Student indebtedness amongst graduates from Canadian Optometry Schools

2009 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Etty Bitton ◽  
Deborah Jones
Keyword(s):  
Financial Burden ◽  
Financial Impact ◽  
Student Debt ◽  
First Report ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Student Indebtedness

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the level of student indebtedness amongst the graduates from the two Canadian optometry schools (Montreal and Waterloo). A secondary objective was to investigate the financial impact of the clinical externship program on the overall student debt. Methods: The 2007 graduating class was surveyed anonymously. Information was obtained on demographics, number of years of study, expenses related to externships and the overall estimated level of debt upon graduation. Results: The mean overall debt varied between zero and one hundred and fifty thousand ($150,000 Cdn), with UW students having a higher mean debt (UM $26,750; UW $75,165 Cdn; p<0.05). Males had a significantly higher debt than females at either school (F $48,200 vs M $59,231; p<0.05). Conclusions: This is the first report of Canadian optometry student indebtedness. Understanding the factors that contribute to the optometry student indebtedness is the first step in understanding the financial burden of students attending Canadian optometry schools.

scholarly journals Long-Term Efficacy, Visual Performance and Patient Reported Outcomes with a Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A Six-Year Follow-up

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2009
Author(s):  
Joaquín Fernández ◽  
Manuel Rodríguez-Vallejo ◽  
Javier Martinez ◽  
Noemi Burguera ◽  
David P. Piñero
Keyword(s):  
Intraocular Lens ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Distortion Analysis ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Visual Function Questionnaire ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
Defocus Curve ◽  
The Mean

(1) Background: To evaluate the efficacy at 6 years postoperative after the implantation of a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) AT Lisa Tri 839MP. The secondary objective was to evaluate the contrast sensitivity defocus curve (CSDC), light distortion analysis (LDA), and patient reported outcomes (PROs). (2) Methods: Sixty-two subjects participated in phone call interviews to collect data regarding a visual function questionnaire (VF-14), a patient reported spectacle independence questionnaire (PRSIQ), and questions related to satisfaction and decision to be implanted with the same IOL. Thirty-seven of these subjects were consecutively invited to a study visit for measurement of their visual acuity (VA), CSDC, and LDA. (3) Results: The mean monocular distance corrected VA was −0.05, 0.08, and 0.05 logMAR at far and distances of 67 cm and 40 cm, respectively. These VAs were significantly superior to those reported in previous literature (p < 0.05). The total area under the CSDC was 2.29 logCS/m−1 and the light distortion index 18.82%. The mean VF-14 score was 94.73, with 19.4% of subjects requiring spectacles occasionally for near distances, and 88.9% considering the decision of being operated again; (4) Conclusions: Long-term AT LISA Tri 839MP IOL efficacy results were equal or better than those reported 12 months postoperatively in previous studies. The spectacle independence and satisfaction rates were comparable to those reported in short-term studies.

scholarly journals Hospitalization Expenses and Influencing Factors for Inpatients with Ischemic Heart Disease in Iran: A Retrospective Study

Health Scope ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Shirvani Shiri ◽  
Sara Emamgholipour ◽  
Rajabali Daroudi ◽  
Maryam Tatary ◽  
Zohreh Kazemi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Ischemic Heart Disease ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
First Grade ◽  
Ischemic Heart ◽  
Icu Admission ◽  
Medical Supplies ◽  
Hospitalization Costs ◽  
The Mean

