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Aims: Psychiatric treatments have specific and non-specific components. The latter has been addressed in an extensive literature on the placebo-effect in pharmacology and on common factors in psychotherapy. In the practice of mental health care, pharmacological, psychotherapeutic and social treatments are combined in complex interventions. This paper aims to review non-specific components across diverse psychiatric treatments and consider implications for practice and research. Methods: We conducted a non-systematic review of non-specific components across psychiatric treatments, their impact on treatment processes and outcomes, and interventions to improve them. Results: The identified research is heterogeneous, both in design and quality. All non-specific components capture aspects of how clinicians communicate with patients. They are grouped into general verbal communication – focusing on initial contacts, empathy, clarity of communication, and detecting cues about unspoken concerns – non-verbal communication, the framing of treatments and decision-making. The evidence is stronger for the impact of these components on process measures – i.e. therapeutic relationship, treatment satisfaction and adherence than on clinical outcomes – i.e. symptoms and relapse. A small number of trials suggest that brief training courses and simple methods for structuring parts of clinical consultations can improve communication and subsequently clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Methodologically, rigorous research advancing current understandings of non-specific components may increase effectiveness across different treatments, potentially benefitting large numbers of patients. Brief training for clinicians and structuring clinical communication should be used more widely in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is more likely in patients with chronic physical illness, and is associated with increased rates of disability and mortality. Effective treatment of depression may reduce morbidity and mortality. The use of two stem questions for case finding in diabetes and coronary heart disease is advocated in the Quality and Outcomes Framework, and has become normalised into primary care.Aim: To define the most effective tool for use in consultations to detect depression in people with chronic physical illness.Design: Meta-analysis.Method: The following data sources were searched: CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, HMIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Knowledge, from inception to July 2009. Three authors selected studies that examined identification tools and used an interview-based ICD (International Classification of Diseases) or DSM (Diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) diagnosis of depression as reference standard. At least two authors independently extracted study characteristics and outcome data and assessed methodological quality.Results: A total of 113 studies met the eligibility criteria, providing data on 20,826 participants. It was found that two stem questions, PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire), the Zung, and GHQ-28 (General Health Questionnaire) were the optimal measures for case identification, but no method was sufficiently accurate to recommend as a definitive case-finding tool. Limitations were the moderate-to-high heterogeneity for most scales and the facts that few studies used ICD diagnoses as the reference standard, and that a variety of methods were used to determine DSM diagnoses.Conclusion: Assessing both validity and ease of use, the two stem questions are the preferred method. However, clinicians should not rely on the two-questions approach alone, but should be confident to engage in a more detailed clinical assessment of patients who score positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Early intervention services for psychosis aim to detect emergent symptoms, reduce the duration of untreated psychosis, and improve access to effective treatments. Aims To evaluate the effectiveness of early intervention services, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and family intervention in early psychosis. Method Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of early intervention services, CBT and family intervention for people with early psychosis. Results Early intervention services reduced hospital admission, relapse rates and symptom severity, and improved access to and engagement with treatment. Used alone, family intervention reduced relapse and hospital admission rates, whereas CBT reduced the severity of symptoms with little impact on relapse or hospital admission. Conclusions For people with early psychosis, early intervention services appear to have clinically important benefits over standard care. Including CBT and family intervention within the service may contribute to improved outcomes in this critical period. The longer-term benefits of this approach and its component treatments for people with early and established psychosis need further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN:: Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVE:: To identify factors in addition to level of injury (LOI) that may predict ejaculation by penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) in spinal cord injured males. SETTING:: Major urban medical school and teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: Presence of a bulbocavernosus response (BCR) and a hip flexor response (HR) before PVS (n=123 patients), and somatic responses during PVS (n=204 trials performed on a subset of 44 patients) were evaluated for their frequency of occurrence on trials with and without ejaculation. RESULTS:: Overall ejaculation success rates for cervical, T1–T6, and T7–T12 LOI were 71%, 73%, and 35%, respectively. Eighty per cent of patients who were positive for both BCR and HR ejaculated with PVS, while only 8% of patients who were negative for both BCR and HR ejaculated with PVS. For cervical injuries, BCR and HR were no more predictive of ejaculation by PVS than LOI alone. T1–T6 patients were more likely to ejaculate when at least one reflex was present. T7–T12 patients with no BCR were unlikely to ejaculate by PVS. Except for abdominal contractions, somatic responses were not present in the majority of PVS trials. When they were present, however, they occurred in a high percentage of ejaculation trials: withdrawal response (hip flexion, knee flexion and thigh adduction) (90%), piloerection (84%), extremity spasms (83%), thigh abduction (80%), and thigh adduction (72%). CONCLUSION:: We recommend that patients with cervical injuries initially undergo PVS. Patients with T1–T6 LOI with at least one reflex present, and patients with T7–T12 LOI with both reflexes, or only BCR present, may undergo PVS. Certain somatic/autonomic responses, when seen, may help in deciding whether to continue with a given trial, or give a repeat trial, of PVS. SPONSORSHIP:: The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the State of Florida Specific Appropriations.Spinal Cord... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on the study "Multicenter External Validation and Comparison of Stone Scoring Systems in Predicting Outcomes after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy" by T.O. Tailly and others.

