Outcomes of Care Among Patients with Gout in Europe: A cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
pp. jrheum.210009
Author(s):  
Ritch te Kampe ◽  
Tim L. Jansen ◽  
Caroline van Durme ◽  
Matthijs Janssen ◽  
Gudula Petersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Physician Visits ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Current Medication ◽  
Gout Flares

Objective To assess health- and patient-centered outcomes in gout across Europe, and explore patient-, care-, and country-level characteristics associated with these outcomes. Methods Patients with self-reported physician-diagnosed gout from 14 European countries completed an online survey. Multivariable mixed-effect logistic and linear regressions were computed for health outcomes (gout flare recurrence) and patient-centered outcomes (patient satisfaction with current medication, and unaddressed goals), accounting for clustering within countries. The role of patient-, care- and country-level factors was explored. Results 1029 patients, predominantly diagnosed by a general practitioner, participated. One or more gout flares were reported by 70% of patients and ≥3 flares by 32%. Gout patients reported 1.1±1.2 unaddressed goals, and 80% were satisfied with current medication. Patients with ≥3 and ≥1 flares were less likely to be treated with urate-lowering therapy (ULT) [OR:0.52(0.39-0.70) and OR:0.38(0.28-0.53), respectively], but more likely to have regular physician visits [OR:2.40(1.79-3.22) and OR:1.77(1.30- 2.41)]. Three or more gout flares were also associated with lower satisfaction [OR:0.39(0.28-0.56)], and more unaddressed goals [B:0.36(0.19-0.53)]. Notwithstanding, the predicted probability of being satisfied was still between 57% and 75% among patients with ≥3 flares but who were not receiving ULT. Finally, patients from wealthier and Northern European countries more frequently had ≥3 gout flares. Conclusion Across Europe, many gout patients remain untreated despite frequent reported flares. Remarkably, a substantial proportion of them were still satisfied with gout management. A better understanding of patients' satisfaction and its role in physicians' gout management decisions is warranted to improve quality of care and gout outcomes across Europe.

Healthcare Providers’ Attitudes, Knowledge, and Practice Behaviors for Educating Patients About Advance Directives: A National Survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 387-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frances R. Nedjat-Haiem ◽  
Tamara J. Cadet ◽  
Anup Amatya ◽  
Shiraz I. Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Practice Behaviors ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Seriously Ill Patients

Background: Advance care planning for end-of-life care emerged in the mid-1970’s to address the need for tools, such as the advance directive (AD) legal document, to guide medical decision-making among seriously ill patients, their families, and healthcare providers. Objective: Study aims examine providers’ perspectives on AD education that involve examining (1) a range of attitudes about educating patients, (2) whether prior knowledge was associated with practice behaviors in educating patients, and (3) specific factors among healthcare providers such as characteristics of work setting, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that may influence AD education and documentation. Design: To examine providers’ views, we conducted a cross-sectional, online survey questionnaire of healthcare providers using social media outreach methods for recruitment. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey design to examine the proposed aims. Healthcare providers, recruited through a broad approach using snowball methods, were invited to participate in an online survey. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine providers’ views toward AD education. Results: Of 520 participants, findings indicate that most healthcare providers said that they were knowledgeable about AD education. They also viewed providing education as beneficial to their practice. These findings suggest that having a positive attitude toward AD education and experiencing less organizational barriers indicate a higher likelihood that providers will educate patients regarding ADs. Conclusion: Various disciplines are represented in this study, which indicates that attitudes and knowledge influence AD discussions. The importance of AD discussions initiated by healthcare providers is critical to providing optimal patient-centered care.

