Needs Assessment Tool Research Articles

Current state content analysis of patient-reported outcome measures and clinical needs assessment tools utilized throughout the cancer care continuum at an academic medical center.

238 Background: The Cancer Survivorship Care Quality Framework (CSCQ-F) is an evidence-based framework that outlines domains and indicators pertinent to the provision of quality cancer survivorship care. Many indicators from the CSCQ-F can be assessed by clinical interview or patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to gauge whether patients are receiving quality survivorship care. We conducted a current-state analysis of the PROMs and needs assessment tools (NATs) utilized throughout our academic medical center and assessed the extent to which constructs covered on our assessments align with relevant domains and indicators from the CSCQ-F. Methods: Healthcare leaders identified assessments currently available for use throughout oncology clinics at our institution. We included assessments directly completed by patients (i.e., PROMs) and assessments completed by clinicians based on patient feedback gathered through clinical interview or oncology nurse navigation (i.e., NATs). We excluded assessments not currently in use. We coded each assessment item by construct (e.g., depression, neuropathy, substance use, referral) and time of administration (e.g., new patient visits, treatment change, unknown). Then, we mapped items/constructs to the CSCQ-F domains. Afterward, we compared items/constructs mapped to the CSCQ-F domains with CSCQ-F indicators to identify gaps in assessment. Results: We identified two PROMs (Lucet and The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS)) and two NATs (Epic Wheel and an internally developed cancer navigation assessment). Constructs covered by these assessments aligned with all domains of the CSCQ-F, except for “Patient/Caregiver Experience.” Gaps in assessment based on the CSCQ-F depend on which assessments patients receive. All new patients are administered Lucet (an electronic distress screening tool) and referred for cancer navigation assessment. However, ESAS is administered through Palliative Care, and it is unclear whether and when all providers administer Epic Wheel (a social determinants of health NAT). The CSCQ-F indicates reassessment of symptoms and/or conditions should occur at defined intervals throughout the cancer continuum, but there is no clear reassessment protocol at our institution. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first content-analysis of PROMs and NATs mapped to the CSCQ-F. Our results signify a need to (1) address gaps in assessment, (2) determine a protocol for symptom reassessment, and (3) standardize enterprise-wide administration procedures for PROMs and NATs throughout the cancer continuum. Future work should also identify who is responsible for following up on patients’ identified concerns and determine whether adequate resources are available to address patients’ symptoms and needs.

Rethinking Assessment: Community-Engaged Experiential Learning and Complex Environments in Business from a Student Perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the academic landscape profoundly, prompting a shift toward new learning environments and evolving pedagogy, including a notable increase in experiential community-engaged learning (CEL) projects within business curricula. Despite these innovations, traditional assessment practices often neglect the development of critical skills, focusing instead on outdated knowledge certification. This study examines the integration of student voice in assessment practices, particularly within CEL projects. It aims to explore student perceptions of the opportunities provided by CEL, offering insights into specific elements that should be assessed to measure student success, accomplishment, and growth. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through end-of-term reflections, focus groups, and interviews with 52 undergraduate business students engaged in CEL projects. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes that can impact the design, selection, implementation, and interpretation of assessment methods: Adaptation, Balancing Teamwork with Individual Accountability, and Creativity and Innovative Problem-Solving. Students emphasized the importance of flexibility and proactive problem-solving in dynamic project environments. They also valued effective collaboration and personal accountability, preferring individual assessments within team projects. Creativity and innovative solutions were highlighted as essential competencies, suggesting the need for assessment tools that recognize these skills. The research indicates that incorporating student voice in the assessment process enhances engagement and relevance, aligning evaluations with students' actual experiences while fostering essential life skills. The study recommends the development of assessment rubrics that measure these competencies along with longitudinal studies to examine the impact of revised assessment processes on student experience and satisfaction over time.

