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Background: Measuring quality is essential to drive improvement initiatives in hospitals. An instrument that measures healthcare quality multidimensionally and integrates patients', kin's and professionals' perspectives is lacking. We aimed to develop and validate an instrument to measure healthcare quality multidimensionally from a multistakeholder perspective. Methods: A multi-method approach started by establishing content and face validity, followed by a multi-centre study in 17 Flemish (Belgian) hospitals to assess construct validity through confirmatory factor analysis, criterion validity through determining Pearson's correlations and reliability through Cronbach's alpha measurement. The instrument FlaQuM-Quickscan measures 'Healthcare quality for patients and kin' (part 1) and 'Healthcare quality for professionals' (part 2). This bipartite instrument mirrors 15 quality items and 3 general items (the overall quality score, recommendation score and intention-to-stay score). A process evaluation was organised to identify effective strategies in instrument distribution by conducting semi-structured interviews with quality managers. Results: By involving experts in the development of quality items and through pilot testing by a multi-stakeholder group, the content and face validity of instrument items was ensured. In total, 13,615 respondents (5,891 Patients/kin and 7,724 Professionals) completed the FlaQuM-Quickscan. Confirmatory factor analyses showed good to very good fit and correlations supported the associations between the quality items and general items for both instrument parts. Cronbach's alphas supported the internal consistency. The process evaluation revealed that supportive technical structures and approaching respondents individually were effective strategies to distribute the instrument. Conclusions: The FlaQuM-Quickscan is a valid instrument to measure healthcare quality experiences multidimensionally from an integrated multistakeholder perspective. This new instrument offers unique and detailed data to design sustainable quality management systems in hospitals. Based on these data, hospital management and policymakers can set quality priorities for patients', kin's and professionals' care. Future research should investigate the transferability to other healthcare systems and examine between-stakeholders and between-hospitals variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) are frequently underdiagnosed, contributing to patient dissatisfaction in the healthcare system. This study evaluated the health service utilization, care, and subjective experiences of living with chronic illness among adults with HSD and EDS in the United States and Canada. This was an anonymous, web-based, cross-sectional healthcare survey. The survey obtained basic demographic information, the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC+), as well as responses to questions on the use of healthcare and integrative medicine. A total of 353 surveys were received. The most common complementary therapies used were physical therapy (82%), massage (68%), yoga (58%), chiropractic (48%), and meditation (43%). Mean (SD) summary PACIC and PACIC 5 As scores were 2.16 (0.77) and 2.25 (0.83), respectively. Across all PACIC domains, mean scores of individuals whose typical doctor visit was 30 min or at least an hour were significantly higher than those of individuals who indicated typical visits of 15 min (all p < 0.0001 by one-way ANOVA). There was widespread agreement on the importance of patient-provider relationship and trust, physicians' understanding of the individual's complete medical history, and prioritization of physical and emotional safety (>95% agree or strongly agree to each). Individuals with HSD or EDS report low satisfaction with chronic illness care and commonly seek out complementary and self-administered therapies, likely in an attempt to manage symptoms. Respondents reported a desire for greater time and attention from physicians. Results from this study could educate the healthcare community to improve support mechanisms for HSD and EDS populations. Patients with hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) or Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) express a desire for patient-centered care and peer support from other individuals with HSD or EDS. Individuals with HSD or EDS have typically seen multiple doctors for their condition and their satisfaction with chronic care, as measured by the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC+), is low. The use of various complementary and integrative health treatments, as well as specialized diets, is common in this population, and might be beneficial for symptom management. Healthcare delivery for HSD and EDS may require a multidisciplinary healthcare team, as complementary and self-care modalities are typically used in addition to physical therapy, pain medication, and other conventional care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rising prevalence of prediabetes increases the population risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Early identification by General Practitioners (GPs) provides opportunities for lifestyle modifications that can lower these risks. Methods: This study examined 16 years of hyperglycaemia-related testing for patients in Australia aged 13 years or older with, or at risk of a diagnosis of T2DM. The Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health (BEACH) study is a national cross-sectional survey, with a single-stage, cluster sampling design. Approximately 1,000 GPs were randomly selected annually (2000/01–20,015/16) from across Australia, who each recorded details of 100 consecutive clinical encounters with consenting patients. Point estimates were adjusted for intracluster correlation and GP characteristics. Results: Fifteen thousand six hundred seventy nine GPs recorded details of 1,387,190 clinical encounters with patients aged 13 + years. Prediabetes and T2DM were managed at 0.25% (95% CI: 0.24–0.27%) and 3.68% (95% CI: 3.62–3.73%) of encounters respectively. By the end of the study, the proportion of encounters where prediabetes was managed was 2.3 times higher and for T2DM, 1.5 times higher. The proportion of prediabetes (55.9%, 95% CI: 53.9–57.8%) and T2DM (27.3%, 95% CI: 26.7–27.9%) management occasions where one or more hyperglycaemia-related tests were requested were relatively stable. However, differences in the types of tests were observed. For prediabetes, glucose tolerance tests were most common but from 2014/15, requests for HbA1c tests began to increase. For T2DM, HbA1c tests were most common, and requests for one or more glucose tests gradually declined. Conclusion: The observed 16-year annual trends align with the rising incidence of prediabetes and T2DM. GPs appeared to be strongly influenced by changes to the national insurance scheme and clinical guidelines for hyperglycaemia-related pathology testing. However, some GPs may have been pre-empting policy changes as there was also evidence of 'unendorsed' testing, notably for prediabetes, that warrants further investigation. The increasing proportion of encounters for prediabetes, coupled with a high proportion of management occasions where pathology was requested have substantial resource implications. Calls to lower the risk threshold for prediabetes screening therefore warrant an economic analysis. Ongoing, reliable, up-to-date data is needed to inform clinical practice guidelines and policy in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer, every 5 years, since 1995. