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1.
PLoS One ; 15(12): e0243803, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33351820

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Research on how services can be adapted to meet the needs of people with dementia with an immigrant or minority ethnic background is scarce. Several approaches have been discussed: offering services adapted to language and culture, adding bilingual staff to mainstream services, and providing cultural awareness and sensitivity training to health personnel in mainstream services. This study seeks to develop more knowledge of challenges and possible adjustments related to receive and provide public care for people living with dementia with an immigrant or minority ethnic background. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Through a qualitative design, including 19 single interviews, 3 dyad interviews and 16 focus groups with older immigrants, relatives of immigrants with dementia, and health personnel, we explored experiences and perceptions related to receive and provide care for people with immigrant backgrounds living with dementia in Norway. The analysis were conducted inspired by Kvale and Brinkmann's three contexts of interpretations. RESULTS: Challenges related to language and communication were emphasized as the most fundamental barrier to provide adjusted care; exemplified through cases of isolation and agitation among patients not able to communicate. Care services framed by the majority culture creates feelings of alienation and exclusion. Not having access to specific types of food and the possibility to listen to songs, music, literature or TV programs representing a familiar and homely context may prevent use of public dementia care. Findings also point to differences in moral views regarding life-prolonging treatment in advanced stages of dementia. CONCLUSION: This study argues that to be able to address challenges related to migration-driven diversity one needs holistic care services that addresses individual as well as socio-cultural needs. A linguistically and culturally diverse workforce may represent an important resource, potentially reducing some of the problems related to communication. On a structural level, it seems necessary to allocate more time and resources, including the use of interpreters, when assessing and getting to know persons with dementia with another linguistic and cultural background. However, shared language does not guarantee understanding. Rather, one needs to become familiar with each person's way of being ill, on a cultural and individual level, including changes occurring living with progressive dementia. Getting to know a person and his/her family will also facilitate the possibility to ensure a more familiar and homely context. Thus, continuity in relation to language and culture is important, but continuity in relations may be equally important ensuring that people with dementia receive equitable care.


Subject(s)
Cultural Diversity , Dementia , Emigrants and Immigrants/statistics & numerical data , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Cultural Competency , Food , Humans , Language , Minority Groups
2.
Health Policy Plan ; 35(3): 354-363, 2020 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31965167

ABSTRACT

In sub-Saharan Africa, accessibility to affordable quality care is often poor and health expenditures are mostly paid out of pocket. Health insurance, protecting individuals from out-of-pocket health expenses, has been put forward as a means of enhancing universal health coverage. We explored the utilization of different types of healthcare providers and the factors associated with provider choice by insurance status in rural Nigeria. We analysed year-long weekly health diaries on illnesses and injuries (health episodes) for a sample of 920 individuals with access to a private subsidized health insurance programme. The weekly diaries capture not only catastrophic events but also less severe events that are likely underreported in surveys with longer recall periods. Individuals had insurance coverage during 34% of the 1761 reported health episodes, and they consulted a healthcare provider in 90% of the episodes. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that insurance coverage was associated with significantly higher utilization of formal health care: individuals consulted upgraded insurance programme facilities in 20% of insured episodes compared with 3% of uninsured episodes. Nonetheless, regardless of insurance status, most consultations involved an informal provider visit, with informal providers encompassing 73 and 78% of all consultations among insured and uninsured episodes, respectively, and individuals spending 54% of total annual out-of-pocket health expenditures at such providers. Given the high frequency at which individuals consult informal providers, their position within both the primary healthcare system and health insurance schemes should be reconsidered to reach universal health coverage.


