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Patient Knowledge (patient + knowledge)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Allergy & Clinical Immunology	21%
Consumer Health General	15%
Nursing General	12%
Diabetes	6%
8 Other Subdomains	28%

Selected Abstracts

Deficient Knowledge Nursing Diagnosis: Identifying the Learning Needs of Patients With Cardiac Disease

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING TERMINOLOGIES AND CLASSIFICATION, Issue 3 2010
Luzia Elaine Galdeano PhD
Assistência ao paciente; avaliação de processos; conhecimento; doença das coronárias; enfermagem OBJECTIVES., To identify the learning needs of patients with cardiac disease and the aspects of the disease and anesthetic and surgical procedures about which Brazilian patients have the greatest gaps in knowledge. METHODS., Eighty preoperative patients answered a General Evaluation Questionnaire, a Questionnaire to Evaluate Patient Knowledge, and the Mini-Mental State Exam. FINDINGS., Fifty-nine patients had learning needs. More than 50% of the patients were mistaken or unable to answer questions about the disease, and the goals of and type of surgery to be performed and anesthesia to be used. CONCLUSIONS., Most patients had poor performance on the questionnaire that assessed their knowledge about coronary artery disease and its treatment. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS., This study can contribute to health professionals' assessment of patients' knowledge. OBJETIVOS., Identificar as necessidades de aprendizagem de pacientes com doença cardíaca e os aspectos da doença arterial coronariana e da revascularização do miocárdio do nos quais os pacientes brasileiros apresentam conhecimento deficiente. MÉTODO., Oitenta pacientes responderam o Questionário para avaliação geral, o Questionário para avaliar o conhecimento e o Mini-Exame do Estado Mental. RESULTADOS., Cinqüenta e nove pacientes apresentaram necessidade de aprendizagem. Mais de 50% dos pacientes erraram ou não souberam responder as questões referentes ao nome da doença, aos sinais e sintomas de complicação da doença, aos objetivos e tipo de cirurgia e anestesia. CONCLUSÃO., Muitos pacientes não apresentaram bom desempenho no questionário para medir conhecimento em relação à Doença Arterial Coronária e seu tratamento. IMPLICAÇÕES PRÁTICAS., Este estudo poderá contribuir para a avaliação do conhecimento dos pacientes por profissionais da saúde. [source]

Patient Knowledge and Awareness of Hypertension Is Suboptimal: Results From a Large Health Maintenance Organization

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 4 2003
Mark Alexander PhD;
Patient knowledge and awareness of hypertension are important factors in achieving blood pressure control. To examine hypertensive patients' knowledge of their condition, the authors randomly surveyed 2500 hypertension patients from a large health maintenance organization; questionnaires were supplemented with clinic blood pressure measurements. Approximately 72% of the subjects completed surveys. Of patients with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] 90 mm Hg), only 20.2% labeled their blood pressure as "high" and 38.4% as "borderline high." Forty percent of respondents couldn't recall their most recent clinic-based SBP and DBP values. Overall, 71.7% and 61% were unable to report a target SBP or DBP, respectively, or identify elevated targets based on the sixth report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VI) criteria. Most patients perceived DBP to be a more important risk factor than SBP. Hypertensive patients' awareness of blood pressure targets and current hypertension control status, particularly with respect to SBP, is suboptimal. The authors' findings support the need to improve patient education for better management of hypertension. [source]

