Patient Questionnaire Research Articles

Three Patient-Reported Outcomes Questionnaires in Japanese Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery with Trifocal IOL Implantation.

To analyze the patient-reported-outcomes obtained after trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) bilateral implantation in Japanese patients using three different validated questionnaires. Fifty-three patients implanted with the FineVision HP IOLs (Beaver-Visitec International, Inc. USA) were enrolled in this prospective-study. At 3-months, refraction (spherical equivalent [SE] and cylinder), logMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were obtained. Specifically, patient-reported-outcomes were evaluated using the NEI VFQ-25, the Catquest-9SF, and the PRSIQ questionnaires. The mean SE and refractive cylinder were 0.00±0.22D and -0.07±0.23D, respectively. A 98.11% of eyes were within ±0.50D and 100% were within ±1.00D of the SE. A 93.40% of the eyes showed equal or less than 0.50D of astigmatism and 100% of eyes equal or less than 1.00D. The mean value for monocular UDVA was -0.05±0.07 logMAR and the mean value for monocular CDVA was -0.07±0.06 logMAR. 87.74% and 92.45% of the eyes showed 20/20 or better monocular UDVA and CDVA, respectively, with 97.17% and 98.11% showing 20/25 or better for UDVA and CDVA, respectively. The NEI VFQ-25 outcomes showed very high scores across all categories, with mean general vision, distance and near activities values of 86.70±6.35, 96.23±7.72 and 92.14±10.74, respectively. The outcomes for the Catquest-9SF questionnaire showed that 90.57% of patients did not report difficulty in their everyday-life with their sight, and 100% of them were "very or quite satisfied" with their sight at present. The PRSIQ outcomes revealed that 100%, 98.11% and 98.11% of patients did not need glasses or contacts for far, intermediate and near vision, respectively. The results of the patient-reported-outcomes questionnaires indicated that patients implanted bilaterally with the FineVision HP IOL have high vision and health related quality-of-life scores, with a high spectacle independence rate and high patient satisfaction.

Motor Vehicle Driving-Related Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy With Defibrillators.

Reducing anxiety about motor vehicle driving in patients receiving implantable cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillators is important not only for improving quality of life but also for preventing vehicle collisions owing to driver distraction. This study aimed to clarify the driving-related anxiety of patients with these defibrillators and the factors that predict such anxiety. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire of patients who had been driving a vehicle after device implantation at a general hospital between August 2018 and November 2019. The mean age was 60.8 ± 12.6 years. The reasons for implantation were primary prevention in 47 patients and secondary prevention in 30 patients. A total of 16 patients experienced anxiety about driving and 61 did not. Significantly more younger patients (mean age of 50.4 vs. 63.6 years, p < 0.001) and those with implantable cardioverter defibrillators had anxiety (100% vs. 73.8%, p = 0.02). Multivariable analysis indicated that age was the only independent factor that predicted driving-related anxiety (odds ratio, 0.937; 95% confidence interval, 0.883-0.993). Identifying and addressing driving-related anxiety in patients (particularly young patients) with defibrillators is important in preventing motor vehicle collisions and improving quality of life.

Increased Activity Level Following Total Ankle Replacement Results in Improved Patient Reported Outcomes

While evidence highlights increased activity levels following total ankle replacement (TAR), the correlation between postoperative activity changes and ankle-surgery-specific patient-reported outcomes is unexplored. This retrospective cohort study investigates the effect of activity level changes on patient-reported outcomes, including the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and patient satisfaction following TAR. Patient records from a single center performing TARs between January 2014 and February 2023 were reviewed alongside patient questionnaires completed preoperatively and at a mean follow-up of 44±31 months postoperatively (range 6-134 months). Activity participation pre- and postoperatively was assessed and correlated with MOXFQ scores. Data from 89 patients was available for analysis (mean age 72.3±8.9 years [range, 48-92]). Postoperatively, 31 patients (35%) increased, 42 (47%) maintained, and 16 (18%) decreased their activity levels. The mean time to return to regular activity was 23.4 weeks. Preoperative MOXFQ scores were similar across all groups (increased: 74.03±14.00; maintained: 73.6±13.9; decreased: 77.0±15.5; p=0.71). All groups showed significant improvements in MOXFQ scores from preoperative to postoperative assessments (p<0.05). Patients with increased activity levels showed greater MOXFQ improvements (-61.6±19.0) compared to those with decreased activity levels (-38.3±26.6) (p<0.01). Following TAR, 82% of patients maintained or increased their activity levels. Patients with increased postoperative activity exhibited superior improvements in MOXFQ scores. These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity for optimal outcomes following TAR. Level of Clinical EvidenceLevel 3, retrospective cohort study.

