Oral hypofunction and social aspects in older adults visiting frailty outpatient clinic.

BACKGROUND: Oral and social problems can exacerbate long-term care. Understanding the relationship between social aspects and oral hypofunction can help identify high-risk factors for long-term care. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the social aspects of oral hypofunction among medical outpatients. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients who visited an outpatient clinic for frailty. The oral function was assessed using seven items: oral hygiene, occlusal force, masticatory function, tongue-lip motor function, tongue pressure, oral dryness and swallowing function. Participants with three or more functional declines were classified as having 'oral hypofunction'. Social aspects were assessed using 21 items in four categories: general resources, basic social needs, social resources and social behaviours/activities. We analysed the relationship between oral hypofunction and each social aspect. RESULTS: A total of 316 participants (age 78.5 ± 6.4 years) were included, and 128 (41%) had oral hypofunction. Participants with oral hypofunction were significantly more likely to have limited education, require long-term care, not use transportation, depend on others for shopping, not participate in events, lack association membership and not engage in charity or volunteer work. After logistic regression analysis, 'long-term care' and 'no association membership' remained significantly associated with oral hypofunction (odds ratios 2.3, 2.3; 95% CI 1.1-5.0, 1.1-4.7, respectively). CONCLUSION: Participants with oral hypofunction faced challenges in 'general resources' and 'social behaviour/activities', which were linked to oral function issues. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to further investigate this relationship.

Evaluation of no-show rate in outpatient clinics with open access scheduling system: A systematic review.

Background: Patients' missed appointments can cause interference in the functions of the clinics and the visit of other patients. One of the most effective strategies to solve the problem of no-show rate is the use of an open access scheduling system (OA). This systematic review was conducted with the aim of investigating the impact of OA on the rate of no-show of patients in outpatient clinics. Methods: Relevant articles in English were investigated based on the keywords in title and abstract using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and Google Scholar search engine (July 23, 2023). The articles using OA and reporting the no-show rate were included. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) review articles, opinion, and letters, (2) inpatient scheduling system articles, and (3) modeling or simulating OA articles. Data were extracted from the selected articles about such issues as study design, outcome measures, interventions, results, and quality score. Findings: From a total of 23,403 studies, 16 articles were selected. The specialized fields included family medicine (62.5%, 10), pediatrics (25%, four), ophthalmology, podiatric, geriatrics, internal medicine, and primary care (6.25%, one). Of 16 articles, 10 papers (62.5%) showed a significant decrease in the no-show rate. In four articles (25%), the no-show rate was not significantly reduced. In two papers (12.5%), there were no significant changes. Conclusions: According to this study results, it seems that in most outpatient clinics, the use of OA by considering some conditions such as conducting needs assessment and system design based on the patients' and providers' actual needs, and cooperating of all system stakeholders through consistent training caused a significant decrease in the no-show rate.

[The possibilities and advantages of conducting multicenter clinical trials on the basis of outpatient clinics in Moscow].

The article presents the special role of the outpatient unit (urban polyclinics) in the system of urban medical organizations, which has significant development potential in the field of clinical research. This activity became possible due to the systematic work on equipping outpatient clinics with the most modern diagnostic equipment, the availability of specialists trained in the organization and conduct of clinical trials according to the international rules of good clinical practice. A special value lies in the fact that the polyclinic network has an extensive database that includes millions of patients and provides the opportunity to perform the highest level of medical expertise and research.

Determinants of remote measurement-based care uptake in a safety net outpatient psychiatry department as part of learning health system transition.