Knowledge and educational needs of individuals with the factor V Leiden mutation

JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 11 2003
E. A. Hellmann
Summary.,Background:,Genetic testing for factor (F)V Leiden is widely performed in an effort to prevent thrombosis-related morbidity. The implications of a positive test for patients' health perception and the extent of patients' understanding of results are not known. Objectives:,This study examined patient experience of genetic testing for FV Leiden. Patients and methods:,The study was a cross-sectional, mailed survey of 110 patients who tested positive for the FV Leiden gene mutation at an academic medical center between 1995 and 2001. Patient knowledge about FV Leiden, satisfaction with available information, and psychosocial reactions to testing were assessed and the influence of demographic and clinical characteristics on outcome measured. Results:,The magnitude of thrombosis risk associated with FV Leiden was incorrectly estimated by 79% of participants. Many patients (64%) stated that they had not been given much information about FV Leiden and 68% still had many questions. Most patients (53%) felt that their healthcare providers do not understand FV Leiden. Patients who had been seen by a hematologist or in a specialized thrombosis clinic were more knowledgeable and had less information need. Most patients (88%) were glad to know genetic test results, despite negative psychosocial implications such as increased worry (43%). Conclusions:,Knowledge of genetic status increases awareness of thrombosis risk among patients, but magnitude of risk is often overestimated. Affected individuals indicate that there is a lack of available information about FV Leiden and that additional educational resources are needed. [source]

Patients' Knowledge about Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction is Poor

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2008
Martin K. Baumgartner MD
ABSTRACT Introduction., Well informed and educated patients ideally manage to prevent or delay the onset of severe chronic diseases. With respect to erectile dysfunction (ED) this is of importance because ED is considered to herald debilitating cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease. Aim., This survey aimed to assess patient's knowledge about risk factors (RF) for ED and to identify their preferred source of information. Main Outcome Measures., Knowledge of RF for ED and sources used to gather information about ED as reported by patients with ED. Methods., Between July 2004 and June 2006, 126 patients who presented at our outpatient clinic for an assessment of their ED were prospectively evaluated. The patients received a questionnaire about their demographic and socioeconomic circumstances, their strategies to gather information about ED, and their knowledge of specific RF for this disease. The questionnaire was completed by 81 patients (64%). Results., Forty-one patients (51%) could not name one single RF for ED. Three men knew more than three RF. The two most popular sources of information were the Internet and general practitioners. Well-educated patients were significantly better informed than others. Patients using the Internet as source for health information were significantly younger and had a better knowledge about RF for ED compared to those not using the Internet. Conclusions., Patients' knowledge about RF for ED is poor. The Internet seems to be the most useful information source for patients with ED and is predominantly used by younger and better educated patients. Given that ED is considered to be a precursor lesion of severe cardiovascular diseases, patient information and education deserves more attention. Baumgartner MK, Hermanns T, Cohen A, Schmid DM, Seifert B, Sulser T, and Strebel RT. Patients' knowledge about risk factors for erectile dysfunction is poor. J Sex Med 2008;5:2399,2404. [source]

Long-term outcomes after a structured hypertension education programme for patients with diabetes and hypertension

EUROPEAN DIABETES NURSING, Issue 2 2005
B Osterbrink Nurse Teacher, Diabetes Counsellor, Principal of the Academy of Health Professions
Abstract A structured hypertension treatment and education programme (HTEP) was developed in the Düsseldorf area in the 1990s for patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension and was found to be effective in a randomised controlled trial. The German Association of Diabetes Education and Counselling Professions (VDBD) implemented the HTEP all over Germany in order to optimise the care of patients with diabetes and hypertension. The objectives of the HTEP are to enable patients to gain knowledge of hypertension, to participate actively in their treatment to improve blood pressure (BP) and metabolic control and to self-measure their BP. The implementation consisted of two stages. The first stage comprised the training of 312 diabetes counsellors (DCs). During the second stage 473 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and hypertension in 35 diabetes centres throughout Germany received the HTEP including instructions in BP self-measurement. The HTEP consists of four units each one with a duration of 90 minutes covering the topics: hypertension, BP self-monitoring according to the standards of the German Hypertension League, antihypertensive medication including effects and side effects, recommendations to moderate exercise, weight reduction, dietary advice with reference to reduction of salt and alcohol and normalising the intake of protein. These patients participated in a prospective non-experimental study with a follow up of three years investigating the long-term outcomes of the HTEP in uncontrolled settings. The DCs assessed the accuracy of patients' self-monitoring by parallel measurement. Assessments included questionnaires evaluating patients' understanding of hypertension and metabolic control. The mean BP monitored by the DC fell from 150/85mmHg to 147/80mmHg (p<0.0001). The accuracy of self-measurements increased from 76% to 86% (p<0.005) and mean self-measurement readings decreased from 142/81mmHg to 139/78mmHg. HbA1c fell significantly from 7.9±1.6% to 7.3±1.1% (mean ± SD, p<0.001) and total cholesterol was lowered from 241±67.1mg/dl to 200±40.4mg/dl (p<0.001). Patients' knowledge of hypertension increased from 62% before the intervention to 72% after three years' follow up. Patients over 70 years showed less knowledge than younger patients (p<0.005). It was concluded that the HTEP is effective in improving BP, metabolic control and knowledge of hypertension. It enables patients to measure their BP precisely and regularly. Copyright © 2005 FEND. [source]

