intervention trial for intensified secondary prevention after minor stroke and TIA . Methods / design Patients with acute TIA or minor stroke admitted to the participating stroke centers are screened and recruited during in-hospital stay . Patients are r and omised in a 1:1 ratio to intervention ( support program ) and control ( usual care ) arms . Inclusion of 2.082 patients is planned . The support program includes cardiovascular risk factor measurement and feedback , monitoring of medication adherence , coaching in lifestyle modifications , and active involvement of relatives . St and ardized motivational interviewing is used to assess and enhance patients ’ motivation . Primary objective is a reduction of new major vascular events defined as nonfatal stroke and myocardial infa rct ion or vascular death . Recruitment time is planned for 3.5 years , follow up time is at least 2 years for every patient result ing in a total study time of 5 years ( first patient in to last patient out ) . Discussion Given the high risk for vascular re-events in acute stroke and the available effective strategies in secondary prevention , the INSPIRE-TMS support program has the potential to lead to a relevant reduction of recurrent events and a prolongation of the event-free survival time . The trial will provide the basis for the decision whether an intensified secondary prevention program after stroke should be implemented into regular care . A cost-effectiveness evaluation will be performed . Trial registration clinical trials.gov : Background Effective methods of secondary prevention after stroke or TIA are available but adherence to recommended evidence -based treatments is often poor . The study aim ed to determine the quality of secondary prevention in usual care and to develop a stepwise modeled support program . Methods Two consecutive cohorts of patients with acute minor stroke or TIA undergoing usual outpatient care versus a secondary prevention program were compared . Risk factor control and medication adherence were assessed in 6-month follow-ups ( 6M-FU ) . Usual care consisted of detailed information concerning vascular risk factor targets given at discharge and regular outpatient care by primary care physicians . The stepwise modeled support program additionally employed up to four outpatient appointments . A combination of educational and behavioral strategies was employed . Results 168 patients in the observational cohort who stated their openness to participate in a prevention program ( mean age 64.7 y , admission blood pressure ( BP ) : 155/84 mmHg ) and 173 patients participating in the support program ( mean age 67.6 y , BP : 161/84 mmHg ) were assessed at 6 months . Proportions of patients with BP according to guidelines were 50 % in usual-care and 77 % in the support program ( p<0.01 ) . LDL<100 mg/dl was measured in 62 versus 71 % ( p = 0.12 ) . Proportions of patients who stopped smoking were 50 versus 79 % ( p<0.01 ) . 72 versus 89 % of patients with atrial fibrillation were on oral anticoagulation ( p = 0.09 ) . Conclusions Risk factor control remains unsatisfactory in usual care . Targets of secondary prevention were met more often within the supported cohort . Effects on (cerebro-)vascular recurrence rates are going to be assessed in a multicenter r and omized trial BACKGROUND This r and omized controlled trial tested the effectiveness of comprehensive , interdisciplinary postdischarge care management in improving a profile of indicators of health recovery and secondary prevention ( profile of health and prevention ) in stroke and transient ischemic attack ( TIA ) patients . METHODS Ninety-six stroke/TIA patients were r and omized to usual care or intervention at discharge from our acute stroke unit . The intervention group received an in-home biopsychosocial assessment by an advanced practice nurse at 1 month . A care plan was developed by an interdisciplinary team and implemented in collaboration with the patient 's primary care physician . The profile of health and prevention , measured at 3 months , was comprised of 5 domains : ( 1 ) Neuromotor Function , ( 2 ) Severe Complications , ( 3 ) Quality of Life , ( 4 ) Management of Risk for common poststroke complications and recurrent stroke , and ( 5 ) Stroke Knowledge . A single global hypothesis test across multiple end points was used to compare the 2 groups . RESULTS The intervention significantly improved the profile of health and prevention ( P < .0001 ) . In addition , each domain showed a positive effect of the intervention . Effect sizes ( in st and ard deviation units ) of the intervention on domains were .1 for Neuromotor Function ( 90 % confidence interval [ CI ] = -.3 to .5 ) ; .4 for Severe Complications ( 90 % CI = .1 to .8 ) ; .5 for Quality of Life ( 90 % CI = .1 to .9 ) ; .6 for Management of Risk for common poststroke complications and recurrent stroke ( 90 % CI = .3 to 1 . ) ; and 1.0 for Stroke Knowledge ( 90 % CI = .6 to 1.4 ) . CONCLUSIONS This model of care management result ed in a significantly better profile of health and prevention for stroke/TIA patients 3 months postdischarge Background Survivors of transient ischemic attack ( TIA ) or stroke are at high risk for recurrent vascular events and aggressive treatment of vascular risk factors