scholarly journals A novel movement system screen for primary care providers: a multisite, observational study

2022 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Kettle ◽  
Lauren McKay ◽  
Anthony M. Cianciolo ◽  
Stephen M. Kareha ◽  
Cara E. Ruggeri

Abstract Context Movement of the human body is essential for the interaction of an individual within their environment and contributes to both physical and emotional quality of life. Movement system disorders (MSDs) are kinesiopathologic conditions that result from either altered movement patterns, trauma, or pathology. A screening tool may facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment of acute MSDs. This tool could prevent progression to chronic conditions, leading to better patient outcomes and quality of life. Objectives Our study evaluated whether a screening tool would be able to accurately screen individuals for MSDs, explore comorbidities that may predict the prevalence of MSDs, and identify why people do not discuss these problems with their primary care provider (PCP). Methods A multisite, observational study in a primary care setting. Data were analyzed to determine the psychometric properties of the screening question. Logistic regression was performed to explore the relationship of comorbidities with MSDs. Thematic analysis was performed to explore why patients do not discuss these issues with their PCP. Results The point prevalence of MSDs was determined to be 78%. The sensitivity of the screening question was determined to be good (70%). Arthritis, obesity, sleep disorders, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were significant predictors for an MSD. Thematic analysis regarding why patients do not discuss the MSD with their physician revealed: (1) the perceived lack of importance of the problem; (2) the lack of access to healthcare, and (3) the acuity of the problem. Conclusions Screening for an MSD and associated comorbidities could prevent the transition of acute conditions to chronic conditions. If PCPs can identify predictors and factors associated with an MSD, they may be able to screen for MSDs more effectively. Earlier identification of MSDs may facilitate earlier treatment and prevent costs associated with resulting chronic disorders and persistent pain and disability.

Author(s):  
Michael Von Korff

This chapter argues that psychological states, in particular fear and depression, are potentially remediable causes of social role disability among primary care patients. Using chronic low back pain as an example, it considers how recognising and treating depression can improve disability and quality of life for primary care patients with this and many other chronic conditions.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2357
Author(s):  
Marina Plyta ◽  
Pinal S. Patel ◽  
Konstantinos C. Fragkos ◽  
Tomoko Kumagai ◽  
Shameer Mehta ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Malnutrition in cancer patients impacts quality of life (QoL) and performance status (PS). When oral/enteral nutrition is not possible and patients develop intestinal failure, parenteral nutrition (PN) is indicated. Our aim was to assess nutritional status, QoL, and PS in hospitalised cancer patients recently initiated on PN for intestinal failure. (2) Methods: The design was a cross-sectional observational study. The following information was captured: demographic, anthropometric, biochemical and medical information, as well as nutritional screening tool (NST), patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), functional assessment of cancer therapy-general (FACT-G), and Karnofsky PS (KPS) data. (3) Results: Among 85 PN referrals, 30 oncology patients (56.2 years, 56.7% male) were identified. Mean weight (60.3 ± 16.6 kg) corresponded to normal body mass index values (21.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2). However, weight loss was significant in patients with gastrointestinal tumours (p < 0.01). A high malnutrition risk was present in 53.3–56.7% of patients, depending on the screening tool. Patients had impaired QoL (FACT-G: 26.6 ± 9.8) but PS indicated above average capability with independent daily activities (KPS: 60 ± 10). (4) Conclusions: Future research should assess the impact of impaired NS and QoL on clinical outcomes such as survival, with a view to encompassing nutritional and QoL assessment in the management pathway of this patient group.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (8_suppl) ◽  
pp. 152-152
Author(s):  
Delaram Farzanfar ◽  
Lin Lu ◽  
Jie Su ◽  
Devon Alton ◽  
Rahul Mohan ◽  
...  

152 Background: With improvements in cancer detection and therapies, important secondary prevention measures in survivorship include smoking cessation. Primary care providers have an opportunity to discuss these measures with cancer survivors at APHV. We evaluated whether having a recent APHV is associated with cancer patients’ awareness and perceptions of the harms of continued smoking. Methods: Cancer survivors were surveyed from April 2014 to May 2016 with respect to their smoking history, knowledge and perceptions of the harms of continued smoking along with the date of their most recent APHV (term changed from annual health physical examination in 2013). Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed the association of having an APHV with knowledge and perceptions of the harms of continued smoking. Results: Of 985 cancer patients, 23% smoked at diagnosis; 34% quit > 1 year prior to diagnosis; 55% had tobacco-related cancers; 77% received curative therapy. From a knowledge viewpoint, over 52% reported being unaware that smoking negatively impacts cancer outcomes; despite this, most perceived smoking to negatively influence quality of life (75%), survival (76%), and fatigue (73%). Within the last year, 48% had an APHV, while 84% had an APHV at any time in the past; 18 (2%) reported not having a family doctor. Patients who had an APHV in the last year were more likely to be aware that continued smoking can increase risk of death (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.49, 95% CI [1.13-1.96], P=0.004), and more likely to perceive smoking to negatively impact quality of life (aOR=1.37 [0.94-1.99], P=0.10), survival (aOR=1.60 [0.95-2.71], P=0.08), and fatigue (aOR=1.63 [1.11-2.39], P=0.01). Those ever having an APHV were more likely aware that smoking can increase risk of death (aOR=1.61 [1.07-2.43], P=0.02) and second primaries (aOR=1.53 [1.02-2.33], P=0.04). Conclusions: Having a recent APHV was associated with improved awareness and perceptions of the harms of continued smoking, but it is unclear whether this is related to provider counseling or a healthy bias effect. APHV may be an appropriate time for primary care providers to treat tobacco addiction in their cancer survivors.