Patients' knowledge and perceptions of the side-effects of OTC medication

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2002
L. Hughes BPharm PhD MRPharmS
Summary Objective:, To investigate the knowledge of patients with regard to the side-effects of over-the-counter medicines. Method:, This took the form of ethnographic interviews and focus groups. Results:, Patients generally had poor knowledge of the potential side-effects of their medication. However, this appeared not to affect their ability to identify adverse drug reactions (ADRs). A number of the patients had experienced ADRs, and they identified a medicine as the cause because of the timing or unexpected nature of the symptom. The patients obtained information about medicines from many sources, including health care professionals, friends and family. Despite wide availability, patient information leaflets were rarely used by the patients. The leaflets were usually only read if the medicine was new or if a side-effect was experienced. Negative views of the leaflets included poor design and long lists of side-effects. Conclusion:, Accurate information and advice from health care professionals could serve to reassure patients and to ensure they are well informed about the medicines they take. [source]

Patients' Knowledge about Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction is Poor

The prognosis of occupational contact dermatitis in 2004

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5-6 2004
Jennifer Cahill
The prognosis of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) takes into account the extent of healing, effect on quality of life and employment, and financial costs for both the individual and the wider community. We reviewed 15 studies published between 1958 and 2002, reporting the complete clearance of dermatitis (range of 18,72%). 9 of the 15 studies reported a clearance rate of between 18 and 40%. Improvement was reported as an outcome in 3 studies between 1991 and 2002 (range of 70,84%). A number of common variables were identified as of possible influence. These include age, sex, atopy, patient knowledge, disease aetiology, duration of symptoms and job change; clinical, financial and social issues are also described. All of these factors need to be considered when managing a patient with OCD. Improved patient knowledge and early diagnosis may be associated with improved prognosis, whereas job change does not make a significant difference. Some patients will develop persistent post-occupational dermatitis, which has important implications for prognosis and workers' compensation. Only a small proportion of eligible patients receive workers' compensation, even though financially supported healing time soon after diagnosis may result in an improved prognosis. [source]

A qualitative investigation of the views and health beliefs of patients with Type 2 diabetes following the introduction of a diabetes shared care service

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2003
S. M. Smith
Abstract Aims A qualitative research approach was adopted in order to explore the views and health beliefs of patients with Type 2 diabetes who had experienced a new structured diabetes shared care service. Methods Patients from 15 general practices were randomly selected and invited to attend three focus groups. Two independent researchers adopted the ,Framework' technique to analyse the transcribed data and identify key themes expressed by patients. Results Themes relating to diabetes included frustration, victimization and powerlessness in relation to living with diabetes, controlling blood sugar, medication and economic barriers to care. Differences in emphases between patients and healthcare providers emerged. Patients were generally positive about shared care and largely identified it with the nurses involved. Conclusion This research highlights the importance of an in-depth exploration of patients' views during changes in diabetes care delivery to identify service delivery failures and gaps in patient knowledge such as lack of awareness of the extent of macrovascular risk. [source]

