Assessment Of Patient Knowledge Research Articles

The role of illness acceptance and social support in assessing readiness for hospital discharge following myocardial infarction

Abstract Introduction The hospital discharge process refers to the patient's readiness to return to proper daily functioning. It is important to note that the discharge process is not solely based on physical readiness. It also includes psychological capacity, social support, and the provision of information and knowledge. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between readiness for hospital discharge and acceptance of illness and social support following myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods The study included 100 patients (56 women, mean age M±SD 64.95 y/o) who had experienced a myocardial infarction. The study employed a socio-demographic and clinical survey, as well as standardized measures including the Readiness for Hospital Discharge After Myocardial Infarction Scale (RHD-MIS), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The statistical analysis includes a significance level of 0.05. Therefore, all values of p<0.05 were interpreted as indicating significant relationships. Results The majority of respondents were in a relationship (73%), lived in an urban area (70%) and had a secondary education (56%). The overall RHDS-MIS score showed that 46% of patients had a low level of readiness for discharge. There is a significant negative correlation (r=-0.228, p=0.022) between patient age and subjective knowledge score (p<0.05). The respondents reported a moderate level of acceptance towards their illness, with a mean score of 26.38 points. The AIS was shown to correlate significantly (p<0.05) and positively (r>0) with the RHDS-MI (r=0.525, p<0.001) and with all subscales: (1) subjective (r=0.405, p<0. 001) and (2) objective (r=0.538, p<0.001) assessment of patient knowledge about the disease, and (3) patient expectations (r=0.386, p<0.001). The analysis of the impact of social support on patients' readiness for discharge after MI revealed a significant positive correlation (r > 0, p < 0.05) between family support and readiness for discharge (r = 0.281, p = 0.005), subjective (r = 0.251, p = 0.012), and objective (r = 0.421, p < 0.001) assessment of knowledge. Conclusions Patients who have suffered from MI are at risk of experiencing adverse cardiovascular events, such as complications or hospital readmission. The level of hospital discharge readiness in patients after MI is correlated with the degree of acceptance of illness and social support. Assessing a patient's readiness for hospital discharge after an MI can help identify their educational and therapeutic needs. Involving the patient's family in the discharge readiness process is crucial as they can actively participate in the therapeutic process by providing support to the patient.

Are we ready for human papillomavirus testing? Assessment of patient knowledge of and preferences for cervical cancer screening in Ontario.

To determine patient knowledge and preferences about primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Cross-sectional survey. Two family practice clinics (urban and suburban) and the social media platforms of 2 hospitals in the greater Toronto area between January and February 2023. A total of 413 Ontario residents aged 25 to 69 years, with a cervix, who qualified for Papanicolaou (Pap) screening and could communicate in English. Electronic survey containing questions about knowledge of, and preferences for, cervical cancer screening, including types of screening and screening intervals, and about education related to HPV and screening intervals. Of 441 potential participants, 426 were eligible and consented to participate in the study; ultimately 413 provided completed or partially completed surveys (96.9% response rate). Of those who completed a recent Pap test, 57.8% (208 of 360) knew of HPV testing. Initially, 27.8% thought HPV testing was better than Pap testing for cervical cancer screening. After learning HPV tests exist and have self-sampling options, most participants preferred HPV testing (self-sampling 46.3%, provider sampling 34.1%). Annual cervical cancer screening was preferred by 50.1% of participants despite knowing that, for most people, Pap tests should be conducted every 3 years (74.8%). After learning about HPV testing, participants were more likely to prefer 5-year screening intervals (43.8%); however, those in the family practice group were still more likely to prefer 3-year intervals compared with those in the social media group (P<.01). Participants in this study identified a preference for HPV testing and self-sampling options. Concerns were raised about extended screening intervals and the safety of self-collected samples that need to be addressed in public health education initiatives during rollout of new screening programs.