10.2196/25175 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e25175
Author(s):  
David H Gustafson Sr ◽  
Marie-Louise Mares ◽  
Darcie C Johnston ◽  
Jane E Mahoney ◽  
Randall T Brown ◽  
...  

Background Multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) are common among older adults and expensive to manage. Two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries have multiple conditions (eg, diabetes and osteoarthritis) and account for more than 90% of Medicare spending. Patients with MCCs also experience lower quality of life and worse medical and psychiatric outcomes than patients without MCCs. In primary care settings, where MCCs are generally treated, care often focuses on laboratory results and medication management, and not quality of life, due in part to time constraints. eHealth systems, which have been shown to improve multiple outcomes, may be able to fill the gap, supplementing primary care and improving these patients’ lives. Objective This study aims to assess the effects of ElderTree (ET), an eHealth intervention for older adults with MCCs, on quality of life and related measures. Methods In this unblinded study, 346 adults aged 65 years and older with at least 3 of 5 targeted high-risk chronic conditions (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were recruited from primary care clinics and randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to one of 2 conditions: usual care (UC) plus laptop computer, internet service, and ET or a control consisting of UC plus laptop and internet but no ET. Patients with ET have access for 12 months and will be followed up for an additional 6 months, for a total of 18 months. The primary outcomes of this study are the differences between the 2 groups with regard to measures of quality of life, psychological well-being, and loneliness. The secondary outcomes are between-group differences in laboratory scores, falls, symptom distress, medication adherence, and crisis and long-term health care use. We will also examine the mediators and moderators of the effects of ET. At baseline and months 6, 12, and 18, patients complete written surveys comprising validated scales selected for good psychometric properties with similar populations; laboratory data are collected from eHealth records; health care use and chronic conditions are collected from health records and patient surveys; and ET use data are collected continuously in system logs. We will use general linear models and linear mixed models to evaluate primary and secondary outcomes over time, with treatment condition as a between-subjects factor. Separate analyses will be conducted for outcomes that are noncontinuous or not correlated with other outcomes. Results Recruitment was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019, and 346 participants were recruited. The intervention period will end in June 2021. Conclusions With self-management and motivational strategies, health tracking, educational tools, and peer community and support, ET may help improve outcomes for patients coping with ongoing, complex MCCs. In addition, it may relieve some stress on the primary care system, with potential cost implications. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03387735; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03387735. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/25175


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
Karl Peltzer

Abstract Background The study aimed to assess chronic diseases, multimorbidity, and QoL among patients attending two different treatment settings in Thailand. Methods In all, 1409 attendees of three monk healer or three health centres were assessed with self-reported measures on chronic conditions and Quality of Life (QoL). Results Results indicate that the most common chronic conditions were common mental disorder (25.2%), followed by hypertension (22.8%), high blood cholesterol (18.0%), fatigue disorder (14.4%), diabetes (14.0%), migraine headaches (13.7%), sleeping problem (12.2%), and ulcer (11.0%). In all, 40.6% had multimorbidity (two or more chronic conditions) (42.4% in the monk healer and 38.9% in the primary care setting). In ANCOVA analysis, adjusted for sex, age, employment status, marital status, education, economic status, comorbidity, and health care setting, the poorest overall QoL was found among clients with common mental disorders (58.5 mean score), followed by emphysema or asthma (60.2), sleeping problem (61.5), migraine headaches (62.7), fatigue disorder (63.3), substance use disorder (63.6) and ulcer (64.3). The overall QoL was poorer among monk healer clients (66.5) than primary care patients (68.8). In adjusted logistical regression analysis, being a monk healer attendee, older age (55–93 years), and high debt were positively, and being employed and better overall quality of life were negatively associated with multimorbidity, overall, for the monk healer and primary care setting. In adjusted linear regression analyses, primary health care attenders, older age, were employed and post-secondary education increased the odds of better overall QoL. Conclusion Multimorbidity was higher among clients attending monk healers than those attending primary care facilities and QoL was poorer among clients seeking care from monk healers than those attending primary care. High multimorbidity was found and major chronic conditions were found to have poor QoL. Determinants of multimorbidity and QoL in two different treatment settings provide information to improve the management of chronic conditions.


