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Satisfaction Questionnaire (satisfaction + questionnaire)
Kinds of Satisfaction Questionnaire Selected AbstractsDevelopment of the Facial Lines Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire and Initial Results for Botulinum Toxin Type A,Treated PatientsDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2003Sue Ellen Cox MD Background. Botulinum toxin type A treatment is a safe and effective treatment for facial lines. Patient satisfaction with treatment has not yet been systematically measured and reported. Objective. To create a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction with facial line treatment and to assess treatment satisfaction in facial line patients. Methods. Development of the Facial Line Treatment Satisfaction (FTS) Questionnaire followed the five-step process recommended by the Patient Reported Outcomes Harmonization Committee. Results. One hundred fifty-two pilot test participants received botulinum toxin type A treatment alone or in combination with a minimally invasive facial line treatment and were satisfied or very satisfied with their facial lines treatment. Conclusion. The FTS is a valid and reliable 14-item questionnaire that measures an aesthetic patient's satisfaction with facial line treatment. The FTS can be used in clinical practice or clinical trials of facial line treatments. Botulinum toxin type A treatment is associated with high patient satisfaction. [source] Diabetes Care Protocol: effects on patient-important outcomes.DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 4 2010A cluster randomized, non-inferiority trial in primary care Diabet. Med. 27, 442,450 (2010) Abstract Aims, The Diabetes Care Protocol (DCP) combines task delegation, intensification of diabetes treatment and feedback. It reduces cardiovascular risk in Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. This study determines the effects of DCP on patient-important outcomes. Methods, A cluster randomized, non-inferiority trial, by self-administered questionnaires in 55 Dutch primary care practices: 26 practices DCP (1699 patients), 26 usual care (1692 patients). T2DM patients treated by their general practitioner were included. Main outcome was the 1-year between-group difference in Diabetes Health Profile (DHP-18) total score. Secondary outcomes: DHP-18 subscales, general perceived health [Medical Outcomes Study 36-Items Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Euroqol 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) and Euroqol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS)], treatment satisfaction (Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire; DTSQ status) and psychosocial self-efficacy (Diabetes Empowerment Scale Short Form; DES-SF). Per protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses were performed: non-inferiority margin , = ,2%. At baseline 2333 questionnaires were returned and 1437 1 year thereafter. Results, Comparing DCP with usual care, DHP-18 total score was non-inferior: PP ,0.88 (95% CI ,1.94 to 0.12), ITT ,0.439 (95% CI ,1.01 to 0.08), SF-36 ,health change' improved: PP 3.51 (95% CI 1.23 to 5.82), ITT 1.91 (95% CI 0.62 to 3.23), SF-36 ,social functioning' was inconclusive: PP ,1.57 (95% CI ,4.3 to 0.72), ITT ,1.031 (95% CI ,2.52 to ,0.25). Other DHP and SF-36 scores were inconsistent or non-inferior. DHP-18 ,disinhibited eating' was significantly worse in PP analyses. For EQ-5D/EQ-VAS, DTSQ and DES-SF, no significant between-group differences were found. Conclusion, DCP does not seem to influence health status negatively, therefore diabetes care providers should not shrink from intensified treatment. However, they should take possible detrimental effects on ,social functioning' and ,disinhibited eating' into account. [source] Not all roads lead to Rome,a review of quality of life measurement in adults with diabetesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009J. Speight Abstract Aims Quality of life (QoL) is recognized widely as an important health outcome in diabetes, where the burden of self-management places great demands on the individual. However, the concept of QoL remains ambiguous and poorly defined. The aim of our review is to clarify the measurement of QoL in terms of conceptualization, terminology and psychometric properties, to review the instruments that have been used most frequently to assess QoL in diabetes research and make recommendations for how to select measures appropriately. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted to identify the ten measures most frequently used to assess QoL in diabetes research (including clinical trials) from 1995 to March 2008. Results Six thousand and eight-five abstracts were identified and screened for instrument names. Of the ten instruments most frequently used to assess ,QoL', only three actually do so [i.e. the generic World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) and the diabetes-specific Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) and Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL)]. Seven instruments more accurately measure health status [Short-Form 36 (SF-36), EuroQoL 5-Dimension (EQ-5D)], treatment satisfaction [Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ)] and psychological well-being [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Well-Being Questionnaire (W-BQ), Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID)]. Conclusions No single measure can suit every purpose or application but, when measures are selected inappropriately and data misinterpreted, any conclusions drawn are fundamentally flawed. If we value QoL as a therapeutic goal, we must ensure that the instruments we use are both valid and reliable. QoL assessment has the proven potential to identify ways in which treatments can be tailored to reduce the burden of diabetes. With careful consideration, appropriate measures can be selected and truly robust assessments undertaken successfully. [source] Near patient testing for glycated haemoglobin in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus managed in primary care: acceptability and satisfactionDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 7 2007M. A. Stone Abstract Aims To assess the acceptability of and satisfaction with near patient testing for glycated haemoglobin in primary care in patients and health professionals. Methods A questionnaire survey and qualitative study were nested within a randomized controlled trial conducted in eight general practices in Leicester-shire, UK. Satisfaction with diabetes care was compared in the intervention group (near patient test) and in the control subjects (usual laboratory test), using the Diabetes Clinic Satisfaction Questionnaire. