Patient Perceptions Research Articles

Hashtag healthcare: An assessment of current educational quality and patient perceptions of scoliosis on TikTok

Hashtag healthcare: An assessment of current educational quality and patient perceptions of scoliosis on TikTok

Factors Influencing Older People's Intentions to Vaccinate.

Vaccination is crucial in reducing the spread of disease and improving overall patient mortality. Limited information exists regarding pharmacist accessibility outside traditional medical settings or impact on older patients' intention to vaccinate. This study aimed to examine patient perceptions regarding pharmacist accessibility and vaccination intention. Researchers used a quantitative research method of older people from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. A survey was given to community-dwelling older people who attended different vaccine clinics. The survey included 10 questions describing reasons for not receiving vaccines in the past, how likely they are to receive vaccines if administered at community events, and the importance of having easy access to vaccines. For Likert-type items, a 5-point scale was used. The surveys were collected electronically and anonymously from several community events. Aggregate data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. One hundred seventy-eight responses were collected. The average age of participants was 75 years, and 70.8% were females. Of the respondents, 44.9% preferred to receive vaccines at a community center, 17.4% at the doctor's office, 4.5% at a clinic, and 9.6% at a sporting event like a boxing match. Men were more likely to receive a vaccine at a sporting event, while women were more likely to be interested in receiving a vaccine at a community center (P < 0.05). Respondents somewhat agreed (median = 4, interquartile range = 3-5) that they do not have transportation to places with vaccines. Age was significantly and negatively correlated with educational attainment (P < 0.001). However, as participants' ages increased, they were significantly more likely to have a belief that vaccines do not work (P = 0.011). The study addressed how pharmacists should consider more community outreach events in convenient locations, like community centers, for older people to improve vaccination rates.

Perception of fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with ulcerative colitis in Korea: a KASID multicenter study.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising therapy for inducing and maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, FMT has not been approved for UC treatment in Korea. Our study aimed to investigate patient perceptions of FMT under the national medical policy. This was a prospective, multicenter study. Patients with UC ≥ 19 years of age were included. Patients were surveyed using 22 questions on FMT. Changes in perceptions of FMT before and after education were also compared. A total of 210 patients with UC were enrolled. We found that 51.4% of the patients were unaware that FMT was an alternative treatment option for UC. After reading the educational materials on FMT, more patients were willing to undergo this procedure (27.1% vs. 46.7%; p < 0.001). The preferred fecal donor was the one recommended by a physician (41.0%), and the preferred transplantation method was the oral capsule (30.4%). A large proportion of patients (50.0%) reported that the national medical policy influenced their choice of FMT treatment. When patients felt severe disease activity, their willingness to undergo FMT increased (92.3% vs. 43.1%; p = 0.001). Education can increase preference for FMT in patients with UC. When patients have severe disease symptoms or their quality of life decreases their willingness to undergo FMT increases. Moreover, national medical policies may influence patient choices regarding FMT.

52108 Patient Perceptions of Hair Loss Treatments

52108 Patient Perceptions of Hair Loss Treatments

Cultural Influences on the Receipt of Breast Reconstruction: a Scoping Review.

Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction can provide breast cancer patients with lasting psychosocial, functional, and body image benefits. While sociodemographic factors affecting the receipt of breast reconstruction have been well studied, the cultural factors influencing patients' decisions to undergo breast reconstruction remain unclear. There are currently no reviews on cultural factors influencing breast reconstruction decision-making. This scoping review aimed to broadly evaluate the current literature on cultural factors that influence the receipt of breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients who have undergone mastectomies. A combination of keywords and subject headings was used to search for articles related to breast reconstruction and decision-making. Databases were searched from inception to November 20, 2023. Screening was performed according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines and quantitative studies examining the receipt of breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients following mastectomy were evaluated for inclusion. Of the 4,520 studies that underwent screening, 61 studies were included in the final review. The majority of studies included in the review were retrospective studies and studies in the United States. Included studies were evaluated for cultural influences on the receipt of breast reconstruction. Six themes emerged across the included studies: race and ethnicity, language and communication barriers, education and literacy, cultural competency, patient perceptions, and family and relationships. In addition to well-established influences on breast reconstruction like race and ethnicity, this review broadly identified additional cultural factors that influence patients' decisions to undergo breast reconstruction.