Surgical Treatment Strategies for Ankylosing Spondylitis with “Folded Man” Deformity: A Single-Center Retrospective Case Series Study

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with severe kyphotic deformity can cause the trunk to collapse, pressing tightly against the front of the thighs and forming a "folded man" deformity. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a treatment strategy for correcting the "folded man" deformity. A retrospective study was conducted to analyze 12 AS patients with "folded man" deformity treated at our hospital with staged kyphosis correction in the lateral position, followed by total hip arthroplasty, from May 2018 to July 2021. Global kyphosis (GK), thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sagittal vertical axis, chin-brow vertical angle, and Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire scores were compared preoperation and postoperation. Surgical duration, positioning time, blood loss, and complications were also recorded and analyzed. All patients demonstrated a correction of the "folded man" deformity, achieving sagittal balance and horizontal gaze with mild complications. Postoperatively, there were significant improvements in spinal sagittal parameters (GK, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and sagittal vertical axis) and chin-brow vertical angle compared to preoperative values (P < 0.05). The preoperative GK of 139.6 ± 9.1° was corrected to 55.3 ± 5.7° postoperatively, with a mean correction of 84.3°. The standardized treatment strategy involving staged correction of spinal kyphosis in a lateral position, followed by subsequent total hip arthroplasty, offers a safe and effective solution for managing AS with "folded man" deformity.

Translation and Validation of the Persian Version of the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Patients with kidney stones have a lower quality of life (QOL) than healthy patients; however, treatment guidelines neglect their QOL. Wisconsin stone QOL test (WIS-QOL) is the first specific questionnaire for urolithiasis patients. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the translated Persian version of the WIS-QOL questionnaire in patients with kidney stones. All patients (> 18 years old) with a history of urolithiasis were included in this cross-sectional. The WIS-QOL questionnaire was translated depending on Hutchinson's guideline. Effects of urolithiasis on the patient's social activity, emotions, disease, and vitality were evaluated. Pearson Correlation and Cronbach's alpha test were used to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. All data were analyzed by SPSS software version 26.0. Among 154 urolithiasis patients, 94 (61%) were males, and 60 (39%) were females. The mean age was 50.4 years (SD: ± 13.6), and the mean QOL score was 84.7 (SD: ±21.8). For each question, the numerical value of the Pearson Correlation Coefficient has been compared with the numerical value, and the validity of the questionnaire was confirmed. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.94 for all four areas of the questionnaire, so the reliability of the questionnaire in Persian was confirmed. The present study showed the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the WIS-QOL questionnaire in symptomatic urolithiasis patients. The present study showed the status and impact of urolithiasis on QOL however, longitudinal and prospective studies should be done to specify changes over time.

Factors affecting the oral health of patients on maintenance hemodialysis and recommendations for standardized nursing care: a multicenter study.

To determine the oral health status of patients on maintenance hemodialysis and to identify the factors influencing their oral health. This observational study included 1,186 patients with chronic kidney disease who received maintenance hemodialysis across 33 hospitals in China. The patients were recruited for a questionnaire survey between April and August 2023 at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital using stratified sampling. Data collection tools included the General Information Questionnaire for Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients, the Oral Health Assessment Tool, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationships between the oral health of patients on maintenance hemodialysis and continuous variables such as sleep quality and emotional status. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to explore the relationship between oral health and various variables. The oral health scores of the patients ranged from 8 to 22, with a mean score of 12.54 ± 2.63. The final model of the multiple linear regression analysis indicated a goodness of fit of 22.19%. Independent factors affecting the oral health of patients included smoking, the proportion of medical expenses, water consumption, sleep quality, and anxiety scores (all P .05). High levels of smoking, substantial medical expenses, poor sleep quality, and elevated anxiety scores were risk factors for poor oral health (all P .05). Adequate daily water intake served as a protective factor for oral health (P .05). This study proposes targeted interventions to enhance the management and improvement of oral health in patients on hemodialysis, aiming to provide highly personalized and effective oral health care. These interventions are expected to improve oral health outcomes in future clinical practice.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Chronic Disease Detection Application Among Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus Risk Group in Indonesian Primary Healthcare: A Usability and User Experience Evaluation

