Opinions Of Health Care Providers Research Articles

Utilization of the Keeping Hope Possible Toolkit with parents of children with life limiting and life threatening illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic: Exploring pediatric nurses and allied healthcare provider opinions

BackgroundFor families with children diagnosed with complex illnesses, the COVID-19 pandemic added many challenges. In order to mitigate inevitable disruptions in pediatric care settings, caregivers may need added supports and resources. The Keeping Hope Possible (KHP) Toolkit is a self-administered intervention intended to enhance caregiving experiences of parents with a child with multiple needs. However, little is known about effectively disseminating the Toolkit. Purpose and methodsA qualitative, thematic analysis was conducted to explore the opinions and perceptions of pediatric nurses and allied healthcare providers (HCPs) in relation to the dissemination and use of the KHP Toolkit for use by families with complex medical needs. Structured interview data were analyzed from a sample of seven pediatric HCPs working in various care settings in one Canadian province. FindingsFive themes were developed including: Recognising Importance of the KHP Toolkit; Needing Support and Direction; Implementation and Use of the KHP Toolkit; Realizing Important Considerations for Success; and, Emphasizing Connection through Isolated Times. DiscussionParticipants recognized the importance of the KHP Toolkit for parents and extended family in a variety of settings to encourage self-care, daily structure, and connectedness. Thus, pediatric nurses' awareness and openness to the initial dissemination of the Toolkit is essential, and a subsequent interprofessional team approach will ensure consistent reminders and support for families. Application to practiceCareful assessment of family readiness for learning about and using the KHP Toolkit is essential, along with an interprofessional approach to consistent inquiry and support at each family encounter.

The use of electronic Patient Reported Outcomes in follow-up after palliative radiotherapy: A survey study in Belgium

ObjectiveElectronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (ePROMs) could be used to monitor patients' symptoms after treatment. However, ePROM implementation in clinical practice has been challenging, especially in (palliative) radiation oncology. The aim of this study was to explore the opinions of healthcare providers (HCP) active in radiation oncology in Belgium on the use of ePROMs for symptom follow-up after palliative radiotherapy. MethodsAn anonymous online survey was conducted with different HCP in radiation oncology in Belgium. Participants were recruited through several professional organizations with approximately 390 members actively working in the field of radiation oncology. The survey used was a self-developed questionnaire, based on existing literature on implementation of (e)PROMs in cancer care, our previous research on this topic as well as our personal experience in the field of oncology and palliative care. ResultsOf the 128 respondents, 26% had experience with ePROMs in clinical practice. Eighty-four percent considered ePROMs beneficial for patients' health and symptom knowledge, symptom self-management and active participation in care. ePROMs could help HCP to focus on detection of relevant symptoms and improve their management. Almost 75% were willing to implement and use ePROMs. Assigning ePROM introduction and follow-up to a dedicated person, such as a nurse navigator, was suggested to promote ePROM implementation and use in clinical practice. ConclusionDespite limited experience with ePROMs in clinical care for palliative radiotherapy patients, the majority of respondents is willing to implement and use ePROMs for this particular patient population. InnovationThis is one of the first studies specifically focusing on experiences and opinions of HCP in radiation oncology on the use of ePROMs for symptom follow-up in palliative radiotherapy. HCP should be actively involved in implementation of ePROMs after palliative radiotherapy, to translate their vision of their ideals in practice.

Stakeholders' perspectives on caregiver outcomes for health care transition for adolescents and young adults with special health care needs: A qualitative study.

