Hearing the Adolescents' Voice: a Study Evaluating the Use of Conjoint Analysis for Use with Adolescents to Determine Preferences for Inpatient Hospital Facilities

<p>Some adolescents spend considerable time in hospital in environments that are designed either with adults or with younger children in mind. This research used the economic technique of conjoint analysis and an informal discussion to canvas opinions regarding ideal combination of inpatient facilities and, because of the changing youth culture, the use of cell phones in hospital. The content of the conjoint analysis was, with the exception of the inclusion of the question regarding the use of cell phones, derived from the literature. Because conjoint analysis does not appear to have been used with adolescents one of the questions to be answered was whether this was a method of research that could be used with adolescents. The research was undertaken with 29 young people, most of who were from CanTeen (the adolescent cancer support group) in Wellington. The conjoint analysis, and discussion with the adolescents supported the general findings from the literature that adolescents do not want to be nursed in either overtly paediatric or, in their words, ‘dull adult wards’, as they enjoy bright lively surrounds. Ideally they would like to be nursed with their peer group and so have the opportunity to interact with young people of their age. The research demonstrated that adolescents are able to understand the concept of conjoint analysis and also supported findings from overseas that these healthcare consumers value having their opinions canvassed and are well able to give constructive and well thought out opinions. A report on the findings of this research will be presented to Capital and Coast District Health Board with the expectation that it will be considered when the final decisions are made regarding the upgrading of Wellington Hospital’s present facilities as it is anticipated that these facilities will contain dedicated adolescent beds within the paediatric unit.</p>

Hearing the Adolescents' Voice: a Study Evaluating the Use of Conjoint Analysis for Use with Adolescents to Determine Preferences for Inpatient Hospital Facilities

<p>Some adolescents spend considerable time in hospital in environments that are designed either with adults or with younger children in mind. This research used the economic technique of conjoint analysis and an informal discussion to canvas opinions regarding ideal combination of inpatient facilities and, because of the changing youth culture, the use of cell phones in hospital. The content of the conjoint analysis was, with the exception of the inclusion of the question regarding the use of cell phones, derived from the literature. Because conjoint analysis does not appear to have been used with adolescents one of the questions to be answered was whether this was a method of research that could be used with adolescents. The research was undertaken with 29 young people, most of who were from CanTeen (the adolescent cancer support group) in Wellington. The conjoint analysis, and discussion with the adolescents supported the general findings from the literature that adolescents do not want to be nursed in either overtly paediatric or, in their words, ‘dull adult wards’, as they enjoy bright lively surrounds. Ideally they would like to be nursed with their peer group and so have the opportunity to interact with young people of their age. The research demonstrated that adolescents are able to understand the concept of conjoint analysis and also supported findings from overseas that these healthcare consumers value having their opinions canvassed and are well able to give constructive and well thought out opinions. A report on the findings of this research will be presented to Capital and Coast District Health Board with the expectation that it will be considered when the final decisions are made regarding the upgrading of Wellington Hospital’s present facilities as it is anticipated that these facilities will contain dedicated adolescent beds within the paediatric unit.</p>

QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN AFTER MASTECTOMY. CLINICAL AND SOCIAL STUDY

The aim: To assess the quality of life in women after mastectomy. Materials and methods: The study included 25 women after mastectomy. The patients were aged 31 to over 50 years and were members of a breast cancer support group at the Holy Cross Cancer Centre in Kielce. During group meetings, the patients underwent rehabilitation and worked with psychologists and social workers. Results: Most women after mastectomy who underwent breast reconstruction or wore breast prostheses reported a better quality of life. Mastectomy affects ipsilateral upper limb function and causes difficulty with activities of daily living, such as cleaning, cooking, brushing hair, bathing, and dressing. Conclusions: 1. All women who rated their health as poor experienced such negative emotions as sadness, low mood, dejection. 2. Mastectomy affects ipsilateral upper limb function. 3. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy improves patient-rated quality of life. 4. Pain in the ipsilateral upper limb is considerably more common in women with a limited range of motion. 5. All women who participated in breast cancer support group meetings found support there and the time they spent together resulted in an improved quality of life.