Abstract Background There is a consensus about the importance of 'recovery' in mental health services, but the evidence base is limited. Methods/Design A two centre, cluster randomised controlled trial. Participants are community-based mental health teams, and service users aged 18-65 years with a primary clinical diagnosis of psychosis. In relation to the REFOCUS Manual researchintorecovery.com/refocus, which describes a 12-month, pro-recovery intervention based on the REFOCUS Model, the objectives are: (1) To establish the effectiveness of the intervention described in the REFOCUS Manual; (2) To validate the REFOCUS Model; (3) To establish and optimise trial parameters for the REFOCUS Manual; and (4) To understand the relationship between clinical outcomes and recovery outcomes. The hypothesis for the main study is that service users in the intervention arm will experience significantly greater increases in measures of personal recovery (as measured by the QPR) compared to service users receiving care from control teams. The hypothesis for the secondary study is that black service users in the intervention arm will experience significantly greater increases in measures of personal recovery (as measured by the QPR) and client satisfaction (as measured by the CSQ) compared to Black service users receiving care from control teams. The intervention comprises treatment as usual plus two components: recovery-promoting relationships and working practices. The control condition is treatment as usual. The primary outcme is the Process of Recovery Questionnaire (QPR). Secondary outcomes are satisfaction, Goal setting - Personal Primary Outcome, hope, well-being, empowerment, and quality of life. Primary outcomes for the secondary study will be QPR and satisfaction. Cost data will be estimated, and clinical outcomes will also be reported (symptomatology, need, social disability, functioning). 29 teams (15 intervention and 14 control) will be randomised. Within each team, 15 services users will be randomly chosen, giving a total sample of 435 service users (225 in intervention and 210 in control). Power for the main study: 336 service users will give power to detect a medium effect size of 0.4 (alpha 0.05, power = 0.8) on both QPR sub-scales. Power for the secondary study: 89 participants will give power to detect an effect size of 0.67 on both QPR sub-scales and on CSQ. A range of approaches are used to minimise bias, although service users and clinicians cannot be blinded. Discussion This cluster-RCT will evaluate a pro-recovery intervention in community mental health teams. Trial registration ISRCTN: ISRCTN02507940

Abstract Background Many large studies have complex advisory committee structures, yet there is no empirical evidence regarding their optimal composition, scope and contribution. The aim of this study was to inform the committee and advice infrastructure for future research studies. Methods In the context of a five-year study funded by the UK National Institute for Health Research, three advisory committees were formed. In addition, advice was obtained from individual experts. All recommendations received in the start-up phase (first seven months) of the study were recorded, along with the decision about implementation of the recommendation. A particular focus was on the impact of public involvement. Results A total of 172 recommendations were made, including 70 from 20 individual experts. The recommendations were grouped into five emergent themes: Scientific, Pragmatic, Resources, Committee and Collaboration. Most recommendations related to strengthening existing components or adding new components to the study protocol. Very few recommendations either proposed removing study components or contradicted other recommendations. Three 'implementation criteria' were identified: scientific value, pragmatic feasibility, and paradigmatic consistency. 103 (60%) of recommendations were implemented and 25 (15%) were not implemented. The benefits identified by the research team were improved quality and confidence, and the costs were increased cognitive demands, protocol revision time, and slower progress. Conclusions The findings are discussed in the context of the wider literature on public involvement in research. Six recommendations are identified. First, have a clear rationale for each advisory committee expressed as terms of reference, and consider the best balance between committees and individual consultation with experts. Second, an early concern of committees is inter-committee communication, so consider cross-representation and copying minutes between committees. Third, match the scope of advisory committees to the study, with a less complex advisory structure for studies with more finalised designs. Fourth, public involvement has a mixed impact, and relies on relationships of trust, which take time to develop. Fifth, carefully consider the match between the scientific paradigm applied in the study and the contribution of different types of knowledge and expertise, and how this will impact on possibilities for taking on advice. Finally, responding to recommendations uses up research team resources, and the costs can be reduced by using the three implementation criteria.