Previous literature has explored parent/caregiver perspectives and satisfaction with the health care transition (HCT) process for their adolescents and young adults with special health care needs (AYASHCN). Limited research has explored the opinion of health care providers and researchers on parent/caregiver outcomes associated with a successful HCT for AYASHCN. A web-based survey was distributed through the international and interdisciplinary Health Care Transition Research Consortium listserv, which at the time of the survey was composed of 148 providers dedicated to optimizing the HCT of AYAHSCN. Participants responded to the open-ended question, 'What parent/caregiver-related outcome(s) would represent a successful healthcare transition?' Respondents included 109 providers (52 health care professionals, 38 social service professionals and 19 other). Responses were coded for emergent themes, and research suggestions were identified. Qualitative analyses identified two major themes: emotion- and behaviour-based outcomes. Emotion-based subthemes included relinquishing control of child's health management (n= 50, 45.9%) as well as parental satisfaction and confidence in their child's care and HCT (n= 42, 38.5%). Respondents also noted that parents/caregivers should experience an improved sense of well-being and decreased stress (n= 9, 8.2%) due to a successful HCT. Behaviour-based outcomes included early preparation and planning for HCT (n= 12, 11.0%) and parental instruction on the knowledge and skills necessary for their adolescent to independently manage their health (n= 10, 9.1%). Health care providers can assist parents/caregivers in learning strategies for instructing their AYASHCN about condition-related knowledge and skills as well as provide support for 'letting go' of the caregiver role during the HCT to adult-focused health services and adulthood. Communication between the AYASCH, their parents/caregivers and paediatric- and adult-focused providers needs to be consistent and comprehensive to ensure continuity of care and a successful HCT. We also offered strategies to address the outcomes suggested by the participants of this study.

Addressing racial disparities in perinatal care for African American/Black individuals in the Chicago community health setting: a qualitative study

BackgroundThere are persistent disparities in maternal and infant perinatal outcomes experienced by Black birthing persons compared with non-Hispanic white (NHW) individuals in the US. The differences in outcomes arise from not only socioeconomic factors and individual health behaviors but also structural racism. Recent research is beginning to elucidate the benefits of patient navigation to support underserved minoritized individuals who experience this constellation of barriers to equitable care. Qualitative research that utilizes both the experiences of Black birthing individuals and the expert opinion of healthcare providers working with them can serve to guide a patient navigation intervention to further decrease disparities in perinatal outcomes.MethodsWe conducted 30 interviews between August and December 2020 with Black birthing individuals in the Chicago metropolitan area and healthcare providers who care for this population both in Chicago and across the nation to explore their experiences, perceptions of barriers to care and ways to decrease inequities.ResultsClinical care team members acknowledged the presence of health disparities experienced by Black pregnant individuals compared with their NHW counterparts stemming from racism, discrimination, and lack of resources. Patients similarly reported personal experiences with these disparities and barriers to care. The successful methods used by clinical care teams to help decrease these differences in the past included patient education on important topics such as breastfeeding and the use of patient advocates. Effectively screening for social determinants of health by someone the patient trusts was also cited as important. Regarding perinatal care practices, clinical care team members described the importance of patient education needs and care team cultural competency. Patients’ reported positive and negative experiences corroborated these findings, emphasizing the importance of trust, listening, education, access to care, support, and patient advocacy. Finally, the care team members and patients agreed that active trust-building can help the provider/patient relationship and ultimately improve outcomes.ConclusionsThese qualitative research findings improve the understanding of barriers to care and will help guide development of an intervention to reduce the health disparities experienced by Black pregnant persons.

Opinions of Health Care Providers About Neuromodulation for Pain: Results of an Online Survey at the 2nd Joint Congress of the International Neuromodulation Society European Chapters

IntroductionNeuromodulation for pain has been successfully applied for decades, in that the goals and expectations that patients aim to achieve are clearly described. Nevertheless, the point of view of health care providers is less clear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the goals, expectations, and definition of success for neuromodulation for pain according to health care providers. Materials and MethodsAn online survey was developed and spread at the 2nd Joint Congress of the International Neuromodulation Society (INS) European Chapters in September 2021 in Paris. Respondents were asked 1) to select the goals to treat patients with neuromodulation for pain, 2) to indicate factors that they expect to change according to neuromodulation for pain, and 3) to provide their definition of success of neuromodulation for pain. ResultsWe approached 101 respondents, of whom 88 health care providers at least partly completed the survey. Increasing mobility/functionality (26.7%), decreasing pain intensity (24.5%), and decreasing medication use (16.6%) were the most frequently reported goals of neuromodulation. The same top three variables were selected as factors that health care providers expected to change. For the definition of success, quality of life of patients outranked other definitions. Other highly ranked definitions, in descending order, were obtaining pain relief, increasing functionality, and increasing patient satisfaction. DiscussionGoals and expectations of health care providers are not completely in line with previously explored goals of patients that are related to pain relief and improving walking abilities. Health care providers seem to put a high emphasis on the quality of life of the patient when evaluating the success of neuromodulation, which is not completely aligned with the currently used reimbursement rules that are mainly focusing on pain relief instead of incorporating health-related quality of life. Clinical Trial RegistrationThe Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is NCT05013840.

