scholarly journals Heterogenous use of misoprostol for induction of labour: results of an online survey among midwives in German-speaking countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Bossung ◽  
Werner Rath ◽  
Achim Rody ◽  
Christiane Schwarz
Keyword(s):  
Castor Oil ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Induction Of Labour ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Oral Misoprostol ◽  
Maximum Daily Dose ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Unfavourable Cervix ◽  
German Speaking

Abstract Purpose This online survey looked at the experiences and general perceptions of midwives concerning induction of labour and the specific use of misoprostol. Methods We published an online questionnaire with 24 questions in German on midwives’ experiences and perceptions of different methods of induction of labour. Results The online survey was answered by 412 midwives between February 2016 and February 2017. At least 20% of the 24 questions were answered in 333 questionnaires, which were included in this analysis. Oral misoprostol was the most common induction method for primipara and for women with a previous vaginal birth and an unfavourable cervix. Apart from alternative methods for induction of labour like castor oil and complementary/alternative methods, oral misoprostol was the preferred method of induction of labour by midwives. Midwives described a wide range of dosage schedules concerning application intervals, starting doses, and the maximum daily dose of misoprostol. Approximately 50% of the participants of this study described prescriptions of more than 200 µg misoprostol daily for induction of labour. Conclusion Misoprostol is widely used in Germany and was one of the three preferred methods of induction of labour among midwives in our study next to castor oil and complementary/alternative methods. The preparation and dosage of misoprostol vary significantly among hospitals and do not adhere to international guidelines. Midwives voiced their concerns about inconsistent indications and heterogenous use of different methods and dosages of induction. They wished for more patience with late-term pregnancies and individualized shared decision-making between pregnant women and obstetricians.

Identifying Predictors of Patient Satisfaction with Telehealth Consultations in German-Speaking Countries: Standardized Online Questionnaire (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Manuela Roccaro-Waldmeyer ◽  
Philippe Schucht ◽  
Winfried Post ◽  
Michael Dahlweid
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Healthcare Provider ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Patient Empowerment ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
Survey Responses

BACKGROUND Telehealth services can contribute to fulfilling the long-standing promise of patient-centered care, by delivering high-quality care at a location convenient to patients or by increasing patient access to healthcare-related information. In German-speaking countries, telehealth consultations were not particularly widespread before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE We aimed at investigating the experience of patients in German-speaking countries with telehealth consultations, especially with respect to patient satisfaction (expressed as their willingness to have another telehealth consultation, main study outcome) and aspects related to patient empowerment. We hypothesized particularly video consultations to increase patient satisfaction and empowerment related aspects. METHODS A standardized online questionnaire composed of seven quickly answerable questions was used to conduct an online survey in line with published recommendations. To estimate the proportion of patients willing to have another telehealth consultation, the necessary minimum sample size to be studied was determined to be 384 (confidence: 95%; error: 5%; population proportion: 50%, definitive sample size: 411). RESULTS We reached a total of 28,814 followers via social media to obtain more than 5,735 clicks and views, resulting in 411 complete survey responses. 93% of the respondents having had video consultations, but only 32% of those having had phone consultations (66% of all 411) indicated that they would want to have another telehealth consultation again. By far the most important predictor of this main outcome was, whether patients understood the conversation with their healthcare provider. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate a high acceptance of telehealth consultations by patients in German-speaking countries and emphasize the importance of patients to thoroughly comprehend the communication with their healthcare provider, a prerequisite for patient empowerment. They further provide evidence for video consultations to lead to higher patient satisfaction (reflected by a higher willingness to have another telehealth consultation), and to a higher degree of patient empowerment, than phone consultations.

Present Situation and Prospect of Medical Knowledge Based Systems in German-speaking Countries

2012 ◽  
Vol 51 (04) ◽  
pp. 281-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Spitzer ◽  
W. Honekamp ◽  
C. Spreckelsen
Keyword(s):  
Medical Informatics ◽  
Working Group ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Future Prospect ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Knowledge Based Systems ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
German Speaking

SummaryBackground: After a decrease of interest in classical medical expert systems, the publication activity concerning the medical application of Artificial Intelligence and the interest in medical decision support have markedly increased. Nonetheless, no systematic exploratory study has yet been carried out, which directly considers the actual fields of applications, exemplary approaches, obstacles, challenges, and future prospect as seen by pioneering users and developers in a given region.Objectives: This paper reports the results of an online survey designed to fill this gap with the “Knowledge Based Systems” working group of the German Society for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (GMDS) in 2010.Methods: The survey was based on an online questionnaire (5 single and multiple choice questions, 8 Likert-scaled items, 7 free text questions) consented to by the working group. The answers were analyzed by descriptive statistics and a qualitative analysis (bottom-up coding). All academic institutions of Medical Informatics in the German-speaking countries and contributors reporting KBS-related projects at the relevant scientific conferences and in a journal specialized in the field were invited to participate.Results: The survey reached a response rate of 33.4%. The results show a gap between the reported obstacles of medical KBS (mainly low acceptance and rare use in clinical practice) and their future prospect as stated by the participants. Problems previously discussed in the literature like low acceptance, integration, and sustainability of KBS projects were confirmed. The current situation was characterized by naming exemplary existing systems and specifying promising fields of application.Conclusions: The field of KBS in medicine is more diversified and has evolved beyond expectations in the German-speaking countries.