This study aims to considering the assessment of the usability and user experience of applications based on artificial intelligence (AI) for early detection of chronic diseases. Health data is recorded and chronic disease risk is classified using an AI-based early detection of chronic disease application. The study was conducted in Semarang city/regency health service facilities, using quantitative research methodology. The study's inclusion criteria were individuals with a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and User Experience Question (UEQ) surveys, 131 respondents were studied in May–July 2023. The study's findings showed that respondents who were older than 60, female, had not completed their education, worked for a living or were self-employed, did not use a mobile phone, and had never used health applications scored poorly for usability and user experience. The system satisfation aspect receives the lowest grade in terms of system usability, while the memorability aspect has the best score. The efficiency aspect of the system receives the greatest score in terms of user experience, while the novelty aspect receives the lowest. It is known that the AI-based early detection of chronic disease application has a reasonably acceptable usability and user experience based on the findings of the SUS and UEQ questionnaires for patients at risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. It is necessary to design an AI-based chronic disease detection application that is easier to learn and more innovative so that it can be used by the wider community.

Portuguese validation of the foot health status Questionnaire in patients with diabetic foot disease

Purpose This study aims to adapt and validate the Foot Health Status Questionnaire, developed by Bennett et al., in Portuguese patients with diabetic foot. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 143 patients with diabetic foot. A principal component analysis with oblique rotation and a confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling were performed. Results The Portuguese version of the FHSQ (FHSQ-PT) in patients with diabetic foot remains equal to the original version, although with all factors correlated with each other. All scales presented high internal consistency values (pain: ω = 0.884; function: ω = 0.890; general foot health: ω = 0.910; and footwear: ω = 0.702), except for the footwear scale, although with a minimum acceptable coefficient. The FHSQ-PT scales showed good convergent validity and good discriminant validity. The FHSQ-PT scales were also able to discriminate between male and female patients as well as between patients with an active diabetic foot ulcer from those who did not. Conclusions The results of the validated FHSQ-PT for Portuguese patients with diabetic foot showed good psychometric properties, being a useful, objective, and small instrument that may be used in clinical practice by health professionals without consuming too much time.

Comparing Patient Perception and Physician's Records: Generative AI Performance Evaluation.

Patient perception involves a patient's thoughts and beliefs regarding their health status. It is also associated with medical compliance and outcomes. However, discrepancies often arise between patient perception and physicians' documentation within the medical records, resulting in misunderstanding and suboptimal doctor-patient communication. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in comparing the content of patient perception as recorded in patient questionnaires and physicians' records of the Department of Breast Surgery. We evaluated the precision and recall of the generative AI by comparison with human-created ground truth. Our results demonstrated the high performance of the generative AI in comprehending and contrasting symptoms and the entire content recorded differently by patients and physicians, with F1 scores ranging from 0.77 to 0.97. These results highlight the potential contribution of a generative AI to deeper mutual comprehension in healthcare scenarios.

Design and Psychometrics of the Awareness and Self-Care Performance Questionnaire of Diabetic Patients in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Background: The sudden emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic worldwide has led to numerous problems for patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetics, due to the lack of required information to deal with the disease. The present research aims to investigate the design and psychometrics of the Awareness and Self-Care Performance Questionnaire of diabetic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The present methodological study aimed to investigate the design and psychometrics of the Awareness and Self-Care Performance Questionnaire. The face and content validity were assessed through both quantitative and qualitative studies. For the quantitative study, 100 diabetic patients were randomly selected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using the internal consistency method by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: The original version of the questionnaire was designed with 82 items and the final version with 56 items (awareness [32 items] and self-care performance [24 items]) with seven areas, including disease characteristics, prevention ways, ways of disease transmission, disease symptoms, disease risk factors, diet, and care methods. The content validity index (CVI) was 0.97, the content validity ratio (CVR) was 0.93, and the internal consistency of the questionnaire was calculated to be 0.80 using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, showing the appropriate validity and reliability of this questionnaire. Conclusion: The Awareness and Self-Care Performance Questionnaire of diabetic patients in the COVID-19 pandemic possesses the required validity and reliability to evaluate the knowledge level of diabetic patients in infectious pandemics, such as COVID-19, and it has the applicability to be used in similar conditions. It is suggested that the questionnaire’s construct validity be measured to enhance the content validity.