Social robots in pediatric oncology: opinions of health care providers

Abstract Background: We aimed to describe the opinions of health care providers in pediatric oncology regarding social robots and to examine differences in their opinions based on their background characteristics. Methods: Health care providers working in pediatric oncology care were approached globally to participate online in a cross-sectional questionnaire study with multiple choice and open-ended questions. Open-ended questions were coded and collapsed into categories by two researchers independently. Frequencies were used to describe the answers. Differences in opinions were studied using logistic regression analyses. Results: Health care providers’ (n = 286) first thoughts about social robots were mostly positive (81.0%). They saw value in social robots (83.6%), mostly during hospitalization or procedures and when used for distraction. They were willing to use one (67.8%), but also expected difficulties (67.1%), mainly concerning technical errors. Psychosocial staff members less often saw value in social robots, more often expected difficulties and were less willing to use a social robot than other health care providers (Ps < .05). No other differences were found. Conclusions: Social robots may be a promising addition to pediatric oncology care, since health care providers were generally positive about this innovation. However, psychosocial staff members seemed more reluctant. Important potential barriers were defined that should be addressed upon implementation.

Enhancing Patient Care II: The Clinical Impact of Medical Information Services

BackgroundUnderstanding the ways that healthcare providers (HCPs) utilize medical information received from the pharmaceutical industry is important so that the information can be tailored and customized to meet the HCPs needs. Additionally, this understanding supports the value of the information provided. The purpose of this study was to collect opinions of HCPs who recently requested information from a manufacturer’s Medical Information (Med Info) Service. HCPs provided their opinions on the perceived quality, relevance, impact on patient care, and intended usage of information.MethodsHCPs who recently requested medical information from one of eight participating companies received a Survey Monkey link in the information response. Data collected included demographics, perceived quality, relevance, impact on patient care, and intended usage of the information. Data were analyzed via descriptive statistics.ResultsOver a 14-month period, 246 HCPs responded to the survey. Eight companies participated in the survey. Customer responses to the survey ranged from 2 to 97 per company. A total of 99 pharmacists, 68 physicians, 22 registered nurses, 21 nurse practitioners, 8 physician assistants, and 28 others participated in the survey. Most HCPs (208/227, 92%) contacted the company Med Info Group 1–5 times in the last six months and 67% (159/238) had been in practice greater than 10 years. Most HCPs rated the following quality areas as a 4 or 5 on a 5-point Likert scale: timeliness (195/225, 87%), trustworthiness (189/221, 86%), conciseness (185/221, 84%), clarity (180/222, 81%), relevance (178/223, 80%), and completeness (173/222, 78%). The most common reason for contacting Med Info Services was to advance knowledge or education (110/228, 48%). Additional reasons were at the point of care (60/228, 26%), for a specific patient (not at point of care) (60/228, 26%), and to reflect on a treatment decision (59/228, 26%). The relevance of the information provided was utilized for the HCPs own education (99/226, 44%), shared with peers (91/226, 40%), or used for future treatment decisions (88/226, 39%). The information provided enhanced patient care by enabling the HCPs to educate patients more effectively (86/222, 39%), efficacy of treatment regimen was enhanced (70/222, 32%), or other positive impact (65/222, 29%).ConclusionThe opinions of HCPs who are using Medical Information Services are overall positive. All the quality indicators were rated as a 4 or 5 by the majority of HCPs, with the lowest in completeness (173/222, 78%) and the highest in timeliness (195/225, 87%). Medical Information Services were utilized to advance knowledge/education of the HCP, followed closely by the care of a current or future patient. However, when queried on the relevant use of the information in their practice, the most common answers were for their own education or to share with peers. The impact on patient care was focused on enabling the HCP to educate patients more effectively. The value of medical information is difficult to quantify. Understanding the quality assessment, utilization, and the impact on patient care by HCPs can provide a broad descriptor of value. This study supports the value of the medical information responses provided by pharmaceutical companies to HCPs in their practice(s).

