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Value in Health : the Journal of the... 2016Patient-centered care has become increasingly important and relevant for informed health care decision making. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Patient-centered care has become increasingly important and relevant for informed health care decision making.
OBJECTIVE
Our study aimed to perform a systematic review of health economic evaluation studies from the patient's perspective.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases were searched through May 2014 for cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-benefit studies using the patient's perspective in their analysis. The reporting quality of the studies was evaluated on the basis of Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards.
RESULTS
We identified 30 health economic evaluations using the patient's perspective, of which 7 were conducted in the United States, 9 in Europe, and 14 in Asian or other countries. Seventeen of 23 health conditions evaluated were chronic in nature. Among 12 studies that justified the use of the patient's perspective, patient's financial burden associated with medical treatment was the most commonly cited rationale. A total of 29, 17, and 15 studies examined direct medical, direct nonmedical, and indirect costs, respectively. Seventeen studies also included societal, governmental or payer's, and/or provider's perspective(s) in their analyses. Based on Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards, more than 20% of the reporting items in these studies were either partially satisfied or not satisfied.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a paucity of health economic evaluations conducted from the patient's perspective in the literature. For those studies using the patient's perspective, the true patient costs were not fully explored and study reporting quality was not optimal. With the increasing focus on patient-centered outcomes in health policy research, more frequent use of the patient's perspective in economic studies should be advocated.
Topics: Economics, Medical; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Patient-Centered Care; Patients; Research
PubMed: 27712720
DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2016.05.010 -
Cancer Jan 2021Disagreements between patients and caregivers about treatment benefits, care decisions, and patients' health are associated with increased patient depression as well as...
BACKGROUND
Disagreements between patients and caregivers about treatment benefits, care decisions, and patients' health are associated with increased patient depression as well as increased caregiver anxiety, distress, depression, and burden. Understanding the factors associated with disagreement may inform interventions to improve the aforementioned outcomes.
METHODS
For this analysis, baseline data were obtained from a cluster-randomized geriatric assessment trial that recruited patients aged ≥70 years who had incurable cancer from community oncology practices (University of Rochester Cancer Center 13070; Supriya G. Mohile, principal investigator). Patient and caregiver dyads were asked to estimate the patient's prognosis. Response options were 0 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, 1 to 2 years, 2 to 5 years, and >5 years. The dependent variable was categorized as exact agreement (reference), patient-reported longer estimate, or caregiver-reported longer estimate. The authors used generalized estimating equations with multinomial distribution to examine the factors associated with patient-caregiver prognostic estimates. Independent variables were selected using the purposeful selection method.
RESULTS
Among 354 dyads (89% of screened patients were enrolled), 26% and 22% of patients and caregivers, respectively, reported a longer estimate. Compared with dyads that were in agreement, patients were more likely to report a longer estimate when they screened positive for polypharmacy (β = 0.81; P = .001), and caregivers reported greater distress (β = 0.12; P = .03). Compared with dyads that were in agreement, caregivers were more likely to report a longer estimate when patients screened positive for polypharmacy (β = 0.82; P = .005) and had lower perceived self-efficacy in interacting with physicians (β = -0.10; P = .008).
CONCLUSIONS
Several patient and caregiver factors were associated with patient-caregiver disagreement about prognostic estimates. Future studies should examine the effects of prognostic disagreement on patient and caregiver outcomes.
Topics: Aged; Caregivers; Female; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Patients; Prognosis
PubMed: 33036063
DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33259 -
BMC Health Services Research Jul 2014Clinical practice guidelines are typically written for healthcare providers but there is increasing interest in producing versions for the public, patients and carers.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Clinical practice guidelines are typically written for healthcare providers but there is increasing interest in producing versions for the public, patients and carers. The main objective of this review is to identify and synthesise evidence of the public's attitudes towards clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based recommendations written for providers or the public, together with their awareness of guidelines.
