Quality Patient-centered Care Research Articles

Trust in health workers and patient-centeredness of care were strongest factors associated with vaccination for Kenyan children born between 2017–2022

ObjectiveAlthough vaccination confidence is declining globally, there is little detailed information from low- and middle-income countries about factors influencing routine vaccination behavior in these contexts. MethodsIn mid-2022, we surveyed people who gave birth in Kenya between 2017–2022, and asked them about their children’s vaccination history and about hypothesized correlates of vaccination per the Behavioural and Social Drivers of Vaccination model. ResultsOf 873 children in this sample, 117 (13%) were under-vaccinated (i.e., delayed or missing vaccine dose(s)) – and under-vaccination was more common among births during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022) versus pre-pandemic (2017–2019). In multi-level multivariable models, children of respondents who expressed concerns about serious side effects from vaccines had significantly higher odds of missed vaccine dose(s) (aOR 2.06, 95 % CI 1.14–3.72), and there was a strong association between having more safety concerns now versus before the COVID-19 pandemic (aOR missed dose(s) 4.44, 95 % CI 1.71–11.51; aOR under-vaccination 3.03, 95 % CI 1.28–7.19). People with greater trust in health workers had lower odds of having a child with missed vaccine dose(s) (aOR 0.85, 95 % CI 0.75–0.97). People who reported higher patient-centered quality of vaccination care had much lower odds of having children with delayed or missed vaccine dose(s) (aOR missed dose(s) 0.14, 95 % CI 0.04–0.58; aOR under-vaccination 0.27, 95 % CI 0.10–0.79). ConclusionsThese findings highlight potential strategies to improve vaccine coverage: greater focus on patient-centered quality of care, training healthcare workers on how to address safety concerns about vaccines, and building trust in the health care system and in health workers.

The association between a patient-centered quality of care index and self-efficacy among cancer survivors.

The number of cancer survivors in the US surpassed 18.1 million in 2022 and this number continues to grow. Patient self-efficacy, a patient's confidence in his or her ability to self-manage symptoms and healthcare concerns, has been linked to improved health outcomes. We thus set out to examine the association between a patient-centered care quality index and self-efficacy among cancer survivors. Data from 777 survivors of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers at 32 cancer centers nationwide were collected 6months after an initial survivorship visit. Patients completed surveys assessing patient-centered care (36 items under seven factors) and individual self-efficacy (eight items). Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between patient-centered care and patient self-efficacy, adjusting for demographics, cancer-related characteristics, and organizational characteristics of high-quality patient-centered survivorship care. In descriptive analyses, there were no statistically significant differences in demographic or cancer-related characteristics between cancer survivors by quality of patient-centered care. In regression models, a one-unit increase in patient-centered care was associated with a 0.23 (95% CI 0.14-0.32) increase in mean self-efficacy compared to low quality of patient-centered care when adjusting for demographics, cancer-related characteristics, and indicators of high-quality survivorship care. Individually, four of the seven factors of quality patient-centered care were statistically significantly associated with greater self-efficacy. Having a medical home was associated with the greatest increase in self-efficacy among survivors. Our findings indicate that higher quality patient-centered care is associated with greater cancer survivor self-efficacy. Given that self-efficacy is correlated with improved health outcomes and quality of life, this finding further supports the importance of high-quality patient-centered survivorship care. High-quality patient-centered survivorship care was associated with higher patient self-efficacy. This association should further be explored among cancer survivors with diverse characteristics.

Assessment of potential drug-drug interactions in hospitalized patients with infectious diseases: an experience from a secondary care hospital