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of patients and healthcare professionals and analysed using thematic coding and framework charting. Results Questionnaire data for 344 patients were analysed and interviews were conducted with 15 patients and 11 health professionals. Interviews indicated that the near patient test was highly acceptable to patients and staff and confirmed that there may be potential benefits such as time saving, reduced anxiety and impact on patient management and job satisfaction. However, both the survey and the interviews identified high pre-existing levels of satisfaction with diabetes care in both intervention and control group patients and survey results failed to confirm increased patient satisfaction as a result of rapid testing. Limited patient understanding of glycated haemoglobin testing was noted. Conclusions We were unable to confirm actual rather than potential advantages of the near patient test. Widespread adoption in primary care cannot be recommended without further evidence of benefit. [source] Insulin aspart vs. human insulin in the management of long-term blood glucose control in Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trialDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 11 2000P. D. Home SUMMARY Aims To compare the efficacy of insulin aspart, a rapid-acting insulin analogue, with that of unmodified human insulin on long-term blood glucose control in Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods Prospective, multi-centre, randomized, open-labelled, parallel-group trial lasting 6 months in 88 centres in eight European countries and including 1070 adult subjects with Type 1 diabetes. Study patients were randomized 2:1 to insulin aspart or unmodified human insulin before main meals, with NPH-insulin as basal insulin. Main outcome measures were blood glucose control as assessed by HbA1c, eight-point self-monitored blood glucose profiles, insulin dose, quality of life, hypoglycaemia, and adverse events. Results After 6 months, insulin aspart was superior to human insulin with respect to HbA1c with a baseline-adjusted difference in HbA1c of 0.12 (95% confidence interval 0.03,0.22) %Hb, P < 0.02. Eight-point blood glucose profiles showed lower post-prandial glucose levels (mean baseline-adjusted ,0.6 to ,1.2 mmol/l, P < 0.01) after all main meals, but higher pre-prandial glucose levels before breakfast and dinner (0.7,0.8 mmol/l, P < 0.01) with insulin aspart. Satisfaction with treatment was significantly better in patients treated with insulin aspart (WHO Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) baseline-adjusted difference 2.3 (1.2,3.3) points, P < 0.001). The relative risk of experiencing a major hypoglycaemic episode with insulin aspart compared to human insulin was 0.83 (0.59,1.18, NS). Major night hypoglycaemic events requiring parenteral treatment were less with insulin aspart (1.3 vs. 3.4% of patients, P < 0.05), as were late post-prandial (4,6 h) events (1.8 vs. 5.0% of patients, P < 0.005). Conclusions These results show small but useful advantage for the rapid-acting insulin analogue insulin aspart as a tool to improve long-term blood glucose control, hypoglycaemia, and quality of life, in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. [source] Practice Characteristics and HMO Enrollee Satisfaction with Specialty Care: An Analysis of Patients with Glaucoma and Diabetic RetinopathyHEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, Issue 4 2003José J. Escarce Background. The specialist's role in caring for managed care patients is likely to grow. Thus, assessing the correlates of patient satisfaction with specialty care is essential. Objective. To examine the association between characteristics of eye care practices and satisfaction with eye care among working age patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or diabetic retinopathy (DR). Subjects/Study Setting. A total of 913 working age patients with OAG or DR enrolled in six commercial managed care health plans. The patients were treated in 144 different eye care practices. Study Design. We used a patient survey to obtain information on patient characteristics and satisfaction with eye care, measured by scores on satisfaction subscales of the 18-item Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. We used a survey of eye care practices to obtain information on practice characteristics, including provider specialties, practice organization, financial features, and utilization and quality management systems. We estimated logistic regression models to assess the association of patient and practice characteristics with high levels of patient satisfaction. Principal Findings. Treatment in a practice with a glaucoma specialist (for OAG patients) or a retina specialist (for DR patients) was associated with higher satisfaction, whereas treatment in a practice that obtained a high proportion of its revenues from capitation payments or in a group practice where providers obtained a high proportion of their incomes from bonuses was associated with lower satisfaction. Conclusions. Many eye care patients prefer to be treated by specialists with expertise in their conditions. Financial arrangement features of eye care practices also are associated with patient satisfaction with care. The most likely mechanisms underlying these associations are effects on provider behavior and satisfaction, which in turn influence patient satisfaction. Managed care plans and provider groups should aim to minimize the negative impact of managed care features on patient satisfaction. [source] Evaluation of glargine group-start sessions in patients with type 2 diabetes as a strategy to deliver the serviceINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 2 2007A. A. Tahrani Summary Improving glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes reduces microvascular complications. The national service framework for diabetes and the new general medical service contract have been aiming to direct more focus on improving HbA1c. These measures have resulted in increasing number of patients being initiated on insulin therapy, which increases the workload of diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs). Initiating insulin on a one-to-one basis is time consuming. As a result DSN-led insulin group-start sessions were introduced. To evaluate DSN-led glargine group-start and self-titration as a strategy of providing service. We assessed the impact of this method on the use of DSNs time, HbA1c and on patients' satisfaction. A prospective audit in a district general hospital. Groups of 5,7 patients received two 2-h sessions at weeks 0 and 2. During these sessions, patients were initiated on insulin glargine and received an educational package and a self-titration protocol. DSNs did not see patients after week 2. Patients were able to phone the DSNs for advice till the end of the titration period. Patients completed Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) at baseline, week 2 and 12 months. Weight and HbA1c were assessed at base line and 12 months later. Twenty-nine consecutive patients were included. Baseline HbA1c improved at 6 months and remained stable at 12 months (medians 10.0, 8.7 and 8.9 respectively, p < 0.001). DTSQ score improved between week 0 and 2 and this was maintained at 12 months (medians 26, 35 and 34 respectively, p < 0.001). After week 2, the DSNs spent a median of 21 min advising patients by phone