Subject(s)
Health Expenditures/statistics & numerical data , Insurance, Health/statistics & numerical data , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Patient Preference/statistics & numerical data , Developing Countries , Female , Health Personnel/classification , Humans , Insurance Coverage/statistics & numerical data , Male , Medicine, Traditional/statistics & numerical data , Nigeria , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Pharmacies/statistics & numerical data , Rural Population
3.
Integr Cancer Ther ; 18: 1534735419878504, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31566009

ABSTRACT

Background: The majority of pediatric oncology patients report use of complementary and alternative medicine. Some naturopathic doctors (NDs) provide supportive pediatric oncology care; however, little information exists to formally describe this clinical practice. A survey was conducted with members of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP.org) to describe recommendations across four therapeutic domains: natural health products (NHPs), nutrition, physical medicine, and mental/emotional support. Results: We had 99 respondents with a wide variance of clinical experience and aptitude to treat children with cancer. Of the majority (52.5%) of respondents who choose not to treat these children, the three primary reasons for this are lack of public demand (45.1%), institutional or clinic restrictions (21.6%), and personal reasons/comfort (19.6%). The 10 most frequently considered NHPs by all NDs are fish-derived omega-3 fatty acid (83.3%), vitamin D (83.3%), probiotics (82.1%), melatonin (73.8%), vitamin C (72.6%), homeopathic Arnica (69.0%), turmeric/curcumin (67.9%), glutamine (66.7%), Astragalus membranaceus (64.3%), and Coriolus versicolor/PSK (polysaccharide K) extracts (61.9%). The top 5 nutritional recommendations are anti-inflammatory diets (77.9%), dairy restriction (66.2%), Mediterranean diet (66.2%), gluten restriction (61.8%), and ketogenic diet (57.4%). The top 5 physical modality interventions are exercise (94.1%), acupuncture (77.9%), acupressure (72.1%), craniosacral therapy (69.1%), and yoga (69.1%). The top 5 mental/emotional interventions are meditation (79.4%), art therapy (77.9%), mindfulness-based stress reduction (70.6%), music therapy (70.6%), and visualization therapy (67.6%). Conclusion: The results of our clinical practice survey highlight naturopathic interventions across four domains with a strong rationale for further inquiry in the care of children with cancer.


Subject(s)
Medical Oncology/statistics & numerical data , Naturopathy/statistics & numerical data , Neoplasms/therapy , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Ambulatory Care Facilities/statistics & numerical data , Attitude of Health Personnel , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Surveys and Questionnaires/statistics & numerical data , Young Adult
4.
BMC Health Serv Res ; 18(1): 352, 2018 05 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29747647

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Limited information is available regarding the profile and clinical practice characteristics of the osteopathy workforce in Australia. This paper reports such information by analysing data from a nationally-representative sample of Australian osteopaths. METHODS: Data was obtained from a workforce survey of Australian osteopathy, investigating the characteristics of the practitioner, their practice, clinical management features and perceptions regarding research. The survey questionnaire was distributed to all registered osteopaths across Australia in 2016 as part of the Osteopathy Research and Innovation Network (ORION) project. RESULTS: A total of 992 Australian osteopaths participated in this study representing a response rate of 49.1%. The average age of the participants was 38.0 years with 58.1% being female and the majority holding a Bachelor or higher degree qualification related to the osteopathy professional. Approximately 80.0% of the osteopaths were practicing in an urban area, with most osteopaths working in multi-practitioner locations, having referral relationships with a range of health care practitioners, managing patients a number of musculoskeletal disorders, and providing multi-model treatment options. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 3.9 million patients were estimated to consult with osteopaths every year and an average of approximate 3.0 million hours were spent delivering osteopathy services per year. Further research is required to provide rich, in-depth examination regarding a range of osteopathy workforce issues which will help ensure safe, effective patient care to all receiving and providing treatments as part of the broader Australian health system.


Subject(s)
Osteopathic Medicine/statistics & numerical data , Osteopathic Physicians/statistics & numerical data , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Australia , Delivery of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Educational Status , Female , Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Interprofessional Relations , Male , Musculoskeletal Diseases/therapy , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data , Research Design , Surveys and Questionnaires
5.
Lima; s.n; 2018. 1-69 p. tab, graf.
Thesis in Spanish | MTYCI, LILACS | ID: biblio-1147056