Nutritional Experiences and Perceptions of Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Qualitative Study

Objective: This study aims to determine the nutritional experiences and perceptions of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: The sample of this qualitative study consisted of 12 breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, selected using the purposive sampling method. The data were collected with a semi-structured interview method and evaluated with the phenomenological analysis method. Results: Three main themes emerged in the research: “hunger for knowledge”, “I want to protect and improve my health” and “the meaning attributed to diet”. According to the results, most of the patients did not get enough information about nutrition in chemotherapy, and they did not know what to eat in this period. Nearly half of the patients considered the foods as medicine and found nutritional solutions to overcome the side effects of chemotherapy. Conclusion: It is essential to give sufficient nutritional information to patients receiving chemotherapy. The study provides comprehensive information about the nutritional experiences and perceptions of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and is thought to contribute to the planning and implementation of holistic care.

Patient Perceptions of Hepatitis C Screening and Diagnosis While in a County Jail.

Prior research in the Santa Clara County (SCC) Jail showed that knowledge of hepatitis C virus (HCV), perception of risk, and perceived coercion impacted participation in routine HCV screening; however, the experiences of patients undergoing screening were not assessed. The purpose of the study was to understand patient perceptions of undergoing routine viral hepatitis screening and receiving a diagnosis of HCV while incarcerated. A qualitative design was employed using semi-structured interviews of individuals newly diagnosed with HCV via routine screening in the SCC Jail between March and November 2023. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Of the 15 participants, most were within the 35 to 44 (47%) and 25 to 34 (40%) age ranges, were White or Caucasian (47%), and all were male. Nine themes emerged: (1) risk perception as a motivator for testing, (2) testing convenience to maintain health, (3) minimal to no prior testing experience, (4) mixed experiences testing in the jail, (5) negative to neutral reactions to HCV diagnosis, (6) intrinsic motivation to get treated, (7) basic HCV knowledge after diagnosis, (8) seamless treatment experience in the jail, and (9) barriers to continuing care upon release. The HCV screening process, including disclosure, education, and treatment initiation, was positively received among participants.

Olfactory and gustatory perception in Brazilian PKU patients: A cross-sectional study.

Patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) have a highly restrictive diet, which involves restriction of phenylalanine (Phe) intake and daily use of Phe-free metabolic formula. However, little is known about the potential impact of this diet on chemical senses. The present study aimed to evaluate the olfactory and gustatory perceptions of patients with PKU. A cross-sectional controlled study which included patients with PKU on dietary treatment and healthy controls was performed. Olfactory perception was assessed using the 12-item Sniffin' Sticks test, and taste perception using the Taste Strips test. Twenty-five patients (mean age 19.3 ± 4.7 years; 13 females) and 25 controls (mean age 19.9 ± 4.9 years, p = 0.676; 13 females) were included. The mean age at treatment onset was 52.8 ± 29.7 days. The mean scores for olfactory and gustatory perceptions, and for bitter and salty flavors, were lower in patients than in controls (p = 0.039, p = 0.004, p = 0.008, and p = 0.020, respectively). Among patients, Phe levels at diagnosis correlated negatively with bitter taste (r = -0.493, p = 0.006). The lower olfaction and gustation scores found in patients may be related to understimulation caused by the highly restrictive PKU diet and the deprivation of flavors from breast milk.

Exploring patient perception of decision-making in carpal tunnel release surgery: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition, but some controversies remain regarding diagnostics and the most effective treatments. As a result, patients often experience decisional conflicts, especially when considering carpal tunnel release surgery. Understanding factors that influence decision-making in surgery can help clinicians better grasp patient treatment preferences and priorities, reducing decisional conflicts, and enabling patients to make informed, value-aligned choices through shared decision-making. This qualitative evidence synthesis aims to explore patient perceptions of carpal tunnel release, examine the decision-making factors, and critically appraise and synthesise the existing evidence. A systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Ultimate, PsycINFO) from inception to August 2023, supplemented by referencing and citation searching to identify eligible qualitative studies. Thematic synthesis was adopted as synthesis methodology, involving a line-by-line coding of the primary study findings, and the development of descriptive and analytical themes. Quality appraisal was conducted using the modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist, supplemented with the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research checklist. Synthesis of six qualitative studies encompassing 66 participants generated five analytical themes: (1) Journey to normalcy, (2) Patient-centred care, (3) Work and life considerations, (4) Weighing up alternatives, and (5) Shaping the expectations, highlighting the complexity of patient decision-making in carpal tunnel release. In the management of carpal tunnel syndrome, therapists should consider various decision-making factors, prioritising communication and shared decision-making. This, along with personalised interactions, achieves patient-centred care and enhances patient care quality and therapeutic alliance.

