Health Care Satisfaction Research Articles

Patient satisfaction and digital health in primary health care: a scoping review protocol.

Using digital health in primary health care (PHC) contributes to reducing costs and travel time, achieving global development goals, improving access, quality and longitudinality of care, and managing health crises. Its evaluation must go beyond the technical-operational aspects to include patient satisfaction, a key element in assessing the quality of care. To identify and map patient satisfaction (expectations, desires, cultural values) about the adoption of digital health strategies and assess their impact on the quality of care in PHC. The review will follow the recommendations proposed by the Joanna's Briggs Institute (JBI) manual, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the methodology proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and Levac et al. and will be conducted in nine stages. The search will be conducted in health studies databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and BVS), gray literature, and preprint repositories (Google Scholar and MedRxiv). Two reviewers will select the studies, and the third will analyze possible conflicts. The inclusion criteria comprise studies that have been made available in their entirety, whether they are primary studies or short communications, as well as the following materials extracted from the gray literature: preprints, manuals, government documents, books, guidelines, theses and dissertations. Exclusion criteria include literature reviews, abstracts, books, conference archives, letters to the editor, duplicates and opinion articles. Data will be analyzed by content analysis and inferential statistics. This protocol is registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) under DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/PUJDB. The study aims to understand aspects related to the expectations, desires, and cultural values of patients from different countries, as well as the strengths and critical nodes of the use of digital health on the quality of care in PHC.

Challenges of parenting children born before 24 weeks of gestation.

To assess experience of care, well-being of parents and children's development in a cohort of extremely premature infants born <24 weeks of gestation in Sweden from 2007 to 2018. A survey based on multiple questionnaires answered by 124/349 (35.5%) parents. The median age of parents and children was 43 and 9 years, respectively; 74.2% were mothers. Parents expressed high healthcare satisfaction. Following discharge from neonatal care, the satisfaction with the infant's treatment, support from personnel and being respected as a parent significantly declined but remained high. The criteria for suspected developmental deviation according to the screening test early symptomatic syndromes eliciting neurodevelopmental clinical examinations-questionnaire was fulfilled by 84.3%, 55.6% had suspected avoidant restrictive food intake disorder and 47.9% had visual perception problems. Parents experienced severe fatigue (48.6%) despite strong social support and family self-efficacy. Economic support was provided to 30.6%, and 37.9% of children were enrolled in habilitation services. This study highlighted the substantial challenges faced by parents of infants born before 24 weeks of gestation, including decreased satisfaction post-discharge, fatigue and concerns about children's well-being. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive family-centred support and long-term multi-professional follow-up centres.

Assessment of drug therapy satisfaction amongst the elderly: A patient reported outcomes measures approach

BackgroundUnderstanding elderly experiences enhance healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction. Recognizing caregivers’ role and implementing supportive measures enhance care. ObjectivesQuantify drug satisfaction using patient-reported outcomes measures approach. Assess caregiver burden using short version of Burden Scale for Family Caregivers. MethodsSix-month cross-sectional study in Department of Geriatrics. Elderly (≥60), minimum one comorbidity, admitted for >48 h, and consenting to participate were enrolled. Patient satisfaction assessed using Treatment Satisfaction with Medicines Questionnaire (SATMED-Q). SPSS version 27 used to calculate odds ratio. Results282 participants enrolled. SATMED-Q score 47.41 ± 10.34, indicating overall satisfaction. Treatment satisfaction range 47.07 % to 100 %. Age [OR 0.964, 95 % CI 0.932–0.996 (p = 0.029)] and education [OR 1.500, 95 % CI 1.129–1.992 (p = 0.005)] influenced satisfaction. 268 [95.03 %] had caregivers, 14 [4.96 %] did not. Caregiver burden score 9.25 ± 9.11. ConclusionInsights obtained from assessing satisfaction and caregiver burden enables physicians to improve welfare of elderly and caregivers.