ABSTRACT

Existe gran demanda por el parto vertical intercultural, la oferta esta instaurada hacia mujeres andinas y amazónicas porque el ente rector ha oficializado su atención, sin embargo es muy poco lo que se conoce respecto a la satisfacción de las usuarias de estos servicios, por lo que el presente estudio se propuso como objetivo, "Determinar el nivel de satisfacción en la atención del parto vertical intercultural en usuarias del Programa SIS, atendidas en el Centro de Salud de Tambo, 2018", bajo un método estudio no experimental, de diseño descriptivo, técnica encuesta, se obtuvo los siguientes resultados: Respecto a la "recepción con amabilidad y respeto" 77 % reporta satisfacción "bueno", 20% indica satisfacción "regular, un 30% que opinaron "regular" satisfacción referido al "trato profesional" , respecto al "Ambiente de sala de parto, amplio, fuera de ruido" 70% reporta satisfacción "bueno", 20% indica satisfacción "regular", en relación a si "preguntan conocimientos y prácticas acerca del parto de parte de la parturienta, familiares" 40 % reporta satisfacción "bueno", 20% indica satisfacción "regular". Respecto si "Motivan la participación de la pareja madre, hermana para apoyar a la hora del parto" 46% refiere satisfacción "buena", un 27% "regular y un 4% deficiente. Al "Uso de infusiones con hierbas que dan calor a la mujer en el parto" 67% refiere "buena" y 27% "regular". Al "Uso de fuerza con manos en soga, pies en suelo, apoyo de fuerza por un familiar desde la espalda", 33% reporto "buena y 46% "regular". En conclusión el grado de satisfacción en general es 70% "bueno" respecto a la Atención del Parto Vertical Intercultural en usuarias del Programa del Seguro Integral de Salud (SIS) en el Centro de Salud de Tambo.


Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Parturition , Culturally Competent Care , Peru , Women's Health , Health of Indigenous Peoples , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Medicine, Traditional
6.
Health Policy Plan ; 32(1): 91-101, 2017 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27497140

ABSTRACT

Indonesia has seen an emergence of local health care financing schemes over the last decade, implemented and operated by district governments. Often motivated by the local political context and characterized by a large degree of heterogeneity in scope and design, the common objective of the district schemes is to address the coverage gaps for the informal sector left by national social health insurance programs. This paper investigates the effect of these local health care financing schemes on access to health care and financial protection. Using data from a unique survey among District Health Offices, combined with data from the annual National Socioeconomic Surveys, the study is based on a fixed effects analysis for a panel of 262 districts over the period 2004-10, exploiting variation in local health financing reforms across districts in terms of type of reform and timing of implementation. Although the schemes had a modest impact on average, they do seem to have provided some contribution to closing the coverage gap, by increasing outpatient utilization for households in the middle quintiles that tend to fall just outside the target population of the national subsidized programs. However, there seems to be little effect on hospitalization or financial protection, indicating the limitations of local health care financing policies. In addition, we see effect heterogeneity across districts due to differences in design features.


Subject(s)
Government Programs/statistics & numerical data , Health Care Reform/economics , Healthcare Financing , Patient Care/economics , Government Programs/organization & administration , Humans , Indonesia , National Health Programs/economics , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires
7.
Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr ; 82(7): 394-400, 2014 Jul.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25014202

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In Germany a new and unique remuneration system for psychiatric and psychosomatic stationary treatments (PEPP system) was introduced in 2013 on an optional basis. From 2015 it will be mandatory for psychiatric and psychosomatic facilities. The introduction of the PEPP system brings up different questions regarding the possible incentives of the new remuneration system and its effects on the supply of psychiatric and psychosomatic treatments. To conduct these necessary analyses a reliable database is needed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The goal of the project "Indicators of patient care in Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Facilities" (VIPP project) is to gather a representative database which reflects the situation of day-to-day patient care performed by German psychiatric and psychosomatic facilities. The §â€Š21 data set represents the basis of this database which will be complemented by other data sources (i. e., financial statements and other economic data). A number of more than 100 ,000 cases per year has already been exceeded. These case data were provided by a wide range of psychiatric hospitals, departments and universities that participate in this project. The dataset is anonymised and by pooling the data it is not possible to identify the cases of a specific clinic. Participants receive a web-based access and have the possibility to analyse the data independently. RESULTS: Using the examples of coding accuracy and rehospitalisation rates the variety as well as the enormous potential of this database can be demonstrated. DISCUSSION: On the base of the VIPP database valid patient care indicators can be identified and cross-sectional analyses can be conducted. From such results key data on health economic strategies can be derived and the incentives, strengths and limitations of this constantly changing system can be identified.


