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The clinical utility of elective flexible bronchoscopy to improve outcomes for children: a systematic review.
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  • Rahul Thomas J,
  • Stephanie Yerkovich,
  • Vikas Goyal,
  • Anne Chang,
  • Cameron Rutter,
  • Ian Masters,
  • Julie Marchant
Rahul Thomas J
Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Stephanie Yerkovich
Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation
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Vikas Goyal
Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation
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Anne Chang
Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation
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Cameron Rutter
Queensland University of Technology
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Ian Masters
Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation
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Julie Marchant
Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation
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Abstract

Introduction: Elective flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is now widely available and standard practice for a variety of indications in children with respiratory conditions. However, there is limited evidence regarding the utility of elective FB in children. This systematic review aimed to determine the utility of FB on its impact in clinical decision making and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods: We searched Pubmed, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Embase, World Health Organisation Clinical Trials Registry Platform and Cochrane database of systematic reviews from inception to 20 th April 2023. We included systematic reviews (SRs) and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that used parallel group design (comparing use of elective FB versus no FB, or a wait-list approach [early FB versus usual wait FB]) in children aged ≤ 18 years. Our protocol was prospectively registered and used Cochrane methodology for systemic reviews of interventions. Results: Our search identified 859 articles; 102 duplicates were removed, and 753 articles were excluded by title and abstract. Four full text articles were reviewed and subsequently excluded, as none met the inclusion criteria outlined in our PICO framework. Conclusions: Given the paucity of data, there is need for high-quality evidence to support the routine use of elective FB in children with respiratory conditions. We recommend clinicians adhere to current international guidelines until such evidence emerges. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021291305.
10 Jul 2023Submitted to Pediatric Pulmonology
11 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
11 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
20 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
22 Sep 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
23 Jan 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
09 Feb 20242nd Revision Received
15 Feb 2024Editorial Decision: Accept