Satisfaction Questions Research Articles

Survey of students' learning experience using a virtual slaughterhouse simulator in three UK veterinary schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although visiting an abattoir is mandatory for all UK veterinary students, this was challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual simulators were temporarily approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Subsequently, the virtual slaughterhouse simulator (VSS) was used by the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, the University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh. This study aimed to evaluate the student learning experience using the VSS. An online survey containing satisfaction and assessment questions was distributed to all final-year students who used the VSS from September 2020 to August 2021. A total of 207 students completed the survey (n = 207/488, 42%). Students were mostly highly satisfied and found the VSS very useful for their learning (n = 164/207,79%); however, anxiety levels to visit a real abattoir lowered for less than half of the students (n = 97/207, 46%). Most students obtained an overall mark over 50% in the assessment questions (n = 197/207, 95%). Although the findings were very positive, extrapolation to other veterinary schools and postgraduate curricula should be done cautiously. The VSS is a valid tool for training veterinary students. However, more research is advised to compare virtual and real experiences and assess students' long-term performance.

What motivates and demotivates Estonian mathematics teachers to continue teaching? The roles of self-efficacy, work satisfaction, and work experience

AbstractEstonian students achieved high scores in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment surveys. At the same time, there needs to be more knowledge about the teachers guiding these students, as this could provide insights into effective teaching methods that can be replicated in other educational contexts. According to the Teaching and Learning International Survey, Estonian teachers' average age is among the highest in the world, and the shortage of young, qualified mathematics teachers is well-documented. The present study aimed to map the motivating and demotivating factors for mathematics teachers to continue working in this profession. The effective sample comprised 164 Estonian mathematics teachers who responded to items regarding self-efficacy and job satisfaction and open-ended questions about motivating and demotivating factors regarding their work. The results showed that students, salary and vacation, and job environment are both motivating and demotivating for mathematics teachers. On the one hand, helping the students to succeed (and witnessing the progress), satisfying salaries and a good job climate motivate the teachers. And at the same time, students' low motivation, poor salary, and straining work conditions (e.g., very high workload) serve as demotivating factors. We showed that mathematics teachers' work experience is an essential factor to be considered when thinking about motivating and demotivating factors for teachers, as well as their self-efficacy and job satisfaction. The reasons, possible impact, and potential interventions on an educational policy level are discussed.

Development and clinical feasibility study of a brief version of an addiction-focused phenotyping battery in females receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.

We aimed to streamline the NIDA Phenotyping Assessment Battery (PhAB), a package of self-report scales and neurobehavioral tasks used in substance use disorder (SUD) clinical trials, for clinical administration ease. Tailoring the PhAB to shorten administration time for a treatment setting is critical to expanding its acceptability in SUD clinical trials. This study's primary objectives were to develop a brief version of PhAB (PhAB-B) and assess its operational feasibility and acceptability in a female clinical treatment sample. Assessments of the original PhAB were evaluated along several criteria to identify a subset for the PhAB-B. Non-pregnant females (N=55) between ages 18-65, stabilized on buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD) at an outpatient addiction clinic, completed this abbreviated battery remotely or after a provider visit in clinic. Participant satisfaction questions were administered. REDCap recorded the time to complete PhAB-B measures. The PhAB-B included 11 measures that probed reward, cognition, negative emotionality, interoception, metacognition, and sleep. Participants who completed the PhAB-B (N=55) were 36.1±8.9 years of age, White (54.5%), Black (34.5%), and non-Latinx (96.0%). Most participants completed the PhAB-B remotely (n = 42, 76.4%). Some participants completed it in-person (n = 13, 23.6%). PhAB-B mean completion time was 23.0±12.0 min. Participant experiences were positive, and 96% of whom reported that they would participate in the study again. Our findings support the clinical feasibility and acceptability of the PhAB-B among a female opioid use disorder outpatient addiction treatment sample. Future studies should assess the PhAB-B psychometric properties among broader treatment samples.

Virgin Coconut Oil in Paste Form as Treatment for Dyspareunia and Vaginal Dryness in Patients With and Without Rheumatic Autoimmune Diseases: An Efficacy and Safety Assessment Pilot Study.