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2019. Materials and Methods: This survey was conducted from March to December 2020 using a standardized case report form, which was sent to every member of the KGCA via e-mail. We collected data on 54 items, including patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes. We compared the results of the 2019 survey with previous surveys. Results: Data of 14,076 cases were collected from 68 institutions. The mean patient age was 62.9 years and the proportion of patients who were aged ≥71 years increased from 9.1% in 1995 to 28.8% in 2019. The proportion of upper-third tumors steadily increased from 11.2% in 1995 to 20.9% in 2019 and that of early gastric cancer increased from 57.7% in 2009 to 63.6% in 2019. Regarding operative procedures, a total laparoscopic approach was used in more than half of the cases (55.1%) in 2019. The most common anastomotic method was the Billroth II procedure (45.0%) after distal gastrectomy and double tract reconstruction (81.2%) after proximal gastrectomy in 2019. The postoperative mortality rate was 1.0%, and the overall postoperative complication rate was 14.5%. Conclusions: The results of the 2019 nationwide survey demonstrate the current status of gastric cancer treatment in Korea. This information will provide a basis for gastric cancer research in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To ascertain renal cell carcinoma (RCC) financial toxicity on COVID-19 during the COVID-19 crisis as patients are struggling with therapeutic and financial implications. Methods: An online survey was conducted from March 22 to March 25, 2020. It included baseline demographic, clinicopathologic, treatment-related information, anxiety levels related to COVID-19, questions related to financial concerns about COVID-19 as well as the validated 11-item COST measure. Results: Five-hundred-and-thirty-nine patients (39%:58% male:female) from 14 countries responded. 23% of the patients did not feel in control of their financial situation but 8% reported being very satisfied with their finances. The median COST score was 21.5 (range 1–44). Metastatic patients who have not started systemic therapy had a COST score (19.8 range 2–41) versus patients on oral systemic therapy had a COST score (23.9 range 4–44). Patients in follow-up after surgery had a median COST score at 20.8 (range 1–40). A low COST scores correlated (p < 0.001) were female gender (r = 0.108), younger age (r = 0.210), urban living situation (r = 0.68), a lower educational level (r = 0.155), lower income (r = 0.165), higher anxiety about acquiring COVID-19 (r = 0.198), having metastatic disease (r = 0.073) and a higher distress score about cancer progression (r = 0.224). Conclusion: Our data highlight severe financial impact of COVID-19. Acknowledging financial hardship and thorough counseling of cancer patients should be part of the conversation during the pandemic. Treatment and surveillance of RCC patients might have to be adjusted to contemplate financial and medical needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize the population of subfertile and infertile men in the United States who lack access to infertility services.Design: Analysis of the 2011-2013, 2013-2015, and 2015-2017 waves of the National Survey for Family Growth (NSFG) dataset.Setting: Not applicable.Patient(s): Noninstitutionalized civilian men, ages 15-45 years, who were married or lived with a woman and had not undergone a vasectomy.Intervention: Not applicable.Main Outcome Measure(s): Access to infertility services.Result(s): Compared with people who had used infertility services, unevaluated men who self-reported as infertile or subfertile were younger, had lower household incomes, were less educated, and were less likely to be married. Unevaluated infertile men were less likely to have a regular place where they received health care, were more likely to be uninsured, and had a poorer perception of their personal health. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, average household income, marital status, education level, and current insurance status remained significant.Conclusion(s): Infertile men who had not used infertility services were less educated, were less likely to have been married, and had a lower household income and private insurance rate compared with men who had used infertility services. These demographic and health care utilization differences can help inform public policy related to fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infections are common occurrences at end of life that are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality among frail elderly individuals. The problem of infections in nursing homes has led to a subsequent overuse and misuse of antibiotics in this already-frail population. Improving palliative care in nursing homes has been proposed as a key strategy to reduce the use of antibiotics. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the current status of how nursing homes integrates palliative care and infection management at end of life across the nation. Design: This is a cross-sectional survey of nationally representative US nursing homes. Setting/participants: Between November 2017 and October 2018, a survey was conducted with a nationally representative random sample of nursing homes and 892 surveys were completed (49% response rate). The weighted study sample represented 15,381 nursing homes across the nation. Results: Most nursing homes engaged in care plan documentation on what is important to residents (90.43%) and discussed spiritual needs of terminally ill residents (89.50%). In the event of aspiration pneumonia in terminally ill residents, 59.43% of nursing homes responded that resident would be transferred to the hospital. In suspected urinary tract infection among terminally ill residents, 66.62% of nursing homes responded that the resident will be treated with antibiotics. Conclusion: The study found wide variations in nursing home palliative care practices, particularly for timing of end-of-life care discussions, and suboptimal care reported for antibiotic usage. Further education for nursing home staff on appropriate antibiotic usage and best practices to integrate infection management in palliative care at the end of life is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To describe variations in the monitoring, treatment, and discharge of children hospitalized with bronchiolitis among physicians across Canadian paediatric teaching hospitals. Methods We conducted an electronic survey of paediatricians with experience in the management of inpatient bronchiolitis at 20 Canadian paediatric teaching hospitals. Only physicians who worked a minimum of 6 weeks on their hospital inpatient unit in the 2015 calendar year were eligible to participate in the study. The questionnaire explored the monitoring, treatment, and discharge of children with bronchiolitis. Central tendency (mean) and dispersion (SD) statistics were produced for continuous variables and frequency distributions for categorical variables. Results A total of 142 respondents were included in the analysis. 