Median Satisfaction Rating Research Articles

Does the addition of perineal block enhance pain control after a haemorrhoidectomy? A prospective randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Haemorrhoidectomy is associated with severe postoperative pain, a long rehabilitation, and QoL worsening for months. Most patients experience mild-to-moderate postoperative pain. We aimed to evaluate the intraoperative perineal block role for patients undergoing haemorrhoidectomy. In this prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, eligible patients with III-IV stage haemorrhoids were randomized to the experimental group (EG) with intraoperative perineal block and spinal anaesthesia and the control one (CG) only with spinal anaesthesia. During the postoperative period, the opioid consumption rate was evaluated as a primary endpoint, and the postoperative pain level according to VAS, systemic analgesics consumption, readmission, and complication rate, the timing of returning to work, patients' QoL, and overall satisfaction according to SF-36 were evaluated as secondary endpoints. One hundred patients completed the study (48 in EG and 52 in CG). Patients of the EG had less postoperative pain intensity (P < 0.0001), required less opioid analgesia (P = 0.03), and had longer pain-free postoperative periods (P = 0.0002). 90% of patients in the CG required additional NSAID injections for adequate analgesia compared with only 58% in the EG. The average hospital stays, complication rate, and average operation duration didn't reach clinical significance. General health evaluation according to the SF-36 score and the median satisfaction rate was better in the EG (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). The administration of the perianal block is safe and effective and should be administered to appropriate patients undergoing anorectal surgery.

ResearchConnect.info: An Interactive Web-Based Platform for Building Academic Collaborations

Radiology is a rapidly evolving field that benefits from continuous innovation and research participation among trainees. Traditional methods for involving residents in research are often inefficient and limited, usually due to the absence of a standardized approach to identifying available research projects. A centralized online platform can enhance networking and offer equal opportunities for all residents. Research Connect is an online platform built with PHP, SQL, and JavaScript. Features include project and collaboration listing as well as advertisement of project openings to medical/undergraduate students, residents, and fellows. The automated system maintains project data and sends notifications for new research opportunities when they meet user preference criteria. Both pre- and post-launch surveys were used to assess the platform's efficacy. Before the introduction of Research Connect, 69% of respondents used informal conversations as their primary method of discovering research opportunities. One year after its launch, Research Connect had 141 active users, comprising 63 residents and 41 faculty members, along with 85 projects encompassing various radiology subspecialties. The platform received a median satisfaction rating of 4 on a 1-5 scale, with 54% of users successfully locating projects of interest through the platform. Research Connect addresses the need for a standardized method and centralized platform with active research projects and is designed for scalability. Feedback suggests it has increased the visibility and accessibility of radiology research, promoting greater trainee involvement and academic collaboration.

Hypnosis associated with 3D immersive virtual reality technology during bronchoscopy under local anesthesia.

BackgroundPatients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy under local anesthesia usually experience anxiety before and during the procedure. Different non-pharmacological techniques, including music and hypnosis, are used to distract patients’ attention, and to reduce anxiety. The new technique “virtual reality hypnosis (VRH)”, defined as a hypnotic induction suggestion delivered by personalized virtual reality software, can generate a simulation of a lifelike environment. No study has described the use of VRH during bronchoscopy. The objective is to investigate the anxiety reducing effect and the satisfaction of patients, physicians, and nurses using VRH during bronchoscopy.MethodsVRH was proposed to all patients who experienced anxiety before undergoing flexible bronchoscopy under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia was performed using 5% lidocaine spray only. No sedation was used. After the procedure, patients, physicians and nurses filled a standardized satisfaction form.ResultsTwenty consecutive patients who reported pre-procedure anxiety were included. The sex ratio was 16 women/4 men, the median age was 65 years. Eight patients (40%) had undergone a previous bronchoscopy under local anesthesia. The median duration of the procedure was 10 minutes, and all procedures were completed. The median level of anxiety of patients decreased from 9/10 before the procedure to 4/10 during the procedure. The median satisfaction rate regarding the use of VRH was 10/10. All patients agreed to use VRH again in case of a new bronchoscopy procedure.ConclusionsThis preliminary report has shown that VRH was useful to reduce patients’ anxiety during bronchoscopy under local anesthesia. VRH was easily implemented in the routine practice.