Subject(s)
Health Facilities/statistics & numerical data , Mental Disorders/therapy , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Psychiatry/statistics & numerical data , Psychophysiologic Disorders/therapy , Psychosomatic Medicine/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Databases, Factual , Geriatrics/legislation & jurisprudence , Geriatrics/statistics & numerical data , Germany , Humans , Psychiatry/legislation & jurisprudence , Psychosomatic Medicine/legislation & jurisprudence , Quality of Health Care
8.
Spinal Cord ; 51(1): 33-9, 2013 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22801190

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Survey. OBJECTIVES: Describe and compare the organisation and delivery of rehabilitation services and systems of care for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: International. Nine spinal rehabilitation units that manage traumatic SCI and non-traumatic SCI (NTSCI) patients. METHODS: Survey based on clinical expertise and literature review. Completed between November 2010 and April 2011. RESULTS: All units reported public/government funding. Additional funding sources included compensation schemes, private insurance and self funding. Six units had formal attachment to an acute SCI unit. Five units (Italy, Ireland, India, Pakistan and Switzerland) provided a national service; two units (the Netherlands and USA) provided regional and two units (Australia and Canada) provided state/provincial services. The median number of SCI rehabilitation beds was 23 (interquartile range=16-30). All units admitted both traumatic SCI and NTSCI patients. The median proportion of patients admitted who had traumatic SCI was 45% (IQR 20-48%) and 40% (IQR 30-42%) had NTSCI. The rehabilitation team in all centres determined patient readiness for discharge. There was great variability between units in the availability of SCI speciality services, ancillary services and staff/patient ratios. CONCLUSION: There was a wide range of differences in the organisation, systems of care and services available for patients with SCI in rehabilitation units in different countries. Understanding these differences is important when comparing patient outcomes from different settings. A standardised collection of these system variables should be considered as part of future studies and could be included in the ISCoS data set project.


Subject(s)
Rehabilitation Centers/organization & administration , Spinal Cord Injuries/rehabilitation , Benchmarking , Delivery of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Diagnosis-Related Groups , Health Care Surveys , Hospitals , Humans , Insurance, Health/statistics & numerical data , National Health Programs/statistics & numerical data , Nurses/statistics & numerical data , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Physical Therapists/statistics & numerical data , Quality Improvement , Rehabilitation, Vocational/statistics & numerical data , Spinal Cord Injuries/epidemiology , Spinal Cord Injuries/nursing , Treatment Outcome , Urodynamics , Workforce
9.
Teach Learn Med ; 24(4): 303-8, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23035996

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners administers the COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE, an assessment of clinical skills of osteopathic medical students. This evaluation includes developing a patient care plan. PURPOSE: Based on one simulated case, we investigated the appropriateness and cost of care and quantified their relationship to performance. METHODS: Four hundred sixty-seven postencounter notes were coded for appropriateness using expert physician judgments and for cost of care using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data. Various outcome measures were correlated with physician scores. RESULTS: In this case, candidates recommended an average of 5.6 interventions with an average cost of $227 and appropriateness rating of 2.4 on a 1 (indicated) to 4 (potentially dangerous) scale. Total cost and inappropriateness of actions were negatively correlated with candidate scores (r = -.208, p < .0001 and r = -.318, p < .0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this investigation provide some evidence to support the validity of physician note ratings of patient care plans and demonstrate the need to include these principles in medical education.


Subject(s)
Clinical Competence/statistics & numerical data , Health Care Costs/statistics & numerical data , Osteopathic Physicians/statistics & numerical data , Patient Care/economics , Adult , Clinical Competence/economics , Clinical Competence/standards , Educational Status , Female , Humans , Male , Osteopathic Physicians/economics , Osteopathic Physicians/standards , Patient Care/standards , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Primary Health Care/economics , Primary Health Care/statistics & numerical data , United States , Young Adult
10.
Int Perspect Sex Reprod Health ; 38(3): 133-42, 2012 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23018135