We analysed the pathologic features and disease free survival in patients treated with radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) having a PSA ≥ 20 and/or a prostate biopsy showing a total Gleason sum of 8 or greater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-injurious thoughts and behaviours are a major global public health concern, not least because they are one of suicide's strongest predictors. Solution-focused approaches are a psychotherapeutic approach currently being used to treat individuals with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours but there is little published evidence of their use. We conducted a scoping review to provide a comprehensive overview of how solution-focused approaches are being used to treat self-injurious thoughts and behaviours., Methods: Publications describing a solution-focused approach being delivered to any individuals experiencing any form of self-injurious thought and/or behaviour were eligible for inclusion. Five databases were searched (EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) from inception to August 2024. Search terms contained keywords relating to both solution-focused and self-injurious thoughts and/or behaviours. Data were analysed using relevant steps from a narrative synthesis approach to summarise the participants, concepts, context and outcomes described in the included publications., Results: Twenty-four publications were included in the review. Publications demonstrated a global reach although the majority were published in the UK and USA. Five publications formally assessed and reported outcomes; two randomised controlled trials, one experimental pilot study, one case study, and one single group study. Only the Beck Depression Inventory was collected in more than one study (n = 4), with a range of other psychopathology and wellbeing-related measures. Three studies reported qualitative data, finding positive perceptions of the approaches by patients and clinicians. Fifty-one unique components were identified within solution-focused approaches. Often specific adaptations were described, or components were introduced, that specifically addressed suicide or self-harm. For example, identifying and working on goals related to reducing or stopping self-harm, or scaling questions that assess how suicidal someone currently feels on a 0 to 10 scale., Conclusions: This review demonstrates the application of solution-focused approaches for treating individuals with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of how these approaches are delivered. The lack of outcome data and empirical studies highlights a need for more formalised evidence., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: The transition towards remote healthcare has been rapidly accelerated in recent years due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, however, few studies have explored service users' views of remote mental healthcare, particularly in community mental health settings., Methods: As part of a larger study concerned with the development of a remotely delivered psychosocial intervention, a survey was conducted with service users with psychosis ( N  = 200) from six NHS trusts across England to gain cross-sectional data about service users' opinions and attitudes towards remote interventions and explore how digital access varies across different demographic groups and geographical localities., Results: The majority of service users had access to technological devices and a quiet space to receive care. Age was a key factor in motivation to engage with remote care as older participants had less access to technological devices and the internet, and reported less confidence to learn how to use new technologies compared to younger participants. Differences in access and attitudes towards remote care were found across the different geographical localities. Over half of the participants (53.1%) preferred a hybrid model (i.e., mixture of face-to-face and remotely delivered treatment), with only 4.5% preferring remote treatment exclusively. Factors that both encourage and deter service users from engaging with remote care were identified., Conclusions: The findings of this study provide important information about the environmental and clinical barriers that prevent, or limit, the uptake of remotely delivered care for people with psychotic disorders. Although service users often have the ability and capacity to receive remote care, providers need to be cognisant of factors which may exacerbate digital exclusion and negatively impact the therapeutic alliance., Competing Interests: The authors declare that this research was conducted for the purpose of developing a novel remotely delivered healthcare software called Remote DIALOG+. The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2024 Kuhn, Abdel-Halim, Healey, Bird, Elliot and McNamee.)