The feasibility, usability and acceptability of a tablet-based aphasia therapy in the acute phase following stroke

QuestionIndependent practice via an application with a language exercise program for aphasia, as an add-on to conventional care can be a good solution to intensify aphasia therapy. The aim of this prospective trial was to investigate the feasibility, usability and acceptability of the newly-developed aphasia exercise program in the ‘Speech Therapy App (STAPP)’ in the acute phase post-stroke. MethodsAll eligible people with aphasia following stroke (<2 weeks post-stroke) admitted to the Stroke Unit of Ghent University Hospital were recruited in this prospective clinical trial between September 2018 and December 2019. After linguistic assessments and two short training sessions, participants were asked to practice independently with ‘STAPP’ for at least 30 min/day during hospitalization. Exercises were individually tailored and adjusted if necessary. Outcome was measured by recruitment, adherence and retention rates, usability questionnaires and a visual analogue scale for satisfaction. ResultsTwenty-five (mean age 65 years (SD = 17), 14 females) of 31 eligible people with aphasia were enrolled in this trial (recruitment rate = 81 %). All participants but one (23/24) practiced with the language app until the end of hospitalization (retention rate = 96 %). Ten participants practiced at least 30 min/day (adherence rate = 42 %). Participants reported they learned to work quickly with the app (92 %; agreed/totally agreed), the app was easy to use (88 %), they could work independently (79 %), practiced their language (67 %) and wanted to continue working with the app at home (79 %). Acceptability was high (median satisfaction rate 91 %; IQR = 75–100). ConclusionThe aphasia exercise program in ‘STAPP’ is feasible to use as an additional rehabilitation tool along with standard of care in the acute phase post-stroke. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy. Clinical Trial Registration-URLhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03679637.

Education Research: Neuroradiology curriculum in neurology residency training programs: How we teach neuroimaging.

To better understand how the essential skill of interpreting various neuroimaging studies is taught to neurology residents in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited training programs. A 22-question survey was sent electronically to 150 ACGME adult neurology program directors. We collected data regarding the presence of a neuroimaging curriculum, frequency of review sessions and testing, resource availability, and program director confidence in neuroimaging skills of graduating residents. We collected average scores on the neuroimaging section of the Resident In-service Training Examination of graduating residents for the past 3 years, which we attempted to correlate with resource availability. One-third of neurology residency programs do not have a neuroimaging curriculum, and half of training programs do not require a neuroimaging rotation. On average, trainees spend 1 hour per week reviewing imaging with radiologists. Program directors believed trainees receive insufficient neuroimaging training, with a median satisfaction rating on a Likert scale (0-100) of 35 (interquartile range 27-47). Few programs take advantage of online training resources. Opportunities exist to improve neuroimaging education in neurology resident education. This can be done by closer adherence to the American Academy of Neurology neuroimaging curriculum guidelines, especially by expanding access to online resources and additional emphasis on imaging review with neurology subspecialists.

The use of methotrexate for treating childhood atopic dermatitis: a multicenter retrospective study

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Methotrexate is an off-label systemic agent for treating uncontrolled atopic dermatitis.Objective: This study assessed the safety and efficacy of methotrexate in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis.Methods: This multicenter, retrospective study assessed pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis who were treated with methotrexate.Results: Medical records of 26 pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis were reviewed. All the patients had Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scores of 3–4 and had received systemic therapy before receiving methotrexate. In all, 53.85% patients showed clinical improvement at 3 and 6 months after methotrexate initiation. The IGA scores of the patients decreased significantly at 3 months after methotrexate initiation compared with those at baseline; moreover, the IGA scores of the patients at 6 months after methotrexate initiation were lower than those at 3 months after methotrexate initiation. In all, 54% study patients are still undergoing methotrexate treatment. Median satisfaction rate with methotrexate was 7.5/10. However, 10.35% patients developed adverse events, of which only one patient discontinued the treatment.Conclusions: Our results indicate that methotrexate is a tolerable and effective agent for treating refractory childhood atopic dermatitis.

Five-Year Outcomes After Arthroscopic Repair of Partial-Thickness Supraspinatus Tears

To investigate clinical outcomes in patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of isolated partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) of the supraspinatus tendon with a minimum follow-up period of 5years. All patients who had undergone arthroscopic repair of isolated PTRCTs at least 5years earlier were included. Preoperatively and postoperatively, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire), and Short Form 12 Physical Component Summary scores were collected, along with postoperative satisfaction (10-point scale) and return to activity. The associations between (1) patient age and outcome scores and (2) location of partial-thickness tear (articular vs bursal sided) and outcome scores were evaluated. Failure was defined as revision surgery of the rotator cuff repair. The study included 24 shoulders (24 patients comprising 9 women and 15 men). Follow-up data were available on 20 shoulders (7 women and 13 men, 83% follow-up) at a mean of 6 ± 1years postoperatively. The mean age at index surgery was 55 ± 11years; 6 bursal- and 14 articular-sided tears were repaired. No patient required revision surgery. All scores significantly improved from preoperatively to postoperatively (P < .05); the median satisfaction rating (1, not satisfied; 10, completely satisfied) was 10 (range, 1-10). Neither patient age nor tear location correlated with outcome scores (P > .05). Seventeen patients indicated that they participated in previous recreational activity. Of these patients, 13 (76%) returned to the original level or a similar level of activity, 3 (18%) returned to activity at a lower level, and only 1 (6%) indicated an inability to return to activity. Patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of PTRCTs can expect excellent clinical outcomes with low failure rates at midterm follow-up given that no patient progressed to revision rotator cuff repair during follow-up. The return-to-activity rate was very high after repair of isolated PTRCTs. Neither patient age nor tear location was associated with outcome scores. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Oncoplastic Resection of Breast Cancers Located in the Lower-Inner or Lower-Outer Quadrant with the Modified McKissock Mammaplasty Technique.