Introduction: Behavioral measurement-based care (MBC) can improve patient outcomes and has also been advanced as a critical learning health system (LHS) tool for identifying and mitigating potential disparities in mental health treatment. However, little is known about the uptake of remote behavioral MBC in safety net settings, or possible disparities occurring in remote MBC implementation. Methods: This study uses electronic health record data to study variation in completion rates at the clinic and patient level of a remote MBC symptom measure tool during the first 6 months of implementation at three adult outpatient psychiatry clinics in a safety net health system. Provider-reported barriers to MBC adoption were also measured using repeated surveys at one of the three sites. Results: Out of 1219 patients who were sent an MBC measure request, uptake of completing at least one measure varied by clinic: General Adult Clinic, 38% (n = 262 of 696); Substance Use Clinic, 28% (n = 73 of 265); and Transitions Clinic, 17% (n = 44 of 258). Compared with White patients, Black and Portuguese or Brazilian patients had lower uptake. Older patients also had lower uptake. Spanish language of care was associated with much lower uptake at the patient level. Significant patient-level disparities in uptake persisted after adjusting for the clinic, mental health diagnoses, and number of measure requests sent. Providers cited time within visits and bandwidth in their workflow as the greatest consistent barriers to discussing MBC results with patients. Conclusions: There are significant disparities in MBC uptake at the patient and clinic level. From an LHS data infrastructure perspective, safety net health systems may need to address the need for possible ways to adapt MBC to better fit their populations and clinical needs, or identify targeted implementation strategies to close data gaps for the identified disparity populations.

Use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to Assess the Effectiveness of Hybrid Psychiatric Visits.

OBJECTIVE: Little empirical evidence exists to support the effectiveness of hybrid psychiatric care, defined as care delivered through a combination of telephone, videoconferencing, and in-person visits. The authors aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hybrid psychiatric care compared with outpatient waitlist groups, assessed with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). METHOD: Participants were recruited from an adult psychiatry clinic waitlist on which the most common primary diagnoses were unipolar depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. Patients (N=148) were randomly assigned to one of two waitlist groups that completed PROMs once or monthly before treatment initiation. PROMs were used to assess symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), and daily psychological functioning (Brief Adjustment Scale-6 [BASE-6]). Patient measures were summarized descriptively with means, medians, and SDs and then compared by using the Kruskal-Wallis test; associated effect sizes were calculated. PROM scores for patients who received hybrid psychiatric treatment during a different period (N=272) were compared with scores of the waitlist groups. RESULTS: PROM assessments of patients who engaged in hybrid care indicated significant improvements in symptom severity compared with the waitlist groups, regardless of the number of PROMs completed while patients were on the waitlist. Between the hybrid care and waitlist groups, the effect size for the PHQ-9 score was moderate (d=0.66); effect sizes were small for the GAD-7 (d=0.46) and BASE-6 (d=0.45) scores. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate the clinical effectiveness of hybrid care and that PROMs can be used to assess this effectiveness.

Exploring society-to-cells resilience among community members: A multidisciplinary study in outpatient clinics with diverse participant demographics.

AIM: This study explores and understands community members' resilience in outpatient clinics, considering various dimensions and types of resilience. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study was conducted in Saudi outpatient clinics from September to December 2023 and included 384 individuals chosen through systematic random sampling. Various tools were used, such as Social Cohesion and Trust Scale, Community Resilience Assessment Tool, Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences, Environmental Resilience Assessment, Economic Resilience Index, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, Resilience Scale for Adults and Healthcare Resilience Index. RESULTS: Participants displayed a robust overall resilience level, as indicated by Total Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale score of 63.0 ± 9.0. Additionally, they demonstrated commendable levels of resilience in Total Brief Resilience Scale (56.04 ± 8.6), Resilience Scale for Adults (82.5 ± 7.2) and Healthcare Resilience Index (45.8 ± 5.5). These findings offer significant insights into psychological and emotional well-being of the study population, highlighting their adaptive capacities and coping mechanisms across various life domains. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the multidimensional nature of resilience in outpatient settings. The cross-sectional design sets the groundwork for future longitudinal investigations, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to understanding and promoting resilience. IMPACT: This study holds immediate implications for participants and their communities. It underscores the adaptive capacities and coping mechanisms prevalent in the outpatient population by revealing commendable resilience levels. This insight enhances individuals' psychological and emotional well-being, contributing positively to the overall resilience and communal strength. Additionally, this study sheds light on how resilience among community members in Saudi Arabia relates to international advanced nursing communities, providing insight into their work. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients who have received outpatient services in the past 6 months were purposively chosen to ensure a diverse representation across age, gender and socio-economic backgrounds in this study.