Web-based objective and structured assessment of point-of-care lung ultrasound skills in resource-limited settings

BackgroundObjective assessment of skills after training is essential for safe implementation of lung point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). In low-and middle-income countries (LMIC) there is a need for assessment tools without onsite experts to scale up POCUS access. Our objective is to develop a web-based assessment tool and evaluate trainees across different countries and at different time points after initial lung POCUS training.MethodsWe adapted the objective and validated lung ultrasound score (LUS-OSAUS) to a web-based tool with quiz and practical skills test. Trainees were evaluated after a short (4-day) standardized lung POCUS training and were classified in distinct groups according to (i) their geographical location (Benin vs. South-Africa) and (ii) time elapsed since training (Benin 0 months vs. Benin 6 months). The Benin 6 months group had minimal continuous education. Skills test images were read by two blinded experts. We report the overall success rates and then compare these rates based on location and timing since training, using the Fischer’s exact test.ResultsA total of 35 out of 43 participants completed the online LUS-OSAUS quiz and skills test. The overall success rate was 0.84 (95%CI 0.80–0.88), with lower success rates for “correct depth” 0.54 (0.37–0.71), “correct assessment of pleura” 0.63 (0.45–0.79) and “conclusion” 0.71 (0.54–0.85). There were no differences based on location, with respective rates of 0.86 (0.80–0.92) and 0.83 (0.75–0.91) (p-value = 0.125) for Benin and South Africa at 0 months, respectively. Similarly, there were no differences according to timing with success rates of 0.86 (0.80–0.92) and 0.82 (0.72–0.93) (p-value = 0.563) for Benin at 0 months and 6 months, respectively.ConclusionWeb-based objective and structured assessment of lung POCUS skills in LMIC following a short-standardized training is feasible and has a good overall success rate with consistent results across regions and up to 6 months after training given minimal continuous education. Overall, technical and POCUS-based clinical conclusion skills are the most difficult to acquire.

Enabling technology hand in hand with enabling practices

PurposeIn the project “Working the way I want” (AWIEW), people with and without disabilities are co-creating a needs assessment tool (NAT) to support participation in the labour market. This tool will include a technological solution at its core and a set of tested new social practices for its successful application in Germany.Design/methodology/approachThe AWIEW project combines several methods and a participatory approach from different disciplines in a transdisciplinary project design. At the micro level, the participatory design approach is used to jointly develop the digital tool with people with disabilities (PWD). At the meso level, semi-structured interviews are used to gather data from different stakeholders in the PWD’ social ecosystem to uncover factors facilitating or hindering the successful transition of PWD to the labour market.FindingsThis paper discusses how transdisciplinary results can be incorporated into the development of a tool that supports PWD in navigating their occupational orientation processes. Some preliminary findings are: (a) Vocational orientation for PWD often starts with difficulties in imagining a future job; participative designs need to start from this premise. (b) PWD’ knowledge about the labour market depends on information provided by their social ecosystem; thus, research and design must take this ecosystem into account. (c) Welfare organisations instil a feeling of security and competence within their structures that has to be considered in needs assessment – both as a hindering and an empowering factor.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the importance of combining a digital solution and new practices for a promising approach towards enhancing the participation of PWD in the labour market.

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Relationships between Supine Proprioception Assessments and Upright Functional Mobility.

Long-duration bedrest impairs upright postural and locomotor control, prompting the need for assessment tools to predict the effects of deconditioning on post-bedrest outcome measures. We developed a tilt board mounted vertically with a horizontal air-bearing sled as a potential supine assessment tool for a future bedrest study. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the association between supine proprioceptive assessments on the tilt board and upright functional mobility. Seventeen healthy participants completed variations of a supine tilt board task and an upright functional mobility task (FMT), which is an established obstacle avoidance course. During the supine tasks, participants lay on the air-bearing sled with axial loading toward the tilt board. Participants tilted the board to capture virtual targets on an overhead monitor during 30 s trials. The tasks included two dynamic tasks (i.e., double-leg stance matching mediolateral tilt targets over ±3° or ±9° ranges) and two static tasks (i.e., single-leg stance maintaining a central target position). The performances during the dynamic tasks were significantly correlated with the FMT time to completion. The dominant-leg static task performance showed a moderate trend with the FMT time to completion. The results indicate that supine proprioceptive assessments may be associated with upright ambulation performance, and thus, support the proposed application in bedrest studies.