Background Polypharmacy is common among hospitalized patients with infectious infections owing to comorbidities or concomitant illnesses. This raises the likelihood of drug-drug interactions and creates uncertainty for healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess the potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) among hospitalized patients with infectious diseases in a secondary care hospital. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in the internal medicine ward for six months after the ethics committee’s approval. Data were collected from patient case records, and prescriptions were screened for pDDIs from a portable electronic physician information database (PEPID) resource analyzed using SPSS, version 27.0. Results In total, 148 patient case records were analyzed, and 549 pDDIs were identified, with 66.8% having at least one or more DDIs. The mean number of drug interactions was 3.70 ± 4.58 per prescription. The most frequently encountered drug interactions were drug combinations such as bisoprolol with atorvastatin and aspirin with tazobactam/piperacillin. Bivariate analysis showed that age, comorbidities, length of hospital stay, and the number of drugs prescribed were risk factors associated with DDIs (p<0.05). In the multiple binary logistic regression analysis, DDIs were significantly associated with comorbidities and the number of prescribed medications (p<0.0001). Conclusions This study observed the prevalence of DDIs in hospitalized patients with infectious diseases of ‘moderate’ severity. Prescription screening using a drug information database assists in early identification and prevention of DDIs, enhancing drug safety and quality of patient-centered care.

Unpacking the relationship between shared decision-making and decisional quality, decision to screen, and screening completion in lung cancer screening

ObjectivesLung cancer screening is a complex and individualized decision. To understand how best to support patients in this decision, we must understand how shared decision-making is associated with both decisional and behavioral outcomes. MethodsObservational cohort study combining patient survey data with electronic health record data of lung screening-eligible patients who recently engaged in a shared decision-making discussion about screening with a primary care clinician. ResultsUsing multivariable analysis (n = 529), factors associated with higher lung cancer screening decisional quality include higher knowledge (OR = 1.33, p < .0001), lower perceived benefits (OR = 0.90, p = .0004), higher perceived barriers (OR = 1.07, p < .0001), higher self-efficacy (OR = 1.13, p < .0001), and higher levels of perceiving the discussion was shared (OR = 1.04, p < .0001). Factors associated with the patient’s decision to screen include older age (OR = 1.12, p = .0050) and higher self-efficacy (OR = 1.11, p = .0407). Factors associated with screening completion included older age (OR = 1.05, p = .0050), higher knowledge (OR = 1.24, p = .0045), and higher self-efficacy (OR = 1.12, p = .0003). ConclusionsShared decision-making in lung cancer screening is a dyadic process between patient and clinician. As we continue to strive for high-quality patient-centered care, patient decision quality may be enhanced by targeting key factors such as high-quality knowledge, self-efficacy, and fostering a shared discussion to support patient engagement in lung cancer screening decisions.

An Orthopaedic perspective on developing a Patient Experience Survey tool

Introduction: Our program’s aim is to integrate patients' values and perceptions of quality care into clinical decision-making and integrated orthopaedic care models that are reflective of the community/population that is served. Our institution currently has limited patient experience data or standardized tools that would allow us to comprehensively understand patient perspective across our orthopaedic populations. To that end, we designed a survey to understand patients’ experiences and any gaps that would require actionable change in real-time.&#x0D; Objectives and Methodology: The goal was to develop a survey tool that can meaningfully capture patient needs and preferences that impact their experiences and help identify any gaps or areas of opportunity to address. An environmental scan was completed which identified two validated patient experience surveys used to inform our survey development: CIHI’s CPES-IC (Canadian Institue for Health Information Canadian Patient Experience Survey - Inpatient Care) and OHA (Ontario Hospital Association) Outpatient Experience Survey. The survey was tested across a multidisciplinary team via feedback surveys and focus groups: 6 Patient Partners, 1 Clinical Manager, 3 Advanced Practice Practitioners, 3 Orthopaedic Surgeons, 4 Researchers, and 2 Administrators. Findings were collated and used to iterate the survey content until consensus was reached on a final patient experience survey. &#x0D; Highlights or Results or Key Findings: The focus of the survey is on understanding the patient’s Outpatient experience with their care team in orthopaedic clinics from referral to assessment. The survey was designed to cover multiple orthopaedic populations including patients with Hip and Knee, Foot and Ankle, Shoulder, Elbow and Spine issues. It focuses on two key components of the patient journey: 1) Pre-appointment and 2) Post-appointment. The pre-appointment pathway was deemed to be important as patient experience is often captured once care is delivered and it was important to understand how patients perceive their pre-appointment experience defined as the time from referral through day of appointment up to the time patients are seen (arrival at hospital, checking in to clinic). Specifically, the pre-appointment survey has up to 42 questions that aim to capture the patients’ perspectives on the clinic’s communication practices, wait time to be contacted, wait time for an appointment, how prepared patients felt for their appointment, how they felt about access to the clinic, their experiences with care transitions, their thoughts on transportation and any education that they received, and their overall experience. The post-appointment survey has up to 41 questions focused on understanding the patients’ perspectives on care transitions, the clinic space; wait time to see the practitioner, expectations, engagement in decision making, communication practices, education they received, and any other factors impacting their experience (e.g. confidentiality, empathy, trust, dignity). &#x0D; Conclusion and Next Steps: The survey, reviewed with our patient partners and multidisciplinary team, was found to be comprehensive and have good face validity. The survey will be implemented and the data will be analyzed to understand themes around areas of success and areas of improvement to advance our integrated models of care in order to provide high quality patient-centered care.

