Individual Patient Preferences Research Articles

Revisiting the hospital-issued gown in hospitalizations from a locus of control and patient-centered care perspectives: a call for design thinking.

Patient-centered care (PCC) is the preferred health policy approach that emphasizes responding to individual patient preferences, wishes, and needs. PCC requires active patient engagement. While there has been extensive research on physicians' robes, there is limited research on hospital-issued patient gowns during hospitalizations. How does the gown affect the cognitive-emotional experience of hospitalized patients? How is the gown associated with PCC? The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 965 patients who were hospitalized at least once during the past year in a tertiary hospital. Measures were previously published. The gown was strongly associated with lack of control and increased distress, and was negatively associated with patient proactiveness, engagement, and taking responsibility for self-management of chronic illness. Compared to male patients, female patients wearing the gown had stronger negative emotions and cognitively strong associations with the external locus of control, which inhibited engagement. The hospital gown is an unacknowledged barrier to achieving PCC, inhibits patient engagement, and reflects the paradoxes of inadvertently excluding patients' needs from hospital practice. The hospital gown must be modified to protect the patient's voice and enhance engagement. Policymakers are called to apply design thinking to facilitate patient participation in decision-making to accord hospital clothing to PCC and improve healthcare delivery.

Stated Preferences of At-Risk Populations for the Treatment of Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review.

Poor adherence to anti-osteoporosis treatment is a well-recognized problem, partly due to misalignment with patient preferences. In recent years, several quantitative preference studies have been conducted. This study aimed to systematically review stated preference research to provide a comprehensive overview of patient preferences in osteoporosis, in particular on conditional relative attribute importance and preference heterogeneity. This systematic review was conducted in MEDLINE and Embase up to February 29th, 2024. It includes all English-language, peer-reviewed, stated preference articles related to osteoporosis management and treatment in patients with or at risk of osteoporosis. Conditional relative importance of attributes as well as heterogeneity was assessed, and attributes classified into outcome, process, and cost attributes. Quality assessment was performed using a combined checklist of Purpose, Respondents, Explanation, Findings, and Significance (PREFS) and International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) items. Fourteen studies including 4714 participants were evaluated. Attributes were mostly classified as process related (50%) and outcome related (40%), both of which significantly influence patient preferences. In pairwise attribute comparison, efficacy was dominant over cost, administration, and side-effects. Preference heterogeneity was observed in the majority of studies (86%). Quality assessment indicated an overall improvement in study quality over time, with recent studies adhering more closely to established methodological standards. The findings highlight the importance of considering patient preferences in the management of osteoporosis, underscoring the need for a patient-centered approach. The readiness of patients to engage in trade-offs between attributes suggests that healthcare providers should ensure treatments are aligned with individual patient preferences to improve adherence and optimize outcomes.

Cost-effectiveness of ace inhibitors versus ARBs in heart failure management.

Heart failure is a chronic condition that imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Effective management is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing costs. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used to manage heart failure by reducing cardiac strain and preventing disease progression. Despite their common use, ACE inhibitors and ARBs differ in mechanisms, cost, and potential side effects. ACE inhibitors have long been the standard treatment, while ARBs are often prescribed to patients intolerant to ACE inhibitors, particularly due to side effects like cough. Given these differences, evaluating the cost-effectiveness of these treatments is essential. This study compares the cost-effectiveness of ACE inhibitors and ARBs from a healthcare system perspective, considering both direct medical costs and health outcomes. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using a decision-analytic Markov model to simulate heart failure progression in a hypothetical cohort. Data inputs included clinical trial outcomes, real-world effectiveness data, direct medical costs (medications, hospitalizations, monitoring), and utility values for quality of life. The primary outcome measures were the cost per quality-adjusted life year gained and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Sensitivity analyses tested the robustness of results, and subgroup analyses were conducted based on age and disease severity. The base-case analysis showed that ACE inhibitors were associated with lower overall costs and slightly higher quality-adjusted life years than ARBs. Sensitivity analyses revealed that variations in key parameters, such as transition probabilities, mortality rates, and healthcare expenses, had limited impact on the overall cost-effectiveness conclusions. Subgroup analyses indicated that ACE inhibitors and ARBs exhibited similar cost-effectiveness profiles for patients aged <65 and ≥65 years. However, among patients with severe heart failure, ARBs demonstrated a higher incremental cost-effectiveness ratio compared with ACE inhibitors, suggesting reduced cost-effectiveness in this subgroup. ACE inhibitors are likely a more cost-effective option for managing heart failure than ARBs, particularly from a healthcare system perspective. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring treatment decisions to individual patient factors, preferences, and clinical conditions, providing valuable insights for healthcare policy and practice, particularly regarding cost-effectiveness across patient subgroups.