The Mediating Effect of Service Quality in Patient’s Perception and Visiting Intention in Traditional Health Service Ngajum Sub-District

This research aims to determine the role of service quality as a mediator between patient perception and intention to visit Traditional Health Service in the Ngajum sub-district. This study delves into an analysis of two traditional treatment methods in Ngajum: the Holistic Traditional Treatment and the Kemkem Traditional Treatment. The sample used in this research includes 75 respondents who are 20 years old and older and have already visited the two traditional treatment methods. The sampling method used purposive sampling, and the data collection using a questionnaire with a Likert scale. The analysis method used is the SEM, which combines factor analysis, regression and path analysis. The research results found that (1) patient’s perception does not have a significant effect on visiting intention, (2) patient’s perception has a significant and positive effect on service quality, (3) service quality has a significant and positive effect on visiting intention, therefore (4) patient’s perception does have significant and positive effect towards visiting intention through service quality.

Perception of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on healthcare services in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

ABSTRACT Background: Although there are several health facilities with infrastructure to cater to healthcare services, there are still healthcare facilities with inadequate infrastructure in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, to provide comprehensive healthcare services. This study investigates the perceptions of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on the provision of healthcare services in KwaZulu-Natal. Objectives: This study aims to determine the perception of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on healthcare services at Goodwins Clinic in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Method: This qualitative study applied a phenomenological design by conducting in-depth interviews with individual patients (n = 20) and healthcare workers (n = 10) purposively selected in 2022. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis framework. Results: Participants reported that health facility infrastructure affects healthcare services. Furthermore, old facility structures, scattered structures and limited working spaces were found to be the leading factors affecting healthcare services in the facility. Conclusion: The facility’s structural design factors need to be considered to ensure that the health facility structure is adequate to deliver healthcare services and motivate radical transformation in measuring and managing healthcare facilities.

Perception and coping mechanisms of patients with diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ibadan, Nigeria.

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) ushered in a period of fear and uncertainty, resulting in structural instability across the globe. Vulnerable individuals, such as patients with diabetes mellitus, are predispose to have adverse effects and complications of COVID-19 when infected. We explored the perception of diabetes mellitus patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and their coping mechanisms at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. We employed an exploratory qualitative study design to explore diabetes mellitus patients' perceptions and coping mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 32 participants (2 health professionals and 30 diabetes mellitus patients). In-depth interviews were used to collect the data from the participants. All the recorded audio data were transcribed verbatim and exported to NVivo software for thematic data analyses. Most diabetes mellitus patients were not fearful of the pandemic but were optimistic that it would not affect their health. Mechanisms such as the usage of herbal medicines and adherence to COVID-19 precautionary measures were noticed among patients. The study also revealed that the hospital's coping mechanism during the COVID-19 pandemic include prolonged appointments, limiting the number of patients attended per clinic day, and the provision of telehealth service. Patients in our study utilised negative coping mechanisms such as reduced drug dosages, subscriptions to cheaper drug brands, and reliance on religious institutions rather than a clinic for health instructions. The study has shown that diabetes mellitus patients were not fearful of the COVID-19 pandemic. The utilisation of telehealth, encouragement of daily monitoring of sugar levels, provision of avenues for a medication review, and adherence to the safety protocols were coping mechanisms employed by the health system and diabetes mellitus patients. We recommend that the government and other healthcare stakeholders reinforce the resilience of diabetes mellitus patients by alleviating their health burdens during the pandemic. This could be done by subsidizing the prices of drugs, tests, and consultation fees for patients with diabetes mellitus. Also, more efforts should be made to elevate the health system through the reduction in waiting and appointment times in the diabetes clinic and employing more health personnel in the clinic.

A conceptual framework of service quality on patient’s behavioral assessment: Insight from Pakistan

The healthcare sector is progressively modest and patients expect higher service quality; therefore, healthcare practitioners’ and academic researchers’ attention upsurges in exploring service quality, intensifying satisfaction and generating behavioral intention. Despite the significance of the healthcare sector and the importance of quality-related matters, there is a paucity of research and publications dealing with healthcare service quality. This conceptual review evaluates the service quality in Pakistani healthcare sector rendering patients’ perspective. The proposed model emphasizes patients’ switching intention caused by poor or inadequate service quality through intervening constructs of satisfaction and alternative attractiveness. Additionally, current review explored the alternative attractiveness as mediator which was neglected in healthcare context. The model also attempts to propose the association between alternative attractiveness and outcome variable by switching costs regarding patients’ perspectives. The conceptual framework enables hospital managers to comprehend how patients assess healthcare quality provided in the presence of alternatives. The perception of patients would assist them in allocating healthcare resources and hospital management attain performance feedback through service quality parameters. Present review developed an inclusive framework as a novel injector in healthcare sector for patients’ perceived service quality.