Oncoplastic surgery for breast cancer (BC) may result in postoperative morbidity that can delay adjuvant treatment(s). The McKissock procedure is a reliable mammaplasty technique used in plastic surgery. The authors present their experiences in using a derived technique for the oncoplastic resection of extended malignancies located in the lower-inner (LIQ) or lower-outer (LOQ) breast quadrants. Between 2011 and 2014, operative data of 25 patients receiving an oncoplastic resection for invasive BC or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), using the modified McKissock procedure, were recorded. This technique conserved a bipedicle dermoglandular flap to improve the nipple-areola complex blood supply. Oncological and cosmetic results, as well as aesthetic outcomes and patients' satisfaction, were analyzed. Invasive BCs (n = 21) and DCIS (n = 4) were located in the LIQ (n = 18) or LOQ (n = 7). The median age of patients was 62 years (range 34-85), the mean resection weight was 134 g (range 43-314), and the global morbidity rate was 12 %. No nipple necrosis occurred in these patients. Free margins were obtained in 22 cases (88 %) and the secondary mastectomy rate was 8 %. Contralateral symmetrization was performed, or was required, in the majority of cases (17/23). Cosmetic results were classified as excellent or good in 93 % of patients, and the median satisfaction rate on a visual analog scale was 9.6. The modified McKissock procedure allows wide resection of cancers located in the LOQ or LIQ, and produced favorable postoperative outcomes and cosmetic results despite important resection weights.

Prise en charge ambulatoire de l’hystérectomie laparoscopique : évaluation de la faisabilité et de la satisfaction des patientes

To evaluate the safety and patients' satisfaction after outpatient laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). A retrospective case series of 47patients discharged home the same day after total LH. Outcomes include the same-day discharge rate, complication and readmission rates, patients' short-term satisfaction and an evaluation of patients' opinion several months later. Among the 47patients, 42 (89%) were discharged the same day. Five patients remained hospitalized due to postoperative complications (4patients) and the patient's decision (1patient). No patient required emergency consultation, readmission or reoperation in the first 72hours after discharge. Six patients (13%) had postoperative complications within the first 3months after the surgery. Four patients (8%) were readmitted, three of them (6%) had to undergo a second surgery. In the short-term assessment, patients were satisfied with the management in 93% of cases and would recommend it to others, with a median satisfaction rate of 3.8out of 4. Ambulatory laparoscopic hysterectomy is feasible in a well-selected population, with a high level of patients' satisfaction. This management could be an alternative to traditional long hospital stays proposed in France.

Improving maintenance of lost weight following a commercial liquid meal replacement program: A preliminary study

Clinic-based liquid meal replacement (800kcals/day) programs produce substantial weight loss. Nevertheless, long-term maintenance remains a challenge. A limitation of maintenance programs is that they continue to promote large behavior changes that are initially required to induce weight loss which may be unsustainable long-term. The study aims were to conduct a preliminary assessment of the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a small changes maintenance intervention (SCM) for 30 patients who completed liquid meal replacement program (LMR). The 20-session SCM delivered over 52weeks offered no preset goals for maintenance behaviors and all changes in behavior were self-selected. Participants had a median BMI of 40.9kg/m2 and weight of 111kg at the start of LMR. At LMR completion, they lost 18% (21kg) of body weight. The SCM was completed by 22 patients (73%); 19 completers (86%) attended≥17 of 20 sessions with a median satisfaction rating of 9 (on a scale of 1 to 9). Completers were asked to record self-selected maintenance behaviors daily (median 351days recorded). The most commonly reported daily behaviors were self-weighing, use of meal replacements and step counting. Median percent regain at week 52 was 14% (2.8kg) of lost weight (range, −42 to 74%), significantly less than a median of 56% (11kg) percent regain of lost weight (range, −78 to 110%) in a demographically similar historical control group with no maintenance intervention after LMR completion (P<0.001). Thus, SCM holds promise for improving weight maintenance. Future research should compare SCM to standard maintenance programs that promote large program-directed changes.