can reduce this risk . However , vascular risk factors , especially hypertension and high cholesterol , are not managed optimally even in those patients seen in specialized clinics . This gap between the evidence for secondary prevention of stroke and the clinical reality leads to suboptimal patient outcomes . In this study , we will be testing a pharmacist case manager for delivery of stroke prevention services . We hypothesize this new structure will improve processes of care which in turn should lead to improved outcomes . Methods We will conduct a prospect i ve , r and omized , controlled open-label with blinded ascertainment of outcomes ( PROBE ) trial . Treatment allocation will be concealed from the study personnel , and all outcomes will be collected in an independent and blinded manner by observers who have not been involved in the patient 's clinical care or trial participation and who are masked to baseline measurements . Patients will be  r and omized to control or a pharmacist case manager treating vascular risk factors to guideline -recommended target levels . Eligible patients will include all adult patients seen at stroke prevention clinics in Edmonton , Alberta after an ischemic stroke or TIA who have uncontrolled hypertension ( defined as systolic blood pressure ( BP ) > 140 mm Hg ) or dyslipidemia ( fasting LDL-cholesterol > 2.00 mmol/L ) and who are not cognitively impaired or institutionalized . The primary outcome will be the proportion of subjects who attain ' optimal BP and lipid control'(defined as systolic BP < 140 mm Hg and fasting LDL cholesterol < 2.0 mmol/L ) at six months compared to baseline ; 12-month data will also be collected for analyses of sustainability of any effects . A variety of secondary outcomes related to vascular risk and health-related quality of life will also be collected . Conclusions Nearly one-quarter of those who survive a TIA or minor stroke suffer another vascular event within a year . If our intervention improves the provision of secondary prevention therapies in these patients , the clinical ( and financial ) implication s will be enormous As part of a larger study on the quality of life of cancer patients under treatment , the positive and negative experiences in social interaction  have been examined as compared to those of a  control group ( non patients , n = 201 ) . Two patient groups were included : 109 patients who had recently undergone surgery and 108 patients receiving chemotherapy .  The respondents returned a mailed question naire . Contrary to the assumptions based on a review from the literature , cancer patients appear to have more positive and fewer negative social experiences than a r and om sample from the ' normal ' population . Even under more severe medical circumstances ( a poor prognosis or heavy chemotherapy , a large number of chemotherapy cycles , poor progress after surgery ) the poorer the patients , medically speaking , the more help and support they perceive . The results of this study do not support the idea of stigmatization . The personality characteristics , neuroticism and self-esteem are especially important for the having of positive and negative experiences in social interaction . Positive social experiences show a relationship with self-esteem and negative social experiences show a relationship with neuroticism Background The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology is developing guidelines about how to prevent and manage food allergy . As part of the guidelines development process , a systematic review is planned to examine published research about the prevention of food allergy . This systematic review is one of seven inter-linked evidence syntheses that are being undertaken in order to provide a state-of-the-art synopsis of the current evidence base in relation to epidemiology , prevention , diagnosis and clinical management , and impact on quality of life , which will be used to inform clinical recommendations . The aim of this systematic review will be to assess the effectiveness of approaches for the primary prevention of food allergy . Methods Seven bibliographic data bases will be search ed from their inception to September 30 , 2012 for systematic review s , r and omized controlled trials , quasi-r and omized controlled trials , controlled clinical trials , controlled before- and -after studies , interrupted time series and cohort studies . Cohort studies will be included due to an inability to r and omize with interventions such as breastfeeding . Studies that focused on the development of either food sensitization ( a proxy measure ) or food allergy will also be eligible for inclusion . Studies will be critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program and Cochrane Risk of Bias tools , as appropriate . Discussion There is a lack of rigorous evidence to support recommendations about how to prevent the development of food allergy . It would appear that it is important to see the prevention of food allergy in the context of individual , family and wider factors that may influence its development . There is much left to learn about preventing food allergy , and this is a priority given the high societal and healthcare costs involved . This systematic review will help to further this learning