scholarly journals Exploring the perspectives of members of international tuberculosis control and research networks on the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis services: a cross sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwatosin Nkereuwem ◽  
Esin Nkereuwem ◽  
Arnauld Fiogbe ◽  
Eno E. Usoroh ◽  
Abdou K. Sillah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
West African ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Research Networks ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tb Control ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption to healthcare services globally and has impacted on tuberculosis (TB) patients and TB diagnosis and treatment services both in low- and high-income countries. We therefore explored the perspectives of members of regional and international TB control and research networks to further understand TB service disruptions and compared the experiences of members from West African and European countries. Methods This cross-sectional, explorative descriptive study was conducted from May to July 2020 using an open online survey with target respondents from both West African and European countries. The survey comprised discrete questions exploring challenges faced with TB screening, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and changes implemented. Additionally, respondents were asked to provide recommendations for remedial actions. Results We analysed responses from 124 respondents based in 29 countries located in Europe and West Africa. About half of the respondents reported challenges in delivering routine TB services during the COVID-19 pandemic, with over one third reporting having some form of guidance issued regarding maintaining delivery of routine TB services. Respondents emphasised the need for strengthening TB services especially in light of COVID-19 pandemic. Considerable similarities were found between the challenges experienced by TB professionals in both West African and European settings. Responses also highlighted the hidden challenges faced in some countries prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in some West African settings where staff shortages and laboratory issues predated COVID-19. Conclusions TB control and research professionals in West African and European settings experienced similar challenges to the delivery of TB diagnosis and treatment services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlighted the need for clear communication of guidelines, prioritisation of routine TB service delivery, ongoing health education, and possible integration of TB and COVID-19 services to ensure that TB services are more resilient against the impact of the pandemic.

scholarly journals A Multi-Country Cross-Sectional Study of Knowledge and Worry About COVID-19 Among Higher Education Students During the First Wave of the Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
NEAMIN M. BERHE ◽  
SARAH VAN DE VELDE ◽  
FATEMAH RABIEE-KHAN ◽  
CLAUDIA VAN DER HEIJDE ◽  
PETER VONK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Awareness Campaigns

Abstract Background Public health measures such as physical distancing and distance learning have been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having inadequate COVID-19 related knowledge can lead to excessive worrying as well as negative COVID-19 outcomes. Our study aimed to assess COVID-19 related knowledge and its association with worries among higher education (HE) students during the first wave of COVID-19. Methods A cross sectional survey, COVID-19 International Students Well-being Study (C-19 ISWS) was conducted in 133 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in 26 countries between April 27 and July 7, 2020. A stratified convenience sampling technique was used. Descriptive, bivariate, mixed effect logistic regression analysis were conducted using R software. Results Out of 127,362 respondents, 72.1 % were female, and 76.5% did not report a previous history of confirmed COVID-19. Majority of those without the previous infection 81,645 (83.7%) were from 21 European countries while the rest 15,850 (16.3%) from 5 non-European countries. The most frequent correct response to COVID-19 related knowledge questions among respondents was having the virus without having symptoms (94.3%). Compared to participants with good knowledge, the odds of being worried of acquiring SARS-COV-2 infection with poor knowledge was 1.05 (95%CI:1.03,1.08) and the odds of being worried of contracting severe COVID-19 was 1.36 (95%CI:1.31,1.40). Conclusion COVID-19 related knowledge was independently associated with both worry of acquiring SARS-COV-2 infection as well as contracting severe COVID-19. We recommend scaling up of awareness campaigns through media to increase the comprehensive COVID-19 related knowledge in order to tackle excessive worries about acquiring severe COVID-19.

scholarly journals Mental health of medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in eight European countries - A cross-sectional survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svenja Hummel ◽  
Neele Oetjen ◽  
Junfeng Du ◽  
Elisabetta Posenato ◽  
Rosa Maria Resende de Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Burden

BACKGROUND The death toll of COVID-19 topped 170,000 in Europe by the end of May 2020. COVID-19 has caused an immense psychological burden on the population, especially doctors and nurses who are faced with high infection risks and increased workload. OBJECTIVE To compare the mental health of medical professionals with non-medical professionals in different European countries during COVID-19, assuming that medical professionals, particularly those exposed to COVID-19 at work, would have higher depression, anxiety and stress. To determine their main stressors and most frequently used coping strategies during the crisis. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during peak COVID-19 months in eight European countries. The questionnaire included demographic data and whether the participants were exposed to COVID-19 at work or not. Mental health was assessed via the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). A 12-item checklist on preferred coping strategies and another 23-item questionnaire on major stressors was filled by the medical professionals. RESULTS The sample (N=609) consisted of 189 doctors, 165 nurses and 255 non-medical professionals. Participants from France and the UK were more often assigned to the group with severe/extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress on DASS-21. Non-medical professionals had significantly higher scores for depression and anxiety. Among medical professionals no significant link was reported between direct contact with COVID-19 patients at work and anxiety, depression or stress. ´Uncertainty about when the epidemic will be under control´ was the most stressful aspect for healthcare professionals while ´taking protective measures´” was the most frequently used coping strategy among all participants. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 poses a major challenge to the mental health of working professionals as a considerable proportion of our participants showed high values for depression, anxiety and stress. Even though medical professionals showed less mental stress than non-medical professionals, sufficient help should be offered to all occupational groups with an emphasis on effective coping strategies. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Developing and Evaluating A One-Stop Patient-Centered Interprofessional Collaboration Platform in Taiwan

