Enhance Patient Education Research Articles

Pharmacists in global primary healthcare systems: A comprehensive model for community health empowerment

Pharmacists play an increasingly important role in global primary healthcare systems, evolving from traditional dispensers to active participants in patient-centered care. This paper advocates for the stronger integration of pharmacists into healthcare teams to improve patient outcomes, medication adherence, and overall healthcare delivery. Through a comprehensive review, we examine the evolving role of pharmacists, the key challenges to their full integration, and the substantial opportunities they present, particularly in managing chronic diseases, providing preventative care, and enhancing patient education. We propose a model for empowering pharmacists to contribute more effectively to community health, especially in underserved areas. The paper also highlights the potential global impact of pharmacists in reducing healthcare costs, improving disease management, and promoting public health initiatives. Lastly, recommendations for future policy reforms, education enhancements, and research directions are offered to support the continued expansion of pharmacists' roles in primary healthcare systems worldwide.

Self-Care of Older Patients Affected by at Least Two Chronic Conditions Between Heart Failure, Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Comparative Study.

This study aims to describe disease-specific self-care behaviours in patients with heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in various combinations; to compare these self-care behaviours within patient groups; and to evaluate differences across these groups. Cross-sectional study. A total sample of 1079 older patients was recruited from outpatient clinics and home settings. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 65 years and had a diagnosis of HF and/or DM, and/or COPD, along with at least one additional chronic condition. Data were collected using validated tools: the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index, Self-Care of Diabetes Inventory and Self-Care of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Inventory. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse disease-specific self-care behaviours. Group comparisons were performed using Student's t-test and univariate, followed by multivariate analyses of variance. The analysis focused on a subset of 223 patients who had a combination of at least two chronic conditions between HF, DM and/or COPD. The mean age of participants was 77.3 (SD 7.5) years, with a majority being female (53.4%). Self-care maintenance, monitoring and management for HF and COPD were found to be inadequate across all patient groups. Adequate self-care was only observed in DM management among those with HF and DM and in DM maintenance for those with DM and COPD treated with insulin. Significant differences in all self-care dimensions were observed across groups, particularly in patients managing all three conditions (HF, DM and COPD). The findings provide valuable insights into the complexities of self-care in patients with multiple chronic conditions, underscoring the need for tailored, integrated and patient-centred interventions. Healthcare strategies should focus on enhancing patient education and developing personalised approaches to improve health outcomes and quality of life in this population. All the authors have adhered to the EQUATOR guidelines STROBE Statement. A convenience sample of patients was recruited in outpatient clinics and their homes. Data were collected between March 2017 and August 2022, by face-to-face during routine outpatient visits or directly at the patient's home.

"The medicine is not something that interests me at all." Beliefs, health-related behaviors, and medication adherence in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease

Abstract Background Despite evidence-based guidelines recommending secondary prevention with antithrombotics and lipid-lowering therapies, adherence to optimal pharmacological therapies remains suboptimal in patients with symptomatic lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD), potentially contributing to excess morbidity and mortality. However, the behavioral factors and health beliefs underlying this behavior are still poorly understood. Purpose To explore the health-related behaviors and beliefs of patients with symptomatic PAD regarding secondary preventive therapy. Methods Using a qualitative design, we conducted individual semi-structured interviews with patients diagnosed with symptomatic PAD. Participants were recruited from four departments of vascular surgery in Denmark from December 2022 to January 2024. Data analysis was performed using framework analysis based on the six domains of the Health Belief Models1 (HBM) as analytical framework: perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. The HBM is widely used for conceptualizing individual’s attitudes and beliefs to explain and predict health behaviours. Results Sixteen patients participated in the study: seven adherent and nine non-adherent patients. Based on the HBM components, the following findings emerged (Figure 1). Patients expressed low perceived awareness of the severity of PAD and its potential consequences, not recognizing PAD as a systemic condition associated with broader cardiovascular risk. The perception of PAD centered around the experience of excruciating leg pain and its impact on everyday life. This focus on symptoms affected the perceived benefits of secondary preventive therapies. Patients lacked knowledge about the importance and goal of treatment and did not link the secondary preventive therapy to PAD, often associating it only with other cardiovascular diseases. Barriers included inadequate understanding of the chronic progressive nature of PAD and its severity, experience and fear of side-effects, prescription confusion, pill burden, financial constraints, and allergies. Fear of recurring pain, complications, and early death served as strong internal adherence triggers. Paradoxically, despite expressing fear, some patients were only adherent to antithrombotic therapy, not assigning the same importance to statins. Other cues to action included practical arrangements as well as establishing a trusting patient-provider relationship and receiving comprehensive and logical explanations. Conclusions This study provided new perspectives on the multifaceted challenges hindering adherence to secondary preventive therapy among patients with symptomatic PAD. Notably, the insufficient knowledge regarding the chronic progressive nature of PAD and its cardiovascular implications, underscores the need for enhanced patient education and tailored interventions to ensure optimal secondary preventive therapy.Figure 1