Mental Health Diagnoses Risk Among Children and Young Adults With Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, or Typical Development

Mental health (MH) issues in children with cerebral palsy (CP) are poorly understood compared with other pediatric populations. To examine MH diagnosis code assignment among children and young adults with CP and compare with typically developing (TD) and chronic condition (CC) pediatric populations. This case-control study used International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes to create a CP case set and CC and TD control sets using electronic health record data of children and young adults from a large tertiary care children's hospital in the midwestern United States between 2010 and 2022. Case-control matching was performed to control for demographic factors. Data were analyzed from June to December 2023. All MH diagnosis codes were mapped to ICD-10-CM and categorized using Clinical Classifications Software Refined (CCSR). The incidence rates of MH CCSR categories were calculated. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to evaluate the significance and odds associated with factors. Data from 216 794 individuals (mean [SD] baseline age, 4.3 [5.1] years; 118 562 [55%] male) were analyzed, including 3544 individuals with CP, 142 160 individuals with CC, and 71 080 TD individuals. The CP cohort spread across Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I (981 individuals [28%]), II (645 individuals [18%]), III (346 individuals [10%]), IV (502 individuals [14%]), and V (618 individuals [17%]). Rates varied significantly for anxiety (824 individuals with CP [23%]; 25 877 individuals with CC [9%]; 6274 individuals with TD [18%]), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (534 individuals with CP [15%]; 22 426 individuals with CC [9%]; 6311 individuals with TD [16%]); conduct or impulse disorder (504 individuals with CP [14%]; 13 209 individuals with CC [5%]; 3715 individuals with TD [9%]), trauma or stress disorders (343 individuals with CP [10%]; 18 229 individuals with CC [8%]; 5329 individuals with TD [13%]), obsessive-compulsive disorder (251 individuals with CP [7%]; 3795 individuals with CC [1%]; 659 individuals with TD [3%]), depression (108 individuals with CP [3%]; 12 224 individuals with CC [5%]; 4007 individuals with TD [9%]), mood disorders (74 individuals with CP [2%]; 4355 individuals with CC [2%]; 1181 individuals with TD [3%]), and suicidal ideation (72 individuals with CP [2%]; 7422 individuals with CC [5%]; 3513 individuals with TD [5%]). There was significant variation in odds of MH diagnoses by GMFCS level (I-II vs III-V: odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09-1.40; P = .001). Among individuals with CP, males were more likely than females to have diagnosis codes for conduct or impulse disorders (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.16-1.73) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (OR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.15-1.73]). Black individuals, compared with White individuals, were more likely to have diagnoses for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.14-2.16]), other mood disorders (OR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.01-3.38]), and trauma or stress disorders (OR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.44-2.63]). Odds for trauma or stress disorders were elevated for individuals who identified as other races compared with White individuals (OR, 2.80 [95% CI, 2.03-3.87]). In this case-control study of children and young adults with CP and matched comparisons, anxiety and conduct or impulse diagnoses were higher in individuals with CP. The lower diagnosis rates of depression and suicidal ideation may indicate underdiagnosis among individuals with CP. There is likely a need for assessment tools that are more suitable for children with CP.

A Culturally Responsive Narrative Retell Approach for Stuttering in the RSK Region

The present study investigates a tailored narrative retelling approach adapted for individuals experiencing stuttering in the RSK region, with a particular emphasis on addressing cultural responsiveness at the level of assessment tools. Initial findings emphasize the need for assessment tools that are both culturally and linguistically attuned. Positive participant reactions to culturally responsive interventions highlight their effectiveness. Proficient responses affirm the positive impact of cultural and linguistic adaptation, while participants are categorized as Emerging and Minimal points to specific areas requiring intervention. The retelling task and thematic analysis of interview questions offer a comprehensive framework, revealing the demand for more refined assessment tools. This research provides valuable insights for developing inclusive interventions in diverse cultural contexts, laying a foundation for future research and advancements in the RSK region.

The development and validation of a needs assessment tool for use with YOUng adult survivors of a CentrAl Nervous system tumor (YOU-CAN).

