Project description:Background: Informal caregivers are those providing care, which exceeds that which is typically provided, to a relative or friend with care needs. Informal caregiving constitutes the backbone of a society's care supply and with ageing populations the need for informal care is growing. We know little as to why caregivers start caring and continue doing so, yet understanding of motivations and willingness to provide care is important if informal caregivers are to be supported. However, both motivations and willingness are inconsistently defined making it difficult to compare the empirical findings that do exist. Methods: This paper reviews and synthesises thinking about the theoretical constructs of motivations to provide care and willingness to perform informal care, and presents those in relation to existing theoretical and empirical literature. Results and Conclusions: Theoretical reflections based on various motivational frameworks and available empirical data are presented to illustrate that: caregiving motivations should be conceptualised as multifaceted and multiply determined; intrinsic and extrinsic motivations should not be treated as antagonistic and can occur simultaneously; the commonly applied model of extrinsic/intrinsic motivations is oversimplified and omits consideration of the diversity of caregiver motives; other motivational models can be discerned in the context of the empirical research; there are differences between motivations and willingness to provide care with the latter being more consequent to the motives; both should be considered dynamic in nature; and finally, that the two constructs may not inevitably lead to actual caregiver behaviour. The implications of these theoretical reflections for methodology and research as well as their relevance for practice and policy are indicated.
Project description:In 2017, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) and the American College of Physicians/American Academy of Family Physicians (ACP/AAFP) published blood pressure guidelines. Adults recommended antihypertensive medication initiation or intensification by the ACP/AAFP guideline receive the same recommendation from the ACC/AHA guideline. However, many adults ≥60 years old are recommended to initiate or intensify antihypertensive medication by the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline. We compared atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event rates according to antihypertensive treatment recommendations in the ACC/AHA and ACP/AAFP guidelines among adults ≥60 years old with systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mm Hg in the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) and the JHS (Jackson Heart Study). Among 4311 participants not taking antihypertensive medication at baseline, 11.4%, 61.2%, and 27.4% were recommended antihypertensive medication initiation by neither guideline, the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline, and both guidelines, respectively. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event rates (95% CI) for these groups were 3.4 (1.6-5.2), 18.0 (16.1-19.8), and 25.3 (21.9-28.6) per 1000 person-years, respectively. Among 7281 participants taking antihypertensive medication at baseline, 57.9% and 42.1% were recommended antihypertensive medication intensification by the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline and both guidelines, respectively. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event rates (95% CI) for these groups were 18.2 (16.7-19.7) and 33.0 (30.5-35.4) per 1000 person-years, respectively. In conclusion, adults recommended initiation or intensification of antihypertensive medication by the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline have high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk that may be reduced through treatment initiation or intensification.
Project description:BackgroundProviding diagnostic and treatment information to patients is a core clinical skill, but evidence for the effectiveness of different information-giving strategies is inconsistent. This systematic review aimed to investigate the reported effects of empirically tested communication strategies for providing information on patient-related outcomes: information recall and (health-related) behaviors.MethodsThe databases MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and relevant bibliographies were systematically searched from the inception to April 24, 2020, without restrictions, for articles testing information-giving strategies for physicians (PROSPERO ID: CRD42019115791). Pairs of independent reviewers identified randomized controlled studies with a low risk of selection bias as from the Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool. Main outcomes were grouped into patient information recall and behavioral outcomes (e.g., alcohol consumption, weight loss, participation in screening). Due to high heterogeneity in the data on effects of interventions, these outcomes were descriptively reported, together with studies', interventions', and information-giving strategies' characteristics. PRISMA guidelines were followed.ResultsSeventeen of 9423 articles were included. Eight studies, reporting 10 interventions, assessed patient information recall: mostly conducted in experimental settings and testing a single information-giving strategy. Four of the ten interventions reported significant increase in recall. Nine studies assessed behavioral outcomes, mostly in real-life clinical settings and testing multiple information-giving strategies simultaneously. The heterogeneity in this group of studies was high. Eight of the nine interventions reported a significant positive effect on objectively and subjectively measured patients' behavioral outcomes.DiscussionUsing specific framing strategies for achieving specific communication goals when providing information to patients appears to have positive effects on information recall and patient health-related behaviors. The heterogeneity observed in this group of studies testifies the need for a more consistent methodological and conceptual agenda when testing medical information-giving strategies.Trial registrationPROSPERO registration number: CRD42019115791.
Project description:BackgroundAn ever-increasing number of patients seek health information via the internet. However, there is an overabundance of differing, often low-quality information available, while a lack of health literacy makes it difficult for patients to understand and assess the quality and trustworthiness of the information at hand. The web portal tala-med was thus conceived as an evidence-based, up-to-date, and trustworthy information resource for lower back pain (LBP), which could be used by primary care physicians (PCPs) and patients during and following consultations for LBP. The current evidence demonstrates that patients with LBP could benefit from web portals. However, the use of such portals by patients remains low, thus limiting their effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to explore the factors that promote or hinder the use of web portals and investigate how patients perceive their usability and utility.ObjectiveIn this study, we investigated the acceptance, usability, and utility of the web portal tala-med from the patient perspective.MethodsThis qualitative study was based on telephone interviews with patients who had access to the web portal tala-med from their PCP. We used a semistructured interview guide that consisted of questions about the consultation in which patients were introduced to tala-med, in addition to questions regarding patient perceptions, experiences, and utilization of tala-med. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through framework analysis.ResultsA total of 32 half-hour interviews were conducted with 16 female and 16 male patients with LBP. We identified 5 themes of interest: the use of tala-med by PCPs during the consultation, the use of tala-med by patients, its usability, added values derived from its use, and the resultant effects of using tala-med. PCPs used tala-med as an additional information resource for their patients and recommended the exercises. The patients appreciated these exercises and were willing to use tala-med at home. We also identified factors that promoted or hindered the use of tala-med by patients. Most patients rated tala-med positively and considered it a clear, comprehensible, trustworthy, and practical resource. In particular, the trustworthiness of tala-med was seen as an advantage over other information resources. The possibilities offered by tala-med to recap and reflect on the contents of consultations in a time-flexible and independent manner was perceived as an added value to the PCP consultation.ConclusionsTala-med was well accepted by patients and appeared to be well suited to being used as an add-on to PCP consultations. Patient perception also supports its usability and utility. Tala-med may therefore enrich consultations and assist patients who would otherwise be unable to find good-quality web-based health information on LBP. In addition, our findings support the future development of digital health platforms and their successful use as a supplement to PCP consultations.International registered report identifier (irrid)RR2-10.1186/s12875-019-0925-8.
