Set Of Measurement Items Research Articles

Clinician acceptance of complex clinical decision support systems for treatment allocation of patients with chronic low back pain

BackgroundThe uptake of complex clinical decision support systems (CDSS) in daily practice remains low, despite the proven potential to reduce medical errors and to improve the quality of care. To improve successful implementation of a complex CDSS this study aims to identify the factors that hinder, or alleviate the acceptance of, clinicians toward the use of a complex CDSS for treatment allocation of patients with chronic low back pain.MethodsWe tested a research model in which the intention to use a CDSS by clinicians is influenced by the perceived usefulness; this usefulness, in turn is influenced by the perceived service benefits and perceived service risks. An online survey was created to test our research model and the data was analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. The study population consisted of clinicians. The online questionnaire started with demographic questions and continued with a video animation of the complex CDSS followed by the set of measurement items. The online questionnaire ended with two open questions enquiring the reasons to use and not use, a complex CDSS.ResultsNinety-eight participants (46% general practitioners, 25% primary care physical therapists, and 29% clinicians at a rehabilitation centre) fully completed the questionnaire. Fifty-two percent of the respondents were male. The average age was 48 years (SD ± 12.2). The causal model suggests that perceived usefulness is the main factor contributing to the intention to use a complex CDSS. Perceived service benefits and risks are both significant antecedents of perceived usefulness and perceived service risks are affected by the perceived threat to autonomy and trusting beliefs, particularly benevolence and competence.ConclusionsTo improve the acceptance of complex CDSSs it is important to address the risks, but the main focus during the implementation phase should be on the expected improvements in patient outcomes and the overall gain for clinicians. Our results will help the development of complex CDSSs that fit more into the daily clinical practice of clinicians.

Analysing online purchase intention in Spain: fashion e-commerce

The importance of e-commerce continues to grow in retail, providing companies with a tool to improve commercial and marketing strategies. In this context, understanding this distribution channel becomes a fundamental matter for both managers and academics. This paper examines determinants of online fashion retailing and proposes a model of the formation of online purchase intention. To this end, a total of 433 individuals were surveyed. Based on the hypothesised model developed through a detailed review of the literature on the constructs proposed, a set of measurement items was adapted to the context of this research, and a 30-item questionnaire was implemented. A regression analysis of latent variables was used based on the optimisation technique of the partial least squares. The results indicate that the key factors influencing online fashion purchase intention are perceived value, trust, and fashion innovativeness, whereas time saving and perceived security are the main antecedents predicting perceived value and trust, respectively. Electronic innovativeness was proven to not have the influence expected on online shopping, which could be explained by the fact that e-commerce is not an innovation any longer.

The effect of training in an interactive dynamic stander on ankle dorsiflexion and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy

Objective: To study the effect of active stretching of ankle plantarflexors using an interactive dynamic stander in children with cerebral palsy (CP).Methods: Six children in Gross Motor Function Classification System classes I–III, aged 4–10 years, trained intensive active dorsiflexion in an interactive dynamic stander using ankle movement to play custom computer games following a 10-week control period. Gross Motor Function Measure Item Set, gait performance and passive and active dorsiflexion with extended and flexed knee were chosen as outcome parameters.Results: Median active and passive ankle dorsiflexion increased significantly (5 and 10 degrees, respectively) with extended knee. There was a small but clinically significant increase in gross motor function. The intervention had no effect on temporospatial gait parameters.Conclusion: In spite of the low number of participants, these results may indicate that intensive active stretching in an interactive dynamic stander could be an effective new conservative clinical treatment of ankle plantarflexor contracture in children with CP.