Background: Treatment rates for severe mental illness (SMI) are low in low- and middle-income countries because of limited resources. Enlisting family support could be effective and low cost in improving patient outcomes., Aim: The article assess the feasibility, acceptability and estimates of efficacy of Family Psychosocial Involvement Intervention (FAPII) for patients with SMI., Setting: Masaka Regional Referral Hospital and Mityana District Hospital in Uganda., Methods: This was a controlled pilot study with two sites randomly assigned as intervention and control. Thirty patients each with one or two family members and six mental health professionals were recruited at the intervention site. Five patients, their family members and two mental health professionals met monthly for 6 months to discuss pre-agreed mental health topics. Patient outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6- and 12-months and analysed using paired t-tests. The trial was prospectively registered (ISRCTN25146122)., Results: At 6 and 12 months, there was significant improvement in the QoL in the intervention group compared to the control ( p = 0.001). There was significant symptom reduction in the intervention group at 6 and 12 months ( p < 0.001). Family Psychosocial Involvement Intervention affected better treatment adherence at 6 and 12 months ( p = 0.035 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to the control arm., Conclusion: Family Psychosocial Involvement Intervention improved QoL, medication adherence, reduced stigma and symptoms among patients with SMI. The authors recommend involving families in the care of patients with SMI in Uganda, with FAPII employing culturally sensitive psychotherapy., Contribution: The results support involvement of family in the care of patients with SMI., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© 2024. The Authors.)

Background: Majority of people with mental health problems attend primary care for support. Interventions that structure consultations have been found effective for physical health conditions and secondary mental health care. The aim of the review is to identify what tools or interventions exist to structure communication in primary care for appointments related to mental health problems and examine existing evidence for effectiveness for mental health and quality of life outcomes., Methods: Quantitative and qualitative studies were eligible for inclusion if staff was based in a primary care setting and the intervention involved bi-directional communication with adult patients. Six databases were searched (MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, EMBASE, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL) with no time restriction. Search terms combined four concepts with key words such as "structured" and "interaction" and "mental illness" and "primary care". Reference lists of eligible studies were searched., Results: After removing duplicates, 3578 records were found and underwent further screening. A total of 16 records were included, representing eight different interventions from five countries. The majority were delivered by primary care doctors and focused on patients experiencing psychological distress. Similarities across interventions' service delivery were that most were created for a broad patient population, used self-report assessments at the start and actions or plans as the end point, and employed group settings and didactic methods for training staff in the intervention. Booster and follow-up trainings were not offered in any of the interventions, and supervision was only part of the process for one. The evidence for effectiveness for mental health and quality of life outcomes was mixed with three out of five RCTs finding a positive effect., Conclusions: Although the idea of structuring communication for mental health consultations has been around since the 1980s, relatively few interventions have attempted to structure the conversations within the consultation, rather than modifying pre-visit events. As the evidence-base showed feasibility and acceptability for a number of interventions, there is scope for those interventions to be developed further and tested more rigorously., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of adolescents are emerging and require particular attention in settings where challenges like armed conflict, poverty and internal displacement have previously affected their mental wellbeing. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptomatology, probable post-traumatic stress disorder and resilience in school-attending adolescents in a post-conflict area of Tolima, Colombia during the COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 657 adolescents from 12 to 18 years old, recruited by convenience sampling in 8 public schools in the south of Tolima, Colombia, who completed a self-administered questionnaire. Mental health information was obtained through screening scales for anxiety symptoms (GAD-7), depressive symptomatology (PHQ-8), probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-5) and resilience (CD-RISC-25). The prevalence observed for moderate to severe anxiety symptoms was 18.9% (95% CI 16.0-22.1) and for moderate to severe depressive symptomatology was 30.0% (95% CI 26.5-33.7). A prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of 22.3% (95% CI 18.1-27.2) was found. The CD-RISC-25 results for resilience had a median score of 54 [IQR 30]. These results suggest that approximately two-thirds of school-attending adolescents in this post-conflict area experienced at least one mental health problem such as anxiety symptoms, depressive symptomatology or probable PTSD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies are of interest to establish the causal relationship between these findings and the impact of the pandemic. These findings highlight the challenge that schools have after pandemic to address the mental health of their students in order to promoting adequate coping strategies and implement prompt multidisciplinary interventions to reduce the burden of mental health problems in adolescents., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

A patient centred, solution-focused approach, DIALOG+ was assessed for effectiveness among patients with severe mental illness (SMI) and epilepsy in Uganda. Fourteen clinicians and 168 patients attending Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital and outreach clinics in Kampala, Uganda were randomised equally to receive DIALOG ​+ ​once a month for six months or an active control (DIALOG scale only). The primary outcome was subjective quality of life measured by the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of life (MANSA) at six months and secondary outcomes assessed at six and twelve months. A generalised linear model with a fixed effect for treatment and the baseline MANSA score and a random effect for clinicians to account for clustering was used to analyse effectiveness of the intervention. The primary outcome was assessed in 154 out of 168 patients (91.7%). Patients in the DIALOG ​+ ​arm had significantly higher subjective quality of life with a medium Cohen's d effect size of 0.55 and higher adherence to medication after 6 months as compared to the control group. DIALOG ​+ ​intervention could be a therapeutically effective option for improving quality of life for patients with severe mental illness and epilepsy with the potential to enhance routine review meetings in low-resource settings., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Background: Colombia is a middle-income country in South America, which has historically had high rates of mental health problems, coupled with a scarcity of mental health care. There is growing concern for the mental health of the adolescent population within this region. There is a significant treatment gap for young people, especially those living in the most vulnerable areas. DIALOG+ is a low-cost patient-centered intervention that can potentially improve the delivery of care and quality of life for adolescents with mental health problems., Objective: This exploratory randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of an adapted version of the DIALOG+ intervention (DIALOG-A) in the community treatment of Colombian adolescents with depression and anxiety., Methods: In total, 18 clinicians and 108 adolescents will be recruited from primary health care services in Bogota and Duitama, Colombia. Clinicians will be randomized 2:1 to either the intervention (12 clinicians:72 adolescents) or control group (6 clinicians:36 adolescents). In the intervention arm, clinicians will use DIALOG-A with adolescents once per month over 6 months. The control arm will continue to receive routine care. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 6 months, and 9 months following randomization. Semistructured interviews with all clinicians and a subset of adolescents in the intervention arm will be conducted at the end of the intervention period. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data will be conducted., Results: Trial recruitment was completed toward the end of October 2022, and follow-up is anticipated to last through to October 2023., Conclusions: This is the first study to test an adapted resource-orientated intervention (DIALOG-A) in the treatment of adolescents with depression and anxiety attending primary care services. If the results are positive, DIALOG-A can be implemented in the routine care of adolescents with these mental health problems and provide valuable insight to other middle-income countries., Trial Registration: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN13980767; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13980767?q=ISRCTN13980767., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/43401., (©Carlos Gómez-Restrepo, Jose Alejandro Rumbo Romero, Martha Rodriguez, Laura Ospina-Pinillos, Diliniya Stanislaus Sureshkumar, Stefan Priebe, Victoria Bird. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (https://www.researchprotocols.org), 08.02.2023.)