Introduction The use of virgin coconut oil (VCO) as an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for vaginal dryness and dyspareunia (VDD) in the general population has increased worldwide despite the absence of evidence-based studies supporting its efficacy. The principal objective of our pilot study was to scientifically validate the significant benefits and safety of using intra- and peri-vaginal application of VCO in paste form (VCOPF)for the treatment of VDDin patients with and without rheumatic autoimmune diseases (RAD). Additionally, multiple psychosocial, sexuality, and disease activity variables were also assessed. Methods A survey study of patients with chronic VDD, with and without RAD, treated with a single proprietary brand of VCOPF via the 'CocoRelief' protocolcontinuously for at least six months in an outpatient rheumatology practice setting. We evaluated the comparison of group characteristics, treatment outcomes, and satisfaction questions by Fisher's exact test or chi-square test for independence for categorical variablesand two-sample t-tests for continuous variables. Results Of the 53 respondents, 31 (58%) had an RAD and 22 (42%) did not. Rheumatoid arthritis and primary Sjogren's syndrome comprised 75% of the RAD group. The non-RAD cohort had both a higher baseline mean of intercourse pain (on a scale of 0-5) before VCOPF use (4.4 (SD 1.1) vs 3.9 (SD 1.0)(p = 0.094)) and a higher mean intercourse pain after VCOPF (2.0 (SD 1.3) vs 1.3 (SD 1.1) (p = 0.039)). VDD decreased by 55% in the non-RAD and 66% in the RAD population. Although not statistically significant (p = 0.195), VCOPF was at worst comparable to estrogen-containing therapies (ECT). No adverse events (AE) were documented. Conclusion A high percentage of women with VDD, with and without RAD, needlessly continue to experience quality-of-life-altering physical and psychosocial morbidity due to the underutilization and lack of awareness of VCO-containing therapy. The small sample size, non-blinded, non-randomized, pilot platform, and the use of a non-validated assessment toolrepresentthe principal limiting factors. This study revealed that VCOPF, when used in paste form via the CocoReliefprotocol, provided statistically significant long-term VDD-related efficacy not inferior to ECT without AE in patients with and without RAD. VCOPF is, therefore, likely to be a useful, cost-effective alternative in a substantial percentage of patients with and without RAD, particularly in women hesitant to utilize ECT due to cost and/or fear of adverse effects.

Academic Chairs’ Leaderships Styles and Teachers’ Job Satisfaction in Higher Education Institutions in UAE

<p style="text-align:justify">This study aims to identify the dominant leadership styles of chairs from the perspective of faculty members in different college departments in higher education in the UAE. Furthermore, the study aims to identify the teachers' perceptions of leadership styles that affect their job satisfaction. The study used quantitative means with faculty members in different higher educational settings in the UAE. The survey used a five-point Likert scale. The leadership styles have values (completely agree =5, agree = 4, neutral =3, disagree=2, completely disagree=1). The job satisfaction questions have values (completely satisfied =5, satisfied = 4, fairly satisfied =3, dissatisfied =2, completely dissatisfied=1). The chosen subjects were faculty members from different colleges. Those subjects are 135 university teachers who are divided into four age groups. The data revealed no dominant leadership styles in the colleagues from faculty members' perspectives; however, the statistics lean towards the laissez-faire leadership style. It also reveals correlations between the three leadership styles and job satisfaction. The democratic leadership style has the greatest impact and most significant environment and incentives among the three independent variables.</p>

Treatment Satisfaction, Efficacy, and Tolerability of Low-Dose Diclofenac Epolamine Soft Capsules in Acute, Mild, or Moderate Musculoskeletal Pain: A Prospective Open-Label, Single-Arm Interventional Study.