Effectiveness of a self-determination theory-based smoking cessation intervention plus instant messaging via mobile application for smokers with cancer: Protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite evidence that patients living with cancer who continue to smoke after diagnosis are at higher risk for all-cause mortality and reduced treatment efficacy, many cancer patients continue to smoke. This protocol is for a study to test the effectiveness of a self-determination theory-based intervention (quit immediately or progressively) plus instant messaging (WhatsApp or WeChat) to help smokers with cancer to quit smoking. DESIGN: This will be a multi-centre, two-arm (1:1), single-blind, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Taking part will be specialist outpatient clinics in five major hospitals in different location-based clusters in Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: The sample will include 1448 Chinese smokers living with cancer attending medical follow-ups at outpatient clinics. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group will receive brief advice (approximately 5-8 minutes) from research nurses in the outpatient clinics and then be invited to choose their own quit schedules (immediate or progressive). During the first 6-month follow-up period they will receive instant messaging with smoking cessation advice once per week for the first 3 months, and thereafter approximately once per month. They will also receive four videos, and those opting to quit progressively will receive a smoking reduction leaflet. The control group will also receive brief advice but be advised to quit immediately, and instant messaging with general health advice during the first 6-month follow-up period using the same schedule as the intervention group. Participants in both groups will receive smoking cessation leaflets. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome is biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 6 months, as confirmed by saliva cotinine level and carbon monoxide level in expired air. Secondary outcomes include biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 12 months, self-reported 7-day point prevalence of smoking abstinence at 6 and 12 months, self-reported ≥ 50% reduction of cigarette consumption at 6 and 12 months and quality of life at 6 and 12 months. All time-points for outcomes measures are set after randomization. COMMENTS: The results could inform research, policymaking and health-care professionals regarding smoking cessation for patients living with cancer, and therefore have important implications for clinical practice and health enhancement.

Analysis of antiretroviral therapy interruption in people living with HIV during the 2010-2021 Period. / [Artículo traducido] Análisis de la interrupción de la terapia antirretroviral en personas que viven con VIH/sida durante el periodo 2010­2021.

OBJECTIVE: In the context of the advancement of antiretroviral therapy and, as the characteristics of people living with HIV progress toward an aging population, understanding the causes of treatment interruption becomes crucial. The aim of the study was to determine the change in reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation for 12 years. Secondarily, compare annual antiretroviral regimen discontinuation rate and factors associated. METHODS: We conducted an analysis using data from people living with HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy and discontinued it for any reason. The study included people with HIV infection who visited an outpatient hospital pharmacy clinic from January 2010 to December 2021. Two periods were differentiated for the analysis: 2010-2015 and 2016-2021. The reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation followed classification described by Swiss cohort. In the context of this study, it is pertinent to note that the term 'interruption' will be consistently used in this article to refer to the act of switching or stopping antiretroviral treatment. To examine factors associated with antiretroviral therapy discontinuation, we utilized Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional models. RESULTS: We included 789 people living with HIV, predominantly male (81,5%). The main reason for discontinuation was clinical decision (50.2%) followed by adverse effects (37.9%). Focusing on clinical decision, we observed a trend change that went from antiretroviral treatment simplification regimen (56.1%) in the first part of the period analyzed to the therapeutic optimization (53.6%) in the second half. Furthermore, factors that were statistically significantly associated with antiretroviral treatment discontinuation were people with HIV ≥50 years (HR 1.60; 95%CI 1.25-2.04), post-discontinuation single-tablet regimen (HR 1.49; 95%CI 1.06-2.11) and antiretroviral drug classes. CONCLUSIONS: Over the 12 years there has been a change in the main cause of antiretroviral treatment discontinuation, currently therapeutic optimization being the main reason. Integrase inhibitors-based regimens and singletablet regimen strategies were less likely to be discontinued than others antiretroviral drug classes, allowing for better clinical management due to the efficacy profile, especially in people living with HIV ≥50 years with comorbidities.