Educational video for teaching safe practices in the perioperative period: randomized controlled trial.

to assess the effectiveness of an educational video on hospitalized patients' knowledge of safe practices in the perioperative period. randomized, double-blind controlled trial carried out in a teaching hospital in the countryside of Minas Gerais. 100 participants undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery were randomly allocated (50 participants in the experimental group and 50 participants in the control group). Patient knowledge was assessed using a questionnaire constructed by the researchers and validated by specialists, before and after the intervention (educational video) or standard guidelines were applied. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative variables and Student's t-test for independent samples to analyze the mean difference in knowledge between the experimental and control groups (α = 0.05). 100 participants took part in the study, 50 participants in the experimental group and 50 participants in the control group. The experimental group showed a significantly higher gain in knowledge (t =3.72 ±1.84; p<0.001) than the control group. Cohen's d was 1.22, indicating a large magnitude of the effect. the educational video was effective in improving patients' knowledge and can contribute to nurses in the practice of health education, optimizing time and disseminating knowledge about safe practices in the perioperative period. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC): RBR-8x5mfq. (1) Development of a valid patient knowledge assessment questionnaire. (2) Production of a valid educational video on perioperative safety. (3) The final version of the educational video is 7 minutes and 50 seconds long. (4) The educational video was effective in improving patient knowledge. (5) It contributes to patient involvement in safe care.

Assessment of patient knowledge, practice and adverse events of insulin administration and storage techniques in patients with diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia. For effective therapy, correct injection procedures, adequate storage, insulin dose adjustment, meal timing, site rotation, and compliance. The aim of this work is to assess the knowledge and practice of insulin administration and storage techniques in diabetes patients. It is a survey based cross sectional study conducted through both online and offline modes among diabetic patients consuming insulin in Ernakulam district. 213 cases were included and it consist of diabetic patients on insulin therapy. About 54.4% of patients were males and 45.6% patients were females. Majority 57.3% experienced hypoglycaemia and 17.3% never experienced it. 51.6% patients were educated by nurse, 25.6% by doctors and only 17.6% were educated by pharmacist. The study presented an insight into the practices of insulin administration and awareness to the diabetic patients, study also extended to other health care professionals in the society.

Knowledge, attitudes and decision regret: a longitudinal survey study of participants offered genome sequencing in the 100,000 Genomes Project

We used cross-sectional surveys to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and decision regret of participants who had consented for genome sequencing (GS) for rare disease diagnosis in the 100,000 Genomes Project (100kGP) across two timepoints (at the time of consenting for GS (T1) and 12–18 months later (T2)). At T1, participants (n = 504) completed a survey that included measures of general knowledge of GS (“Knowledge of Genome Sequencing” (KOGS)), specific knowledge of GS and attitudes towards GS (“General attitudes” and “Specific attitudes”). At T2, participants (n = 296) completed these same assessments (apart from the specific knowledge scale) together with an assessment of decision regret towards GS (“Decisional Regret Scale”). At 12–18 months after consenting for GS, participants’ basic knowledge of GS had remained stable. General knowledge of GS varied across topics; concepts underlying more general information about genetics were better understood than the technical details of genomic testing. Attitudes towards GS at T2 were generally positive, and feelings towards GS (both positive and negative) remained unchanged. However, those who were more positive about the test at the outset had greater specific knowledge (as opposed to general knowledge) of GS. Finally, although the majority of participants indicated feeling little regret towards undergoing GS, those with low positive attitude and high negative attitude about GS at T1 reported greater decision regret at T2. Careful assessment of patient knowledge about and attitudes towards GS at the time of offering testing is crucial for supporting informed decision making and mitigating later regret.