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ASTHMA AMONG PATIENTS VISITING THE TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF KARACHI

Asthma is a common respiratory condition that significantly impacts patient quality of life, with many individuals lacking adequate knowledge about triggers and proper inhalation therapy. Understanding patient awareness of asthma management is crucial in designing interventions that enhance their ability to prevent and manage symptoms effectively. Objective: This study aimed to assess the awareness of asthma triggers, perceptions of inhalation therapy, and the effect of a teaching intervention among patients visiting a tertiary healthcare facility in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January to June 2024. A total of 200 asthma patients were included through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire that assessed participants' knowledge of primary asthma triggers, correct inhaler usage, and relevant socio-demographic factors. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 25, and frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between patient knowledge and other variables. Results: The study revealed that asthma awareness among participants was limited. Only 45% of respondents could identify common asthma triggers accurately, while 30% believed that asthma was solely caused by smoking or pollution. Additionally, 35% of patients expressed concerns about frequent reliance on inhalers, and 40% indicated that they were unsure of the correct way to use their inhalers. The teaching intervention demonstrated an improvement in inhaler usage knowledge and reduced anxiety related to inhalation therapy. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gap in patient awareness regarding asthma triggers and the proper use of inhalers. These findings emphasize the importance of developing targeted educational interventions to improve asthma management, particularly in low-resource settings. Future efforts should focus on enhancing patient education to prevent asthma-related complications and improve overall disease control.

The utility of ChatGPT in gender-affirming mastectomy education

IntroductionThe integration of AI such as ChatGPT in medicine has been showing promise in enhancing patient education. Gender-affirming mastectomy (GAM) is a surgical procedure designed to help individuals transition to their self-identified gender, playing a crucial role in mitigating psychological distress for many transmasculine and non-binary (TNB) patients. With increased demand and attention towards GAM, plastic and reconstructive surgeons may rely on AI-driven chatbots as an accessible, accurate, and patient-driven model for relevant details on this procedure. Specific Aim(s)This study aimed to assess the quality and readability of information provided by ChatGPT in response to frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to GAM. MethodsInspired by online forums and physician websites, 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pre- and postoperative topics were submitted to ChatGPT and assessed using validated readability score measures and expert interpretation. ResultsThe average readability score was 16.0 ± 1, indicating a college or graduate reading level. Mean accuracy, comprehensiveness, and danger scores were 8.8 ± 0.5, 7.8 ± 0.7, and 2.2 ± 0.4, respectively. Although physicians appreciated ChatGPT's tone, patient autonomy, and advice to seek professional medical and mental help, they also cited instance of generic information, misinformation, support of debated techniques, and pathologization of gender dysphoria. ConclusionEven with its promise in providing accurate and comprehensive information on GAM, ChatGPT’s current limitations suggest caution as a supplementary tool to physician consultation.