Analysis of antiretroviral therapy interruption in people living with HIV during the 2010-2021 period.

INTRODUCTION: In the context of the advancement of antiretroviral therapy and as the characteristics of people living with HIV progress toward an ageing population, understanding the causes of treatment interruption becomes crucial. The aim of the study was to determine the change in reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation for 12 years. Secondarily, compare annual antiretroviral regimen discontinuation rate and factors associated. METHODS: We conducted an analysis using data from people living with HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy and discontinued it for any reason. The study included people with HIV infection who visited an outpatient hospital pharmacy clinic from January 2010 to December 2021. Two periods were differentiated for the analysis: 2010-2015 and 2016-2021. The reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation followed classification described by Swiss cohort. In the context of this study, it is pertinent to note that the term "discontinuation" is employed synonymously with "interruption". The term "discontinuation" will be consistently used in this article to refer to the act of switching or stopping antiretroviral treatment. To examine factors associated with antiretroviral therapy discontinuation, we utilised Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional models. RESULTS: We included 789 people living with HIV, predominantly male (81.5%). The main reason for discontinuation was clinical decision (50.2%) followed by adverse effects (37.9%). Focusing on clinical decision, we observed a trend change that went from antiretroviral treatment simplification regimen (56.1%) in the first part of the period analysed to the therapeutic optimisation (53.6%) in the second half. Furthermore, factors that were statistically significantly associated with antiretroviral treatment discontinuation were people with HIV≥50 years (HR 1.60; 95%CI 1.25-2.04), post-discontinuation single-tablet regimen (HR 1.49; 95%CI 1.06-2.11) and antiretroviral drug classes. CONCLUSION: Over the 12 years, there has been a change in the main cause of antiretroviral treatment discontinuation, currently therapeutic optimisation being the main reason. Integrase inhibitors-based regimens and single-tablet regimen strategies were less likely to be discontinued than others antiretroviral drug classes, allowing for better clinical management due to the efficacy profile, especially in people living with HIV≥50 years with comorbidities.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Palestinian Patients Attending Selected Governmental Hospitals: An Analysis of Hospital Records.

INTRODUCTION: Confronting the COVID-19 epidemic forced the closure or relocation of the majority of health facilities. It is likely that non-COVID-19 patients suffered collateral effects. METHODS: The clinic and operating room records were analyzed at selected Palestinian government hospitals in the West Bank region. RESULTS: The reduction in patient clinic visits varied from 49% to 90%, with Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT), urology, and pediatric clinics being the most affected. The reduction in operation numbers in the center (which had independent decision-making) ranged from 7.1% to 23.4%, but in the north and south (which followed centralized choices), the reduction ranged from 19.6% to 91.8%. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 affected outpatient visits. The pandemic affected some services, but West Bank hospitals were able to provide normal obstetric and gynecological treatments and help patients who needed primary or intermediate surgery.

Development of a novel dynamic nosocomial infection risk management method for COVID-19 in outpatient settings.

BACKGROUND: Application of accumulated experience and management measures in the prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has generally depended on the subjective judgment of epidemic intensity, with the quality of prevention and control management being uneven. The present study was designed to develop a novel risk management system for COVID-19 infection in outpatients, with the ability to provide accurate and hierarchical control based on estimated risk of infection. METHODS: Infection risk was estimated using an auto regressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA). Weekly surveillance data on influenza-like-illness (ILI) among outpatients at Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University and Baidu search data downloaded from the Baidu Index in 2021 and 22 were used to fit the ARIMA model. The ability of this model to estimate infection risk was evaluated by determining the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), with a Delphi process used to build consensus on hierarchical infection control measures. COVID-19 control measures were selected by reviewing published regulations, papers and guidelines. Recommendations for surface sterilization and personal protection were determined for low and high risk periods, with these recommendations implemented based on predicted results. RESULTS: The ARIMA model produced exact estimates for both the ILI and search engine data. The MAPEs of 20-week rolling forecasts for these datasets were 13.65% and 8.04%, respectively. Based on these two risk levels, the hierarchical infection prevention methods provided guidelines for personal protection and disinfection. Criteria were also established for upgrading or downgrading infection prevention strategies based on ARIMA results. CONCLUSION: These innovative methods, along with the ARIMA model, showed efficient infection protection for healthcare workers in close contact with COVID-19 infected patients, saving nearly 41% of the cost of maintaining high-level infection prevention measures and enhancing control of respiratory infections.