Barriers to Adherence to Oral Hormonal Therapy Among Breast Cancer Women

BACKGROUND: Oral hormonal medication is an essential part of the management of breast cancer for hormone receptor-positive patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate barriers to adherence to oral hormonal therapy among breast cancer women. METHOD: A descriptive study was utilized on 200 adult women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, newly received oral hormonal therapy. Those women were admitted to the outpatient clinic at South Egypt Cancer Institute at Assiut University. Using interview questionnaire sheet included, demographics, medical data, patient knowledge assessment, Morisky Medication adherence scale, and factors affecting drug adherence checklist. RESULTS: The highest percentage among the studied sample their age was above 4o years (91%). Around (50%) the duration of illness was more than 5 years. 57% of patients the duration of oral hormonal therapy was more the three years. Our study explores that studied patients nearly had no knowledge regarding all items of oral hormonal therapy. In addition, most of them are not compliant with oral hormonal therapy. The most important predictor factors for medication compliance are psychological/behavioral factors. CONCLUSION: Most of the patients are not compliant with oral hormonal therapy, so, nurses should counsel cancer patients about oral hormonal therapy, addressing reasons for no adherence and handling them.

Assessment of Patient Knowledge of the Role of Advanced Practice Providers in Transplantation Surgical Care: A Single-Center Prospective Study

Advanced practice providers (APPs) are integral to the contemporary transplant surgeon-APP practice model. Patient understanding of APPs' role is vital for optimal patient care and experience. Data on patient knowledge of APPs' roles remain scarce. We sought to assess patient awareness of APPs in their transplantation surgical team. We conducted a prospective study on 100 consecutive transplant candidates and recipients ≥18 years, hospitalized in the transplant surgeon-APP Transplantation Intensive Care Unit (primary service) from September 16, 2019 through June 10, 2021. All patients received a 5-question survey (Table 1). Group 1 (first 50 patients) did not receive any printed introductory materials (Figs 1 and 2) before completing the questionnaire, whereas group 2 (last 50 patients) completed the survey after receiving the materials. Although > 90% of patients were knowledgeable about physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), the term "advanced practice providers" was unfamiliar to patients in both groups (Table 1). The level of patient recognition and comfort with APPs in the transplant surgeon-APP care team were comparable for both groups. Our study showed that transplant candidates and recipients were knowledgeable and highly comfortable that PAs and NPs are members of their transplantation surgical team. However, the term advanced practice providers was unfamiliar to the patients. Our study suggested that patient education on provider terms used in current health care delivery is essential and may enhance the patient experience.

The impact of readiness to discharge from hospital on adherence to treatment in patients after myocardial infarction

BackgroundThe healthcare professionals involved in in-hospital treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) are also responsible to patients for their education before leaving the hospital. This education aims to modify patient behaviour in order to reduce relevant risk factors and improve self-control and adherence to medications. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between readiness for discharge from hospital and adherence to treatment at follow-up in MI patients.MethodsAn observational, single-center, MI cohort study with 6-month follow-up was conducted between May 2015 and July 2016. The Readiness for Hospital Discharge after Myocardial Infarction Scale (RHD-MIS) and the Adherence in Chronic Diseases Scale (ACDS) were applied.ResultsTwo hundred and thirteen patients aged 30–91 years (62.91 ± 11.26) were enrolled in the study. The RHD-MIS general score ranged from 29 to 69 points (51.16 ± 9.87). A high level of readiness was found in 66 (31%) patients, intermediate in 92 (43.2%), and low in 55 (25.8%) of patients. Adherence level assessed with the ACDS 6-months after discharge from hospital ranged from 7 to 28 points (23.34 ± 4.06). An increase in objective assessment of patient knowledge according to RHD-MIS subscale resulted in significantly higher level of adherence at the follow-up visit (p = 0.0154); R Spearman = 0.16671, p = 0.015; p for trend = 0.005. During the 6-month follow-up 3 (1.41%) patients died and 17 (7.98%) were hospitalized for a subsequent acute coronary syndrome.ConclusionsThis study provided preliminary evidence of a long-term association between the results of assessment of readiness for discharge from hospital and adherence to treatment in patients after MI.

Adaptation and Validation of the Vietnamese Translated Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire.

