Database searches for smell/taste disorders and coronavirus and their relation to COVID-19 cases in Finland 2020: A time series analysis of citizens’ and healthcare professionals’ Internet information seeking using log and register data in assessing model improvement (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milla Mukka ◽  
Samuli Pesälä ◽  
Charlotte Hammer ◽  
Pekka Mustonen ◽  
Vesa Jormanainen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Register Data ◽  
Log Data ◽  
Internet Information ◽  
Taste Disorders ◽  
Smell Disorders ◽  
Internet Databases

BACKGROUND Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has prevailed over a year, and log and register data on coronavirus have been tried to model from Internet sources to detect the pandemic. However, many sources comprise unreliable health information on COVID-19 and its symptoms, and platforms cannot characterize the users performing searches. Prior studies have assessed symptom searches from general search engines (Google/Google Trends). Little is known how modelling log data on smell/taste disorders and coronavirus from the dedicated Internet databases used by citizens and healthcare professionals could enhance disease surveillance. Our material and method provide a novel approach to analyze Internet information seeking to detect infectious disease outbreaks. OBJECTIVE Objective: The aim of this study was 1) to assess whether citizens’ and professionals’ searches for smell/taste disorders and coronavirus relate to epidemiological data on COVID-19 cases, and 2) to test negative binomial models whether the inclusion of the case count could improve the model. METHODS Methods: We collected weekly log data on searches related to COVID-19 (smell/taste disorders, coronavirus) during 30/12/2019–30/11/2020 (49 weeks). Two major medical Internet databases in Finland were used: Health Library (HL), a free portal aimed at citizens, and Physician’s Database (PD), widely used among healthcare professionals. Log data from databases were combined with register data on the numbers of COVID-19 cases reported in the Finnish National Infectious Diseases Register. We used negative binomial regression modelling to assess if the case numbers could explain some of the dynamics of searches when plotting Internet searches. RESULTS Results: We found that coronavirus searches drastically increased in HL (0 to 744,113) and in PD (4 to 5,375) prior to the first wave of COVID-19 cases during December 2019 and March 2020. Searches for smell disorders in HL doubled from end of December 2019 to end of March 2020 (2,148 to 4,195), and searches for taste disorders in HL increased from mid-May to end of November (0 to 1,980). Case numbers were significantly associated with smell disorders in HL (P < .001), and with coronavirus searches (P < .001) in PD. We could not identify any other associations between case numbers and searches in either database. CONCLUSIONS Conclusions: Modelling log data from Internet databases was seen to improve the model only occasionally. However, search behaviors among citizens and professionals could be used as a supplementary source of information for infectious disease surveillance. Further research is needed to apply statistical models to log data of the dedicated medical databases. CLINICALTRIAL None

scholarly journals Cancer patients’ information seeking behavior related to online electronic healthcare records

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 146045822110247
Author(s):  
Hanife Rexhepi ◽  
Isto Huvila ◽  
Rose-Mharie Åhlfeldt ◽  
Åsa Cajander
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Information Horizons ◽  
Health Information Sources

Patients’ online access to their EHR together with the rapid proliferation of medical information on the Internet has changed how patients use information to learn about their health. Patients’ tendency to turn to the Internet to find information about their health and care is well-documented. However, little is known about patients’ information seeking behavior when using online EHRs. By using information horizons as an analytical tool this paper aims to investigate the information behavior of cancer patients who have chosen to view their EHRs (readers) and to those who have not made that option (non-readers). Thirty interviews were conducted with patients. Based on information horizons, it seems that non-reading is associated with living in a narrower information world in comparison to readers. The findings do not suggest that the smallness would be a result of active avoidance of information, or that it would be counterproductive for the patients. The findings suggest, however, that EHRs would benefit from comprehensive linking to authoritative health information sources to help users to understand their contents. In parallel, healthcare professionals should be more aware of their personal role as a key source of health information to those who choose not to read their EHRs.

scholarly journals Study of the sensitivity and specificity of smell and taste disorders as a predictive factor of SARS-CoV-2 infection among primary care healthcare professionals

BJGP Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
pp. BJGPO.2021.0141
Author(s):  
Anna Ruiz-Comellas ◽  
Pere Roura Poch ◽  
Glòria Sauch Valmaña ◽  
Víctor Guadalupe-Fernández ◽  
Jacobo Mendioroz Peña ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Standard Value ◽  
Taste Disorders ◽  
Smell Disorders ◽  
Taste And Smell