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide and in Iran, which imposes a heavy financial burden both on patient’s family and society. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the direct medical costs of inpatients with IHD and its influencing factors in Iran in 2020. Methods: The sample of this cross-sectional study included 41,357 patients with IHD selected from the hospital information system (HIS) of the Iran Health Insurance Organization from August 23, 2019, to June 20, 2020. The study used the claims data of these patients, which included their demographics, length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital accreditation grade, hospital ownership type, and patient discharge status. The multiple linear regression model was employed to evaluate the relationship between hospitalization costs and the associated factors. All statistical tests were conducted at the significance level of P < 0.05 using the R 3.6.3 software. Results: The mean age of patients was 63.95 ± 12.63 years old, and most of them were male (54.4%). The mean hospitalization cost per patient and per day was 586.42 ± 472.51 USD and 103.64 ± 100.29 USD, respectively. Moreover, the mean LOS was 4.92 days. Drugs and consumable medical supplies, as well as nursing and hoteling services, had the highest shares of hospitalization costs (29.54% and 29.4%, respectively). The hospitalization costs of patients with IHD were higher among men (β = 1.24), age 61 - 70 years (β = 1.38), LOS ≥ 5 (β = 2.92), ICU admission (β = 1.62), Iranian health fund (β = 1.21), and private hospitals (β = 1.91). Top-grade and first-grade hospitals had higher costs compared to grade 2 (β = 0.67), grade 3 (β = 0.35), and grade 4 (β = 0.72) hospitals. Deceased patients had also higher costs than patients with complete recovery (β = 0.63), relative recovery (β = 0.59), follow-up (β = 0.51), transfer to other medical centers (β = 0.44), and discharge against medical advice (DAMA) (β = 0.62). Conclusions: According to the results, shortening the LOS and controlling the high costs of drugs and consumable medical supplies are among the main strategies to reduce high hospitalization costs.

scholarly journals Changes in the parameters of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex in children with functional constipation and large rectum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Pop ◽  
Simona Tătar ◽  
Otilia Fufezan ◽  
Dorin Farcău
Keyword(s):  
Anorectal Manometry ◽  
Functional Constipation ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Transverse Diameter ◽  
Rectoanal Inhibitory Reflex ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Inhibitory Reflex

Background. Abdominal ultrasound and anorectal manometry are part of the investigations used to assess children with functional constipation. This study aimed at assessing the changes in the characteristics of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) in children with functional constipation and correlating them with the dimensions of the rectum, measured by abdominal ultrasound. A secondary objective was to compare the rectum size in children with and without constipation. Method. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and investigations results of 51 children (mean age±standard deviation (SD) =5.8±3.5 years) with functional constipation who came to our clinic between January 2013 and February 2020. The assessment of these patients included both the assessment of the transverse diameter of the rectal ampulla by abdominal ultrasound and anorectal manometry. The studied parameters of RAIR were: the minimal volume of air necessary to induce RAIR, in all the patients with functional constipation, and in 20 of them, relaxation time, latency and relaxation percentage. A control group was formed of 27 children (mean age±DS=5.1±4 years) without digestive diseases and with normal intestinal transit, who were assessed by abdominal ultrasound. Results. The mean value ±SD of the volume of air necessary to induce RAIR was 21.9±12.1 cm3 air. There was no correlation between the rectum transverse diameter and the minimal air volume that triggered RAIR (r=-0.01, p=0.94). The mean value ±SD of the transverse diameter of the rectum in patients with functional constipation was 39±14 mm, and in children without constipation 26±6 mm (p<0.05). The mean duration of the symptoms in children with functional constipation was 2.8 years. Conclusions. There were no correlations between the volume of air that induced the RAIR and the transverse diameter of the rectum in children with functional constipation. The transverse diameter of the rectum was increased in children with long-term functional constipation.

scholarly journals Patient out-of-pocket spending in cranial neurosurgery: single-institution analysis of 6569 consecutive cases and literature review

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. E6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seungwon Yoon ◽  
Michael A. Mooney ◽  
Michael A. Bohl ◽  
John P. Sheehy ◽  
Peter Nakaji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Cost Sharing ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Annual Growth Rate ◽  
Model Case ◽  
Patient Cost ◽  
Neurosurgical Patients ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Insured Patients

