scholarly journals How do the UK public interpret COVID-19 test results? Comparing the impact of official information about results and reliability used in the UK, USA and New Zealand: a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e047731
Author(s):  
Gabriel Recchia ◽  
Claudia R Schneider ◽  
Alexandra LJ Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
The Uk ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Official Information ◽  
Test Result ◽  
Pcr Test

ObjectivesTo assess the effects of different official information on public interpretation of a personal COVID-19 PCR test result.DesignA 5×2 factorial, randomised, between-subjects experiment, comparing four wordings of information about the test result and a control arm of no additional information; for both positive and negative test results.SettingOnline experiment using recruitment platform Respondi.ParticipantsUK participants (n=1744, after a pilot of n=1657) quota-sampled to be proportional to the UK national population on age and sex.InterventionsParticipants were given a hypothetical COVID-19 PCR test result for ‘John’ who was presented as having a 50% chance of having COVID-19 based on symptoms alone. Participants were randomised to receive either a positive or negative result for ‘John’, then randomised again to receive either no more information, or text information on the interpretation of COVID-19 test results copied in September 2020 from the public websites of the UK’s National Health Service, the USA’s Centers for Disease Control, New Zealand’s Ministry of Health or a modified version of the UK’s wording. Information identifying the source of the wording was removed.Main outcome measuresParticipants were asked ‘What is your best guess as to the percent chance that John actually had COVID-19 at the time of his test, given his result?’; questions about their feelings of trustworthiness in the result, their perceptions of the quality of the underlying evidence and what action they felt ‘John’ should take in the light of his result.ResultsOf those presented with a positive COVID-19 test result for ‘John’, the mean estimate of the probability that he had the virus was 73% (71.5%–74.5%); for those presented with a negative result, 38% (36.7%–40.0%). There was no main effect of information (wording) on these means. However, those participants given the official information from the UK website, which did not mention the possibility of false negatives or false positives, were more likely to give a categorical (100% or 0%) answer (UK: 68/343, 19.8% (15.9%–24.4%); control group: 42/356, 11.8% (8.8%–15.6%)); the reverse was true for those viewing the New Zealand (NZ) wording, which highlighted the uncertainties most explicitly (20/345: 5.8% (3.7%–8.8%)). Aggregated across test result (positive/negative), there was a main effect of wording (p<0.001) on beliefs about how ‘John’ should behave, with those seeing the NZ wording marginally more likely to agree that ‘John’ should continue to self-isolate than those viewing the control or the UK wording. The proportion of participants who felt that a symptomatic individual who tests negative definitely should not self-isolate was highest among those viewing the UK wording (31/178, 17.4% (12.5%–23.7%)), and lowest among those viewing the NZ wording (6/159, 3.8% (1.6%–8.2%)). Although the NZ wording was rated harder to understand, participants reacted to the uncertainties given in the text in the expected direction: there was a small main effect of wording on trust in the result (p=0.048), with people perceiving the test result as marginally less trustworthy after having read the NZ wording compared with the UK wording. Positive results were generally viewed as more trustworthy and as having higher quality of evidence than negative results (both p<0.001).ConclusionsThe public’s default assessment of the face value of both the positive and negative test results (control group) indicate an awareness that test results are not perfectly accurate. Compared with other messaging tested, participants shown the UK’s 2020 wording about the interpretation of the test results appeared to interpret the results as more definitive than is warranted. Wording that acknowledges uncertainty can help people to have a more nuanced and realistic understanding of what a COVID-19 test result means, which supports decision making and behavioural response.Preregistration and data repositoryPreregistration of pilot at osf.io/8n62f, preregistration of main experiment at osf.io/7rcj4, data and code available online (osf.io/pvhba).