Documentation of International Classification of Headache Disorders Criteria in Patient Medical Records: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine headache diagnosis and treatment patterns in the outpatient setting, focusing on documentation of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) criteria. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort data were collected from electronic medical records of adults aged 18-35 who presented to resident-staffed family medicine outpatient clinics in the Midwest, USA, for a new or worsening headache between 2015 and 2016. Diagnosis codes were used to summarize the overall nature and prevalence of headaches. A random subset of 30 patients each for migraine headache (MGH) with and without aura and tension-type headache (TTH) were reviewed to determine how many of the five possible ICHD criteria were documented. Demographics/clinical characteristics, ICHD criteria, number and type of medications, and healthcare utilization (imaging, primary and emergency department care) through one year following the initial visit were summarized and compared across headache types. RESULTS: There were 716 unique patients during the study period (414 MGH, 227 unspecified headaches, 75 TTH, or others). Complete ICHD criteria were documented for two patients in total. There was partial documentation (e.g., one to four of the possible five) for 30% of TTH, 63% of MGH without aura, and 77% of MGH with aura (p<0.05). Across headache types, patients were prescribed an average of 2.3 to 3.3 medications over one year, with MGH patients generally trying more medications (up to eight for those with aura and up to 12 for those without). Abortive or rescue medications were prescribed to nearly all patients; prophylactics were prescribed for 50% of MGH with aura, 66.7% of MGH without aura, and 53.3%. Non-pharmacologic interventions were less prescribed: 33.3% of TTH patients and 3.3% of MGH types combined (p<0.05). Healthcare utilization was highest for MGH with aura (ED visits) and without aura (clinic visits) patients compared to TTH (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Headache-related documentation is often incomplete, which may limit interpretation and associations between diagnoses, prescribing patterns, and healthcare utilization. Future studies should evaluate the use of electronic medical records (EMR)-based templates to improve documentation, and additional detailed studies are needed in the local setting to determine whether treatment, including the use of non-pharmacologic and prophylactic methods of treatment, is optimal.

Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic of Neurocutaneous Diseases: Five-year Experience of a Pediatric Tertiary Hospital in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Neurocutaneous syndromes (NCS) are a heterogeneous group of conditions with multiorgan involvement and diverse manifestations, evolving throughout life with significant morbidity. A multidisciplinary approach to NCS patients has been advocated, although a specific model is not yet established. The aim of this study was 1) to describe the organization of the recently created Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic of Neurocutaneous Diseases (MOCND) at a Portuguese pediatric tertiary hospital; 2) to share our institutional experience focusing on the most common conditions, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC); 3) to analyze the advantages of a multidisciplinary center and approach in NCS. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 281 patients enrolled in the MOCND over the first five years of activity (October 2016 to December 2021), reviewing genetics, family history, clinical features, complications, and therapeutic strategies for NF1 and TSC. RESULTS: The clinic works weekly with a core team of pediatricians and pediatric neurologists supported by other specialties as needed. Of the 281 patients enrolled, 224 (79.7%) had identifiable syndromes such as NF1 (n = 105), TSC (n = 35), hypomelanosis of Ito (n = 11), Sturge-Weber syndrome (n = 5), and others. In NF1 patients, 41.0% had a positive family history, all manifested café-au-lait macules, 38.1% neurofibromas with 45.0% being large plexiform neurofibromas. Sixteen were under treatment with selumetinib. Genetic testing was performed in 82.9% of TSC patients with pathogenic variants found in TSC2 gene in 72.4% patients (82.7% if considered contiguous gene syndrome). Family history was positive in 31.4%. All TSC patients presented hypomelanotic macules and fulfilled diagnostic criteria. Fourteen patients were being treated with mTOR inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Offering a systematic and multidisciplinary approach to NCS patients enables timely diagnosis, promotes a structured follow-up, and encourages discussion to outline management plans for optimal care to every patient, with significant impact on the quality of life of patients and families.

