Quality Of Patient Information Research Articles

Health status and cardiovascular risk of Roma and non-Roma population in underprivileged settlements

The "Taking the screening tests in place" program offers cardiovascular screening activities to the inhabitants of underprivileged settlements. Evaluation of the health status and cardiovascular risk of the Roma and non-Roma population in underprivileged settlements. Information was collected about the demography, lifestyle, current illnesses, access to healthcare and the quality of patient information. General health check (body weight, height, blood pressure, blood sugar, ankle-brachial index) and cardiovascular examination were performed. Data were analyzed in Roma and non-Roma groups with Pearson's chi-squared test. 3649 people participated in the study (851 [23%] men, 2798 [77%] women), 16% (598) of the investigated population belonged to the Roma population. The mean age of men in the general population was 58 years and of women 55 years, in the Roma population 48 years and 47 years. People in the Roma population smoked more often (men 45%, women 64%) than people in the general population (both sexes 30%). In the Roma population, the consumption of sugary soft drinks at least four times a week (men 55% vs. women 43%) and the BMI (men 30 vs. 29, woman 29 vs. 28) were significantly higher. In the Roma population, 31% of the men and 13% of the women thought that their health status was bad, while in the general population it was 17% of men and 8% of women. Incidence of COPD (18% vs. 9%), coronary disease (18% vs. 13%), peripheral artery disease (13% vs. 9%) was significantly higher in the Roma population among women. In the investigated population, the Roma inhabitants were significantly younger, smoked more, they were more obese, the chronic diseases were more common among them, and they considered their health status worse than the general population. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(20): 792-799.

Real-World Evidence: How Long Do Our Patients Fast?-Results from a Prospective JAGO-NOGGO-Multicenter Analysis on Perioperative Fasting in 924 Patients with Malignant and Benign Gynecological Diseases.

Despite the key role of optimized fasting in modern perioperative patient management, little current data exist on perioperative fasting intervals in routine clinical practice. In this multicenter prospective study, the length of pre- and postoperative fasting intervals was assessed with the use of a specifically developed questionnaire. Between 15 January 2021 and 31 May 2022, 924 gynecology patients were included, from 13 German gynecology departments. On average, patients remained fasting for about three times as long as recommended for solid foods (17:02 ± 06:54 h) and about five times as long as recommended for clear fluids (9:21 ± 5:48 h). The average perioperative fasting interval exceeded one day (28:23 ± 14:02 h). Longer fasting intervals were observed before and after oncological or extensive procedures, while shorter preoperative fasting intervals were reported in the participating university hospitals. Smoking, treatment in a non-university hospital, an increased Charlson Comorbidity Index and extensive surgery were significant predictors of longer preoperative fasting from solid foods. In general, prolonged preoperative fasting was tolerated well and quality of patient information was perceived as good. Perioperative fasting intervals were drastically prolonged in this cohort of 924 gynecology patients. Our data indicate the need for better patient education about perioperative fasting.

An assessment of the Quality of Information for Patients on YouTube™ Regarding Orthodontic Elastics.

The study aimed to investigate the quality of the information available to patients on YouTube™ concerning orthodontic elastics. A systematic search was carried out on YouTube™ using the keyword "elastics." The first 120 videos were viewed by 2 independent reviewers, and after the inclusion criteria were applied, 39 videos were excluded from the study. Demographic data of the videos were collected for the remaining 81 videos. For each video, its purpose, target audience, and source were also recorded. A 10-point content scale was used to evaluate the video content. The Global Quality Scale was also used to determine the quality of the videos. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, and correlation coefficient analyses were performed using Spearman's rho. In total, 36% of the included videos were uploaded by dentists and 22% by laypersons. In 77% of the videos, the purpose was to inform laypersons, and in 4%, the purpose was to inform professionals only. The content discussed the most (85.2%) was the instruction of orthodontic elastics use. The mean 10-point Content Scale score and Global Quality Scale score of the videos were 2.25 ± 1.99 (poor) and 2.60 ± 0.73 (moderate), respectively. There was a positive correlation between 10-point Content Scale and Global Quality Scale score (r = 0.258). The information available on YouTube™ regarding orthodontic elastics is quite poor and can be misleading for patients. Therefore, health professionals with evidence-based knowledge and clinical experience should improve the way they use YouTube™ to inform patients about the correct use of orthodontic elastics and to improve compliance with wearing orthodontic elastics.