Advance directives and emergency department patients: ownership rates and perceptions of use

INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 12 2003
D. McD.
Abstract Background: Advance directives (ADs) are rarely available in Australia to guide management but may become more important as our population ages. Aims: The present study aimed to determine patient knowledge, perception and ownership rates of ADs and the factors that impact upon these variables. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of emergency department patients was undertaken. The main outcome measures were: (i) prior discussion about the extent of medical treatment and ADs, (ii) knowledge and perceptions of ADs, (iii) present AD ownership rates and (iv) likelihood of future AD ownership. Generalized linear models were used for analysis. Results: Four hundred and three patients were enrolled. The mean age of patients was 73 years and 239 (59.3%) were male. Two hundred and forty patients (59.6%) had discussed the extent of treatment. Only 81 patients (20.1%) had discussed the use of an AD. One hundred and thirty-seven patients (34.0%) knew of one type of AD and 333 patients (82.6%) thought some ADs were a good idea. Only 32 patients (7.9%) owned an AD, although 276 (68.5%) would consider owning one. The main reason for never obtaining an AD was ,always wanting full treatment' (93 patients, 23.1%). Level of education was the only characteristic that impacted significantly upon an outcome measure. Patients with a higher level of education were more likely to have known and spoken about ADs, to own an AD and to consider owning one. Conclusions: AD knowledge and ownership rates were low. However, most patients perceive them favourably and many would consider owning one. Intervention strategies to improve AD awareness are indicated. This may empower patients to more effectively participate in their own advance care planning. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 586,592) [source]

Hospitalists' awareness of patient charges associated with inpatient care,

JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2010
Jeremy D Graham MA
Abstract Hospitalists' specialized focus on inpatient care services has been conjectured to offer increased efficiency and reduce costs of inpatient care. Hospitalists' estimates of the unadjusted patient-charges generated by commonly-used services were measured. Hospitalists' agreement with one another, and accuracy relative to the actual patient-charges were both low. Hospitalists' awareness of inpatient charges appears subject to the same opacity of pricing known to limit patient knowledge, and at present hospitalists' cognizance of charges and costs is unlikely to facilitate decreased care expenditures. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:295,297. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine [source]

Validation of a questionnaire for assessment of asthma patient knowledge and behaviour

ALLERGY, Issue 1 2009
F. Trebuchon
Background:, For several years, educational programmes have been highlighted because care success depends on patient's knowledge and patient's asthma management. However, no tool is available to assess change in patient knowledge and behaviour before and after completing an educational programme. Objective:, To validate a questionnaire measuring the knowledge and behaviour of asthmatics participating in an educational programme and to gauge the benefit of such a programme. Methods:, The Asthma Behaviour Change (ABC) questionnaire was generated from literature, patient surveys and clinical situations. It was organized in eight dimensions assessing patient behaviour in seven different clinical situations and two assessing patient (pathophysiology and therapeutic) knowledge. A total of 139 asthmatics filled out the questionnaire before, during and after the educational programme. Results:, The principal component analysis confirmed the structure empirically made by clinical situations. Internal consistency analysis yielded high Cronbach's alpha values. Different dimensions and the two global scores were able to discriminate patients according to asthma severity. Finally, the effect size of difference before and after educational programme was at least 0.47, and was larger than 0.74 for both global behaviour and knowledge scores. The difference between visit 1 and 3 for global behaviour and knowledge scores reached 18.84 ± 20.83 (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 13.18,24.43) and 11.06 ± 14.98 (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 7.10,15.03), respectively. Conclusion:, ABC questionnaire is a valid tool to assess asthmatics' knowledge and behaviour. Furthermore, this study confirmed that educational programmes lead to better awareness of asthma by patients. [source]

Rheumatoid arthritis patients' knowledge of the disease and its treatments: A descriptive study

MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE, Issue 1 2009
P. Mäkeläinen MNSc
Abstract Objective:,The purpose of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient education is to increase patients' knowledge levels. However, there are only a limited number of studies available concerning these patients' knowledge of their disease and its various treatments. The purpose of this study was to describe RA patients' understanding of their disease and its treatments. Methods:,A total of 252 RA patients participated in this survey in August 2004 (response rate 53.2%). The knowledge levels of the patients and their physical functioning were measured using self-reported questionnaires. The data were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods. Results:,RA patients' knowledge of the disease and its treatments was, on average, good. However, the total scores of the Patient Knowledge Questionnaire ranged from 2 to 29 (maximum score 30). The patients knew well the aetiology and symptoms of RA, the blood tests and the physical exercise; they knew moderately well the facts relating to joint protection, energy conservation and how to use anti-rheumatic drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Young patients, women and patients with a long disease duration knew the most. There was a weak correlation between patient knowledge and physical functioning: the weaker the patient's functioning, the higher the knowledge level. Conclusions:,RA patients' knowledge of their disease and its treatments varied from poor to good in this group. These results can be used for advancing RA patient education. However, more research is needed to evaluate RA patients' knowledge levels. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Psychometric evaluation of the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) response index

RESEARCH IN NURSING & HEALTH, Issue 6 2007
Barbara Riegel
Abstract Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of persons with ischemic heart disease are important predictors of delay in seeking treatment. We tested the psychometric profile of the Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Response Index, a measure assessing patient knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about ACS symptoms and response, in 3,522 patients. On factor analysis, 21 dichotomous knowledge items loaded onto four factors (alpha .82). In a separate factor analysis, another five items loaded on two attitude factors, and seven items loaded on two belief factors (alpha .76). The scales discriminated between patients previously exposed to medical experts. Scale scores were significantly correlated but without evidence of multicolinearity. Initial tests of reliability and validity support further testing of this new instrument. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30:584,594, 2007 [source]

Primary Care Providers' Perceptions of Home Diabetes Telemedicine Care in the IDEATel Project

THE JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 1 2007
FCFP, Fred Tudiver MD
ABSTRACT:,Context: Few telemedicine projects have systematically examined provider satisfaction and attitudes. Purpose: To determine the acceptability and perceived impact on primary care providers' (PCP) practices of a randomized clinical trial of the use of telemedicine to electronically deliver health care services to Medicare patients with diabetes in federally designated medically underserved areas of upstate New York, primarily those in rural areas and small towns with limited access to primary care. Methods: A longitudinal phone survey was completed by 116 PCPs with patients with diabetes in the treatment arm of the trial, and conducted 12 and 24 months after a PCP's first patient was randomized to the home telemedicine arm of the trial. The 36-item survey included measures of acceptability (to PCPs, time required), impact (on patient knowledge, confidence, perceived health outcomes), and communication. Six open-ended questions were analyzed qualitatively. Results: The quantitative data indicated positive responses in terms of acceptability of the telemedicine intervention to the PCPs and of the impact on the PCPs' patients. This was most evident in issues critical to good control of diabetes: patient knowledge, ability to manage diabetes, confidence, and compliance in managing diabetes. Key qualitative themes, on the positive end, were more patient control and motivation, helpfulness of having extra patient data, and involvement of nurses and dieticians. Negative themes were excessive paperwork and duplication taking more PCP time, and conflicting advice and management decisions from the telemedicine team, some without informing the PCP but none involving medications. Conclusions: Telemedicine was reported to be a positive experience for predominantly rural PCPs and their Medicare-eligible patients from medically underserved areas; several inefficiencies need to be refined. [source]

Re: Published article , patient knowledge of the risks of post-splenectomy sepsis ANZ J. Surg.