Spectrum ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Agarwal ◽  
Monette Dimitrov ◽  
Kerri MacKay ◽  
Alan Kaplan ◽  
Donald Cockcroft ◽  
...  

Background: Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways affecting 3 millionCanadians. Primary Care Providers (PCPs) are integral to care coordination, enhanced through thedevelopment of a strong patient-PCP relationship with Continuity of Care (COC). A recent CIHI studynoted that 40% of Albertans do not have a COC model for primary care.Objectives: We aim to evaluate how primary care for adults with asthma impacts different measures ofcontrol.Methods: Prospective population-based recruitment of adults through various community venuesacross Alberta. Those who had self-reported asthma and were willing to participate completed a surveywhich included demographics, comorbidities, medication use (including biologics, allergy medications,steroids), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5), Asthma Control Test (ACT), Quality of Life (QoL)measured through the mini-Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini-AQLQ) and health care utilization(including Emergency Department (ED) visits, hospitalizations and ICU stays for asthma).Results: Of the 1685 individuals approached, 61 (3.6%) reported having asthma, of which 47 lived inAlberta. Most (41, 87%) had a PCP, with 30 (64%) visiting their PCP at least twice a year. Uncontrolledasthma was noted in 21 (45%) with either the ACQ-5 or ACT. The mini-AQLQ indicated 5 (11%) withreduced QoL. Mean lifetime hospitalizations, lifetime Emergency Department (ED) visits, and ICU staysrelated to asthma were 1.52, 4.55 and 0.25 respectively. Further, mean hospitalizations and ED visits inthe past 12 months related to asthma were 0.05 and 0.30 respectively.Conclusions: Asthma control was poor in 21 (45%) surveyed individuals, suggesting sub-optimal asthmamanagement in Alberta. Knowledge of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) was low, while ED and hospitalusage was high.


Author(s):  
Cynthia S. Watson ◽  
Janis Guilbeau

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder affecting nearly 2 in 100 women. Primary hypothyroidism can be diagnosed and effectively managed by primary care providers. Pharmacologic treatment is essential and lifelong, with most patients achieving euthyroid state and enjoying good quality of life.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhan Balasubramanian ◽  
Dominic Keuskamp ◽  
Najith Amarasena ◽  
David Brennan

Abstract Background: As the proportion and number of older people in Australia continue to grow, innovative means to tackle primary care and prevention are necessary to combat the individual, social and economic challenges of non-communicable diseases.Objective: To assess risk factors (or predictors) for oral and general health outcomes and quality of life of older people (75+ yrs.) attending general practice (GP) clinics in South Australia.Methods: Data were collected from older people attending 48 GP clinics in metropolitan South Australia. Age, sex, education, living arrangement, material standards, chronic conditions and nutrition were assessed as risk factors. Global self-rated oral and general health and quality of life (OHIP Severity and EQ-5D Utility) were included as outcome measures.Results: A total of 459 participants completed the study; response rate was 78%. In the adjusted models, high satisfaction with material standards and good nutritional health were positively associated with all four oral and general health measures. Sex (β=-0.07), age (β=-0.09) and number of chronic conditions (β=-0.13) were negatively associated with EQ-5D, while living arrangement (β=0.06) was positively associated. Further, education level (PR:0.78), living arrangement (PR:0.75) and chronic conditions (PR:1.54) were significantly associated with self-rated general health.Conclusion: Satisfaction with material standards and nutritional risk were consistent predictors for oral and general health outcomes and quality of life of older people visiting GP clinics. Primary care teams involving general practitioners, nurses and allied health practitioners are well poised to assess risk factors for older people, and work alongside the dental team.


2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (13) ◽  
pp. 1506-1514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corinna J. Rea ◽  
Katherine D. Tran ◽  
Maria Jorina ◽  
Larissa M. Wenren ◽  
Elena B. Hawryluk ◽  
...  

We investigated factors associated with quality of life (QOL) in children with eczema. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of survey data from 224 parents of children with eczema attending a large, hospital-based pediatric clinic. Parents completed a validated eczema severity scale (Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure), a QOL scale (Infants’ Dermatitis QOL Index or Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index), and a knowledge and understanding questionnaire. In adjusted multivariate analyses, worse eczema severity was associated with worse overall QOL (β = 0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.5, 0.6]), while a higher knowledge score was associated with better QOL (β = −3.4; 95% CI = [−6.6, −0.2]). Similarly, even after adjustment for eczema severity, greater understanding of a child’s individual treatment plan was associated with better QOL (β = −0.7; 95% CI = [−1.4, −0.08]), while increased frequency of worrying about a child’s eczema was associated with worse QOL (β = 0.7; 95% CI = [0.03, 1.1]). These results suggest primary care providers may be able to influence QOL through optimal eczema management and family education.


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