National Cross-sectional Survey Research Articles

Trends in the practice environment of Chinese healthcare professionals from 2008 to 2023: an age period cohort analysis.

Healthcare practice environment plays a vital role in evaluation and the development of health sector in China. However, there are few comprehensive reviews and studies focusing on its state and changing trends. This study aimed to examine the dynamic trends in Chinese healthcare professionals' perceptions of their practice environment from 2008 to 2023 using age period cohort (APC) analysis. Four national cross-sectional surveys of healthcare professionals were conducted in 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2023. APC analysis was performed to distinguish effects of age, period and cohort. Covariates like gender, department, job satisfaction, and doctor-patient relationships were also analyzed. Between 2008 and 2023, healthcare professionals' perceptions of their practice environment first declined and then improved. Those aged 28-38 during 2013-2018 and born between 1978 and 1988 had the most negative perceptions. After 2018, perceptions improved, peaking in 2023. Those under 23 and over 43 exhibited larger age effects. Birth cohorts after 1993 also had more positive effects. Controlling for covariates attenuated APC effects. Females, those in obstetrics and emergency medicine, nurses, technicians, and administrators perceived better environments. Higher job satisfaction and doctor-patient relationship harmony are also associated with more positive perceptions. Income matching efforts and perceptions of promotion fairness had positive impacts, while increasing severity of physical fatigue and psychological anxiety negatively influenced perceptions of the practice environment. The APC analysis provided nuanced insights into evolving practitioner perceptions amid healthcare reforms in China. Tailored policies focused on career stage and generation are needed to address disruptions and sustain improvements. Monitoring feedback on reforms and changes is essential for optimizing the practice environment over time.

Differences in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Between U.S. Civilians and Military Veterans in the Gulf War and Post-9/11 War Eligibility Cohorts: A Research Note

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among military veterans who experienced combat compared with those who did not. However, it is unknown how PTSD rates differ between veterans and nonveterans when accounting for combat status. We used a sample of 10,880 participants from the 2021 and 2022 National Wellbeing Survey—national annual cross-sectional surveys of U.S. adults aged 18 to 64—to assess relationships between military veteran-combat status and PTSD diagnosis among two war eligibility cohorts: the Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts. We found that among both war eligibility cohorts, combat veterans were more likely than nonveterans to report a PTSD diagnosis: 3.42 times greater probability in the Gulf War eligibility cohort and 4.87 times greater probability in the post 9/11 cohort. Noncombat veterans had greater probability of PTSD (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.63) than nonveterans only in the post 9/11 cohort. These results underscore the importance of ensuring proper mental health care for combat veterans.

A cross-sectional study of anesthesia medical staff's occupational and health status in nongovernment medical institutions in China.

Nongovernment medical institutions have gradually become a significant part of China's healthcare system, with a growing numbers of staff. However, the current status of anesthesiology staff in these institutions is unclear. To gain insight into this situation and to compare it with public hospitals, the national anesthesia professional committee of the Chinese Nongovernment Medical Institutions Association (CNMIA) designed and conducted the national cross-sectional survey. We conducted a national cross-sectional study to investigate the occupational and health status of anesthesiology staff in Nongovernment medical institutions. Additional questions were included for the directors of the anesthesiology department to understand their work stress and the reasons for employee turnover. The electronic questionnaire was created using Questionnaire Star and distributed by Anesthesia Professional Committee of the CNMIA through the QR code links and WeChat. A total of 1111 questionnaires were collected, including 989 from anesthesiologists and 122 from nurse anesthetists. The overall job satisfaction score (MSQ) was 75.57 ± 12.32 and the average fatigue score (MFI-20) was 49.10 ± 10.90. High-risk factors for severe fatigue included being aged 31-40, holding a middle title, frequently working night shifts, having long working hours, and participating surgeries classified as ASA III or higher. The most common disease reported was difficulty falling asleep/insomnia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that men (OR = 0.662, 95% CI: 0.482-0.909, p < 0.05), those with a bachelor's degree (OR = 2.152, 95% CI: 1.186-3.903, p < 0.05), individuals with heavy workloads (OR = 2.999, 95% CI: 1.493-6.024, p < 0.01), poor health (OR = 4.280, 95% CI: 1.216-15.057, p < 0.05), and high MFI-20 scores (OR = 1.085, 95% CI: 1.067-1.103, p < 0.001) were more likely to suffer from insomnia. Directors identified medical quality and safety management as their main source of stress and low income as the primary reason for employee resignation. Nongovernment medical institutions have fewer employees, similar workloads, relatively low job stress and higher job satisfaction compared to public hospitals. Low income and difficulty falling asleep/insomnia are significant issues that require attention.