Patients' perceived quality of the care provided during the management of HIV/AIDS in a tertiary care setting in Nigeria.

The provision of patient-centred care by clinicians is believed to improve patient satisfaction with care as well as the outcome of treatment. To assess the quality of personalized care provided to people living with HIV/AIDS in a typical Nigerian health care setting and its association with patients' knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS and patients' knowledge and attitude towards antiretroviral therapy. The study was a cross sectional study carried out in the HIV/AIDS clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Data on the demographic and clinical details of the patients were obtained from patients' case notes using a suitably designed, pre-piloted data collection instrument. Furthermore, data on the quality of patient-centred care, patients' knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS, and patients' knowledge and attitude towards antiretroviral therapy was obtained using 'Patient Assessment of Quality of Individualized care for Chronic Illness Scale', 'Patient knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS questionnaire; and 'Patient knowledge and attitude towards antiretroviral therapy questionnaire', respectively.Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Program and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.0 computer package. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data, while inferential statistics were used where applicable with statistical significance set at p<0.05. The overall mean patients' satisfaction with individualized care score was 3.54 (SD = ±0.86; Max. = 5). The mean scores of the patients' knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS were 6.80 (SD = ± 1.079; Max. = 8) and 5.5 (SD = ± 0.924; Max. = 7) respectively, while the mean scores of the patients' knowledge and attitude toward antiretroviral therapy were 5.7 (SD = ± 1.103; Max. = 10) and 4.2 (SD = ± 0.874; Max. = 6). Multivariate linear regression revealed that the quality of patient centred care was a predictor of knowledge and attitude towards antiretroviral therapy (B=0.511; CI = 95%, p = 0.024). The quality of patient-centred care provided to persons living with HIV/AIDS in the facility is satisfactory. Patients perceived quality of care appear to be a predictor of knowledge and attitude towards antiretroviral therapy.

Patient-Centered Quality Measures for Dialysis Care: A Report of a Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Scientific Workshop Sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation

Providing high-quality patient-centered care is the central mission of dialysis facilities. Assessing quality and patient-centeredness of dialysis care is necessary for continuous dialysis facility improvement. Based predominantly on readily measured items, current quality measures in dialysis care emphasize biochemical and utilization outcomes, with very few patient-reported items. Additionally, current metrics often do not account for patient preferences and may compromise patient-centered care by limiting the ability of providers to individualize care targets, such as dialysis adequacy, based on patient priorities rather than a fixed numerical target. Developing, implementing, and maintaining a quality program using readily quantifiable data while also allowing for individualization of care targets that emphasize the goals of patients and their care partners provided the motivation for a September 2022 Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Workshop on Patient-Centered Quality Measures for Dialysis Care. Workshop participants focused on 4 questions: (1) What are the outcomes that are most important to patients and their care partners? (2) How can social determinants of health be accounted for in quality measures? (3) How can individualized care be effectively addressed in population-level quality programs? (4) What are the optimal means for collecting valid and robust patient-reported outcome data? Workshop participants identified numerous gaps within the current quality system and favored a conceptually broader, but not larger, quality system that stresses highly meaningful and adaptive measures that incorporate patient-centered principles, individual life goals, and social risk factors. Workshop participants also identified a need for new, low-burden tools to assess patient goals and priorities.

Rural Hospital Disparities in Goals of Care Documentation.