Predictors of preoperative anxiety in pediatric surgical patients in Ghana: A bi‐center study

AbstractAnticipation of surgical procedures has been noted to be a major cause of anxiety, particularly in children and their parents. Preoperative anxiety in children is associated with complications before, during, and after surgery. There is therefore the need to identify predictors of preoperative anxiety in children, for early identification and development of interventions. This study aimed at determining predictors of preoperative anxiety in children. A total of 70 children with their parents, scheduled for general pediatric surgery in two teaching hospitals in Ghana, were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. Parental anxiety, perception of quality of healthcare, and preoperative anxiety in children were measured using the State Section of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Pediatric Quality of Life—Healthcare Satisfaction Module, and the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, respectively. Previous surgical experience, age and type of surgery were obtained by demographic questionnaire and hospital records. Majority of children who participated in the study were between ages 2 and 7 years (82.9%). 84.3% of parents in the study were females. Parental anxiety (β = 0.953, pp = 0.000) and perceived quality of healthcare (β = −0.257, p = 0.031) predicted preoperative anxiety in children. Older children scheduled for major surgery were more anxious in the preoperative period than younger children scheduled for major surgery (F = 6.75, p = 0.012). Comprehensive anxiety‐alleviation protocols for pediatric surgery should involve parents as well as improving perceptions of quality of healthcare.

Results of Observational Study and Integration of Epinastine 0,05% in Treatment Algorythms of Patients with Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis

Objective. To assess tolerability and the time of onset of clinical effect of dual­-action antihistamine agents — Epinepta® (epinastine 0.05 %) and olopatadine 0.1 % in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC).Subjects and methods. This was a prospective multicenter observational study. One hundred fifty patients with SAC (n = 150) were included into the study and divided into two groups (n = 75) in each. Patients in group 1 received epinastine 0.05 %, while patients into group 2 received olopatadine 0.1 %. Evaluation of clinical symptoms severity was performed using itching scale, hyperemia Efrone scale, eyelid swelling scale, lacrimation P. Munk scale, Shirmer test and Norn probe. Patients and healthcare providers satisfaction rate was assessed by Likert scale, patients self-­control diary that helped to assess dry eye severity symptoms. Treatment period lasted 14 days.Results. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis treatment with epinastine 0.05 % or olopatadine 0.1 % was equally effective. However epinastine 0.05 % was causing dry eye symptoms in lesser degree than olopatadine 0.1 %. These results refer to all parameters assessed by patients’ self­-control diary — itching, discomfort, burning, eye blockage feeling.Conclusion. The study evaluated epinastine 0.05 % advantages compared to olopatadine 0.1 % in tear film preservation and causing less pronounced symptoms of dry eye in patients with acute seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Monotherapy of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis with epinastine 0.05 % demonstrated high efficacy and lead to SAC clinical manifestations regress. Epinastine 0.05 % is recommended as a first line treatment of SAC.

Patient’s Perception and Satisfaction with Healthcare Professionals at Primary Health Care Facilities in Onelga (Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA)

Background: This study investigates the patient's perspective and contentment with healthcare professionals at primary health care facilities in Onelga (Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA). Employing a survey research design, data was collected from 100 healthcare professionals using a structured questionnaire. The study's objectives include assessing patient satisfaction with healthcare services, exploring the correlation between physician behavior and healthcare services, and determining factors influencing satisfaction levels in the study area. Methods: Demographic data analysis reveals the majority of respondents are male, aged above 60, with educational backgrounds ranging from FSLC to MSC/PGD/PHD. Results: Patient satisfaction findings indicate a significant proportion agreeing or strongly agreeing with positive sentiments regarding healthcare services, physician behavior, and facility cleanliness. Additionally, statistical tests affirm a significant relationship between healthcare services and patient satisfaction. The study concludes that patient satisfaction is influenced by efficient service delivery, physician behavior, and facility infrastructure. Conclusion: Recommendations include regular assessment of patient satisfaction, enhancing healthcare service efficiency, and addressing factors influencing patient contentment. This research contributes to the broader understanding of patient perspectives in healthcare settings, facilitating improvements in service quality and overall patient experience

Nurse-led remote digital support for adults with chronic conditions: A systematic synthesis without meta-analysis.