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The availability of trained abortion providers is limited in India. Allowing ayurvedic physicians and nurses to perform medication abortions may improve women's access to the procedure, but it is unclear whether these clinicians can provide these services safely and effectively. METHODS: Allopathic physicians, ayurvedic physicians and nurses (10 of each), none of whom had experience in abortion provision, were trained to perform medication abortions. In 2008-2010, these providers performed medication abortions in five clinics in Bihar and Jharkhand for 1,225 women with a pregnancy of up to eight weeks' gestation. A two-sided equivalence design was used to test whether providers' assessments of client eligibility and completeness of abortion matched those of an experienced physician "verifier," and whether medication abortions performed by nurses and ayurvedic physicians were as safe and effective as those done by allopathic physicians. RESULTS: Failure rates were low (5-6%), and those for nurses and ayurvedic physicians were statistically equivalent to those for allopathic physicians. Provider assessments of client eligibility and completeness of abortion differed from those of the verifier in only a small proportion of cases (3-4% for eligibility and 4-5% for completeness); these proportions, and rates of loss to follow-up, were statistically equivalent among provider types. No serious complications were observed, and services by all three groups of providers were acceptable to women. CONCLUSION: Findings support amending existing laws to improve women's access to medication abortion by expanding the provider base to include ayurvedic physicians and nurses.


Subject(s)
Abortifacient Agents , Abortion, Legal/legislation & jurisprudence , Health Policy , Medicine, Ayurvedic , Nurses/legislation & jurisprudence , Physicians/legislation & jurisprudence , Abortion, Induced/legislation & jurisprudence , Abortion, Induced/statistics & numerical data , Abortion, Legal/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Confidence Intervals , Feasibility Studies , Female , Health Services Accessibility , Health Services Needs and Demand , Humans , India , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Pregnancy , Safety/statistics & numerical data , Women's Health
11.
Health Technol Assess ; 16(14): 1-188, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22449757

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: EOS is a biplane X-ray imaging system manufactured by EOS Imaging (formerly Biospace Med, Paris, France). It uses slot-scanning technology to produce a high-quality image with less irradiation than standard imaging techniques. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of EOS two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) X-ray imaging system for the evaluation and monitoring of scoliosis and other relevant orthopaedic conditions. DATA SOURCES: For the systematic review of EOS, electronic databases (MEDLINE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, BIOSIS Previews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Health Management Information Consortium, Inspec, ISI Science Citation Index and PASCAL), clinical trials registries and the manufacturer's website were searched from 1993 to November 2010. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review of studies comparing EOS with standard X-ray [film, computed radiography (CR) or digital radiography] in any orthopaedic condition was performed. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. A decision-analytic model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of EOS in the relevant indications compared with standard X-ray and incorporated the clinical effectiveness of EOS and the adverse effects of radiation. The model incorporated a lifetime horizon to estimate outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs from the perspective of the NHS. RESULTS: Three studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Two studies compared EOS with film X-ray and one study compared EOS with CR. The three included studies were small and of limited quality. One study used an earlier version of the technology, the Charpak system. Both studies comparing EOS with film X-ray found image quality to be comparable or better with EOS overall. Radiation dose was considerably lower with EOS: ratio of means for posteroanterior spine was 5.2 (13.1 for the study using the Charpak system); ratio of means for the lateral spine was 6.2 (15.1 for the study using the Charpak system). The study comparing EOS with CR found image quality to be comparable or better with EOS. Radiation dose was considerably lower with EOS than CR; ratio of means for the centre of the back was 5.9 and for the proximal lateral point 8.8. The lowest ratio of means was at the nape of the neck, which was 2.9. No other outcomes were assessed in the included studies, such as implications for patient management from the nature and quality of the image. Patient throughput is the major determinant of the cost-effectiveness of EOS. The average cost per procedure of EOS decreases with utilisation. Using estimates of patient throughput at national level from Hospital Episode Statistics data suggests that EOS is not cost-effective for the indications considered. Throughput in the region of 15,100 to 26,500 (corresponding to a workload of 60 to 106 patient appointments per working day) for EOS compared with a throughput of only 7530 for CR (30 patient appointments per working day) is needed to achieve an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £30,000 per QALY. EOS can be shown to be cost-effective only when compared with CR if the utilisation for EOS is about double the utilisation of CR. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of the systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of EOS was the limited number and quality of the data available. In particular, there were no studies assessing the potential health benefits arising from the quality and nature of the image, over and above those associated with reduced radiation exposure. Uncertainty in the model inputs was not fully explored owing to a lack of reporting of standard deviations or confidence intervals in the published literature for most of the parameters. As a result, uncertainty in the cost-effectiveness results was not presented. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation dose is considerably lower with EOS than standard X-ray, whereas image quality remains comparable or better with EOS. However, the long-term health benefits from reduced radiation exposure with EOS are very small and there was a lack of data on other potential patient health benefits. The implications of any changes in the quality and nature of the EOS image compared with standard X-ray, for patient health outcomes, needs to be assessed. Given the higher cost of an EOS machine, utilisation is the major determinant of cost-effectiveness. Estimates of patient throughput at national level suggest that EOS is not cost-effective. FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.