Androgen transition and management of hereditary angioedema long-term prophylaxis in real life: a single-center case series

BackgroundHereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease that manifests clinically as recurrent episodes of swelling affecting multiple anatomical locations. Long-term prophylaxis (LTP) aims to control the disease by preventing HAE attacks. Previously, treatments such as attenuated androgens have been used for LTP, but they have an unfavorable adverse effect profile. Today, these limitations may be overcome by patients transitioning to newer, targeted therapies including oral berotralstat and subcutaneous lanadelumab. This case series reports the transition process between different prophylactic therapies in a family with HAE in a real-world setting.ResultsFour adult patient cases from the same family who underwent transitions in HAE prophylaxis are presented. Three were female and one male. Two patients who transitioned to berotralstat were initially prescribed attenuated androgens. Two patients were not taking LTP at the time of initiating targeted treatment but had previously been prescribed tranexamic acid. The length of transition varied between the patients, with the longest time taken to stabilize on new therapy being 26 months. All patients received regular follow-up in person or by telephone and all four required an adjustment from their initial treatment plan.ConclusionsTransitioning between LTP in HAE may help improve control of attacks, avoid unwanted adverse effects, or better cater to individual patient preferences. Newer targeted therapies have been shown to be effective and should be discussed with patients. Shared decision-making is a tool that can aid these discussions. The transition journey between LTP therapies in HAE may not be straightforward and is specific to each patient. Physicians should consider complicating factors such as patient anxieties around changing treatment, adverse effects, preferred routes of administration, and speed of transition. Following patients closely during the transition period helps identify any issues, including difficulties with treatment adherence, and may allow the transition plan to be adapted when necessary.

A Meta Analysis of Endoscopic Surgical Management of Choanal Atresia with and without Stent

Abstract Background Congenital choanal atresia is a rare abnormality, affecting approximately 1 in 7000–8000 newborns, with a female predominance. In congenital choanal atresia, the widened vomer fuses with the atretic plate, resulting in an hourglass configuration of the nasopharynx and the choanal region. Materials and Methods This meta analysis included 17 studies all were published between 2016 and 2021. Two different techniques, endoscopic management with and without stents, this study demonstrated success with no stent approach and lower rate of re stenosis when compared to stent used approach, however there are some indications and benefits of using stents. Results For our knowledge this is the second systematic review and metaanalysis to report the pooled success of endoscopic repair of choanal atresia with and without the use of nasal stents. Analysis of 5 studies that included 142 patients who were not stented demonstrated that the weighted pooled proportion of successful surgery was higher and significantly different when compared with three studies that evaluated 57 patients who were stented 86% (79%, 92%) vs 61% (40%, 81%). From an analysis of nine comparative studies including 405 patients Overall odds ratio (95% CI) = 3.56 (2.10, 6.05) with unimportant heterogeneity across studies (I-squared = 37%, Cochrane Q p = 0.12) favoring no stenting over stenting. Conclusion Success rates for management without stents is higher than using stents. The use of nasal stents may be associated with more frequent and more severe complications. Perioperative adjuncts such as nasal stenting should be considered in the context of the individual patient and surgeon preference. If the surgeon decides to stent, a duration of 1 week or shorter may be associated with better surgical outcomes; however, the evidence is limited.