Background: Many with an acute depressive disorder go on to develop chronic depression, despite ongoing care. There are few specifically designed interventions to treat chronic depression. DIALOG+, a technology-assisted intervention based on the principles of solution-focused therapy, may be beneficial. It has been shown to be effective as a treatment for patients with psychotic disorders, especially in regards to increasing quality of life. DIALOG+ was designed to be flexibly applied and not diagnosis-specific, aiming to structure communication and generate a personally-tailored care plan. This cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) is part of a programme of research to adapt and test DIALOG+ for patients with chronic depression., Methods: Patients will be eligible for the trial, if they have exhibited symptoms of depression or non-psychotic low mood for at least 2 years, have regular contact with a clinician and have a low subjective quality of life and moderate depressive symptoms. Clinicians, who routinely see eligible patients, will be recruited from a number of sites across NHS England. Clusters will have between 1 and 6 patients per clinician and will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention (DIALOG+) or active control group (treatment as usual + DIALOG scale). Clinicians in the intervention group are trained and asked to deliver the intervention regularly for 12 months. Active control participants receive treatment as usual and are asked to rate their satisfaction with areas of life and treatment on the DIALOG scale at the end of the clinical session. Approximately 112 clinician clusters will be recruited to reach a total patient sample size of 376. Clinical and social outcomes including costs are assessed at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months post randomisation. The primary outcome will be subjective quality of life at 12 months., Discussion: This definitive multi-site, cluster RCT aims to evaluate the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of DIALOG+ for people with chronic depression. If shown to be effective for this patient population it could be used to improve outcomes of mental health care on a larger scale, ensuring that patients with complex and co-morbid diagnoses can benefit., Trial Registration: ISRCTN11301686 . Registered on 13 Jun 2019., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps (UFP) are relatively rare, benign tumors. A total of 236 total cases were documented between 1932 and 2013. Notably, imaging studies, including computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are often negative. This report details a case of a patient with a UFP who presented with hematuria. CT suggested a possible 1.8 cm mass, but subsequent MRI was negative. Cystoscopy showed a polyp that prolapsed out of the left ureter and into the bladder with peristalsis. The patient subsequently underwent retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium laser excision of the polyp., (© 2021 The Authors.)

Background: Although focus groups are a valuable qualitative research tool, face-to-face meetings may be difficult to arrange and time consuming. This challenge has been further compounded by the global COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown and physical distancing measures implemented, which caused exceptional challenges to human activities. Online focus groups (OFGs) are an example of an alternative strategy and require further study. At present, OFGs have mostly been studied and used in high-income countries, with little information relating to their implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)., Objective: The aim of this study is to share our experiences of conducting OFGs through a web conferencing service and provide recommendations for future research., Methods: As part of a broader study, OFGs were developed with adults and adolescents in Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a convenience sampling method, we invited eligible participants via email in two different cities of Colombia to participate in OFGs conducted via Microsoft Teams. Researcher notes and discussion were used to capture participant and facilitator experiences, as well as practical considerations., Results: Technical issues were encountered, but various measures were taken to minimize them, such as using a web conferencing service that was familiar to participants, sending written instructions, and performing a trial meeting prior to the OFG. Adolescent participants, unlike their adult counterparts, were fluent in using web conferencing platforms and did not encounter technical challenges., Conclusions: OFGs have great potential in research settings, especially during the current and any future public health emergencies. It is important to keep in mind that even with the advantages that they offer, technical issues (ie, internet speed and access to technology) are major obstacles in LMICs. Further research is required and should carefully consider the appropriateness of OFGs in different settings., (©Maria Gabriela Calvo-Valderrama, Arturo Marroquín-Rivera, Erin Burn, Laura Ospina-Pinillos, Victoria Bird, Carlos Gómez-Restrepo. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org), 03.11.2021.)