METHODS
We included quantitative and qualitative studies of any design reporting on public, patient (and their carers) attitudes and awareness of guidelines written for providers or patients/public. We searched electronic databases including MEDLINE, PSYCHINFO, ERIC, ASSIA and the Cochrane Library from 2000 to 2012. We also searched relevant websites, reviewed citations and contacted experts in the field. At least two authors independently screened, abstracted data and assessed the quality of studies. We conducted a thematic analysis of first and second order themes and performed a separate narrative synthesis of patient and public awareness of guidelines.
RESULTS
We reviewed 5415 records and included 26 studies (10 qualitative studies, 13 cross sectional and 3 randomised controlled trials) involving 24 887 individuals. Studies were mostly good to fair quality. The thematic analysis resulted in four overarching themes: Applicability of guidelines; Purpose of guidelines for patient; Purpose of guidelines for health care system and physician; and Properties of guidelines. Overall, participants had mixed attitudes towards guidelines; some participants found them empowering but many saw them as a way of rationing care. Patients were also concerned that the information may not apply to their own health care situations. Awareness of guidelines ranged from 0-79%, with greater awareness in participants surveyed on national guideline websites.
CONCLUSION
There are many factors, not only formatting, that may affect the uptake and use of guideline-derived material by the public. Producers need to make clear how the information is relevant to the reader and how it can be used to make healthcare improvements although there were problems with data quality. Awareness of guidelines is generally low and guideline producers cannot assume that the public has a more positive perception of their material than of alternative sources of health information.
Topics: Awareness; Evidence-Based Practice; Humans; Patients; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Public Opinion
PubMed: 25064372
DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-321 -
International Journal of Nursing Studies Mar 2015Despite the extent of volunteers' contribution to palliative care, and their role in direct patient care, there has been no systematic evaluation of the evidence-base on... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
Does involving volunteers in the provision of palliative care make a difference to patient and family wellbeing? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence.
CONTEXT
Despite the extent of volunteers' contribution to palliative care, and their role in direct patient care, there has been no systematic evaluation of the evidence-base on volunteers in relation to patient and family wellbeing.
OBJECTIVE
To critically review research, on the impact of volunteers involved in the direct care of palliative patients and their families.
METHODS
We searched for studies, reporting patient and family data on the impact of volunteer services in palliative care in thirteen citation databases up to May 2013. We included quantitative comparative studies. We also noted any non-comparative studies, enabling us to give a comprehensive review of the existing research. We also included qualitative studies that explored the experiences of patients and families who received volunteer support, potentially illustrating which aspects of volunteer activities patients and families value. We applied quality appraisal criteria to all studies meeting inclusion criteria. Two researchers undertook key review processes.
RESULTS
We found eight studies. Only two studies were undertaken outside of North America; one in the Netherlands and the other in Uganda. All studies were in adult palliative care services. All evaluated volunteers were in home care settings, three of the studies included other settings such as hospitals and nursing homes. All of the studies fulfilled our quality appraisal criteria. Six of them were quantitative studies and two were comparative: one found that those families who experienced greater (as opposed to lesser) volunteer involvement were significantly more satisfied with care; the other found that patients survived significantly longer if they had received home visits from a volunteer. Four cross-sectional studies focused on satisfaction ratings. No study considered possible disadvantages or adverse effects of volunteer involvement. Two qualitative studies were identified; both highlighted the uniqueness of the role volunteers may fulfil in care support, from the viewpoint of patients and their families.
CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed to ensure the resource of volunteers in palliative care is used appropriately and effectively. Evaluation in well-designed comparative studies is recommended including economic analyses, as are further qualitative studies to explore the roles, benefits and possible adverse effects of volunteers. Evaluation is particularly needed outside of North America and in dedicated hospice facilities.
Topics: Family; Palliative Care; Patients; Volunteers; Workforce
PubMed: 25205665
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2014.08.007 -
BMC Health Services Research Jun 2023Chronic diseases are increasing worldwide, and the complexity of disease management is putting new demands on safe healthcare. Telemonitoring technology has the...