Knowledge about peritoneal dialysis among patients with end-stage kidney disease on hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study

Introduction Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an alternative modality to hemodialysis (HD) for end-stage Kidney disease (ESKD) treatment. However, PD is underutilized, and patients’ knowledge about PD is crucial in making an informed decision about the dialysis modality. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge about PD among HD patients and explore the reasons for its underutilization. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study of 108 HD patients was conducted from August to November 2023, at Al-Jaber Dialysis Center in Al-Ahsa. They interviewed to assess the knowledge about PD and explore the reasons for its underutilization. Results The patients’ ages ranged from 20 to 80 years, with a mean age of 44.2 years. Regarding knowledge about PD, 81.5% of the ESKD patients had heard about other renal replacement modalities, with kidney transplant being the most commonly known option. Only 11.1% were aware of both kidney transplants and PD. 60.2% of patients reported that their nephrologists had discussed other treatment options with them. However, overall knowledge about PD among patients was relatively low, with 43.5% having good knowledge and 56.5% having poor knowledge. Lack of information, considering HD as a better method, and fear of complications were the primary reasons for not considering PD as the first treatment option. Conclusion This study highlights the inadequate knowledge about PD among HD patients and identifies factors contributing to the underutilization of PD. Lack of information, misconceptions about the effectiveness and safety of PD, and preference for HD were significant barriers. Enhancing patient education and addressing misconceptions are crucial in promoting PD as a viable treatment option for ESKD, thereby improving patients’ quality of life.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practices Related to Non-Surgical Management of Osteoarthritis Among Patients in the Rural Community of Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that represents a major public health challenge, especially in rural communities where access to advanced healthcare is limited. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to the non-surgical management of osteoarthritis among patients in the rural district of Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 234 adult OA patients aged 45 and above, residing in selected rural areas of Sri Ganganagar. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling from local health centers and community clinics. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and correlation analyses to explore associations between demographic variables and KAP levels. Results: The study revealed that 29.9% of participants had adequate knowledge about OA, while 18.8% had inadequate knowledge. Regarding practices, 21.4% of participants demonstrated good practices in managing their OA symptoms, whereas 20.9% exhibited poor practices. Significant associations were found between age and education level with both knowledge and practice levels (p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was observed between age and knowledge score (r = 0.45, p = 0.002), and a strong positive correlation was found between knowledge and practice scores (ρ = 0.60, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for targeted health education programs in rural communities like Sri Ganganagar to bridge knowledge gaps and improve adherence to non-surgical OA management practices. Enhancing patient education and integrating healthcare providers in the patient education process could significantly improve OA management and patient outcomes in rural settings.

Postoperative Otoplasty Care With ChatGPT-4: A Study on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted Patient Concern and Education.

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that is performed to alter the size, shape, or position of the ear by using permanent stitches. Its main purpose is to correct protruding ears, a condition known as prominauris. After the surgery, it is crucial to provide proper care to ensure successful recovery. However, obtaining timely medical advice can be difficult, especially in remote areas or places with limited resources. To address this issue, incorporating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT)-4 into postsurgical care could help fill the gap in patient education and support. This study aims to assess whether ChatGPT4 can be a reliable, accurate, and effective method for answering the most common patient questions and concerns post-otoplasty. The main objective was to assess the AI chatbot's capacity to deliver precise, concise, and pertinent information, especially in situations where health care professionals are limited in availability. In this study, over 50 patients were engaged, and ChatGPT4 was employed to present the same 5 common postoperative questions post-otoplasty surgery care. The AI chatbot's responses were analyzed for accuracy, response time, clarity, and relevance. The chatbot could potentially provide timely assistance, answer questions, and address concerns related to postsurgical care in otoplasty. The responses exhibited a perfect accuracy rate of 100%, closely corresponding to existing medical guidelines. This study explores the potential of AI-driven solutions to enhance patient education and support, especially in areas where access to health care professionals may be limited. However, professional medical advice is crucial in postoperative care and cannot be replaced by ChatGPT-4. By leveraging AI tools like chatbots, individuals in remote or resource-limited settings can potentially receive valuable information and guidance, contributing to successful rehabilitation and overall health care outcomes. Ethical considerations around the use of AI in health care must also be carefully addressed to ensure patient privacy, data security, and appropriate clinical oversight.