Sequential multiple mediating effect of loneliness and family health on physical frailty and willingness to age at home in older adults: a national survey in China

BackgroundWith the rapid ageing of the global population, the number of older adults with physical frailty has been gradually increasing, making ageing at home a key strategy for coping with this demographic change. The opinions of older adults regarding their willingness to age at home deserve to be considered respectfully. As a result, this study aimed to investigate willingness to age at home and any associated underlying mechanisms involving physical frailty among older Chinese adults.MethodsThis study was a national cross-sectional survey. Stratified random and quota sampling were used before and after the individual level respectively. Willingness to age at home was compared between older adults with different characteristics using the Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test. A Spearman rank test was conducted to explore the correlations among physical frailty, loneliness, family health, and willingness to age at home. The path hypothesis that loneliness and family health influence the relationship between physical frailty and willingness to age at home among older adults was further tested through sequential multiple mediation analysis.ResultsA total of 3,837 older adults were included in this study. They returned a median score of 78 in terms of willingness to age at home. Physical frailty (β = − 0.044, P < 0.01) and loneliness (β = − 0.070, P < 0.001) were negatively associated, and family health (β = 0.275, P < 0.001) was positively associated with a willingness to age at home among older Chinese adults. Loneliness and family health played sequential multiple mediating role (β = − 0.018, Boot SE = 0.002, 95% CI = [–0.022, − 0.014]) between physical frailty and willingness to age at home.ConclusionsReducing physical frailty in older adults, reducing their sense of loneliness, and enhancing their family health is essential, as it can increase their levels of confidence with regard to ageing at home.

Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in the elderly and the very elderly members of the Polish population: results of a national cross-sectional representative survey.

Lipid disorders are the most common cardiovascular risk factor among adult population in Poland. However, there is still insufficient epidemiological data for an ever-growing group of older people. The aim was to describe and analyze the epidemiology of lipid disorders among Polish seniors Patients and methods: The random sample of 4101 participants (M = 2136; W = 1965) aged 65-104, equally distributed in age subgroups (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, and 90(+)-year-old subjects), participated in a cross-sectional, national survey PolSenior. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and blood samples for tests of lipid profile were obtained. 62.4% of Polish seniors (56.1% of men and 66.3% of women) suffered from hypercholesterolemia. TC level was the highest among 65-69-year-olds, both men (206.0 [201.0-210.9] mg/dL) and women (220.6 [215.6-225.6] mg/dL). Women in each age group had a higher TC concentration than men. Also, in terms of LDL-C, the highest level was found in women aged 65-69 years (131.6 [127.2-136.1] mg/dL) and decreased in older age groups to 120.1 [115.2-125.0] mg/dL in women >90 years of age; similar in men: 121.6 [117.3-125.9] mg/dL in 65-69 y. o. and 106.5 [102.5-110.5] mg/dL in the group over 90 years old. In all the respective age groups, LDL-C was higher in women. In the Polish population among the elderly mean serum TC and LDL-C concentrations are higher in women than in men. The results obtained highlight the importance of lipid disorders as a risk factor also among the elderly Poles.

Weight control efforts and practices and health professional advice: a cross-sectional national survey in England

ObjectivesThere is evidence that general practitioners (GPs) can increase the uptake of weight management programmes that enhance weight loss compared with self-directed efforts, but the rate at which they do...

Understanding Psychological Symptoms Among Chinese College Students During the COVID-19 Omicron Pandemic: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Survey in 2023

Understanding Psychological Symptoms Among Chinese College Students During the COVID-19 Omicron Pandemic: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Survey in 2023

Health information system support for collaboration between physicians and registered nurses: National cross-sectional user experience surveys from 2010 to 2023

Health information system support for collaboration between physicians and registered nurses: National cross-sectional user experience surveys from 2010 to 2023

Do women have a choice when it comes to fetal monitoring? Perceptions of information provided and choice of fetal monitoring in Australia: A national survey