The Effects of a Caffeine Placebo and Experimenter Expectation on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Well-Being, and Cognitive Performance

2001 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harald Walach ◽  
Stefan Schmidt ◽  
Yvonne-Michelle Bihr ◽  
Susanne Wiesch
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Being There ◽  
To Receive

We studied the effect of experimenter expectations and different instructions in a balanced placebo design. 157 subjects were randomized into a 2 × 4 factorial design. Two experimenters were led to expect placebos either to produce physiological effects or not (pro- vs. antiplacebo). All subjects except a control group received a caffeine placebo. They were either made to expect coffee, no coffee, or were in a double-blind condition. Dependent measures were blood pressure, heart rate, well-being, and a cognitive task. There was one main effect on the instruction factor (p = 0.03) with the group “told no caffeine” reporting significantly better well-being. There was one main effect on the experimenter factor with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” having higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.008). There was one interaction with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” to receive coffee doing worse in the cognitive task than the rest. Subjects instructed by experimenter “antiplacebo” were significantly less likely to believe the experimental instruction, and that mostly if they had been instructed to receive coffee. Contrary to the literature we could not show an effect of instruction, but there was an effect of experimenters. It is likely, however, that these experimenter effects were not due to experimental manipulations, but to the difference in personalities.

Death and COVID-19 Anxiety in Home-Quarantined Individuals Aged 65 and Over During the Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110598
Author(s):  
Hümeyra Aslaner ◽  
Betül Özen ◽  
Zeliha K. Erten ◽  
Mebrure Beyza Gökçek
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Death Anxiety ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Anxiety Score ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Test Result ◽  
Pcr Test

Urgent measures were taken for those at the age of 65 and over who were at the risk group all over the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is known that many individuals at the age of 65 and over have experienced anxiety due to the uncertainties. This study aimed to determine the anxiety and death anxiety in individuals aged 65 and over who were isolation at home due to being diagnosed with COVID-19 or being in contact during the pandemic process. The study is descriptive and cross-sectional. It was performed with 656 home-quarantined individuals aged between 65–80 years with positive or negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result. A form including questions about the death anxiety and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form prepared by the researchers were administered to the individuals by phone call. Of the participants, 49.5% were male. Median COVID-19 anxiety score was 4 (0–18). Anxiety scores of the male and female participants were similar. Participants with negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results and those with death anxiety had higher COVID anxiety scores. Death anxiety has increased by 1.661 times in male gender, 1.983 times in RT-PCR positivity and 0.146 times in the presence of symptoms. Individuals with positive COVID-19 test results or those aged 65 and over who had death anxiety and negative COVID-19 test result but who were in home-isolation due to being a contact had higher anxiety score. For this reason, those with death anxiety can be supported in line with their religious beliefs to reduce anxiety. Those with negative PCR test results in quarantine can be adequately informed about the COVID-19.

scholarly journals A study to improve the quality of writing clinic letters to patients attending the outpatient clinic

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S211-S211
Author(s):  
Irangani Mudiyanselage ◽  
Madhvi Belgamwar
Keyword(s):  
Outpatient Clinic ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Second Person ◽  
County Mental Health ◽  
Hospital Doctors ◽  
The Uk ◽  
To Receive

AimsIn many countries (including the UK and Australia) it is still common practice for hospital doctors to write letters to patients’ general practitioners (GPs) following outpatient consultations, and for patients to receive copies of these letters. However, experience suggests that hospital doctors who have changed their practice to include writing letters directly to patients have more patient centred consultations and experience smoother handovers with other members of their multidisciplinary teams. (Rayner et al, BMJ 2020)The aim of the study was to obtain patient's views to improve the quality of clinical letters sent to them, hence the level of communication and standards of care.MethodAn anonymous questionnaire was designed and posted to collect information from patients attending one of the South County Mental Health outpatient clinic in Derbyshire. 50 random patients were selected between March to November 2020. Patients were asked to provide suggestions to improve the quality of their clinic letters written directly to them and copies sent to their GPs.ResultOut of 50 patients 48% (n = 24) responded. Majority of patients (92%) expressed their wish to receive their clinic letters written directly to them and 79% preferred to be addressed as a second person in the letters. More than half (54%, N = 13) of them would like to have letter by post. Majority of them (92%, N = 22) wished to have their letter within a week of their consultations.Patients attending clinics felt that the communication could be better improved through writing clearly: a) reflection of what was discussed during the consultation b) updated diagnosis c) a clear follow-up plan d) current level of support e) medication change f) emergency contact numbers g) actions to be carried out by their GP and further referrals should there be any.ConclusionPatients in community prefer to have their clinic letters directly addressing them in second person. It was noted that the letters needed to reflect accurately on what was discussed during the consultation in order to have patient centered consultations. This in turn would improve communication and thus rapport, trust and overall therapeutic relationship.