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of a central nervous system (CNS) tumor represent a vulnerable group who can experience: social isolation, low rates of employment, and achieving independence can be compromised, leading to poorer quality of life compared with survivors of other cancer types. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the validity of a needs assessment tool (NAT) for AYA survivors of a CNS tumor. Items generated using data from 29 qualitative studies and cognitive interviews (n = 8) produced NAT V1.1 (49 items). 128 of 316 eligible participants attending neuro-oncology clinics at 4 NHS sites between June 2022 and March 2023 completed the NAT V1.1 to allow for item reduction and refinement and to evaluate reliability and validity. A pilot study (n = 6) using YOU-CAN in routine follow-up concluded the study. Hierarchical analysis and Rasch analysis identified 18- and 15-items for removal, respectively. YOU-CAN, comprised of the remaining 16 items, demonstrates excellent test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient, 0.901, n = 40) and sufficient correlation with the European Quality of Life questionnaire and Supportive Care Needs Survey (Pearson r = 0.433 and 0.590, respectively). Pilot testing showed YOU-CAN triggered discussions of unmet needs in consultations and highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary support. YOU-CAN is a valid and reliable instrument containing items related to concerns about physical and emotional health; family and relationships; self-acceptance; and independence. Future efforts should examine YOU-CAN's feasibility, and develop guidance for managing unmet needs. Routine use of YOU-CAN may improve the identification of otherwise undiscussed unmet needs and opportunities to deliver personalized support.

중학교 영어과 최소성취기준 개발 연구

This research aims to develop minimal achievement standards based on the 2015 revised national curriculum and identify potential issues to lay the foundation for the future development of the minimal achievement standards for the 2022 revised national curriculum. The minimal achievement standards of the 2015 revised national curriculum were developed based on the “low” level assessment criteria, with additional examples of level-appropriate tasks. The draft underwent multiple expert reviews and was revised accordingly.
 The conclusion of this research suggests that each grade should have its own minimal standards instead of having one-size-fits-all standards for all middle school grades. This will better reflect the appropriate achievement levels for each grade. Additionally, there is a need for assessment tools that can evaluate students who fall below the minimal achievement standard, and educational materials should be developed based on the minimal achievement standards. Further research is necessary to update the minimal achievement standards in accordance with the up-to-date 2022 revised curriculum.

Occupational performance in Huntington’s disease: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disorders. These symptoms cause functional limitations in occupational performance. This study aimed to describe the difficulties in self-care, productivity, and leisure activities and to analyze the patients’ own perception and satisfaction and the association with sex, age, disability, HD severity, and quality of life. Method: We conducted an observational, retrospective study in 38 patients with HD without cognitive impairment at the Burgos University Hospital. We assessed occupational performance, quality of life, and HD severity with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Short-Form Health Survey 12, Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale, Total Functional Capacity, and the Problems Behavior Assessment. Results: One hundred sixty-five occupations (median 4, range 2–7) were categorized as self-care (50.90%), leisure (30.30%), and productivity (18.79%). Patients reported a higher degree of satisfaction with the activities prioritized than with the degree of performance. Elderly HD patients reported more satisfaction in leisure and women in self-care. Self-ratings of satisfaction in productivity were associated with higher levels of mental wellbeing. Conclusions: HD patients have problems with their daily life occupations, particularly with self-care. This underlines the need for assessment tools that capture the complexity of occupations.

Are They the Same for All People? Nurses' Knowledge about the Basic Human Needs of People with Disabilities.

Nursing care involves a continuous interaction between nurses and people with disabilities. This has created a need for assessment tools that measure nurses' knowledge about the basic human needs of people with disabilities. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to develop a Knowledge of Basic Human Needs Scale and investigate nurses' levels of knowledge about the basic human needs of people with disabilities and their association with nurses' education. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis to test the construct validity and to identify factors using principal varimax rotation. The reliability estimate was based on Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between knowledge about basic human needs and predictors. Factor analysis extracted eight factors, explaining 66.3% of the total variance. The sampling adequacy, criterion validity, and internal consistency were satisfactory. The nurses' levels of education was associated with their knowledge about the basic human needs of people with disabilities. The questionnaire constitutes a valuable contribution to improving nurses' knowledge and practice, as well as the quality of healthcare, and it provides a contribution to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Using Gamification Technique in the Assessment of Executive Function of Kindergarten Pupils