The systematic review aims to synthesize the literature examining the effectiveness of nurse-led remote digital support on health outcomes in adults with chronic conditions. Adults with chronic diseases have increased rates of mortality and morbidity and use health care resources at a higher intensity than those without chronic conditions-placing strain on the patient, their caregivers and health systems. Nurse-led digital health disease self-management interventions have potential to improve outcomes for patients with chronic conditions by facilitating care in environments other that the hospital setting. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central databases from inception to 7 December 2022. We included randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of nurse-led remote digital support interventions compared to usual care on health-related outcomes in adults with chronic illness. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess bias in studies. Outcomes were organized into four categories: self-management, clinical outcomes, health care resource use and satisfaction with care. Results are presented narratively based on statistical significance. Forty-four papers pertaining to 40 unique studies were included. Interventions most targeted diabetes (n = 11) and cardiovascular disease (n = 8). Websites (n = 10) and mobile applications (n = 10) were the most used digital modalities. Nurses supported patients either in response to incoming patient health data (n = 14), virtual appointment (n = 8), virtual health education (n = 5) or through a combination of these approaches (n = 13). Positive impacts of nurse-led digital chronic disease support were identified in each outcome category. Mobile applications were the most effective digital modality. Results show that nurse-led remote digital support interventions significantly improve self-management capacity, clinical health outcomes, health care resource use and satisfaction with care. Such interventions have potential to support overall health for adults with chronic conditions in their home environments.

HUBUNGAN KUALITAS PELAYANAN KESEHATAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN PASIEN PESERTA BPJS KESEHATAN DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS SUNGAILIAT TAHUN 2023

Introduction: one of the way of developing the healthcare service quality is to give the satisfaction to the patient, which important to do for increasing the function of healthcare service quality to societies by measuring the service quality. Public Health Center (Puskesmas) in Sungailiat has achieving the highest amount. Most of the societies are registered as participants of Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS) which indicates the intensities of visitors of Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS) patients were higher. These variables are related to the service quality such as: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, empathy, and assurance. The early-results, shows that the the relevant-variables that related to the problem in Sungailiat Public Health Center (Puskesmas) such as: comfortability, human-interaction, and punctuality. Methodology: This research is designed by applying the analytic survey methodology, cross sectional study approach, and Accidental Sampling. There are 110 of Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS) patient samples who taking the treatment in Sungailiat Public Health Center (Puskesmas) area by doing the interview according to the questionnaire. Data are analyzed by using both univariate and bivariate analysis by chi square examination. Results: There were a meaningful-relationship between healthcare service quality in the dimensions of Tangibles, Reliability, Responsiveness, Empathy, and Assurance through Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS) patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Sungailiat Public Health Center (Puskesmas) needs to provide the health brochures and suppliance such as drinking water, also the doctors still need to aware to their punctuality, hospitality, and not to differentiate between Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS) patient and general patience.

Loneliness and its cross-sectional associations with health, health behaviours, and perceptions in Finnish patients with overweight or obesity taking part in the Healthy Weight Coaching

ObjectiveTo investigate cross-sectional associations between loneliness and health, health behaviours, and perceptions in Finnish individuals with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). MethodsWe used baseline data from patients participating, in 2016–2022, in a real-life digital 12-month weight management program known as Healthy Weight Coaching. Patients completed several questionnaires such as those related to loneliness, healthcare resource utilization, physical activity, and life satisfaction. BMI was computed based on self-reported weight and height. In addition to investigating individual health variables, we studied the association between loneliness and factor-analysis-derived health and wellbeing clusters. ResultsData were available from 2000 individuals (16.7% men, median age 48 years, median BMI 39.2 kg/m2). Altogether, 11.6%, 42.4%, and 46.0% reported feeling lonely, somewhat lonely, and not lonely, respectively. Feeling lonely was associated with higher BMI, greater healthcare resource utilization, lower life satisfaction, burdensomeness of life, more negative perceptions related to obesity and to the upcoming coaching, lower daytime energy, and reduced 20-min brisk walk results, a measure of functional capacity. Of the five factor-analysis-derived clusters, loneliness was adversely associated with “Life satisfaction” [lonely, 0.337 (0.270–0.421), p < 0.001; somewhat lonely, 0.545 (0.475–0.625), p < 0.001]. Moreover, loneliness associated with “Negative perceptions of obesity/daytime fatigue” [lonely, 4.627 (3.391–6.314), p < 0.001; somewhat lonely 2.021 (1.694–2.412), p < 0.001], and “Obesity/low physical activity” [lonely, 1.474 (1.105–1.966), p = 0.008; somewhat lonely, 1.220 (1.019–1.460), p = 0.030]. ConclusionsLoneliness had several untoward associations with health, health behaviours, and perceptions. Further research should explore the intricate relationship between obesity, loneliness, and physical and psychosocial health. Trial registrationThe trial is registered at clinicaltrials.cov (Clinical Trials Identifier NCT04019249).