Classical and modern drug extraction techniques: facts and figures

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bharti Umrethia ◽  
Bharat Kalsariya ◽  
Prof. P. U. Vaishnav
Keyword(s):  
Solvent Extraction ◽  
Dosage Forms ◽  
Herbal Extract ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Extraction Techniques ◽  
Modern Drug ◽  
Novel Drugs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
In The Mists ◽  
Heating Pattern

In present era, herbal extract succeeds inimitable place in pharmaceutical science. In view back the earliest extraction techniques are lost in the mists of history. As time went the plants have been processed by grinding, boiling or immersing. The systemic presentation of Ayurvedic extraction system has been first time familiarized by Acharya Charaka as Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana (five basic primary dosage forms) and based upon these primary dosage forms, secondary dosage forms are developed by using different heating pattern for extraction of pharmacological active ingredients. The administration of these dosage forms is mainly dependent on the Bala (strength) of Vyadhi (disease) and Atura (patient). Due to increased demand of Ayurvedic medicines and industrialization, the transformation of classical dosage forms takes place by implanting a wide range of technologies with different methods of extraction include conventional techniques such as maceration, percolation, infusion, decoction, hot continuous extraction etc. and recently, alternative methods like ultrasound assisted solvent extraction (UASE), microwave assisted solvent extraction (MASE) and supercritical fluid extractions (SFE). The extract obtained by these procedure uses as a large source of therapeutic phyto-chemicals that may lead to the development of novel drugs. Essentially, the purpose behind this changing face in both the extraction systems are different but can say that it is a new insight from ancient essence.

Knowledge assessment and barriers to cancer screening among Ghanaian community pharmacists

2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522098341
Author(s):  
Kofi B Mensah ◽  
Adwoa Bemah Boamah Mensah ◽  
Peter Yamoah ◽  
Joseph Attakorah ◽  
Varsha Bangalee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Screening Guidelines ◽  
Validity Assessment ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Primary Healthcare Provider ◽  
To Come

Introduction Though there are controversies, cancer screening has been suggested to decrease mortality. Over the years, the most accessible primary healthcare provider; the community pharmacist, has developed an interest in being part of cancer screening activities and prevention of a wide range of other non-communicable diseases. To achieve this, community pharmacists need a working knowledge of the basic screening test and recommendations. Also, it’s important to acknowledge the barriers that may prevent the implementation of cancer-screening efforts at the community pharmacy. This study aims to determine the knowledge and barriers to cancer screening among Ghanaian community pharmacists. Methodology Knowledge and barriers to cancer screening was assessed using an online questionnaire in 435 community pharmacists. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-squared tests were used to analyze the data. Results The reliability and validity assessment of the questionnaire after data collection revealed a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.82 for knowledge on cancer screening. The SD and mean age of study participants were 2.48 ± 20.08. Only 25.7% of the participants had good knowledge. The most identified barrier was the lack of established guidelines (60.9%). There was no association between participants' demographics and their knowledge scores. Conclusions Community pharmacists can potentially have a large impact on early detection of cancer through screening. However, they have to improve their knowledge on general screening guidelines and be aware of available educational resources to increase their knowledge. It is also important for all stakeholders to come together to establish local screening modalities and recommendations for the country.

scholarly journals The Importance of Sustainability in Diving Tourism—The Case of German Speaking Diving Tourists

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6485
Author(s):  
Alexander Hodeck ◽  
Jacqueline Tuchel ◽  
Luisa Hente ◽  
Christine von Reibnitz
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Target Group ◽  
Conjoint Measurement ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Ecological Aspects ◽  
Sports Tourism ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
Group A ◽  
Sustainable Behavior

Sustainability in sports tourism has increased in recent years. Sustainability is a particular focus for diving tourism. This paper analyses the meaning of sustainability to German speaking diving tourists to draw conclusions for the development of tourism strategies. Based on a literature review on the importance of sustainability in diving tourism, an empirical study was designed to understand the importance of the topic within the target group. A total of 174 German-speaking diving tourists were surveyed using an online-questionnaire. The subjects were clustered regarding their sustainable behavior. It could be shown that there is a correlation between age as well as gender and sustainable behavior. A conjoint measurement showed that for diving tourists, ecological aspects are more important than the prize of a diving trip. The gained insights can contribute to establish new and more sustainable offers in diving tourism and thus developing this area of sports tourism more sustainably overall.

