scholarly journals Patient Satisfaction With Extended International Normalized Ratio Follow-up Intervals in a Veteran Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 442-449
Author(s):  
Rebecca R. Schoen ◽  
Michael W. Nagy ◽  
Andrea L. Porter ◽  
Amanda R. Margolis

Background: For highly stable warfarin patients, limited data exists regarding patient satisfaction on extended international normalized ratio (INR) follow-up intervals and how this population compares with patients on a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Objective: To assess the impact on patient satisfaction of extending INR follow-up intervals. Methods: Veterans on stable warfarin doses had extended INR follow-up intervals up to 12 weeks in a single-arm prospective cohort study for 2 years. This analysis included participants who completed at least 2 Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scales (DASS). The primary outcome was the change in the DASS. A focus group described participant experiences. Participant satisfaction was compared to patients on a DOAC. Results: Of the 51 participants, 48 were included in the warfarin extended INR follow-up group. Compared with baseline, the mean DASS score (42.9 ± 12.08) was worse at 24 months (46.82 ± 15.2, P = 0.0266), with a small effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.29). The 8 participants in the focus group were satisfied with the extended INR follow-up interval but would be uncomfortable extending follow-up past 2 to 3 months. The extended INR follow-up interval study had similar DASS scores as the 33 participants included on DOAC therapy (46.8 ± 15.1, P = 0.9970) but may be limited by differing populations using DOACs. Conclusion and Relevance: For patients currently stable on warfarin therapy, extending the INR follow-up interval up to 12 weeks or changing to a DOAC does not appear to improve patient satisfaction.

Author(s):  
Julie L. Wambaugh ◽  
Lydia Kallhoff ◽  
Christina Nessler

Purpose This study was designed to examine the association of dosage and effects of Sound Production Treatment (SPT) for acquired apraxia of speech. Method Treatment logs and probe data from 20 speakers with apraxia of speech and aphasia were submitted to a retrospective analysis. The number of treatment sessions and teaching episodes was examined relative to (a) change in articulation accuracy above baseline performance, (b) mastery of production, and (c) maintenance. The impact of practice schedule (SPT-Blocked vs. SPT-Random) was also examined. Results The average number of treatment sessions conducted prior to change was 5.4 for SPT-Blocked and 3.9 for SPT-Random. The mean number of teaching episodes preceding change was 334 for SPT-Blocked and 179 for SPT-Random. Mastery occurred within an average of 13.7 sessions (1,252 teaching episodes) and 12.4 sessions (1,082 teaching episodes) for SPT-Blocked and SPT-Random, respectively. Comparisons of dosage metric values across practice schedules did not reveal substantial differences. Significant negative correlations were found between follow-up probe performance and the dosage metrics. Conclusions Only a few treatment sessions were needed to achieve initial positive changes in articulation, with mastery occurring within 12–14 sessions for the majority of participants. Earlier occurrence of change or mastery was associated with better follow-up performance. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12592190


2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942110157
Author(s):  
Amarbir S. Gill ◽  
Joshua Hwang ◽  
Angela M. Beliveau ◽  
Jeremiah A. Alt ◽  
Edward Bradley Strong ◽  
...  

Background: Patient satisfaction has a significant bearing on medical therapy compliance and patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe patient satisfaction, as characterized by the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 (PSQ-18), in the care of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and (2) analyze the impact of comorbidities on satisfaction using the functional comorbidity index (FCI). Methods: Patient demographics, disease severity measures, and PSQ-18 scores for patients with CRS presenting to a tertiary rhinology clinic between November 2019 and April 2020 were collected and analyzed. FCI was calculated retrospectively using the electronic medical record; individual comorbidities were tabulated. Spearman’s correlations followed by multivariate regression was used to assess the relationship between medical comorbidities and PSQ-18. Results: Sixty-nine patients met criteria for analysis. There were no significant differences in age, gender, and Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22 scores between CRS patients with (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps. There was no significant difference in the mean FCI for patients with CRSwNP versus CRSsNP (5.1 and 4.3, respectively) ( P = .843). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the mean sum PSQ-18 score (78/100 in both) between these cohorts ( P = .148). The mean sum PSQ-18 score was not significantly associated with anxiety ( P = .728), depression ( P = .624), or FCI ( P = .282), but was significantly associated with hearing impairment ( P < .001). Conclusion: Patient satisfaction in the care of CRS is generally high with a diagnosis of comorbid hearing impairment demonstrating a negative association with satisfaction in this cohort.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 230949902092316
Author(s):  
Deuk-Soo Hwang ◽  
Chan Kang ◽  
Jeong-Kil Lee ◽  
Jae-Young Park ◽  
Long Zheng ◽  
...  