Alone and together: registered nurses’ experiences of work satisfaction in municipal home healthcare

BackgroundThe need for advanced home healthcare (HHC) is expected to increase, with registered nurses (RNs) as key figures. Given the difficulties recruiting and retaining RNs in the HHC sector, understanding their work satisfaction is imperative.AimThis study aimed to explore RNs’ experiences of work satisfaction in the municipal HHC.MethodsIndividual interviews were conducted with RNs (n = 8) in four municipalities in Norway. The data were evaluated using qualitative content analysis.ResultsWork satisfaction in HHC was organised into one theme ‘alone and together’ under four categories—the patient, the co-worker, the registered nurse, and the organisation—and 15 subcategories, including patient diversity, supportive co-workers and professional environment, appropriate workload and responsibilities, and provision of preconditions for self-management.ConclusionsPatients, co-workers, and organisations were identified as crucial areas affecting RNs’ work satisfaction in the municipal HHC. Awareness of these areas is essential to promote RNs’ work satisfaction. Patients’ diversity adds positively to RNs’ work satisfaction. Notably, RNs working alone can affect their work satisfaction not only negatively but also positively.

Computer-mediated Communication and Healthcare Satisfaction among Middle-aged Men Living with or without HIV

Introduction Computer-mediated communication has a multifaceted effect on health care satisfaction. This relationship has not been studied among middle-aged men living with HIV. The current study extracted data from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) to examine the association between computer-mediated communication and health care satisfaction. Methods The MACS is a prospective study of more than 7000 sexual minority men living with and without HIV. The Understanding Patterns of Healthy Aging Among Men Who Have Sex With Men was a substudy of the MACS. Current analyses use cross-sectional data on 1063 participants from this substudy with survey data between October 2017 and March 2018. Patients ranked their top 3 methods for communicating with someone they trust. Latent class analysis was used to create classes of health care satisfaction. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of primary communication method on health care satisfaction class membership. Covariates included age, HIV status, race and ethnicity, education, and comorbidities. Interaction was tested between HIV serostatus and primary communication method. Results Regardless of HIV status, participants preferred in-person communication over computer-mediated communication and were satisfied with the health care they received. Participants who preferred computer-mediated communication were more likely to have low health care satisfaction. There was a statistically nonsignificant association of HIV status with preferred communication method and health care satisfaction. Conclusions We postulated that in-person communication promoted high health care satisfaction due to the process of rewarding face-to-face communication through the exchange of both verbal and nonverbal cues. However, patients’ preference of communication mode may be moderated by the context of consultation.

The relationship between healthcare satisfaction after miscarriage and perinatal grief symptoms: A cross-sectional study on Portugal residents

Objective15–20% of identified pregnancies result in miscarriage, which may lead to persistent symptoms of psychological morbidities in some women. Healthcare satisfaction is among the factors believed to influence such negative psychological responses. Here, we present the results of a study conducted in Portugal that analyzes the relationship between healthcare satisfaction, information and support provision and perinatal grief symptoms. MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, symptoms of perinatal grief, degree of satisfaction with healthcare received, and information and support provision data were collected through an online survey aimed at women in Portugal who suffered a miscarriage. 873 were considered eligible. Correlations were performed between perinatal grief scores and healthcare satisfaction rates. Finally, the proportions of information and support received were compared after distributing the sample in groups according to their perinatal grief levels. ResultsHealthcare satisfaction correlated significantly with perinatal grief scores, the latter increasing as satisfaction levels decreased. 61.1% of our sample received information about the physical consequences of miscarriage and showed a significantly lower rate of above-threshold perinatal grief symptoms in this group. 18.2% received information about its mental health consequences, with no significant differences in above-threshold symptom rates. 11.7% were offered or recommended mental health support, but no significant differences in above-threshold symptom rates were found. ConclusionHealthcare satisfaction and information on after-miscarriage physical changes correlated significantly with reduced perinatal grief rates after miscarriage. However, any effects of mental health information and psychological support provision need further studies. Training for healthcare providers dealing with pregnancy loss, implementing national guidelines that include follow-up on the parents' physical and psychological health, and including a specialized area in medical structures are advised.