Subject(s)
Equipment Safety/statistics & numerical data , Imaging, Three-Dimensional/adverse effects , Neoplasms/etiology , Radiography/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Equipment Safety/instrumentation , Equipment Safety/methods , Female , Humans , Iatrogenic Disease , Imaging, Three-Dimensional/economics , Imaging, Three-Dimensional/instrumentation , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , Musculoskeletal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Quality-Adjusted Life Years , Radiography/economics , Radiography/instrumentation , Risk Assessment , Sex Factors , Technology Assessment, Biomedical , Time Factors , United Kingdom , Young Adult
12.
Pharm Stat ; 10(5): 454-60, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21956949

ABSTRACT

The increasing concern of antibacterial resistance has been well documented, as has the relative lack of antibiotic development. This paradox is in part due to challenges with clinical development of antibiotics. Because of their rapid progression, untreated bacterial infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. As a consequence, placebo-controlled studies of new agents are unethical. Rather, pivotal development studies are mostly conducted using non-inferiority designs versus an active comparator. Further, infections because of comparator-resistant isolates must usually be excluded from the trial programme. Unfortunately, the placebo-controlled data classically used in support of non-inferiority designs are largely unavailable for antibiotics. The only available data are from the 1930s and 1940s and their use is associated with significant concerns regarding constancy and assay sensitivity. Extended public debate on this challenge has led to proposed solutions by some in which these concerns are addressed by using very conservative approaches to trial design, endpoints and non-inferiority margins, in some cases leading to potentially impractical studies. To compound this challenge, different Regulatory Authorities seem to be taking different approaches to these key issues. If harmonisation does not occur, antibiotic development will become increasingly challenging, with the risk of further decreases in the amount of antibiotic drug development. However with clarity on Regulatory requirements and an ability to feasibly conduct global development programmes, it should be possible to bring much needed additional antibiotics to patients.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Bacterial Infections/drug therapy , Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/methods , Research Design/statistics & numerical data , Bacterial Infections/metabolism , Confidence Intervals , Control Groups , Drug Industry/methods , Drug Industry/standards , Drug Resistance, Microbial , Drug Resistance, Multiple , Drug and Narcotic Control , Humans , Internationality , Odds Ratio , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Placebos , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/statistics & numerical data , Sensitivity and Specificity , Treatment Outcome
13.
Patient Educ Couns ; 82(2): 214-21, 2011 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20418047

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To test construct validity of humanistic clinical skills measured by a medical licensure performance examination using multitrait-multimethod confirmatory factor analysis. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-seven third- and fourth-year undergraduate osteopathic medical students in 2007-2008 were randomly sampled. The Global Patient Assessment Tool (GPAT), designed to assess professionalism, interpersonal relationship, and doctor-patient communication was tested under two measurement methods: standard examination ratings and peer performance ratings of the same examinee. Two concurrent validity factors (data gathering and written patient notes) were included. RESULTS: Convergent validity was supported under the two methods of scoring. Moderate to strong correlations among trait factors indicated weak discriminate validity. Method effects were indicated. The relationship between GPAT and two concurrent validity factors indicate measures of relatively different constructs. CONCLUSION: Evidence of construct validity for the GPAT indicate scores should be interpreted as measuring a humanistic clinical skills construct consisting of homogeneous measures of professionalism, interpersonal relationship, and physician-patient communication. Findings are consistent with the interpretation and use of the GPAT as an important part of medical licensure examinations. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The implications to medical licensure standardized-patient examinations are discussed in terms of the GPAT as a valid measure of medical students' humanistic clinical skills.


