The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England introduced early value assessments (EVAs) as an evidence-based method of accelerating access to promising health technologies that could address unmet needs and contribute to the National Health Service’s Long Term Plan. However, there are currently no published works considering differences and commonalities in methods used between Assessment Reports for EVAs.

This rapid scoping review included all completed EVAs published on the NICE website up to 23 July 2024. One reviewer screened potentially relevant records for eligibility, checked by a second reviewer. Pairs of independent reviewers extracted information on the methods used in included EVAs using a prepiloted form; these were checked for accuracy. Data were described in graphical or tabular format with an accompanying narrative summary.

In total, seventeen EVA Reports of sixteen EVAs were included in this scoping review. Five Reports did not specify how many reviewers undertook screening, whereas five did not report data extraction methods. Five EVAs planned to conduct meta-analyses, nine planned narrative syntheses, and seven planned narrative summaries. Eleven conceptual decision models were presented, with available evidence used to construct cost-utility analyses (N = 5); cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs; N = 4); a mix of CEAs and cost-consequence analyses (CCA; N = 2); one CCA; and one cost-comparison.

Future EVA Reports should enhance the transparency of the methods used. Furthermore, EVAs could provide opportunities for the adoption of innovative methodological approaches and more flexible communication between EVA authors and key stakeholders, including patients and clinicians, companies, and NICE.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant public health concern, and current treatments often have limitations in effectiveness and adherence. Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, is being explored as a potential treatment for depression. It primarily acts through the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor but interacts with 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors. Its precise mechanisms remain under investigation.

(1) To consolidate evidence on psilocybin’s efficacy and safety for depression, (2) to identify limitations in the literature, and (3) to highlight areas needing further research.

This systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines and analyzes 20 studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label studies. The studies cover various populations, including individuals with treatment-resistant depression, different dosing regimens, and adjunctive therapies.

Psilocybin therapy shows substantial and rapid antidepressant effects, often after one or two sessions with psychological support. Improvements are sustained for weeks or months in many cases. Psilocybin is generally well-tolerated, with mild adverse effects such as anxiety during administration and transient headaches, which are manageable in controlled settings .

Psilocybin demonstrates promise as a novel treatment for depression, especially for individuals unresponsive to conventional antidepressants. Further research is needed to refine dosing, explore long-term effects, and understand its mechanisms of action.

The symptoms of anxiety in the outbreak of COVID-19 were so severe that they entered the research literature as the term COVID-19 anxiety. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to identify the variables related to COVID-19 anxiety and the effectiveness of psychological interventions on it.

In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, the literature was systematically searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, ISI, and Persian databases such as Noormags and SID on COVID-19 anxiety from January 2020 to April 2022. In the initial search, 105 articles were found. In the data correlation section, 13 studies for the fixed effects model were meta-analyzed. In the interventional section, 14 articles were selected. The systematic review data were extracted, and all statistical data were analyzed by CMA-2.

The results of the meta-analyses for psychopathological correlations with COVID-19 anxiety in 13 articles indicated the correlation between COVID-19 anxiety and other mental states and disorders (P = .0001/I2 = 97.27%). Other findings demonstrated the effect of psychological interventions on COVID-19 anxiety in 14 articles with high effectiveness of these treatments (P = .00/I2 = 85.67%).

It seems COVID-19 anxiety is affected by psychological variables. Hence, psychological interventions represent effective treatments for anxiety due to COVID-19.

The optimal duration for maintaining antidepressant treatment in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who achieve symptom stabilization remains unclear.

This systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis of double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trials (DBRPCTs) compared antidepressant maintenance and antidepressant discontinuation groups in terms of relapse rate at each DBRPCT study endpoint (primary outcome), OCD symptom improvement, all-cause discontinuation, and adverse event-related discontinuation. Furthermore, relapse rates at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks were compared between the groups. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The absolute risk reduction (ARR) and number needed to treat to benefit (NNTB) for relapse rates were also estimated.

Nine trials (n = 1084; mean age: 32.8 years; proportion of males: 53.3%) were included. The antidepressant maintenance group had lower relapse rates at each DBRPCT study endpoint (RR [95% CI] = 0.53 [0.42–0.68]; ARR = 21.0%; NNTB = 5) and lower all-cause and adverse event-related discontinuation rates than the antidepressant discontinuation group. The maintenance group also exhibited lower relapse rates at 4 weeks (RR [95% CI] = 0.47 [0.31–0.70]; ARR: not significant; NNTB: not significant), 8 weeks (0.42 [0.31–0.57]; 12.0%; 8), 12 weeks (0.43 [0.32–0.56]; 18.0%; 6), 16 weeks (0.41 [0.32–0.52]; 25.0%; 4), 20 weeks (0.43 [0.34–0.53]; 26.0%; 4), and 24 weeks (0.42 [0.33–0.52]; 27.0%; 4) than the discontinuation group. Moreover, the maintenance group outperformed the discontinuation group regarding OCD symptom improvement.