Evaluating the impact of translational research enrollment on the patient care experience of Veterans with prostate cancer who receive care through the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system.

e23210 Background: Veterans with cancer represent a unique subset of patients with distinct exposure histories and cancer epidemiology. Translational research studies that incorporate Veteran-derived biospecimens are therefore critical to advance our understanding of Veteran cancer biology and improve treatment options for Veterans with cancer. Biospecimen-based translational studies also offer an opportunity to enhance the Veteran care experience by enabling Veterans to directly contribute to cancer research efforts. While the biologic benefits of biospecimen research have been well established, the benefit of translational research on the Veteran care experience has yet to be defined. In this study, we evaluated: 1. Whether Veteran enrollment in a biospecimen-based prostate cancer research study improved their VA patient care experience and satisfaction and 2. Whether a VA-based data analyst tool could be used to optimize patient enrollment in translational research studies. Methods: Beginning in January, 2022, Veterans with a diagnosis of prostate cancer receiving care at the William S. Middleton VA were enrolled in a translational research study that collected blood and tissue biospecimens for subsequent investigation and analysis. After at least 30 days of enrollment, subjects were sent an anonymous survey inquiring about how participation in the translational research study impacted their VA care experience and healthcare satisfaction. To optimize enrollment in the study, an ICD-9 code search function was employed within the medical record database to readily identify eligible VA clinic patients based on an active prostate cancer diagnosis. Descriptive analyses were performed using Prism statistical software. Results: Nearly all Veterans who responded to the questionnaire agreed that participation in translational research was a meaningful experience that increased their satisfaction with their VA medical care. In addition, a vast majority of Veterans surveyed felt that their research participation could help improve care for other Veterans, and most expressed willingness to participate in future VA research opportunities. In a secondary analysis, our ICD-9 search function accurately identified eligible VA clinic patients with a prostate cancer diagnosis, and implementation of this tool has saved approximately 30 minutes of weekly physician and research coordinator work compared to manual chart review. Conclusions: Veteran enrollment in translational research studies provides a meaningful experience for Veterans that can lead to increased satisfaction with the VA healthcare system. Future VA initiatives to improve the Veteran care experience should focus on expanding translational research opportunities for Veterans as well as addressing potential barriers to enrollment.

The lymphedema patient experience within the healthcare system: a cross-sectional epidemiologic assessment

Lymphedema is a progressive lymphatic disease that potentiates physical and psychosocial distress. Despite its impact, patients reportedly encounter lymphatic ignorance throughout the healthcare system. This cross-sectional study aims to summarize clinical characteristics and interactions of lymphedema patients within the healthcare system. Two lymphedema patient cohorts were included: The Global Registry Analysis Cohort included lymphedema patients who contributed to an international digital lymphatic registry and the Interactions Cohort included patients who initiated a questionnaire about interactions with the medical system. The global registry was used to obtain demographic and clinical characteristics from affiliated lymphedema patients. A 23-item online questionnaire on healthcare experiences and satisfaction with lymphatic healthcare was then distributed to the Interactions Cohort. Complete responses were obtained from 2474 participants. Participants were a mean age of 57.5 ± 16.1 years and 51.4% had a cancer history. Participants reported substantial delays in diagnosis and treatment. Cancer-related and non-cancer-related lymphedema patients reported similar levels of perceived physician disinterest in their lymphedema; however, non-cancer-related lymphedema patients reported more care dissatisfaction. Ultimately, patients continue to face delays in lymphedema diagnosis and treatment. We developed an evidence-based model highlighting areas of reform needed to improve lymphatic education and healthcare.

Preventing Pilonidal Sinus Recurrence With Laser Hair Epilation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a common condition associated with significant morbidity and healthcare costs. High recurrence rates still pose a considerable challenge in managing PSD, with no universally accepted guideline inplace to guide management. Laser hair epilation offers a way to reduce recurrence rates with reports within the current literature demonstrating positive outcomes compared to alternative approaches. This review was conducted by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement standards. The primary outcome measure was the recurrence rate of PSD at a minimum of one year following laser hair epilation. The electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)were searched. OpenMeta Analyst (Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI) software was used for data synthesis. Three randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria with laser hair epilation treatments offering a significant reduction in PSD recurrence rateson odds ratio analysis: 0.319 ( 0.160, 0.636), P-value = 0.0001. Secondary outcomes involving patient disability days, caregiver disability days, health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) scores, healthcare satisfaction scores, and perceived stigma were discussed qualitatively. The authors offer a decisive recommendation in favor of laser hair epilation in PSD; however, they recommend further high-quality trials to investigate the ideal timing and frequency of laser hair epilation sessions.