Backgroundamong the manifestations of COVID-19 are Taste and Smell Disorders (TSDs).AimThe aim of the study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of TSDs and other associated symptoms to estimate predictive values for determining SARS-CoV-2 infection.Design and settingRetrospective observational study.Methodsa study of the sensitivity and specificity of TSDs has been carried out using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 as the Gold Standard value. Logistic regressions adjusted for age and sex were performed to identify additional symptoms that might be associated with COVID-19.Resultsthe results are based on 226 healthcare workers with clinical symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, 116 with positive PCR and 111 with negative PCR. TSDs had an OR of 12.43 (CI 0.95 6.33–26.19), sensitivity 60.34% and specificity 89.09%. In the logistic regression model, the association of TSD, fever or low-grade fever, shivering, dyspnoea, arthralgia and myalgia obtained an area under the curve of 85.7% (CI 0.95: 80.7 % - 90.7 %), sensitivity 82.8 %, specificity 80% and positive predictive values 81.4% and negative 81.5%.ConclusionsTSDs are a strong predictor of COVID-19. The association of TSD, fever, low-grade fever or shivering, dyspnoea, arthralgia and myalgia correctly predicts 85.7% of the results of the COVID-19 test.

scholarly journals ‘Unpacking’ pathways to lymphoma and myeloma diagnosis: Do experiences align with the Model of Pathways to Treatment? Findings from a UK qualitative study with patients and relatives

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e034244
Author(s):  
Debra Howell ◽  
Ruth Hart ◽  
Alexandra Smith ◽  
Una Macleod ◽  
Russell Patmore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Diagnostic Delay ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Linear Sequence ◽  
Time To Diagnosis ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesTo explore alignment of experiences before lymphoma and myeloma diagnosis with the appraisal, help seeking and diagnostic intervals in the Model of Pathways to Treatment (MPT).DesignA qualitative study using in-depth semistructured interviews with patients and relatives. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, anonymised and analysed using qualitative description.SettingA UK population-based haematological malignancy patient cohort.ParticipantsFifty-five patients (35 lymphoma, 20 myeloma: diagnosed 2014–2016) and 28 relatives participated, within around a year of the patient’s diagnosis. Patients were selected from those in the cohort who had returned a questionnaire about their symptoms and help seeking, and consented to contact for further research. Sampling was purposive, to achieve maximum variation in age, sex and time to diagnosis.ResultsParticipants described time from symptom onset to diagnosis as ranging from several weeks to years. Pathways largely aligned with MPT components and help seeking could lead to the rapid investigations and identification of abnormalities. However, symptoms could be vague and/or inadvertently interpreted as other conditions, which if perpetuated, could cause diagnostic delay. The latter was associated with chaotic pathways, with activities rarely occurring only once or in a linear sequence. Rather, intermittent or ongoing processes were described, moving forward and backwards through intervals. This is ‘unpacked’ within five themes: (1) appraisal and reappraisal; (2) patient-initiated self-management/treatment; (3) initial help seeking; (4) re-presentation; and (5) patient-initiated actions, decisions and emotions during re-presentation. Within these themes, various healthcare professionals were consulted, often many times, as symptoms persisted/progressed. Input from family/friends was described as substantial, as was the extent to which information seeking occurred.ConclusionLymphoma and myeloma pathways align with the MPT, but do not fully capture the repetition and complexity described by participants. Time to diagnosis was often prolonged, despite the best efforts of patients, relatives and healthcare professionals. The impact of National Health Service England’s Multi-diagnostic Disciplinary Centres on time to haematological cancer diagnosis remains to be seen.

scholarly journals Duration of sick leave after same-day discharge for lower extremity arterial disease and varicose vein interventions in active population of French patients, 2013–2016: observational study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. e034713
Author(s):  
Asma Hamid ◽  
Guillaume Lamirault ◽  
Yann Gouëffic ◽  
Nolwenn Le Meur
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
National Health ◽  
Varicose Vein ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Lower Extremities ◽  
Arterial Disease ◽  
Health Insurance Data ◽  
Same Day Discharge