Tension-Free Vaginal Tape versus Transobturator Tape as Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence: Results of a Multicentre Randomised Trial

ObjectivesThis prospective, multicentre, randomised study compared the safety and success rate of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and transobturator tape (TOT) in treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. MethodsOf 148 women, 73 were randomised to TVT and 75 to TOT. Preoperative workups included case history, clinical examination, Urogenital Distress Inventory and Impact Incontinence Quality of life questionnaires, 1-h pad test, pelvic ultrasound, and urodynamics. Intra- and postoperative complications were the primary end point; subjective and objective changes in SUI, and postoperative voiding dysfunctions were secondary end points. Patients were classified into two main categories: dry (no leakage during clinical and/or stress test and/or reported by patients) versus wet. Patients who referred being wet were separated into “improved” or “failure” on subjective analysis. Other outcome variables were quality of life questionnaires and VAS scale. Clinical checkups were conducted at 3, 6, 12 mo, and then annually. ResultsBoth techniques are safe and no significant differences emerged in intra- and postoperative complications. At a mean follow-up of 31 mo, the overall objective cure (dry) was 71.4% for TVT and 77.3% for TOT (p=ns). When one considered “dry” plus “wet but improved,” these values increased to 90% and 90.6%, respectively (p=ns). Median satisfaction rate was 9 (range: 1–10) for both procedures. Postoperative storage symptoms are a controversial issue; they persisted in 44% of patients in TVT group versus 24% in TOT group (p<0.053). ConclusionsTOT appears as safe and effective as TVT in surgery for female SUI, with minimal complications at mean follow-up of 31 mo.

Assessment of the effects of a community pharmacy women's health education program on management of menopause survey scores.

This study examined the effect of a community pharmacy-based menopause education program on scores of the Management of Menopause (MoM) survey. The MoM survey is a tool administered to managed care organization members by the National Committee for Quality Assurance to determine the level of menopause-related education offered by their health care providers. The primary outcome was comparison of the median MoM survey scores of participants at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year posteducation. Women aged 47 to 55 years who were able to provide informed consent were enrolled. Subjects completed a baseline MoM survey. Trained pharmacists working in 7 pharmacies conducted one-on-one education sessions regarding the consequences of menopause, treatment options, and the known risks and benefits of each option. Follow-up MoM surveys were administered by mail at 3 months and 1 year posteducation. The survey is scored on a 100-point scale for an overall composite score and includes 3 subsections: exposure, breadth, and personalization of counseling. A total of 31 subjects were enrolled, with 24 and 16 completing both baseline and 3-month or 1-year MoM follow-up surveys, respectively. Median 3-month composite MoM survey scores (86.1; 95% CI, 61.1-93.1) were significantly improved from baseline (54.2; 95% CI, 36.1-62.5; P<0.001). Scores on each subsection of the MoM survey also improved at 3 months, and median 1-year composite scores were significantly improved from baseline. (54.2 to 89, P = 0.001). Patient satisfaction with the education session was high, with a median satisfaction rating of 5 (a range of 4 to 5) on a 5-point satisfaction rating scale. A community pharmacy-based menopause education program significantly increased scores on the MoM survey, and subjects were satisfied with this program.

Mechanical reliability, surgical complications, and patient and partner satisfaction of the modern three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis

Objectives. The modern three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has undergone multiple revisions since its introduction in 1973. We reviewed devices placed since the last major revision by American Medical Systems (AMS) in 1987. Methods. A retrospective chart review was refined with data from an independent patient and partner survey. Results. Two hundred twelve consecutive penile prosthetic devices placed by a single surgeon over an 8-year period are reviewed. One hundred sixty-nine of the devices were three-piece inflatables with 146 being primary implants. The average device has been in place 36.5 months (range 9 to 102). The infection rate in 146 primary three-piece devices was 2.1%. The infection rate in 46 secondary implants or revisions was 6.5%, excluding seven salvage attempts. Mechanical failure in 122 primary AMS devices placed was 4.1%. Mechanical failure in 24 Mentor devices was 4.2% if one discounts connector failures that were revised in 1990. A surgical complication and revision rate of 1.4% was noted in the 146 primary implants. An independent telephone survey achieved a 57% and 24% response rate in patients and partners with three-piece devices placed. In the group of 86 patients with a primary three-piece device placed and complete follow-up, the probability of having a normally functioning device placed in a single operative procedure was 90.6% at 3 years. On a 1 to 10 scale looking at all primary devices, secondary devices, revisions, and infections, the average and median satisfaction rate was as follows: 8.2, 8.5; 8.4, 9.0; 7.7, 7.75 for the Ultrex patients, CX 700 and Mentor patients, and all partners, respectively. Conclusions. The modern three-piece IPP is an excellent surgical option offering a very safe, reliable return to sexual activity for our patients.