scholarly journals Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of Challenges with Frequent Users of Emergency Department Care in Switzerland: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110281
Author(s):  
Patrick Bodenmann ◽  
Miriam Kasztura ◽  
Madison Graells ◽  
Elodie Schmutz ◽  
Oriane Chastonay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Emergency Department Care ◽  
Frequent Users ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ed Overcrowding ◽  
Ed Visits

Frequent users of emergency departments (FUED; ≥ 5 ED visits/year) commonly cumulate medical, social, and substance use problems requiring complex and sustained care coordination often unavailable in ED. This study aimed to explore ED healthcare providers’ challenges related to FUED care to gain insight into the support and resources required to address FUED complex needs. An online survey was sent to all general adult emergency services within Switzerland (N = 106). Participants were asked to indicate the extent to which they perceived that FUED represented a problem and to describe the main challenges encountered. In total, 208 physicians and nurses from 75 EDs (70.7%) completed the survey. Among the 208 participants, 134 (64%) reported that FUED represented a challenge and 133 described 1 to 5 challenges encountered. A conventional content analysis yielded 4 main categories of perceived challenges. Negative consequences in the ED secondary to FUED’s presence (eg, ED overcrowding, staff helplessness, and fatigue) was the most frequently reported challenge, followed by challenges related to FUEDs’ characteristics (eg, mental health and social problems) leading to healthcare complexity. The third most frequently encountered challenge was related to the ED inappropriateness and inefficiency to address FUEDs’ needs. Finally, challenges related to the lack of FUED healthcare network were the least often mentioned. ED healthcare providers experience a wide range of challenges related to FUED care. These findings suggest that currently EDs nor their staff are equipped to address FUEDs’ complex needs.

scholarly journals Emotional Bonding and Sexual Activity During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-National Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 263183182110274
Author(s):  
Deblina Roy ◽  
Sujita Kumar Kar ◽  
SM Yasir Arafat ◽  
Pawan Sharma ◽  
Russell Kabir
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emotional Bonding ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Study Participants

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have affected the sexuality and emotional bonding among the couple across the world. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the married people’s emotional bonding and sexual relationships in 3 south Asian counties (Bangladesh, India, and Nepal). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Bangladesh, India, and Nepal residents from April 3 to April 15, 2020. The survey was designed in English. The participants were selected through convenience sampling technique, the link of the online questionnaire was shared with the participants. Only participants older than 18 years and above, married, and living with their spouses were included in the study. Results: A total number of 120 respondents were included finally for analysis from the participating countries (India, Nepal, and Bangladesh). The mean age of the participants was 35.42 (±5.73) years; the majority were males under the age of 40 years and had completed postgraduation as their qualification. Among the study participants, more than half (53.8%) of the women reported being sexually active during the lockdown, whereas 41% of the men reported being sexually active. Among the sexually active participants, most women (57.7%) reported that they perceived positive emotional bonding with their partners. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference observed when compared with men. There are variations in responses. However, no significant association was identified. Conclusion: There are a few insights from the study, that is, there was no significant difference found in almost 3 countries in emotional intimacy. There had been a trend that there is improved emotional bonding with their partners, although no significant difference was observed.

scholarly journals Physicians’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Generic Substitution in China: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 7749
Author(s):  
Mingyue Zhao ◽  
Lingyi Zhang ◽  
Zhitong Feng ◽  
Yu Fang
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Generic Substitution ◽  
Generic Drugs ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Generic Medicine ◽  
Generic Medicines ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ordered Logistic Regression ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals

The purpose of this study is to investigate physicians’ knowledge, attitudes and practice of generic medicine substitutions in China. We conducted a cross-sectional online questionnaire survey on physicians from secondary or tertiary hospitals in China from 2020 December to 2021 April. Descriptive statistical and ordered logistic regression were used for analysis. A total of 1225 physicians were included in the final analysis, and only 330 (26.94%) of them scored 4 or above in the knowledge part, which means that the physicians have a good knowledge of generic substitutions. Of the total, 586 (47.83%) agreed or strongly agreed that generic drugs could be substituted for originator drugs and 585 (47.75%) always or often prescribed generic medicines. The percentage of physicians with a positive attitude toward or that practice prescribing generic medicine is below 50%, which needs to be improved in China. Physicians’ knowledge, their attitude toward generic substitution, if familiar with the policy of generic substitution, and incentives for prescribing generic medicines are influencing factors for the practice of generic substitution. Our studies show that the practice of generic substitution by physicians could be improved by several measures in China. We suggested that the physicians should be taught more about the bulk-buy policy and the generic-originator equivalence evaluation policy. Moreover, government incentives to promote generic substitution should be established. Our study also suggested that physicians with less working experience and female physicians should learn more about generic substitution.

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