Goals of care conversations for seriously ill hospitalized patients are associated with high quality patient-centered care. We aimed to assess the prevalence of documented goals of care conversations for rural hospitalized patients compared to nonrural hospitalized patients. We retrospectively assessed goals of care documentation using a template note for adult patients with predicted 90-day mortality greater than 30% admitted to eight rural and nine nonrural community hospitals between July 2021 and April 2023. We compared predictors and prevalence of goals of care documentation among rural and nonrural hospitals. Of the 31,098 patients admitted during the study period, 21% were admitted to a rural hospital. Rural patients were more likely than nonrural patients to be > 65 years old (89% vs. 86%, P=<0.0001), more likely to live in a neighborhood classified in the highest quintile of socioeconomic disadvantage (40% vs. 16%, P=<0.0001), and less likely to receive a palliative care consult (8% vs. 18%, p=<0.0001). Goals of care documentation occurred less often for patients admitted to rural versus nonrural community hospitals (2% vs. 7%, p<0.0001). In the base multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for patient characteristics, the odds of goals care documentation was lower in rural versus nonrural community hospitals (aOR 0.4, p=0.0232). In a second multivariable logistic regression model including both patient characteristics and severity of illness, the odds of goals of care documentation in rural community hospitals was no longer statistically different than nonrural community hospitals (aOR 0.5, p=0.1080). Patients who received a palliative care consult had lower prevalence of goals of care documentation in rural versus nonrural hospitals (16% vs. 37%, P=<0.0001). In this study of seventeen rural and nonrural community hospitals, we found low overall prevalence of goals of care documentation with particularly infrequent documentation occurring within rural hospitals. Future study is needed to assess barriers to goals of care documentation contributing to low prevalence of goals of care conversations in rural hospital settings. This retrospective study assesses prevalence of goals of care documentation in rural community hospitals. The results indicate goals of care documentation is particularly infrequent in rural community hospitals when compared to nonrural community hospitals.

Piloting patient-reported outcome measures for evaluation of the Irish Chronic Disease Programme

Abstract Background The Irish National Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease (ICPCD) aims to deliver end-to-end, patient-centred care across three clinical programmes; Heart, Respiratory and Diabetes. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are a means of objectively measuring changes in patients’ subjectively-perceived health status over time in response to services. As such, PROMs facilitate service monitoring and evaluation and are an important tool for the ICPCD to ensure optimal, patient-centred, value-based healthcare delivery. Methods To select the most appropriate PROMs instrument for use across ICPCD, comprehensive literature review was undertaken followed by key stakeholder consultation in winter 2022. Following consideration against a set of pre-determined criteria the EQ-5D-5L, a well-validated, reliable PROMs instrument, was selected as the most appropriate PROMs instrument for use. Study design involved pilot implementation of EQ-5D-5L in one ICPCD ambulatory care hub service followed by mixed methods evaluation of staff experience of the pilot. Results The pilot was conducted from April to June 2023 among a socio-demographically diverse sample of patients attending their first and last episode of care with the ICPCD diabetic patient education service in Galway. Following service attendance there was a significant aggregate improvement in self-reported overall health rating but no significant change in self-reported mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort or anxiety/depression. Predominant staff concerns included staff and patient burden and the need for adequate staff resourcing and information technology support. Conclusions In conjunction with key national stakeholders findings from the pilot will be used to support the development of a PROMs implementation plan at scale for adoption across all ICPCD services. Ultimately national implementation will support the ongoing delivery of high quality patient-centred care within ICPCD services. Key messages • PROMs facilitate service evaluation and are an important tool for the Irish National Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease (ICPCD) to ensure optimal patient-centred healthcare delivery. • This pilot will support PROMs implementation at scale across ICPCD services and ultimately reinforce the ongoing delivery of high-quality, value-based, integrated healthcare.

