Satisfaction Items Research Articles

An international field study for the reliability and validity of the EORTC communication questionnaire EORTC QLQ-COMU26

BackgroundThe EORTC Quality of Life Group has developed a questionnaire to evaluate cancer patients’ perception of their communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs): the EORTC QLQ-COMU26. In this study we test the validity and reliability of this novel measure in an international and culturally diverse sample of cancer patients.MethodsCancer patients completed the following EORTC questionnaires at two time points (before and during treatment): the QLQ-COMU26 (including a debriefing questionnaire), the QLQ-C30, and specific IN-PATSAT32 scales. These data were used to assess: the cross-cultural applicability, acceptability, scale structure, reliability, convergent/divergent validity, known-groups validity, and responsiveness to change of the QLQ-COMU26.ResultsData were collected from 498 patients with various cancer diagnoses in 10 European countries, Japan, Jordan and India (overall 5 cultural regions). At most, only 3% of patients identified an item as confusing and 0.6% as upsetting, which indicates that the questionnaire was clear and did not trigger negative emotional responses. Confirmatory factor analysis and multi-trait scaling confirmed the hypothesised QLQ-COMU26 scale structure comprising six multi-item scales and four single items (RMSEA = 0.025). Reliability was good for all scales (internal consistency > 0.70; test–retest reliability > 0.85). Convergent validity was supported by correlations of ≥ 0.50 with related scales of the IN-PATSAT32 and correlations < 0.30 with unrelated QLQ-C30 scales. Known-groups validity was shown according to sex, education, levels of anxiety and depression, satisfaction with communication, disease stage and treatment intention, professional evaluated, and having a companion during the visit. The QLQ-COMU26 captured changes over time in groups that were defined based on changes in the item of satisfaction with communication.ConclusionThe EORTC QLQ-COMU26 is a reliable and valid measure of patients’ perceptions of their communication with HCPs. The EORTC QLQ-COMU26 can be used in daily clinical practice and research and in various cancer patient groups from different cultures. This questionnaire can help to improve communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

예비 교사들의 기후변화 교육 사례 연구 -EARTH HOUR 활동을 중심으로-

The purpose of study is to introduce a case in which education for climate action, the 13th goal of sustainable development, is established in universities through climate change classes opened in the Earth Science education department of the college of education. Climate change education, including earth hour activities, was conducted in the Inquiry of climate change education subject in the first-year major elective area. Fifty-three pre-service earth science teachers participated in a climate change class. In this study, lectures on 12 topics were conducted, and group activities such as Earth Calendar, Earth Hour, Joobging Project, and Campus Environmental Maps were conducted in parallel. Pre-service teachers recognize climate change in connection with our daily lives, but focused on artificial factors rather than natural factors. They responded positively to the climate change class and evaluated the items of interest, excitement, and satisfaction highly. In addition, the applicability of earth hour activities was confirmed as an example of climate change education programs. It provided pre-service teachers with the experience of participating in international environmental campaigns as global citizens. Climate change curriculum is needed not only in high schools but also in universities, especially in the college of education. Research on developing and implementing climate change education programs centered on universities must be sustainable.

User Experience of a (Semi-) Automated Cognitive Phone-Based Assessment Within a Memory Clinic Population.

We examined the user experience in different modalities (face-to-face, semi-automated phone-based, and fully automated phone-based) of cognitive testing in people with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment. A total of 67 participants from the memory clinic of the Maastricht University Medical Center+ participated in the study. The study consisted of cognitive tests in different modalities, namely, face-to-face, semi-automated phone-based guided by a researcher, and fully automated phone-based without the involvement of a researcher. After each assessment, a user experience questionnaire was administered, including questions about, for example, satisfaction, simplicity, and missing personal contact, on a seven-point Likert scale. Non-parametric tests were used to compare user experiences across different modalities. In all modalities, user experiences were rated above average. The face-to-face ratings were comparable to the ratings of the semi-automated phone-based assessment, except for the satisfaction and recommendation items, which were rated higher for the face-to-face assessment. The face-to-face assessment was preferred above the fully automated phone-based assessment on all items. In general, the semi- and fully automated phone-based assessments were comparable (simplicity, conceivability, quality of sound, visiting the hospital, and missing personal contact), while on all the other items, the semi-automated phone-based assessment was preferred. User experience was rated high within all modalities. Simplicity, conceivability, comfortability, and participation scores were comparable in the semi-automated phone-based and face-to-face assessment. Based on these findings and earlier research on validation of the semi-automated phone-based assessment, the semi-automated assessment could be useful for screening for clinical trials, and after more research, in clinical practice.