Caesarean section on maternal request: a qualitative study of conflicts related to shared decision-making and person-centred care in Sweden

BackgroundToday, person-centred care is seen as a cornerstone of health policy and practice, but accommodating individual patient preferences can be challenging, for example involving caesarean section on maternal request (CSMR). The aim of this study was to explore Swedish health professionals’ perspectives on CSMR and analyse them with regard to potential conflicts that may arise from person-centred care, specifically in relation to shared decision-making.MethodsA qualitative study using both inductive and deductive content analysis was conducted based on semi-structured interviews. It was based on a purposeful sampling of 12 health professionals: seven obstetricians, three midwives and two neonatologists working at different hospitals in southern and central Sweden. The interviews were recorded either in a telephone call or in a video conference call, and audio files were deleted after transcription.ResultsIn the interviews, twelve types of expressions (sub-categories) of five types of conflicts (categories) between shared decision-making and CSMR emerged. Most health professionals agreed in principle that women have the right to decide over their own body, but did not believe this included the right to choose surgery without medical indications (patient autonomy). The health professionals also expressed that they had to consider not only the woman’s current preferences and health but also her future health, which could be negatively impacted by a CSMR (treatment quality and patient safety). Furthermore, the health professionals did not consider costs in the individual decision, but thought CSMR might lead to crowding-out effects (avoiding treatments that harm others). Although the health professionals emphasised that every CSMR request was addressed individually, they referred to different strategies for avoiding arbitrariness (equality and non-discrimination). Lastly, they described that CSMR entailed a multifaceted decision being individual yet collective, and the use of birth contracts in order to increase a woman’s sense of security (an uncomplicated decision-making process). ConclusionsThe complex landscape for handling CSMR in Sweden, arising from a restrictive approach centred on collective and standardised solutions alongside a simultaneous shift towards person-centred care and individual decision-making, was evident in the health professionals’ reasoning. Although most health professionals emphasised that the mode of delivery is ultimately a professional decision, they still strived towards shared decision-making through information and support. Given the different views on CSMR, it is of utmost importance for healthcare professionals and women to reach a consensus on how to address this issue and to discuss what patient autonomy and shared decision-making mean in this specific context.

Equity in Clinical Care and Research Involving Persons with Disorders of Consciousness.

People with disorders of consciousness (DoC) are characteristically unable to synchronously participate in decision-making about clinical care or research. The inability to self-advocate exacerbates preexisting socioeconomic and geographic disparities, which include the wide variability observed across individuals, hospitals, and countries in access to acute care, expertise, and sophisticated diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic interventions. Concerns about equity for people with DoC are particularly notable when they lack a surrogate decision-maker (legally referred to as "unrepresented" or "unbefriended"). Decisions about both short-term and long-term life-sustaining treatment typically rely on neuroprognostication and individual patient preferences that carry additional ethical considerations for people with DoC, as even individuals with well thought out advance directives cannot anticipate every possible situation to guide such decisions. Further challenges exist with the inclusion of people with DoC in research because consent must be completed (in most circumstances) through a surrogate, which excludes those who are unrepresented and may discourage investigators from exploring questions related to this population. In this article, the Curing Coma Campaign Ethics Working Group reviews equity considerations in clinical care and research involving persons with DoC in the following domains: (1) access to acute care and expertise, (2) access to diagnostics and therapeutics, (3) neuroprognostication, (4) medical decision-making for unrepresented people, (5) end-of-life decision-making, (6) access to postacute rehabilitative care, (7) access to research, (8) inclusion of unrepresented people in research, and (9) remuneration and reciprocity for research participation. The goal of this discussion is to advance equitable, harmonized, guideline-directed, and goal-concordant care for people with DoC of all backgrounds worldwide, prioritizing the ethical standards of respect for autonomy, beneficence, and justice. Although the focus of this evaluation is on people with DoC, much of the discussion can be extrapolated to other critically ill persons worldwide.

Evaluation of Overall Survival by Restricted Mean Survival Time of Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer treated with Immunotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

For biliary tract cancer (BTC), the addition of immunotherapy (durvalumab or pembrolizumab) to gemcitabine and cisplatin (GemCis) significantly improved overall survival (OS) in phase 3 clinical trials (RCTs). However, the interpretation and magnitude of the treatment effect is challenging because OS Kaplan-Meier curves violate the proportional hazards (PH) assumption. Analysis using restricted mean survival time (RMST) allows quantification of the benefits in the absence of PH. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the benefit of immunotherapy-based regimens for OS at 24 months using RMST analysis. A systematic review was conducted using studies published up to 8 November 2023. Only phase 3 RCTs evaluating the use of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 combined with GemCis and reporting OS were included. KM curves for OS were digitized, and the data were reconstructed. A meta-analysis for OS by RMST at 24 months was performed. A total of 1754 participants from the TOPAZ-1 and KEYNOTE-966 trials were included. In TOPAZ-1, RMSTs at 24 months were 13.52 (7.92) and 12.21 (7.22) months with GemCis plus durvalumab and GemCis alone, respectively. In KEYNOTE-966, RMSTs at 24 months were 13.60 (7.76) and 12.45 (7.73) months with GemCis plus pembrolizumab and GemCis alone, respectively. Immunotherapy-based regimens showed a mean OS difference at 24 months by an RMST of 1.21 months [(95% CI: 0.49-1.93), p < 0.001, I2 = 0%]. Immunotherapy-based regimens improve OS in advanced BTC. Given this magnitude of benefit, it is essential to weigh up individual patient factors, preferences, and potential risks. RMST analysis provides valuable information to patients and physicians, facilitating decision-making in a value-based medical environment.