Models of intensive care unit follow-up care and feasibility of intervention delivery: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The optimal model of outpatient intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up care remains uncertain, and there is limited evidence of benefit. RESEARCH QUESTION: The objective of this research is to describe existing models of outpatient ICU follow-up care, quantify participant recruitment and retention, and describe facilitators of patient engagement. STUDY DESIGN & METHODS: A systematic search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was undertaken in June 2021. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts against eligibility criteria. Studies of adults with any outpatient ICU follow-up were included. Studies were excluded if published before 1990, not published in English, or of paediatric patients. Quantitative data were extracted using predefined data fields. Key themes were extracted from qualitative studies. Risk of bias was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 531 studies were screened. Forty-seven studies (32 quantitative and 15 qualitative studies) with a total of 5998 participants were included. Of 33 quantitative study interventions, the most frequently reported model of care was in-person hospital-based interventions (n = 27), with 10 hybrid (part in-hospital, part remote) interventions. Literature was limited for interventions without hospital attendance (n = 6), including telehealth and diaries. The median ranges of rates of recruitment, rates of intervention delivery, and retention to outcome assessment for hospital-based interventions were 51.5% [24-94%], 61.9% [8-100%], and 52% [8.1-82%], respectively. Rates were higher for interventions without hospital attendance: 82.6% [60-100%], 68.5% [59-89%], and 75% [54-100%]. Facilitators of engagement included patient-perceived value of follow-up, continuity of care, intervention accessibility and flexibility, and follow-up design. Studies had a moderate risk of bias. INTERPRETATION: Models of post-ICU care without in-person attendance at the index hospital potentially have higher rates of recruitment, intervention delivery success, and increased participant retention when compared to hospital-based interventions. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42021260279.

Analysis of variables that can interfere with clinical outcomes of patients presented with vocal or swallowing complaints / Análise das variáveis que podem interferir no desfecho de casos clínicos de pacientes com queixas de voz ou deglutição

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze sociodemographic variables that may interfere with the clinical outcome of patients with voice or swallowing complaints. Methods: a descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study in which the medical records of patients above 18 years old treated at the Voice Clinic of the Speech-Language-Hearing Service of the Rio de Janeiro University Hospital between 2010 and 2018, were analyzed, including 81 medical records - 47 from females and 34 from males. Patients were divided according to three types of outcomes, namely: discharge, dismissal, and abandonment. The sociodemographic variables were sex, marital status, education level, income, whether they were occupational voice users, and the main complaint. The relative and absolute frequencies were calculated to analyze the results, and the Pearson´s chi-square test was used for inferential analysis (significance level of 5%). Results: sociodemographic variables were not significantly associated with the outcomes when the type of complaint (voice or swallowing) was not considered, separately. The study found a significantly higher frequency of patients with voice complaints who were discharged from speech-language-hearing therapy (p = 0.020). The higher frequency of such patients who abandoned therapy was significantly associated with an income of up to one minimum wage (p = 0.041). People with swallowing complaints were not significantly associated with sociodemographic variables. Conclusion: the most frequent outcome was treatment abandonment. In this study, low family income was associated with treatment abandonment by patients with voice complaints. Patients with swallowing complaints had a lower frequency of treatment abandonment and discharge than patients with voice complaints.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as variáveis sociodemográficas que podem interferir no desfecho de casos clínicos de pacientes com queixas de voz ou deglutição. Métodos: estudo observacional, transversal, descritivo e retrospectivo. Foram analisados os prontuários de pessoas maiores de 18 anos atendidas na Clínica de Voz do Serviço de Fonoaudiologia do Hospital Universitário do Rio de Janeiro de 2010 a 2018. Foram incluídos 81 prontuários, sendo 47 de participantes do gênero feminino e 34 do masculino. Os pacientes foram divididos quanto a três tipos de desfecho: alta, desligamento e abandono. As variáveis sociodemográficas estudadas foram gênero, estado civil, escolaridade, renda, ser ou não profissional da voz e queixa principal. Para análise dos resultados, foram contabilizadas as frequências relativa e absoluta e, para análise inferencial, foi utilizado o teste Qui-Quadrado de Pearson (nível de significância de 5%). Resultados: as variáveis sociodemográficas não estiveram significantemente associadas aos desfechos estudados quando não se considerou o tipo de queixa (de voz ou de deglutição) de forma separada. Especificamente, observou-se uma frequência significativamente maior de pacientes com queixa de voz e que receberam alta fonoaudiológica (p=0,020). Nestes pacientes, houve associação significativa entre a frequência maior de pacientes que abandonaram a terapia e que possuíam renda de até um salário-mínimo (p=0,041). Não houve associações significativas nas pessoas com queixas de deglutição e as variáveis sociodemográfica estudadas. Conclusão: o desfecho mais frequente foi o abandono ao tratamento. Neste estudo, a baixa renda familiar esteve associada ao abandono do tratamento por pacientes com queixa de voz. Pacientes com queixas de deglutição apresentaram menor frequência de abandono ao tratamento e menos alta do que pacientes com queixas de voz.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of outpatient clinic services in East Jerusalem hospitals: patients' perspectives.