during the titration period. Weight did not increase significantly. In our centre, DSN-led insulin group-start sessions and self-titration improved glycaemic control. Patients were satisfied with this method of starting insulin. This was achieved with minimal DSNs time and input and proved to be effective, yet less time consuming. [source] Role of gender in depressive disorder outcome for individual and group cognitive,behavioral treatment,JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 12 2008Hunna J. Watson Abstract Gender in cognitive,behavioral therapy (CBT) for outcome for depression has been inadequately examined in previous research. Thirty-five men and 55 women diagnosed with a depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) completed individual CBT at an outpatient community mental health clinic and 56 men and 105 women completed group CBT. Depression severity was measured before treatment and at endpoint using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996) along with secondary outcomes of anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory; Beck, Epstein, Brown, & Steer, 1988) and quality of life (Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire; Endicott, Nee, Harrison, & Blumenthal, 1993). Men and women demonstrated equivalent pretreatment and posttreatment illness severity, a comparable gradient of improvement on outcomes, and attainment of clinically meaningful benchmarks. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64:1,15, 2008. [source] Toward a predictive model of patient satisfaction with nurse practitioner careJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 4 2005A/G/FNP, Ann Green PhD Purpose (a) To determine if caring behaviors of nurse practitioners (NPs), gender of NPs, setting (urban or rural), and age, gender, ethnicity, education, and income of patients were predictors of patient satisfaction; (b) to determine which of these characteristics was the best predictor(s) of patient satisfaction; and (c) begin to develop a conceptual model for explaining patient satisfaction with NP care. Data sources Responses to the Caring Behaviors Inventory (CBI) and a demographic inquiry by 348 NPs in Louisiana and completion of the Di'Tomasso,Willard Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (DWPSQ) and a demographic inquiry from 817 patients in Louisiana served as data sources. A predictive modeling design explored which variable(s) is the best predictor of patient satisfaction, and multiple regression was used to determine the equation for the best-fitting line and the optimal model for the best predictor(s) of patient satisfaction. Conclusions CBI mean scores were high for all NPs. No statistically significant difference was found between male NPs' and female NPs' total mean CBI scores and between urban or rural total mean CBI scores. DWPSQ mean scores and subscale scores indicated high satisfaction with NP care. No statistically significant relationships were found between the NPs' CBI mean scores and the patients' DWPSQ mean scores. There were significant relationships between the DWPSQ subscales, including Wait Time and Patient Management. Stepwise linear regression revealed that patients' age group was a predictor of DWPSQ total mean scores. Implications for practice NPs need to be aware of developmental differences in all age groups and the differences in perceptions of care. There are many variables to consider when determining patient satisfaction with care, including the patients' sociodemographic and health variables, the healthcare system, and characteristics of the healthcare providers. Awareness of these variables may affect how NPs deliver care and ensure quality care with which the patients are satisfied. [source] Use of the DirecNet Applied Treatment Algorithm (DATA) for diabetes management with a real-time continuous glucose monitor (the FreeStyle Navigator)PEDIATRIC DIABETES, Issue 2 2008Diabetes Research In Children Network (DirecNet) Study Group Background:, There are no published guidelines for use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring data by a patient; we therefore developed the DirecNet Applied Treatment Algorithm (DATA). The DATA provides algorithms for making diabetes management decisions using glucose values: (i) in real time which include the direction and rate of change of glucose levels, and (ii) retrospectively based on downloaded sensor data. Objective:, To evaluate the use and effectiveness of the DATA in children with diabetes using a real-time continuous glucose sensor (the FreeStyle Navigator). Subjects:, Thirty children and adolescents (mean ± standard deviation age = 11.2 ± 4.1 yr) receiving insulin pump therapy. Methods:, Subjects were instructed on use of the DATA and were asked to download their Navigator weekly to review glucose patterns. An Algorithm Satisfaction Questionnaire was completed at 3, 7, and 13 wk. Results:, At 13 wk, all of the subjects and all but one parent thought that the DATA gave good, clear directions for insulin dosing, and thought the guidelines improved their postprandial glucose levels. In responding to alarms, 86% of patients used the DATA at least 50% of the time at 3 wk, and 59% reported doing so at 13 wk. Similar results were seen in using the DATA to adjust premeal bolus doses of insulin. Conclusions:, These results show the feasibility of implementing the DATA when real-time continuous glucose monitoring is initiated and support its use in future clinical trials of real-time continuous glucose monitoring. [source] The Tree Theme Method as an intervention in psychosocial occupational therapy: Client acceptability and outcomesAUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009A. Birgitta Gunnarsson Background/aim:,The Tree Theme Method (TTM) is an intervention in which the client paints trees representing certain periods in his/her life. The intervention comprises five sessions, using trees as a starting point to tell one's life story. This study, which is part of an implementation project, aimed to examine the therapeutic alliance and client satisfaction, in relation to perceptions of everyday occupations and health-related factors, with clients going through a TTM intervention. Methods:,Nine occupational therapists recruited 35 clients, at general outpatient mental health care units, for the TTM intervention. Self-rating instruments, targeting therapeutic alliance (HAq-II), different aspects of daily occupations (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Satisfaction with Daily Occupations), health-related factors (Sense of Coherence measure, Mastery Scale, Symptom Checklist-90-R) and client satisfaction (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire), were administrated before and after the intervention. Results:,A good initial therapeutic alliance, experienced by both therapists and clients, was correlated to increased changes regarding occupational performance and self-mastery. According to the therapists' ratings, a good initial therapeutic alliance was correlated to increased sense of coherence and a decreased level of psychiatric