P57 What are the outcomes of persistent oligoarthritis? A systematic review plan

Introduction/BackgroundOligoarthritis, a sub-type of JIA, can be categorised as persistent or extended. Children with persistent oligoarthritis, involving <5 joints, are often excluded from clinical trials as it is considered a milder form of JIA and managed less aggressively. Therefore, less is known about the longer term outcomes of those with persistent oligoarthritis. This knowledge could lead to better targeting of existing therapies for individuals and higher quality patient information.Description/MethodThis aim of this research is to conduct a systematic literature review on the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of persistent oligoarthritis. This abstract presents plans and current status of the review.Inclusion criteria for this systematic review are 1) inception cohorts with at least partial prospective data collection, 2) available in English language, 3) includes at least 50 patients with persistent oligoarthritis using ILAR criteria, 4) investigates clinical or patient-reported outcome. Exclusion criteria are 1) not specifically presenting or analysing outcomes in persistent oligoarthritis and 2) not reporting disease duration or follow-up time points from diagnosis at the point of outcome measurements.Search terms related to ‘oligoarthritis’, (variants of juvenile oligoarthritis plus outcomes of interest) were used in MEDLINE and Embase from 01/01/1997 to 30/05/2022 to cover the advent of current ILAR categories to present. These terms were also entered into PubMed from 30/05/2020 to 30/05/2022 to include publications published online ahead of print.Quality assessment, including common biases, of selected articles will be assessed using relevant questions from the Pasma et al. quality assessment (QA) tool.Primary outcomes are the core JIA outcome variables (active joint counts, limited joint count, physician’s global assessment, parent global evaluation, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and additional functional status (CHAQ/HAQ). Additional outcomes are 1) remission status, 2) uveitis status, 3) pain, 4) Health-related Quality of Life and 5) treatment response.One reviewer will initially screen titles and abstracts. Two reviewers will then screen the full text of selected articles independently and agree the master list. The first reviewer will then extract data regarding study populations and outcome and another reviewer will check a selection of the extracted data. If there is disagreement or uncertainty between the two reviewers at any stage, a third reviewer will adjudicate.Discussion/ResultsTo date 1051 publications have been highlighted for initial review (title and abstract) by the first reviewer. The second review is now underway by the two reviewers and preliminary results will be ready to present soon. The review has been registered with Prospero (ID: CRD42022291943).Key learning points/ConclusionThere is an unmet need for improved understanding of outcome in persistent oligoarthritis. This systematic review will help inform treatment targets and future research in this common ILAR JIA category.

Co-Produced for Use: Developing an Information and Symptom Self-Management Resource for People With Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

AimsPatients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) often endure low quality of life. Understanding the diagnosis is critical to management, but patients with FND do not always receive appropriate information about their condition. The patient journey through healthcare services can be complex, with often long waits for specialist attention. Creating psychoeducation resources for patients is important to improve patient experience and outcomes. We developed a symptom self-management patient education booklet with an FND symptom recording template, using a co-production model, in a community neuropsychiatry setting.MethodsWe used co-production as part of a quality improvement project (QIP) at East Kent Neuropsychiatry Service, to produce a patient education booklet with symptom self-management information and a symptom recording template. The QIP cycle involved input from 11 participants. Initially, 3 medical students and 4 multi-disciplinary team members adapted an existing booklet, removing medical jargon and simplifying diagrams. The adapted booklet was distributed to patients with FND who were attending psychoeducation/Cognitive Behavioural Therapy group sessions. One week later, four patients discussed the booklet with a medical student facilitator; both quantitative and qualitative feedback was obtained. Feedback was gathered using an adapted 20 point Ensuring Quality of Information for Patients (EQIP) tool. Patient responses were recorded, and qualitative themes identified.ResultsFour themes were found from qualitative feedback during co-production: need for a glossary; an expanded resource list; more diagrams to simplify text; and for the booklet to also address family, friends, and carers. The EQIP questionnaire feedback emphasised that the booklet contained too much medical jargon and that it didn't personally address the reader. On average patients scored the booklet 53.33% using the EQIP questionnaire.The booklet was further adapted and a glossary, further diagrams and a section addressing family, friends, and carers was added. Further resources were added and the text was simplified for clarity.ConclusionThis QIP shows the value of co-producing information for an underserved patient population. Patient psychoeducation is a key part of treatment; involving patients at an early stage of the development of information and self-management tools will increase their acceptability to patients and improve the accessibility of patient psychoeducation.