Cardiovascular disease patient reported experiences with a web-based, interactive, clinically integrated cardiac rehabilitation program

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background/introduction Patient reported experience measures (PREMS) encompasses a person’s interactions within the healthcare system. Understanding the patient experience is key to quality patient-centered care, and evaluating these experiences is essential to improving clinical outcomes and health care quality. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs contribute to redressing cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality by slowing the progression of CVD and restoring quality of life. There is consensus that CR suboptimal attendance and completion is multifactorial, and that different causes are involved. Thus, evaluating patient experience to improve CR program attendance and completion and reduce the burden of CVD is essential. Method A retrospective descriptive survey design was used for patients ≥18 years, who were enrolled and active with the interactive, and clinically integrated web-based program for their CR between July 2021 to December 2022. The primary outcome was patient experience, and the aim was to evaluate this experience. Results Of the 54 enrolled patients, 16 met the inclusion criteria and received an online survey link. Of these 9 (56.3%) responded. Most respondents were aged between 60-70 years (55.6%) and male (77.8%). Seven (77.8%) did a web-based program only, and hybrid (combined web-based and centre CR) were two, (22.2%). The main reasons for choosing this mode of delivery were restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic (66.7 %), and/or geographical isolation and work commitments (33.3%). Most stated that they participated in their goal setting (89%), and 77.8% achieved these goals. Program completion was reported by 77.5% of patients, with 7.89 (SD 4.12) mean weeks completed. Information delivered in the education sessions was clear and easy to understand, contributing to positive lifestyle changes as reported by 77.7% of patients. All patients reported increased confidence across the CR health domains and being treated with respect and dignity. Regarding Phase 3 CR, extended ongoing outpatient attendance and exercise programs, 77.9% reported working with their GP and practice nurse to maintain lifestyle changes. Overall patients reported a positive experience from the web-based CR program stating, "I found this program to be very beneficial and would strongly recommend it to people having heart ops. Pity about covid stopping me attending face to face sessions. The phone and internet support was top notch". Conclusions Patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the education received and respect and dignity shown via a web-based CR program. This is fundamental to engagement with the program, behavior change and improved clinical outcomes in particular for patients with no access to center-based CR due to pandemics, work commitments and geographical isolation.

“The right thing to do would be to provide care… and we can’t”: Provider experiences with Georgia’s 22-week abortion ban

ObjectivesIn 2015, the Georgia (US) legislature implemented a gestational limit, or “ban” on abortion at or beyond 22 weeks from the last menstrual period. In this study, we qualitatively examined abortion provider perspectives on the ban’s impact on abortion care access and provision. Study designBetween May 2018 and September 2019, we conducted in-depth individual interviews with 20 abortion providers (clinicians, staff, and administrators) from four clinics in Georgia. Interviews explored perceptions of and experiences with the ban and its effects on abortion care. Team members coded transcripts to 100% agreement using an iterative, group consensus process, and conducted a thematic analysis. ResultsParticipants reported strict adherence to the ban and also its negative consequences: additional labor plus service-delivery restrictions, legally constructed risks for providers, intrusion into the provider-patient relationship, and impact of limited services felt by patients and, thus, providers. Participants commonly mentioned disparities in the ban’s impact and viewed the ban as disproportionately affecting people of color, those experiencing financial insecurity, and those with underlying medical conditions. Nonetheless, participants described a clear, unrelenting commitment to providing quality patient-centered care and dedication to and satisfaction in their work. ConclusionsGeorgia’s ban operates as legislative interference, adversely affecting the provision of quality, patient-centered abortion care, despite providers’ resilience and commitment. These experiences in Georgia have timely and clear implications for the entire country following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade, thus reducing care access and increasing negative health and social consequences and inequities for patients and communities on a national scale. ImplicationsOur findings from Georgia (US) indicate an urgent need for coordinated efforts to challenge the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision and for proactive policies that protect access to later abortion care. Research that identifies strategies for supporting providers and patients faced with continuing restrictive legal environments is warranted.

Measuring Health System Responsiveness in a national community health worker primary care program in rural Liberia.