45.1% reported the routine use of continuous oxygen saturation monitoring. 27.5% used a higher cut-off for oxygen supplementation of 92% and 12.7% use a lower cut-off of 88%. 29.6% routinely used deep nasal suctioning. Seventy-three per cent reported using nebulized therapies. 55.6% reported having preprinted order sheets or guidelines for management of inpatient bronchiolitis at their institutions and 28.2% reported having specific discharge criteria. The length of time required to be off oxygen prior to discharge varied (31% at 12 hours, 27.5% at 24 hours, and 24.6% after the last sleep period without oxygen). Conclusion There is significant practice variation in the monitoring, treatment, and discharge of children hospitalized with bronchiolitis within and between Canadian paediatric teaching hospitals. Future research is needed to establish best practices, effective knowledge translation, and implementation strategies to standardize care and decrease length of stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In response to the increasing cancer prevalence and the evolving health service landscape across the public and private health sectors in Australia, this study aimed to map cancer services and identify factors associated with service provision and important service gaps.Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional survey was conducted throughout 2016. Extensive search strategies identified Government or privately-owned, hospital or community-based healthcare organisations with dedicated cancer services. One nominated staff member from each organisation answered a purpose specific online/paper questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, standardised rates, and single level and multilevel multinomial logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Analysis was augmented with a qualitative descriptive analysis of open-ended questions.Results: From the 295 eligible organisations with a cancer service in Australia, 93.2% participated in the survey. After adjusting for remoteness, for-profit companies were significantly more likely than Government operated services to provide only one or two types of cancer services (e.g. radiotherapy) in a limited range of settings (e.g. day hospital with no in-patient or home care) (p < 0.001) and less likely to provide comprehensive cancer services (p < 0.001). After adjusting for ownership and the respondent's role in the organisation, respondents located in remote regions of Australia were more likely to identify cancer services that are dependent upon specialist medical practitioners as the most important service gaps in their region (p = 0.003). Despite 76.0% of organisations across Australia offering some type of supportive care or survivorship services, providers identified this group of services as the most pressing service gaps in major cities, rural and remote regions alike (standardised rate: 47.9% (95%CI: 43.6-57.4%); p < .000). This included the need for improved integration, outreach and affordability.Conclusions: The broad range of cancer services, settings and ownership identified by this survey highlights the complexity of the Australian healthcare system that cancer survivors must navigate and the challenges of providing comprehensive cancer care particularly in rural and remote regions. Whilst the significant role of supportive care and survivorship services are increasingly being recognised, the findings from this survey support calls for innovative service models and funding mechanisms that expand the focus from preventing and treating cancer to supporting cancer survivors throughout the cancer continuum and promoting the delivery of integrated and equitable cancer care across the public and private sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Nursing discharge preparation is vital to successful hospital-to-home transitions. However, despite a wealth of evidence on its effectiveness, little is known of the structure- and process-related factors that facilitate or impede its use in clinical practice. Specifically, the associations between unit size and type, leadership support, skill mix, staffing, nurse and patient characteristics, discharge teaching and patient readiness for discharge have rarely been studied. Objectives This study aimed to explore the associations between structure-individual characteristics (i.e., unit, nurse and patient characteristics) and process-related (i.e., teaching of self-care and symptom management) factors and patient readiness for hospital discharge. Design A secondary data analysis of the multicentre observational "Matching Registered Nurse services with changing care demands (MatchRN)" study. Setting and period Data were collected between September 2015 and January 2016 on 123 surgical, medical and mixed units in 23 Swiss acute care hospitals. Participants A total of 1833 registered nurses and 1755 patients were included in the analyses. Methods Structure-, process- and patient readiness-related hospital discharge variables were assessed using validated items either from existing instruments or self-developed. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to test associations. Results Fewer than half of the patients hospitalized (47.8%) reported readiness for hospital discharge. Fifty-eight percent reported receiving discharge preparation interventions for self-care and 30% for symptom management. Patients' readiness for hospital discharge was significantly lower in larger units (β = −0.001; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.002 to −0.001) and on medical units (β = −0.44; 95% CI = −0.70 to −0.19). Higher nurses' experience (β =.004; 95% CI = 0.001 to 0.01), better patient self−reported health (β = −0.11; 95% CI = −0.17 to −0.05), higher patient ratings of self-care teaching (β = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.07–1.59) and symptom management teaching (β = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.52–1.06) were significantly associated with greater patient readiness for hospital discharge. Conclusions Patient readiness for hospital discharge is associated with process- and structure-related factors. Our findings suggest that, for successful uptake in clinical practice, the development and implementation of effective discharge preparation programs should consider the structural context, i.e., patient population, unit size, and experience of nurses within the team. Further research, using a more accurate measure of patient readiness for hospital discharge, is needed to test associations with the nurse work environment and staffing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus constitutes a global epidemic and a major burden on health care systems across the world. Prevention of this disease is essential, and the development of effective prevention strategies requires validated information on the disease burden and the risk factors. Embarking on a nationally representative cross-sectional study is challenging and costly. Few countries undertake this process regularly, if at all. Method This paper sets out the evidence-based protocol of a recent cross-sectional study that was conducted in Malta. Data collection took place from November 2014 to January 2016. Results This study presents up-to-date national data on diabetes and its risk factors (such as obesity, smoking, physical activity and alcohol intake) that will soon be publicly