BACKGROUND Despite the beneficial effect of cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infa rct ion , a rehabilitation program to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and influence secondary prevention has not been implemented for ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack ( TIA ) . OBJECTIVE To investigate the safety and feasibility of a post-stroke care including an exercise program after minor ischemic stroke or TIA . METHODS In a r and omised controlled trial , 20 patients with a recent minor stroke or TIA without cardiac contraindications were r and omly assigned to one of the two interventions ; post-stroke care without exercise or post-stroke care with exercise . Patients were evaluated at baseline , 6 and 12 months . RESULTS Eighteen patients completed the intervention . In none of the patients cardiopulmonary contraindications for the maximal exercise test and exercise program were found . No cardiovascular events occurred during the maximal exercise tests and exercise program . After one year , significantly more patients in the post-stroke care with exercise group achieved the composite endpoint of optimal medical therapy . CONCLUSIONS Post-stroke care including an exercise program is safe and feasible in the acute phase after minor stroke or TIA and might be a way to increase effectiveness of secondary stroke prevention . We are currently conducting a larger trial to vali date these results Background The purpose of this research is to develop and evaluate methods for conducting pragmatic cluster r and omized trials in a primary care electronic data base . The proposal describes one application , in a less frequent chronic condition of public health importance , secondary prevention of stroke . A related protocol in antibiotic prescribing was reported previously . Methods / Design The study aims to implement a  cluster r and omized trial ( CRT )  using the electronic patient records of the General Practice Research Data base ( GPRD ) as a sampling frame and data source . The specific objective of the trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-delivered intervention at enhancing the delivery of stroke secondary prevention in primary care . GPRD family practice s will be allocated to the intervention or usual care . The intervention promotes the use of electronic prompts to support adherence with the recommendations of the UK Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party and NICE guidelines for the secondary prevention of stroke in primary care . Primary outcome measure will be the difference in systolic blood pressure between intervention and control trial arms at 12-month follow-up . Secondary outcomes will be differences in serum cholesterol , prescribing of antihypertensive drugs , statins , and antiplatelet therapy . The intervention will continue for 12 months . Information on the utilization of the decision-support tools will also be analyzed . Discussion The CRT will investigate the effectiveness of using a computer-delivered intervention to reduce the risk of stroke recurrence following a first stroke event . The study will provide method ological guidance on the implementation of CRTs in electronic data bases in primary care . Trial registration Current Controlled Trials IS RCT Background Musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) are the leading cause of work disability and sickness absence worldwide . The prevalence of MSDs increases with age , consequently challenging sustainable employability among the growing ageing workforce . Knowledge of feasible and efficient workplace-based interventions to rehabilitate MSD or prevent its consequences is therefore warranted . This systematic review will evaluate the effectiveness of workplace-based interventions on MSDs and its consequences among adult workers with physical and sedentary work tasks , respectively . Methods We will search the following bibliographic data bases : PubMed ( including the data base ‘ MEDLINE ’ ) and Web of Science Core Collection ( including the data bases ‘ Science Citation Index Exp and ed ’ , ‘ Social Sciences Citation Index ’ and ‘ Arts & Humanities Citation Index ’ ) . Manual search es will also be performed . We will include r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) and non- RCTs reported in English in which ( 1 ) participants are adult workers with MSD , ( 2 ) interventions are aim ing at rehabilitating pain symptoms of MSD or preventing the consequences of MSD and ( 3 ) interventions are initiated and /or carried out at the workplace . The review will adhere to the ‘ Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review s and Meta-Analyses ’ ( PRISMA ) guidelines for reporting systematic review s and the Institute for Work and Health ( IWH ) guidelines for workplace-based interventions . For the primary evaluation of the review , the quality assessment and evidence synthesis will conform to the IWH guidelines . Secondary evaluation will include a meta- analysis ( unless the included studies do not allow this due to heterogeneity ) and employ the risk of bias domains recommended by Cochrane along with the Grading of Recommendations , Assessment , Development and Evaluations ( GRADE ) approach on the studies with pain intensity as an outcome . Discussion This systematic review will provide knowledge on effective workplace-based interventions among physical and sedentary workers with MSD . RCTs are considered the most powerful experimental design in clinical trials , but solely including these may be too restrictive to underst and effective workplace-based interventions where r and omised and carefully controlled trials ( RCTs ) are not always possible . In order to maximize practical relevance , the selection process will , therefore , include both RCTs and non- RCTs and the quality assessment and evidence synthesis will conform to IWH guidelines focusing on developing practical guidelines for stakeholders . The result of this work will form the basis for industry-specific evidence -based recommendations on effective workplace-based interventions for rehabilitation of MSDs and its consequences that will later be operationalised into concrete and user-friendly practical tools for workplaces . Systematic review registration International Prospect i ve Register of Systematic Review s ( PROSPERO ) number CRD42018116752 Background The aim of the SPHERE study is to design , implement and evaluate tailored practice and personal care plans to improve the process of care and objective clinical outcomes for patients with established coronary heart disease ( CHD ) in general practice across two different health systems on the isl and of Irel and .CHD is a common cause of death and a significant cause of morbidity in Irel and . Secondary prevention has been recommended as a key strategy for reducing levels of CHD mortality and general practice has been highlighted as an ideal setting for secondary prevention initiatives . Current indications suggest that there is considerable room for improvement in the provision of secondary prevention for patients with established heart disease on the isl and of Irel and . The review literature recommends structured programmes with continued support and follow-up of patients ; the provision of training , tailored to practice needs of access to evidence of effectiveness of secondary prevention ; structured recall programmes that also take account of individual practice needs ; and patient-centred consultations accompanied by attention to disease management guidelines . Methods SPHERE is a cluster r and omised controlled trial , with practice -level r and omisation to intervention and control groups , recruiting 960 patients from 48 practice s in three study centres ( Belfast , Dublin and Galway ) . Primary outcomes are blood pressure , total cholesterol , physical and mental health status ( SF-12 ) and hospital re-admissions . The intervention takes place over two years and data is collected at baseline , one-year and two-year follow-up . Data is obtained from medical charts , consultations with practitioners , and patient postal question naires . The SPHERE intervention involves the implementation of a structured systematic programme of care for patients with CHD attending general practice . It is a multi-faceted intervention that has been developed to respond to barriers and solutions to optimal secondary prevention identified in preliminary qualitative research with practitioners and patients . General practitioners and practice nurses attend training sessions in facilitating behaviour change and medication prescribing guidelines for secondary prevention of CHD . Patients are invited to attend regular four-monthly consultations over two years , during which targets and goals for secondary prevention are set and review ed . The analysis will be strengthened by economic , policy and qualitative components Background Despite lack of outward signs , most individuals after non-disabling stroke ( NDS ) and transient ischemic attack ( TIA ) have significant cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and are at high risk of a major stroke , hospitalization for other vascular events , or death . Most have multiple modifiable risk factors ( e.g. , hypertension , physical inactivity , hyperlipidaemia , diabetes , tobacco consumption , psychological stress ) . In addition , accelerated rates of depression , cognitive decline , and poor quality of sleep have been reported following TIA , which correlate with poor functional outcomes and reduced quality of life . Thus , NSD and TIA are important warning signs that should not be overlooked . The challenge is not unlike that facing other ' silent ' conditions - to identify a model of care that is effective in changing people 's current behaviors in order to avert further morbidity . Methods / Design A single blind , r and omized controlled trial will be conducted at two sites to compare the effectiveness of a program of rehabilitative exercise and education versus usual care in modifying vascular risk factors in adults after NDS/TIA . 