symptoms. The results showed positive significant changes in occupational performance and health-related factors. High ratings of the therapeutic alliance by the therapists were also related to high client satisfaction. Conclusions:,The TTM seemed to function well in psychosocial occupational therapy, but there is a need for further implementation studies to deepen our understanding of the treatment process, comprising both technique and formation of the therapeutic alliance. [source] Parent participation in paediatric rehabilitation treatment centres in the Netherlands: a parents' viewpointCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2007R. C. Siebes Abstract Aim, The importance of family-centred care and services has been increasingly emphasized in paediatric rehabilitation. One aspect of family-centred care is parent involvement in their child's treatment. The aims of this study were (1) to describe how, and to what extent parents are involved in the paediatric rehabilitation treatment process in the Netherlands; (2) to determine the level of parents' satisfaction about the services they and their child have received; and (3) to describe what ideas parents have to enhance their involvement in the treatment process. Methods, A total of 679 parents of children aged 1,20 years who participated in our longitudinal study on family centred care in the Netherlands. The children had various diagnoses and were treated in nine out of 23 Dutch paediatric rehabilitation centres. A random sample of 75 parents was interviewed within 4 weeks after completion of the Measure of Processes of Care and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. A Quality of Care cycle with six stages was used to structure the evaluation. Results, The data showed that parents are involved in all stages of their child's rehabilitation process in various ways. The average level of parent satisfaction about the services received was high. According to the interviewed parents, the communication between professionals and parents, parents' involvement in goal setting, and parents' involvement in treatment could be improved upon. Conclusion, Parents are to a large extent involved in all stages of the treatment process in Dutch paediatric rehabilitation settings. Although parents valued the services received, they suggested various ways to enhance parent participation. [source] A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of pentoxifylline in early chronic Peyronie's diseaseBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2010Mohammad Reza Safarinejad Study Type , Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1b OBJECTIVE To analyse the safety and efficacy of pentoxifylline sustained-release (PTX-SR) treatment in patients with early chronic Peyronie's disease (PD). PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 228 patients with a mean (sd) age of 51 (9) years who had early chronic PD were randomized to receive 400 mg PTX-SR (Apo-Pentoxifylline, Apotex Inc., Toronto, Canada) twice daily (group 1, 114) or similar regimen of placebo (group 2, 114) for 6 months. A medical history was taken and the men had a complete physical examination. The following variables were assessed before and after therapy: penile curvature and penile artery spectral traces (end-diastolic velocity, EDV, peak systolic velocity, PSV, and resistivity index, RI, of the right and left cavernous arteries assessed with dynamic penile duplex ultrasonography), plaque characteristics (assessed by penile X-ray and penile ultrasonography), pain (assessed by visual analogue scale), erectile function (assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function, IIEF questionnaire), treatment satisfaction (assessed by Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire), and side-effects. Patient perception of penile curvature and plaque size, and mean weekly intercourse attempts were also assessed. RESULTS Overall, 36.9% of patients who received PTX-SR reported a positive response, vs only 4.5% in the placebo group. Of patients in PTX-SR group, 12 (11%) had disease progression, vs 46 (42%) in placebo group (P = 0.01). Improvement in penile curvature (P = 0.01), and plaque volume (P = 0.001) was significantly greater in patients treated with PTX-SR than placebo. The increase in IIEF total score was significantly higher in the PTX-SR group (P = 0.02). Mean PSV changes after therapy compared to baseline were statistically significant between PTX-SR (right, +11.4%, left, +11.7%) and placebo-treated (+0.2% and ,4.2%, respectively) patients (both P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS PTX-R was moderately effective in reducing penile curvature and plaque volume in patients with early chronic PD. Further studies with different treatment regimens are needed to better elucidate the beneficial effects of PTX-SR in PD. [source] Safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate in treating erectile dysfunction in patients with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled studyBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2009Mohammad Reza Safarinejad OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 266 combat-exposed war veterans with ED (aged 37,59 years) were recruited. They met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV criteria for PTSD according to the Structured Clinical Interview for Patients, Investigator Version. The patients were also evaluated with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, both to establish the diagnosis of PTSD and to measure symptom severity. Only patients with psychogenic ED were included in the study. Patients with comorbid conditions (diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, Peyronie's disease) and smokers of more than five cigarettes daily were excluded. The patients were randomly divided into a group of 133 who received 100 mg of on-demand sildenafil 0.75,2 h before sexual stimulation, and 133 who received placebo. Patients were asked to use ,16 doses or attempts at home. The efficacy of the treatments was assessed every four attempts during treatment, and at the end of the study, using responses to the 15-question International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Sexual Encounter Profile diary questions 2 and 3, Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire, patients' event logs of sexual activity, and a Global Assessment Question about erections. RESULTS Sildenafil did not produce significantly and substantially greater improvement than placebo in each of the primary and secondary outcome measures (P = 0.08). A normal EF domain score (,26) at endpoint was reported by 13 (9.8%), and 11 (8.3%) of patients on the sildenafil and placebo regimens, respectively (P = 0.09). Patients treated with sildenafil had no statistically significantly greater improvement in the five sexual function domains of the IIEF questionnaire than those treated with placebo (P = 0.08). The incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events were significantly greater in the sildenafil arm than in the placebo group (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Sildenafil