The use of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for acute musculoskeletal pain should be at the lowest effective dosage and for the shortest duration to minimize potential adverse effects. This study evaluated treatment satisfaction, effectiveness, and tolerability of a low-dose diclofenac epolamine 12.5-mg soft capsule formulation (DHEP 12.5-mg capsules) using patient-reported outcome measures in a real-life setting over a short period (3days) in subjects with mild-to-moderate acute musculoskeletal pain. A prospective, open-label, phase IV clinical study in adult outpatients at hospital clinic departments/general practitioner's clinics at eight sites in Italy. The primary efficacy variable was the degree of satisfaction with treatment at 72 ± 7h after initiation of treatment, assessed using the Overall Satisfaction Question of the Pain Treatment Satisfaction Scale (PTSS) and described by classic descriptive statistics. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the analgesic effect after the first administration and over time; the time to and satisfaction with the onset of pain relief, amount of and duration of pain relief; pain intensity differences over time; and safety and tolerability. The investigator's satisfaction with the treatment was also assessed. Subjects initially took 1-2 capsules of the study treatment and then one or two soft capsules every 4-6h according to their needs. Not more than six soft capsules were to be taken in any 24-h period. A total of 182 subjects (mean age, 56.2years; 54.4% female) took ≥ 1 dose of DHEP capsule and were included in the full analysis set. The most common musculoskeletal conditions were arthralgia (39.0%) and low back pain (23.1%). All subjects completed the study, and 165/182 (90.7%, 95% CI 0.86, 0.95) were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment at 72 ± 7h after the first dose (primary efficacy variable). Similar percentages were recorded for treatment satisfaction concerning other efficacy parameters. The onset of the analgesic effect was rapid, with complete pain relief reached after a mean of 49.45min. Investigators rated their overall treatment satisfaction as 92.9%. Treatment was well tolerated. The low-dose (12.5 or 25mg) oral diclofenac epolamine soft capsules formulation exerted rapid, effective, and safe analgesic activity in patients with mild-to-moderate musculoskeletal pain, with subjects' overall satisfaction with treatment more than 90%. EudraCT Number: 2018-004886-15 (Study 18I-Fsg08). Registered 04/09/2018.

What do Happiness Data Mean? Theory and Survey Evidence

Abstract What utility notion—e.g. flow/lifetime, self/family-centered—do self-reported well-being (SWB) questions measure? Existing applications make different assumptions regarding the (i) life domains, (ii) time horizons, and (iii) other-regarding preferences captured by SWB data. To obtain relevant evidence, we ask survey respondents what they had in mind regarding (i)–(iii) when answering commonly used—life satisfaction, happiness, ladder—and new SWB questions. We find that respondents’ self-reports differ from researchers’ assumptions and differ across SWB questions and sociodemographic groups. At the same time, simple SWB-question wording tweaks are effective in moving self-reports toward desired interpretations. We outline actionable suggestions for SWB researchers. (JEL: D69, D90, I31)

Patients’ and health care providers’ perspectives on quality of hemophilia care in the Netherlands: a questionnaire and interview study

BackgroundHemophilia care has improved greatly because of advances in treatment options and comprehensive care. In-depth insight into the perspectives of persons with hemophilia and health care providers on their care may provide targets for further improvements. ObjectivesTo assess satisfaction of the hemophilia population with their care, to explore factors determining care satisfaction, and to identify areas for potential health care improvements, including digital health tools. MethodsFirst, to assess care satisfaction and factors determining satisfaction and health care improvements, data from a nationwide, cross-sectional questionnaire among 867 adult and pediatric Dutch persons with hemophilia A or B were analyzed. This included the Hemophilia Patient Satisfaction Scale questionnaire, Canadian Hemophilia Outcomes Kids’ Life Assessment Tool satisfaction questions, a visual analog scale satisfaction score, and open questions. Second, to further explore factors determining satisfaction and health care improvements, semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 persons with hemophilia or their parents and 18 health care providers. ResultsHigh care satisfaction was found, with an overall median Hemophilia Patient Satisfaction Scale score of 12 (IQR, 6-21). Participants in the interviews reported that patient-professional interactions, availability of care, and coordination of care were major factors determining satisfaction. Suggested health care improvements included improved information provision and coordination of care, especially shared care with professionals not working within comprehensive care centers. Participants suggested that digital health tools could aid in this. ConclusionSatisfaction with hemophilia care is high among persons with hemophilia in the Netherlands, although several potential improvements have been identified. Accentuating these is especially relevant in the current era of treatment innovations, in which we might focus less on other aspects of care.

Seven-year Outcomes of Adolescent Forearm Fractures Treated With Plate Fixation.