Hospital Patient Satisfaction With Nursing Care in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Patient satisfaction is a critical indicator of health care quality, yet research exploring patient satisfaction with nursing care in Saudi Arabia (SA) remains limited. This study investigated patients' satisfaction with nursing care quality during their hospitalization in SA. Material and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 746 patients from five hospitals infive different regions of SA. Data were collected using the Newcastle Satisfaction With Nursing Scale (NSMS), which has been shown to be valid and reliable. Results The average overall patient satisfaction with nursing care was 71.16 ± 13.51 out of 95 (75.96%), indicating a high level of satisfaction with the nursing care the patients received. The highest-scoring items of patient satisfaction were the nurses' manners when carrying out their duties, the amount of privacy the nurses provided and their capability to performtheir jobs. However, the level of satisfaction regarding the frequency of nurse check-ins, time spent with patients, and support provided to patients' relatives indicated areas for potential improvement. Also, patients with primary education who were divorced or married and those admitted to the gynecology ward were more satisfied with nursing care. Conclusion This study's findings indicate that the patients were highly satisfied with the care their nurses provided, although opportunities for improvement in some areas of nursing care were identified. These findings may encourage nurses to be more attentive in meeting their patients' needs according to best nursing practices. It is recommended that hospital administrators prioritize initiatives to enhance the quality of nursing care, thereby improving overall patient satisfaction.

Evaluating the two-item measure of engagement at work for Japan Self-Defense Forces: A cross-sectional study.

Work engagement is critical in both occupational and mental health contexts. However, no studies have compared the usefulness of the nine-, three-, and two-item measures from the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Therefore, this study aimed to examine the internal consistency and convergent validity of the two-item measure and compare its usefulness with the nine-item and three-item versions for assessing engagement at work among Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) personnel. This cross-sectional study included 229,383 participants who underwent an annual mental health check between October 19 and December 17, 2021. To test the internal consistency of the scales, Cronbach's alpha was used. To test the convergent validity, Pearson's correlation coefficients were examined for each item corresponding to job resources, job satisfaction, stress reactions, and job demands assessed by the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. Most participants were men (89.8%). Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the nine-, three-, and two-item scales were 0.95, 0.85, and 0.80, respectively. All three versions showed significant and positive correlations with each of the items corresponding to job resources and job satisfaction. The correlation coefficients of the two-item scale were not inferior to those of the nine-item and three-item scales for job resources and job satisfaction items. Our results showed the internal consistency and convergent validity for the two-item measure of engagement at work among JSDF personnel. The two-item measure may be useful for briefly and efficiently assessing the actual state of workers' engagement at work.

A crossover comparison of patient satisfaction with two teriparatide regimens: primary results of the Japanese Osteoporosis Intervention Trial 06 (JOINT-06)