scholarly journals Predictive Factors for Positive HIV Test Results in a Hospital Setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulmaz Ghahramani ◽  
Hassan Joulaei ◽  
Amir Human Hoveidaei ◽  
Mohammad Reza Rajabi ◽  
Kamran Bagheri Lankarani
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Test Result

Background: Hospital admission for any reason provides the situation for voluntary HIV testing and consultation. Identifying the predictors of positivity may lead to a cost-effective method while enhancing professionalism. Objectives: To find the predictors of HIV-positive test result in a general hospital in Shiraz compared to a control group. Methods: In this case-control study, the records of all patients who received HIV testing upon their hospitalization in a general hospital in Shiraz, south of Iran, from January 2017 to the end of December 2017 were reviewed. For each HIV-positive case, at least one control from the same ward in the hospital with negative HIV test result was randomly selected. Based on the best-fitted model of logistic regression, the probability of positive HIV test results was estimated for each participant according to the risk factors, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn. Results: Out of 7333 persons who accepted to be tested, 77 patients tested positive for HIV, of whom 55 (71.4%) were male with the mean age of 41.5 ± 9.5 years. None of the HIV-positive patients were intravenous drug users, nor had they a history of imprisonment. The odds ratio (OR) was 21 for hepatitis-positive patients (hepatitis B and/or C) compared to negative ones, which was seven times higher in opium addicts than non-opium addicts. We developed a model using age, sex, opium addiction, and HBV and HCV status to predict the probability of being positive for HIV with an AUC of 0.853 (95% confidence interval 0.797 to 0.909). Conclusions: Hospital admission could be an appropriate momentum for providing voluntary counseling and testing. Infection with HBV and HCV are important risk factors for HIV infection, and additional testing should be offered, especially to these patients.

scholarly journals Effects of PACK guide training on the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by primary care clinicians: a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial in Florianópolis, Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. e001921
Author(s):  
Max Oscar Bachmann ◽  
Eric D Bateman ◽  
Rafael Stelmach ◽  
Alvaro A Cruz ◽  
Matheus Pacheco de Andrade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Link Type ◽  
To Receive

IntroductionThe Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) guide was localised for Brazil, where primary care doctors and nurses were trained to use it.MethodsTwenty-four municipal clinics in Florianópolis were randomly allocated to receive outreach training and the guide, and 24 were allocated to receive only the guide. 6666 adult patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were enrolled, and trial outcomes were measured over 12 months, using electronic medical records. The primary outcomes were composite scores of treatment changes and spirometry, and new asthma and COPD diagnosis rates.ResultsAsthma scores in 2437 intervention group participants were higher (74.8%, 20.4% and 4.8% with scores of 0, 1 and 2, respectively) than in 2633 control group participants (80.0%, 16.8% and 3.2%) (OR for higher score 1.32, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.61, p=0.006). Adjusted for asthma scores recorded in each clinic before training started, the OR was 1.24 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.50, p=0.022). COPD scores in 1371 intervention group participants (77.7%, 17.9% and 4.3% with scores of 0, 1 and 2) did not differ from those in 1181 control group participants (80.5%, 15.8% and 3.7%) (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.55, p=0.142). Rates of new asthma and COPD diagnoses, and hospital admission, and indicators of investigation, diagnosis and treatment of comorbid cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression, and tobacco cessation did not differ between trial arms.ConclusionPACK training increased guideline-based treatment and spirometry for asthma but did not affect COPD or comorbid conditions, or diagnosis rates.Trial registrationNCT02786030 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/).