Clinical use of autologous cell-based therapies in an evolving regulatory landscape: A survey of patient experiences and perceptions.

Background: Clinical treatments involving autologous cell-based therapies (ACBT) remain prevalent despite a lack of scientific backing and an evolving regulatory landscape aimed at assessing their safety and efficacy for clinical adoption. This study seeks to assess patients' experiences and perceptions of clinical treatments involving ACBT and their knowledge and views of the regulatory context and associated governance issues. Methods: An anonymous online survey of 181 participants who have been treated or are in the process of being treated with ACBT was conducted. Recruitment was via social media platforms. Data was collected through Qualtrics and analyzed using SPSS 29 for the quantitative responses and NVivo 1.7.1 for the qualitative responses. Results: Several themes emerged from the data, including the prominent role of healthcare providers throughout the patient journey, informational practices during the clinical encounter, the high prevalence of pay-for-participation trials, patients' gaps in regulatory knowledge, and patients' priorities regarding clinical trials and regulation of ACBT. Conclusions: The study makes a novel contribution to the literature by providing the first analysis of patients' experiences and perceptions of an emerging cell-based therapy within an evolving regulatory landscape. The findings serve as a valuable resource for developing policy, promoting scientific rigor, and ensuring ethical oversight of ACBT and other upcoming cell-based therapies.

A Study of Patient Concerns in the Modern Therapeutic Era of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Patient concerns and preferences are important in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD: Crohn's disease [CD], ulcerative colitis). In the absence of contemporary data, we aimed to determine patient concerns and preferences and establish if there are demographic or disease-related differences. We surveyed patients with IBD at Massachusetts General Hospital between July and September 2023. The Rating Form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient Concerns (RFIPC) and a set of supplemental questions rated on a visual analog scale (0-100mm) were administered to patients and compared by age, disease type, sex, and surgery status. Additionally, a survey administered to treating providers gathered insight into the difference between patient and provider perceptions of concerns. A total of 350 patients and 30 providers completed the survey. The mean age was 47 years; 50% were female, 49% had CD, and 80% were on advanced IBD therapy. Effects of medication (median = 54), energy level (median = 53), and having an ostomy bag (median = 52) were rated highest by patients. Older patients rated most disease complication and treatment-related concerns similar to younger adults; those aged 35-59 years had the greatest level of concern for most questions. Sex, disease activity, and prior surgical history also impacted patients' concerns. Providers perceived patients' worries as higher than those rated by patients themselves. A shared decision-making model targeting the achievement of disease remission and addressing concerns rated highly by patients is important to meet the goal of care for patients with IBD.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of Exercise Benefits/ Barriers Scale: Perceived exercise benefits and barriers of patients with different axial spondyloarthritis subtypes.

The aim of this study was to translate the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) into Turkish and investigate the perceptions of Turkish-speaking patients with different axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) subtypes regarding exercise benefits and barriers. This validation study was conducted between June 2018 and December 2021. Patients with axSpA were consecutively assessed regarding physical (age, sex and body mass index) and disease-related characteristics (disease activity, spinal mobility, functional status, quality of life, health status, emotional status, and kinesiophobia). Eligible participants were asked to complete the EBSS and other outcome measurements during their initial visits. EBBS was readministered 7 to 14 days later. One hundred forty-eight patients (89 males, 59 females; mean age: 44.3±11.8 years; range, 19 to 65 years) were included in the study. Of the patients, 108 had radiographic axSpA, and 40 had nonradiographic axSpA. EBBS-Barriers and EBBS-Benefits subscales demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas of 0.82 and 0.95, respectively) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.837 and 0.807, respectively). No significant differences were observed between axSpA subtypes regarding EBBS-Barriers (p=0.12) and EBBS-Benefits (p=0.10) subscales. Significant relationships were detected between kinesiophobia and EBBS-Barriers scores (r=-0.424, p<0.01), as well as EBBS-Benefits scores (r=-0.344, p<0.01) for all patients. EBBS-Benefits scores were correlated to health status (r=-0.412, p=0.08) and quality of life (r=-0.394, p=0.01) in patients with nonradiographic axSpA. According to our results, the Turkish EBBS is a valid and reliable tool for patients with axSpA. Perceptions of the patients with axSpA regarding exercise barriers and benefits do not differ according to the disease subtype. It appears that kinesiophobia may be an important parameter regarding exercise perception in axSpA.