Purpose: We measured the width of the acetabular labra in, and the clinical outcomes of, patients with borderline hip dysplasia (HD) who underwent arthroscopy. Methods: A total of 1436 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy to treat symptomatic, acetabular labral tears were enrolled. From this cohort, we extracted a borderline HD group (162 cases). Lateral labral widths were evaluated using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans. Clinical data including the modified Harris hip score (mHHS), non-arthritic hip score (NAHS), hip outcome score–activity of daily living (HOS-ADL) score, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and Tönnis grade were collected. In addition, patient satisfaction with arthroscopy outcomes was rated. All complications and reoperations were noted. Results: The mean follow-up time was 87.4 months. The lateral labral width was 7.64 mm in those with normal hips and 7.73 mm in borderline HD patients, respectively ( p = 0.870). The Tönnis grade progressed mildly from 0.46 to 0.76 ( p = 0.227). At the last follow-up, clinical outcome scores (mHHS, NAHS, and HOS-ADL scores) and the VAS score were improved ( p < 0.001). The mean patient satisfaction was scored at 8.2. The reoperation rate was higher in those who underwent labral debridement (25.6%) than labral repair (4.1%). Conclusions: The lateral labral width did not differ significantly between the borderline HD group and the nondysplastic control group. Arthroscopy relieved the symptoms of painful borderline HD and did not accelerate osteoarthritis. Therefore, if such patients do not respond to conservative treatment, hip arthroscopy can be considered for further treatment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711882371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric N. Bowman ◽  
Nathan E. Marshall ◽  
Michael B. Gerhardt ◽  
Michael B. Banffy

Background: Proximal hamstring avulsions cause considerable morbidity. Operative repair results in improved pain, function, and patient satisfaction; however, outcomes remain variable. Purpose: To evaluate the predictors of clinical outcomes after proximal hamstring repair. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed proximal hamstring avulsions repaired between January 2014 and June 2017 with at least 1-year follow-up. Independent variables included patient demographics, medical comorbidities, tear characteristics, and repair technique. Primary outcome measures were the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), International Hip Outcome Tool–12 (iHOT-12), and Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Athletic Hip score. Secondary outcome measures included satisfaction, visual analog scale for pain, Tegner score, and timing of return to sports. Results: Of 102 proximal hamstring repairs, 86 were eligible, 58 were enrolled and analyzed (67%), and patient-reported outcomes were available for 45 (52%), with a mean 29-month follow-up. The mean patient age was 51 years, and 57% were female. Acute tears accounted for 66%; 78% were complete avulsions. Open repair was performed on 90%. Overall satisfaction was 94%, although runners were less satisfied compared with other athletes ( P = .029). A majority of patients (88%) returned to sports by 7.6 months, on average, with 72% returning at the same level. Runners returned at 6.3 months, on average, but to the same level 50% of the time and at a decreased number of miles per week compared to nonrunners (15.7 vs 7.8, respectively; P < .001). Postoperatively, 78% had good/excellent SANE Activity scores, but the mean Tegner score decreased (from 5.5 to 5.1). Acute tears had higher SANE Activity scores. The mean iHOT-12 and KJOC scores were 99 and 77, respectively. Endoscopic repairs had equivalent outcome scores to open repairs, although conclusions were limited given the small number of patients in the endoscopic group. Greater satisfaction was noted in patients older than 50 years ( P = .024), although they were less likely to return to running ( P = .010). Conclusion: Overall, patient satisfaction and functionality were high. With the numbers available, we were unable to detect any significant differences in functional outcome scores based on patient age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, medical comorbidities, tear grade, activity level, or open versus endoscopic technique. Acute tears had better SANE Activity scores. Runners should be cautioned that they may be unable to return to the same preinjury activity level after proximal hamstring repair. Clinical Relevance: When counseling patients with proximal hamstring tears, runners and those with chronic tears should set appropriate expectations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0022
Author(s):  
Andreas Fuchs ◽  
Ferdinand Kloos ◽  
Gerrit Bode ◽  
Kaywan Izadpanah ◽  
Norbert Südkamp ◽  
...  