Microtia and Social Media: How Can We Help Our Patients?

In today's digital era, the intersection of social media and healthcare has emerged as a valuable tool for medical communication and education. However, the use of social media among microtia families has not been thoroughly explored in literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of microtia surgeons on social media, the attitudes of microtia families towards physician social media use, and the motivations behind social media usage among microtia families. This study employed a cross-sectional survey methodology. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess microtia families present in dedicated Instagram and Facebook groups, whereas the presence of microtia surgeons was assessed through responses from an official WhatsApp group. The findings reveal a significant disparity between the demand for microtia surgeons' social media presence and their actual engagement. Although 90.5% of microtia family respondents believed that microtia surgeons should have a presence on social media platforms, only 46.0% of microtia surgeons maintained an active presence. Of microtia families, 55% expressed that they used social media both to facilitate interactions with other families and explore treatment options. Microtia surgeons more often utilized Instagram and Twitter than microtia families. Of microtia families, 40.5% reported using a combination of social media platforms, most often Facebook. This study underscores the increasing reliance on social media for medical information. By increasing their social media presence, microtia surgeons can not only enhance patient education and satisfaction but also contribute to the broader landscape of medical communication and education in the digital age.

The Impact of Hba1c Levels on Diabetic Patients' Sugar Control and Its Influence on Eye Health: Clinical Study

This study utilized a cross-sectional design to examine the effect of HbA1c levels on the regulation of blood sugar and its effects on eye health in a group of diabetic adults in Iraq. One hundred and fifty participants in all filled out a structured questionnaire that evaluated their comprehension of diabetes, methods for managing it, and knowledge of diabetic eye problems. The findings indicated that although most participants possessed a satisfactory overall comprehension of diabetes, a considerable number exhibited a deficiency in their grasp of the importance of HbA1c values and its connection to the regulation of blood sugar over an extended period. Participants utilized many ways to regulate their diabetes; however, their adherence to these methods was inconsistent. In addition, a significant number of participants were not regularly undergoing eye examinations to detect indicators of diabetic retinopathy, despite being aware of the possibility of eye-related issues. These findings indicate that there is a need for enhanced patient education, increased adherence to diabetes management regimens, and improved integration of eye care services within the overall diabetes care system to address the difficulties faced by this group. Enhancing these components has the potential to result in improved long-term results for patients with diabetes in Iraq. The study emphasizes the significance of comprehensive strategies for managing diabetes that give priority to both controlling blood sugar levels and preventing microvascular problems, such as diabetic retinopathy which can lead to visual loss.

Digital Education on Hospital Nutrition Diets: What Do Patients Want to Know?

Therapeutic nutrition plays an imperative role during a patient's hospital course. There is a tremendous body of literature that emphasizes the systematic delivery of information regarding hospital nutrition diets. A major component of delivering healthcare information is the principle of providing quality healthcare information, but this has not yet been investigated on hospital nutrition diets. This study aimed to evaluate the comprehension and readability of patient education materials regarding therapeutic hospital diets. The methodology employed the use of publicly available questions regarding hospital nutrition diets and categorized them per Rothwell's Classification of Questions. Additionally, the questions were extracted online and have an associated digital article linked to the question. These articles underwent analysis for readability scores. This study's findings reveal that most hospital diets do not meet the recommended grade-reading levels. This underscores the need for healthcare providers to enhance patient education regarding hospital diets. The prevalence of "Fact" questions showcases the importance of clearly explaining diets and dietary restrictions to patients.