Subject(s)
Clinical Competence/statistics & numerical data , Educational Measurement/statistics & numerical data , Humanism , Licensure, Medical/statistics & numerical data , Patient Care/psychology , Physician-Patient Relations , Chi-Square Distribution , Communication , Education, Medical, Undergraduate , Educational Status , Empathy , Female , Humans , Male , Models, Educational , Osteopathic Medicine/education , Osteopathic Medicine/statistics & numerical data , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Reproducibility of Results , United States
14.
BMC Complement Altern Med ; 10: 26, 2010 Jun 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20546582

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is growing in popularity, especially within the pediatric population. Research on CAM practitioners and their specialties, such as pediatrics, is lacking. Within the chiropractic profession, pediatrics is one of the most recently established post-graduate specialty programs. This paper describes the demographic and practice characteristics of doctors of chiropractic with a pediatric diplomate. METHODS: 218 chiropractors with a pediatric diplomate were invited to complete our survey using either web-based or mailed paper survey methods. Practitioner demographics, practice characteristics, treatment procedures, referral patterns, and patient characteristics were queried with a survey created with the online survey tool, SurveyMonkey. RESULTS: A total of 135 chiropractors responded (62.2% response rate); they were predominantly female (74%) and white (93%). Techniques most commonly used were Diversified, Activator, and Thompson with the addition of cranial and extremity manipulation to their chiropractic treatments. Adjunctive therapies commonly provided to patients included recommendations for activities of daily living, corrective or therapeutic exercise, ice pack\cryotherapy, and nutritional counseling. Thirty eight percent of respondents' patients were private pay and 23% had private insurance that was not managed care. Pediatrics represented 31% of the survey respondents' patients. Chiropractors also reported 63% of their work time devoted to direct patient care. Health conditions reportedly treated within the pediatric population included back or neck pain, asthma, birth trauma, colic, constipation, ear infection, head or chest cold, and upper respiratory infections. Referrals made to or from these chiropractors were uncommon. CONCLUSIONS: This mixed mode survey identified similarities and differences between doctors of chiropractic with a pediatric diplomate to other surveys of doctors of chiropractic, CAM professionals, and pediatric healthcare providers. The pediatric diplomate certificate was established in 1993 and provides didactic education over a 2 to 3 year span. The results of this study can be used for historical information as this specialty continues to grow.


Subject(s)
Chiropractic/statistics & numerical data , Complementary Therapies/statistics & numerical data , Pediatrics/statistics & numerical data , Professional Practice/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Delivery of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Female , Health Care Surveys , Health Expenditures , Health Promotion , Humans , Male , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data
15.
Int J Cancer ; 121(4): 871-7, 2007 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17417782

ABSTRACT

In the present study, self-reported health care utilization of cancer survivors is compared with those of an age- and gender-matched normative population and predictors of health care utilization are identified. A population-based, cross-sectional survey among 1893 long-term survivors of endometrial and prostate cancer and malignant lymphomas (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's) diagnosed between 1989 and 1998 was conducted using the cancer registry of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre South. Cancer survivors visited their general practitioner somewhat more often compared to the age and gender-matched general Dutch population but this effect was not always statistically significant. In addition, they visited their medical specialist significantly more often. Survivors only sporadically (0-3%) visited or required a dietician, sexologist, oncology nurse, pastor, creative therapy or recovery program. Contact with a psychologist, physiotherapist and other cancer survivors took place somewhat more often. Patients visited a medical specialist less often if they were diagnosed with endometrial cancer (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.1-0.5), if they were diagnosed between 10-15 years ago (OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.1-0.5) and if they were not married or divorced (OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3-0.9). Contact with a psychologist was related to having a university or college degree (OR = 3.6; 95% CI = 1.3-9.4). Cancer survivors visited their specialist more often compared to the normative population. Changes in health care, such as less administrative work for the specialist and more efficiency, are probably necessary in order to cope adequately with the increasing demand on the system.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms/therapy , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Survivors , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cancer Care Facilities/statistics & numerical data , Case-Control Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Endometrial Neoplasms/therapy , Female , Hodgkin Disease/therapy , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Netherlands , Population Surveillance , Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy
16.
Rev. bras. nutr. clín ; 20(4): 287-292, oct.-dic. 2005. tab
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: lil-552247