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
Hung-Jung Lin ◽  
Yen-Ling Ko ◽  
Chung-Feng Liu ◽  
Chia-Jung Chen ◽  
Jing-Jia Lin
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Medical Team ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Team Members ◽  
One Stop

(1) Background: Effective healthcare collaboration not only improves the outcomes of patients, but also provides benefits to healthcare providers. A patient-centered communication platform, a so-called “one-stop platform”, is necessary to promote interprofessional collaboration (IPC) for optimal patient care. (2) Methods: Chi Mei Medical Center developed a patient-centered computerized platform to fulfill interprofessional collaboration needs. The platform features a spiral-shaped integrated care area and a communication area that allows the medical team to access patients’ information including the medical care they received within seven days, and veritably shows whether the team members have read communication messages. After pilot adoption, an online survey was conducted. (3) Results: A one-stop IPC platform was implemented and promoted for patient care. The online survey revealed that medical team members have high positive appraisal of the platform. It also pointed out that resistance to change among the medical team still has a significant impact on behavioral intention. (4) Conclusions: The interprofessional collaboration platform was recognized by the medical teams of Chi Mei Medical Center as an effective and convenient tool for assisting clinical decision making. However, actions to reduce user resistance to change and encourage collaboration among team members still need to be continued. Shared decision making within physicians and patients will be valuable to develop in the platform in the future.

scholarly journals Impact and Perspectives of Pediatric Dental Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic Regarding Unvaccinated Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12117
Author(s):  
Nelly Schulz-Weidner ◽  
Maximiliane Schlenz ◽  
Norbert Krämer ◽  
Sarra Boukhobza ◽  
Katrin Bekes
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pediatric Dentistry ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pediatric Dentists ◽  
The Impact

The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has led to enormous challenges in pediatric dental care. In contrast to adults, many children are without any symptoms of disease if infected with COVID-19 and are not vaccinated. The aim of this study was to conduct an inquiry into the perspective of pediatric dentists in Germany towards the impact of COVID-19 on daily patient care during the lockdowns caused by the pandemic. All members of the Germany Society of Pediatric Dentistry were invited to participate in an online survey. The questionnaire focused on five topics: safety measures, well-being/knowledge, patient care, prospects, and demographic data. A total of 549 pediatric dentists participated (58.11% females, 8.2% males, 0.18% inter/diverse, and 33.51% no answer). In total, 75.2% of the dental clinics were open during the first lockdown (LD1) and 78.1% during the second lockdown (LD2). In LD1, only 22.2% were operating at full capacity, while 40.1% were open with restrictions, and 11.8% only offered emergency treatment. In LD2, 71.2% of practices were operating again and resumed offering all treatment methods. A significant decrease in pediatric patients was reported due to the fact of COVID-19. Furthermore, measures, such as oral hygiene and recall appointments, were reduced. Measures that were performed after the lockdown were mainly aerosol-generating procedures and extractions as well as general anesthesia or sedation. The increased willingness to treat in the second lockdown has shown that pediatric dentists have adapted to the pandemic conditions, which seems to be of great importance, especially in view of the problem of unvaccinated children.

scholarly journals We are All in This Together: The Comparison of Coronavirus' Experiences in Croatia and Other European Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-358
Author(s):  
Ena Uzelac ◽  
Dominik-Borna Ćepulić ◽  
Petra Palić
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Gdp Per Capita ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Trust In Institutions ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Restrictive Measures ◽  
Average Average