Development of Holistic Health Care Interventions for Women With Infertility: A Nominal Group Technique.

Infertility care is often directed by a biomedical approach rather than a holistic approach, especially in African countries. This article explores the opinions of health care providers regarding holistic health care interventions in managing women with infertility in Ghana. Data were retrieved using a qualitative design and nominal group technique with a purposive sample of 12 health care providers in Ghana. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Health care providers explored various psychological, educational, spiritual, social, and medical interventions to ensure women diagnosed with infertility receive holistic treatment and attain optimal health.

Perceptions of patients and healthcare providers on patient education to improve oral anticoagulant management.

Education of patients is thought to be key to high-quality oral anticoagulant(OAC) medication management. Theoretically, improving patients' knowledge should improve their self-management skills and adherence. The study's objective was to explore the opinions of healthcare providers and patients on the desired content and format of patient education on OACs, in addition to perceived barriers to high-quality patient education. We applied qualitative descriptive methods in a focus group study on OAC management. Five focus group discussions were conducted in two health regions in Southwestern Ontario from 2017 to 2018 with 19 patients, 7 caregiversand 16 healthcare providers (physicians, nursesand pharmacists). During the focus groups, participants discussed their experiences with OAC education and made suggestions about the content and format for patient education on OACs. Transcripts were analysed using conventional content analysis. We identified the five themes of patient education on OAC management: content of OAC education (rationale, riskand appropriate drug administration methods), the best times for providing OAC education (time of OACs initiation along with continuing education), preferred education delivery strategies (case management targeted patient information summaries from authoritative sources such as Thrombosis Canada and video education), patient and community pharmacist engagement in OAC education, and perceived barriers to optimal patient education (patients depending too much on their healthcare providers for advice, the limited time patients spend with healthcare providers, gaps in clear communication between providersand the lack of a nationally or provincially coordinated OAC management programme). Our findings suggest that patients, caregivers and healthcare providers support the need for education on OACs, including for patients taking DOACs. Specific important content and proper education format are needed. The optimal combination of content, format, duration, timingand sources for OAC education requires further research.

Perspectives of health care providers regarding the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system

Objectives The aims of the study were to assess the number of insertions per month of the 52 mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and gauge the knowledge and opinions of health care providers with regard to some of its characteristics and the reasons why women liked using the method. Methods An online questionnaire survey was conducted between January and July 2021 at the University of Campinas, Brazil. The survey comprised physicians and nurses from centres that had requested and received donated devices. Results A total of 65 health care providers answered the questionnaire (41 physicians and 24 nurses). The main misconceptions were related to insertion after an ectopic pregnancy: 60/65 (92.3%) answered that users with previous ectopic pregnancy must have frequent follow-up. Wrong answers were also given on the occurrence of acne (37/65, 56.9%) and depression (32/65, 49.2%). Participants reported that the LNG-IUS was highly effective (100%), long-acting (93.9%) and an appropriate method for controlling uterine bleeding (90.8%) and that it had few side effects (86.2%). Conclusion Our study suggests that health care providers from centres that requested and received LNG-IUS donations, even though they reported adequate knowledge about the device, still had misconceptions with regard to its clinical management.

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment in an academic hospital in Kenya: Treatment outcomes and health-care providers' perspectives.