Readability, understandability and language accessibility of Swedish websites about the coronavirus disease 2019: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality. To mitigate its spread, members in the general population were prompted to apply significant behavioral changes. This required an effective dissemination of understandable information accessible for people with a wide range of literacy backgrounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the readability, understandability and language accessibility of Swedish consumer-oriented websites containing information about COVID-19.MethodsWebsites were identified through systematic searches in Google.se (n = 76), and were collected in May 2020 when the pandemic spread started in Sweden. Readability and understandability were assessed with the Readability Index, the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) tool, and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool Understandability subscale (PEMAT-PU).ResultsThe median total sample score for Readability Index was 42.0, with the majority of scores being classified as moderate (n = 30, 39%) or difficult (n = 43, 57%). Median total sample scores were for EQIP 54.0% (IQR = 17.0, Range = 8–75) and for PEMAT-PU 60.0% (IQR = 14.75, Range = 12–87). The majority of the websites did not have any texts or links containing information in an alternative language (n = 58, 76%).ConclusionsSwedish websites contained information of difficult readability and understandability at the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, with few providing information available in alternative languages. It is possible that these deficits contributed to the spread and impact of the virus. There is a need for studies investigating methods aiming to enhance the readability, understandability and language accessibility of web-based information at the beginning of an epidemic or pandemic.

The Quality of Online Information on Cosmetic Injectable Fillers: Current Status.

Web-based health information plays an increasingly vital role in spreading health information. Many patients interested in aesthetic surgery study the procedure on the Internet. This study aims to evaluate the quality of online health information on injectable fillers using the modified "Ensuring Quality Information for Patients" (EQIP) tool. Nine different search terms, including "fillers," "fuller cheeks," "wrinkle removal," and "antiwrinkle treatment" were identified and queried on Google. Unique links from the first three pages of each search term were identified and evaluated if the contents were in English language and were for general non-medical public use. A total of 172 websites were analyzed, with a median EQIP score of 20. In total 129 websites belonged to aesthetic practitioners, of which 81 were operated by medical doctors. Eighty-three percent of websites disclosed some forms of postoperative complications, most commonly edema (74%) and bruising (73%). Blindness and tissue necrosis were only mentioned by 12 and 10% of the websites, respectively. The current health information available on injectable fillers is of poor quality. While many do provide some information on risks, the majority of websites fail to disclose severe complications and quantifying risks. This poses a barrier against informed decision-making and may lead to unrealistic expectations. Patient satisfaction and expectations may be improved by developing better online education resources on fillers.