IntroIn Australia, little research has examined how women and people participate in decision-making about types of fetal monitoring, or their perceptions of information provided by caregivers. MethodsA national cross-sectional survey, the ‘Women’s experiences Of Monitoring Baby’ (WOMB) Study, explored women’s experiences of intrapartum fetal monitoring. This study reports on selected results. ResultsThere were 861 responses. Of respondents, 20 % reported receiving enough information about types of fetal monitoring from care providers and childbirth education, 35 % recalled being asked for consent, and 34 % were unaware they had a choice in monitoring. Most women (86 %) obtained information via ‘other’ sources or own reading, and where monitoring was discussed, it was most likely a ‘brief discussion’ with a midwife (43 %).Women who were monitored via wired CTG (35 %) were more likely to report facing barriers to choosing their preferred monitoring type, (p<0.001). Wired CTG was significantly associated with hospital type and primiparity and 70 % indicated they would not choose it again (p<0.001). ConclusionWomen did not know they had a choice in the type of intrapartum monitoring received, and felt they had insufficient information to make informed decisions. While monitoring via intermittent doppler and wireless CTG was preferred, women experienced barriers to receiving these, especially in public hospitals in rural/regional areas and private metropolitan hospitals. Antenatal models of care and childbirth education are underutilised avenues for providing information however, it is incumbent on maternity systems to provide adequate information resources, access to equipment and appropriate models of woman-centred and humane care.

A UK national cross-sectional survey of stroke support groups: exploring the role of social identification and group processes in reducing loneliness

BackgroundLoneliness is a common experience following stroke. Stroke support groups may protect against loneliness, but little is known about how these groups exert their influence. This research drew upon current theorising on the role of groups for health and explored i) social identification as a potential mechanism for overcoming loneliness, and ii) psychological group resources (support, control, self-esteem), and functional group processes (clear goals, group autonomy, member continuity) which might structure social identification.MethodsFive hundred seventy-nine stroke survivors from 84 Stroke Association support groups across the UK completed a cross-sectional survey measuring: support group identification; psychological resources (given and received social support, control, self-esteem, identity centrality); functional processes (goal clarity, group autonomy, member continuity); and loneliness (3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale).ResultsGreater support group identification was associated with reduced loneliness (β = -0.45, p < 0.001). Given (β = 0.17, p = 0.001) and received (β = 0.10, p < 0.001) social support, goal clarity (β = 0.17, p = 0.002), and group member continuity (β = 0.19, p < 0.001) were all associated with greater support group identification.ConclusionsSocial identification with the group may be a mechanism by which stroke support groups alleviate loneliness, potentially through facilitating attendance, mutual social support and the development of collective goals. Further research should explore how these processes influence social identification in newly formed groups, where social identity has not yet been established.

Prevalence of adults with fatigue in Germany: results of the ‘German Health Update 2023’ study

Abstract Background Fatigue is a non-specific symptom complex associated with exhaustion, lack of motivation and concentration. It has high public health relevance due to impairments in quality of life and work ability and increased risk of accidents. Fatigue has increasingly gained attention as one of the most common post-acute consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fatigue is also common among non-infected people and there is a lack of population-based background data. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and factors associated with fatigue in a population-based epidemiological study in Germany. Methods The analyses are part of the national population-based cross-sectional telephone survey ‘German Health Update’ (GEDA 2023) in adults (3/2023-2/2024). Fatigue was surveyed using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and dichotomized into yes (at least mild/moderate) versus no fatigue. The FAS is an instrument for mild-to-moderate fatigue, which must be distinguished from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Weighted analyses of the data from 9,766 adults were carried out descriptively and in multivariable Poisson models, considering sociodemographic and health-related determinants. Results The prevalence of fatigue in Germany was estimated to be 29.7% (95% CI 28.1-31.2) and was highest in 18- to 29-year-olds at 39.6% (35.0-44.4). The prevalence decreased up to 65- to 79- year-olds (20.6% (18.2-23.3)) and was again higher in people aged 80 and over (33.2% (28.9-37.7)). Women had a higher risk of fatigue than men (aRR 1.19 (1.08-1.32)). Lower education (aRR 1.29 (1.13-1.49)) and medium education (aRR 1.13 (1.01-1.27)) were associated with increased risk of fatigue. There were significant associations between fatigue and chronic illness, depressive symptoms and long COVID. Conclusions Fatigue is a common symptom among adults in Germany. Female gender, young and very old adulthood as well as lower education are associated with higher risk of fatigue. Key messages • The correlations between fatigue and socio-demographic variables as well as parameters of physical and mental health provide important indications of groups particularly affected by fatigue. • The fatigue survey in GEDA 2023 is one of the few current European studies that describe the frequency of fatigue in the general population and analyzes health and sociodemographic determinants.

