Despina Laparidou1, Ffion Curtis2, Joseph Akanuwe1, Jennifer Jackson3, Timothy L Hodgson4, A Niroshan Siriwardena1. 1. Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. 2. Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. 3. Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. 4. School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy, with an incidence of 1-2/100,000 per year. Its severity is variable, ranging from very mild cases with brief weakness to severe paralysis, leading to inability to breathe independently, or even death. Currently there is limited evidence exploring the experiences of GBS patients. The aim of this study was to review patients' experiences and perceptions of GBS and its variants at diagnosis, discharge and during recovery, by conducting a systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies of patients' experiences of GBS (and its variants). METHODS: We searched twelve electronic databases, supplemented with internet searches and forward and backward citation tracking from the included studies and review articles. Data were synthesised thematically following the Thomas and Harden approach. The CASP Qualitative Checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies of this review. RESULTS: Our search strategy identified a total of 5,282 citations and after removing duplicates and excluding citations based on title and abstract, and full-text screening, five studies were included in the review and meta-synthesis; all included studies were considered of acceptable quality. Through constant discussions and an iterative approach, we developed six analytical themes following a patient's journey from suspecting that they had a health problem, through to being hospitalised, experiencing ongoing difficulties, slowly recovering from GBS, adjusting to their new circumstances, and re-evaluating their lives. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the variety of experiences, it was evident from all included studies that being diagnosed with and surviving GBS was a life-changing experience for all participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Protocol was registered (CRD42019122199) on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).
BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy, with an incidence of 1-2/100,000 per year. Its severity is variable, ranging from very mild cases with brief weakness to severe paralysis, leading to inability to breathe independently, or even death. Currently there is limited evidence exploring the experiences of GBS patients. The aim of this study was to review patients' experiences and perceptions of GBS and its variants at diagnosis, discharge and during recovery, by conducting a systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies of patients' experiences of GBS (and its variants). METHODS: We searched twelve electronic databases, supplemented with internet searches and forward and backward citation tracking from the included studies and review articles. Data were synthesised thematically following the Thomas and Harden approach. The CASP Qualitative Checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies of this review. RESULTS: Our search strategy identified a total of 5,282 citations and after removing duplicates and excluding citations based on title and abstract, and full-text screening, five studies were included in the review and meta-synthesis; all included studies were considered of acceptable quality. Through constant discussions and an iterative approach, we developed six analytical themes following a patient's journey from suspecting that they had a health problem, through to being hospitalised, experiencing ongoing difficulties, slowly recovering from GBS, adjusting to their new circumstances, and re-evaluating their lives. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the variety of experiences, it was evident from all included studies that being diagnosed with and surviving GBS was a life-changing experience for all participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Protocol was registered (CRD42019122199) on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).
Authors: Joyce Roodbol; Marie-Claire Y de Wit; Femke K Aarsen; Coriene E Catsman-Berrevoets; Bart C Jacobs Journal: J Peripher Nerv Syst Date: 2014-06 Impact factor: 3.494
Authors: Allison Tong; Kate Flemming; Elizabeth McInnes; Sandy Oliver; Jonathan Craig Journal: BMC Med Res Methodol Date: 2012-11-27 Impact factor: 4.615
Authors: Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena; Joseph N A Akanuwe; Vanessa Botan; Despina Laparidou; Ffion Curtis; Jennifer Jackson; Zahid B Asghar; Timothy L Hodgson Journal: Health Expect Date: 2021-10-01 Impact factor: 3.377