Model of quality of life in a group of people with chronic low back pain.

BackgroundChronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the leading causes of a reduction in the quality of life (QoL). Various methods effec-tively improve patients’ performance and coping with their symptoms in the short term. The lack of focus on psychological factors, thus overlooking an important element of the holistic model, may result in the modest long-term improvement. The present study aimed to test the relationships between the variables in Wilson and Cleary’s QoL model in a CLBP group and to compare them to a nonpain group.Participants and procedureData were obtained from 177 people with CLBP and 160 nonpain participants. We conducted a cross-sectional study in which a multi-module self-administered questionnaire examining biological factors, personality traits, personal values, body as-sessment, symptoms of depression and anxiety, functional status, general perception of health, life satisfaction, received social support, economic support, satisfaction of health care and sociodemographic factors was adopted.ResultsMultiple regression models were able to explain 48.4% of the variance of QoL in the CLBP group and 30.9% in the nonpain group. Statistically significant predictors in the CLBP model were the severity of anxiety, emotional stability, receiving social support, and general health assessment and emotional stability in the nonpain group.ConclusionsThe study has enabled an initial exploratory analysis of the Wilson and Cleary model in a CLBP group. The list of factors de-termining the QoL should be extended to include emotional stability, social and economic support. Further research is needed to explain the relationships between variables in the model.

Longitudinal association of health behaviors and health-related quality of life with military spouse readiness.

Unhealthy behaviors impose costs on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) reducing productivity and readiness among military members (Hoge et al., JAMA 295:1023-32, 2006; Mansfield et al. 362:101-9, 2010). Among married personnel in particular, patterns of spouse health behaviors may play an interdependent role. As a result, the identification of military spouse health factors related to readiness may inform strategies to screen for and identify those in need of greater support and enhance readiness. This study explored behavioral and HRQOL predictors and potential mediators of military spouse readiness utilizing data from the Millennium Cohort Family Study. The analytic sample comprised of 3257 spouses of active-duty, non-separated service members who responded to both waves 1 and 2 of the survey. Sample characteristics are described with respect to demographics (e.g., age, sex, race/ethnicity, etc.), readiness measures (i.e., military satisfaction, lost workdays, health care utilization, military-related stress, and satisfaction), health behaviors (i.e., exercise, sleep, smoking, and alcohol use) and HRQOL (Veterans RAND 12-Item Short Form Survey). We conducted multivariate mediation analyses to evaluate the role of mental and physical HRQOL as mediators between the baseline health behaviors and the health readiness outcomes at follow-up, while adjusting for spouse and service member demographics. HRQOL had direct effects for all five readiness outcomes examined. Multiple health behaviors (insomnia, smoking, binge drinking, and exercise) were further significantly associated with spouse readiness outcomes, although most effects were mediated through HRQOL, suggesting this may be a useful index of military spouse readiness. Insomnia was the specific health behavior most consistently associated with poorer readiness across outcomes, and effects were only partially mediated by physical and mental HRQOL. The results show spouse health behaviors are directly and indirectly (through HRQOL) associated with readiness indicators. This suggests that assessments of modifiable health behaviors (e.g., insomnia symptoms) and mental and physical HRQOL are important indicators of readiness among military spouses and should be used to inform future programs designed to improve population health.

Impact of medical innovations on quality of care in low income settings

Access to high-quality healthcare remains a challenge in low-income settings, primarily due to resource constraints and limited access to medical innovations. This systematic review examines the impact of medical innovations on the quality of care in low-income settings. Through a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, this paper highlights the various medical innovations that have been implemented in low-income settings and evaluates their effectiveness in improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction. The review identifies three broad categories of medical innovations: technological innovations, innovative healthcare delivery models, and novel treatment modalities. Technological innovations encompass a wide range of advancements, including telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth) applications, and point-of-care diagnostics. These innovations have shown promise in improving access to healthcare services, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and facilitating remote monitoring and follow-up care in low-resource settings. Innovative healthcare delivery models, such as community health worker programs, task shifting, and mobile clinics, have also been implemented to overcome barriers to healthcare access in low-income settings. These models prioritize community engagement, decentralization of services, and task delegation to non-physician healthcare providers to expand coverage and reach underserved populations. Furthermore, novel treatment modalities, including affordable and portable medical devices, point-of-care testing kits, and low-cost medications, have been developed to address the specific healthcare needs of low-income populations. These innovations aim to improve treatment efficacy, reduce treatment costs, and minimize the burden of disease in resource-limited settings. The review synthesizes evidence from a diverse range of studies to assess the impact of these medical innovations on healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction. Key findings suggest that while medical innovations hold promise in enhancing quality of care, several challenges including limited resources, infrastructure constraints, and training requirements need to be addressed to maximize their impact. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches and sustainable strategies for implementing medical innovations in low-income settings. By fostering partnerships, leveraging existing infrastructure, and investing in capacity building initiatives, stakeholders can effectively integrate medical innovations into healthcare delivery systems and improve access to high-quality care for underserved populations. This systematic review contributes to the growing body of literature on healthcare innovation and provides valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers seeking to address the healthcare needs of low-income populations and achieve health equity on a global scale.