Differences in symptoms of anxiety and depression among out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors and their relatives, paired results from the DANCAS survey

Abstract Background It is well known that out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors, as well as their relatives, struggle with symptoms of anxiety and depression, but less is known about the potential differences in paired outcomes. Purpose To describe differences in symptoms of anxiety and depression among OHCA survivors and their relatives (paired) and to investigate characteristics associated with these symptoms among both groups. Methods A national cross-sectional survey (DANCAS) was conducted with OHCA survivors combined with a survey for their closest relatives. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was included in both surveys. Paired t-tests were used to examine potential differences in HADS mean scores among survivors and relatives. Associations between characteristics (demographic and other self-reported outcomes) and symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A ≥8) and depression (HADS-D ≥8) were examined using multivariable logistic regression models, presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for potential confounders. Results In total, 526 pairs of OHCA survivors and their relatives both responded, with 447 (85%) of the survivors being men, a median age of 67 years (IQR 59-75) and 462 (88%) of the relatives being women with a median age of 64 years (IQR 55-70). Most relatives (85%) were spouses or unmarried partners. In the paired analyses, relatives had significantly higher scores of anxiety compared to survivors (mean 5.6 SD 4.0 vs 3.5 SD 3.8; p&amp;lt;0.001). On the contrary, survivors had significantly worse scores of depression (mean 3.1 SD 2.8 vs 2.4 SD 3.2; p&amp;gt;0.001). Several characteristics (demographic and self-reported) were associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression among both survivors and relatives, Table 1 &amp; 2. Conclusion Following OHCA, relatives report worse scores of anxiety while, in contrast, survivors report worse scores of depression, indicating psychological interventions should be tailored differently for the two groups. Further investigation of the reasons for these findings are needed, including whether fatigue might be a symptom of depression or a confounder.

Utilization of, Perceptions on, and Intention to Use AI Chatbots Among Medical Students in China: National Cross-Sectional Study.

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are poised to have a profound impact on medical education. Medical students, as early adopters of technology and future health care providers, play a crucial role in shaping the future of health care. However, little is known about the utilization of, perceptions on, and intention to use AI chatbots among medical students in China. This study aims to explore the utilization of, perceptions on, and intention to use generative AI chatbots among medical students in China, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. By conducting a national cross-sectional survey, we sought to identify the key determinants that influence medical students' acceptance of AI chatbots, thereby providing a basis for enhancing their integration into medical education. Understanding these factors is crucial for educators, policy makers, and technology developers to design and implement effective AI-driven educational tools that align with the needs and expectations of future health care professionals. A web-based electronic survey questionnaire was developed and distributed via social media to medical students across the country. The UTAUT was used as a theoretical framework to design the questionnaire and analyze the data. The relationship between behavioral intention to use AI chatbots and UTAUT predictors was examined using multivariable regression. A total of 693 participants were from 57 universities covering 21 provinces or municipalities in China. Only a minority (199/693, 28.72%) reported using AI chatbots for studying, with ChatGPT (129/693, 18.61%) being the most commonly used. Most of the participants used AI chatbots for quickly obtaining medical information and knowledge (631/693, 91.05%) and increasing learning efficiency (594/693, 85.71%). Utilization behavior, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived risk, and personal innovativeness showed significant positive associations with the behavioral intention to use AI chatbots (all P values were <.05). Chinese medical students hold positive perceptions toward and high intentions to use AI chatbots, but there are gaps between intention and actual adoption. This highlights the need for strategies to improve access, training, and support and provide peer usage examples to fully harness the potential benefits of chatbot technology.

Oral Health Care Out-of-Pocket Costs and Financial Hardship: A Scoping Review.

The objective of this study is to characterize how financial hardship related to oral health care (OHC) out-of-pocket (OOP) spending has been conceptualized, defined, and measured in the literature and to identify evidence gaps in this area. This scoping review follows Arksey and O'Malley's framework and synthesizes financial hardship from OHC concepts, methodologies, and evidence gaps. We searched Ovid-Medline, Ovid-Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EconLit, Business Source Premier, and the Cochrane Library. Gray literature was sourced from institutional websites (World Health Organization, United Nations, World Bank Group, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and governmental health agencies) as well as ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis Global. We used defined inclusion and exclusion criteria to select studies published between 2000 and 2023. Of the 1,876 records, 65 met our criteria. The studies conceptualized financial hardship as catastrophic spending, impoverishment, negative coping strategies, bankruptcy, financial burden, food insecurity, and personal financial hardship experience. We found heterogeneity in defining OHC OOP payments and services. Also, financial hardship was frequently measured as catastrophic health expenditure using cross-sectional designs and national household spending surveys from high-income and to a lesser extent lower-middle-income countries. We identify and discuss challenges in terms of conceptualizing financial hardship, study designs, and measurement instruments in the OHC context. Some of the common evidence gaps identified include studying the causal relationship in financial hardship from OHC, assessing the financial hardship and unmet dental needs due to cost relationship, and distinguishing the effect between pain/discomfort and esthetic/cosmetic dental treatments on financial hardship. Financial hardship in OHC needs further exploration and the use of consistent definitions as well must distinguish between treatments alleviating pain/discomfort from esthetic/cosmetic treatments. Our study is relevant for policy makers and researchers aiming to monitor financial protection of OOP payments on OHC in the wake of universal health coverage for oral health.