is no better than placebo in treating PTSD-emergent ED. Further randomized clinical trials are warranted in combat veterans and other populations with PTSD to better elucidate the role of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in treating PTSD-emergent ED. [source] Quality of life, health satisfaction and family impact on caregivers of children with developmental delaysCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2009R. L. Hsieh Abstract Objective To study the quality of life, health satisfaction and family impact on caregivers of children with developmental delays in Taiwan. Design Cross-sectional study. Subjects The caregivers of children with diagnoses of developmental delays recruited from a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Methods The main caregivers of 48 male and 22 female children with developmental delays were recruited. WHOQOL-BREF for health-related quality of life (HRQOL), PedsQL-Health Satisfaction for health satisfaction, PedsQL-Family Impact Module and Impact on Family Scale for family impact were evaluated. The correlation of caregivers' HRQOL, health satisfaction and family impact were also studied. Results Caregivers in nuclear families had higher health satisfaction scores (78.2 for nuclear families vs. 66.9 for extended families, P < 0.05) when assessed by the PedQL-Health Satisfaction questionnaire. Children's age was negatively correlated with family impact, including parent (,0.272, P = 0.023), family (,0.262, P = 0.029) and total scores (,0.281, P = 0.018) as assessed using the PedsQL-Family Impact Module. Conclusion A negative relation between impact of burden and child's age suggests that family members gradually adapt to the delayed developmental status in their children as they grow. Caregivers in nuclear families having higher health satisfaction than those in extended families may be due to Chinese cultural effects. [source] Intense Pulsed Light for the Treatment of Refractory Melasma in Asian PersonsDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 9 2004Chia-Chen Wang MD Background. Patients with dermal or mixed-type melasmas are often refractory to various treatments. Intense pulsed light has been used to treat melanocytic lesions with promising results. Objective. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of intense pulsed light for refractory melasma in Asian persons. Methods. Seventeen patients were treated with intense pulsed light, during four sessions at 4-week intervals. The patients were also given 4% hydroquinone cream and broad-spectrum sunscreens to prevent and treat postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sixteen patients in the control group were treated with hydroquinone cream and sunscreens. The treatment efficacy was evaluated using reflectance spectrophotometer and patient satisfaction questionnaire. Results. Patients in the intense pulsed light group achieved an average of 39.8% improvement in relative melanin index, compared to 11.6% improvement in the control group (p<0.05) at Week 16. Six (35%) patients in the intense pulsed light group had more than 50% improvement, compared to two (14%) patients in the control group. Two patients in the intense pulsed light group, however, experienced transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and partial repigmentation was noted 24 weeks after the last treatment session. Conclusion. Intense pulsed light is a safe and effective treatment for refractory melasma in Asian persons, with minimal side effects. Further treatment sessions are required for maintenance therapy. [source] Comparison of three conservative treatment protocols in carpal tunnel syndromeINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 7 2006O. Baysal Summary The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the therapeutic effect of three different combinations in the conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by means of clinical and electrophysiological studies. The combinations included tendon- and nerve-gliding exercises in combination with splinting, ultrasound treatment in combination with splinting and the combination of ultrasound, splinting, tendon- and nerve-gliding exercises. A total 28 female patients (56 wrists) with clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of bilateral CTS were studied. In all patient groups, the treatment combinations were significantly effective immediately and 8 weeks after the treatment. The results of the long-term patient satisfaction questionnaire revealed that symptomatic improvement is more prominent in the group treated with splinting, exercise and ultrasound therapy combination. Our results suggest that a combination of splinting, exercise and ultrasound therapy is a preferable and an efficacious conservative type of treatment in CTS. [source] Measuring the opinions of memory clinic users: patients, relatives and general practitionersINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 9 2001H. P. J. van Hout Abstract Background The opinions of memory clinic users are important to assess the value of memory clinics. Objective To measure the quality of care of an outpatient memory clinic for the elderly as perceived by patients, their relatives and general practitioners (GPs). Methods An observational study was conducted to measure the opinions of the users of a typical outpatient memory clinic. Opinions on five aspects were measured: (1) communication of the results, (2) provision of diagnostic information, (3) attitude of the clinicians, (4) usefulness of the medical assessment, and (5) information and advice to relatives. Patients and relatives were both interviewed with a dementia care satisfaction questionnaire. The GPs' opinions were derived with a self-constructed questionnaire. Results On 105 consecutive assessments, 101 opinions of GPs, 81 of caregivers and 31 of patients were recorded. Positive opinions were recorded on the way the results were communicated, the usefulness of the assessment and attitude of the clinicians. In contrast to GPs and relatives, patients were less positive about the clarity of the diagnostic information received. Both relatives and GPs were negative on information and advice to relatives. Conclusions Patients, caregivers and GPs had positive opinions about the diagnostic value of the memory clinic. Quality improvement could focus on the clarity of the diagnostic information for patients and on better advice to relatives. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Assessment of patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services in a Nigerian teaching hospitalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE, Issue 1 2004Azuka C. Oparah lecturer ABSTRACT Objective To assess patients' satisfaction with pharmaceutical services using an"ideal referent" model, and to further explore the validity of an existing patient satisfaction instrument. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 500 outpatients recruited consecutively at the University of Benin teaching hospital, Nigeria. A self-completion questionnaire that employed a Likert-type scale was used. Data were used to calculate scores on a scale that ranged from 20 to 100, with an assumed midpoint of 60. Descriptive statistics on the sample characteristics and questionnaire items were computed including means, standard deviations and frequency distributions. Varimax rotation with Kaiser normalisation was employed in principal factor analysis. Student's t -test and one-way ANOVA were used for inferential statistics. Key findings The instrument reliability was determined to be 0.9641 and was comparable to the reference study. Nearly half of the patients (46%) rated the amount of time the pharmacist offered to spend with them as poor. About one-third rated promptness of prescription service as poor. Only 49% felt satisfied with the pharmaceutical services. Overall, pharmacy services received a satisfaction rating of 56.04±24.49, below the midpoint. Perceived satisfaction was significantly higher in "friendly explanation" than in "managing therapy" (t=3.916; P<0.0001). Conclusion The study provides evidence that patients experience low satisfaction with current pharmaceutical services at the study hospital. The sociodemographic characteristics of patients were not associated with their level of satisfaction. We further confirm the validity of the patient satisfaction questionnaire in a Nigerian practice setting. [source] Astra Tech single-tooth implants: an audit of patient satisfaction and soft tissue formJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 7 2007R. M. Palmer Abstract Aim: To investigate patient centred outcomes, soft tissue morphology, and bone levels. Material and Methods: Sixty-six subjects, who had completed treatment for a single implant restoration at least l year previously. Appearance was recorded photographically and bone levels and interdental contact points measured from intra-oral radiographs using a × 7 scale loupe. Subjects completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Results: Subjects were highly satisfied with all aspects of the restoration including the appearance of the soft tissue (median shape/colour score 6 on scale 1,6). Twenty-eight sites in 20 subjects had no contact point between implant crown and adjacent tooth. A normal height papilla was judged to be present in 19 of these sites. These were excluded from the subsequent analysis. In the remaining 46 subjects with contact points the presence (JEMT score 3) or deficiency (score 1/2) of the papilla was significantly related to the distance to the bone level on the adjacent tooth and implant head. Differences were observed between the mesial and distal aspects of the implant restoration. Conclusions: Examining clinicians were more critical of the restorations than the patients. The presence of a complete papilla was associated with a slightly greater distance from contact point to bone level than previously reported. [source] Studying the satisfaction of patients on the outcome of an aesthetic dermatological filler treatmentJOURNAL OF COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Lúcia Helena Fávaro De Arruda MD Summary Background, Many factors contribute to extend productive life in the modern world. Competition makes people worry about physical appearance, mostly in respect to facial and skin aging. This has motivated new developments in cosmetic dermatology and the need of evaluating patient satisfaction with the new proposed treatments. Poll questionnaire has been used for such evaluation, and the analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG) mapping obtained while the patient answers the satisfaction questionnaire may render the results less subjective. Objectives, The purpose of this paper is to study the satisfaction of a group of 33 women (mean age, 44 years) treated with hyaluronic acid filling of nasolabial folding or lips, combining the EEG brain mapping and questionnaire techniques. Methods, At the third month of evaluation, two networked personal computers were used for the EEG recording and for presenting the patient with a questionnaire about her well-being feeling; self-evaluation of her face; her satisfaction with the results of the aesthetic treatment; how the family, friends, and people at work evaluated the result of the treatment; and her decision to repeat the treatment and to recommend it to friends and family. Results, Poll results showed that patients were feeling well and were satisfied with the results of the aesthetic treatment. Furthermore, the regression EEG mappings showed patients to be satisfied with their appearance and with the treatment involving similar brain areas. Conclusion, Patients decided to undergo the treatment because they were already considering it (54%) or because they were dissatisfied with their lips or nasolabial folding (52%). The fact that the treatment was free of charge solidified the decision. Patients consider themselves as good-looking and they wanted to preserve such a condition. [source] Effects of granularity of search results on the relevance judgment behavior of engineers: Building systems for retrieval and understanding of contextJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Panos Balatsoukas Granularity is a novel concept for presenting information in search result interfaces of hierarchical query-driven information retrieval systems in a manner that can support understanding and exploration of the context of the retrieved information (e.g., by highlighting its position in the granular hierarchy and exposing its relationship with relatives in the hierarchy). Little research, however, has been conducted on the effects of granularity of search results on the relevance judgment behavior of engineers. Engineers are highly motivated information users who are particularly interested in understanding the context of the retrieved information. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the design of systems with careful regard for granularity would improve engineers' relevance judgment behavior. To test this hypothesis, a prototype system was developed and evaluated in terms of the time needed for users to find relevant information, the accuracy of their relevance judgment, and their subjective satisfaction. To evaluate the prototype, a user study was conducted where participants were asked to complete tasks, complete a satisfaction questionnaire, and be interviewed. The findings showed that participants performed better and were more satisfied when the prototype system presented only relevant information in context. Although this study presents some novel findings about the effects of granularity and context on user relevance judgment behavior, the results should be interpreted with caution. For example, participants in this research were recruited by convenience and performed a set of simulated tasks as opposed to real ones. However, suggestions for further research are presented. [source] Workplace-based assessment for general practitioners: using stakeholder perception to aid blueprinting of an assessment batteryMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 1 2008Douglas J Murphy