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare treatment satisfaction with two dosing regimens (two teriparatide [TPTD] self-injection systems) in osteoporosis patients at high risk of fracture.Materials and methodsIn this open-label crossover randomized trial comparing self-injected once-daily (1/D)-TPTD with self-injected twice-weekly (2/W)-TPTD, three satisfaction variables were evaluated by questionnaire for 2 years. The primary endpoint was overall satisfaction and secondary endpoints were satisfaction with treatment effectiveness and with utility of the self-injection device. Changes in quality of life (QOL) assessed by EuroQol-5 Dimension, pain assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), and anthropometric parameters were also analyzed. Safety was evaluated based on the incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs).ResultsThe 1/D-TPTD and 2/W-TPTD groups consisted of 180 (75.9 ± 7.3 years) and 179 (age: 75.5 ± 6.9 years) patients, respectively. After 26 weeks of treatment, no significant between-group difference in the persistence rate (79.4% vs 72.6% in the 1/D-TPTD and 2/W-TPTD groups, respectively), distributions of overall satisfaction scores, and satisfaction with treatment (p > 0.05) were observed. However, several items of satisfaction with the utility of the injection device were significantly higher in the 2/W-TPTD group (p < 0.05). Statistical improvements from baseline values were observed in QOL and pain VAS in both groups (p < 0.05). No serious AEs were reported.ConclusionThe between-group similarity of overall treatment satisfaction and effectiveness scores and between-group difference in satisfaction with the utility of the self-injection device was useful information for real-world treatment of osteoporosis. Both medication regimens were well tolerated.

Geriatric assessment-directed supportive care intervention (GAIN-S)-implementation via telehealth in a lower-resourced community.

1510 Background: Based on randomized controlled trials,ASCO guidelines recommend use of geriatric assessment (GA)-directed interventions for older adults with cancer. The translation of these models to lower resourced settings has been limited. We assessed the feasibility of implementing GA-directed supportive care (GAIN-S) via telehealth in a lower resourced community setting. Methods: A quality improvement study was conducted in a high poverty, limited access, and low resourced community oncology practice (City of Hope - Antelope Valley [COH-AV]). Eligible participants were 65+ years with a new diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm under evaluation for cancer therapy. Before starting therapy, patients completed: baseline GA, SupportScreen, and the Fulmer SPICES assessment. A geriatric nurse practitioner (GNP) reviewed GA results and implemented multidisciplinary supportive care interventions (GAIN-S) via telehealth between April 2020 and January 2023. Key evaluation measures included: number of patients who completed GAIN-S; number of referrals to multidisciplinary supportive care services and completion rate; advance directives (ADs); and patient satisfaction with telehealth visits. Participants’ demographics, including distance traveled for care, type of cancer, stage, treatment, and telehealth satisfaction items, were summarized using descriptive statistics. To analyze and visualize the implementation process, run charts were utilized. Results: 251 patients (mean age 74, 62% Non-Hispanic White, 22% live 60+ miles from COH-AV, 56% stage II or less, 30% received chemotherapy) completed baseline assessments. 242 had initial visits with GNP, 197 via televideo and 45 via telephone. GNP reviewed vulnerabilities with 209 patients and generated 460 referrals for supportive care services, with 85% of services implemented. Highest numbers of referrals were to pharmacy (177), social work (142), occupational therapy (76), and physical therapy (48). GNP discussed GA-guided care plans with all patients and 43 patients completed AD after discussion with GNP. Over 92% of patients were satisfied with telehealth-based GAIN-S in terms of both ease of visit and access to care with their provider and with telehealth. Conclusions: Telehealth-based GAIN-S has proven to be feasible in providing accessible healthcare to older patients with cancer in a lower resourced community setting. This approach, well-received by most patients, highlights the potential of telehealth in delivering GAIN-S effectively in such settings.

글쓰기 비교과 프로그램이 대학생의 소통역량에 미치는 영향

Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of a writing extracurricular program on university students' communication competency. This study examined differences in the communication competency scale items and the program satisfaction items by background variables to utilize the findings as foundational data for program improvement. Methods Ninety university students who participated in the writing extracurricular program from October 2022 to December 2022 were targeted for analyzing changes in the communication competency before and after par-ticipation in the program. The program satisfaction by background variables such as majors or genders was surveyed. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS 21.0, employing paired-sample t-tests, repeated meas-ures ANOVA, independent-sample t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. Results Although no significant differences were observed in the communication competency changes by items and background variables, significant differences were found by years and departments. Additionally, the program satisfaction did not show significant differences across background variables such as genders, years, and departments. Conclusions The writing extracurricular program positively influenced the university students' communication competency and provided uniform benefits to all students. This suggests the importance of curriculum and extra-curricular program development for enhancing students' communication competency in university education. Further research on the long-term effects of the program, its suitability for various learning styles, and its applic-ability in different educational contexts is recommended.