Early deaths and treatment nonadherence are major reasons for low childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survival in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed treatment outcomes of children presenting with ALL and evaluated perspectives of health-care providers (HCP) on ALL treatment at a Kenyan academic hospital. This was a combined retrospective medical records and cross-sectional questionnaire study. Treatment outcomes of 136 children diagnosed with ALL between 2010 and 2016 were collected. Questionnaires were completed by 245 HCP (response rate, 86%) between September and October 2016. Childhood ALL treatment outcomes were death (30%), progressive or relapsed disease (26%), abandonment (24%), and event-free survival (20%). Of all deaths, 80% were early deaths (prior or during induction), whereas 20% occurred in remission. Probability of event-free survival at three years was 18%. Only 57% of HCP believed childhood ALL can be cured, with more doctors (96%) than other HCP (45%) believing in curability of ALL (P<0.001). The majority of HCP (96%) thought that experienced doctors should put more time and effort into making parents understand the diagnosis and necessity to complete treatment. According to HCP, reasons for protocol nonadherence included parental financial difficulties (94%) and use of alternative treatment (79%). Event-free survival for ALL in Kenya is low. The primary reason for treatment failure is early death from treatment-related complications. More efforts should be directed toward improving supportive care strategies. In the opinion of HCPs, improved communication with parents and supervision of junior staff will improve ALL treatment outcomes.

A conceptual framework on health professionals' engagement towards pharmacovigilance: a qualitative exploration

Background: With the growing reliance on drug therapy in the recent era, the safety of medications is one of the vital parameters for the success of any medicine. Considering this, pharmacovigilance (PV) was developed to provide adequate identification, reporting, evaluation, and understanding of adverse drug reactions (ADR). The objective of this study was to understand the opinion of health care providers on PV, the current reporting mechanisms, identifying the causes for underreporting, and the existing process in clinical practice.Methods: A qualitative study using pretested interview guide was conducted among 20 different cadres of healthcare personnel (doctors, pharmacists, and staff nurses) from various hospitals such as government, private, corporate, and medical college of Odisha state. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis. The meaning units have been identified from the transcript and coded with MAXQDA software (MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2020, VERBI GmbH Berlin).Results: Participants showed a lack of awareness regarding the concept of PV. A cluster of challenges such as lack of ADR monitoring, non-conducive work atmosphere and lack of cooperation between staff, lack of knowledge among the health professionals, and fear of legal liability as major pitfalls causing poor ADR reporting. To enhance the pharmacovigilance practice, participants suggested context-specific strategies such as IEC activities, innovative ideas to improve ADR monitoring, regular monitoring.Conclusions: Capacity building through training, regular monitoring and supervision to strengthen the pharmacovigilance practices is the current need in India.

Fourteen years’ clinical experience and the first million babies protected with human live-attenuated vaccine against rotavirus disease in Italy

ABSTRACT Rotavirus (RV) causes up to half of hospital and community acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases in young children in Italy. Two RV vaccines, available since 2006, are human RV (HRV) and human bovine RV (HBRV). This report looks back at the implementation of RV vaccination with HRV in Italy, and at HRV current and future perspectives. Initial regional policies led to national implementation by 2018, after scientific societies’ disease awareness efforts. Following vaccination, RV hospitalizations declined significantly, and cost savings were observed. The two-dose HRV vaccine is easily administered during compulsory vaccine visits, helping increase coverage. Intussusception, a serious event in children <1 year, was reported in Italy with a rate of 33–40 per 100,000 infants. RV vaccination presents a low increased risk of intussusception after the first dose, estimated at 0.6 cases per 100,000 doses in Italy in 2019. Parents should be aware of the intussusception risk and symptoms to ensure prompt treatment. It is widely recognized that the vaccination benefits (large numbers of RV hospitalizations prevented) outweigh the risk. HRV introduction in Italy was supported by epidemiologic burden studies, healthcare provider opinions, and congress debates, which significantly contributed to implementation of RV universal routine infant vaccination in Italy.

A qualitative assessment of parental experiences with false-positive newborn screening for Krabbe disease.