STUDY OF THE QUALIT Y OF PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OFTHE PROPER USE OF ANTI-ASTHMATIC DRUGS

RELEVANCE. Bronchial asthma, along with cardiovascular and oncological diseases, is one of the three most common chronic non- communicable diseases. For the most part, anti-asthmatic drugs (LP) are presented in the form of aerosols, powders, solutions for inhalation and other dosage forms intended for administration directly into the human respiratory tract. It is obvious that misunderstanding of the method of application and / or insufficient effectiveness of LP due to improper use can lead to a decrease in patients’ adherence to the prescribed therapy. In this regard, the availability of pharmaceutical information in the instructions becomes important, i.e. the more accessible the information in the instructions is to the patient, the higher the probability of proper use of the drug, maintaining patient compliance and preserving the patient’s quality of life. PURPOSE. The aim of the study was to analyze the completeness of pharmaceutical information provided in the instructions for the medical use of anti-asthmatic drugs (LP) and on the websites of manufacturing companies, from the standpoint of patients’ compliance with the rules for the use of LP. The main objectives of the analysis were: identification of the proportion of anti- asthmatic drugs that have a detailed scheme of use in the instructions; analysis of the instructions of anti-asthmatic drugs from the position of having indications of additional features of the use / use of drugs; analysis of instructions for anti-asthmatic drugs, the use of which is possible for groups of patients with physical or cognitive disabilities; identification of the share of companies producing anti-asthmatic drugs that support patients by conducting a specialized consulting service on the use of drugs. METHODS. The assessment of the quality of pharmaceutical information for patients was carried out on the basis of an analysis of 165 instructions for the medical use of pharmacotherapeutic groups of drugs designated in GINA-2021 (Global Initiative for Asthma-2021) and Federal Clinical Guidelines for the Treatment of Bronchial Asthma of the Russian Respiratory Society (2019) as anti-asthmatic drugs. The analysis was also carried out in relation to the information content of the websites of anti-asthmatic LP manufacturers, additionally, by creating a direct search query, the presence of a private page on the Internet for specific LP was determined. In the course of the research, methods of logical, comparative analysis, as well as generalization and grouping were used. To process the results obtained, the Excel computer program of the Microsoft Office 10 package was used. RESULTS. As a result of the analysis, it was revealed that the vast majority of anti-asthmatic drugs of all the studied pharmacotherapeutic groups are intended for administration directly into the respiratory tract, the article presents the results of a study on the ratio of inhaled and non-inhaled dosage forms in the context of the analyzed pharmacotherapeutic groups. The article presents data on the proportion of anti-asthmatic drugs that have a detailed description in the instructions in addition to the standard method of application (figure, diagram, pictogram) the method of introduction / use of LP. The fact of the absence of a detailed method of application in the instructions of various pharmacotherapeutic groups has been established. The results of the analysis of the number of instructions with the additional properties of LP indicated in them, allowing the use of LP data in patients with physical or cognitive characteristics (limitations), are presented. The number of companies producing anti-asthmatic drugs that have posted detailed information for consumers regarding the use of these drugs on their websites, as well as the number of drugs that have their own website, has been revealed. CONCLUSION. The information in the instructions for the medical use of anti-asthmatic drugs and on the official websites of the manufacturing companies (holders of registration certificates) of the studied drugs is not always exhaustive in terms of the use of inhaled dosage forms, which does not fully ensure the safe and effective receipt of anti-asthmatic pharmacotherapy. According to the authors, improving the quality of information for patients about the rules of using drugs for the treatment of bronchial asthma will simplify the use of dosage forms specific for its therapy, increase patients’ adherence to prescribed pharmacotherapy, reduce the risks from insufficient effectiveness of anti-asthmatic pharmacotherapy and preserve the quality of life of patients associated with the disease.

High tibial osteotomy: A review of the readability and quality of patient information on the internet.

Background: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a common procedure performed for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients are increasingly using the internet to research surgical procedures to help aid decision making. Our aim was to assess the readability and quality of information available to patients online relating to HTO. Methods: A systematic review of three search engines Google®, Bing®, and Yahoo® using the search terms "high tibial osteotomy" and "tibial osteotomy" separately was performed. The first three pages of results for each search engine were analyzed. Readability was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease Scale (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade level (FKGL) and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook formula (SMOG). Quality was assessed with the DISCERN questionnaire, JAMAbenchmarks and the presence of Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONCode). Results: Twenty-four webpages were included after duplicates (n=42) and exclusions (n=24).The overall readability was low, with a mean FRES of 53.2 (SD: 9.1), FKGL 10.7 (SD: 1.8),SMOG 10.4 (SD: 1.5). Quality was also low with a mean DISCERN score of 42 (SD: 12.3).None of the webpages fulfilled all of the JAMA benchmarking criteria and only 2/24 (8.3%)webpages possessed HONCode certification. Conclusion: The overall online information available to patient’s considering HTO is of lowreadability and quality. Improving the quality and readability of patient information online willbenefit informed patient decision making before HTO surgery.