Question-Order Effect in the Study of Satisfaction with Democracy: Lessons from Three Split-Ballot Experiments

This study examines question-order effects in measuring satisfaction with democracy (SWD). Particularly, the authors are interested in whether the relative position of the question regarding satisfaction with the state of the economy (SWE) in the questionnaire affects responses to the SWD item. The authors conducted three independent split-ballot experiments in Hungary between March 2021 and May 2022. They report a significant and substantial negative priming effect that possibly leads to a systematic underestimation of SWD. Importantly, the authors find no question-order effect in the measurement of SWE. The analysis further reveals a contrast effect: when the SWD question is primed, the difference between SWE and SWD means increases. The authors’ final recommendation is that researchers either put the SWD question before the SWE item to avoid question-order bias or randomize question order. These findings should assist future data collection efforts (comparative or single-country studies) in developing and integrating a battery of satisfaction items into questionnaires and help users assess data quality.

#703 Usability of a mobile health app for peritoneal dialysis patients: a pilot study

Abstract Background and Aims Technology has changed how people interact with the world, so health apps may be useful for patients with long term conditions, facilitating adherence and enabling remote monitoring. Usability is a critical factor when evaluating the quality of a mobile health app, as it indicates the ease with which a user can use it to achieve specific clinically orientated goals with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction. Method The mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ), a reliable and validated tool, was used to evaluate the MyPD® mobile health app's usability for adult peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The arm using the My PD app in a pilot randomized clinical study in six renal clinics in Colombia from September 2022 to August 2023 was evaluated. The MAUQ questionnaire includes 18 items assessing 3 domains related to ease of use (5 items), interface and satisfaction (7 items) and usefulness (6 items). Patients rated each item on a seven-point Likert scale, with one (1) strongly disagreeing and seven (7) strongly agreeing. The overall rating is the mean of eighteen items (standalone version); closer to seven (7), higher usability. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients were summarized descriptively. Results MyPD app allows patients to collect and view their clinical information and dialysis treatment. Figure 1 shows a general overview of the different navigation windows. A total of 65 patients were included in this analysis; the mean age was 52.2 years, 44.6% were in CAPD, and 21.5 % achieved elementary school education or were illiterate (Table 1). The overall usability was 6.5 (SD 0.7), the maximum possible score is 7. The items related to satisfaction and interface have a mean of 6.8 (SD 0.5). Regarding ease of use, the mean was 6.6 (SD 0.8), a very high figure given the socio-cultural context of a middle-income country. In relation to usefulness, the mean was 6.1 (SD 1.5). Patients rated the overall satisfaction item with the app as 6.8 (SD 0.6). See details in Table 2. These results are better than those reported by other authors (Table 3). Conclusion The usability of the health app MyPD® was rated very high by patients, which will allow this application to be used widely as a tool that supports the outpatient care of PD patients.

Exploring Effective Learning Strategies In Arabic Language Through The Arcs Model

Learning a foreign language is challenging for non-native speakers. Thus, choosing the best Language Learning Strategies (LLS) is important in learning a foreign language, especially for the Arabic language. The LLS used will be able to help the students to motivate and enhance the language learning to the optimal level. This study aims to investigate the outcome of the ARCS Model in Arabic Language student's learning strategies, focusing on attention, confidence, satisfaction and the relationships between all three motivation aspects. A quantitative survey consisting of 41 questions was divided into four sections: demographic profile, attention and relevance, confidence, and satisfaction. The survey was distributed to 182 respondents who took Arabic as a third language in a public university. Data was analysed using SPSS Frequency Statistics. The findings showed the highest mean score for the ARCS model in motivation was in satisfaction items. Regular attendance to class and help-seeking show the highest mean score in both items. Students seek help from others when having difficulties in learning the Arabic language. This study helped educators to identify the best teaching models and methods for learning the language to motivate the students for example, group work, presentation and others.

Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the international outcome inventory – alternative interventions (IOI-AI) – ear surgery (IOI-AIop)

Objective The aims of this study were to adapt the Swedish version of the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) to the International Outcome Inventory for Alternative Interventions (IOI-AI) in the context of ear surgery (IOI-AIop) and to test the psychometric properties. Design The validated Swedish questionnaire IOI-HA was adapted to the IOI-AIop by omitting the question about hearing aid use and changing the term “hearing aid” to “surgery” in the remaining items. The validity, component structure and reliability of the IOI-AIop were assessed. Study sample Subjects diagnosed with otosclerosis and undergoing stapedotomy were included in the study (n = 162). Results High mean scores were noted for all items. Ceiling effects were noted, most pronounced for the satisfaction item. Principal component analysis (PCA) yielded a two-component structure explaining 77.5% of the variance. The test-retest reliability measured by intra class correlation coefficient was >0.9, and the internal consistency coefficient measured by Cronbach’s alfa was >0.8. Conclusion The IOI-AIop showed good psychometric properties. However, ceiling effects were observed. The two-component solution was in line with previous factor analyses of the IOI-HA and the IOI-AI. The comprehensive IOI-AIop is recommended as a useful tool to evaluate patient perspectives after ear surgery.

The interrelationship between pain, life satisfaction and mental health in adults with traumatic spinal cord injury, in the context of a developing country

Study designCross-sectional, analytical study design using a conveneient sampling strategy.ObjectivesTo examine the interrelationship between pain, life satisfaction and indices of negative mental well-being amongst the traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) population.SettingWestern Cape Rehabilitation Center in Cape Town, South Africa.MethodsParticipants (n = 70) were adults (mean age of 36.3, SD = 9.2) with TSCI. Participants completed the following instruments: 10 satisfaction items from the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version, short forms of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and the trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, a one-item measure of pain intensity taken from the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Data Set and the interference scale of the Brief Pain Inventory.ResultsCorrelational analysis (Pearson r) demonstrated that all the indices of mental well-being as well as the two indices of pain was significantly negatively related to life satisfaction. In addition, life satisfaction mediated the relationship between pain intensity and depression as well as anxiety. Life satisfaction only mediated the relationship between pain interference and depression but not anxiety.ConclusionsAn improvement in life satisfaction may lead to improvements in pain interference, pain intensity as well as psychological distress, amongst persons suffering from TSCI Future research should focus on assessing measures/treatment which may improve life satisfaction in the TSCI population.

ArtSpective™ for Perinatal Substance Use: Feasibility of an Arts-Based Intervention Addressing Stigma.

The purpose of this proof-of-concept pilot study was to test the initial feasibility and limited efficacy of ArtSpective™ for perinatal substance use (PSU), a novel, arts-based intervention designed to decrease stigmatizing attitudes toward PSU. Using a pre-post mixed methods quasi-experimental design, ArtSpective™ for PSU was pilot tested for proof of concept among a convenience sample of 11 undergraduate and graduate students with experience in maternal-infant nursing from a Midwestern U.S. nursing school. As a proof-of-concept pilot study, we evaluated feasibility (acceptability, demand, and implementation) and limited efficacy. Participants completed presurveys and postsurveys that included satisfaction items, demographic items, and an adapted version of the Attitudes About Drug Use in Pregnancy Scale and participated in a focus group. Focus group data were analyzed using constant comparative methods, and survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Participants reported high demand and satisfaction with the intervention and provided recommendations to improve scalability. ArtSpective™ demonstrated significant improvement in stigma toward PSU (pre vs. post: p = .003; d = .633). ArtSpective™ for PSU demonstrated initial feasibility and limited efficacy for improving nurse attitudes toward PSU. Efforts are needed to further test this novel intervention, adapt it to augment existing educational interventions, and improve its scalability.