Abstract B161: Has much changed? A scoping review on the nature of racial/ethnic disparities in endometrial cancer research since the release of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology statement

Abstract Introduction: Endometrial cancer is prevalent in the United States and has well documented disparities across race and ethnicity. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s (SGO) 2014 review on racial/ethnic disparities in gynecologic cancers, including endometrial, ended with a call to action to increase research on endometrial cancer disparities and to shift focus from identification of disparities to solutions. With a decade passed since the publication, it is unknown how the landscape of research on racial/ethnic disparities in endometrial cancer has changed. Objectives: A scoping review was conducted to identify the nature of research on racial/ethnic disparities in endometrial cancer since the publication of the SGO review in 2014, including summarizing the proportion of studies that focused on disparities across patient, provider and systemic spheres. Secondarily, to understand the proportion and nature of studies that proposed a solution to the identified racial/ethnic disparities. Methods: Scoping review was designed following the PRISM-SCa protocol. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria included: publication following the SGO statement, in English, published in the United States, on human subjects, primary study, specifically mentioned a racial or ethnic disparity in endometrial cancer. Reviews, meta- analyses, and opinion pieces were excluded. Relevant studies were coded for nature of disparity and solutions offered using a standardized data abstraction tool. Results: 182 studies were included, 141 (77.5%) focused on racial disparities, 34 (18.8%) on racial and ethnic, and 7 (3.8%) on ethnic, mainly Hispanic. Of those, 138 (75.8%) focused only on Black or African American disparities. When evaluating the level at which the disparity was identified, 116 (63.7%) were at the patient level, 25 (13.7%) at the provider level, 21 (11.5%) systemic, and 20 (11.5%) identified disparities on multiple levels. Half of the studies included offered solutions (91, 50.0%), however, the majority of the solutions suggested an increase in disparity research (32, 35.2%) and expanding clinical trials (15, 16.5%); many of these were included as further directions of the study itself. Other solutions included expanding access to health care (15, 16.5%), enhancing patient education (12, 13.2%), increasing patient participation in care (4, 4.4%), increasing diversity in the workforce (1, 1.1%), and other (12, 13.2%). Conclusions: Though much research on racial/ethnic disparities in endometrial cancer has been conducted since the SGO statement, many studies focused on patient-level factors instead of challenging provider/systemic level factors. When it came to a call to action, only half of the studies discussed a solution, the majority of which were included as future directions and suggested expansion of research. A small minority of articles outlined tangible solutions to the disparity discussed, leaving a continued need to shift research from identification of the disparity to creating solutions. Citation Format: Sarah Battiston, Victoria Kelley, Molly Wilson, Morolayo Ilori, Katerina Furman, Layla Hak, Madison Miller. Has much changed? A scoping review on the nature of racial/ethnic disparities in endometrial cancer research since the release of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology statement [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B161.

Abstract B147: Avanzando Equidad de Salud: Latino Cancer Health Equity Research Center

