scholarly journals Qualitative, Patient-Centered Assessment of Muscle Cramp Impact and Severity

Author(s):  
Hans D. Katzberg ◽  
Vera Bril ◽  
Sarah Riaz ◽  
Carolina Barnett

ABSTRACT:Background:There is an urgent need for new therapeutic options to treat muscle cramps; however, no patient-reported measures exist that capture the entire cramp experience. We conducted a qualitative study to assess the experience of patients suffering muscle cramps, aiming to understand what factors determine the impact cramps have in patients’ lives to guide the development of a patient-centered outcome measure of cramp severity and impact.Methods:We enrolled patients with cramps due to several etiologies, including motor neuron disease, pregnancy-induced cramps, cirrhosis and hemodialysis, and idiopathic and exercise-induced cramps. Patients participated in semistructured interviews about their experiences with muscle cramps and their responses were recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed with content analysis using data saturation to determine the sample size. We subsequently developed a conceptual framework of cramp severity and overall cramp impact.Results:Ten patients were interviewed when data saturation was reached. The cramp experience was similar across disease and physiological states known to cause muscle cramps. The main themes that compose the overall cramp impact are cramp characteristics, sleep interference, daytime activities interference, and the effect on mental health.Conclusions:This framework will be used to develop a patient-reported outcome of cramp severity and impact.

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (17) ◽  
pp. 1195-1204
Author(s):  
Florence D Mowlem ◽  
Brad Sanderson ◽  
Jill V Platko ◽  
Bill Byrom

Aim: To understand the impact of anticancer treatment on oncology patients’ ability to use electronic solutions for completing patient-reported outcomes (ePRO). Materials & methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven individuals who had experienced a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Results: Participants reported that the following would impact the ability to interact with an ePRO solution: peripheral neuropathy of the hands (4/7), fatigue and/or concentration and memory issues (6/7), where they are in a treatment cycle (5/7). Approaches to improve usability included: larger, well-spaced buttons to deal with finger numbness, the ability to pause a survey and complete at a later point and presenting the recall period with every question to reduce reliance on memory. Conclusion: Symptoms associated with cancers and anticancer treatments can impact the use of technologies. The recommendations for optimizing the electronic implementation of patient-reported outcome instruments in this population provides the potential to improve data quality in oncology trials and places patient needs at the forefront to ensure ‘fit-for-purpose’ solutions.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e039488
Author(s):  
Anna Dowling ◽  
Ellen Slungaard ◽  
Nicola R Heneghan

IntroductionThe prevalence of flight-related neck pain is 70% in UK fast jet pilots; much higher than the general population. The Aircrew Conditioning Programme and direct access physiotherapy exist to minimise the impact on military capability, but a population specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) is required to investigate the effectiveness of these. We aimed to explore the experiences of flight-related neck pain to inform the content validity and development of a population specific PROM.MethodsQualitative semistructured interviews combining phenomenological and grounded theory methods, reported using Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research guidelines. A purposive sample of 10 fast jet pilots with neck pain was recruited. Concept elicitation interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim along with field notes. Data analysis involved subject and methodological expertise used a concept elicitation approach.ResultsParticipants included 10 male fast jet pilots, age 34.7 years. Identified themes included: (1) physical symptoms associated with flying activities; (2) occupational effects revealed modifications of flying, or ‘suboptimal’ performance owing to neck pain; (3) psychological effects revealed feelings or worry and (4) social and activity effects showed impact on out of work time.ConclusionPopulation-specific occupational, psychological and social factors should be considered alongside physical symptoms when managing neck pain in military aircrew. Findings support the development of a PROM specifically designed for military aircrew with neck pain.


2021 ◽  
Vol 135 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-109
Author(s):  
R Tjahjono ◽  
N Singh

AbstractBackgroundThe mechanism of nasal airflow sensation is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the role of nasal mucosal temperature change in the subjective perception of nasal patency and the methods by which it can be quantified.MethodMedline and PubMed database searches were performed to retrieve literature relevant to the topic.ResultsThe primary mechanism producing the sensation of nasal patency is thought to be the activation of transient receptor potential melastatin family member 8 (‘TRPM8’), a thermoreceptor that is activated by nasal mucosal cooling. Computational fluid dynamics studies have demonstrated that increased airflow and heat flux are correlated with better patient-reported outcome measure scores. Similarly, physical measurements of the nasal cavity using temperature probes have shown a correlation between lower nasal mucosal temperatures and better patient-reported outcome measure scores.ConclusionNasal mucosal temperature change may be correlated with the perception of improved nasal patency. Future research should quantify the impact of mucosal cooling on the perception of nasal airway obstruction.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237437352198925
Author(s):  
Amanda Robinson ◽  
Edith Pituskin ◽  
Colleen M Norris