250 adults within 90 days of being diagnosed with NDS/TIA will be r and omly allocated to a 12-week program of exercise and education ( PREVENT ) or to an outpatient clinic assessment and discussion of secondary prevention recommendations with return clinic visits as indicated ( USUAL CARE ) . Primary outcome measures will include blood pressure , waist circumference , 12-hour fasting lipid profile , and 12-hour fasting glucose/hemoglobin A1c . Secondary measures will include exercise capacity , walking endurance , physical activity , cognitive function , depression , goal attainment and health-related quality of life . Outcome assessment will be conducted at baseline , post-intervention , and 6- and 12-month follow-ups . Direct health care costs incurred over one year by PREVENT versus USUAL CARE participants will also be compared . Ethical approval for the trial has been obtained from the relevant Human Research Ethics Boards . Discussion Whether timely delivery of an adapted cardiac rehabilitation model is effective in attaining and maintaining vascular risk reduction targets in adults after NDS/TIA is not yet known . We anticipate that the findings of this trial will make a meaningful contribution to the knowledge base regarding secondary stroke prevention . Trial registration This trial is registered with the Clinical Trials.gov Registry ( NCT00885456 ) Background and Purpose : Adherence to medication is often suboptimal after stroke and transient ischemic attack ( TIA ) , which increases the risk of recurrent stroke and death . Complex interventions and motivational interviewing ( MI ) have been proven effective in other areas of medicine . The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention including MI in improving medication adherence for secondary stroke prevention . Methods : In this r and omized controlled trial , TIA and stroke patients receiving a pharmacist intervention in a hospital setting were compared with patients receiving usual care . The intervention consisted of a focused medication review , an MI-approached consultation and 3 follow-up telephone calls and lasted for 6 months . The primary outcome was a composite medication possession ratio ( MPR ) for antiplatelets , anticoagulants and statins in the year after hospitalization , assessed by analyzing pharmacy records and reported as both a continuous rate and a binary outcome . Secondary outcomes included composite MPRs at 3 , 6 and 9 months as well as adherence and persistence to specific thrombopreventive medications at 12 months . Clinical outcomes included a combined end point of cardiovascular death , stroke or acute myocardial infa rct ion . Patient satisfaction with the service was assessed for the intervention patients . Results : The analyses included 102 intervention patients and 101 controls . At 12 months , the median MPRs ( IQR ) were 0.95 ( 0.77 - 1 ) in the intervention group and 0.91 ( 0.83 - 0.99 ) in the control group , and 28 and 21 % of the patients , respectively , were nonadherent ( MPR < 0.80 ; risk difference : 7 % ; 95 % CI : -5 to 19 % ) . In both groups , the median MPR decreased over time . From 3 to 12 months , the MPR fell by 5 % ( p < 0.05 ) in the intervention group and by 9 % ( p < 0.05 ) in the control group , but between the groups , comparisons showed no statistically significant difference . No significant differences were found for adherence and persistence to specific thrombopreventive agents or for the clinical outcome . The intervention patients were satisfied with the service ; about half of them reported increased knowledge about medication , and one third reported increased confidence with medication use . Pharmacists identified drug-related problems in one third of the patients . Conclusions : A multifaceted pharmacist intervention including MI did not improve adherence or persistence to secondary stroke prevention therapy and had no impact on clinical outcomes . However , due to the high adherence rates , only little room for improvement existed . Future studies should focus on patients at high risk of nonadherence and include outcomes more sensitive to the impact of behavioral interventions BACKGROUND Recurrent vascular events remain a major source of morbidity and mortality after stroke or transient ischemic attack ( TIA ) . The IRIS Trial is evaluating an approach to secondary prevention based on the established association between insulin resistance and increased risk for ischemic vascular events . Specifically , IRIS will test the effectiveness of pioglitazone , an insulin-sensitizing drug of the thiazolidinedione class , for reducing the risk for stroke and myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) among insulin resistant , nondiabetic patients with a recent ischemic stroke or TIA . DESIGN Eligible patients for IRIS must have had insulin resistance defined by a Homeostasis Model Assessment -Insulin Resistance > 3.0 without meeting criteria for diabetes . Within 6 months of the index stroke or TIA , patients were r and omly assigned to pioglitazone ( titrated from 15 to 45 mg/d ) or matching placebo and followed for up to 5 years . The primary outcome is time to stroke or MI . Secondary outcomes include time to stroke alone , acute coronary syndrome , diabetes , cognitive decline , and all-cause mortality .  