Different countries were successful in different ways in their attempts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, which compromised the health of many people. Stress levels rose and the restrictive measures impacted the citizens' trust in institutions. An important resource for managing crises is a country’s economic growth. Given that the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is one indicator of economic growth, the goal of this study is to investigate the differences in perceived stress and trust in institutions between European countries categorized into below-average, average and above-average GDP per capita levels during the coronavirus pandemic. The analyses of N = 84,080 participants from 29 countries gathered via an online survey showed that citizens of higher-level GDP per capita countries experienced less stress and had more trust in institutions. Compared to the average level, Croatian citizens experienced somewhat higher stress and had somewhat higher trust in the government’s measures. These results imply that economic growth is one of the country-level factors associated with the quality of managing the coronavirus pandemic.

scholarly journals The Impact of Previous Cardiology Electives on Canadian Medical Student Interest and Understanding of Cardiology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bright Huo ◽  
Wyatt MacNevin ◽  
Todd Dow ◽  
Miroslaw Rajda
Keyword(s):  
Medical Student ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Specialty Choice ◽  
Student Interest ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Chi Square Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Background: Most Canadian medical schools do not have mandatory cardiology rotations. Early exposure to clinical cardiology aids career navigation, but clerkship selectives are chosen during pre-clerkship. This study investigates whether prior elective experiences affect medical student interest as well as understanding of cardiology before clerkship selections. Methods: A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, Embase and PubMed to create an evidence-based cross-sectional survey. The anonymous questionnaire was administered to 53 second-year medical students at a Canadian medical school via Opinio, an online survey platform. Students were assessed on their interest and understanding of cardiology practice using a 5-point Likert Scale. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Square analysis were applied to assess the relationship between previous elective experience, medical student interest, and understanding of career-related factors pertaining to cardiology. Results: Overall, 26 (49.1%) students reported cardiology interest, while it was a preferred specialty for 9 (17.0%). Medical students reported low understanding of community practice (n=20, 37.7%), duration of patient relationships (n=14, 26.4%), spectrum of disorders (n=13, 24.5%), and in-patient care (n=11, 20.8%) associated with cardiology practice. Students with prior cardiology electives had increased understanding of in-patient care (χ2 = 4.688, Cramer’s V = 0.297, p = 0.030 and were more likely to select cardiology as a top specialty choice (χ2 = 7.983, Cramer’s V = 0.388, p = 0.005). Conclusions: Pre-clerkship medical students have a low understanding of cardiology practice. Increasing pre-clerkship exposure to cardiology may help students determine their interest in the specialty before clerkship selectives are chosen.

Testing the Strain Theory of Suicide – The Moderating Role of Social Support

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bob Lew ◽  
Ksenia Chistopolskaya ◽  
Yanzheng Liu ◽  
Mansor Abu Talib ◽  
Olga Mitina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Strain Theory ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Strains ◽  
Moderating Role

Abstract. Background: According to the strain theory of suicide, strains, resulting from conflicting and competing pressures in an individual's life, are hypothesized to precede suicide. But social support is an important factor that can mitigate strains and lessen their input in suicidal behavior. Aims: This study was designed to assess the moderating role of social support in the relation between strain and suicidality. Methods: A sample of 1,051 employees were recruited in Beijing, the capital of China, through an online survey. Moderation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS Macro. Social support was measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and strains were assessed with the Psychological Strains Scale. Results: Psychological strains are a good predictor of suicidality, and social support, a basic need for each human being, moderates and decreases the effects of psychological strains on suicidality. Limitations: The cross-sectional survey limited the extent to which conclusions about causal relationships can be drawn. Furthermore, the results may not be generalized to the whole of China because of its diversity. Conclusion: Social support has a tendency to mitigate the effects of psychological strains on suicidality.

Central and Eastern European states in global production linkages: country-level and sector-level analysis

2017 ◽  
pp. 38-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Cieślik
Keyword(s):  
Global Value Chains ◽  
Jel Classification ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Large Share ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Western European ◽  
Eastern European Countries ◽  
Level Analysis

The paper evaluates Central and Eastern European countries’ (CEEs) location in global vertical specialization (global value chains, GVCs). To locate each country in global value chains (upstream or downstream segment/market) and to compare them with the selected countries, a very selective methodology was adopted. We concluded that (a) CEE countries differ in the levels of their participation in production linkages. Countries that have stronger links with Western European countries, especially with Germany, are more integrated; (b) a large share of the CEE countries’ gross exports passes through Western European GVCs; (c) most exporters in Central and Eastern Europe are positioned in the downstream segments of production rather than in the upstream markets. JEL classification: F14, F15.

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