A descriptive review was conducted to evaluate the evidence of cognitive patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following cardiac surgery. The search of electronic databases resulted in 400 unique manuscripts. Nine studies met the criteria to be part of the final review. Results of the review suggest that there are few validated PROMs that assess cognitive function in the cardiac surgical population. Furthermore, PROMs have not been used to assess overall cognitive function following cardiac surgery within the past decade. However, one domain of cognitive function—memory—was described, with up to half of patients reporting a decline postoperatively. Perceived changes in cognitive function may impact health-related quality of life and a patient’s overall view of the success of their surgery. Early identification of cognitive changes measured with PROMs may encourage earlier intervention and improve patient-centered care. In clinical practice, nurses may be in the best position to administer PROMs preoperatively and postoperatively.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Won Hyung A Ryu ◽  
Dominick Richards ◽  
Mena G Kerolus ◽  
Adewale A Bakare ◽  
Ryan Khanna ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Although advances in implant materials, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), have been developed aimed to improve outcome after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), it is essential to confirm whether these changes translate into clinically important sustained benefits. OBJECTIVE To compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing up to 3-level ACDF with PEEK vs structural allograft implants. METHODS In this cohort study, radiographic and symptomatic nonunion rates were compared in consecutive patients who underwent 1 to 3 level ACDF with allograft or PEEK implant. Prospectively collected clinical data and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores were compared between the allograft and PEEK groups. Regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of nonunion. RESULTS In total, 194 of 404 patients met the inclusion criteria (79% allograft vs 21% PEEK). Preoperative demographic variables were comparable between the 2 groups except for age. The rate of radiographic nonunion was higher with PEEK implants (39% vs 27%, P = .0035). However, a higher proportion of nonunion in the allograft cohort required posterior instrumentation (14% vs 3%, P = .039). Patients with multilevel procedures and PEEK implants had up to 5.8 times the risk of radiographic nonunion, whereas younger patients, active smokers, and multilevel procedures were at higher risk of symptomatic nonunion. CONCLUSION Along with implant material, factors such as younger age, active smoking status, and the number of operated levels were independent predictors of fusion failure. Given the impact of nonunion on PRO, perioperative optimization of modifiable factors and surgical planning are essential to ensure a successful outcome.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Yorkston ◽  
Carolyn Baylor

Patient-reported outcome measures contain information that comes directly from the patient without interpretation by anyone else. These measures are an important part of a clinicians' arsenal of assessment approaches and are critical in the development of patient-centered approaches to intervention. In this introduction to patient-reported outcome measurement tools, a history is provided of this approach to measurement and its place within the context of clinical research and practice. The process of instrument development and application will be reviewed, along with examples of measurement tools from the field of neurological communication disorders. This introduction is supplemented by references that provide interested readers with more detailed information.


2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 1616-1623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith M Sonder ◽  
Lisanne J Balk ◽  
Libertje VAE Bosma ◽  
Chris H Polman ◽  
Bernard MJ Uitdehaag

Background: Patient-reported outcome scales (PROs) are useful in monitoring changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) over time. Although these scales are reliable and valid measures in longitudinal studies in MS patients, it is unknown what the impact is when obtaining longitudinal data from proxies. Objective: The objective of this paper is to compare longitudinal changes in patient and proxy responses on PROs assessing physical impact of MS and walking ability. Methods: In a prospective observational study, data on the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29 physical) and Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) were obtained from 137 patient-proxy couples at baseline and at two-year follow-up. Demographic and disease-related variables explaining agreement or disagreement between patients and proxies were investigated using linear regression analyses. Results: Full agreement was found in 56% (MSIS) and 62% (MSWS) of the patient-proxy couples. Complete disagreement was very rare for both scales (2% MSIS, 5% MSWS). When patients were more positive than proxies, a higher age, longer disease duration, longer patient-proxy relationship and increased levels of depression, anxiety and caregiver burden in proxies were observed. Conclusion: In the majority of the patient-proxy couples there was agreement. Proxies can serve as a valuable source of information, but caution remains essential when using scores from proxies.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damien Giacchero ◽  
Guillaume Buiret ◽  
Cecile Grosjean ◽  
CHARLES TAIEB ◽  
Mahasti Saghatchian ◽  
...  

Abstract The absence of a specific tool to evaluate the impact of Supportive care in general and socioesthetics in particular as a rendered medical service is undoubtedly at the origin of the lack of published research based on scientific standards.In this context, we developed one supportive-care patient-reported outcome [PRO] using the multistep methods following COSMIN recommendations. Its construction followed all recommended steps: elaboration of the questionnaire, measurement properties of the questionnaire, internal and external validation, test-retest validation and translation, cross-cultural adaptation and cognitive debriefing. In total, our questionnaire includes11 items. It is scored by adding each VAS, making it range from 0 to 110, with a higher benefit when the score is higher. The Cronbach’s α coefficient is 0.88 for the entire questionnaire. The questionnaire thus constructed is a reflection of the patient's feelings, and it is quite natural that the name The “patient centricity questionnaire” (PCQ) was retained and validated by the Scientific Committee. The PCQ correlated negatively and moderately with the PSS, positively and moderately with the mental dimension of the and poorly with the WB12, the physical dimension of the SF-12 and the satisfaction EVA. Constructed according to the recommendations, the PCQ meets the prerequisite for this type of questionnaire. Its short format (11 questions) and simplicity of use allow it to be used by a large number of people and provides an pragmatic answer by making available to research teams a simple, reliable, easy-to-use and validated tool. It makes possible randomized studies to prove the impact on quality of life of the Supportive care in general and socioesthetics" in particular.


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