Early assessment of Executive Function (EF) can have great implications to children’s academic success. However, there is a need for assessment tools that are adapted to the skills of today’s preschool children other than paper pencil tests. This paper looked at the possibility of using gamification by using the mobile phone app Digital Trail Making Test by Simone Sacchi (dTMT-SS) in the assessment of the Executive functioning of kindergarten pupils at the height of the pandemic. This quasi experimental research utilized the pre-test and post test on ten (N=10) kindergarteners, with a mean age of 6.28 who remotely performed the dTMT at their homes with their parents who were instructed on how to administer or play this app. The time stamped results indicated an average level for both Part A (Numbers only) and Part B (Numbers and letters) in the pretest shows a mean of 1 minute and 10 seconds and 2 minutes and 37 seconds, respectively. The post test mean for Part A mean was 1 minute and Part B mean was 2 minutes and 16 seconds which both indicate average level. When comparing the results there is significant difference in the level of EF for both Part A (Numbers only) and Part B (Numbers and Letters). It can be inferred that the use of gamification technique is an effective tool in the assessment of EF in kindergarten pupils of today’s generation. The use of gamification in assessment is a faster, easier tool especially during health scares such as the Covid19 pandemic. It is recommended that more testing should be done before classes begin as part of the assessment for admission to kindergarten on a larger population and in both public and private schools.

Chewing skills in two and three year old children: Gender and age comparisons on an adapted version of the test of mastication and swallowing (TOMASS-C)

Purpose Few assessment tools objectively measure chewing skills in the paediatric population. There is a need for assessment tools that use consistent foods so comparisons can be made between typically developing children and children with paediatric feeding disorders, and to measure the efficacy of treatment. The Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids for adults (TOMASS) and children (TOMASS-C) are assessments that use a cracker as a consistent measure to assess chewing skills. Normative data exist for children over 4 years, however, no data are available for younger children. This study investigated age and gender-related differences in mastication skills in typically developing children aged 2–3 years when eating a cracker. Method Thirty participants aged 2;0–3;10 were assessed using an adapted version of the TOMASS-C. Participants were required to eat a single Arnott’s Salada cracker, and the number of bites, masticatory cycles, swallows, and duration of time to finish the cracker were measured. Result Two-year-old children used more masticatory cycles and took longer to finish the cracker than 3-year-old children. There were no significant effects of age on the number of swallows and number of bites, and no significant differences between boys and girls. Conclusion This study provides preliminary normative data for chewing skills in children aged 2 and 3 years and confirms that the TOMASS-C is sensitive to developmental changes in mastication within this younger age range. These results expand our understanding of oral motor and chewing development in children.

Proposal of a New Rating Concept for Digital Health Applications in Orthopedics and Traumatology.

Health-related mobile applications (apps) are rapidly increasing in number. There is an urgent need for assessment tools and algorithms that allow the usability and content criteria of these applications to be objectively assessed. The aim of this work was to establish and validate a concept for orthopedic societies to rate health apps to set a quality standard for their safe use. An objective rating concept was created, consisting of nine quality criteria. A self-declaration sheet for app manufacturers was designed. Manufacturers completed the self-declaration, and the app was examined by independent internal reviewers. The pilot validation and analysis were performed on two independent health applications. An algorithm for orthopedic societies was created based on the experiences in this study flow. "Sprunggelenks-App" was approved by the reviewers with 45 (98%) fulfilled criteria and one (2%) unfulfilled criterion. "Therapie-App" was approved, with 28 (61%) met criteria, 6 (13%) unfulfilled criteria and 12 (26%) criteria that could not be assessed. The self-declaration completed by the app manufacturer is recommended, followed by a legal and technical rating performed by an external institution. When rated positive, the societies' internal review using independent raters can be performed. In case of a positive rating, a visual certification can be granted to the manufacturer for a certain time frame. An objective rating algorithm is proposed for the assessment of digital health applications. This can help societies to improve the quality assessment, quality assurance and patient safety of those apps. The proposed concept must be further validated for inter-rater consistency and reliability.