OBJECTIVEWith drastic changes to the health insurance market, patient cost sharing has significantly increased in recent years. However, the patient financial burden, or out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, for surgical procedures is poorly understood. The goal of this study was to analyze patient OOP spending in cranial neurosurgery and identify drivers of OOP spending growth.METHODSFor 6569 consecutive patients who underwent cranial neurosurgery from 2013 to 2016 at the authors’ institution, the authors created univariate and multivariate mixed-effects models to investigate the effect of patient demographic and clinical factors on patient OOP spending. The authors examined OOP payments stratified into 10 subsets of case categories and created a generalized linear model to study the growth of OOP spending over time.RESULTSIn the multivariate model, case categories (craniotomy for pain, tumor, and vascular lesions), commercial insurance, and out-of-network plans were significant predictors of higher OOP payments for patients (all p < 0.05). Patient spending varied substantially across procedure types, with patients undergoing craniotomy for pain ($1151 ± $209) having the highest mean OOP payments. On average, commercially insured patients spent nearly twice as much in OOP payments as the overall population. From 2013 to 2016, the mean patient OOP spending increased 17%, from $598 to $698 per patient encounter. Commercially insured patients experienced more significant growth in OOP spending, with a cumulative rate of growth of 42% ($991 in 2013 to $1403 in 2016).CONCLUSIONSEven after controlling for inflation, case-mix differences, and partial fiscal periods, OOP spending for cranial neurosurgery patients significantly increased from 2013 to 2016. The mean OOP spending for commercially insured neurosurgical patients exceeded $1400 in 2016, with an average annual growth rate of 13%. As patient cost sharing in health insurance plans becomes more prevalent, patients and providers must consider the potential financial burden for patients receiving specialized neurosurgical care.

scholarly journals Effects of Clonidine on Withdrawal From Long-term Dexmedetomidine in the Pediatric Patient

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison B. Lardieri ◽  
Nicholas M. Fusco ◽  
Shari Simone ◽  
L. Kyle Walker ◽  
Jill A. Morgan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Pediatric Intensive Care ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Withdrawal Symptoms ◽  
Intensive Care Patients ◽  
Blood Pressures ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
The Mean

OBJECTIVE: To compare withdrawal symptoms among pediatric intensive care patients receiving clonidine to those not receiving clonidine while being weaned from long-term dexmedetomidine. METHODS: This retrospective analysis evaluated Withdrawal Assessment Tool-1 (WAT-1) scores and hemodynamic parameters in pediatric patients on dexmedetomidine for 5 days or longer between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2012. The primary objective was to compare withdrawal symptoms based on the number of elevated WAT-1 scores among patients on clonidine to those not on clonidine, while being weaned from long-term dexmedetomidine. The secondary objective was to describe withdrawal symptoms associated with long-term dexmedetomidine use. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (median age, 1.5 years; interquartile range [IQR], 0.67–3.3) received 20 treatment courses of dexmedetomidine for at least 5 days. Clonidine was received by patients during 12 of the treatment courses. The patients in the clonidine group had an average of 0.8 (range, 0–6) elevated WAT-1 scores 24 hours post wean compared to an average of 3.2 (0–8) elevated WAT-1 scores in the no clonidine group (p = 0.49). There were no significant difierences between prewean and postwean systolic or diastolic blood pressures among the 2 groups. The average heart rate during the postwean period was 112 beats per minute (bpm) (range, 88.5–151.5) in the clonidine group compared to 138.4 bpm (range, 117.8–168.3) in the no clonidine group (p = 0.003). In the clonidine group, the mean change in heart rate postwean compared to prewean was an increase of 3.6 bpm (range, −39.6 to 47.5), compared to a mean increase of 29.9 bpm (range, 5.5–74.7) in the no clonidine group (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difierence in WAT-1 scores between groups, with the clonidine group displaying a trend towards fewer elevated WAT-1 scores during the 24 hours post dexmedetomidine wean. Patients who received clonidine had significantly lower heart rates than the no clonidine group.