Pediatric forearm fractures are common injuries and can sometimes require surgical treatment. Few studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes of pediatric forearm fracture plating. We evaluated long-term functional outcomes and satisfaction in children with forearm fractures treated with plate fixation. We performed a single-institution case series at a pediatric level 1 trauma center. Inclusion criteria were: patients with radius and/or ulna diaphyseal fractures, index surgery at 18 years of age or younger, plate fixation, and a minimum of 2 years follow-up. We surveyed patients with the QuickDASH outcome measure and supplemented this with functional outcomes and satisfaction questions. Demographics and surgery characteristics were obtained from the electronic medical record. A total of 41 patients met the eligibility criteria, of whom 17 completed the survey with a mean follow-up of 7.2 ± 1.4 years. The mean age at index surgery was 13.1 ± 3.6 years (range, 4 to 17), with 65% males. All patients reported at least one symptom, with aching (41%) and pain (35%) occurring most frequently. There were 2 complications (12%), including one infection and one compartment syndrome treated with fasciotomy. Hardware removal occurred in 29% of patients. There were no refractures. The mean QuickDASH score was 7.7 ± 11.9, with an occupation module score of 1.6 ± 3.9 and a sports/performing arts module score of 12.0 ± 19.7. The mean surgery satisfaction was 92% and scar satisfaction was 75%. All patients returned to prior activities and 88% reported a return to their preoperative baseline level of function. Plate fixation for pediatric forearm fractures achieves osseous union but not without the potential for long-term sequelae. All patients reported residual symptoms 7 years later. Scar satisfaction and return to baseline function were imperfect. Patient education for long-term outcomes of surgery is essential, especially in the transition to adulthood. Level IV, therapeutic study.

MP53-16 TELEMEDICINE HERE TO STAY? KEY INDICATORS TO PATIENT SATISFACTION

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP53-16 TELEMEDICINE HERE TO STAY? KEY INDICATORS TO PATIENT SATISFACTION Gideon Harianja, Michael Reimer, Cayde Ritchie, Matthew Buell, Akin S. Amasyali, Kai Wen Cheng, Catherine Chen, David Chamberlin, and Joshua Chamberlin Gideon HarianjaGideon Harianja More articles by this author , Michael ReimerMichael Reimer More articles by this author , Cayde RitchieCayde Ritchie More articles by this author , Matthew BuellMatthew Buell More articles by this author , Akin S. AmasyaliAkin S. Amasyali More articles by this author , Kai Wen ChengKai Wen Cheng More articles by this author , Catherine ChenCatherine Chen More articles by this author , David ChamberlinDavid Chamberlin More articles by this author , and Joshua ChamberlinJoshua Chamberlin More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003301.16AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic initiated rapid widespread utilization of telemedicine affecting all health care providers, including those in pediatric urology. Understanding the factors of patient and parent satisfaction can aid in health care delivery. The aim of this study was to identify key indicators of patient and parent satisfaction with pediatric urology telemedicine visits. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey of all patients evaluated with a telehealth visit from October 2021 - April 2022. We included all consecutive patients aged 0-18 years who received an outpatient pediatric urology telehealth visit. All patients received an 8-question patient/parent reported outcome (PRO) survey via email within 30 days of the visit, including 5 satisfaction questions regarding various aspects of telemedicine rated on a scale of 1-5. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi Squared tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 1213 patients completed a telehealth visit, of which 83 (7%) completed the PRO survey. Visit type included 40 (48%) post-operative, 29 (35%) follow-up, and 14 (17%) new consults. From the survey responses, 84% reported time savings, 31% reported money savings, 30% avoided time away from work, and 27% of children avoided missing school. No technical issues were experienced in 86% of the visits. Satisfaction with telehealth was highest for the post-operative patient, 4.8/5 after orchiopexy and 4.4/5 after circumcision. Patients saved a median travel distance of 22 miles [IQR: 15-41]. Patients living farther than 22 miles had higher satisfaction scores in terms of simplicity and preference to in-person visits compared to those who lived closer (p=0.019). Patients living in zip codes below the median household income had significantly higher satisfaction scores (p=0.032). Patients with public health insurance had significantly higher overall satisfaction scores compared to those with private health insurance (p=0.022). There was no difference in satisfaction based on parent age or whether the patient was evaluated for a new, follow-up, or post-operative video visit. CONCLUSIONS: Children and their caregivers were satisfied with pediatric urology telehealth visits when seen as a new, follow-up, or post-operative patient. Indicators for satisfaction may include long travel distance to the clinic, lower than median household income zip codes, and public health insurance. Appropriate use of telehealth may provide better access to care and optimize healthcare delivery. Source of Funding: AOA Research Fellowship Grant © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e718 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Gideon Harianja More articles by this author Michael Reimer More articles by this author Cayde Ritchie More articles by this author Matthew Buell More articles by this author Akin S. Amasyali More articles by this author Kai Wen Cheng More articles by this author Catherine Chen More articles by this author David Chamberlin More articles by this author Joshua Chamberlin More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Comparison of Psychological Well-Being of Surgical and Non-Surgical Specialty Physicians Working in a Hospital using the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28)