ObjectivesThere is no existing Vietnamese diabetes knowledge questionnaire. This impedes assessment of patient knowledge that will be helpful in providing effective diabetes intervention. We aimed to validate the Vietnamese Translated Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ).MethodologyTranslation and adaptation strictly followed the guidelines of Beaton et al. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, test-retest reliability was assessed by Fleiss’ Kappa coefficient, and validity value was determined among type 2 diabetes patients in a general hospital.ResultsThe Vietnamese version of the DKQ had good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha for all items = 0.898) and stability (Kappa coefficient >0.600). The average score for all equivalence criteria was 1.00, demonstrating good equivalence to the original. The significant difference between knowledge score and education level (p <0.001) confirmed construct validity.ConclusionOur study provided a reliable Vietnamese version of the DKQ. Future studies may apply the version in different regions in Vietnam to determine external validity.

Assessment of Patient Knowledge, Awareness, and Adherence in Heart Failure in a Real-Life Setting: Insights from Data Acquired in Pharmacies.

Background: Patient knowledge is crucial for managing and/or monitoring patients with heart failure (HF). However, “real-life” evidence of knowledge level and awareness in HF is yet to be explored. We assessed unselected HF patients’ knowledge and awareness in a pharmacy setting. Methods: One hundred eight HF patients (mean age [SD], 70 (12) years, 61% men) were studied in pharmacies in the north-east region of France in 2019. All patients were interviewed by their pharmacist to quantify their knowledge in HF, self-assessment of symptoms of congestion, as well as their adherence to HF treatment and guideline-recommended lifestyle. Results: Overall, 40% of patients had not consulted their cardiologist in the past 6 months, and 89% never underwent an HF education program. Regarding HF knowledge, nearly half were unsure whether they had HF (43.5%). Only half of the patients knew how to self-assess HF symptoms (57.4%), while a quarter (25%) were unsure of the purpose of HF medications. Conclusions: In patients with HF assessed in their pharmacies, a majority lacked fundamental knowledge regarding HF, such as self-assessment of congestion, possibly due to a minimal proportion of patients undergoing an HF education program. These results suggest that interventions led by pharmacies may help improve HF education coverage in patients who may have poor access to specialized care.

Patient Burden with Current Surveillance Paradigm and Factors Associated with Interest in Altered Surveillance for Early Stage HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Optimal surveillance paradigms for survivors of early stage human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer are not well defined. This study aimed to characterize patient interest in and factors associated with an altered surveillance paradigm. We surveyed patients with Stage I or II HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer treated at a tertiary care institution from 2016 to 2019. Primary outcomes were descriptive assessment of patient knowledge, interest in altered surveillance, burdens of in-person appointments, and priorities for surveillance visits. Ordinal regression was used to identify correlates of interest in altered surveillance. Sixty-seven patients completed surveys from February to April 2020 at a median of 21 months since completing definitive treatment. A majority (61%) of patients were interested in a surveillance approach that decreased in-person clinic visits. Patients who self-identified as medical maximizers, had higher worry of cancer recurrence, or were in long-term relationships were less likely to be interested. Patients reported significant burdens associated with surveillance visits, including driving distance, time off work, and nonmedical costs. Patients were most concerned with discussing cancer recurrence (76%), physical quality of life (70%), mortality (61%), and mental quality of life (52%) with their providers at follow-up visits. Patients with early stage HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are interested in altered surveillance approaches, experience significant burdens related to surveillance visits, and have concerns that are not well addressed with current surveillance approaches, including physical and mental quality of life. Optimized surveillance approaches should incorporate patient priorities and minimize associated burdens. The number of patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers is increasing, and numerous clinical trials are investigating novel approaches to treating these good-prognosis patients. There has been limited work assessing optimal surveillance paradigms in these patients. Patients experience significant appointment-related burdens and have concerns such as physical and mental quality of life. Additionally, patients with early stage HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers express interest in altered surveillance approaches that decrease in-person clinic visits. Optimization of surveillance paradigms to promote broader survivorship care in clinical practice is needed.