Aims and Objectives: Failure of isolated primary meniscal repair must be expected in 14% - 28%. Patients requiring revision surgery may benefit from revision meniscal repair, however, the results of revision meniscal repair remain unclear. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the clinical outcome and failure rates of revision meniscal repair in patients with re-tears or failed healing after previous isolated meniscal repair in stable knee joints. Materials and Methods: A chart review was performed to identify all patients undergoing revision meniscal repair between 08/2010 and 02/2016. Only patients without concomitant procedures, without ligamentous insufficiency, and a minimum follow-up of 24 months were included. The records of all patients were reviewed to collect patient demographics, injury patterns of the meniscus, and details about primary and revision surgery. Follow-up evaluation included failure rates, clinical outcome scores (Lysholm Score, KOOS Score), sporting activity (Tegner scale), and patient satisfaction. Results: A total of 12 patients with a mean age of 22 ± 5 years were included. The mean time between primary repair and revision repair was 27 ± 21 months. Reasons for failed primary repairs were traumatic re-tears in 10 patients (83%) and failed healing in two patients (17%). The mean follow-up period after revision meniscal repair was 43 months. Failure of revision meniscal repair occurred in 3 patients (25%). In two of these patients, re-revision repair was performed. At final follow-up, the mean Lysholm Score was 95.2 with a range of 90-100, representing a good to excellent result in all patients. The final assessment of the KOOS subscores also showed good to excellent results. The mean Tegner scale was 6.8 ± 1.8, indicating a relatively high level of sports participation. Ten patients (83%) were either very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome. Conclusion: In patients with re-tears or failed healing after previous isolated meniscal repair, revision meniscal repair results in good to excellent knee function, high level of sports participation, and high patient satisfaction. The failure rate is comparable to isolated meniscal repair. Therefore, revision meniscal repair is worthwhile in order to save as much meniscal tissue as possible.


2020 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-316146
Author(s):  
Natasa Mihailovic ◽  
Alina Friederike Blumberg ◽  
Friederike Rosenberger ◽  
Viktoria Constanze Brücher ◽  
Larissa Lahme ◽  
...  

Background/AimDacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) remains the gold standard therapy for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), but is invasive and does not maintain the physiology of the lacrimal pathway. With transcanlicular microdrill dacryoplasty (MDP), there is a minimally invasive alternative surgical approach. This study aimed to present this modern lacrimal duct surgery technique and to evaluate its long-term success rate in a large study population.MethodsThe medical records of 1010 patients with acquired NLDO were retrospectively reviewed. Adult patients who had undergone transcanalicular MDP were included. The evaluation included the following parameters: age, gender, success rate, complication rate, obstruction grade and patient satisfaction. Long-term results regarding patient satisfaction and success rate were evaluated by a telephone survey. Only a complete resolution of symptoms was defined as success.Results793 eyes of 576 patients after transcanalicular MDP could be included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 8.7±0.9 years. Initial surgical success rate was 84.0%. At the time of the follow-up, 57.5% (n=229) still had full resolution of symptoms. The mean patient satisfaction with the procedure was 6.9±3.2 out of 10 points. Heavy bleeding occurred in two cases only (0.25%).ConclusionThis is the first study to show the success rate of microendoscopic lacrimal duct surgery after such a long follow-up period and in such a large study population. Transcanalicular MDP is a minimally invasive technique with a very low complication rate and can be used as an alternative procedure before performing more invasive lacrimal duct surgery such as DCR.


Author(s):  
Claudia Campana ◽  
Francesco Cocchiara ◽  
Giuliana Corica ◽  
Federica Nista ◽  
Marica Arvigo ◽  
...  