BACKGROUND
Chronic diseases are increasing worldwide, and the complexity of disease management is putting new demands on safe healthcare. Telemonitoring technology has the potential to improve self-care management with the support of healthcare professionals for people with chronic diseases living at home. Patient safety threats related to telemonitoring and how they may affect patients' and healthcare professionals' sense of security need attention. This study aimed to explore patients' and healthcare professionals' experiences of safety and sense of security when using telemonitoring of chronic conditions at home.
METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty patients and nine healthcare professionals (nurses and physicians), recruited from four primary healthcare centers and one medical department in a region in southern Sweden using telemonitoring service for chronic conditions in home healthcare.
RESULTS
The main theme was that experiences of safety and a sense of security were intertwined and relied on patients´ and healthcare professionals´ mutual engagement in telemonitoring and managing symptoms together. Telemonitoring was perceived to increase symptom awareness and promote early detection of deterioration promoting patient safety. A sense of security emerged through having someone keeping track of symptoms and comprised aspects of availability, shared responsibility, technical confidence, and empowering patients in self-management. The meeting with technology changed healthcare professionals' work processes, and patients' daily routines, creating patient safety risks if combined with low health- and digital literacy and a naïve reliance on technology. Empowering patients' self-management ability and improving shared understanding of the patient's health status and symptom management were prerequisites for safe care and the patient´s sense of security.
CONCLUSIONS
Telemonitoring chronic conditions in the homecare context can promote a sense of security when care is co-created in a mutual understanding and responsibility. Attentiveness to the patient's health literacy, symptom management, and health-related safety behavior when using eHealth technology may enlighten and mitigate latent patient safety risks. A systems approach indicates that patient safety risks related to telemonitoring are not only associated with the patient's and healthcare professionals functioning and behavior or the human-technology interaction. Mitigating patient safety risks are likely also dependent on the complex management of home health and social care service.
Topics: Humans; Patient Safety; Chronic Disease; Delivery of Health Care; Telemedicine; Patients; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 37340472
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09428-1 -
Neuroscience Bulletin Feb 2015Despite the efforts of the World Health Organization to internationally standardize strategies for mental-health care delivery, the rules and regulations for involuntary... (Review)
Review
Despite the efforts of the World Health Organization to internationally standardize strategies for mental-health care delivery, the rules and regulations for involuntary admission and treatment of patients with mental disorder still differ markedly across countries. This review was undertaken to describe the regulations and mental-health laws from diverse countries and districts of Europe (UK, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and Norway), the Americas (Canada, USA, and Brazil), Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), and Asia (Japan and China). We outline the criteria and procedures for involuntary admission to psychiatric hospitals and to community services, illustrate the key features of laws related to these issues, and discuss their implications for contemporary psychiatric practice. This review may help to standardize the introduction of legislation that allows involuntary admission and treatment of patients with mental disorders in the mainland of China, and contribute to improved mental-health care. In this review, involuntary admission or treatment does not include the placement of mentally-ill offenders, or any other aspect of forensic psychiatry.
Topics: China; Commitment of Mentally Ill; Humans; Mental Disorders; Patients
PubMed: 25595369
DOI: 10.1007/s12264-014-1493-5 -
Revista Da Escola de Enfermagem Da U S P 2021To identify and analyze the production of knowledge in national and international literature on patient absenteeism in scheduled medical consultations. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To identify and analyze the production of knowledge in national and international literature on patient absenteeism in scheduled medical consultations.
METHOD
This is an integrative literature review in the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline, LILACS, Virtual Health Library of the São Paulo State Department of Health and Spanish Bibliographic Index in Health Sciences, accessed through the Virtual Health Library Portal, based on the guiding question.
RESULTS
A total of 767 articles was found and nine were selected. Forgetfulness predominated among the reasons for absence. Other findings regarding the cost to the health service and strategies for solving the problem are highlighted.