INR self-testing in patients taking VKAs: Assessment of patient knowledge and feedback from dispensing pharmacists (Auvergne, France)

INR self-testing in patients taking VKAs: Assessment of patient knowledge and feedback from dispensing pharmacists (Auvergne, France)

Assessment of Patients’ Knowledge, Perception and Safety Regarding MRI Scan

Correction: The page numbers on this article were changed from 4-20 to 3-19 on 31/08/2020.&#x0D; Introduction: We presume that the knowledge of patients about Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) scan is of utmost importance for smooth workflow, patient comfort, patients’ safety and to mitigate patients’ compliance and save valuable scan time. Therefore, the purpose ofthis study was to determine the awareness of patients undergoing MRI scan regarding Knowledge, Perception and Safety.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital from April to September, 2018. Total of 310 patients referred to undergo MRI scan were assessed by a questionnaire form covering 4 parts: Part 1- aimed to gather the socio demographic data such as age, sex, occupation and educational status of patients, Part 2- included the knowledge regarding MRI and its safety, Part 3- comprised the patient perception before MRI scan and Part 4 constituted the patient perception after MRI scan.The form was filled by an investigator oneself in a face to face interview with the patients.&#x0D; Results: Among 310 patients, 35.2% were illiterate and 19.4% graduated from high school. Majority of 85.5% patients answered that MRI uses harmful ionizing radiation like CT scan and radiography. Almost 43 patients who answered MRI functions in disease treatment also answered decreased in pain after MRI scan (Male = 15 and Female = 28) were in age group between 25 years and 50 years. This study also revealed that majority of 26.8% (i.e. n = 83) patients faced problem as claustrophobia along with anxiety during the scan, out of which 13 patients have history of previous MRI scan.&#x0D; Conclusions: In our study decrease in pain was higher in diagnosis and treatment answer. Majority of the patients faced anxiety along with claustrophobia during the MRI scan. Assessment of patient knowledge, perception and safety regarding MRI scan can be the key to increase patient compliance and save valuable scan time.

Corticosteroid Utilization Pattern: A Prospective Study at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prescribing pattern of steroids among patients from different departments and study the most commonly prescribed corticosteroid medications and the assessment of patient knowledge about the use of corticosteroids. Method: We conducted a prospective observational study on 120 patients receiving corticosteroids in the department of General medicine, Respiratory and Orthopedic in a tertiary care teaching hospital for the period of 6 months. Inpatients between 18-60 years receiving corticosteroid therapy were included in the study, exclusion of those patients who were under critical condition, lactating and nursing mothers and those not willing to sign on inform consent form. Key Findings: The study involved 120 patients to evaluate the appropriate use of corticosteroids. The analysis of prescription was done and 24% of the prescriptions were found with drug interactions the majority of drug interactions were minor (72%), followed by moderate (26%) and no severe interaction was found and 76% were without interactions. Total 29(24.1%) side effects were found in the study due to corticosteroid use, hypertension was detected in 8 (28%), hyperglycemia in 7 (24%), sleep disturbance in 5 (17%), weight gain in 5 (17%) and gastrointestinal upset in 4 (14%). The use of inhaler was improved in patients from 55% to 83%. Conclusions: The study was found to be rational as the majority of interactions were minor, followed by moderate and no severe interaction was found. Greater awareness for use of corticosteroids is essential; therefore, strategies to improve drug safety and better patients outcome. Prevention of side effects and rational prescribing can be better achieved by clinical pharmacist’s intervention in patient care

Warfarin therapy in atrial fibrillation: assessment of patient knowledge of risks and benefits