The Association between Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis and Windlass Test Results

2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise De Garceau ◽  
Danielle Dean ◽  
Susan Mais Requejo ◽  
David B. Thordarson
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Fasciitis ◽  
The Other ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Foot Pain ◽  
Positive Test Result ◽  
Pain Group ◽  
Test Result ◽  
Low Rate

Twenty-two patients with plantar fasciitis, 23 patients with other types of foot pain, and 30 patients in a control group were evaluated with the Windlass test performed in a weightbearing and non-weightbearing position. In the non-weightbearing test, the first MP joint was maximally dorsiflexed with the ankle stabilized. The weightbearing test was performed with the toes hanging off the edge of a stool and dorsiflexion of the first MP was performed. Seven of the 22 patients in the plantar fasciitis group had a positive weightbearing Windlass test (31.8%), while only three had a positive test result in a non-weightbearing position (13.6%). None of the patients in the other foot pain group or control group had pain in the weightbearing and non-weightbearing positions. Despite its high rate of specificity, the low rate of sensitivity of the Windlass test may limit its usefulness in the clinical evaluation in patients with plantar fasciitis.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Dysphagia after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Lida Zhong ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Fang Li ◽  
Xiao Bao ◽  
Huiyu Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Evaluation Standards ◽  
Bias Risk ◽  
Swallowing Assessment ◽  
Better Than

Objectives. This study reviewed and evaluated existing evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture as a clinical treatment for dysphagia after stroke. Methods. Five English and four Chinese databases were searched from inception to March 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) incorporating acupuncture or acupuncture combined with other interventions for the treatment of dysphagia after stroke were enrolled. All data were independently assessed and extracted by two authors. The bias risk assessment recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. This meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.3. Pooled analyses were calculated by the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 test. Results. Thirty-five studies involving 3024 patients were analyzed. The meta-analysis showed that the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture combined with other interventions was better than that of the control group for the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) score (MD = −3.78, 95% CI: −4.64 to −2.91, P < 0.00001 ), Ichiro Fujishima rating scale (IFRS) score (MD = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.20, P < 0.00001 ), videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) score (MD = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.77 to 2.74, P < 0.00001 ), and water swallowing test (WST) score (MD = −1.21, 95% CI: −1.85 to −0.57, P =   0.0002 ). In studies reporting adverse effects, no serious outcome from an adverse event was confirmed. Conclusion. This systematic review indicated that acupuncture could be an effective therapy for treating dysphagia after stroke although stricter evaluation standards and rigorously designed RCTs are needed.

scholarly journals Saringan Cangkang Telur Bebek Efektif Memperbaiki Kualitas pH Dan Kadar Besi Air Sumur Bor

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Rahmatullah Jati Pradopo ◽  
Sulaiman Hamzani ◽  
Syarifudin A.
Keyword(s):  
Preliminary Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Water Wells ◽  
Trial Analysis ◽  
Water Well ◽  
Egg Shells ◽  
Duck Egg ◽  
Filter Thickness ◽  
Test Result