Context, The implementation of an assessment system may be facilitated by stakeholder agreement that appropriate qualities are being tested. This study investigated the extent to which stakeholders perceived 8 assessment formats (multiple-choice questions, objective structured clinical examination, video, significant event analysis, criterion audit, multi-source feedback, case analysis and patient satisfaction questionnaire) as able to assess varying qualities of doctors training in UK general practice. Methods, Educationalists, general practice trainers and registrars completed a blueprinting style of exercise to rate the extent to which each evaluation format was perceived to assess each of 8 competencies derived primarily from the General Medical Council document Good Medical Practice. Results, There were high levels of agreement among stakeholders regarding the perceived qualities tested by the proposed formats (G = 0.82,0.93). Differences were found in participants' perceptions of how well qualities were able to be assessed and in the ability of the respective formats to test each quality. Multi-source feedback (MSF) was expected to assess a wide range of qualities, whereas Probity, Health and Ability to work with colleagues were limited in terms of how well they could be tested by the proposed formats. Discussion, Awareness of the perceptions of stakeholders should facilitate the development and implementation of workplace-based assessment (WPBA) systems. These data shed light on the acceptability of various formats in a way that will inform further investigation of WPBA formats' validity and feasibility, while also providing evidence on which to base educational efforts regarding the value of each format. [source] Development, testing, and validation of a patient satisfaction questionnaire for use in the clinical genetics setting,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS, Issue 3 2009Barbara Zellerino Abstract Patient satisfaction is an important component of assessing quality of care. The purpose of this study is to develop a concise patient satisfaction tool specifically for use in the clinical genetics setting. An international survey identified two domains, "Respect Given" and "Patient Questions Answered" as being important components of satisfaction in the genetic encounter. A working group of professionals assembled a 14-question pilot questionnaire that was subsequently tested in 13 clinical sites. Nearly 400 responses were used to validate the tool and ultimately construct a 7-item questionnaire. The 7-item questionnaire was found to be reliable and valid and addresses two key components of patient satisfaction: technical aspects of care and interpersonal relations. The tool is compared to other patient satisfaction tools developed for use in the clinical genetics setting. A Spanish version is also provided. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] An Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System for Adolescents with Alcohol Use Disorders: A Pilot StudyTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 2006Yifrah Kaminer MD In order to understand predictors of relapse among adolescents treated for alcohol use disorders (AUD), it is important to accurately assess the daily circumstances associated with use. This pilot study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of an interactive voice response (IVR) system in adolescents with AOSUD. Twenty-six adolescents 14 to 19 years old, with a mean age of 16.8, who were enrolled into an adolescent treatment program for AUD consented to make phone calls for 14 successive evenings to an IVR system and answer 14 questions pertaining to daily use of alcohol and other drugs. The subjects were compensated for their participation. A satisfaction questionnaire was administered at the end of the study. Participants completed 72% of scheduled recordings, with an average of 10.1 calls per subject. Most participants reported that they answered the questions honestly and accurately and were very much satisfied with the IVR system. The preliminary data presented here suggests that the use of IVR for the purpose of generating daily reports in youth is feasible and acceptable. The utilization of IVR systems should be explored to improve efficacy and attainment of generalizability to heterogeneous adolescent populations and lifestyles including for other psychiatric disorders. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,INTERSEX AND GENDER IDENTITY DISORDERS: A Report from a Single Institute's 14-Year Experience in Treatment of Male-to-Female TranssexualsTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2009Ciro Imbimbo MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Gender identity disorder or transsexualism is a complex clinical condition, and prevailing social context strongly impacts the form of its manifestations. Sex reassignment surgery (SRS) is the crucial step of a long and complex therapeutic process starting with preliminary psychiatric evaluation and culminating in definitive gender identity conversion. Aim., The aim of our study is to arrive at a clinical and psychosocial profile of male-to-female transsexuals in Italy through analysis of their personal and clinical experience and evaluation of their postsurgical satisfaction levels SRS. Methods., From January 1992 to September 2006, 163 male patients who had undergone gender-transforming surgery at our institution were requested to complete a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Main Outcome Measures., The questionnaire consisted of 38 questions covering nine main topics: general data, employment status, family status, personal relationships, social and cultural aspects, presurgical preparation, surgical procedure, and postsurgical sex life and overall satisfaction. Results., Average age was 31 years old. Seventy-two percent had a high educational level, and 63% were steadily employed. Half of the patients had contemplated suicide at some time in their lives before surgery and 4% had actually attempted suicide. Family and colleague emotional support levels were satisfactory. All patients had been adequately informed of surgical procedure beforehand. Eighty-nine percent engaged in postsurgical sexual activities. Seventy-five percent had a more satisfactory sex life after SRS, with main complications being pain during intercourse and lack of lubrication. Seventy-eight percent were satisfied with their neovagina's esthetic appearance, whereas only 56% were satisfied with depth. Almost all of the patients were satisfied with their new sexual status and expressed no regrets. Conclusions., Our patients' high level of satisfaction was due to a combination of a well-conducted preoperative preparation program, competent surgical skills, and consistent postoperative follow-up. Imbimbo C, Verze P, Palmieri A, Longo N, Fusco F, Arcaniolo D, and Mirone V. A Report from a single institute's fourteen year experience in treatment of male-to-female transsexuals. J Sex Med 2009;6:2736,2745. [source] Physical Activity: Patterns of active transport in 11,12 year old Australian childrenAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 2 2004Nathan Marten Objectives: To describe the habitual transport patterns of 11 to 12-year-old children in Australia, to determine the personal and environmental factors associated with active transport (AT), and to quantify how much AT contributes to overall daily energy expenditure (EE). Methods: The participants in this study were 136 children aged 11,12 year olds from eight randomly chosen primary schools in Adelaide, South Australia. Each child recalled their trips on two school days and a non-school day. Mass and stature were measured, and children completed a computerised activity recall and a neighbourhood satisfaction questionnaire. Trips were categorised according to their destination, child and parent dissatisfaction with the neighbourhood, and the gender, socio-economic status (SES), BMI and activity levels of the children undertaking them. These categories, along with the distance to the destination, were used as independent variables in a logistic regression model, with trip mode (passive versus active) as the dependent variable. Results: Children made an average of 1.0 active trips per day, with a median trip length of 0.63 km, while the median total distance covered actively per child per day was 0.61 km. Twenty-six per cent of children did no AT over the three days, and 67% did no AT on a weekend day. Distance was by far the strongest predictor of the likelihood that a trip would be active. Trips made by girls were less likely to be active compared with boys. Trips to the shops were less likely to be active than trips to school. Children's AT accounted for 1.3% of their daily EE. Conclusions and Implications: The active transport levels of children were very low. Interventions should focus on making neighbourhoods safer and more accessible to children and should promote bicycle use. [source] Deficits in Psychological Well-Being and Quality-of-Life in Minor Depression: Implications for DSM-VCNS: NEUROSCIENCE AND THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2010Andrew A. Nierenberg Objective: To examine deficits in psychological well-being (PWB) and quality-of-life (QOL) in minor depressive disorder (Min D). Method: Ninety-three subjects entering a treatment study for Min D were assessed using the QOL, Enjoyment and satisfaction questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS). Scores were compared with major depressive disorder (MDD) and normative community samples. Results: Even though subjects had mild depressive severity, Q-LES-Q total scores for the Min D sample averaged nearly two standard deviations below the community norm. Almost 40% of Min D cases had Q-LES-Q scores in the lowest 1% of the population. Responses to most Q-LES-Q items were closer to subjects with MDD than to community norms. Mean standardized PWB scores were extremely low for subscales of Environmental Mastery and Self-Acceptance, low for Purpose in Life and Positive Relations with others, but within the normal range for Personal Growth and Autonomy. QOL and PWB measures had low correlations with depressive symptom severity, and scores were similar in the presence or absence of a prior history of MDD. Conclusions: Mild depressive symptoms with Min D are associated with major deficits in QOL and PWB measures of environmental mastery and poor self-acceptance. Our findings suggest that diminished QOL and PWB may be intrinsic cognitive aspects of Min D with or without a history of MDD. It may be unnecessary in the DSM IV-TR to exclude the diagnosis of Min D if a subject has had a past episode of MDD. ,,Minor depression exists along a continuum of depression. ,,Deficits in psychological well-being and quality-of-life in minor depression are severe. ,,No difference in these measures if minor depression existed with or without a history of major depression. [source] Prospective evaluation of the management of moderate to severe cellulitis with parenteral antibiotics at a paediatric day treatment centreJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 4 2008Serge Gouin Aim: To assess the clinical outcome of patients with moderate to severe cellulitis managed at a paediatric day treatment centre (DTC). Methods: Prospective observational study of all patients (3 months to 18 years) with a presumed diagnosis of moderate to severe cellulitis made in a university-affiliated paediatric emergency department (ED) (September 2003 to September 2005). Patients treated at the DTC were given ceftriaxone or clindamycin. Results: During the study period, a presumed diagnosis of moderate to severe cellulitis was made in 224 patients in the ED. Ninety-two patients were treated at the DTC (41%). The cellulitis had a median width of 7.0 cm (range: 1.0,50.0 cm) and a median length of 6.5 cm (range: 1.0,40.0 cm). Blood cultures were performed in 95.7%; one was positive for Staphylococcus aureus. After a mean of 2.5 days of intravenous therapy (first injection in the ED and a mean of 1.5 days at the DTC), 73 patients (79.3%) were successfully discharged from the DTC and switched to an oral agent. For these patients no relapse occurred. Nineteen patients (20.7%) required inpatient admission for further therapy. No patient was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis in the course of therapy. Seventy-eight satisfaction questionnaires were handed in and revealed very good to excellent parental satisfaction with treatment at the DTC in 94.8%. Conclusion: Treatment with parenteral antibiotic at a DTC is a viable alternative to hospitalisation for moderate to severe cellulitis in children. [source] The effects of interactive music therapy on hospitalized children with cancer: a pilot studyPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 5 2002Maru E. Barrera Abstract Background. The use of music therapy with children in health settings has been documented, but its effectiveness has not yet been well established. This pilot study is a preliminary exploration of the effectiveness of interactive music therapy in reducing anxiety and increasing the comfort of hospitalized children with cancer. Methods. Pre- and post-music therapy measures were obtained from children (N=65) and parents. The measures consisted of children's ratings of mood using schematic faces, parental ratings of the child's play performance, and satisfaction questionnaires completed by parents, children and staff. Results. There was a significant improvement in children's ratings of their feelings from pre- to post-music therapy. Parents perceived an improved play performance after music therapy in pre-schoolers and adolescents but not in school-aged children. Qualitative analyses of children's and parents' comments suggested a positive impact of music therapy on the child's well-being. Conclusions. These preliminary findings are encouraging and suggest beneficial effects of interactive music therapy with hospitalized pediatric hematology/oncology patients. In future studies replicating these findings should be conducted in a randomized control trial. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||