available. Conclusion This protocol was compiled so that the study can be replicated in other countries. The protocol contains stepby- step descriptions of the study design, including details on the population sampling, the permissions required and the validated measurement tools used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims and objectives Online surveys have several advantages, but a low response rate is common and it is uncertain how results are affected. Response inducement techniques can be used to overcome this problem. The objectives of this study were to describe the percentage of change in the response rate after reminders and to analyse the characteristics associated with non-response and late response based on the survey results, as well as by applying archival and extrapolation techniques. Method In the Autonomous Community of Madrid, an online questionnaire about cancer prevention was sent to a random sample of primary care health professionals (3586 physicians and nurses). Two reminders were sent later. The percentage of change in response rates after reminders, global and by demographic and health care characteristics of participants; and factors associated with non-response and late response were analysed using response rates and odds ratios ( ORs). Results After the reminders, the response rate increased from 22.6% to 32.9% and to 39.4%. Non-response was associated with age [ OR: 3.14; confidence interval ( CI) 95%: 2.23-4.42 for aged >60 years], gender and functional area. Further, a higher response rate after reminders was observed in professionals with heavier workloads ( OR: 1.46; CI 95%: 1.08-1.97) and in those who stated a lower relevance of cancer prevention in primary care. Conclusions After electronic reminders, the response rate increased, especially among professionals with the highest workloads and a minor interest in the survey topic. However, possible bias associated with non-response remains and the factors behind this should be examined in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Thromboembolism is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with colorectal cancer, but thromboprophylaxis ( TP) is underutilized. Current guidelines do not make specific recommendations for colorectal cancer patients and provide minimal guidance for the ambulatory setting, although emerging evidence suggests TP may be warranted during chemoradiotherapy or in the extended post-operative phase. A survey of Australasian colorectal surgeons was therefore performed to assess current TP practice and attitudes. Methods An online survey was sent to 204 surgeons who were members of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand. Results One hundred twenty-eight surgeons (63%) completed the survey. Most surgeons consult available guidelines, and where recommendations are made, current practice is in line with them. Lack of data, lack of ownership, logistical issues and an absence of guideline recommendations currently prevent surgeons from instituting TP in the neoadjuvant treatment period. Fifty-four per cent of surgeons currently prescribe TP after hospital discharge; those that do not, cite logistical issues as the main constraint. Conclusion More data on thromboembolism risk during various treatment phases are required and should be promulgated in tumour-specific guidelines. Logistical barriers to adopting TP in the ambulatory setting should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: New multimodality treatment approaches for prostate cancer require multidisciplinary management of patients. We aimed to assess the current practices of multidisciplinarity and their possible implications in treatment management in Switzerland. Methods: In a survey, urologists and medical oncologists in Switzerland were asked to include at least 25 or 15 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of prostate cancer, respectively. Information about treatment patterns and multidisciplinary parameters of these patients was collected retrospectively. Results: Thirty-seven urologists and 20 oncologists from the French- and German-speaking parts of Switzerland representing 7 out of 11 non-university tertiary centres and 20/10 % of all office-based urologists/oncologists in Switzerland collected data on 1,184 patients. Sixty-five percent of the office-based (16/24 urologists; 6/10 oncologists) and 95 % of the hospital-based (10/11 urologists; 8/8 oncologists) physicians participate in multidisciplinary tumour boards (MTBs). However, only 1.5 % of patients with a new diagnosis of prostate cancer (13 of 883) are discussed at a MTB. Overall, second opinions at diagnosis are requested in 23 % of patients, mainly from radiation oncologists (8.4 %) or fellow urologists (7.4 %). Second opinions are more often requested by urologists who participate at MTBs and in case of advanced stage. Conclusions: Participation at MTBs is high among Swiss urologists and oncologists in private practice and at non-university tertiary centers. In spite of that only a small minority of patietns with prostate cancer are presented at MTBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Knowledge about safety climate is fundamental to improving patient safety in health care organizations. Because individual and organizational factors influence the safety climate, we conducted a health care survey of German family practices so we could analyze the impact of the professional group, the professional experience of practice staff, and practice characteristics on perceptions of the safety climate.Methods: We wrote to health care assistants and doctors in 1,800 randomly selected family practices in Germany and asked them to complete a newly developed and validated Frankfurt Patient Safety Climate Questionnaire. We conducted a descriptive analyses of items and climate factors, as well as regression analysis, to identify potential predictors of the safety climate in family practice.Results: The response rate from the participating practices was 36.1%. Safety climate was perceived to be generally positive with the exception of the factors of error management and perception of the causes of errors. We discovered that whether or not the entire team had taken part in the survey had a positive influence on most factors. Doctors had more positive perceptions of 4 of 7 factors addressed to both professions. Male participants and doctors showed the most willingness to admit they had made an error.Conclusions: Though the safety climate in German family practices was positive overall, health care professionals' use of incident reporting and a system's approach to errors was fairly rare. When evaluating the safety climate in primary health care practices, respondents' individual characteristics, as well as organizational features, should be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current management and monitoring of unstable pediatric hemato-oncology patient (UPHOP) in the oncology ward is not well defined. To evaluate this concept, an anonymous Web-based survey was sent to the 150 Spanish pediatric oncologists registered in the Spanish Society of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology. The response rate was 57 %, with the following main results: Pediatric intensive consulting was available for 97 %, and it was made in case of UPHOP by 37 % of oncologists, up to 65 % if hemodynamic instability. In