Abstract South Texas (STX), spanning from San Antonio to the Texas-Mexico border, includes 25 rural counties, with 96% designated as primary care shortage areas, are notably the nation’s poorest and most medically underserved regions in the United States. Hispanic/Latinos (H/Ls) in the U.S. face challenges related to social determinants of health (SDoH), contributing to disparities in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. H/Ls have higher risks of invasive cancers compared to peers, emphasizing the critical need to address SDoH to mitigate cancer disparities. Addressing these causes can improve access to healthcare, promote early detection, enhance patient education, and provide culturally competent care. The Avanzando Center (AC) aims to reduce health disparities across STX with community-engaged research, training, patient assessment, and advocacy that addresses the SDoH that deter Latinos from equitable access to cancer care, prevention, early detection, treatment, and improve patients’ cancer outcomes. To achieve its mission, the AC will 1) coordinate Research Scholars on SDoH-related cancer control projects, providing leadership, mentoring, and support in SDoH screening, clinical informatics, and outreach dissemination, 2) implement the SDoH Screener to screen patients at UT Health San Antonio’s Mays Cancer Center, Primary Care Center, and clinics across STX, ensuring they receive necessary support, 3) utilize the Salud America! (SA!) Latino health communications network for community education, empowering STX community members to advocate for local system and policy changes addressing structural SDoH, and 4) provide mentoring and career development in health equity (HE) and SDoH fundamentals to enhance cancer patient care and research advancements in the community. Research Scholars are actively employing interventions for 1) adolescent and young adult cancer survivors by establishing training programs for oncology providers to ensure proper guidance on vaccinations against HPV-related cancers, 2) using technology to improve treatment adherence among Latina breast cancer patients, and 3) addressing disparities in colorectal cancer screening and healthcare access among persistently impoverished populations. These studies will result in rigorous evaluation of intervention effectiveness by addressing the specific needs of cancer patients facing barriers related to SDoH and inform policy and practice initiatives to eliminate cancer as a major health concern. In addition, training and mentoring programs will enhance the knowledge and understanding of cancer care and research professionals, while the SA! Latino HE communication program to raise awareness about SDoH and cancer HE that includes blog posts featuring resources, inspirational stories, and promotional HE tools. The efforts focused on SDoH have the potential to significantly impact cancer outcomes and reduce disparities in Latino communities, ultimately advancing HE and improving overall well-being; specifically improving cancer outcomes, survivorship, and quality of life. Citation Format: Amelie G. Ramirez, Derek Rodriguez, Cliff Despres, Rebecca T. Jones, Ramon S. Cancino, Allison C. Grimes, Jonathan Gelfond, Byeongyeob Choi, Edgar Munoz, Patricia Chalela. Avanzando Equidad de Salud: Latino Cancer Health Equity Research Center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B147.

Optimising remote monitoring for cardiac implantable electronic devices: a UK Delphi consensus

BackgroundRemote monitoring (RM) is recommended for the ongoing management of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Despite its benefits, RM adoption has increased the workload for cardiac rhythm management...

Anaphylactic Reaction to Penicillin in Malaria-Infected Patients: A Case Study and Implications for Clinical Management

Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, often necessitating a combination of antimalarial and antibiotic treatments to manage both the primary infection and secondary bacterial complications. This review focuses on a critical case study involving a 35-year-old male with recurrent malaria who experienced a severe anaphylactic reaction to penicillin, highlighting the complex interplay between malaria management and drug allergies. The patient, already compromised by malaria, developed anaphylaxis shortly after receiving penicillin for a suspected bacterial infection. Despite immediate treatment, including epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids, the patient’s condition worsened due to the exacerbation of symptoms of malaria, leading to a fatal outcome. This case underscores the diagnostic and management challenges of drug allergies in malaria-infected patients, emphasizing the need for improved allergy assessment protocols, better training for healthcare providers, and enhanced patient education. The review advocates for the development of comprehensive allergy management strategies, improved allergy history documentation, and ongoing research to refine drug allergy testing and treatment protocols. Effective management of drug allergies, particularly in complex infection scenarios, is essential for optimizing patient safety and treatment efficacy. Keywords: Anaphylaxis, Penicillin Allergy, Malaria, Drug Reactions, Allergy Management, Clinical Protocols.

Enhancing Patient Education and Engagement through Digital Intelligence Tools in Dermatology

Enhancing Patient Education and Engagement through Digital Intelligence Tools in Dermatology

Virtual Reality in Cancer Care: Enhancing Knowledge and Reducing Anxiety about Chemotherapy among Patients and Caregivers.