CONCLUSION
As the focus of the studies, the concern with the quality of care, increased treatment queues and high demand, as well as the cost of absent patients, are evident. Despite the relevance of the theme for the health services organization, the literature is still scarce.
Topics: Bibliometrics; Brazil; Humans; No-Show Patients; Outpatients; Referral and Consultation
PubMed: 34423800
DOI: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2020-0380 -
BMC Geriatrics Sep 2023Frailty and multimorbidity are common among patients in geriatric rehabilitation care (GRC). Proper care of these patients involves multiple professionals which requires...
BACKGROUND
Frailty and multimorbidity are common among patients in geriatric rehabilitation care (GRC). Proper care of these patients involves multiple professionals which requires optimal interprofessional collaboration to provide the best possible support. Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) goes beyond multi-professional collaboration. It requires professionals to think beyond the expertise of their own discipline and work on joint outcomes in which the patient is actively involved. This study describes the development of the GRC teams of an elderly care organization towards the IPC.
METHODS
Mixed method pre-post study of 15 months. The interprofessional training program comprised team trainings, webinars, and online team sessions. Data was aggregated by administering the Extended Professional Identity Scale (EPIS) and QuickScan Interprofessional Collaboration (QS) measurements to GRC staff and by observations of the multi-professional team consultation (MPC) meetings of six GRC teams of an organization for elderly care in Drachten and Dokkum in the Netherlands. ADL independence (Barthel Index) and number of inpatient days were analyzed before and after the project.
RESULTS
Pretest healthcare professional response was 106, patients for analyses was 181; posttest response was 84, patients was 170. The EPIS shows improvement on "interprofessional belonging" (P = .001, 95%CI: 0.57-2.21), "interprofessional commitment" (P = .027, 95%CI: 0.12-1.90), and overall "interprofessional identity" (P = .013, 95%CI: 0.62 - 5.20). On the QS, all domains improved; "shared values" (P = .009, 95%CI: 0.07 - 0.47), "context" (P = .005, 95%CI: 0.08 - 0.44), "structure & organization" (P = .001, 95%CI: 0.14 - 0.56), "group dynamics & interaction" (P < .001, 95%CI: 0.18 - 0.58), and "entrepreneurship & management" (P = .039, 95%CI: 0.01 - 0.48). A qualitative analysis of the reflection responses and MPC observations indicate a shift from multi-professional to more IPC. Differences in ADL over time were not statistically significant. The mean number of inpatient days was reduced by 11.8 (P < .001, 95%CI: -17.34 - - 6.31) days.
CONCLUSIONS
Within the GRC teams, there was a shift observed to more IPC and better representation of the patient's wishes and needs. ADL independence did not change, yet we found a statistically significant decrease in the number of inpatient days. The basis for IPC was well established, however, it remains necessary that the teams continue to develop and invest in the collaboration with each other and the patient to further improve it.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Inpatients; Frailty; Group Dynamics; Health Personnel; Nursing Homes
PubMed: 37670260
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04212-6 -
Israel Journal of Health Policy Research Aug 2023In order to reduce patient no-show, the Israeli government is promoting legislation that will allow Health Plans to require a co-payment from patients when reserving an...
BACKGROUND
In order to reduce patient no-show, the Israeli government is promoting legislation that will allow Health Plans to require a co-payment from patients when reserving an appointment. It is hoped that this will create an incentive for patients to cancel in advance rather than simply not show up. The goal of this policy is to improve patient access to medical care and ensure that healthcare resources are utilized effectively. We explore this phenomenon to support evidence-based decision making on this issue, and to determine whether the proposed legislation is aligned with the findings of previous studies.