ABSTRACT

Introdução: A terapia nutricional enteral domiciliar (TNED) é a continuação da administração hospitalar de fórmulas enterais via sonda no ambiente domiciliar. o retorno para o domicílio implica em mudanças na vida cotidiana da família que podem interferir na qualidade de vida (QV) do doente e do cuidador. Objetivo: Fazer uma revisão da literatura sobre a QV de pacientes e cuidadores em TNED, visto o grande aumento deste tipo de terapia nos últimos anos. Resultados: Alguns estudos sugerem que a QV dos pacientes em TNED esteja prejudicada, porém há alguns aspectos clínicos e psicológicos que podem melhorar com o uso prolongado da mesma. Em relação aos cuidadores, a demanda de cuidados, a sobrecarga e o estresse vivido por eles sugerem que a QV esteja comprometida. É indispensável o treinamento e o acompanhamento dos pacientes e cuidadores para o sucesso da terapia, bem como a criação de instrumentos específicos que avaliem a QV em TNED, para melhor compreensão dos fatores envolvidos na mesma.


Introduction: home enteral nutrition therapy (TNED) is the continuation of hospital administration of enteral formulas via tube in the home environment. return to the home involves changes in the daily life of family that can interfere with quality of life (QOL) of the patient and caregiver. Objective: To review the literature on QOL of patients and caregivers TNED since the big increase in this type of therapy in recent years. Results: Some studies suggest that QOL of patients in TNED is impaired, but there are some clinical and psychological aspects that may improve with prolonged use of it. As for caregivers, the demand for care, the burden and stress experienced by them suggest that QOL is compromised. It is essential to the training and monitoring of patients and caregivers for successful therapy, as well as the creation of specific instruments to assess QOL in TNED to better understand the factors involved in it.


Introducción: La terapia de nutrición enteral domiciliaria (TNED) es la continuación de la administración del hospital de fórmulas enterales través de una sonda en el ambiente del hogar. volver a la casa implica cambios en la vida cotidiana de la familia que pueden interferir con la calidad de vida (CDV) del paciente y el cuidador. Objetivo: Revisar la literatura sobre la calidad de vida de los pacientes y cuidadores TNED ya que el gran incremento en este tipo de terapia en los últimos años. Resultados: Algunos estudios sugieren que calidad de vida de los pacientes en TNED se vea afectado, pero hay algunos aspectos clínicos y psicológicos que pueden mejorar con el uso prolongado de la misma. En cuanto a los cuidadores, la demanda de atención, la carga y el estrés experimentado por ellos sugieren que la calidad de vida se ve comprometida. Es fundamental la capacitación y seguimiento de los pacientes y cuidadores para una terapia exitosa, así como la creación de instrumentos específicos para evaluar la calidad de vida en TNED para comprender mejor los factores que intervienen en ella.


Subject(s)
Humans , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Patient Care , Caregivers , Quality of Life , Nutrition Therapy/statistics & numerical data , Nutrition Therapy , Enteral Nutrition
17.
Rev. otorrinolaringol. cir. cabeza cuello ; 59(2): 93-100, ago. 1999. tab, graf
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-269568

ABSTRACT

Presentamos una análisis estadístico de los egresos e intervenciones quirúrgicas realizadas en el servicio de otorrinolaringología del Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente de Concepción en el período 1993-1997. Se estudia un total de 8.275 egresos y 9.607 cirugías y/o procedimientos, analizando las características de los pacientes, patologías e intervenciones más frecuentes


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant, Newborn , Infant , Child, Preschool , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Patient Discharge/statistics & numerical data , Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases/surgery , Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, State/statistics & numerical data , Anesthesia, General , Anesthesia, Local , Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data
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