Rapid rituximab infusion is safe and well tolerated in malignant and benign disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 107815522097845
Author(s):  
Sorana G Ursu ◽  
Derek L Rinchuse ◽  
John Lister
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Malignant Disease ◽  
Benign Disease ◽  
P Value ◽  
Infusion Time ◽  
Benign Diseases ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The One ◽  
Related Reaction

Introduction Although the safety and feasibility of rapid rituximab administration has been demonstrated for B-cell malignancies, there is scant data in the literature to support its use in patients with benign diseases. Objective To identify the incidence of infusion-related reaction with rapid rituximab administration in malignant and benign disease. Secondary objective was to determine the infusion time saved between standard administration and rapid rituximab administration. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted by reviewing electronic medical records from December 2018 to April 2020. Adult patients who received at least one dose of rapid rituximab were included. Results A total of 63 patents were included. The incidence of an infusion-related reaction with rapid rituximab was 1.6%. The one patient who reacted had a diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica. The mean infusion time saved was 2.9 hours (95% CI: 2.7-3.1; P-value <0.001). Conclusion The use of the rapid rituximab administration is safe and well tolerated in both benign and malignant disease.

scholarly journals Financial burden of HIV and TB among patients in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. e036892
Author(s):  
Lelisa Fekadu Assebe ◽  
Eyerusalem Kebede Negussie ◽  
Abdulrahman Jbaily ◽  
Mieraf Taddesse Taddesse Tolla ◽  
Kjell Arne Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Indirect Cost ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Income Quintile ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Catastrophic Health Expenditures ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Substantial Economic Burden

ObjectivesHIV and tuberculosis (TB) are major global health threats and can result in household financial hardships. Here, we aim to estimate the household economic burden and the incidence of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) incurred by HIV and TB care across income quintiles in Ethiopia.DesignA cross-sectional survey.Setting27 health facilities in Afar and Oromia regions for TB, and nationwide household survey for HIV.ParticipantsA total of 1006 and 787 individuals seeking HIV and TB care were enrolled, respectively.Outcome measuresThe economic burden (ie, direct and indirect cost) of HIV and TB care was estimated. In addition, the CHE incidence and intensity were determined using direct costs exceeding 10% of the household income threshold.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of HIV and TB patient was 40 (10), and 30 (14) years, respectively. The mean (SD) patient cost of HIV was $78 ($170) per year and $115 ($118) per TB episode. Out of the total cost, the direct cost of HIV and TB constituted 69% and 46%, respectively. The mean (SD) indirect cost was $24 ($66) per year for HIV and $63 ($83) per TB episode. The incidence of CHE for HIV was 20%; ranges from 43% in the poorest to 4% in the richest income quintile (p<0.001). Similarly, for TB, the CHE incidence was 40% and ranged between 58% and 20% among the poorest and richest income quintiles, respectively (p<0.001). This figure was higher for drug-resistant TB (62%).ConclusionsHIV and TB are causes of substantial economic burden and CHE, inequitably, affecting those in the poorest income quintile. Broadening the health policies to encompass interventions that reduce the high cost of HIV and TB care, particularly for the poor, is urgently needed.

Attractant for Vinegar Fly, Drosophila busckii, and Cluster Fly, Pollenia rudis (Diptera: Drosophilidae et Calliphoridae)

2009 ◽  
Vol 64 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 267-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincas Būda ◽  
Sandra Radžiutė ◽  
Erikas Lutovinovas
Keyword(s):  
Field Test ◽  
Methyl Salicylate ◽  
Sticky Traps ◽  
First Report ◽  
Baited Traps ◽  
Vinegar Fly ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Dipteran Species ◽  
Drosophila Busckii

A field test carried out in an industrial greenhouse in Lithuania revealed the attractiveness of synthetic methyl salicylate (MeSa) to two dipteran species: the vinegar fl y, Drosophila busckii (Drosophilidae), and the cluster fl y, Pollenia rudis (Calliphoridae). The attractant for the former fl y species was especially effective, as sticky traps containing 0.25 ml of MeSa captured (814 ± 55) D. busckii flies/trap on average compared to (12 ± 4) flies/trap in control traps. The mean capture of P. rudis [(42 ± 4) flies/trap] was significantly higher in MeSa-baited traps compared to the control traps [(13 ± 4) flies/trap]. The presence of MeSa in emissions of many fruits suitable for D. busckii feeding allows to attribute this attractant to kairomones. In case of P. rudis, MeSa should be attributed to synomones (compounds beneficial for both receiver and sender), because adult flies feeding on flowers act as pollinators. This is the first report on the field-active attractant for D. busckii and the second for P. rudis.