Individuals with OCD may benefit from continued antidepressant treatment, provided that it is well tolerated.

Core premenstrual disorders (PMDs), including premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, can cause significant impairment. Despite evidence linking stress and premenstrual symptoms, a systematic synthesis is lacking.

To systematically review the literature and meta-analyse evidence on the relationship between premenstrual symptoms and stress.

Four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus) and Google Scholar were searched for studies indexed before 27 August 2024 (no language/year restrictions) assessing the relationship between self-reported stress and premenstrual symptoms in regularly menstruating individuals (PROSPERO: CRD42021244503). Three multilevel meta-analyses estimated (a) the correlation between stress and premenstrual symptom severity, (b) stress differences between individuals with and without core PMD across the menstrual cycle and (c) the impact of traumatic experiences on the occurrence of premenstrual symptoms. Study quality and publication bias were assessed.

We synthesised 188 effect sizes from 66 studies (N = 38 344), indicating (a) a positive correlation (r = 0.29, 95% CI 0.23–0.36); (b) higher stress levels in participants with core PMD (d = 0.79, 95% CI 0.32–1.26), particularly during the luteal phase (dlut = 1.01, 95% CI 0.46–1.57); and (c) over twofold higher odds (odds ratio 2.45, 95% CI 1.87–3.23) of PMS in individuals with a history of trauma. Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 84.64–91.38%); one meta-analysis (c) showed evidence of publication bias.

The results indicate an association between stress and premenstrual symptoms, an effect of cycle phase and trauma as a risk factor for PMS. Future research should explore underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms.

Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has recently emerged as a prospective therapeutic approach for addressing trauma- and stressor-related disorders (TSRDs).

We assessed findings from randomised controlled trials for the safety and efficacy of VNS as a viable treatment for TSRDs.

We systematically searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Central databases, trial registries, preprint servers and Google Scholar from inception to December 2023. Rayyan software was used for screening procedures. Two reviewers independently completed data extraction based on the inclusion criteria.

We synthesised data by using a narrative approach. A total of 322 abstracts were identified and assessed, and seven studies were included in the review. Based on evidence synthesis, the present state of VNS as a treatment intervention for TSRDs, namely post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is limited and does not meet clinical expectations. The overall certainty of evidence was very low. However, evidence shows that VNS may alter and reduce specific aspects associated with PTSD phenomenology, including the reduction of anger responses and the attenuation of hyperarousal during psychological interventions.

Although preliminary analyses provide evidence that transcutaneous VNS temporarily increases parasympathetic activity under specific conditions, these effects appear to be short-lasting, and the impact of repeated administration on long-term autonomic function remains unknown. Future randomised control trials should evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of VNS for treating TSRDs.

This systematic review aimed to analyze studies assessing the extent to which General Practitioners (GPs) engage patients in the decision-making process during consultations.

Shared Decision Making (SDM) stands at the core of patient-centred care, particularly in primary healthcare, where a diverse array of medical decisions transpires. In a 2015 systematic review summarizing studies on the Observing Patient Involvement in Decision Making (OPTION) instrument to assess SDM objectively across healthcare settings, a notable dearth of patient involvement was observed.

A comprehensive literature search encompassing three digital databases was conducted up to November 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on studies employing a comparative study design, centric to primary healthcare, and utilizing the OPTION-5 or -12 instrument to gauge SDM levels. Two investigators independently performed study selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction using a list of predefined variables, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. PROSPERO registration-ID: CRD42023475419.

Initially, harvesting 447 articles, our review retained 29 studies published between 2003 and 2022. Mean age of GPs was 45.5 (range 33–53) years. Reported baseline OPTION scores varied between 1.5 and 57.2 on a 0–100-point scale, with a median score of 16. Following SDM interventions, OPTION-scores increased significantly to a median of 28.5, range 16–83.

The overall level of SDM among GPs remains relatively low and has shown minimal improvement over the past decade. However, interventions promoting SDM appear to enhance patient involvement levels. This underscores the necessity for increased education and tools, directed at GPs and patients, to foster and elevate the practice of SDM.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a disabling psychiatric condition in which physical activity provides clinical benefits. While exercise effectively alleviates depressive symptoms, its biological mechanisms remain unclear.