Water well drill that is in the Pondok Pesantren Hidayatullah Banjarbaru seen physically yellowish and smelly. Preliminary test result obtained pH 4.9 and Fe 2.5 mg/L. Based on the quality of clean water standards have not fulfilled the requirements of 1.0 mg/L and pH 6.5-8.5. It needs to be done research test of duck egg filter making in improving the quality of pH and Fe water well drill. The goal of this research is to know the effectiveness of duck egg filter in improving the quality of pH and Fe water wells drill. Types of research are experiments with pretest-posttest with control group. The population in the research is the whole water well drill in the Pondok Pesantren Hidayatullah Banjarbaru. A research sample is a water well drill that is partially taken for trial. Analysis of the influence thickness of the sieve using Anova asymp Test < œ (0.000 < 0.05) means there is a difference between the filter thickness of duck egg, 0 cm, 20 cm, 40 cm, 60 cm. Then done test Posh Hoc Tests can be concluded that there is a meaningful difference between the thickness of the filter of ducks egg shells 0 cm, 20 cm, 40 cm, 60 Based on the research results of the sieve 40 cm with a weight of 291 gram is an effective sieve in lowering the water level of the well drill.

scholarly journals Inner Prepuce Preserving ‘Bird-Winged Coronal-Collar Skin ReArrangement’ Modification of Tip Urethroplasty

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Prabudh Goel ◽  
◽  
Jile Dar Rawat ◽  
Piyush Kumar ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ventral Surface ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Penile Shaft ◽  
Modified Technique ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Tubularized Incised Plate ◽  
Fischer Exact Test

Objective: To describe the ‘Bird-Winged Coronal-Collar Skin re-arrangement modification’ of the Tubularized Incised Plate (TIP) urethroplasty to preserve the inner preputial skin on the ventral surface of the penile shaft. Material and Method: Study Group: Prospective review of the results of a single surgeon with Bird-Winged Coronal-Collar skin re-arrangement modification of TIP urethroplasty (n=111; mean age 4.9 years) of distal (n=76) and mid-penile (n-35) hypospadias (mean follow-up 37 months). Control Group: Retrospective review of a single surgeon’s results of distal and mid-penile hypospadias repair with standard TIP urethroplasty (2007-11). Outcome parameters (to compare non-inferiority of the modified technique): Urethro-cutaneous fistula (UCF) at voiding trial and follow-up at 3 months, wound infection, complete dehiscence, local edema, meatal stenosis and quality of urinary stream. Statistical analysis was done with the Fischer Exact Test. Results: With this technique, the authors could provide an inner preputial cover on the ventral/ ventro-lateral aspects of distal penile shaft in all but one patient (complete dehiscence). The results of ‘bird-winged coronal-collar skin re-arrangement’ modification were not-inferior/ comparable to those of standard TIP urethroplasty. Conclusions: The modification is technically feasible and reproducible and the overall results of urethroplasty were not inferior to the standard TIPS procedure.

scholarly journals Pengaruh Pijat Bayi Terhadap Bounding Attachment di Ruang Dahlia RSD dr. Soebandi Jember

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 323
Author(s):  
Sri Wahyuni ◽  
Dini Kurniawati ◽  
Hanny Rasni
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
Kangaroo Mother Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Research Use ◽  
Breastfeeding Initiation ◽  
The Public ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Test Result

Bounding attachment is very important for newborn to be adapted to the new environment. Mother’stouch can help babies adapt to environmental differences between inside the womb and outside thewomb. How to improve the bounding attachment is early breastfeeding initiation, rooming in,kangaroo mother care for premature, and baby massage. The purpose of this research is todetermine the impact of baby massage to bounding attachment. The method of research was quasiexperimental with design of research pretest-post test with control group. This research is in Dahliaroom in dr. Soebandi general Hospital, with samples as 40 respondent with 20 people forexperimental group and 20 people for control group. The research use standard operationalprocedure of baby massage and quality of bounding attachment questionnaire. Take the sample bypurposive sampling. The results of research is give difference in average pretest-post test on theexperimental group of -7,35 whereas on the control group of -2,55. Statistic test result obtained the pvalue 0.001, this mean on the alpha 5% can be expressed there is influence of baby massage forbounding attachment. There are several factors that influence to the bounding attachment that isemotional health of parent, family support, the proximity and match of the parents and baby. Theresult of this research are recommended as the nursing treatment and to the public especiallymother postpartum.Keywords : baby massage, bounding attachment

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