scholarly journals Financial burden associated with the residency match in neurological surgery

2017 ◽  
Vol 126 (1) ◽  
pp. 184-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitin Agarwal ◽  
Phillip A. Choi ◽  
David O. Okonkwo ◽  
Daniel L. Barrow ◽  
Robert M. Friedlander
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
The United States ◽  
Residency Position ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Rank List ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Neurological Surgery ◽  
Question Survey

OBJECTIVE Application for a residency position in neurosurgery is a highly competitive process. Visiting subinternships and interviews are integral parts of the application process that provide applicants and programs with important information, often influencing rank list decisions. However, the process is an expensive one that places significant financial burden on applicants. In this study, the authors aimed to quantify expenses incurred by 1st-year neurosurgery residents who matched into a neurosurgery residency program in 2014 and uncover potential trends in expenses. METHODS A 10-question survey was distributed in partnership with the Society of Neurological Surgeons to all 1st-year neurosurgery residents in the United States. The survey asked respondents about the number of subinternships, interviews, and second looks (after the interview) attended and the resultant costs, the type of program match, preferences for subinternship interviews, and suggestions for changes they would like to see in the application process. In addition to compiling overall results, also examined were the data for differences in cost when stratifying for region of the medical school or whether the respondent had contact with the program they matched to prior to the interview process (matched to home or subinternship program). RESULTS The survey had a 64.4% response rate. The mean total expenses for all components of the application process were US $10,255, with interview costs comprising the majority of the expenses (69.0%). No difference in number of subinternships, interviews, or second looks attended, or their individual and total costs, was seen for applicants from different regions of the United States. Respondents who matched to their home or subinternship program attended fewer interviews than respondents who had no prior contact with their matched program (13.5 vs 16.4, respectively, p = 0.0023) but incurred the same overall costs (mean $9774 vs $10,566; p = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS Securing a residency position in neurosurgery is a costly process for applicants. No differences are seen when stratifying by region of medical school attended or contact with a program prior to interviewing. Interview costs comprise the majority of expenses for applicants, and changes to the application process are needed to control costs incurred by applicants.

scholarly journals Hospitalization Expenditures and Out-Of-Pocket Expenses in Patients With Stroke in Northeast China, 2015–2017: A Pooled Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zihua Ma ◽  
Gongman Deng ◽  
Zhaolin Meng ◽  
Huazhang Wu
Keyword(s):  
Economic Burden ◽  
Northeast China ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Liaoning Province ◽  
Hospitalization Costs ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Heavy Financial Burden

Background: Stroke is the second most common cause of mortality worldwide and the leading cause of death in China. It imposes a heavy financial burden on patients, especially for some social groups that are vulnerable to economic risks.Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the magnitude of hospital and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs associated with stroke in Northeast China.Methods: Patients were selected via a multistage stratified cluster random sampling approach. We reviewed all patients’ records from 39 hospitals across six cities in Liaoning Province between 2015 and 2017. Cost characteristics of four major stroke types were analyzed. Multivariate linear regression analyses were employed to examine the determinants of hospitalization costs and OOP expenses.Results: A total of 138,757 patients were assessed for the medical costs. The mean hospitalization costs were $1,627, while the mean OOP expenses were $691, accounting for 42.5% of the total expenditures. Medication expenses were the largest contributor to hospitalization costs. The regression analysis suggested that age, length of stay (LOS), social identity, type of stroke, surgery, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital level and hospital type were significantly correlated with hospitalization costs and OOP expenses.Conclusion: Stroke imposes a heavy financial burden on both patients and society in Liaoning Province, Northeast China. Results showed that there are some differences in the individual and social economic burden among different types of stroke. In addition, stroke patients share a high proportion of costs through OOP expenses, especially for poor social-economic status patients. Targeted intervention measures and specific policies are needed to reduce the individual and social economic burden of stroke as well as improve equity in health care among different social groups.

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