Numerous US states have implemented newborn screening for Krabbe disease (Krabbe NBS) as a result of legislative state mandates. While healthcare provider opinions toward Krabbe NBS have been documented, few studies have explored parental experiences and opinions regarding Krabbe NBS. Eleven families, who received a false-positive Krabbe NBS result and received genetic counseling at an institution in central Ohio, were consented to participate in semistructured interviews. Interviews explored parents' experiences throughout the NBS process and ascertained their opinions regarding Krabbe NBS. Three major themes emerged from thematic analysis: (1) improved understanding of the NBS process from a parent perspective, (2) the role of healthcare provider communication, and (3) the value of Krabbe NBS. Parents saw value in Krabbe NBS, despite many disclosing emotional distress and uncertainty throughout the NBS process. Parent experiences throughout the NBS process varied widely. Due to the expressed emotional distress, further research assessing effective communication during the NBS process is warranted. The researchers suggest additional NBS education for non-genetics healthcare providers (i.e., nurses or primary care physicians) and further participation of genetic counselors in the NBS process may benefit families with a positive Krabbe NBS result.

Worldwide experiences and opinions of healthcare providers on eHealth for patients with interstitial lung diseases in the COVID-19 era.

The #COVID19 pandemic has led to an increase in the use of eHealth for patients with interstitial lung disease. Healthcare providers worldwide are positive towards further implementation of eHealth for research and clinical practice. https://bit.ly/3h2545M

Influence of COVID 19 Pandemic on Shifting High Dose I-131 Therapy to Home Isolation Practice.

COVID-19 pandemic forced medical facilities to postpone many elective services, including hospitalization for radioactive iodine (I131) therapy. This has negative impact on patients in need of this therapy in many countries, including Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), as they mandate hospital admission in special isolation room for few days to receive high dose I31 therapy. In other countries, this therapy is not significantly affected as high dose I-131 therapy on outpatient basis with home isolation (HDITO) is a well-established safe and effective therapeutic policy. Aim: To assess opinion of health care providers concerned with I131 therapy in KSA about HDITO and to verify acceptance to apply HDITO during current pandemic. Material and Methods: questionnaire about HDITO was electronically dispensed to health care providers in KSA and results were collected within four weeks to be statistically analysed. Results: Out of 101 respondents, about two thirds confirmed significant delay in giving high dose I-131 therapy due to COVID19. Half respondents agreed to apply HDITO, 85% agreement was reported for those frequently involved in I-131 therapy. Avoiding treatment delay with its unfavourable consequences represents the foremost etiological factor for agreement to apply the policy of giving HDITO, followed by avoiding overwhelming of health care system and saving patients from catching viral infection during the current pandemic . Respondent's agreement for application of the policy of HDITO was conditioned with presence of separate bedroom and bathroom for the patient, strict application of radiation safety instructions and proper waste disposalRespondents favour the use of a communication method with the patient and his/her family as hot line for answering any question about radiation protection issues raised at any time during post therapy period. Around 63% of respondents agreed about conducting a national multi-centric clinical study, providing approval from all related governmental radiation safety authorities in KSA, to ensure the safety and efficacy of HDITO. 50% Are so willing to participate in this study, this figure increases to 85% for those who are more frequently involved in I-131 therapy. CONCLUSION: Many healthcare professionals in KSA agreed to apply the policy of HDITO that appears to be good alternative to routine hospital admission during COVID19 pandemic. This study encourages performing a multi-centric research in KSA about HDITO, on approval from higher radiation safety authorities, to confirm its safety and efficacy to be applied in the future during any other pandemic.