Development and psychometric properties of surveys to assess provider perspectives on the barriers and facilitators of effective care transitions

BackgroundThe quality of the discharge process and effective care transitions between settings of care are critical to minimize gaps in patient care and reduce hospital readmissions. Few studies have explored which care transition components and strategies are most valuable to patients and providers. This study describes the development, pilot testing, and psychometric analysis of surveys designed to gain providers’ perspectives on current practices in delivering transitional care services.MethodsWe underwent a comprehensive process to develop items measuring unique aspects of care transitions from the perspectives of the three types of providers (downstream, ambulatory, and hospital providers). The process involved 1) an environmental scan, 2) provider interviews, 3) survey cognitive testing, 4) pilot testing, 5) a Stakeholder Advisory Group, 6) a Scientific Advisory Council, and 7) a collaborative Project ACHIEVE (Achieving Patient-Centered Care and Optimized Health in Care Transitions by Evaluating the Value of Evidence) research team. Three surveys were developed and fielded to providers affiliated with 43 hospitals participating in Project ACHIEVE. Web-based survey administration resulted in 948 provider respondents. We assessed response variability and response missingness. To evaluate the composites’ psychometric properties, we examined intercorrelations of survey items, item factor loadings, model fit indices, internal consistency reliability, and intercorrelations between the composite measures and overall rating items.ResultsResults from psychometric analyses of the three surveys provided support for five composite measures: 1) Effort in Coordinating Patient Care, 2) Quality of Patient Information Received, 3) Organizational Support for Transitional Care, 4) Access to Community Resources, and 5) Strength of Relationships Among Community Providers. All factor loadings and reliability estimates were acceptable (loadings ≥ 0.40, α ≥ 0.70), and the fit indices showed a good model fit. All composite measures positively and significantly correlated with the overall ratings (0.13 ≤ r ≤ 0.71).ConclusionsWe determined that the items and composite measures assessing the barriers and facilitators to care transitions within this survey are reliable and demonstrate satisfactory psychometric properties. The instruments may be useful to healthcare organizations and researchers to assess the quality of care transitions and target areas of improvement across different provider settings.

Using the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients Tool to Assess Patient Information on Appendicitis Websites: Systematic Search and Evaluation.

BackgroundAppendicitis is a common surgical problem among the young adult population, who are likely to use the internet to obtain medical information. This information may determine the health-seeking behavior of an individual and may delay medical attention. Little is known regarding the quality of patient information on appendicitis on the internet, as this has not been previously studied.ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to identify the quality of information regarding appendicitis on websites intended for the public.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of information on appendicitis available online using the following 4 search terms in google: “appendicitis,” “appendix,” “appendectomy,” and “appendicectomy”. The top 100 websites of each search term were assessed using the validated Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) tool (score 0-36).ResultsA total of 119 websites met the eligibility criteria for evaluation. The overall median EQIP score for all websites was 20 (IQR 18-22). More than half the websites originated from the USA (65/119, 54.6%), and 45.4% (54/119) of all websites originated from hospitals, although 43% (23/54) of these did not mention qualitative risks from surgery. Incidence rates were only provided for complications and mortality in 12.6% (15/119) and 3.3% (4/119) of all websites, respectively.ConclusionsThe assessment of the quality and readability of websites concerning appendicitis by the EQIP tool indicates that most sites online were of poor credibility, with minimal information regarding complication rates and mortality. To improve education and awareness of appendicitis, there is an immediate need for more informative and patient-centered websites that are more compatible with international quality standards.

Diabetic Retinopathy Online: A Powerful Opportunity for Revision

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the quality, accuracy, content, and readability of online diabetic retinopathy (DR) information.Methods: This study reviewed the most accessible information online for content related to DR. The term, “Diabetic Retinopathy” was entered into Google, Bing, and Yahoo search engines. Assessments were performed using the DISCERN instrument, JAMA benchmark criteria, Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), HONcode, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2017 Preferred Practice Pattern Guidelines between multiple graders.Results: Twenty-two distinct websites were studied after applying exclusion criteria. The mean DISCERN score calculated was defined as poor by the scale. The mean JAMA score was low at 2 out of 7 possible points. The mean SAM score calculated was defined as adequate by the scale. Less than half of the websites were HONcode certified. Content from the Preferred Practice Pattern was inconsistently expressed throughout websites, with risk factors and management being represented more frequently than screening and diagnostics.Conclusion: The quality of online DR information for patients is overall poor, unreliable, incomprehensible, and inaccurate. Improving these parameters may assist in the overall management of DR as well as other medical diseases. Diabetes educators should not underestimate their key role in being a reliable and effective source of information on DR.