ObjectiveTo assess whether disparities in rates of same-day discharge for lower extremities arterial disease (5%) and varicose vein interventions (90%) are associated with the burden of postprocedural rehabilitation process, measured through the duration of sick leave.DesignRetrospective observational study using French National Health Insurance data in 2012–2016.SettingThe French National Health Data System (Système National des Données de Santé), which covers 98.8% of the 66 million people in the French population.ParticipantsFrench workforce population aged 18 to 65 years old who underwent a first angioplasty with stent placement for lower extremities arterial disease (LEAD, n=30 238) or a first varicose vein intervention (n=265 670) between 2013 and 2016.Main outcome measuresDuration and renewals of sick leave within 180 days after endovascular intervention, continuity of care and prescription indices to assess coordination among healthcare professionals after intervention associated with specific intervention settings: conventional (inpatient) or same-day discharge (outpatient). Association was estimated by multivariate negative binomial regressions adjusting for age, gender and comorbidities.ResultsOutpatient settings decrease the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of the number of cumulated days of sick leave by 14% in both interventions. The increasing variety of prescribers decreases the IRR of cumulated days of sick leave and prescription renewals for varicose interventions by 25% and 21%, respectively, but increases them for LEAD interventions by 240% and 106%. Less coordination between healthcare specialists increases the IRR of cumulative days of sick leave and renewals by 37% and 29% for varicose, and 11% and 9% for LEAD interventions.ConclusionsLow rates of outpatients in LEAD angioplasty does not seem related to the duration of sick leave. Outpatient setting reduces the duration of sick leave and their renewals, whatever the intervention. Coordination of healthcare professionals is a key element of interventions follow-up with pathology specificities.

scholarly journals A mixed methods systematic review of the effects of patient online self-diagnosing in the 'smart-phone society' on the healthcare professional-patient relationship and medical authority

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annabel Farnood ◽  
Bridget Johnston ◽  
Frances S Mair
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Healthcare Professional ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Information Source ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Professional Relationship

Abstract Background: As technology continues to advance, the internet is becoming increasingly popular. Self-diagnosis and health information seeking online is growing more common and it will be important to understand the influence this may have on the patient-healthcare professional relationship. Methods: A mixed-method systematic review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed method studies concerning the public and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of online self-diagnosis and health information seeking and how this can impact the patient-healthcare professional relationship. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ACM & SCOPUS between 2007 and 2018. Relevant data were extracted, and a thematic analysis was conducted and conceptualised using the Normalisation Process Theory framework. Results: Of 6107 records identified, 25 articles met the review eligibility criteria which included 16 qualitative, 8 quantitative and 1 mixed method study. The findings indicated that patients found the internet as a complementary information source alongside healthcare professionals. Health care professionals were perceived to be the most reliable and valued information source. People feel responsible for their own health and find the internet to be a source that provides information rapidly with accessibility at their convenience. Most healthcare professionals agreed on the importance of collaboration with patients and the need to develop a partnership and shared decision-making process but struggled to find time in the consultation to do so efficiently. Some healthcare professionals felt that the internet was advantageous for patients looking after their own health, while others felt it was due to a lack of trust in their expertise. Patients tended to present information to the healthcare professional to support the therapeutic relationship rather than to challenge it and to become more involved in the decision-making process of their healthcare. Conclusion: The results of this review suggests that patients value healthcare professionals as a source of medical advice more than the internet. While health professionals views were mixed our findings indicate that online health information seeking can potentially improve the patient-healthcare professional relationship as patients reported they usually conducted an online search to form a partnership with the healthcare professional as opposed to trying to prove them wrong. Systematic review registration: CRD42018084230

scholarly journals Nowcasting and forecasting provincial-level SARS-CoV-2 case positivity using google search data in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine O. Nsoesie ◽  
Karla Therese L. Sy ◽  
Olubusola Oladeji ◽  
Raesetje Sefala ◽  
Brooke E. Nichols
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Search Data ◽  
Response Measures ◽  
Google Search

ABSTRACTData from non-traditional data sources, such as social media, search engines, and remote sensing, have previously demonstrated utility for disease surveillance. Few studies, however, have focused on countries in Africa, particularly during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In this study, we use searches of COVID-19 symptoms, questions, and at-home remedies submitted to Google to model COVID-19 in South Africa, and assess how well the Google search data forecast short-term COVID-19 trends. Our findings suggest that information seeking trends on COVID-19 could guide models for anticipating COVID-19 trends and coordinating appropriate response measures.