Job satisfaction and work stress among physicians in Norway and Germany-A cross-sectional study.

Physicians' health and wellbeing are important albeit often neglected quality indicators of health care systems. The aims of the study were to compare job satisfaction and work stress among doctors in Germany and Norway, and to identify predictors for job satisfaction. All active physicians in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (N = 13,304) and a nationwide sample of Norwegian physicians (N = 2,316) were surveyed in a cross-sectional design in 2021. Response rates of German and Norwegian physicians were n = 4,385 (33%) and n = 1,639 (70.8%), respectively. In addition to age, sex, and work-hours, the main outcome measures were the validated Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS) and the short form of the Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI). There were significant differences between Norwegian and German physicians in job satisfaction but with small effect sizes. All effort scores of German physicians were significantly higher and four of seven reward scores significantly lower than for their Norwegian colleagues. The proportion of German physicians in the state of a gratification crisis was significantly higher (67%) than in their Norwegian colleagues (53%). In both countries, physicians with a gratification crisis scored significantly lower on all items of job satisfaction. There were only minor gender differences in job satisfaction and effort-reward balance. Age, effort, and reward accounted for 46% of the explained variance of job satisfaction. Lower job satisfaction and reward in some areas and higher perceived effort of physicians in Germany than in Norway are still in favor of Norwegian working conditions, but the differences seem to diminish. The high proportions of gratification crises in both countries warrants appropriate measures for prevention and health promotion.

대학 창업 교과목 수업에서 ChatGPT 활용 사례

The purpose of this study was to derive implications for the application of ChatGPT's educational method in regular subject classes in higher education institutions through the educational use of ChatGPT. As a result, first, the satisfaction level of ChatGPT's problem-solving assistance was 4.18, the learner's perception of ChatGPT's accuracy was 3.27, and the intention to reuse was 3.91. Second, the difference between the engineering major and the humanities and social sciences was high in all items of ChatGPT's problem-solving help satisfaction, accuracy, and reuse intention, and statistically significant differences were found in ChatGPT's problem-solving help satisfaction and reuse intention. Third, the best thing about the use of ChatGPT was that it quickly suggested answers to any questions, and the most useful thing was that it made questions well, and the inconvenience was that it was inaccurate in data or figures, and in terms of utilization, improvement requirements were shown as securing the accuracy of the data and indicating accuracy. This study is significant in that it provided implications for the educational use of ChatGPT in college start-up classes. The results of this study are expected to be used as evidence for the effective educational use of ChatGPT in the field of university start-up education.

Comparison of Job Satisfaction by Alumni and Student Medical Representatives and The Associated Factors in Iraq

Background: Job satisfaction is a multifaceted construct that involves the intricate interplay of an employee's emotional, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics with their job. Objectives: To explore the difference in job satisfaction among alumni and student medical representatives (MRs), as well as to identify the factors that influence the job satisfaction of MRs. Methods: A cross-sectional face-to-face survey was conducted with medical school students and alumni working as MRs in various Iraqi universities. Results: A total of 449 MRs participated in this study. A statistically significant difference was found in job satisfaction items, namely recognition, responsibility, salary, and working conditions between alumni and student MRs, with higher values observed in the alumni MRs group (p-values of 0.008, 0.003, 0.029, and 0.025, respectively). More than half of the participants had low levels of job satisfaction. Conclusions: Alumni and student MRs have similar levels of job satisfaction. The factors that significantly contribute to job satisfaction among alumni MRs include recognition of good performance, increased autonomy and responsibilities, competitive salaries, and improved working conditions within the company. The satisfaction of MRs is significantly influenced by the quality of products and the reputation of the company.