Oral health-related quality of life in implant-supported rehabilitations: a prospective single-center observational cohort study

BackgroundOral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is a comprehensive concept covering daily comfort, self-esteem, and satisfaction with oral health, including functional, psychological, and social aspects, as well as pain experiences. Despite abundant research on OHRQoL related to oral diseases and hygiene, there is limited data on how patients perceive changes after implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate OHRQoL and aesthetic perception using OHIP-14 and VAS scales respectively, before (baseline-TB), during (provisional prostheses-TP), and after (definitive prostheses-TD) implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. It also explored the impact of biological sex, substitution numbers, and aesthetic interventions on OHRQoL and VAS scores, along with changes in OHIP-14 domains.MethodsA longitudinal prospective single-center observational cohort study was conducted with patients requiring implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. Quality of life relating to dental implants was assessed through the Italian version of Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (IOHIP-14), which has a summary score from 14 to 70. Patients’ perceived aesthetic was analyzed through a VAS scale from 0 to 100. Generalized Linear Mixed Effect Models, Linear Mixed Effect Models, and Friedman test analyzed patient responses.Results99 patients (35 males, 64 females) aged 61–74, receiving various prosthetic interventions, were enrolled. Both provisional and definitive prosthetic interventions significantly decreased the odds of a worse quality of life compared to baseline, with odds ratios of 0.04 and 0.01 respectively. VAS scores increased significantly after both interventions, with estimated increases of 30.44 and 51.97 points respectively. Patient-level variability was notable, with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.43. While biological sex, substitution numbers, and aesthetic interventions didn’t significantly affect VAS scores, OHRQoL domains showed significant changes post-intervention.ConclusionsThese findings support the effectiveness of implant-prosthetic interventions in improving the quality of life and perceived aesthetics of patients undergoing oral rehabilitation. They have important implications for clinical practice, highlighting the importance of individualized treatment approaches to optimize patient outcomes and satisfaction in oral health care.

The impact of provider-patient communication skills on primary healthcare quality and patient satisfaction in rural China: insights from a standardized patient study

ObjectivesIn middle-income countries, poor physician-patient communication remains a recognized barrier to enhancing healthcare quality and patient satisfaction. This study investigates the influence of provider-patient communication skills on healthcare quality and patient satisfaction in the rural primary healthcare setting in China.MethodsData were collected from 504 interactions across 348 rural primary healthcare facilities spanning 21 counties in three provinces. Using the Standardized Patient method, this study measured physician-patient communication behaviors, healthcare quality, and patient satisfaction. Communication skills were assessed using the SEGUE questionnaire framework. Multivariate linear regression models and multivariate logistic regression models, accounting for fixed effects, were employed to evaluate the impact of physicians’ communication skills on healthcare quality and patient satisfaction.ResultsThe findings indicated generally low provider-patient communication skills, with an average total score of 12.2 ± 2.8 (out of 24). Multivariate regression models, which accounted for physicians’ knowledge and other factors, demonstrated positive associations between physicians’ communication skills and healthcare quality, as well as patient satisfaction (P < 0.05). Heterogeneity analysis revealed stronger correlations among primary physicians with lower levels of clinical knowledge or more frequent training.ConclusionThis study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing provider-patient communication skills to enhance healthcare quality and patient satisfaction in rural Chinese primary care settings. It recommends that the Chinese government prioritize the enhancement of provider-patient communication skills to improve healthcare quality and patient satisfaction.