Information Avoidance and Information Seeking Among Parents of Children With ASD

2021 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-259
Author(s):  
Nachum Sicherman ◽  
Kiely Law ◽  
Paul H. Lipkin ◽  
George Loewenstein ◽  
Alison R. Marvin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Information Avoidance ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Age Of Diagnosis

Abstract We estimated the effects of information avoidance and information seeking among parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on age of diagnosis. An online survey was completed by 1,815 parents of children with ASD. Children of parents who self-reported that they had preferred “not to know,” reported diagnoses around 3 months later than other children. Children of parents who raised concerns that they perceived as having been dealt with adequately reported diagnoses about 4 months earlier, but the children of parents who reported raising concerns repeatedly and felt that those concerns were dealt with inadequately were diagnosed over a year later. These findings suggest that failure of educational and healthcare professionals, in either substituting for parents who avoid information, or supporting those who seek information, can significantly delay the age of diagnosis.

SOME ASPECTS OF ETHIOPATHOGENESIS OF NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS IN CORONAVIRUS INFECTION AND STUDY OF THE EXPRESSION AND PREVALENCE OF SMELLAND TASTE IMPAIRMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH SARS-COV-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 55-61
Author(s):  
Markhamat Yakubova ◽  
◽  
Munis Fayzieva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Insufficient Data ◽  
Neurological Manifestations ◽  
Taste Disorders ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Smell Disorders ◽  
Taste And Smell ◽  
Systematic Database

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes, COVID-19, along with damage to the respiratory system, sometimes leads to nervous system disorders. The loss of smell and taste in COVID-19 is most likely of a perceptual nature. Because of the active accumulation of information about the symptomatology of this nosology, data appeared on the characteristic manifestations of thedisease in mild and moderate cases, in particular, on the violation of taste and smell. Although there is currently insufficient data to determine the exact mechanisms of anosmia and ageusia in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, there are studies that support certain theories. This paper presents the results of a systematic database review of COVID-19 taste and smell disorders. The article analyzes information on the etiopathogenic aspects of the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 and data on the severity and prevalence of smell and taste disorders in patients with coronavirus.Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, novel coronavirus infection, loss of smell and taste, anosmia, hypogeusia, ACE2 receptors

scholarly journals A mixed methods systematic review of the effects of patient online self-diagnosing in the ‘smart-phone society’ on the healthcare professional-patient relationship and medical authority

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annabel Farnood ◽  
Bridget Johnston ◽  
Frances S. Mair
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professional ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Information Source ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Professional Relationship

Abstract Background As technology continues to advance, the internet is becoming increasingly popular. Self-diagnosis and health information seeking online is growing more common and it will be important to understand the influence this may have on the patient-healthcare professional relationship. Methods A mixed-method systematic review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed method studies concerning the public and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of online self-diagnosis and health information seeking and how this can impact the patient-healthcare professional relationship. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ACM & SCOPUS between 2007 and 2018. Relevant data were extracted, and a thematic analysis was conducted and conceptualised using the Normalisation Process Theory framework. Results Of 6107 records identified, 25 articles met the review eligibility criteria which included 16 qualitative, 8 quantitative and 1 mixed method study. The findings indicated that patients found the internet as a complementary information source alongside healthcare professionals. Health care professionals were perceived to be the most reliable and valued information source. People feel responsible for their own health and find the internet to be a source that provides information rapidly with accessibility at their convenience. Most healthcare professionals agreed on the importance of collaboration with patients and the need to develop a partnership and shared decision-making process but struggled to find time in the consultation to do so efficiently. Some healthcare professionals felt that the internet was advantageous for patients looking after their own health, while others felt it was due to a lack of trust in their expertise. Patients tended to present information to the healthcare professional to support the therapeutic relationship rather than to challenge it and to become more involved in the decision-making process of their healthcare. Conclusion The results of this review suggests that patients value healthcare professionals as a source of medical advice more than the internet. While health professionals’ views were mixed our findings indicate that online health information seeking can potentially improve the patient-healthcare professional relationship as patients reported they usually conducted an online search to form a partnership with the healthcare professional as opposed to trying to prove them wrong.

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