Associations between Cooking Methods and Socio-Demographic, Dietary, and Anthropometric Factors: Results from the Cross-Sectional Swiss National Nutrition Survey

Introduction: Appropriate cooking methods can improve food safety, decrease contaminants, and increase nutrient bioavailability. Few studies assessed the sociodemographic characterization of their use in European populations. We aimed to characterize the socio-demographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric predictors of cooking methods in the Swiss population. Methods: Adults aged 18–75 years (n = 2,050) participating in the cross-sectional national nutrition survey in Switzerland (menuCH) (2014–2015), representing the 7 main regions in the country. We used logistic regressions to assess the probability of the presence or absence of boiled, roasted, microwaved, oven-cooked, gratinated, fried, steamed, and grilled foods by sociodemographic variables. Results: Among all participants, the most frequently used cooking methods were boiling (46%), stove-cooking (19%), and steaming (8%). Single participants had a higher probability of consuming grilled or fried foods (68%) than their married counterparts and participants with obesity had a higher probability of consuming grilled or fried foods (67% or 135%) compared to those with normal weight. Divorced or separated participants had a 55% lower probability of consuming roasted foods than married participants. Those following a diet had a 57% lower probability of consuming grilled foods compared to those not on a diet. Conclusion: We found differences in the distribution of cooking methods in the Swiss population by sociodemographic variables. Further studies should examine the link between cooking methods and disease risk.

Factors Associated with Sexual Intercourse Frequency Among South African Women: Evidence from a National Cross-sectional Survey

Background: Engaging in regular healthy sexual intercourse activities is good for human health and well-being. Greater sexual intercourse frequency (SIF) for people in relationships is often associated with well-being, greater relationship satisfaction, reduced mortality, increased life expectancy, positive emotions and happiness, while lack of sexual activity is usually associated with depression and marital disharmony. Aim: The primary purpose of this study is to identify the factors associated with SIF among women in South Africa. Data and Methods: The South African Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data were used, and the negative binomial regression model (NBRM) was employed for analysis. Results: Age was significantly associated with high SIF (IRR = 1.02; p &lt; .001). African women had significantly higher SIF than Indian/Asian women (IRR = 1.28; p = .049). Married women had a significantly higher SIF than women who were never married (IRR = 1.42; p &lt; .001). Women who resided in urban areas were significantly associated with higher SIF than women who resided in rural areas (IRR = 1.14; p &lt; .001). Conclusion: Being young, being Indian/Asian, being unmarried, and residing in rural areas is associated with low SIF, whereas being older, being African, being married, and staying in urban areas is associated with high SIF. Generally, without violating cultural, religious and societal beliefs, married women should be taught about the benefits of sexual intercourse activity (SIA) and be encouraged not to be ashamed of entering into sexual intercourse activities.

Tasks and responsibilities of clinical midwives in Dutch hospitals.

The number of Dutch clinical midwives has increased substantially over the last 20 years, but their tasks, responsibilities, and formal positions remain unclear. This study aimed to gain insight into the current tasks and responsibilities of clinical midwives in Dutch hospitals. We also aimed to determine whether these tasks varied among three types of hospitals in the Netherlands: secondary nonteaching hospitals, secondary teaching hospitals, and tertiary hospitals. A cross-sectional national survey in which a questionnaire was sent to 810 clinical midwives from 78 hospitals was conducted. Responses from 412 (51%) clinical midwives from 77 hospitals were included in the analysis. Most respondents (97%) provided care in the delivery wards. They were often involved in the induction of labor (88%), requests for pain relief (87%), cases of meconium-stained fluid (59%), prolonged first-stage labor (56%), and maternal hypertensive disorders (43%). Daily tasks and responsibilities were determined by the type of pathology (60%), caseload in the ward (48%), and years of work experience (28%). The tasks varied according to hospital type, and the majority also conducted non-care-related tasks, such as auditing (83%) and teaching (67%). Dutch clinical midwives play important roles in obstetric care. They provide care for women with a wide range of pathologies they are not always trained for. In addition, they perform non-care-related tasks. Their tasks varied according to hospital type. To ensure that they are both skilled and authorized, compulsory training and formalization of their profession are possible interventions.