Enrollment of 3,876 participants from 179 sites in 7 countries was completed in January 2013 . Participant follow-up will continue until July 2015 . SUMMARY The IRIS Trial will determine whether treatment with pioglitazone improves cardiovascular outcomes of nondiabetic , insulin-resistant patients with stroke or TIA . Results are expected in early 2016 BACKGROUND Reduction of blood pressure ( BP )  after stroke or TIA decreases stroke recurrence and is a major goal of secondary Stroke Prevention Clinics ( SPCs ) . Health care providers need effective screening processes to identify those clients at highest risk of not achieving BP targets and those clients at highest risk ofnon-adherence to medication . METHODS This multicentred , r and omized controlled study used a screening process to identify SPC patients with psychosocial/cognitive deficits ( e.g. , lack of confidence in the utility of medications , poor memory , mild cognitive impairment ) who were experiencing difficulty managing their BP to target values and evaluated whether a model of nurse-led case management program ( monthly telephone calls , motivational interviewingfor lifestyle change , plus home BP monitoring and use ofdosettes for medication administration ) would improve BP measures and adherence to medications . RESULTS Both  intervention ( n=29 ) and usual care  groups ( n=27 ) showed a trend-for'reduced BP at six months ( Median ql-q3 , Systolic BR p=0.46 ; Diastolic BR p=0.37 ) . Diabetic patients , irrespective of the group to which they were r and omized , were less likely to meet Best Practice Guideline targets than those without diabetes ( Chi Square test , p=0.0001 ) . CONCLUSION Stroke and TIA patients with diabetes may require additional re sources and support in order to reach BP target values Purpose This study aims to provide recommendations on the optimal strategies and interventions for the prevention , screening , assessment , and management of  cancer-related sleep disturbance ( insomnia and insomnia syndrome ) in adult cancer population s. Methods A systematic search of the published health literature was conducted to identify r and omized controlled trials , clinical practice guidelines , systematic review s , and other guidance documents . The Sleep Disturbance Expert Panel [ comprised of nurses , psychologists , primary care physicians , oncologists , physicians specialized in sleep disturbances , research ers , and guideline method ologists ] review ed , discussed , and approved the final version of the guideline . Health care professionals across Canada were asked to provide feedback through an external review process . Results Three clinical practice guidelines and 12 r and omized controlled trials were identified as the evidence base . Overall , despite the paucity of evidence , the evidence and expert consensus suggest that it is important to screen and assess adult cancer patients for sleep disturbances using st and ardized screening tools on a routine basis . While prevention of sleep disturbance is the desired objective , cognitive behavioral therapies are effective in improving sleep outcomes . As part of the external review with 16 health care providers , 81 % indicated that they agreed with the recommendations as written . Conclusions Sleep difficulty is a prevalent problem in cancer population s that needs greater recognition by health professionals . Prevention , screening , assessment , and treatment strategies supported by the best available evidence are critical . Recommendations and care path algorithms for practice are offered BACKGROUND The highest risk for stroke is among survivors of strokes or transient ischemic attacks ( TIA ) . However , use of proven-effective cardiovascular medications to control stroke risk is suboptimal , particularly among the Black and Latino population s disproportionately impacted by stroke . METHODS A partnership of Harlem and Bronx community representatives , stroke survivors , research ers , clinicians , outreach workers and patient educators used community-based participatory research to conceive and develop the Prevent Recurrence of All Inner-city Strokes through Education ( PRAISE ) trial . Using data from focus groups with stroke survivors , they tailored a peer-led , community-based chronic disease self-management program to address stroke risk factors . PRAISE will test , in a r and omized controlled trial , whether this stroke education intervention improves blood pressure control and a composite outcome of blood pressure control , lipid control , and use of antithrombotic medications . RESULTS Of the 582 survivors of stroke and TIA enrolled thus far , 81 % are Black or Latino and 56 % have an annual income less than $ 15,000 . Many ( 33 % ) do not have blood pressures in the target range , and most ( 66 % ) do not have control of all three major stroke risk factors . CONCLUSIONS Rates of stroke recurrence risk factors remain suboptimal in the high risk , urban , predominantly minority communities studied . With a community-partnered approach , PRAISE has recruited a large number of stroke and TIA survivors to date , and may prove successful in engaging those at highest risk for stroke and reducing disparities in stroke outcomes in inner-city communities
There was no significant difference in smoking continuance , or improved fruit and vegetable consumption .
CONCLUSIONS There are benefits to be derived from multimodal secondary prevention interventions .
BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend implementation of multimodal interventions to help prevent recurrent TIA/stroke .
We undertook a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of behavioral secondary prevention interventions .