Recurrence rates of meningiomas have been widely reported in the literature, but it remains challenging for clinicians to predict recurrence rate depending on treatment, patient demographics and tumor characteristics. To address these needs, we performed a systematic analysis of the literature to determine the recurrence rate ranges of meningiomas following surgery or radiation. Our search yielded 13 studies that met all criteria for inclusion, allowing us to include 1539 patients in the assessment. Recurrence rates ranged from 0.00 to 2.36 per 100-person-years for WHO grade I meningiomas; and from 7.35 to 11.46 per 100-person-years for WHO grade II meningiomas. Our findings suggest that (1) reported recurrence rates are variable and complicated by the heterogeneity of study populations; (2) as expected, WHO grade II meningiomas generally have a higher recurrence rate than WHO grade I, when controlling for time of diagnosis (by employing person-years); and (3) there is a need for more rigorous reporting of recurrence rates, WHO grade, and Simpson grading for individual patients in order to determine a robust mean of recurrence across WHO grades.

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We sought to design a touch tablet asthma questionnaire while identifying patient preferences for usability features of such questionnaires. We created an evidence-based prototype and employed rapid-cycle design (semi-structured focus group testing, analysis, corresponding modifications, re-testing) with asthma patients aged ⩾16 years. We analyzed transcripts using deductive and inductive content analysis. Quantitative measures included Likert-type-scale responses, the System Usability Scale, and questionnaire completion times. There were 20 participants across five focus groups (15/20 female, age 49.1 ± 15.6 years). Usability-related themes included (1) “Touch Technology” (hygiene, touch technology familiarity, ease of use) and (2) “Questionnaire Design” (visual characteristics, navigation). Completion time was 11.7 ± 5.9 min. Summative Likert-type scale responses suggested high system usability, as did a System Usability Scale score of 84.2 ± 14.7. In summary, Attention to specific technology- and design-related preferences can result in a highly usable patient-facing touch tablet questionnaire. Our findings can inform touch questionnaire design across other diseases.

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