The reliability of the Internet for patient-centred education for surgical procedures

Background There is increasing use of the Internet by patients as an educational tool prior to a surgical procedure. However, the quality of information is highly variable, and it is imperative that as clinicians, we are aware of the information available to ensure that consent is valid and avoid unrealistic expectations. Our aim is to assess the quality of medical information available on the Internet related to common surgical procedures. Methods Analysis of the quality of patient information on 10 websites for six common surgical conditions ( n = 54 following exclusions) was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire and, for readability, using the Flesch reading ease test. Results There was high variation in the DISCERN score from 1.34 to 4.4 (mean 2.75). Overall, poor quality of patient information is available. Consistent scoring below 55 on Flesch reading ease score suggests a reading level beyond the majority of the patient population. Conclusion The majority of patient-centred health education on the Internet is poor. Therefore, improved verbal and written information during consultation combined with local, national and international websites is important to meet patient’s expectations and avoid issues regarding consent.

Readability and Quality of Online Patient Education Material on Websites of Breast Imaging Centers.

The purpose of this study was to assess the readability and quality of patient information regarding mammography, tomosynthesis, and breast density on the websites of ACR-designated mammography Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence (BICOEs) in the United States. In this institutional review board-exempt study, websites of mammography BICOEs were identified by state. Websites were assessed for presence of patient education material on screening mammography, tomosynthesis, and breast density. This material was then assessed for readability using five well-established readability metrics (Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Index, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning-Fog Score, Coleman-Liau Index, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index) and for quality using the DISCERN instrument. We identified 1,482 BICOE centers, of which 1,451 (98%) had websites; 79% (1,156 of 1,451) of websites had information on screening mammography, 45% (657 of 1,451) on tomosynthesis, and 16% (228 of 1,451) on breast density. Readability analysis showed that the overall average grade level of patient information was 12.4. Average readability grade levels by tested indexes were Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 11.5, Gunning-Fog Score of 14.1, Coleman-Liau Index of 14.1, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index of 10.9. The average Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease score was 45, with 0 being the most difficult and 100 being the easiest text to read. The overall DISCERN score nationally was 2.61 of 5 (with 5 representing the highest quality). Although most BICOEs have patient education material on their websites regarding mammography and some have information regarding tomosynthesis and breast density, the average readability grade level of this material is more than double the nationally recommended readability grade level of 6 for health care information. Additionally, the overall quality of this material is relatively low per established quality metrics.

Quality of Patient Information by Urologists Is Associated with Mental Distress in Bladder Cancer Patients

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of mental distress in patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer, the cancer-information search behavior, and the influence of information seeking on distress. Methods: One hundred and one bladder cancer patients answered 2 established questionnaires (“Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale” [HADS] and the “Fragebogen zur Belastung von Krebskranken” [FBK-R23]) for evaluation of mental distress and a self-developed questionnaire with questions concerning information seeking and socioeconomic facts. Results: Regarding risk group stratification, 57.4% were classified as high-risk and 42.6% as low-risk tumor-bearing patients. Analysis of mental distress showed that 23.2% had a score above the HADS-A cutoff, 25.3% above the HADS-D cutoff, and 21.4% showed a pathologic FBK-R23 score. Overall, 75% felt well informed about their illness. Risk group stratification did not correlate with HADS-A, HADS-D, or FBK-R23 score. Furthermore, active search for information or the use of the Internet did not correlate with the HADS-A, HADS-D, or FBK-R23 score. However, the quality of the urologist’s information and the feeling of being informed correlated with the grade of mental distress. Conclusion: Besides the treatment of bladder cancer, informing the patient about the disease in a psychologically wholesome manner and working together with psycho-oncologically trained psychologists are essential tasks for the treating urologist.