ABSTRACT Patients with atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk for stroke, and many benefits from anticoagulation. Despite the emergence of direct oral anticoagulants, many patients continue to rely on warfarin for their anticoagulation due to logistical, pharmacokinetic, clinical, or patient preference issues. Previous work has suggested that outcomes of warfarin therapy are related to patient education/knowledge. We assessed knowledge of indications, benefits, and complications of warfarin therapy in 99 randomly selected patients enrolled in the Warfarin Anticoagulation Clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Florida who were taking warfarin for non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Patients were labeled as ‘knowledgeable’ or ‘not knowledgeable’ regarding warfarin therapy according to the results of a cross-sectional questionnaire. The majority of patients in both the knowledgeable and not knowledgeable groups displayed understanding that they were taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation (valvular vs non-valvular atrial fibrillation was not an included answer choice). However, there was a clear lack of knowledge amongst patients with atrial fibrillation in both groups about their stroke risk while on and off warfarin, and their risk of major bleeding or adverse events related to their warfarin therapy. There was only a significant difference between the two groups regarding their knowledge of what increases or decreases the risk of bleeding while on warfarin. There was no major difference between the groups with regards to demographic and medical characteristics, except that ‘not knowledgeable’ patients tended to have more peripheral vascular disease, ulcer disease, and moderate-severe renal disease compared to ‘knowledgeable’ patients.

Assessment of patient knowledge on warfarin: An item response theory approach.

There are no instruments to assess the patient's knowledge of oral anticoagulation with warfarin, in which the performance of the items has been evaluated through the item response theory. To evaluate psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge Test, using the item response theory. This methodological study was developed in an anticoagulation clinic of a university hospital with a sample of 201 patients treated with warfarin. The item response theory was used to evaluate questions regarding psychometric properties and the performance of the Brazilian version of the Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge Test items. The unidimensionality hypothesis was analysed by decomposing the polychoric correlation and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. An item characteristic curve of the 20 items of the instrument was made to identify the discrimination power of each item of the performance scale. Correlations were positive and statistically significant among the 20 items, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.82. The difficulty parameter ranged from -4.14 to 0.42. The discrimination parameter ranged from 0.41 to 1.89. The items regarding drug-drug/drug-food interactions were able to differentiate knowledge about oral anticoagulation with greater accuracy. This study is the first that uses this methodology to evaluate the knowledge on oral anticoagulation therapy with warfarin. The evaluation using item response theory showed that the Brazilian version of the Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge Test is suitable for assessing the patient's knowledge of oral anticoagulation with warfarin. Thus, our findings confirmed the utility of this instrument and provided an essential point of reference for the structuring of health education activities that ensure the individualization of educational interventions in patients on warfarin.

Awareness and Accessibility of Contraception [08I

INTRODUCTION: Our study sought to assess community member attitudes toward newly-acquired immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (IPLARC) benefits and determine whether a lack of knowledge about contraception may be impacting their attitudes. Prior literature has extensively detailed contraceptive methods, impacts contraception has on at-risk populations, and inquiries regarding implementation of IPLARCs prior to inclusion under insurance benefits. Recently, studies from South Carolina and Georgia published proposals for implementation from provider and institutional perspectives, though no assessment of patient knowledge was conducted. METHODS: An electronic 8-question survey was administered to Western Michigan University School of Medicine (WMed) clinic visitors and data was recorded via REDCap database. Individuals ≥18 and &lt;60 years of age and were English-speaking were included. This study was exempted by the WMed Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: 107 submissions were completed. 100% self-reported familiarity with and ability to explain to a friend ≥1 forms of contraception. 97.2% reported experience using ≥1 forms of contraception, with 42.06% either previously or currently using a LARC. However, only 22.43% responded they were interested in IPLARCs if they got pregnant, 63.55% said they were not interested, and 14.02% were uncertain as they had never been pregnant. CONCLUSION: Respondents were generally knowledgeable about and experienced with contraception and their low receptiveness towards IPLARCs unlikely stems from ignorance regarding contraception. Additional factors including health literacy, psychosocial factors, and prior experiences with contraception likely also impacted their attitudes. These should be further explored to best position patients to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.