Purpose: Psychological well-being of a physician affects the physician’s mental and physical health, even the patient-physician relationship. This article aims to evaluate and compare the psychological well-being of surgeons and internists in a hospital and to investigate the relationship with relevant variables.&#x0D; Method: Full-time physicians working in a private hospital in Istanbul between 15-30 April 2019 participated in this study. With General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), the frequency of Probable Psychiatric Cases (PPCs) was determined. The GHQ-28 results were compared with the physician’s specialty, demographic information, and answers to the job satisfaction questions that we prepared. Moreover, the relationship between these answers and the physician’s specialty was evaluated.&#x0D; Results: 84 (37.3%) of 225 physicians (Confidence Level= 95%, Margin of Error= 8%) participated in the study. 19 (22.6%) physicians were found a PPC with a GHQ-28 score of ≥5. Of these 19 people, 11 were surgeons and 8 were internists. The frequency of PPCs was found as 25.6% in surgeons and 19.5% in internists (p&gt;0.05). While 90.8% of non-PPCs were satisfied with their working environment, this rate was 68.4% in PPCs (p=0.038). There was no significant difference in the answers to job satisfaction questions between the surgeons and internists (p&gt;0.05). &#x0D; Conclusion: There was no relationship between the physician’s specialty and being a PPC. A relationship was found between not being a PPC and being satisfied with the physician’s working environment and it should be considered in the evaluation of the mental health of the physicians.

A holistic assessment of indoor environmental quality perception in Australian high-rise social housing

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in social housing is commonly aggravated due to poor design and construction characteristics. Within Melbourne, a considerable proportion of social housing are high-rise buildings, for which no integrated IEQ studies have been conducted. This paper examines residents’ IEQ perception in high-rise social housing in Melbourne. Data from 94 apartment units were collected through a survey. Residents were least satisfied (33%) with the indoor temperature in summer, while they were most satisfied with daylight (72%). The most influential parameter over the overall IEQ satisfaction was “noise”, despite being rated the second least important. Sleep disturbances (61.8%) and not being able to open the windows for ventilation (43.4%) were identified as the most unfavourable effects of outdoor noise. Correlations were found between IEQ parameters and the frequency of building-related health issues. No clear relationship was found between perceived satisfaction and importance of IEQ parameters. There is an evident problem associated with overheating in summer, though winter underheating was not problematic. Differences in the share of IEQ parameters on the overall IEQ satisfaction question their equal weightage. The significance of this study is the integrated assessment of IEQ parameters and health impact in the Melbourne social housing context.

The emotional experience of mothers of children with haemophilia: maternal guilt, effective coping strategies and resilience within the haemophilia community.

Mothers of children with haemophilia (CWH) experience guilt related to this genetic condition. Several factors contributing to maternal guilt have been identified, but the scope and extent of guilt have not previously been quantified. This study provides insight into the experience of mothers of CWH and how they perceive and manage guilt. It then identifies the most common and helpful coping mechanisms. Between May and October 2021, we distributed an anonymous electronic survey to mothers of CWH. The Parent Experience of Child Illness measured maternal guilt, the PROMIS Parent Proxy for Life Satisfaction measured perception of their child's life satisfaction and additional questions explored specific guilt factors and coping strategies. Eighty-seven mothers responded to the survey. Forty percent of mothers experienced increased guilt. The most common reasons for guilt included putting their child through pain during infusions and passing on the affected X chromosome. Perceived life satisfaction, increased age and genetic counselling were associated with less guilt. The most common coping strategies involved utilizing social support, self-education and connecting with other mothers in the community. Some mothers experienced increased feelings of guilt, illustrating the need for providers to tactfully provide anticipatory guidance and counselling. Tangible manifestations of haemophilia were more likely to trigger feelings of guilt than familial factors. Community immersion was beneficial, as other mothers in the community served as a source of social and educational support. Most mothers did not report guilt, illustrating the adaptability and resilience of the haemophilia community.