Hereditary urolithiasis at a young age on the example of a clinical case

To study the clinical features and course of urolithiasis in a young female patient, to suggest the cause of the simultaneous sudden formation of kidney stones in the patient and her mother within a year. Main provisions: urolithiasis (KSD) is one of the most common diseases of the urinary tract. The relevance of effective treatment of this problem arises from the steady increase in the number of patients around the world, especially in Russia. According to many researchers, this trend is due to the increase in life expectancy, changes in lifestyle and nutrition, as well as changes in the composition of water and climate conditions. Approximately two thirds of patients, develop the disease at the age from 30 to 60. Characteristic features of urolithiasis are repeated recurrence and a high incidence of complex forms, which complicates the treatment of such patients significantly. Diagnostic algorithm and treatment of urolithiasis are demonstrated in this article on the example of a medical history of a young patient with rapidly progressing urolithiasis. A similar disease with the same symptoms of urolithiasis was revealed in the patient’s parent a week later, which suggests a hereditary predisposition factor or manifestation of urolithiasis being dependent on the hard drinking water. The simultaneous sudden formation of kidney stones within a year in a patient at a young age and her mother emphasizes the hereditary nature of the disease. Probably, the peculiarities of national cuisine or the individual preferences of patients played a significant role in the development of the pathology. The composition of drinking water is extremely important. The patient is from the Republic of Bashkortostan, where water hardness is 7.8–8.0, which does not meet the standard.

A comparative analysis of neuroendoscopic foramen magnum decompression versus traditional open surgery for Chiari Malformation Type I.

Chiari Malformation Type I (CM1) is characterized by the downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum. The standard surgical treatment for CM1 is foramen magnum decompression and atlas laminectomy (FMD-AL). However, there is a growing interest in exploring minimally invasive techniques, such as neuroendoscopically assisted FMD-AL, to optimize surgical outcomes. The aim is to present the results of the less invasive neuroendoscopic-assisted system application as an alternative to decompression surgery in patients with CM-1 with/without syringomyelia. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 76 patients with CMI who underwent either neuroendoscopic-assisted FMD-AL (n = 23) or open surgery (n = 53). Preoperative and postoperative assessments were performed, including pain levels, functional assessment, outcome and serum creatinine kinase (CK) levels. Surgical parameters and radiological imaging were also evaluated and compared. Both surgical groups showed improvements in pain levels and increase in postoperative CK levels. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of postoperative JOA scores, VAS scores, CCOS, or syrinx resolution. However, the neuroendoscopic group had significantly lower CK levels, shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and shorter operation times compared to the open surgery group, indicating reduced muscle damage and potential benefits of the neuroendoscopic assisted approach. Both neuroendoscopy and open surgery groups can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes in patients with CM1. The neuroendoscopic assisted technique offers the advantage of reduced muscle damage and shorter hospital stays. The choice of surgical technique should be based on individual patient characteristics and preferences. 3 (Retrospective case-control study) according to using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) Table.