The RELIEF feasibility trial: topical lidocaine patches in older adults with rib fractures

BackgroundLidocaine patches, applied over rib fractures, may reduce pulmonary complications in older patients. Known barriers to recruiting older patients in emergency settings necessitate a feasibility trial. We aimed to establish...

Assessing the efficacy of narrowband UVB phototherapy using digital patient questionnaires and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs): An observational cohort study of patients with psoriasis and eczema

Assessing the efficacy of narrowband UVB phototherapy using digital patient questionnaires and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs): An observational cohort study of patients with psoriasis and eczema

Does Robotic Assisted Technique Improve Patient Utility in Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Comparative Retrospective Cohort Study.

Even if robotic assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) is a widely used technique, there is still a gap of knowledge about whether this technology is effective in improving the patient utility. This measure is of paramount importance for conducting cost effectiveness analysis. The aim of this study was to compare the utility measure derived from self-reported outcomes questionnaires in patients who underwent RATKA compared to patients who underwent the manual surgery. We compared 72 patients operated with a robotic technique with 70 operated with traditional technique. The utility data were collected with the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis index) self-administrated questionnaire that investigates pain, stiffness and functionality of the patients, an then mapped to a utility value through a validated transforming function. We performed three surveys: the first one before the intervention (t0), the second one 1 year after the surgery (t1) and the third one at the 2 year follow up (t2). we observed higher utility values in both groups. In detail, the mean utility score in the RATKA group increased from 0.37 to 0.71 (t1) and 0.78 (t2), while in the conventional group it increased from 0.41 to 0.78 (t1) and 0.78 (t2). The fixed effect coefficients of t1 and t2 were found to be 0.37 and 0.363 (p < 0.001 for both). The coefficient of the robotic technique, along with its interaction with the t1 and t2 time effect was non-significant. Even if at t1 the utility of patient who underwent RATKA were lower, at longer follow up (t2) we found no significant difference compared to traditional technique, leaving the superiority of robotic assisted technique yet to be proved. Our results may be useful for calculating the gained or lost Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs), so that the health care system (or an insurance company) could make an appropriate decision whether to fund the robotic approach or not, after a careful assessment of the incremental costs incurred.

Periodontal Patients' Perceptions and Knowledge of Dental Implants-A Questionnaire Study.

Background: Highly prevalent tooth loss is observed among populations around the world. To restore masticatory function and satisfactory aesthetics, missing teeth must be replaced. Dental implants are increasingly used for this purpose. This study aimed to assess periodontal patients' knowledge and attitudes towards dental implants. Methods: 467 anonymous questionnaires of periodontal patients were analyzed. The population participants were divided according to gender, age, education and place of residence. In the statistical analysis, the chi-squared test of independence was used (p < 0.05). The main questions addressed patients' knowledge about dental implants and the factors influencing their decision to undergo implantation. Results: The majority of periodontal patients were aware of dental implants and the importance of oral hygiene in their maintenance. However, the population studied had many knowledge deficits, especially on the technical and biological aspects of implants. The lack of knowledge about peri-implantitis was surprising in the group seeking professional periodontal care. Patients obtained information mainly from the internet and from family and friends, with their dentists being the third source. Good functional and aesthetic outcomes would encourage them to undergo the implantation procedure, and high cost and the possibility of complications were the most discouraging factors. Conclusions: Given the growing popularity of implant treatment, patients should be provided with evidence-based knowledge about indications and possible contraindications to implants to make informed decisions.