Background: An open, non-controlled trial was conducted to explore the feasibility, experiences and outcomes of multi-family groups in community mental health care of patients with depression and anxiety., Methods: The study was conducted in community settings within the catchment area of a free of cost primary care center in Karachi, Pakistan. 30 patients with symptoms of depression and anxiety, their caregivers and 3 lay counsellors were recruited enrolled in the study between May-September 2019. Patients were enrolled for monthly multi-family group meetings conducted over 6 months in groups of 5-6 patients and 1-2 nominated caregivers each. Meetings were facilitated by the non-specialist trained counsellors. The primary outcome was quality of life (assessed using Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life) and secondary outcomes were symptoms of depression and anxiety (assessed on Aga Khan University Depression and Anxiety Scale), social outcomes (Social Outcome Index), and caregiver burden (Burden Assessment Scale). Change in all measures was assessed pre and 6-month post intervention using t-test. In-depth interviews were conducted with 7 patients, 7 caregivers and the 3 lay counsellors., Results: A total of 36 family intervention meetings were conducted with six groups with a total of 30 patients, 34 caregivers and 3 counsellors. Between baseline and the end of the intervention, subjective quality of life increased significantly from 3.34 to 4.58 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.93-1.54). Self-reported depression and anxiety scores reduced from 34.7 to 19.5 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 10.8-19.8) and the Social Outcome Index improved from 3.63 to 4.52 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.39-1.39). There was no change in family burden. Participants reported that the group meetings were seen as a safe space for shared learning, and that the experience helped improve self-regulation of emotions and behaviors and instilled a sense of belonging., Conclusion: Multi-family groups in community treatment of common mental health disorders facilitated by non-specialist mental health service providers is feasible, experienced positively and has the potential for large and positive effects on subjective quality of life, self-reported depression and anxiety, and objective social outcomes., Trial Registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN12299326. Registered 05 June 2019. Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12299326 ., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Improving the mental health of young people is a global public health priority. In Latin America, young people living in deprived urban areas face various risk factors for mental distress. However, most either do not develop mental distress in the form of depression and anxiety, or recover within a year without treatment from mental health services. This research programme seeks to identify the personal and social resources that help young people to prevent and recover from mental distress., Methods and Analysis: A cross-sectional study will compare personal and social resources used by 1020 young people (aged 15-16 and 20-24 years) with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety and 1020 without. A longitudinal cohort study will follow-up young people with mental distress after 6 months and 1 year and compare resource use in those who do and do not recover. An experience sampling method study will intensively assess activities, experiences and mental distress in subgroups over short time periods. Finally, we will develop case studies highlighting existing initiatives that effectively support young people to prevent and recover from mental distress. The analysis will assess differences between young people with and without distress at baseline using t-tests and χ 2 tests. Within the groups with mental distress, multivariate logistic regression analyses using a random effects model will assess the relationship between predictor variables and recovery., Ethics and Dissemination: Ethics approvals are received from Ethics Committee in Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires; Faculty of Medicine-Research and Ethics Committee of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá; Institutional Ethics Committee of Research of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and Queen Mary Ethics of Research Committee. Dissemination will include arts-based methods and target different audiences such as national stakeholders, researchers from different disciplines and the general public., Trial Registration Number: ISRCTN72241383., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Treating chronic depression represents a significant burden for the NHS, yet there is a lack of evidence-based interventions and research specifically focused on this condition. DIALOG+, a technology-assisted and resource-oriented intervention found effective for people with psychosis, may improve care for this service user group. The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability and relevance of DIALOG+ for the treatment of chronic depression in community-based settings., Methods: A convenience sample of 16 mental health professionals and 29 service users with chronic depression tested the DIALOG+ intervention in routine community care appointments for 3 months across 3 different mental health NHS Trusts in England. Of these, 15 clinicians and 19 service users were individually interviewed about their experiences. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis by an analytic team which included a service user researcher., Results: Analysis of the combined dataset identified five overarching themes: DIALOG+ Structure; Therapeutic Communication; Reflecting and Monitoring; Empowerment and Powerlessness; and The Impact of Technology. Overall, service users and clinicians were interested in the continued use of DIALOG+ as part of routine care., Conclusions: DIALOG+ was viewed as acceptable by both service users with chronic depression and their clinicians who work in community care settings, albeit with some caveats. Clinician training required significant improvements to address the issues that were referenced, most notably around support with using technology.