The Subjective Costs of Health Losses Due to Chronic Diseases: An Alternative Model Appraisal

This paper proposes a method to evaluate health losses or gains by looking at the impact on well-being of a change in health status. The paper presents estimates of the equivalent income change that would be necessary to change general satisfaction with life to the same extent as a change in health satisfaction would do. In other words, we estimate the income equivalent of health changes. Next, the health satisfaction changes are linked to specific diseases in order to estimate the income equivalent for various diseases. This method uses answers to well-being and health satisfaction questions as posed in a large German data set. We distinguish between workers and non-workers and between inhabitants of East- and West- Germany. We find, for instance, that for West-workers hearing impediments are on average equivalent to an income reduction of about 20%, and that heart blood difficulties are for the same group equivalent to a 47% income reduction.

Evaluating change in body image concerns following a single session digital intervention

Many young individuals at risk for eating disorders spend time on social media and frequently search for information related to their body image concerns. In a large randomized study, we demonstrated that a guided chat-based intervention could reduce weight and shape concerns and eating disorder pathology. The goal of the current study was to determine if a modified single session mini-course, derived from the aforementioned chat-based intervention, could reduce body image concerns among individuals using eating disorder related search terms on a social media platform. Over a two-month period of prompting individuals, 525 people followed the link to the web-based application where the intervention was hosted and subsequently completed the mini-course. This resulted in a significant improvement on the one-time body image satisfaction question pre-to post intervention (p < .001) with a moderate effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.54). Additionally, individuals completing the program showed significant improvement on motivation to change their body image (p < .001) with a small effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.28). Additionally, users reported that the program was enjoyable and easy to use. These results suggest that a single session micro-intervention, offered to individuals on social media, can help improve body image.

Patient symptom exaggeration is associated with communication effectiveness and trust.

Patients might exaggerate their symptoms in an attempt to align the clinician's views with their own. A person who sees potential benefit in symptom exaggeration might also experience less trust, more difficulty communicating, and lower satisfaction with their clinician. We asked if there was an association between patient rating of communication effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and patient trust with symptom exaggeration? One hundred and thirty-two patients in four orthopaedic offices completed surveys including demographics, Communication-Effectiveness-Questionnaire (CEQ-6), Negative-Pain-Thoughts-Questionnaire (NPTQ-4), a Guttman-style satisfaction question, PROMIS Depression, and Stanford Trust in Physician. Patients were randomly assigned to answer three questions about symptom exaggeration for two scenarios: 1) their own exaggeration during the just-completed visit or 2) the average person's tendency to exaggerate. In multivariable analysis, lower ratings of communication effectiveness were associated with greater symptom exaggeration (p=0.002), while an annual household income>$100,000 (p=0.033) was associated with higher ratings. Higher rating of satisfaction was associated with lower education attained (p=0.004). Greater trust was associated with lower personal exaggeration (p=0.002). The relationship between greater exaggeration and lower ratings of communication effectiveness and trust suggests that symptom descriptions that seem more intense or diffuse than expected may indicate opportunities for more effective communication and trust. Patient experience can be improved by training clinicians to identify symptom exaggeration as a signal that the patient does not feel heard and understood and a cue to return to communication strategies that build trust.

A Retrospective Clinical Study of Endoscopic Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome using the Modified Soft Tissue Release kit.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy, and endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) is one of the minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of CTS. Based on the shortcomings of ECTR, we designed the "Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit" to assist the endoscopic operation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic treatment of CTS using this kit. This retrospective review included 57 patients (86 wrists) who underwent ECTR using the "Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit" at our department between January 2017 and August 2019. Three scale scores (i.e., Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [QDASH]; Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire [BCTSQ]: symptom severity [BCTSQ-SS] and functional status [BCTSQ-FS]) were recorded to assess hand function and symptoms preoperatively, 1 month postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. We also asked patients to answer a satisfaction question during follow-up. Pre- and post-operation scores were compared using paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Spearman's rank-order correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between scale scores and patient satisfaction. A total of 55 patients (83 wrists) were followed up, with an average follow-up of 27.2 ± 9.3 months. The median preoperative QDASH score was 45.5; the scores at 1 month postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and the last follow-up were 4.5, 0, and 0, respectively, with a significant decrease noted compared with the preoperative scores (P < 0.001). The median preoperative BCTSQ-SS and BCTSQ-FS scores were 3.3 and 2.8, respectively; the scores at 1 month postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and the last follow-up were 1.2, 1.0, and 1.0, and 1.1, 1.0, and 1.0, respectively, all of which decreased significantly compared with the preoperative scores (P < 0.001). The incidence of nerve injury was 0. The incidence of pillar pain was 0 at the last follow-up. One patient showed no improvement in hand symptoms and function postoperatively, and two patients showed long-term recurrence despite postoperative symptom remission. Approximately 94.5% (52/55) of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. ECTR with the "Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit" can significantly relieve symptoms and improve function in patients with CTS, with significant short- and mid-term efficacy and high safety.