Background: Due to the decreased availability, accessibility, and quality of services, the COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on the healthcare system. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients' perceptions of healthcare have changed, and out-patient visits to clinics have decreased. As part of the COVID-19 outbreak in East Jerusalem, this study aims to assess how patients perceive the way that outpatient clinic services were delivered before and during COVID-19 outbreak. Methodology: Convenience sampling and self-reported questionnaires were used in a cross-sectional study. Three hundred people from three significant outpatient clinic hospitals in East Jerusalem-Al-Makassed Hospital, Augusta Victoria Hospital, and Sant-Joseph Hospital- made up the sample. Multivariate tests, frequencies, and percentages were used in the statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that the most of the participants (98.6%) had negative opinion when the current situation is compared with before the COVID-19 period in terms of accessibility, availability of resources, quality of care, attitudes and patient's preference. Finally, multivariate analysis indicated a significant relationship between participant opinion and education level and participants with educational levels of 12 study years or less had more positive opinions of the delivery of the healthcare system during the COVID-19 outbreak period than the group with more than 12 study years. Also, the multivariate analysis revealed a significant `relationship between participant opinion and the duration of the illness as those with years of illness and less had more negative opinion toward the delivery of the healthcare system than those with more than 3 years of illness. Conclusion: This study found that when the current situation during the COVID-19 outbreak is compared to before the COVID-19 period in terms of accessibility, availability of resources, quality of care, attitudes, and patient preferences, the majority of the participants with chronic diseases or cancer had a negative opinion. Policymakers and health managers should enhance patient preferences and attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic and other pandemics by increasing accessibility, availability of health resources, and the quality of healthcare.

The impact of hospital-based post-discharge pharmacist medication review on patient clinical outcomes: A systematic review.

Background: Clinical pharmacists have been shown to identify and resolve medication related problems post-discharge, however the impact on patient clinical outcomes is unclear. Aims: To undertake a systematic review to identify, critically appraise and present the evidence on post-discharge hospital clinics that provide clinical pharmacist medication review; report the patient clinical outcomes measured; and describe the activities of the clinical pharmacist. Methods: Published studies evaluating a patient clinical outcome following a post-discharge hospital clinic pharmacy service were included. All studies needed a comparative design (intervention vs control or comparator). Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycnINFO, Web of Science, IPA and APAIS-Health databases were searched to identify studies. The type of clinic and the clinical pharmacist activities were linked to patient clinical outcomes. Results: Fifty-seven studies were included in the final analysis, 14 randomised controlled trials and 43 non-randomised studies. Three key clinic types were identified: post-discharge pharmacist review alone, inpatient care plus post-discharge review and post-discharge collaborative clinics. The three main outcome metrics identified were hospital readmission and/or representation, adverse events and improved disease state metrics. There was often a mix of these outcomes reported as primary and secondary outcomes. High heterogeneity of interventions and clinical pharmacist activities reported meant it was difficult to link clinical pharmacist activities with the outcomes reported. Conclusions: A post-discharge clinic pharmacist may improve patient clinical outcomes such as hospital readmission and representation rates. Future research needs to provide a clearer description of the clinical pharmacist activities provided in both arms of comparative studies.