As many low- and middle-income countries scale up community health worker (CHW) programs to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring quality as well as access is critical. Health system responsiveness (HSR) is a core domain of quality patient-centred care, but has not been widely measured in CHW-delivered care. We report results from a household survey measuring HSR and health systems quality of CHW-delivered care in two Liberian counties where the national CHW program of Community Health Assistants (CHAs) for communities five kilometres or more from a health center has been implemented. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based household survey in 2019 in Rivercess (RC) and Grand Gedeh (GG) counties, using a two-stage cross-sectional cluster sampling approach. We included validated HSR questions on six responsiveness domains and patient-reported health system outcomes, such as satisfaction and trust in the CHA's skills and abilities. The HSR questions were administered to women aged 18-49 who reported seeking care from a CHA in the three months prior to the survey. A composite responsiveness score was calculated and divided into tertiles. Multivariable analysis using Poisson regression with log link and adjusting for respondent characteristics was used to determine the association between responsiveness and patient-reported health system outcomes. The proportion of individuals rating responsiveness as very good or excellent were similar across all domains within a district, with ratings were lower in RC (23-29%) than GG (52-59%). High ratings in both counties were seen for high trust in the CHA's skills and abilities (GG 84%, RC 75) and high confidence in CHA (GG 58%, RC 60%). Compared with women in the lowest responsiveness tertile (score ≤3), women in the highest tertile (score 4.25) were significantly more likely to report high quality of CHA-delivered care (prevalence ratio, PR=14.1), very good/excellent at meeting health needs (PR=8.0), high confidence in the CHA to provide future care (PR=2.4), and high level of trust in CHA's skills and abilities (PR=1.4). Controlling for respondent characteristics, the composite responsiveness score was significantly associated with all patient-reported health system outcomes (P<0.001). We found that HSR was associated with important patient-reported health system quality outcomes, including satisfaction, trust, and confidence in the CHA. Measuring patients' experience and outcomes of care is important to complement more common measures of technical quality for CHW-delivered care to ensure that this domain of quality is central to community health program design and delivery.

Concerns and priority outcomes for children with advanced cancer and their families in the Middle East: A cross-national qualitative study.

Palliative care access is limited in the Middle-East, with few specialist centers and forcibly displaced migrants facing additional struggles to access care. Little is known about the specificities of providing palliative care to children and young people (CYP) with cancer. They are rarely asked directly their concerns and needs, which limits the provision of quality patient-centered care. Our study aims to identify the concerns and needs of CYP with advanced cancer and their families, in Jordan and Turkey. A qualitative cross-national study in Jordan and Turkey with framework analysis was conducted two pediatric cancer centers in Jordan and Turkey. In each country, 25 CYP, 15 caregivers and 12 healthcare professionals participated (N=104). Most caregivers (70%) and healthcare professionals (75%) were women. We identified five areas of concern: (1) Physical pain and other symptoms (e.g. mobility, fatigue); (2) Psychological concerns and needs (e.g. anger, psychological changes); (3) Spirituality, uncertainty over the future and use of "Tawakkul" (e.g. use of religion as a coping mechanism); (4) Negative impact on social life (e.g. social isolation, loss of support); (5) Burden on caregiver and their families (e.g. financial issues, siblings left behind). Psychological concerns were a priority for both CYPs and caregivers (particularly for refugee and displaced families) but often overlooked during routine care. CYP were able to share their own concerns and care priorities. Advanced cancer care must ensure assessment and management of concerns across the concerns identified. Developing child- and family-centered outcomes would ensure monitoring the quality of care. Spirituality had a more important role compared to similar investigation in other regions.

Addressing systemic racism and intergenerational transmission of anxiety using Bowenian family therapy with African American populations: ADiscursive paper.

To examinethe intergenerational impact of systemic racism on mental health, depicting the evolution and patterns of anxiety symptoms and the application of the Bowenian family therapy to understand the interrelatedness and long-standing impact of intergenerational trauma in African American families. This article highlights interventions that increase awareness of and promotes physical and mental health for AfricanAmerican populations. Discursive Paper. Searching literature published between 2012 and 2022 in PubMed, SCOPUS, EBSCO Host and Google Scholar, we explored factors associated with systemic racism and generational anxiety. Evidence-based literature supports the application of the Bowenian family therapy theoretical framework to understand the intergenerational impact of systemic racism and to address the transmission of anxiety symptoms in AfricanAmerican populations. Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to decrease anxiety symptoms in an attempt to heal intergenerational trauma and to improve family dynamics in AfricanAmerican populations. Nurses play an integral role in providing holistic quality patient-centred care forAfricanAmerican populations who have experienced racial trauma. It is critical for nurses to implement culturally responsive and racially informed care with patients that focuses on self-awareness, health promotion, prevention and healing in efforts to address racial trauma. Application of Bowenian familytherapycan aid in the reduction of both intergenerational transmission of racial trauma and generational anxiety. There was no patient or public involvement in the design or drafting of this discursive paper. The authors reviewed the literature to develop a discussion.