Translation and validation of a questionnaire for measuring teachers’ views on nature of science

ABSTRACT Background Teachers’ views of nature of science (NOS) play a key-role in how they teach science and can significantly impact their students’ understanding of and achievement in science. NOS has been a curriculum goal in science education for several decades. Therefore, there is a need for assessment tools that can examine views of NOS in the language spoken by teachers and used in their teaching. Purpose This paper reports the development, through translation and validation of a measure for assessing NOS understanding in the Arabic language, specifically, the Reconceptualised Family Resemblance Approach to Nature of Science Questionnaire (RFNQ). The RFNQ has already been validated for use in English and Turkish languages; however, a validated version of the questionnaire in Arabic is lacking. Method The RFNQ was adapted to Arabic and validated according to widely accepted guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of questionnaires for different languages. These incorporated forward translation, critical assessment by a panel of Arabic native experts and experienced teachers, and back-translation. Sample Subsequently, a total of 130 pre-service teachers completed the questionnaire to assess the internal consistency of the constructed Arabic version (RFNQ-AR). Results The RNFQ-AR was developed through a comprehensive procedure to ensure accurate translation and meaning. Further, the RFNQ-AR questionnaire reliability coefficient for the whole items found to be acceptable (α = 0.89) and varied per scale between 0.72 and 0.74, which is standard for internal consistency reliability. Conclusions Current estimates of 422 million Arabic speakers worldwide indicate the need for assessment tools to be available in Arabic. Questionnaires such as the RFNQ-AR will facilitate research into teacher understanding of NOS and enable evidence-based training in this area to ensure optimal student performance.

Validation of the DSM-5 Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure in a Community Sample

The shift toward transdiagnostic and dimensional approaches to diagnosing mental disorders has created a need for assessment tools that efficiently measure a range of mental health symptoms and their severity. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties and diagnostic utility of the DSM-5 Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure (CCSM), developed by the American Psychiatric Association as a brief transdiagnostic measure of mental health symptoms, in community-dwelling adults. Participants (N = 482) completed symptom measures corresponding to CCSM domains and self-reported diagnostic criteria were used to establish DSM-5 diagnoses. The results showed CCSM domains had significant validity correlations with longer measures of the same or similar mental health constructs and overall symptom severity was associated with functional impairments and current treatment status. Several domains demonstrated moderate diagnostic efficiency for corresponding DSM-5 diagnoses. The recommended thresholds for depression, anxiety, and substance use domains showed strong sensitivity (≥ 0.83) but low specificity (range = 0.60-.73), whereas the personality functioning threshold showed low sensitivity (0.51) and excellent specificity (0.92). These results suggest CCSM domains are internally consistent and valid measures of psychopathology. Further, these findings indicate the CCSM shows promise as a screening tool for specific DSM-5 disorders in community samples.

Cause-specific mortality rate of ovarian cancer in the presence of competing risks of death: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

ObjectiveThis nationwide cohort study aimed to evaluate the cause-specific mortality (probability of death by ovarian cancer, probability of death by other causes) under the competing risks of death in women with ovarian cancer.MethodsThe Korea Central Cancer Registry was searched to identify women with primary ovarian cancer diagnosed between 2006 and 2016. Epithelial ovarian cancer cases were identified using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology 3rd edition. We estimated the cause-specific mortality according to age (<65 years, ≥65 years), stage (local, regional, and distant), and histology (serous, mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell, and others) under the competing risks framework; moreover, cumulative incidences were estimated.ResultsWe included 21,446 cases. Cause-specific mortality continuously increased throughout 10 year follow-up. Compared with women aged <65 years, ovarian cancer-specific mortality (5-year, 28.9% vs. 61.9%; 10-year, 39.0% vs. 68.6%, p<0.001) and other cause mortality (5-year, 1.7% vs. 4.8%; 10-year, 2.8% vs. 8.2%, p<0.001) increased in women aged ≥65 years. This trend was consistent across all the stages and histological types. There was a substantial increase in competing risks from 1.1% in women aged <65 years to 8.0% in women aged ≥65 years in patients with early-stage (p<0.001) non-serous ovarian cancer (p<0.001).ConclusionOlder age at diagnosis is associated with increasing ovarian cancer-specific mortality and competing risks. Given the substantial effect of competing risks on elderly patients, there is a need for assessment tools to balance the beneficial and harmful effects to provide optimal treatment.