MAIN BODY
No-show rates vary across countries and healthcare services, with several strategies in place to mitigate the phenomenon. There are three key stakeholders involved: (1) patients, (2) medical staff, and (3) insurers/managed care organizations, each of which is affected differently by no-shows and faces a different set of incentives. The decision whether to impose financial penalties for no-shows should take a number of considerations into account, such as the fine amount, service type, the establishment of an effective fine collection system, the patient's socioeconomic status, and the potential for exacerbating disparities in healthcare access. The limited research on the impact of fines on no-show rates has produced mixed results. Further investigation is necessary to understand the influence of fine amounts on no-show rates across various healthcare services. Additionally, it is important to evaluate the implications of this proposed legislation on patient behavior, access to healthcare, and potential disparities in access.
CONCLUSION
It is anticipated that the proposed legislation will have minimal impact on attendance rates. To achieve meaningful change, efforts should focus on enhancing medical service availability and improving the ease with which appointments can be cancelled or alternatively substantial fines should be imposed. Further research is imperative for determining the most effective way to address the issue of patient no-show and to enhance healthcare system efficiency.
Topics: Humans; No-Show Patients; Israel; Health Services Accessibility
PubMed: 37550725
DOI: 10.1186/s13584-023-00575-8 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2022Patient opinion surveys have become a widely used method for assessing key aspects of the functioning of medical facilities and, thus, of the functioning of the entire...
INTRODUCTION
Patient opinion surveys have become a widely used method for assessing key aspects of the functioning of medical facilities and, thus, of the functioning of the entire health care system. They are a prerequisite for developing patient-centered care and an essential component of quality improvement programs. In many countries, including Poland, patient opinion surveys are written into the accreditation standards of medical institutions. Patient's readiness to recommend a hospital is a recognized indicator of the quality of patient-centered care. In a report on strategies for improving the quality of health care in Europe published in 2019 by WHO and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development), patient's readiness to recommend a hospital was cited as one of the basic indicators of 'patient centeredness' along with patient satisfaction. Therefore, as well consideration of the quality of medical care, a patient recommendation index was also used in the study presented in this paper. The index was based on the answers to questions about the patient's readiness to recommend a hospital ward to family and friends.
AIM
The aim of the study was to investigate patients' opinions on the quality of services in particular hospital wards. A patient opinion survey can be used to improve the quality of services and monitor the effects of health-related activities, identify areas that need improvement, motivate medical staff and prevent their burnout, build a trusting relationship with patients, and compare the quality of health care in various facilities.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study was carried out in March 2022. The patient opinion survey was conducted using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview). The sample selection was purposive. The respondents were patients with a history of hospitalization. The sample selection used an algorithm for the random selection of patients who met the criteria for the sample. The inclusion criterion was hospitalization in the 12 months prior to the study. A standardized questionnaire was used that was aimed at the assessment of the quality of medical care and the patient's rights to information. Additionally, the survey contained questions about the demographic characteristics of the respondents.
RESULTS
A total of 38% of patients with a history of hospitalization expressed criticisms. The majority of statistically significant differences were observed when differentiating respondents according to age. Elderly persons significantly more often declared having been treated with respect and interest. They also rated more highly the meals served in the hospital, effective pain treatment, and respect for the patient's dignity and intimacy during diagnosis and treatment. Younger persons assessed all these aspects of hospitalization less favorably.
CONCLUSIONS
Variables including age and the level of income had a statistically significant influence on the opinion of the respondents. Elderly persons assessed most aspects of the quality of care in a hospital ward more favorably. There were a similar number of "promoters" (36%) and "detractors" (38%) of the quality of hospital services. Detractors mainly pointed to long waiting times for hospital admission, the poor quality of medical and nursing care, and unappealing meals. The promoters emphasized the high quality of medical and nursing care and the favorable conditions of the accommodation. Regular patient satisfaction surveys are helpful in identifying areas in which the functioning of a medical entity requires changes.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Poland; Delivery of Health Care; Surveys and Questionnaires; Hospitals; Inpatients; Patient Satisfaction
PubMed: 36612739
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010412