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 11 2009
2008; 78: 86
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Validation of a questionnaire for assessment of asthma patient knowledge and behaviour

Perceived barriers to adherence among adolescent renal transplant candidates

PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2008
Nataliya Zelikovsky
Abstract:, Non-adherence to medical regimens is a ubiquitous hindrance to quality health care among adolescent transplant recipients. Identification of potentially modifiable barriers to adherence when patients are listed for organ transplant would help with early intervention efforts to prepare adolescents for the stringent medication regimen post-transplant. Fifty-six adolescents listed for a kidney transplant, mean age 14.27 (s.d. = 2.2; range 11,18 yr), 73.2% male, 62.5% Caucasian participated in a semi-structured interview, the Medical Adherence Measure, to assesses the patient's knowledge of the prescribed regimen, reported adherence (missed and late doses), the system used to organized medications, and who holds the primary responsibility over medication management. Better knowledge of the medication regimen was associated with fewer missed doses (r = ,0.48, p < 0.001). Patients who perceived more barriers had more missed (r = 0.38, p = 0.004) and late (r = 0.47, p < 0.001) doses. Patients who endorsed "just forget," the most common barrier (56.4%), reported significantly more missed (z = ,4.25, p < 0.001) and late (z = ,2.2, p = 0.02) doses. Only one-third of the transplant candidates used a pillbox to organize medications but these patients had significantly better adherence, z = ,2.2, p = 0.03. With regard to responsibility over managing the regimens, adolescents missed fewer doses when their parents were in charge than when they were solely responsible, z = ,2.1, p = 0.04. Interventions developed to prepare transplant candidates for a stringent post-transplant regimen need to focus on ensuring accurate knowledge of as simple a regimen as possible. Use of an organized system such as a pillbox to establish a routine and facilitate tracking of medications is recommended with integration of reminders that may be appealing for this age group. Although individuation is developmentally normative at this age, parent involvement seems critical until the adolescent is able to manage the responsibility more independently. [source]

Patients' Knowledge about Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction is Poor

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Knowledge about Risks and Benefits of Breast Cancer Treatment: Does It Matter Where You Go?

HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008
Sarah T. Hawley
Objective. To evaluate the association between provider characteristics and treatment location and racial/ethnic minority patients' knowledge of breast cancer treatment risks and benefits. Data Sources/Data Collection. Survey responses and clinical data from breast cancer patients of Detroit and Los Angeles SEER registries were merged with surgeon survey responses (N=1,132 patients, 277 surgeons). Study Design. Cross-sectional survey. Multivariable regression was used to identify associations between patient, surgeon, and treatment setting factors and accurate knowledge of the survival benefit and recurrence risk related to mastectomy and breast conserving surgery with radiation. Principal Findings. Half (51 percent) of respondents had survival knowledge, while close to half (47.6 percent) were uncertain regarding recurrence knowledge. Minority patients and those with lower education were less likely to have adequate survival knowledge and more likely to be uncertain regarding recurrence risk than their counterparts (p<.001). Neither surgeon characteristics nor treatment location attenuated racial/ethnic knowledge disparities. Patient,physician communication was significantly (p<.001) associated with both types of knowledge, but did not influence racial/ethnic differences in knowledge. Conclusions. Interventions to improve patient understanding of the benefits and risks of breast cancer treatments are needed across surgeons and treatment setting, particularly for racial/ethnic minority women with breast cancer. [source]

Deficient Knowledge Nursing Diagnosis: Identifying the Learning Needs of Patients With Cardiac Disease

Patient Knowledge and Awareness of Hypertension Is Suboptimal: Results From a Large Health Maintenance Organization

Older patients with chronic heart failure within Swedish community health care: a record review of nursing assessments and interventions