AB038. Assessing the quality of online information for patients with carotid disease—a 5-year follow up

AB038. Assessing the quality of online information for patients with carotid disease—a 5-year follow up

Written patient information materials used in general practices fail to meet acceptable quality standards

BackgroundPatient information materials and decision aids are essential tools for helping patients make informed decisions and share in decision-making. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of the written patient information materials available at general practices in Styria, Austria.MethodsWe asked general practitioners to send in all patient information materials available in their practices and to answer a short questionnaire. We evaluated the materials using the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP-36) instrument.ResultsA total of 387 different patient information materials were available for quality assessment. These materials achieved an average score of 39 out of 100. The score was below 50 for 78% of all materials. There was a significant lack of information on the evidence base of recommendations. Only 9 % of the materials provided full disclosure of their evidence sources. We also found that, despite the poor quality of the materials, 89% of general practitioners regularly make active use of them during consultations with patients.ConclusionBased on international standards, the quality of patient information materials available at general practices in Styria is poor. The vast majority of the materials are not suitable as a basis for informed decisions by patients. However, most Styrian general practitioners use written patient information materials on a regular basis in their daily clinical practice. Thus, these materials not only fail to help raise the health literacy of the general population, but may actually undermine efforts to enable patients to make shared informed decisions. To increase health literacy, it is necessary to make high quality, evidence-based and easy-to-understand information material available to patients and the public. For this, it may be necessary to set up a centralized and independent clearinghouse.

Availability and Quality of Information Used by Nurses While Admitting Patients to a Rural Home Health Care Agency.

Home health care admission nurses need high quality patient information but that information is not uniformly available. Despite this challenge, these nurses must make four critical decisions at patient admission to construct the plan of care: (1) patient problems to address in the home health care episode; (2) patient medication management; (3) services in addition to skilled nursing; and (4) skilled nursing visit pattern. We observed 12 in-home admissions at a rural home health care agency and interviewed nurses before and after about these decisions. We analyzed content and quality of documents. To evaluate quality, for each decision we assessed concordance between documents. Interview responses provided context in the analysis. Across all admissions, documents and their contents were not uniformly present. Nurses rarely received visit pattern or medication management information. There was discordance in the number of patient problems among and between available documents and the plan of care. Electronic health record design recommendations include interoperability and structured, consistent, actionable information.

Quality assessment of patient information on the management of gallstone disease in the internet – A systematic analysis using the modified ensuring quality information for patients tool

IntroductionThe internet has become a fundamental source of medical information for patients, however, little is known about the quality of patient information regarding the management of gallstone disease (GD). MethodsA systematic review of information on GD in the internet was performed. The top 100 websites for every different search term and search engine were assessed using the validated EQIP tool (Score 0–36). ResultsA total of 2000 websites were identified and 212 (11%) were eligible for analysis. The overall median EQIP score of all websites was 15 (IQR 13–18). Of all websites, 63% originated from North America however, these represented the lowest median EQIP score of 15. Only 41% of the websites differentiated between clinical presentations and 19% provided emergency information. Only 3% of the websites reported complication rates, ranging from 3 to 36%. ConclusionThis is a comprehensive assessment of online patient information on GD using the EQIP tool. The assessment of the quality of websites concerning GD by the EQIP tool indicates that the majority of sites were of low-quality information. There is an immediate need for better informative and educational websites regarding GD that are compatible with international quality standards.

Patient information leaflets for lumbar spine surgery: An opportunity for improvement in ERAS pathways

Objectives: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) has recently been applied to lumbar spinal procedures, using evidence-based practice and improved pathways to encourage lower rates of morbidity and improve longer-term outcomes; however the evidence for adoption is limited. High quality patient information is recommended as part of ERAS pathways to attenuate procedure related anxiety. As increasing workload pressure continues to reduce the time clinicians have to spend with patients, patient information leaflets remain an invaluable resource to facilitate the retention of important health information. The aim of this study is to analyse the current quality of patient information leaflets given to patients ahead of lumbar spine surgery in English National Health Service (NHS) Hospitals.