Abstract Context Discordant growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) values are frequent in acromegaly. Objective To evaluate the impact of different GH cutoffs on discordance rate. To investigate whether the mean of consecutive GH measurements impacts discordance rate when matched to the last available IGF-1 value. Design Retrospective study. Setting Referral center for pituitary diseases. Patients Ninety acromegaly patients with at least 3 consecutive evaluations for GH and IGF-1 using the same assay in the same laboratory (median follow-up 13 years). Interventions Multimodal treatment of acromegaly. Main Outcome Measures Single fasting GH (GHf) and IGF-1 (IGF-1f). Mean of 3 GH measurements (GHm), collected during consecutive routine patients’ evaluations. Results At last evaluation GHf values were 1.99 ± 2.79 µg/L and age-adjusted IGF-1f was 0.86 ± 0.44 × upper limit of normality (mean ± SD). The discordance rate using GHf was 52.2% (cutoff 1 µg/L) and 35.6% (cutoff 2.5 µg/L) (P = 0.025). “High GH” discordance was more common for GHf &lt;1.0 µg/L, while “high IGF-1” was predominant for GHf &lt;2.5 µg/L (P &lt; 0.0001). Using GHm mitigated the impact of GH cutoffs on discordance (GHm &lt;1.0 µg/L: 43.3%; GHm &lt;2.5 µg/L: 38.9%; P = 0.265). At receiver-operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, both GHf and GHm were poor predictors of IGF-1f normalization (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.611 and AUC = 0.645, respectively). The prevalence of disease-related comorbidities did not significantly differ between controlled, discordant, and active disease patients. Discussion GH/IGF-1 discordance strongly depends on GH cutoffs. The use of GHm lessen the impact of GH cutoffs. Measurement of fasting GH levels (both GHf and GHm) is a poor predictor of IGF-1f normalization in our cohort.


2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 7565-7565
Author(s):  
M. Trneny ◽  
U. Jaeger ◽  
O. Belohlavek ◽  
C. Skrabs ◽  
J. Koren ◽  
...  

7565 Background: PET has been demonstrated to give valid information about viable tumor residua. There are however only limited data regarding the combination of classical response criteria with PET and there is a lack of information on the impact of additional therapy (add-Th) on the outcome of PET neg. or PET pos. pts. Methods: One hundred thirty-nine pts (median age 50y) with newly diagnosed DLBCL who were examined by PET during (after 2–4 cycles CHT - ‘early PET’) or/and at the end of therapy (‘end PET’) were analyzed retrospectively. IPI risk distribution were as follows: L 28%, LI 24%, IH 33% and H 15% pts. All pts were treated with anthracyclin based CHT. “Early PET” was performed in 84 pts. and “end PET” in 103 pts before add-Th, PET at both time points was performed in 48 pts. Add-Th (HDT with ASCT or/and radiotherapy), was given as planned or as a result of response evaluation (conventional methods - CT, trephine biopsy). No treatment modification was made on PET result only, except for 2 cases when planned RT was skipped because of PET neg. RT was performed in 59 pts (42.4%) and HDT with ASCT as consolidation in 54 pts (38.8%). Median follow up was 30 m. Results: CR or CRu was achieved after CHT in 102 (74%) pts, PR in 24 (17%) pts, stable or progress dis. in 13 (9%). ‘Early PET’ was neg. in 60% pts and ‘end PET’ was neg in 67% pts. PET neg. was achieved at least once in 97 (70%) pts, and PET pos. at least once was found in 50 pts (36%). The PFS at 30 m according to the combination of conventional and PET response was as follows: for CR PET-neg. pts 89%, for PR PET-neg. pts 90%, for CR PET-pos. pts 45% and for PR PET-pos. pts 64% (p=0.0001). OS was 93%, 63%, 90% and 83%, respect.(p=0.004). The analysis of impact of add-Th showed PFS at 30 m: for PET-neg pts with Add-Th 96%, for PET-neg. pts without Add-Th 82%. PET-pos. pts without Add-Th had a PFS of only 10% and PET-pos. pts with add-Th had PFS 58% (p=0.0001). The OS was 92%, 98%, 38% and 74% respect. (p=0.0001). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that PET give more powerful information than standard response criteria. The second analysis support the the idea that pts with DLBCL in CR who remain PET pos. should undergo the additional therapy. Partial support: Grant MSM 0021620808 No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas S. M. Chiou