Randomized trial of a patient education tool about leiomyoma

ObjectiveUterine leiomyomata are a frequent indication for women seeking gynecologic care [1]. The objective of our study was to assess whether patient knowledge about leiomyomata, anxiety, or satisfaction with counseling differed in patients who received multimedia counseling versus standard counseling. MethodsWomen with leiomyomata who presented to the gynecology clinic at a single institution were randomized to standard counseling or multimedia counseling using the drawMD OB/GYN iPad™ application. Participants completed a pre-counseling questionnaire, received the designated method of counseling, and completed a post-counseling questionnaire. Outcomes of the study included assessment of patient knowledge, satisfaction, and anxiety. ResultsSeventy-two participants were randomized. There was no significant difference in post-counseling anxiety between the groups (p = 0.86). For both groups, anxiety significantly improved after counseling. Both groups were satisfied with the counseling they received, however, there was no difference between groups. Participants in both groups significantly improved their knowledge about fibroids post-counseling. ConclusionCounseling of patients with leiomyomata improves patient satisfaction and knowledge. The addition of a multimedia tool may or may not enhance patient counseling. Practice ImplicationsThis is the first prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of a multimedia tool on patient education and counseling for patients with leiomyomata.

Corticosteroid utilization pattern: A prospective study at a tertiary care teaching Hospital

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prescribing pattern of steroids among patients from different departments and study the most commonly prescribed corticosteroid medications and the assessment of patient knowledge about the use of corticosteroids. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study on 120 patients receiving corticosteroids in the department of General medicine, Respiratory and Orthopedic in a tertiary care teaching hospital for the period of 6 months. Inpatients between 18–60 years receiving corticosteroid therapy were included in the study, exclusion of those patients who were under critical condition, lactating and nursing mothers and those not willing to sign on inform consent form. Key findings: The study involved 120 patients to evaluate the appropriate use of corticosteroids. The analysis of prescription was done and 24% of the prescriptions were found with drug interactions, the majority of drug interactions were minor (72%), followed by moderate (26%) and no severe interaction was found, and 76% were without interactions. Total 29(24.1%) side effects were found in the study due to corticosteroid use, hypertension was detected in 8 (28%), hyperglycemia in 7 (24%), sleep disturbance in 5 (17%), weight gain in 5 (17%) and gastrointestinal upset in 4 (14%). The use of inhaler was improved in patients from 55% to 83%. Conclusions: The study was found to be rational as the majority of interactions were minor, followed by moderate and no severe interaction was found. Greater awareness for use of corticosteroids is essential; therefore, strategies to improve drug safety, and better patients outcome. Prevention of side effects and rational prescribing can be better achieved by clinical pharmacist's intervention in patient care.

Assessment of Patient Knowledge and Perceptions of Pharmacogenomics Before and After Using a Mock Results Patient Web Portal.

Our objective was to build a mock pharmacogenomic (PGx) patient portal and assess its ability to disseminate test results and information to patients. The YourPGx Portal delivered four sample PGx results (omeprazole, simvastatin, clopidogrel, and codeine). We hosted two study groups to assess patient knowledge and perceptions of PGx before and after accessing the portal. Ten PGx‐tested and 10 traditional care participants were included (average 61 years, 60% women, 50% African American, and 55% had a bachelor's/advanced degree). Participants scored significantly higher on the post‐test compared with the pre‐test, with no significant differences between baseline scores or score change between the groups. Patient perceptions also improved after accessing the portal—more patients wanted their providers to have access to test results, and more patients would encourage family/friends to get PGx testing. Patients would share their test results with their healthcare providers, spouse/partner, and family; none would share results with their friends or social media. Almost all patients (95%) said the portal was easy to use and 65% said it was easy to understand. In this pilot study, patients’ knowledge and perceptions of PGx improved after accessing the YourPGx Portal.