Индивидуальный и персонализированный подход в биоэтике: основные принципы и рекомендации

Social medicine focuses on the social and economic aspects of health and related inequalities. It recognizes the im-portance of considering the sociobiological context of the patient when prescribing and providing health care.In this understanding, a person in social medicine is considered as an individual who is in interaction with the environment, social living conditions, cultural factors, access to medical services, economic and political realities. It also includes understanding the pa-tient's needs, expectations and preferences and how these may influence treatment decisions and subsequent recovery.This article dis-cusses the topic of an individual and personalized approach in bioethics. The basic principles underlying an individual and personalized approach in bioethics include taking into account individual values and preferences of patients, ensuring their autonomy, attention to potential risks and affirming equity in access to personalized medicine. The authors identify the main principles and offer recommenda-tions on the use of an individual and personalized approach in bioethics. An individual approach to planning and treatment includes taking into account the physiological, psychological, social and spiritual characteristics of the patient. It aims to create a treatment plan that, based on scientific evidence, best suits each patient's individual needs and goals. Ethical resolution of dilemmas and conflicts is an integral part of the individual approach. An open dialogue between the patient and members of the medical community, as well as ad-herence to the principles of justice, allows us to reach agreement and constructive solutions in difficult ethical situations. Overall, an individualized and personalized approach to bioethics helps improve the quality of medical practice and meet the unique needs of each patient. It embraces and respects the identity and diversity of individual values and beliefs, helping to create a more equitable and humane health care system.

Enhancing Buttock Contours: A Safer Approach to Gluteal Augmentation with Ultrasonic Liposuction, Submuscular Implants, and Ultrasound-Guided Fat Grafting.

Background: The global popularity of gluteal augmentation has risen significantly, driven by the desire for enhanced buttocks size and shape to align with individual patient preferences. This increased demand has prompted extensive research into diverse techniques and their safety. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of a gluteal augmentation technique involving ultrasound-assisted liposuction, submuscular implants, and ultrasound-guided fat grafting. Our study involved a review of the medical records of 50 consecutive patients who underwent this procedure between February 2020 and July 2023. Results: Data related to patient demographics, the quantity of fat grafts, and any complications were analyzed. Additionally, a brief survey was conducted to evaluate patient satisfaction. The Polytech implants were used in forty-four patients, and Sebbin implants in six. The implant size varied from 285 to 560. Most of the Polytech implants were 390 cc (25/44; 56.8%). Two patients had a minor infection at the incision sites and subsequent wound dehiscence. No revision surgeries were needed. Conclusions: The presented technique incorporates ultrasonic liposuction, submuscular silicone implants, and ultrasound-guided fat grafting to achieve safe and aesthetic gluteal enhancements. This method is especially suitable for patients looking to augment both the central and lateral areas of the buttocks, particularly when they lack adequate fat tissue for augmentation through fat grafting. With the addition of ultrasound guidance, the fat grafting step is significantly safer.

PCI Vs. CABG: Battle For Better Outcomes in Pakistani Triple Vessel Disease Patients

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with Triple Vessel Disease (TVD) representing a severe form that poses significant treatment challenges. In Pakistan, the burden of CVDs is high, exacerbated by genetic and lifestyle factors. Objective: To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) in patients diagnosed with Triple Vessel Disease (TVD) in a Pakistani cohort. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. A total of 400 patients diagnosed with TVD based on angiographic findings were enrolled. Inclusion criteria included age above 18 years, clinical diagnosis of stable angina or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, and consent to participate. Exclusion criteria were previous revascularization procedures, concomitant valvular or congenital heart disease, and life expectancy less than a year due to non-cardiac conditions. Patients were assigned to either PCI or CABG based on clinical decisions by their managing cardiologists, considering anatomical considerations, comorbid conditions, and patient preferences. Baseline demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, smoking status, presence of diabetes, hypertension, and previous myocardial infarction (MI), were collected through patient interviews and medical record reviews. Clinical outcomes were monitored for 12 months post-procedure. Primary outcome measures included mortality, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stroke within 12 months. Secondary outcomes were hospital readmission rates and quality of life scores, measured using a standardized 10-point scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25, with continuous variables expressed as means and standard deviations and categorical variables as percentages. The chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical outcomes, and the student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test for continuous outcomes, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 62.5 ± 7.8 years, with 62 ± 8 years in the PCI group and 63 ± 7 years in the CABG group (p=0.45). Gender distribution was similar, with 255 males and 145 females overall (p=0.55). Smoking status, diabetes, hypertension, and previous MI were comparably distributed between the groups. Mortality was 5% in the PCI group and 3% in the CABG group (p=0.31). Myocardial infarction occurred in 10% of PCI patients compared to 5% of CABG patients (p=0.05). Repeat revascularization was required in 15% of the PCI group versus 7% of the CABG group (p=0.01). Stroke incidence was 2% in the PCI group and 1% in the CABG group (p=0.45). Hospital readmission rates were 20% for PCI and 15% for CABG (p=0.10). Quality of life scores were higher in the CABG group (8.0 ± 1.1) compared to the PCI group (7.5 ± 1.2) (p=0.04). Conclusion: CABG may offer superior outcomes compared to PCI in managing TVD among Pakistani patients, particularly in reducing myocardial infarction rates and repeat revascularization. Despite the invasive nature of CABG, its long-term benefits suggest it should be considered preferentially for patients with complex coronary anatomies. Clinical decisions should, however, be tailored to individual patient factors and preferences.