Responsiveness of the Oswestry Disability Index and Zurich Claudication Questionnaire in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: evaluation of surgically treated patients from the NORDSTEN study

PurposeTo evaluate the responsiveness of the original low back pain specific Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the spinal stenosis specific Zürich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), and to investigate cut-off values for clinical “success” for ODI and ZCQ in surgically treated patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).MethodsWe included 601 LSS patients (218 with, 383 without degenerative spondylolisthesis) from the NORDSTEN trials. Outcome measures included ODI and ZCQ (symptom severity and physical function scales) with three alternative response parameters: scores at follow-up, absolute and relative changes from baseline to two-year follow-up. Effect size and standardised response mean evaluated internal responsiveness. External responsiveness was assessed by the Spearman rank correlation between patient-reported global perceived effect scale (GPE) and ODI and ZCQ, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC). We evaluated which cut-off values could maximise the percentage of correctly classified patients according to the GPE-anchor “completely recovered” / “much improved” for each parameter.ResultsInternal and external responsiveness were high for all three indices with effect sizes, standardized response means, ROC and corresponding area under the curve > 0.8. Correlations with GPE responses were moderate (> 0.50) for absolute change and strong (> 0.67) for relative change and follow-up scores. The 30% ODI relative change cut-off correctly classified 81% of patients to “success”, within a range of accurate cut-offs according to the GPE-anchor.ConclusionODI and ZCQ demonstrate comparable responsiveness in evaluating outcomes for surgically treated LSS patients. The 30% ODI threshold was consistent with treatment “success” in NORDSTEN trials.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02007083 10/12/2013, NCT02051374 31/01/2014 and NCT03562936 20/06/2018.

An international observational study assessing conservative management in hemorrhoidal disease: results of CHORALIS (aCute HemORrhoidal disease evALuation International Study).

Aim: Real-world evidence on the management of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is limited. This international study collected clinical practice data on the effectiveness of conservative treatments for acute HD on symptoms and quality of life (QoL), providing perspectives of treatment modalities from different continents. Patients & methods: The 4-week observational prospective CHORALIS study involved adult outpatients consulting for spontaneous complaints of hemorrhoids (graded using Goligher classification) and prescribed conservative treatments according to usual clinical practice. Assessments were: anal pain/discomfort (visual analog scale [VAS]), other signs/symptoms (patient questionnaire), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI-C) questionnaire and disease-specific QoL (HEMO-FISS-QoL questionnaire). Results: Of 3592 participants, 3505 were analyzed (58.4% male; age 40.5±13.7years; history of HD in 48.4%; 72.1% Goligher grade I and II). Pain and discomfort were the most common symptoms. Most treatments were venoactive drugs (VADs; 90.9%), particularly micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF; 73.7%) and diosmin (14.6%). All VAD-based therapies improved signs/symptoms (number/intensity/frequency of pain, discomfort, bleeding, swelling, itching and soiling) and QoL. MPFF was associated with a significantly greater proportion of patients with no symptoms (48.8 vs diosmin 34.4%, p<0.001), pain disappearance (69.7 vs diosmin 52.8%, p<0.001), treatment impact at 1week rated on PGI-C as 'very much better' (30.5 vs diosmin 17.9%, p<0.001) and shorter times to improvement (mean±SD 3.9±1.5days vs diosmin 4.2±1.7days). Conclusion: In this prospective real-world study of patients with acute HD, conservative therapies consisting mainly of VADs, including MPFF, improved the clinical signs and symptoms of disease, as well as QoL. This study evidence supports clinical advantages associated with VADs, mostly MPFF, for effectively managing acute HD.

Validation of a tagalog version of the EORTC PATSAT-C33 and EORTC OUT-PATSAT7 patient satisfaction questionnaires for patients with cancer undergoing outpatient radiotherapy.

190 Background: The satisfaction of cancer patients with their care significantly impacts their quality of life. Beyond specific cancer treatments, the delivery of care plays a vital role. Evaluating patient satisfaction with care is increasingly important in oncology due to the prolonged and intensive nature of cancer management. Discussions often focus on medical aspects, neglecting administrative and psychosocial concerns. Patient-centered care involves assessing satisfaction, which reflects perceived quality. Patient satisfaction is now recognized as a key indicator of care quality. Methods: The EORTC developed tools like PATSAT-C33 and OUT-PATSAT7 to assess satisfaction with cancer care. These instruments, translated into Tagalog using a “forward-backward” translation procedure in accordance with the EORTC QOL Study Group guidelines, were validated among Filipino cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The tools encompass dimensions like doctors' skills, information exchange, nurses' responsiveness, and care organization. They showed reliability and validity comparable to the original versions. Results: Construct, criterion, and factorial validity were assessed, indicating the tools measure intended constructs effectively. The multi-item scales of EORTC PATSAT-C33 and EORTC OUT-PATSAT7 have good to excellent internal consistency. A value between 0.8 - 0.9 represents good reliability, whereas a Cronbach alpha of≥0.9 represents excellent reliability. Criterion validity was confirmed by comparing them with a validated Filipino satisfaction scale. Each dimension identified in the original study applies to Filipino cancer patients, suggesting the tools' applicability across populations. Conclusions: Despite some demographic biases in the study sample, the translations proved valid and reliable. These Tagalog versions are recommended for use with native Tagalog-speaking Filipino cancer patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes may enhance reliability. [Table: see text]