A Scoping Review of the Impact of Family Presence on Pediatric Resuscitation Team Members*

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify the extent, range, and nature of information currently available on family presence during pediatric resuscitation on resuscitation team members and their performance. A comprehensive search strategy was created and executed by identifying primary keywords in central articles, pretesting key words and combinations of them in databases to confirm articles returned fell within the search parameters, and checking that key articles were returned which confirmed the search strategy was not too narrow. Two members of the research team independently conducted relevance screening using predetermined inclusion and exclusion parameters. Titles and abstracts of retrieved articles were reviewed using the set criteria involving. From the refined list of selected articles, full texts of each article were considered for final determination of inclusion. Key items of information were gathered from each article selected using a predefined extraction list. The extracted information was then sorted into themes and relevant issues. Of the 3,012 studies initially identified, 48 met the inclusion criteria. Themes identified included as follows: 1) attitudes and opinions on family presence during pediatric resuscitation; 2) reasons in support of or against family presence during pediatric resuscitation; 3) education, training, and support; and 4) resuscitation performance and outcomes. Our review of the available information highlighted that the majority of work done to this point has focused heavily on healthcare provider opinions and relied mainly on survey method. We propose that future research employ more rigorous research techniques, such as randomized control trials, place greater emphasis on healthcare provider behaviors and clinical outcomes during family presence during pediatric resuscitation, and increase exploration into the education and training needs of healthcare providers who already currently manage family presence during pediatric resuscitation.

Cardiac donation after circulatory determination of death: protocol for a mixed-methods study of healthcare provider and public perceptions in Canada

IntroductionCardiac transplantation remains the best treatment for patients with end-stage heart disease that is refractory to medical or device therapies, however, a major challenge for heart transplantation is the persistent...

Opinions of healthcare providers on the design of a smartphone application for asthma treatment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

IntroductionIn several countries of the world, smartphone applications have been designed to contribute to the treatment of asthma. However, none of these applications has been developed in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the objective of this article is to design a smartphone application for the treatment of asthma based on the opinions of healthcare providers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.MethodsIn order to know the opinion of the healthcare providers from Saudi Arabia about the design of an asthma App, we used a purposive sampling method and conducted a cross sectional survey employing a questionnaire which was distributed through the QuestionPro.com website to all healthcare providers working in this country. The questionnaire was sent to 376 healthcare providers and the response rate was 25%.ResultsThe data indicated that the majority of the respondents opined that the following features were important or very important in the design of a smartphone application for asthma treatment in Saudi Arabia: information about patient diagnosis (98%), primary physician access information(83%), patient satisfaction with the therapeutic process (91%), push notifications about reminder for drugs (95%), push notification for treatment of inhaler and other drugs (92%), push notifications about reminders of clinic visits and therapy sections (81%), push notifications to ask for help sending SMS to primary physician about patients’ attacks (89%), pathophysiology of asthma (82%), asthma triggers (98%), drug guidelines (94%), drug side effects (93%), number of asthma attacks (98%), medication statistics (88%), visual inputs such as peak flow (91%), data to link patients to healthcare providers and to healthcare centers (82%), and Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) references (72%).ConclusionsAccording to the opinion of the majority of healthcare providers (92%), the proposed smartphone application designed based on medical guidelines will contribute to improve the treatment of patients with asthma in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and will help to reduce the number of asthma cases that need hospitalization, and the number of asthma cases in the emergency departments of the hospitals of the Kingdom.

Cannabis use in pediatric cancer patients: what are they reading? A review of the online literature.

Recent changes to the legal status of marijuana in Canada warrant a review of the information that patients and families are accessing online regarding the role of cannabis in cancer. The aims of the current research were to identify the quality of literature available online as well as the themes, and opinion (i.e., pro-, neutral, or anti-cannabis) of online articles. Searches were conducted using three primary search engines: Google, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo. Articles were assessed for quality based on a modified scale for evaluating online sources. Content of all unique articles was coded using a qualitative thematic methodology in a line-by-line fashion. Codes were clustered to determine themes within articles. Finally, opinions were determined by examining all articles in a line-by-line fashion. Each statement was coded as either pro-cannabis (positive) or anti-cannabis (negative). We found most articles were authored by journalists (39.4%) and MDs (14.1%) and published as news (35.2%) or web articles (28.2%). The content of articles focused on four themes: the reasons for and against cannabis use; the opinions of health care providers; the restrictions placed by governing bodies and the need for additional research, education, and standardization. Article opinions were neutral-pro-cannabis. Health care providers should be aware that the overall quality of information found online is considered "satisfactory." The majority of articles present a pro-cannabis opinion.