This systematic review investigated the neurobiological effects of physical exercise on biomarkers in adults with MDD through randomized controlled trials, including studies assessing exercise interventions and reporting data on their biological effects.

A total of 30 studies, including 2194 participants, were included, examining the effects of physical exercise on various biological systems in patients with MDD. Exercise interventions had mixed effects on inflammatory markers, including interleukins, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α, suggesting a potential but inconsistent anti-inflammatory role. Neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor showed promise as biomarkers of treatment response, but their role in clinical improvements remained inconclusive. Findings for the stress-response system, including cortisol and monoaminergic systems, primarily involving serotonin and dopamine, were limited and variable. Exercise demonstrated potential benefits in reducing oxidative stress and enhancing β-endorphin levels, although these effects were not consistently observed.

This systematic review adopted a broader perspective than prior studies, exploring less-studied biological systems and identifying several limitations in the included studies, including small sample sizes, varying methodologies, and a predominant focus on biochemical markers. Future research should prioritize larger, standardized trials and particularly employ omics approaches to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise in MDD. The findings highlight the complexity of exercise’s biological effects and emphasize the need for further research to clarify its mechanisms.

This systematic review aims to identify the theoretical-based frameworks and content of disaster training programs for nurses worldwide.

This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines across 5 databases: Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected on disaster training programs for nurses and published within the past decade.

This systematic review analyzed 14 studies that utilized a variety of theoretical-based disaster nursing training programs. Among the theoretical frameworks identified, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) framework emerged as the most frequently applied, likely due to its global applicability and comprehensive approach in disaster training programs. In contrast, other frameworks—such as the Bioterrorism Guidelines and Infectious Disease Response Guidelines from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the Malkina-Pykh Mixed Model, the World Health Organization (WHO) framework, and the National League for Nurses/Laerdal Simulation Model, and others—were each used only once.

These findings suggest the ICN framework’s potential to serve as a leading model for the development of future disaster training programs. Achieving an optimal balance of theory, practice, and evidence-based content is crucial for preparing nurses to respond effectively to disasters.

Decisional capacity is an important requirement for assisted suicide, which has been legalized in an increasing number of countries. While several instruments have been developed over the past few decades to assess the capacity to consent to treatment, little is known about their applicability to assessing capacity in the context of requests for assisted suicide.

Systematic review of instruments assessing decisional capacity published up to March 2024. Data concerning criteria for determining decisional capacity, psychometric properties, and other aspects were extracted from all instruments included. Selected instruments were analyzed regarding their applicability to requests for assisted suicide.

We identified 23 instruments assessing the capacity to consent to treatment. There is considerable heterogeneity regarding the criteria utilized for assessing decisional capacity and their operationalization. Next to more cognitive abilities, some instruments directly incorporated emotions and values. Five instruments were assessed for applicability to requests for assisted suicide. The framing of decisional capacity within the context of disease and treatment options frequently limits the application of instruments to assess decisional capacity in the context of requests for assisted suicide.

No instrument could be identified that could be applied to assessing decisional capacity in the context of requests for assisted suicide without any limitations or without necessitating adjustments. Further normative and empirical work is required for developing an instrument that could be applicable in this context.

Interventions at frequently used suicide locations that restrict access to means, encourage help-seeking, and increase the likelihood of intervention by a third party are effective in preventing suicide at such sites. However, there have been concerns that such efforts may displace suicides to other sites. It is important to synthesize the evidence on suicide displacement effects.

We conducted a systematic search of Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google for eligible studies from their inception to February 20, 2025. Meta-analyses were conducted to assess the pooled effects of interventions on suicides at frequently used locations and other sites, and on overall suicides involving the same method.

Our search identified 17 studies. Meta-analyses showed a reduction in suicides at the intervention sites (pooled incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.09, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.04–0.21) and no evidence of changes in suicides at other sites after restricting access to means was deployed alone. The pooled IRR for nearby sites (same type) was 0.99 (95% CI 0.72–1.38); for other sites (same type), it was 0.99 (95% CI 0.76–1.29); and for other sites (different/unspecified type), it was 1.19 (95% CI 0.90–1.58). There was an overall reduction in suicides involving the same method during the post-intervention period (IRR 0.77, 95% CI 0.65–0.92). Similar patterns were observed when restricting access to means was assessed alone or with other interventions.

Suicide numbers at other sites did not change after interventions such as restricting access to means were deployed at frequently used locations.