Associations of perceptions of patient safety culture, job crafting, and perceptions of patient rounding with patient safety management activities among tertiary hospital nurses

Associations of perceptions of patient safety culture, job crafting, and perceptions of patient rounding with patient safety management activities among tertiary hospital nurses

Patient trust in nurses: exploring the relationship with care quality and communication skills in emergency departments

BackgroundPatient trust in medical staff is an important ethical issue that can influence various patient behaviors and attitudes, such as seeking healthcare, sharing confidential information, accepting treatment, and adhering to recommendations. This study aimed to assess patient trust in nurses and its relationship to the quality of care and communication skills of nurses in emergency departments.MethodsThis descriptive correlational study was conducted in 2023 in the emergency departments of medical training centers of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran. A total of 378 patients was selected using a quota sampling method. Data were collected using three valid and reliable tools: the Quality Patient Care (QUALPAC) scale, the Health Communication Feedback Questionnaire (HCFQ), and the Trust in Nurses Scale (TNS).The data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation coefficient tests using SPSS version 24.ResultsThe majority of patients (99.2%) rated nurses' communication skills as moderate, with none rating them as poor. The average scores were 27.59 ± 2.76 for patient trust in nurses, 72.43 ± 3.30 for nurses' communication skills, and 198.30 ± 14.60 for the quality of nursing care. A significant correlation was found between patient trust in nurses and the overall quality of nursing care (r = 0.256, P < 0.001) as well as its dimensions. However, there was no significant relationship between patient trust in nurses and patient's perception of the nurses' communication skills (r = 0.046, P = 0.369).ConclusionsThe findings indicate that patient trust in nurses is positively and significantly associated with the perceived quality of nursing care. As the quality of care improves, patient trust in nurses also increases. Therefore, nurses should focus on providing high-quality care to enhance patient trust.

Validation of Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Questionnaire in the Transmasculine Population

Introduction and HypothesisTransgender men and transmasculine individuals report a variety of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), but little is known about LUTS in this population. One of the obstacles is the lack of validated questionnaires. This study was aimed at validating the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-LUTS), which measures filling, voiding, and incontinence symptoms, in transmasculine individuals.MethodsThis is an observational validation study that included transmasculine individuals receiving care within a single tertiary care hospital system. Construct validity was assessed by comparing the ICIQ-LUTS with severity of LUTS as measured by the Urinary Distress Inventory–Short Form (UDI-6), and concurrent validity by the association between ICIQ-LUTS and the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC). Discriminant validity was determined by comparing ICIQ-LUTS scores in those with and those without self-reported LUTS. Spearman correlation, t test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for data analysis.ResultsA total of 131 respondents were included in the analysis. Only two individuals (1.5%) reported prior vaginectomy and/or phalloplasty. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by a significant association between ICIQ-LUTS subscales and PPBC (filling p < 0.001, voiding p < 0.001, incontinence p < 0.001). Construct validity was demonstrated by a significant correlation between ICIQ-LUTS and UDI-6 (filling ρ = 0.76, p < 0.001; voiding ρ = 0.48, p < 0.001; incontinence ρ = 0.61, p < 0.001). For discriminant validity, those with at least one self-reported LUTS had significantly higher (worse) ICIQ-LUTS subscale scores than those without self-reported LUTS.ConclusionsThe ICIQ-LUTS is valid for measurement of LUTS severity in transmasculine individuals. This will be an important tool to use in future research to learn more about LUTS in this population.

Investigation of current clinical practices and perceptions of patients and caregivers regarding Alport syndrome in South Korea.

Alport syndrome (AS) is a highly prevalent inherited kidney disease. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improved kidney outcomes. This study evaluated awareness among Korean clinicians about AS and assessed the understanding of AS patients and caregivers. An online survey targeting registered members of the Korean Society of Nephrology, the Korean Society of Pediatric Nephrology, AS patients, and their caregivers was conducted from January to April 2023. Out of 103 respondents, most had treated fewer than 10 AS patients. For certain kidney diseases, such as chronic kidney disease of unknown origin and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, half or fewer considered AS as a potential diagnosis. Only half preferred immediate confirmation tests for suspected AS. Genetic testing was available at half of the medical centers, and fewer than half of the adult nephrologists considered genetic testing to be essential. While all the surveyed nephrologists would prescribe renin-angiotensin system blockade, the majority hesitated to initiate treatment. Vigilant genetic testing for donor candidates was not a common practice. While 80% of patients and 50% of caregivers understood the nature and prognosis of AS, they regretted the delayed diagnoses, insufficient explanations, and the absence of support groups. Not rarely, AS patients may have been unrecognized as AS. Despite the noteworthy advancement of AS, the recent guidelines have not been widely adopted in clinical practice in Korea. Considering the challenges in Korea, there is an urgent need for locally tailored clinical practice recommendations and a dedicated registry to optimize patient outcomes.