Virtual reality (VR) technology has evolved from entertainment to significant applications in healthcare and education. Despite its potential, there is limited research on the role of VR in cancer care. This study investigates VR's ability to simulate the chemotherapy process, aiming to enhance patients' knowledge and mitigate anxiety associated with chemotherapy. Utilizing a two-arm, mixed-methods pre/post-survey design, the study measured changes in patients' anxiety and knowledge before and after exposure to a VR simulation. Participants (n = 267) engaged with VR simulations or interactive 360-degree videos depicting the chemotherapy process. Data analyses revealed a significant median increase in chemotherapy knowledge post-exposure to the VR content (z = 12.511, p < 0.001). Demographic factSors significantly influenced perceptions of VR realism and usefulness (p < 0.05). Additionally, VR exposure was correlated with reduced anxiety levels and improved treatment expectations (p < 0.05). Participants with higher post-understanding chemotherapy scores considered VR a useful tool for managing anxiety about chemotherapy and recommended VR for other medical procedures (p < 0.001). These findings underscore VR technology's potential as a valuable tool in cancer treatment, suggesting it can enhance patient education and reduce anxiety, thereby improving patient outcomes during cancer therapy.

Development of an Electronic Stent Patient Information Leaflet: A Quality Improvement Project to Enhance Patient Education and Reduce the Risk of Retained Ureteric Stents

Development of an Electronic Stent Patient Information Leaflet: A Quality Improvement Project to Enhance Patient Education and Reduce the Risk of Retained Ureteric Stents

Assessing the quality of ChatGPT's responses to questions related to radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of information provided by ChatGPT, in response to frequently asked questions about radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for varicose veins. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. A set of 18 frequently asked questions regarding RFA for varicose veins were compiled from credible online sources and presented to ChatGPT twice, separately, using the new chat option. Twelve experienced vascular surgeons (with >2 years of experience and ≥20 RFA procedures performed annually) independently evaluated the accuracy of the responses using a 4-point Likert scale and assessed their reproducibility. ResultsMost evaluators were males (n = 10/12 [83.3%]) with an average of 12.3 ± 6.2 years of experience as a vascular surgeon. Six evaluators (50%) were from the UK followed by three from Saudi Arabia (25.0%), two from Pakistan (16.7%), and one from the United States (8.3%). Among the 216 accuracy grades, most of the evaluators graded the responses as comprehensive (n = 87/216 [40.3%]) or accurate but insufficient (n = 70/216 [32.4%]), whereas only 17.1% (n = 37/216) were graded as a mixture of both accurate and inaccurate information and 10.8% (n = 22/216) as entirely inaccurate. Overall, 89.8% of the responses (n = 194/216) were deemed reproducible. Of the total responses, 70.4% (n = 152/216) were classified as good quality and reproducible. The remaining responses were poor quality with 19.4% reproducible (n = 42/216) and 10.2% nonreproducible (n = 22/216) . There was nonsignificant inter-rater disagreement among the vascular surgeons for overall responses (Fleiss' kappa, −0.028; P = .131). ConclusionsChatGPT provided generally accurate and reproducible information on RFA for varicose veins; however, variability in response quality and limited inter-rater reliability highlight the need for further improvements. Although it has the potential to enhance patient education and support health care decision-making, improvements in its training, validation, transparency, and mechanisms to address inaccurate or incomplete information are essential.

Effect of Augmented Reality (AR) Models on Patient Education in Preventing Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent condition, particularly affecting critically ill patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a significant contributor to this condition. Traditional educational methods often fail to effectively convey the risks associated with NSAID use. This study investigated the application of augmented reality (AR) models to enhance patient education in NSAID-induced AKI within an outpatient clinic. The study, conducted over four months with 67 participants, employed a questionnaire-based approach to assess knowledge levels before and after exposure to AR models. The results demonstrated a substantial increase in patient knowledge, and a majority of the participants expressed a willingness to modify their behavior to safeguard their kidneys. The findings suggest that AR holds enormous potential in improving patient comprehension and promoting positive health behaviors. However, limitations such as variations in patient education levels and technology proficiency were acknowledged. Further research is necessary to explore the long-term impact of AR-based education in broader clinical settings.