Project description:Background Resident burnout is at an all-time high. In response, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) developed the Back to Bedside grant for resident-led burnout interventions that increase the time residents spend with patients. Objective We designed a resident-patient reading intervention, Giving Literal Thanks (GLT), intended to increase meaningful time residents spend with patients and thereby decrease burnout. Methods All 65 pediatric residents rotating through our academic hospital's inpatient units from Fall 2019 through Fall 2021 were invited to read and gift books to their patients. We studied our intervention's relationship to resident burnout using a convergent mixed-methods design, including anonymous, unlinked pre-, peri-, and post-intervention surveys and focus groups. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed separately, then integrated to describe burnout pre- and post-intervention. Results Forty-one of 65 residents (63.1%) completed pre-intervention surveys, and 8 of 65 (12.3%) completed post-intervention surveys. Twenty-seven resident-patient reading interactions were recorded, and 2 focus groups were held (1 pre- and 1 post-intervention). Five themes were identified: (1) limited opportunities exist to spend time at the bedside; (2) spending time at the bedside is valuable; (3) other responsibilities may preclude time at the bedside; (4) GLT could promote positive outcomes; and (5) GLT might not be the right tool to reduce burnout. Further quantitative data analysis was prevented by low survey response rates. While GLT was positively received and feasible, we were unable to show an improvement in burnout. Conclusions GLT was well-regarded but may not improve resident burnout.
Project description:BackgroundThe primary goal of residency programs is to select and educate qualified candidates to become competent physicians. Program directors often use performance on licensure examinations to evaluate the ability of candidates during the resident application process. The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) administers an in-service examination (ISE) to residents annually. There are few prior studies of the relationship between the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States of America (COMLEX-USA) series and formative assessments of residents in training.ObjectiveWe explored the relationship between performance on COMLEX-USA and the ACOFP in-service examination to offer support on the use of licensing examinations in resident selection.MethodsIn 2016, performance data from the COMLEX-USA and the ISE were matched for 3 resident cohorts (2011-2013, inclusive; N = 1384). Correlations were calculated to examine the relationship between COMLEX-USA and ISE scores. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine if performance on COMLEX-USA significantly predicted third-year ISE (ISE-3) scores.ResultsFindings indicated that correlations among performance on COMLEX-USA and ISE were statistically significant (all P < .001), and there was strong intercorrelation between COMLEX-USA Level 3 and ISE-1 performance (r = 0.57, P < .001). Performance on the COMLEX-USA Levels 1 and 2-Cognitive Examination significantly predicted performance on the ISE-3 (F(2,1381) = 228.8, P < .001).ConclusionsThe results support using COMLEX-USA as a part of resident selection in family medicine. Additionally, program directors may use performance on COMLEX-USA to predict success on the ISE-3.
Project description:BackgroundTransplantation continues to be the therapy of choice for people experiencing end-stage organ failure. African Americans (AAs) are overrepresented among those awaiting an available organ for the purpose of a transplant, yet donate at rates lower than other races due to a list of well-studied barriers. The Giving ACTS (About Choices in Transplantation and Sharing) Intervention was developed to provide culturally appropriate messaging to AAs about organ and tissue donation and transplantation (OTDT). The purpose of this community-based study was to test the extent to which the intervention was effective in (1) improving donation-related knowledge and attitudes among AA participants, and (2) increasing registration on the state donor registry.MethodsUsing a single-group, pre-post design, 1,585 participants received the intervention in small groups hosted in community settings.ResultsFrom baseline to immediate follow-up, participants significantly increased in OTDT-related knowledge, beliefs and attitudes, endorsement of the positive consequences of donation, and willingness to donate (all ps < .001). Participants' beliefs about the negative consequences of organ and tissue donation, however, did not significantly change, and registration on the state donor registry was negligible (1.3%).ConclusionResults suggest that Giving ACTS was generally successful in improving attitudes and beliefs; the intervention, however, was not effective in changing participants' beliefs about the negative consequences of OTDT, or increasing actual registration behaviors. Future studies in this area should be conducted to empirically evaluate the role of distrust in healthcare systems among AAs and its possible mediating effect on the relationship between donation-related education and the desired health behaviors.
Project description:This study reports on German physicians' views on legalization of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, comparing this with a similar survey of UK doctors. A questionnaire was handed out to attendants of a palliative care and a pain symposium. Complete answers were obtained from 137 physicians. Similar to the UK study, about 30% of the physicians surveyed support euthanasia in case of terminal illness and more support physician-assisted suicide. In contrast, in both countries, a great majority of physicians oppose medical involvement in hastening death in non-terminal illnesses. The public and parliamentary discussion should face this opposition to assisted suicide by pain and palliative specialists.