case of inotropic support initiation, 32 % of respondents never consulted the intensivist. Dopamine is first chosen inotropic; 28 % of surveyed considered there is no limit in its dosage or it is superior to 20 μg/kg/min before an intensivist consulting. Pediatric intensive care admission was considered necessary in case of fever with hemodynamic instability by 15 % of respondents. Respiratory monitoring was mainly done by clinical signs (67 %). In case of respiratory insufficiency, the noninvasive respiratory support by high-flow ventilation with nasal cannula was applied by 57 % in the oncology ward. In case of acute kidney injury, diuretics were generally the initial therapy. The anticonvulsive drugs most frequently applied were valproic acid (93 %), diazepam (88 %), and phenytoin (81 %). Conclusion: A consensus should be achieved among oncologists and intensivists. The creation and training of rapid response teams could be useful to improve the UPHOP management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To assess the construct validity and reliability of the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines survey. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey of parents of 19–35month old children in a closed model HMO. We used factor analysis to confirm survey sub-domains and Cronbach''s α to determine the internal consistency reliability of sub-domain scales. Construct validity was assessed by linking parental responses to their child''s immunization record. Results: Our response rate was 46% (N =230). Factor analysis identified 3 factors that explained 70% of the total variance for the 18 survey items. We deleted 3 items that failed to load highly (>.4) on an identified factor, correlated poorly with other items, or had a hesitant response that was not associated with increased under-immunization. Cronbach''s α coefficients for the 3 sub-domain scales created by grouping the remaining 15 items were .74, .84, and .74, respectively. Children of parents with survey scores of 50–79 had 14% more days under-immunized from birth to 19months (95% CI: 8.0, 20.5) than those with parents who scored <50. Scores of ≥80 were associated with 51% more days under-immunized (95% CI: 38.2, 63.4). Conclusion: The revised survey is a valid and reliable instrument to identify vaccine-hesitant parents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to assess the expectations of adolescents with chronic disorders with regard to transition from pediatric to adult health care and to compare them with the expectations of their parents. A cross-sectional study was carried out including 283 adolescents with chronic disorders, aged 14-25 years (median age, 16.0 years), and not yet transferred to adult health care, and their 318 parents from two university children's hospitals. The majority of adolescents and parents (64%/70%) perceived the ages of 18-19 years and older as the best time to transfer to adult health care. Chronological age and feeling too old to see a pediatrician were reported as the most important decision factors for the transfer while the severity of the disease was not considered important. The most relevant barriers were feeling at ease with the pediatrician (45%/38%), anxiety (20%/24%), and lack of information about the adult specialist and health care (18%/27%). Of the 51% of adolescents with whom the pediatric specialist had spoken about the transfer, 53% of adolescents and 69% of parents preferred a joint transfer meeting with the pediatric and adult specialist, and 24% of these adolescents declared that their health professional had offered this option. In summary, the age preference for adolescents with chronic disorders and their parents to transfer to adult health care was higher than the upper age limits for admission to pediatric health care in many European countries. Anxiety and a lack of information of both adolescents and their parents were among the most important barriers for a smooth and timely transfer according to adolescents and parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at assessing quality of life (QoL) in a total of 450 melanoma patients who filled out the EORTC QLQ-C30 (Q1; 15 months post diagnosis) as part of the OVIS Study. Follow-up questionnaires (Q2) were administered two years after Q1. The analyses presented herein were based on the following assumptions: QoL of melanoma patients is worse than that of a German reference population. Further, both tumor location and tumor stage have an influence on self-reported QoL, with patients with tumors located on face, head, neck, and advanced tumor stage (T3/T4) reporting the worst QoL levels. Finally, patients' QoL improves over time based on the theory of disease adaptation. In contrast to the above assumptions, with the exception of global health/QoL scores, differences between OVIS and the reference population were below the minimal clinical important difference of ten points. Furthermore, no clinically meaningful differences were found between patients after stratifying our data by tumor location and tumor stage. Finally, no clinically relevant changes were seen between Q1 and Q2 across all scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30. However, when data were stratified by patients with stable disease versus those with progression, clinically relevant differences were found between Q1 and Q2 predominantly in women in the latter group regarding emotional function, insomnia, dyspnoea, and fatigue. The lack of clinically meaningful differences across strata (tumor location; tumor stage), time, and patients compared to a reference population is surprising. However, it is possible that the instrument used, a generic QoL instrument, is generally not sensitive enough to detect differences in melanoma patients. Our findings may further be explained by the fact that all patients included in our sample had been diagnosed well before Q1, i.e., main illness adaptation processes may have occurred before study entry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate family caregiver perceptions of allied health professional processes of care and support in hospital following stroke, and to test an adapted version of the Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC) for its suitability of use in the stroke care setting. Methods: The first stage involved the adaptation and refinement of the MPOC, designed to measure caregiver perceptions of processes of professional care and support across five care dimensions. The second stage involved mailing out of questionnaires to primary caregivers of stroke survivors. A total of 107 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. The reliability of the adapted questionnaire was assessed and summary statistics were computed. Results: The reliability of the adapted MPOC was found to be high, with good internal consistency of items within each subscale. Mean scores indicated that caregivers were most likely to report negative perceptions of the way allied health professionals engaged with and supported them, particularly in the area of information provision. Conclusion: The number of families being affected by stroke is predicted to rise substantially in the near future. Allied health professionals have a significant role to play in supporting family caregivers. Results highlight caregiver-identified areas of weakness in current clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The patients' role in assessing health care quality is increasingly recognized. Measuring patients' specific experiences and needs generates concrete information for care improvement, whereas satisfaction surveys only give an overoptimistic, undifferentiating picture. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate possible weaknesses, strengths and needs in fertility care by measuring patients' specific experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Patients with advanced cancer often have complex care needs requiring collaboration between medical oncology and palliative care providers. Little is known about how effective and acceptable such collaboration is to medical oncologists. Attitudes of Australian medical oncologists toward collaboration with specialist palliative care services were investigated using a Web-based survey. Descriptive statistics and attitude indices were calculated and a thematic content analysis performed. One hundred and fifteen respondents (78 medical oncologists, 37 trainees) completed the survey (response rate 30.3%). Positive attitudes toward specialist palliative care involvement were expressed with most respondents preferring concurrent rather than sequential models of care (94.8%, n = 109). Reported barriers to collaboration included reluctance for referral by patients (minor 60.9%, n = 70; major 8.7%, n = 10) or families (minor 67%, n = 77; major 7%, n = 8), a lack of inpatient beds (minor 27%, n = 31; major 34.8%, n = 40) and inadequate resources for specialist palliative care to take some referrals (minor 30.4%, n = 35; major 30.4%, n = 35). There was no difference in attitude indices for those who had completed a palliative care rotation during their training (33%, n = 38) and those who had not. Suggestions for improvement in collaboration focused around four areas - improved resources, improved multidisciplinary links, mutual respect and understanding, and consistency in service provision. This study is the first to specifically investigate the views of Australian medical oncologists toward collaboration with specialist palliative care. While positive attitudes have been expressed, identified barriers to collaboration need attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To examine nonparticipation to a questionnaire survey and occupational health check-ups by sociodemographic variables and health status, measured by medically confirmed sickness absence, and whether the associations between other study variables and participation were affected by health status. Study Design and Setting: Questionnaire surveys and health check-ups were conducted among the City of Helsinki employees. Sample information was derived from the employer''s personnel register and analyzed by participation and giving consent to link the data to external administrative registers. Results: Participation to the questionnaire survey was more common among the older, higher occupational classes, those with higher income, permanent employment, and those with no absence due to medically confirmed sickness. Among women in particular, the differences were small. Consent giving followed generally similar patterns than survey response. Nonparticipation to health check-ups was related to low income and temporary employment contract. In both questionnaire survey and health check-ups, associations between other study variables and participation were not affected by health status. Conclusions: Questionnaire surveys and health check-ups were broadly representative of the target population. Associations between other study variables and participation did not differ by health status. This suggests that even when the data are not fully representative associations between the study variables need not to be biased. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: Recommendations for the management of adults with congenital heart disease indicate that specialist referral centres should employ nurse specialists who are trained and educated in the care for these patients. We surveyed the involvement, education and activities of nurse specialists in the care for adults with congenital cardiac anomalies in Europe. Methods: The Euro Heart Survey on Adult Congenital Heart Disease has previously showed that 20 out of 48 specialist centres (42%) have nurse specialists affiliated with their programme. Fifteen of these 20 centres (75%) validly completed a web-based survey tool. Results: Specialist centres had a median number of 2 nurse specialists on staff, corresponding with 1 full-time equivalent. In most centres, the nurse specialists were also affiliated with other cardiac care programmes, in addition to congenital heart disease. The involvement of nurse specialists was not related to the caseload of inpatients and outpatient visits. Physical examination was the most prevalent activity undertaken by nurse specialists (93.3%), followed by telephone accessibility (86.7%), patient education (86.7%), co-ordination of care (73.3%), and follow-up after discharge (73.3%). Patient education covered mainly prevention and prophylaxis of endocarditis (100%), cardiovascular risk factors (92.3%), sport activities (92.3%), the type and characteristics of the heart defect (92.3%), the definition and aetiology of endocarditis (84.6%), cardiac risk in case of pregnancy (84.6%), and heredity (84.6%). Two third of the nurse specialists were involved in research. Conclusion: This survey revealed gaps in the provision of care for these patients in Europe and demonstrated that there is room for improvement in order to provide adequate chronic disease management. The results of this study can be used by individual hospitals for benchmarking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Brazilian Institute for Defense of Consumers' (IDEC) health and legal professionals gathered with partner associations and researchers from the University of Brasilia shaped this study to develop and apply simple methods for community and consumer organizations to monitor the availability of essential drugs for primary care in their local public health services. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 Brazilian cities. The instrument gave priority to the feasibility of use by community organizations over statistically representative designs. It also worked from the assumption that all Health Centers should stock the drugs recommended for ambulatory care on Brazil's national list of essential drugs, in agreement to federal legislation. The instrument was found to be feasible for use by the participating organizations, and its utilization revealed a picture of severe deficiency of essential medicines in the Brazilian public health system, expressed as an overall availability of only 55.4% of the 61 drugs investigated. Models for legal action in support of individual and community access to essential drugs were developed by IDEC's legal staff to assist community organization in following up the results with an action program. These models were made available on the organization's web-site and widely disseminated nationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To measure the type and frequency of complications for surgical patients 1 month after discharge. A post-discharge patient survey was conducted in 2000 for patients who had undergone one of five elective operations: transurethral resection of