Implications of providing social support to close network members on the social well-being of older people in Kitui County, Kenya

Social support is a strong predictor of social well-being. Older people are key providers of social support to others, but an overemphasis on received social support in gerontological literature portrays them as mere recipients. We examined the association between social support provided by older people and its influence on their social well-being. Data were collected from 369 respondents residing in rural dwellings in Kitui County using mixed methods and were analyzed for association using chi-square statistics. Instrumental, emotional, and information support provision was determined by asking four questions in each category about whether the respondents provided social support to close network members. The subjective experience of support provision using a satisfaction question for each domain of social support was used to determine the influence of providing social support on the social well-being of older people. Provision of social support across the three domains was found to be significantly associated with social well-being. The level of statistical significance was highest for emotional and information support compared to instrumental support. Older people are important providers of social support. The majority of those who provided social support reported being satisfied. Therefore, offering social support, especially emotional and information support, is an important contributor to satisfaction with these aspects of social well-being.

Biomedical gastronomy in the interventions of smell and taste disorders in ‘altered eating’

Biomedical gastronomy in the interventions of smell and taste disorders in ‘altered eating’

Trends and Disparities in Telehealth Utilization for Cancer Care during COVID-19

Purpose/Objective(s)COVID-19 has dramatically increased telehealth utilization for cancer care delivery. However, telehealth access and utilization may differ amongst minority populations. We evaluated differences in telehealth utilization and patient satisfaction based on patient demographics.Materials/MethodsAnonymized patient surveys from all virtual visit (VV) and in-person visits (IP) collected between April 2020 - January 2022 at a single comprehensive cancer center were included. Available patient demographic data included age, gender, race/ethnicity, language, and marital status. Patient demographics for virtual visits were compared to in-person visits using Wilcoxon rank-sum, chi-square, or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Patient satisfaction surveys consisted of 10 closed-end questions assessing the following aspects of the patient experience: connection quality (2/12), patient-physician communication (6/12), and overall provider quality (2/12. Qualitative responses were given on a 1-3 Likert-type scale ranging from no, yes (somewhat), and yes (definitely). Responses were binned into satisfied (yes, [definitely] responses) and not satisfied (no and yes [somewhat] responses). Univariate and multivariate analyses of patient satisfaction questions were carried out with a logic regression model with a significance level of 0.05.ResultsIn total, 3424 VV and 17303 IP surveys were assessed. Compared to IP, VV had significantly less utilization amongst Asian (6% vs. 9%, p<0.01) and Hispanic patients (6% vs. 9%, p<0.01), but similar utilization for White (71% vs. 66%, NS), Black (10% vs 9%, NS), and other (5% vs 5%, NS) patients. VV had significantly fewer non-English speaking patients compared to IP (3% vs. 6%, p<0.01). There were no significant differences in patient satisfaction scores based on race/ethnicity for White, Asian, or Black patients. Hispanics were more likely to be satisfied compared to White, Black, and Asian patients regarding connection ease (OR 3.4, p<0.01), connection quality (OR 2.18, p<0.01), quality of explanation (OR 2.85, p<0.01), appointment timing (OR 2.63, p<0.01), and follow-up instructions (OR 1.75, p=0.03). English-speaking patients were significantly more than non-English speaking patients regarding connection quality (OR 1.68, p=0.03), patient-provider trust (OR 1.87, p=0.04), and overall rating (OR 1.77, p=0.05). There was a significant decrease in VV utilization compared to IP over time as the pandemic progressed (p<0.01). Compared to White patients, Asian (p<0.01) and Black (p=0.04) patients saw a larger decrease in VV utilization over time.ConclusionVirtual compared to in-person visits were less likely to be utilized by Asian, Hispanic, and non-English speaking patients. Hispanic patients were more likely to be satisfied with their virtual visit, while non-English speaking patients were less likely to be satisfied. Further research is needed to understand the reason for disparities in telehealth utilization.