What are COVID-19 Patient Preferences for and Experiences with Virtual Care? Findings From a Scoping Review.

Virtual care became a routine method for healthcare delivery during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Patient preferences are central to delivering patient-centered and high-quality care. The pandemic challenged healthcare organizations and providers to quickly deliver safe healthcare to COVID-19 patients. This resulted in varied implementation of virtual healthcare services. With an increased focus on remote COVID-19 monitoring, little research has examined patient experiences with virtual care. This scoping review examined patient experiences and preferences with virtual care among community-based self-isolating COVID-19 patients. We identified a paucity of literature related to patient experiences and preferences regarding virtual care. Few articles focused on patient experiences and preferences as a primary outcome. Our research suggests that (1) patients view virtual care positively and to be feasible to use; (2) patient access to technology impacts patient satisfaction and experiences; and (3) to enhance the patient experience, healthcare organizations and providers need to support patient use of technology and resolve technology-related issues. When planning virtual care modalities, purposeful consideration of patient experiences and preferences is needed to deliver quality patient-centered care.

Substance Use Among Patients With Incident Crohn's Disease in the United States, 2010 to 2019: A Medicaid Observational Study.

Substance use among persons with Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with symptomatic exacerbation and poorer quality of life. However, data on the prevalence of substance use among individuals with CD are limited. Therefore, our study aimed to estimate the burden of alcohol and drug use among individuals with incident CD in the United States. We also assessed the associations between CD-related interventions and substance use after CD diagnosis. Our retrospective cohort study of the national Medicaid databases from 2010 to 2019 identified participants with newly diagnosed CD and defined substance use (ie, alcohol, opioids, cocaine, amphetamine, and cannabis) using diagnosis codes. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the associations between CD-related interventions and substance use after CD diagnosis. Overall, 16.3% of Medicaid enrollees with incident CD had substance ever-use, most commonly alcohol or opioids (each 8.0%). Any substance use saw an absolute decrease of 3.8% after CD diagnosis, but changes were less than 1% in either direction for each substance. CD-related hospitalization was associated with increased alcohol or opioid use post-CD diagnosis. Surgery was associated with lower use post-CD of opioids but not alcohol. CD medications (except steroids) were generally associated with decreased post-CD alcohol or opioid use. Among Medicaid enrollees with incident CD, alcohol and opioid use were more frequent than previously published estimates for the general US population (6% and 4%, respectively, in 2019). Consequently, medical communities must be more aware of substance use by patients with CD to provide quality patient-centered care.

Bridging the Access Gap: The Telepractice Experience of Speech Therapists and Audiologists at a Public Health Care Facility in South Africa.

South Africa is a low to middle income country (LMIC) with a population of 60 million people. The public health sector serves more than 80% of the population. Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital is a central level public health care facility situated in Gauteng. The Speech Therapy and Audiology Department provides insight into their telepractice services through a qualitative approach. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in therapists exploring telepractice as a sustainable model of service delivery. Therapists and patients encountered many challenges to the implementation of telepractice, however, the commitment of therapists ensured that creative solutions were developed. A comprehensive needs analysis at public health institutions is required to ensure the sustainability of telepractice. A hybrid model (telepractice and in-person consults) holds the potential to reduce the financial burden on patients and increase access to quality patient-centered care.

Development of the Breast Cancer Survivors Symptom Checklist for Use in Follow-Up Multidisciplinary Appointments.