Single-item measures of happiness and life satisfaction: the issue of cross-country invariance of popular general well-being measures

Single-item measures of general well-being are increasingly being analysed cross-culturally but without clear evidence of comparability level attainment. The primary objective of this study is to examine the cross-country measurement invariance of the two most common single-item measures—life satisfaction and happiness—across a large number of countries. For this purpose, 45 data sources from large-scale sample surveys conducted between 1976 and 2018 were used. This study presented a novel technique for examining the measurement invariance of individual items and used Bayesian approximation to evaluate the extent of the non-invariance of certain items across nations. The findings revealed that the happiness item’s factor loadings and intercepts deviated less, indicating comparability across more countries than the life satisfaction item. It is possible that the construct of happiness is more universally applicable across cultures than that of life satisfaction. However, the item parameters of the survey items varied among several countries in each round of the program, indicating that the observed score means could only be compared between a few participating countries.

An Innovative Technique for Ejaculation-Sparing Prostatic Enucleation with Thulium:YAG Laser.

Purpose: We report our experience with 100 patients who underwent an innovative prostate enucleation technique that spares the complete urethral-plate from the veru montanum to the bladder neck using a low-energy thulium laser emission. The aim of our study was to evaluate the short-term effects of this procedure on ejaculation preservation and urinary obstruction. Materials and Methods: The International Prostate Symptom Index (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EJD) Short Form were used as validated instruments to quantify ejaculatory dysfunction before and 6 months after the surgery. Results: The median IPSS score pre- and postoperatively was 20 and 5, respectively (p < 0.0001); QoL dropped from a median of 4-1 (p < 0.0001); and the mean preoperative maximal flow rate improved significantly (8.5 vs 21.2 mL/min) (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, there was significant reduction in postvoid residual postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Postoperative ejaculatory function was preserved in 92/100 patients (92%). According to the MSHQ-EJD score, patients reported a slight nonsignificant decrease in frequency of ejaculation (item 1), force of expulsion (item 2) and reduction in semen volume during ejaculation (item 3), with the exception of ejaculation discomfort (item 4). Conclusion: According to our results, complete removal of the apical tissue, which has been advocated as an integral part of the so called ejaculatory hood, does not interfere with ejaculation if the ventral lissosphincter remains intact.

Correlations among Core Outcomes in Menopause-recommended vasomotor symptom outcomes in MsFLASH trials.

This study aimed to advance understanding of vasomotor symptom (VMS) outcomes measurement using pooled data from three Menopause Strategies Finding Lasting Answers to Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) trials. Participants self-reported VMS frequency, severity, and bother using daily diaries; completed standardized measures of VMS interference, insomnia severity, and sleep quality/disturbance; and completed four treatment satisfaction items. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations (baseline pooled sample, posttreatment pooled sample, posttreatment placebo only), t tests, and analysis of variance. Participants were mostly postmenopausal (82.9%) and a mean of 54.5 years old. VMS frequency was fairly correlated with severity, bother, and interference for pooled baseline and placebo posttreatment samples ( r values = 0.21-0.39, P values < 0.001) and moderately correlated with severity, bother, and interference for pooled posttreatment ( r values = 0.40-0.44, P values < 0.001). VMS severity, bother, and interference were moderately correlated ( r values = 0.37-0.48, P values < 0.001), with one exception. VMS severity and bother were strongly correlated ( r values = 0.90-0.92, P values < 0.001). VMS interference was moderately correlated with insomnia ( r values = 0.45-0.54, P values < 0.001) and fairly to moderately correlated with sleep quality/disturbance ( r values = 0.31-0.44, P values < 0.001). Other VMS outcomes were weakly to fairly correlated with insomnia ( r values = 0.07-0.33, P values < 0.001 to < 0.05) and sleep quality/disturbance ( r values = 0.06-0.26, P values < 0.001 to > 0.05). Greater improvement in VMS and sleep over time was associated with higher treatment satisfaction ( P values < 0.001). This pooled analysis advances understanding of VMS outcomes measurement and has implications for selecting measures and creating future research.