Developing Cutoff Scores for the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) in Justice-Involved and Community Samples

ABSTRACT Objective: The recent addition of the callous-unemotional (CU) traits specifier, “with Limited Prosocial Emotions (LPE),” to major classification systems has prompted the need for assessment tools that aid in the identification of elevations on these traits for diagnostic purposes. The goal of the current study was to use and evaluate multiple methods for establishing cutoff scores for the multi-informant questionnaire, the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU). Method: The present study compared the clinical utility of various proposed cutoff methods and scores (i.e., empirically derived cutoffs using receiver operating characteristic (ROC), normative cutoffs, and rational scoring approximations of LPE criteria) in both a longitudinal sample of justice-involved male adolescents (N = 1,216; M age = 15.29, SD = 1.29) and a cross-sectional sample of school children (N = 289; M age = 11.47 years; SD = 2.26). Results: Methods resulted in a range of cutoff scores with substantial diagnostic overlap and validity. Specifically, they designated justice-involved adolescents at risk for later delinquency, aggression, and rearrests, and they designated school children more likely to be rated by parents and teacher as having conduct problems and rated by peers as being rejected and mean. Conclusions: The results lead to ranges of ICU scores that have support for their validity and can help to guide clinical decisions about children and adolescents who may be elevated on CU traits.

Development of electronic rubric to assess improvement of employability skills student

This research is carried out on the basis of the need for assessment tools to assess employability skills. Assessment which made refer to the applicable competency standard and adjusted to the needs of each proficiency field. The urgency of this research is to design an electronic rubric evaluation tool for educators. This study aims to develop electronic rubric in measuring employability skills due to the condition which not every skills assessment uses standard assessment tools, it encourages researcher to develop assessment tools that can be used as the process of measuring employability skills by work based learning. The research method that used is Design Based Research to develop prototypes of performance evaluation tool or performance assessment. The design of performance assessment in this research is web based using SmartRubric platform. The SmartRubric application uses browser technology and is accessed through a computer network. Besides using a computer or laptop system on this application is also using mobile, such as mobile phones, smartphone, tablet PC, Mac, Android, BB and others, as long as the device has a browser application for internet access. The SmartRubric application has a program that is stored on the Server and sent via the internet and accessed through a browser interface, so that it can be accessed using a web browser through an internet network or intranet. The use of SmartRubric application through computer software that is coded in a programming which supports web-based software namely HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Ruby, Python, Php, Java and any other programming.

Study Protocol for the Evaluation of Individual Psychological Interventions for Family Caregivers of Advanced Cancer Patients.

Background: Both anxiety and depression in family caregivers (FCs) of advanced cancer patients are common, and they have a negative influence on both the FCs and the patients. Some studies suggested that a variety of interventions could alleviate the psychological symptoms of FCs. However, there is no consensus on much more effective methods for intervention, and relatively high-quality research is blank in psychological problems of these population in China. The validity of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and psychological consultation guided by the needs assessment tool (NST) in the psychological status of caregivers will be compared in this study to select a more suitable intervention for the FCs of advanced cancer patients in China.Methods and Analysis: A randomized N-of-1 trial would be conducted at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Fifty eligible FCs of advanced cancer patients will be recruited, and all will receive three cycles of psychological intervention treatment, with each cycle including both of MBSR and psychological consultation guided by the NST. MBSR and psychological consultation guided by the NST will be compared with each other in each cycle, and the intervention sequence will be based on the random number table generated after the informed consent has been completed. Each treatment period is 2 weeks, and the interval between different treatment cycles or treatment periods is 1 week. The self-reported scales are measured at the beginning and end of each treatment period, including the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Distress Thermometer (DT), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Chinese version of the Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short Form (C-SF-12), and Family Carer Satisfaction with Palliative Care scale (FAMCARE-2).Dissemination: The protocol of the study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Ethical Committee of the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academic of Medical Science. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. The study is registered at Chinese Clinical Trials Registry with the trial registration number chiCTR2000033707. This study employs an innovative methodological approach on the effectiveness of MBSR and psychological consultation guided by the NST for psychological status of FCs of advanced cancer patients. The findings of the study will be helpful to provide high-quality evidence-based medical data for psychological intervention of FCs of advanced cancer patients, and guide clinicians on best quality treatment recommendations.