BackgroundBreast cancer survivors are primarily followed up to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and complications and to detect recurrences. Many breast cancer survivors may experience prolonged adverse physical and psychological effects, which should also be addressed at follow-ups. The objective of this study was to develop a brief symptom assessment tool for breast cancer survivors to be used as a guideline for the survivors and all health care professionals conducting the routine follow-up. The second objective was to describe the women’s individual experiences with follow-ups.MethodsA literature review, a focus group of 6 healthcare professionals using a nominal group technique process, and the experience and feedback via qualitative interviews with 16 breast cancer survivors was used to develop the Breast Cancer Survivors Symptom Assessment Checklist (BCS-SC).ResultsThe BCS-SC consists of a set of 13 symptoms/burdens and one question. On a scale from 0 (no symptom) to 10 (worst imaginable), survivors indicated the extent to which they experience each symptom. All survivors perceived the annual follow-ups as important, but none prepared for them. Eight of the 16 survivors reported that they had 2 or more of the symptoms/burdens listed in the BCS-SC. However, only one of the survivors had mentioned her symptom to the doctor at follow-up.ConclusionThe BCS-SC is a comprehensive assessment tool for symptoms/burdens that are common among breast cancer survivors and can aid efforts to optimize their follow-up. Furthermore, the BCS-SC allows for a more patient-initiated and focused consultation, leading to more patient-centered quality care.

The Dense Breast Clinic: Initial Experience of a Patient-Centered Breast Imaging Clinic.

Establish a radiologist-run consultation clinic to review breast density and supplemental screening exams (SSEs) directly with patients in response to breast density reporting laws. Breast radiologists opened and staffed a clinic for formal patient consultations regarding breast density and SSEs. An IRB-approved questionnaire assessed patient knowledge of breast density, SSEs, and encounter satisfaction. Comparative statistical analyses were performed on knowledge-based questions. From February 2019 to February 2021, 294 reimbursable consultations were performed with 215 patients completing pre- and post-consultation questionnaires (survey response rate, 73%). Median patient age was 58 years (range, 34-86 years) and 9% (19/210) had a personal history of breast cancer. An increase in patient knowledge of breast density and SSEs was observed as follows: breast density categories (9% correct pre-consultation (20/215), 86% correct post-consultation (185/215), P < 0.001), dense breast effects on cancer risk (39% correct pre-consultation (83/215), 84% post-consultation (180/215)), mammogram sensitivity (90% correct pre-consultation (193/215), 94% post-consultation (201/215)), and increased cancer detection with SSEs (82% correct pre-consultation (177/215), 95% post-consultation (205/215)) (P < 0.001). Post-consultation, 96% (200/209) were satisfied with the usefulness of information, 89% (186/209) strongly agreed they had sufficient knowledge of SSEs, and 81% (167/205) agreed they would like future opportunities to meet with a breast radiologist. A consultation clinic staffed by breast radiologists focused on breast density and supplemental breast cancer screening can provide personalized patient counseling, engage patients in shared decision making, assist referring clinicians, and support high quality patient-centered care.

Incorporating Interfaith Concepts in Education on Patient-Centered Care

Context Many topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion are receiving attention in the popular media and in literature. However, religious, spiritual, and secular identities and how these relate to culturally competent patient-centered care have received considerably less attention. Objective Encourage athletic training educators to enhance their curriculum related to providing culturally competent patient-centered care by including content on interfaith patient care and offer guidance on foundational concepts and practical strategies. This paper provides a framework for providing education on quality patient care with respect to patients' religious, spiritual, and secular identities: (1) create a foundation of understanding, (2) establish a rationale for content inclusion, and (3) provide practical strategies for teaching and the provision of quality patient-centered care with respect to religious, spiritual, and secular identities. Background Religious, spiritual, and secular identities are often an important part of a patient's self-concept, and thus need to be considered when providing culturally competent patient-centered care. The Board of Certification Standards of Professional Practice and the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education standards for professional athletic training programs both address patient care with specific language related to cultural competence. Although athletic trainers recognize the importance of considering religious, spiritual, and secular identities of patients, many athletic trainers may not feel equipped to address these identities when providing culturally competent patient-centered care. Description Students should be better prepared to provide a more complete holistic approach to culturally competent patient-centered care. Educational Advantage A framework for addressing this content in an athletic training curriculum includes providing foundational concepts and a rationale for the inclusion of this content and then offering practical strategies for considering religious, spiritual, and secular identities in patient-centered care. Conclusion(s) Athletic training educational programs should include education on religious, spiritual, and secular identities for culturally competent patient-centered care.