An innovative model of access and triage to reduce waiting in an outpatient epilepsy clinic: an intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Delayed access to outpatient care may negatively impact on health outcomes. We aimed to evaluate implementation of the Specific Timely Appointments for Triage (STAT) model of access in an epilepsy clinic to reduce a long waitlist and waiting time. METHODS: This study is an intervention study using pre-post comparison and an interrupted time series analysis to measure the effect of implementation of the STAT model to an epilepsy clinic. Data were collected over 28 months to observe the number of patients on the waitlist and the waiting time over three time periods: 12 months prior to implementation of STAT, ten months during implementation and six months post-intervention. STAT combines one-off backlog reduction with responsive scheduling that protects time for new appointments based on historical data. The primary outcomes were the number of patients on the waitlist and the waiting time across the three time periods. Secondary outcomes evaluated pre- and post-intervention changes in number of appointments offered weekly, non-arrival and discharge rates. RESULTS: A total of 938 patients were offered a first appointment over the study period. The long waitlist was almost eliminated, reducing from 616 during the pre-intervention period to 11 post-intervention (p = 0.002), but the hypothesis that waiting time would decrease was not supported. The interrupted time series analysis indicated a temporary increase in waiting time during the implementation period but no significant change in slope or level in the post- compared to the pre-intervention period. Direct comparison of the cohort of patients seen in the pre- and post-intervention periods suggested an increase in median waiting time following the intervention (34 [IQR 25-86] to 46 [IQR 36-61] days (p = 0.001)), but the interquartile range reduced indicating less variability in days waited and more timely access for the longest waiters. CONCLUSIONS: The STAT model was implemented in a specialist epilepsy outpatient clinic and reduced a large waitlist. Reductions in the waitlist were achieved with little or no increase in waiting time. The STAT model provides a framework for an alternative way to operate outpatient clinics that can help to ensure that all people referred are offered an appointment in a timely manner.

Levels of health literacy among people living with HIV in outpatient care: a cross-sectional study from Denmark.

BACKGROUND: Low health literacy (HL) among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) encounter more disease related complications, more difficulty understanding health-related information and low adherence. Considering that, the HL levels among PLWHIV needs to be further investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the levels of HL and patient involvement among PLWHIV in an outpatient clinic in Denmark. A second objective was to examine differences in HL levels across socio-demographic characteristics. METHODS: In 2019, a population of 682 PLWHIV from a Danish outpatient hospital clinic were enrolled in cross-sectional study. Patients who had a digital postbox received an electronic questionnaire including following domains; health literacy, patient involvement, and socio-demographic status. Health literacy was measured using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) through scores on three subscales: social support for health (HLQ4), engaging with healthcare providers (HLQ6), and understanding health information (HLQ9). An unpaired t-test was used to investigate mean differences in the HLQ scores across socio-demographic variables. RESULTS: A total of 338 (55%) patients responded to the questionnaire. The included participants demonstrated high levels of HLQ4 (mean = 4.2) and HLQ6 (mean = 4.2), but lower for HLQ9 (mean = 2.9). In total 70-80% reported being involved in decisions about their health. We found a positive association between high level of HL (HLQ9) and living with a partner and higher levels of HL (HLQ4, HLQ6, and HLQ9) and employment. CONCLUSION: PLWHIV in a Danish out-patient care population were found to have high levels of HL despite differences in demographic characteristics. Further research is needed to examine the levels of HL among non-responders to develop HL approaches and strategies to meet the needs of individuals with different HL skills.