Person-centred care (PCC) research in Ghana: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionPerson-centred care (PCC) is provision of care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensures that patient values guide all clinical decisions. While...

Ankle arthrodesis in Awka, Nigeria: Indications and treatment with unlocked retrograde intramedullary nailing and other methods

introduction: Ankle arthrodesis is a key treatment for severe osteoarthritis, often preceding ankle arthroplasty. Nonsurgical options include lifestyle adjustments and NSAIDs, while surgical options range from debridement to arthrodesis. In Nigeria, ankle arthroplasty availability is limited, making arthrodesis the primary solution. Various techniques exist, with open and arthroscopic approaches yielding successful outcomes but varying in complexity and recovery. This study investigates the prevalence, treatment methods, and outcomes of ankle arthrodesis in Awka, Southeast Nigeria. Methodology: The study, conducted in an Orthopaedic Hospital in Awka, Southeast Nigeria, was a prospective cohort study spanning five years (2017-2022). It included 33 patients with various ankle pathologies screened for suitability of ORIF or arthrodesis. Surgeries were conducted under aseptic conditions, utilizing unlocked retrograde intramedullary nails, a dynamic compression plate, and an external fixator. Patients maintained non-weight bearing until radiological union, with implants removed based on individual patient preference and informed consent. Results: Thirty-three patients requiring ankle surgery, with a mean age of 41.44 years were seen between 2017 and 2021. The causes of ankle pathologies included road accidents being the predominant cause (45.5%). The treatment methods were ORIF with intramedullary nails, dynamic compression plates and screws, and an external fixator. ORIF with intramedullary nails was the most common (57.6%). There were 8 subjects who needed ankle arthrodesis, with a mean age of 54.0 years. The prevalence rate was found to be 24.2%. The failure rate was 12.5%. Conclusion: Ankle arthrodesis proves pivotal for severe osteoarthritis, especially in regions with limited ankle arthroplasty access like Nigeria. The prevalence of arthrodesis is 24.5%. Intramedullary nails are very effective in achieving union. Compression plates and external fixators show good results. The failure rate of fixations was 12.5%.

Patient Perspectives on Outpatient versus Inpatient Cervical Ripening for Induction of Labor.

Our objective was to compare patient perceived control and experience with outpatient versus inpatient cervical ripening. This is a retrospective mixed-methods analysis of a quality improvement initiative focused on the impact to patients of incorporating outpatient cervical ripening into routine practice. Postpartum inpatients who had elected for outpatient cervical ripening (outpatients) and those who met criteria for outpatient cervical ripening but opted for an inpatient setting (inpatients) were invited to participate in the study. Patients completed the Perceived Control in Childbirth Scale, and scores were compared between outpatient and inpatient groups using Mann-Whitney U test. In addition, semistructured questions elicited feedback prior to hospital discharge, and these qualitative data were analyzed using iterative thematic analysis. The study population consisted of 36 outpatients and 38 inpatients. The median score on the Perceived Control in Childbirth Scale was 69 for outpatients and 67 for inpatients (p-value = 0.49), out of a maximum score of 72 (representing the highest level of perceived control). Both groups reported similarly high levels of perceived control, regardless of cervical ripening setting. In the qualitative analysis, pain was the most common theme in both groups. Inpatients reported more distress despite access to stronger pain medications. Outpatients utilized a variety of distraction techniques and expressed gratitude for their setting more than inpatients. Outpatient cervical ripening can be a patient-centered solution to obstetric throughput challenges arising from increased numbers of inductions. Those who underwent outpatient cervical ripening had similar perceived control to those who underwent inpatient cervical ripening, suggesting that individual patient preferences are most important in determining the optimal setting for care. The patients' reported experiences identified focus areas for process improvement efforts and future research, including improving patient education regarding expectations and innovating new pain management strategies for cervical ripening. · Patient experiences must inform patient-centered care.. · Perceived control with cervical ripening was high.. · Pain with cervical ripening was the most cited theme..

Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis: An Update Based on the Revised AWMF S2k Guideline.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are the most common manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Most DVTs affect the lower-extremity veins. Since the symptoms of DVT are non-specific, a prompt and standardised diagnostic work-up is essential to minimise the risk of PE in the acute phase and to prevent thrombosis progression, post-thrombotic syndrome and VTE recurrence in the long-term. Only recently, the AWMF S2k guidelines on Diagnostics and Therapy of Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism have been revised. In the present article, we summarize current evidence and guideline recommendations focusing on lower-extremity DVT (LEDVT). Depending on whether the diagnostic work-up is performed by a specialist in vascular medicine or by a primary care physician, different diagnostic algorithms are presented that combine clinical probability, D-dimer testing and diagnostic imaging. The diagnosis of ipsilateral recurrent DVT poses a particular challenge and is presented in a separate algorithm. Anticoagulant therapy is an essential part of therapy, with current guidelines clearly favouring regimens based on direct oral anticoagulants over the traditional sequential therapy of parenteral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists. For most DVTs, a duration of therapeutic-dose anticoagulation of at least 3 to 6 months is considered sufficient, and this raises the question of the risk of VTE recurrence after discontinuation of anticoagulation and the need for secondary prophylaxis in the long-term. Depending on the circumstances and trigger factors that have contributed to the occurrence of DVT, management strategies are presented that allow decision-making taking into account the individual bleeding risk and patient's preferences.

An Effective Doctor Recommendation Algorithm for Online Healthcare Platforms

The emergence of online healthcare platforms provides patients with convenience, but choosing the right doctor among the thousands of doctors available on these platforms has become a challenge for patients. The majority of these platforms recommend the same doctors to all patients based on a global ranking, disregarding individual patient preferences. The use of recommender systems helps to resolve this issue by assisting patients in locating doctors who meet their preferences and requirements. Particularly, Collaborative Filtering (CF) algorithms have been extensively utilized to generate personalized recommendations for a variety of applications. Despite their success, they still need to be further optimized to address both the sparsity and cold-start problems due to insufficient data. In this paper, we propose an effective doctor recommendation approach to assist patients in searching for satisfactory doctors who precisely match their preferences regardless of time and location. The proposed approach employs Multi-Criteria CF and content filtering to enhance the quality of recommendations by mitigating the impact of data sparsity and cold start challenges. Offline tests conducted on a real-world dataset show that the proposed approach is superior to state-of-the-art approaches in addressing the aforementioned issues and boosting prediction accuracy and coverage.

A Comprehensive Review of Current Management Trends in Medial Compartment Arthritis of the Knee Joint.

Medial compartment arthritis of the knee joint presents a significant clinical challenge, with diverse management options ranging from nonsurgical interventions to various surgical procedures. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence on the management trends in medial compartment arthritis, highlighting both nonsurgical approaches such as physical therapy, pharmacological interventions, and intra-articular injections as well as surgical interventions, including arthroscopic debridement, high tibial osteotomy, and knee arthroplasty. Through a comparative analysis of efficacy, complication rates, and patient outcomes, this review underscores the importance of tailoring treatment strategies to individual patient characteristics and preferences. Furthermore, emerging techniques and technologies promise to advance the field, necessitating ongoing research efforts to refine treatment algorithms and establish standardized guidelines. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach and integrating evidence-based practices, clinicians can optimize the management of medial compartment arthritis and enhance patient care outcomes.

Dentifrices. Part 2: the evidence behind their formulation

The intricate formulations of modern dentifrices position them as one of the most sophisticated pharmaceutical products available today. Dental care professionals, tasked with providing evidence-based recommendations, encounter numerous challenges with this everyday product. This necessitates a thorough grasp of dentifrice formulations, familiarity with testing procedures, profound insights into (clinical) trials regarding proven efficacy and safety, and staying updated on current scientific literature. Additionally, recommendations must be tailored to integrate with each individual patient's oral health status, needs, and preferences. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dentifrices are complex formulations, carefully prepared by the industry, which need to be proven effective in (clinical) trials, receive evidence-based recommendation from professionals, and be appreciated by end users.