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Urdu version of the avoidance endurance behavior questionnaire in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

The Avoidance Endurance Questionnaire (AEQ) successfully measures the fear-avoidance and endurance-related responses to chronic pain. The objective of this study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt AEQ into Urdu and assess the reliability and validity of the Urdu version. For the translation and cross-cultural adaptation process, the Beaton Guidelines were followed. A total of 103 participants responded to the Urdu version of the AEQ SF-12, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) at baseline and after 48 hours. The test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Cronbach's alpha was used to measure internal consistency. To measure validity, Pearson's correlation between the subscales of AEQ-Urdu and other outcome measures (SF-12, PCS and NPRS scores) were used (p< 0.05). The mean age of the total 103 participants was 32.7 ± 10.90 among which 45 (43.6%) were male and 58 (56.3%) were female. The pre-final version of the translated AEQ was tested on 40 Urdu speaking participants and no major changes were made. The Cronbach's alpha for all subscales of the AEQ-Urdu ranged from 0.848-0.990. AEQ-U showed an excellent test-retest reliability with the ICC ranging from 0.775-0.996. The majority of the subscales of AEQ showed significant (p< 0.05) positive correlation with pain scales (PCS and NPRS) and negative correlation with the domains of SF-12. The AEQ-U has reliable and valid construct validity, good internal consistency, and test-retest reliability, indicating that it has adequate psychometric features and can be a useful tool for evaluating pain responses in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Spiritual Care for Cancer Patients at the End-of-Life.

Spiritual care for patients at the end of life is an important element in their holistic care. The aim of this study is to assess the opinions of cancer patients with limited prognosis about the importance of faith in fighting illness and the factors contributing to a better adjustment to illness and to their self-reconciliation and spiritual well-being. This study used a specially designed questionnaire for cancer patients with limited prognosis. The 30 respondents were patients with an estimated prognosis of less than 1 month, cared for in a unit with palliative and home care beds. The patients emphasized the importance of family as a supporter in the fight against disease (90%), followed by faith (66.7%) and a care team (63.3%). The most common concerns expressed were related to the course of their disease, family distress, fear of death, and the Russian-Ukrainian war. Family and faith represent important factors in supporting and caring for a patient at the end-of-life. Patients who felt spiritually at peace and were supported in their faith by family and a priest had a better spiritual state.

Actitan: A Natural Complex for Managing Diarrhea—Insights from Cross-Sectional Survey Research Involving Patients, Pharmacists and Physicians

Diarrhea continues to be a global health problem as acute diarrhea carries the risk of dehydration, while both acute and chronic diarrhea can significantly affect patients’ quality of life and reduce productivity. The innovative medical device Actitan, which consists of a complex of natural molecules, could be an effective option for the treatment of diarrhea from various causes. The aim of this post-market cross-sectional study was to evaluate the perceived efficacy, safety and usage pattern of the two formulations for adults (Actitan-P) and children (Actitan-F) among patients/child caregivers, physicians and pharmacists. Participants completed online questionnaires with closed multiple-choice questions that were rated on a verbal 5-point Likert scale. These surveys were conducted via the online platform Real World Data, which provides digital questionnaires for patients, doctors and pharmacists. Two separate surveys were conducted for the two formulations, with a total of 2630 participants (1488 participants for Actitan-P and 1142 participants for Actitan-F). Overall, the results indicate a high level of efficacy and safety of the product. In the case of Actitan-F, more than 96% of caregivers rated safety as good or excellent, and over 92% rated efficacy as good or excellent. Actitan-P also received positive feedback: nearly 86% of patients reported good/excellent efficacy, and more than 93% rated safety as good or excellent. These positive evaluations were confirmed by physicians and pharmacists, who also did not report adverse effects. In summary, this study confirms the role of Actitan as a safe and effective option for the treatment of diarrhea of different causes and in different patient groups, including young children.