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 1 2004
Anna Ehrenberg PhD
Background., Older patients with chronic heart failure constitute a large group within community home care that is at high risk for re-hospitalization. However, hospital readmission can be prevented if early signs of deterioration are recognized and proper interventions applied. Aims and objectives., The aim of the study was to audit nursing care for older chronic heart failure patients within the Swedish community health care system. Design., The study adopted a retrospective descriptive design. Methods., In a Swedish urban municipality nursing documentation from 161 records on patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure was collected retrospectively from community nursing home care units. Patient records were reviewed for characteristics of nursing care and assessed for comprehensiveness in recording. Results., The main results showed that medical care of patients with chronic heart failure was poorly recorded, making it possible only to follow fragments of the care process. The nursing notes showed poor adherence to current clinical guidelines. Only 12% of the records contained notes on patients' body weight and only 4% noted patients' knowledge about chronic heart failure. When interventions did occur, they largely consisted of drug administration. Conclusions., The findings revealed flaws in the recording of specific assessment and interventions as well as poor adherence to current international clinical guidelines. Relevance to clinical practice., Supportive guidelines available at the point of care are needed to enhance proper community-based home health care for older patients with chronic heart failure. [source]

Rheumatoid arthritis patients' knowledge of the disease and its treatments: A descriptive study

Drug information for patients,an update of long-term results: type of enquiries and patient characteristics,

PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 2 2009
Martin Huber MPharm
Abstract Purpose To analyse the type of enquiries to a drug information service in Germany, available exclusively for patients. Methods Sociodemographic characteristics of the patients who used the service, number and kind of drugs taken, existing diseases, reasons for enquiry as well as type of answers provided were recorded. For the present evaluation we analysed all enquiries to the service from August 2001 to January 2007. Results A total of 5587 enquiries were received. 5013 enquiries from 4091 patients were available for further analysis in detail. The patient group using the service most frequently were women between 61 and 70 years (23.3%). 1457 enquiries (29.1%) were made by patients who had contacted the information service once or several times before. The group of drugs most often asked about were cardiovascular drugs (33.4%), followed by drugs for the nervous system (16.2%) and for the alimentary tract and metabolism (12.4%). On average, each patient had questions about 2.6 (median 1; 1,22) drugs simultaneously. Common reasons for contacting the service were adverse drug reactions (22.1%), the need for general information about the drug (19.9%), information about therapy (12.4%) and drug interactions (10.2%). Conclusions A lot of patients need additional information about their medication, especially concerning drug groups that are frequently prescribed. The presented drug information service can be one helpful tool to counteract these information deficits and to increase patients' knowledge about their drugs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Evaluation of knowledge and anxiety level of patients visiting the colorectal pelvic floor clinic

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 3 2006
J. C. G. Coolen
Abstract Objective, Discussing defaecating disorders is difficult for patients and many view anal physiology investigations (ultrasound, manometry, electromyography and pudendal nerve studies) as distasteful. This pilot study sought to assess whether present information sheets supplied to patients and the visit to the colorectal Pelvic Floor Clinic itself influenced patients' knowledge and anxiety. Patients and methods, Thirty Pelvic Floor Clinic patients from Auckland City Hospital were included. Each patient filled in a questionnaire before and after the clinic. This included objective questions about their knowledge of the structure and function of the pelvic floor and satisfaction with and understanding of the information sheet. Both visual analogue scale (VAS) and multiple choice questions (MCQ) were used. Their subjective and objective knowledge were compared. Anxiety was assessed on a visual analogue anxiety scale (VAAS). Results were expressed as VAS scores or percentage correct and relationships were tested using Fisher's Exact test and paired T -test. Results, Subjective knowledge increased in 93% of the patients. The doctor's explanation led to a greater increase in subjective knowledge than the information sheet (35/100 mm, P < 0.001 and 10/100 mm, P = 0.01, respectively). Subjective improvement in knowledge did not however, translate into an increase in objective knowledge (P = 0.63). The information sheet was read by 87% of the patients. The information sheet had reduced anxiety only in 23% of the patients and increased in 10%. Anxiety levels were not significantly influenced by the information sheet, but reduced significantly by the clinic visit in 87% of patients (P < 0.001). The mean anxiety level reduced from 44/100 to 12/100 after the clinic visit. Conclusion, Anxiety levels are high in those visiting the Pelvic Floor Clinic. It appears that it is the interaction with the doctor that has a profound influence on anxiety levels and subjective knowledge rather than written information. [source]