the prostate, hysterectomy, major joint replacement, cholecystectomy, herniorrhaphy. Two hundred and fourteen patients (74%) returned the survey forms, which were sent 1 month after surgery. Patients were recruited from two teaching hospitals in the Hunter Area Health Service, New South Wales, Australia. One hundred and thirty-five (63%) patients reported one or more complications and 78 (37%) received treatment for 109 complications. Eighty-six per cent reported pain after discharge and 41% reported moderate to severe pain. Seventeen per cent reported infections after discharge and 94% of these patients were given treatment. Twenty-eight per cent reported bleeding after discharge and 20% of these were given treatment. Eleven (5%) patients were readmitted for treatment of problems related to their surgery including four who required further surgery. One hundred and seventy-two patients accessed a range of health services during the first month after discharge, resulting in 266 occasions of service. Twenty-eight per cent of post-discharge services were unplanned. The lack of post-discharge monitoring conceals information about surgical outcomes. Patient reporting is an effective method of monitoring post-discharge outcomes. There is scope to develop post-discharge services to improve the quality of care in the areas of post-discharge pain management, the use of prophylactic measures and to provide treatment for complications that occur during this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Colorectal Cancer Care Survey was undertaken to determine the management patterns for individuals newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Australia. Between 1 February and 30 April 2000, all new cases of colorectal cancer registered at each Cancer Registry within Australia were entered into the survey. This generated a questionnaire that was sent to the treating surgeons. Chi-squared and logistic regression analyses were used to determine levels of statistical significance for the various comparisons of interest. Of 2383 surgical questionnaires generated, 2015 (85%) were completed. A total of 1911 patients (95% of those who responded to the questionnaire) had an operation. Of the 86 guidelines for the management of colorectal cancer published by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the survey allowed for comparison between 18 of these, which covered a spectrum of surgical management. Thromboembolic prophylaxis was given to 1843 patients (96.4%) undergoing surgery. Prophylactic antibiotics were commonly used, but there appear to be issues regarding the best regimen to use. Curative resections were carried out in 1563 patients (81.8%), with anterior resections being the most commonly performed procedure. Adjuvant therapy was regularly used, but not all eligible patients were offered such treatment. With the considerable resources required to develop clinical practice guidelines, studies like this are essential to monitor the impact of the guidelines. To ensure that the guidelines are in line with current evidence, regular reviews of the guideline recommendations are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss a Canadian cross-sectional survey within the issue, on prognostication in cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The results reveal great variation in neurological prognoses and resultant clinical decision making which could be attributed to human nature and variations in hospital culture. The use of standard protocols and allowing adequate time to pass before arriving at a prognosis meriting withdrawal of life support in cases of comatose patients with TBI is suggested.

Background A Finnish national survey in 2002 revealed that Finnish physicians often feel that working in a primary heath care centre is isolated work. Aims To determine the factors related to perceived isolation in health centre work among general practitioners (GP) working in health centres. Methods A postal questionnaire study of physicians (N = 1829) working in primary health care centres. Results The majority of GPs (67%) agreed that 'working in a health centre is too often isolated work'. Physicians felt isolated most often when working in the largest health centres (>20 posts), whereas physicians working in health centres with 3-10 posts perceived isolation least often. Difficulty in collaboration with partners or the managerial team was associated with this feeling. Conclusions Feelings of isolation are common among Finnish health centre physicians, but increasing the size of primary health care units may not prevent these feelings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood obesity is a global health concern. Early intervention to help parents adopt best practice for infant feeding and physical activity is critical for maintaining healthy weight. Australian governments provide universal free primary healthcare from child and family health nurses (CFHNs) to support families with children aged up to five years and to provide evidence-based advice to parents. This paper aims to examine factors influencing the child obesity prevention practices of CFHNs and to identify opportunities to support them in promoting healthy infant growth. Methods: This mixed methods study used a survey (n = 90) and semi-structured interviews (n = 20) with CFHNs working in two local health districts in Sydney, Australia. Survey data were analysed descriptively; interview transcripts were coded and analysed iteratively. Survey and interview questions examined how CFHNs addressed healthy infant feeding practices, healthy eating, active play and limiting sedentary behaviour during routine consultations; factors influencing such practices; and how CFHNs could be best supported. Results: CFHNs frequently advised parents on breastfeeding, introducing solid foods, and techniques for settling infants. They spent less time providing advice on evidence-based formula feeding practices or encouraging physical activity in young children. Although nurses frequently weighed and measured children, they did not always use growth charts to identify those at risk of becoming overweight or obese. Nurses identified several barriers to promoting healthy weight gain in infants and young children, including limited parental recognition of overweight in their children or motivation to change diet or lifestyle; socioeconomic factors (such as the cost of healthy food); and beliefs and attitudes about infant weight and the importance of breastfeeding and physical activity amongst parents and family members. Conclusions: CFHNs require further education and support for their role in promoting optimal child growth and development, especially training in behaviour change techniques to increase parents' understanding of healthy infant weight gain. Parent information resources should be accessible and address cultural diversity. Resources should highlight the health effects of childhood overweight and obesity and emphasise the benefits of breastfeeding, appropriate formula feeding, suitable first foods, responsiveness to infant feeding cues, active play and limiting screen time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population-based surveys provide important information about cancer-related health behaviors across the cancer care continuum, from prevention to survivorship, to inform cancer control efforts. These surveys can illuminate