Adherence and Quality of Life in Adult Patients With Haemophilia A, Haemophilia B and Von Willebrand Disease: A National Cross-Sectional Survey.

New treatments for patients with bleeding disorders (PWB) have emerged, including products with extended half-life and subcutaneous administration. These less frequent treatments can potentially enhance quality of life (QoL), but adherence becomes critically important. To investigate adherence and QoL among PWB and explore the correlation between treatment adherence and QoL in adult patients with haemophilia A (HA), haemophilia B (HB) and Von Willebrand disease (vWD) in Denmark. This survey used disease-specific patient-reported questionnaires: Veritas-PRO and Veritas-PRN to measure adherence, and Haemo-A-QoL and VWD-QoL to assess QoL. Responses were obtained from 149 patients with HA, 32 with HB and 118 with vWD. Adherence was reported by 87.1% of patients on prophylaxis and 71.2% of patients treated on demand, according to Veritas-PRO and Veritas-PRN cut-off scores. High QoL was generally reported, decreasing with age in HA and HB, but not in vWD. Danish patients with HA, HB and vWD reported high QoL and high adherence to prescribed treatments. There was no correlation between treatment adherence and QoL among the different patient groups. These findings highlight the need for further research to better understand adherence behaviours and identify opportunities to further improve QoL in PWB.

Awareness, use and perception of patient versions of clinical practice guidelines – a national cross-sectional survey among patients with a cancer diagnosis and healthcare providers

BackgroundTo investigate awareness, use, and perceptions of the patient guidelines (PGs) of the German Guideline Program in Oncology (GGPO) and to explore general preferences regarding cancer information among patients and healthcare providers (HCPs).MethodsTwo cross-sectional surveys among patients with cancer (November 2020—May 2021) and among HCPs (April -June 2021) were set up as anonymised, self-administered, semi-structured online surveys, including open-ended questions. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Patients were recruited from national self-help organisations and certified cancer centres located all over Germany. HCPs were recruited from cancer centres, scientific medical societies and guideline groups.ResultsOf 816 participating patients, 45% were aware of the GGPO-PGs, while 55% of the 455 participating HCPs were aware of them. Of those aware of the GGPO-PGs, 65% of patients and 86% of HCPs perceived them as helpful, while 95% in both groups saw them as comprehensive. Seventy-five percent of patients and 85% of HCPs were satisfied with the GGPO-PGs, 22%/13% were partially satisfied, and 3%/2% were rather/not at all satisfied. In addition to self-help organisations, physicians and hospitals were perceived as central in distributing the GGPO-PGs. More patients (78%) than HCPs (56%) stated a preference for detailed information, although the wish for concise information – e.g. decision aids – was concurrently expressed by the majority of all participants. Thematic analysis showed that up-to-dateness, trustworthiness, and supportive messaging are important properties for PGs.ConclusionsHCPs found the GGPO-PGs helpful, but awareness was low, which suggests that dissemination should be improved. This is also true for patients; however, further research needs to be done to increase the helpfulness of PGs for patients. Oncological PGs seem to be needed in different formats according to patients’ situational needs. Theory-driven research should investigate how to best frame patient information in a supportive way.

Sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity data collection across electronic health record platforms: a national cross-sectional survey.

To assess the current state of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity (SSOGI) data collection options in US electronic health record (EHR) platforms. We utilized an anonymous survey distributed via purposive snowball sampling to assess EHR platforms across the United States. Of 90 surveys started, 41 (45.6%) were completed and used for data analysis. Respondents represented a geographically diverse sample of health care centers across the United States. EPIC was the most used EHR platform (70.7%) followed by Cerner (9.8%). Across reported platforms, a majority utilized structured fields to collect and document patient SSOGI data (n = 25, 61.0%). There was variability across platforms regarding SSOGI data elements collected. No platform collected all recommended SSOGI data elements. Significant variation exists across EHR platforms and across health care settings using the same EHR platform. National standards need to be followed for SSOGI data collection in EHR platforms.