Background: Periureteral venous rings are a rare congenital anomaly involving the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the right ureter, where the ureter courses through a venous ring made by the duplication of the IVC during embryogenesis. This anatomic anomaly is also referred to as a transcaval ureter. Although most patients are asymptomatic and radiographic findings are incidental, some patients can be symptomatic. We present the first reported case of asymptomatic obstructive ureterolithiasis at the level of a periureteral venous ring that was effectively treated with endoscopic management. Case Presentation: A 47-year-old woman was found to have right hydroureteronephrosis on MRI. Further CT imaging showed an obstructing ureteral stone at the level of a periureteral venous ring. After initial decompression with ureteral stenting, she underwent ureteroscopy that revealed the ureteral stone at the level of the venous anomaly. The stone was fragmented and removed with laser lithotripsy and stone basket manipulation. After a period of ureteral stenting and removal, she had improved hydroureteronephrosis, no symptoms of ureteral obstruction, and stable renal function. Given these findings, she elected for surveillance with imaging in lieu of any reconstructive procedure to transpose the ureter around the venous anomaly. Conclusions: We present the first reported case of obstructive ureterolithiasis at the level of a periureteral venous ring. Our experience suggests that, with preoperative ureteral stenting, obstructing ureteral stones in the setting of an IVC anomaly can be managed with retrograde flexible ureteroscopy. Conservative laser settings and minimal torqueing of the ureteroscope are advised given adjacent vascular anomaly. Cases wherein the affected ureteral segment is too constricted or tortuous to allow for stone passage or for ureteroscopy may require management by percutaneous antegrade intervention. Surgical reconstruction of the ureter should also be considered., Competing Interests: No competing financial interests exist., (Copyright 2020, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.)

Aims: The DIALOG scale has been implemented as a routine patient outcome and experience measure (PROM/PREM) in a mental health trust in East London since 2017. The resulting healthcare dataset was used to estimate satisfaction with life and treatment aspects over time and factors associated with it., Methods: Variables available from the Trust were DIALOG items, service level, clinical and basic demographic data. Data was extracted in February 2019. Data is described using a range of descriptive statistics and looking at the subgroups: treatment stage, diagnosis, service type. Predictors for average DIALOG scores across patients was explored with clustered linear regression models. A fixed effect model was chosen to estimate the impact of clinical and service related variables on patient's average DIALOG scores over time. Sensitivity analyses with the whole data set and complete cases were carried out., Results: Of the original 18,481 DIALOG records 12, 592 were kept after data cleaning (5646 patients). The average DIALOG score was 4.8 (SD 1.0) on the 7-point scale. Average satisfaction with life aspects (PROM) was 4.65 (SD 1.1) and with treatment aspects (PREM) was 5.25 (SD 1.17). Across all 11 items, "job situation" scored lowest (mean 4.05) and "meetings with professionals" highest (mean 5.5). Satisfaction for all items increased over time (average increase 0.47). The largest increase was in "mental health" (0.94) and the smallest in "family relationships" (0.34)., Conclusions: Patients in mental healthcare services were "fairly satisfied" in both life and treatment aspects with improvements seen over time. These results will act as a benchmark for clinical services currently implementing DIALOG across the UK and inform local service developments.

Background: Global mental health is a widely used term describing initiatives in policies, research and practice to improve the mental health of people worldwide. It has been gaining momentum over the last 10 years, reflected in increasing funding opportunities, training programmes, and publications. In light of the rising importance of global mental health and the various uncertainties about its future directions, this paper explores what the future may hold for global mental health in 30 years' time., Method: A scenario planning method was used, involving a workshop with experts from four continents and a range of backgrounds, including clinical and academic psychiatry, psychology, art and music therapy, service user advisory role, funder of global health research and post-graduate students., Results: Six distinct scenarios that describe potential future situations were developed: universal standards for care; worldwide coordination of research; making use of diversity; focus on social factors; globalised care through technology; mental health as a currency in global politics., Conclusions: These scenarios consider different social, economic, scientific and technological drivers and focus on distinct aspects. Some reflect a global application of possible trends in mental health, whilst others apply general global developments to mental health care. They are not fixed forecasts, but instead may help to promote discussion and debate about further developments and decisions.