Object. The author sought to investigate the temporal changes of postsympathectomy compensatory hyperhidrosis and recurrent sweating in patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods. The author examined 91 consecutive patients for this prospective 6-year study. The patients were interviewed at least twice during a 6-month interval; the first follow up was conducted at a median of 1.7 years after surgery (range 2.5–60.5 months). Overall, 24 patients (26.4%) were followed for more than 2 years. Attention was focused on patient satisfaction and the incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis and recurrent sweating. The overall mean patient satisfaction rate was 78%, with a median 80% improvement on a visual analog scale from 0% (poor) to 100% (excellent). Overall, 88 patients (96.7%) developed compensatory hyperhidrosis, with the mean initial occurrence at 8.2 weeks. The symptoms of compensatory hyperhidrosis progressively worsened to the maximum degree within another 2 weeks after onset (mean 10.3 ± 1.83 weeks). In 19 patients (21.6%), symptoms of compensatory hyperhidrosis improved spontaneously within 3 months after sympathectomy (mean 13.3 weeks). Postoperative compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in 71.4% of patients within the 1st year. Recurrent sweating occurred in only 17.6% of patients. None of these patients required repeated operation. The earliest onset of recurrent sweating was noted at 2 weeks postoperatively by three patients, and the mean initial postoperative reccurrence was 32.7 weeks after surgery. Conclusions. Compensatory hyperhidrosis and recurrent sweating are normal thermoregulatory responses that occurred after upper thoracic sympathectomy. Compensatory hyperhidrosis was more prevalent and developed earlier than recurrent sweating. The severity of both compensatory hyperhidrosis and recurrent sweating symptoms remained stable 6 months after surgery.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (02) ◽  
pp. 184-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chul Ki Goorens ◽  
Stijn Geeurickx ◽  
Pascal Wernaers ◽  
Barbara Staelens ◽  
Thierry Scheerlinck ◽  
...  

Background: Specific treatment of the volar marginal rim fragment of distal radius fractures avoids occurance of volar radiocarpal dislocation. Although several fixation systems are available to capture this fragment, adequately maintaining internal fixation is difficult. We present our experience of the first 10 cases using the 2.4 mm variable angle LCP volar rim distal radius plate (Depuy Synthes®, West Chester, US), a low-profile volar rim-contouring plate designed for distal plate positioning and stable buttressing of the volar marginal fragment. Methods: Follow-up patient satisfaction, range of motion, grips strength, functional scoring with the QuickDASH and residual pain with a numeric rating scale were assessed. Radiological evaluation consisted in evaluating fracture consolidation, ulnar variance, volar angulation and maintenance of the volar rim fixation. Results: The female to male ratio was 5:5 and the mean age was 52.2 (range, 17–80) years. The mean follow-up period was 11 (range, 5–19) months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was high. The mean total flexion/extension range was 144° (range, 100–180°) compared to the contralateral uninjured side 160° (range, 95–180°). The mean total pronation/supination range was 153° (range, 140–180°) compared to the contralateral uninjured side 170° (range, 155–180°). Mean grip strength was 14 kg (range, 9–22), compared to the contralateral uninjured side 20 kg (range, 12–25 kg). Mean pre-injury level activity QuickDASH was 23 (range, 0–34.1), while post-recovery QuickDASH was 25 (range 0–43.2). Residual pain was 1.5 on the visual numerical pain rating scale. Radiological evaluation revealed in all cases fracture consolidation, satisfactory reconstruction of ulnar variance, volar angulation and volar rim. We encountered no flexor tendon complications, although plate removal was systematically performed after fracture consolidation. Conclusions: The 2.4 mm variable angle LCP volar rim distal radius plates is a valid treatment option for treating the volar marginal fragment in distal radius fractures.


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