cancer disparities among specific populations, including rural communities. However, due to small rural sample sizes, varying sampling methods, and/or other study design or analytical concerns, there are challenges in using population-based surveys for rural cancer control research and practice. Our objective is three-fold. First, we examined the characterization of "rural" in four, population-based surveys commonly referenced in the literature: 1) Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS); 2) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS); 3) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS); and 4) Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS). Second, we identified and described the challenges of using these surveys in rural cancer studies. Third, we proposed solutions to address these challenges. We found that these surveys varied in use of rural-urban classifications, sampling methodology, and available cancer-related variables. Further, we found that accessibility of these data to non-federal researchers has changed over time. Survey data have become restricted based on small numbers (i.e., BRFSS) and have made rural-urban measures only available for analysis at Research Data Centers (i.e., NHIS and MEPS). Additionally, studies that used these surveys reported varying proportions of rural participants with noted limitations in sufficient representation of rural minorities and/or cancer survivors. In order to mitigate these challenges, we propose two solutions: 1) make rural-urban measures more accessible to non-federal researchers and 2) implement sampling approaches to oversample rural populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rehabilitation services depend on competent professionals who collaborate effectively. Well-functioning interprofessional teams are expected to positively impact continuity of care. Key factors in continuity of care are communication and collaboration among health care professionals in a team and their patients. This study assessed the associations between team functioning and patient-reported benefits and continuity of care in somatic rehabilitation centres.Methods: This prospective cohort study uses survey data from 984 patients and from health care professionals in 15 teams in seven somatic rehabilitation centres in Western Norway. Linear mixed effect models were used to investigate associations between the interprofessional team communication and relationship scores (measured by the Relational Coordination [RC] Survey and patient-reported benefit and personal-, team- and cross-boundary continuity of care. Patient-reported continuity of care was measured using the Norwegian version of the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire.Results: The mean communication score for healthcare teams was 3.9 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.78, 4.00), and the mean relationship score was 4.1 (SD = 0.56, 95% CI = 3.97, 4.18). Communication scores in rehabilitation teams varied from 3.4-4.3 and relationship scores from 3.6-4.5. Patients treated by teams with higher relationship scores experienced better continuity between health care professionals in the team at the rehabilitation centre (b = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.68; p = 0.024). There was a positive association between RC communication in the team the patient was treated by and patient-reported activities of daily living benefit score; all other associations between RC scores and rehabilitation benefit scores were not significant.Conclusion: Team function is associated with better patient-reported continuity of care and higher ADL-benefit scores among patients after rehabilitation. These findings indicate that interprofessional teams' RC scores may predict rehabilitation outcomes, but further studies are needed before RC scores can be used as a quality indicator in somatic rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Case review and discussion at multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) have evolved into standard practice in cancer care with the aim to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations. As a basis for work to optimize the MDTMs, we investigated participants' views on the meeting function, including perceived benefits and barriers.Methods: In a cross-sectional study design, 244 health professionals from south Sweden rated MDTM meeting structure and function, benefits from these meetings and barriers to reach a treatment recommendation.Results: The top-ranked advantages from MDTMs were support for patient management and competence development. Low ratings applied to monitoring patients for clinical trial inclusion and structured work to improve the MDTM. Nurses and cancer care coordinators did less often than physicians report involvement in the case discussions. Major benefits from MDTM were reported to be more accurate treatment recommendations, multidisciplinary evaluation and adherence to clinical guidelines. Major barriers to a joint treatment recommendation were reported to be need for supplementary investigations and insufficient pathology reports.Conclusions: Health professionals' report multiple benefits from MDTMs, but also define areas for improvement, e.g. access to complete information and clarified roles for the different health professions. The emerging picture suggests that structures for regular MDTM evaluations and increased focus on patient-related perspectives should be developed and implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients are commonly provided tools in the hospital to overcome poor sleep. Whether education on use of sleep tools can impact health outcomes from a patient perspective is not known.Methods: We recruited 120 adults admitted to a nonintensive care unit cardiac-monitored floor. All patients received a set of sleep-enhancing tools (eye mask, ear plugs, and a white noise machine) and were randomized to receive direct education on use of and benefit of these sleep-enhancing tools (intervention), or an equal amount of time was spent discussing general benefits of sleep (control). Measurement of several symptom domains was assessed daily by health outcome survey responses, and change from baseline was assessed for differences between groups. Inpatient opioid use and length of stay were also measured.Results: Participants randomized to receive the education intervention had a significantly greater decrease in fatigue scores over the 3 days, compared with controls (5.30 ± 6.93 vs 1.81 ± 6.96, t = 2.32, P = .028). There was a trend toward improvements in multiple other sleep-related domains, including sleep disturbance, sleep-related impairment, physical functioning, pain severity, or pain interference (all P >.140). There was no difference in length of stay between intervention and control groups (7.40 ± 7.29 vs 7.71 ± 6.06 days, P = .996). The change in number of opioid equivalents taken did not differ use between the groups (P = .688).Conclusion: In a randomized trial of education in the use of sleep-enhancing tools while hospitalized, patient fatigue was significantly improved, whereas several other patient-reported outcomes showed a trend toward improvements. Implementation of this very low-cost approach to improving sleep and well-being could substantially improve the patient care experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]