PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “user involvement”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

["Linguistitis" of medical terminology (II). Language-policy and questions from a perspective of younger physicians].

In a previous article in the Journal of the Danish Medical Association, "Medical Terminology Linguistitis (I)", the author pointed out the importance of involving the users in connection with the definition of a language policy concerning Danish medical terminology and future medical doctors' need for language proficiency. A recent inquiry, involving 11 medical doctors (Ph.D. students), suggests that there is in fact a need for a language policy. Also, the respondents expressed strong antipathy against a full nationalization of the terms which can in some cases be observed in the Danish version of ICD-10. On the basis of this survey, the following questions are discussed in this article: Future medical doctors' need for knowledge of Latin and English, medical doctors' opinions concerning a terminology based on Latin, or Danish, and some important aspects concerning the definition of a language policy in the medical area.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

HIV risks, gender, and cocaine use among opiate users.

HIV risks involving injection and sex behaviors were analyzed in relation to cocaine use and gender among 487 opiate-dependent clients in methadone treatment. Those who also used cocaine were at greater risk than non-cocaine users on HIV risky injection variables. Females were at more risk than males on the HIV risky sex behaviors involving unprotected sex in exchange for money or drugs and with injection users. There were interactions between cocaine use and gender, however, in relation to frequency of injecting with dirty works and sharing dirty works with strangers, as well as having unprotected sex for money or drugs, with injection users, and while intoxicated. HIV risks increased as a direct function of cocaine usage level among males, but not among females; instead, low-to-intermediate levels of cocaine use by females was associated with high-risk behaviors. Implications for HIV risk reduction interventions in drug treatment programs are discussed.

Adult↗

The outcomes of partnerships with mental health service users in interprofessional education: a case study.

This paper reports findings from a 5-year evaluation (1998-2003) of a postqualifying programme in community mental health in England which made a sustained attempt to develop partnerships with service users. Users were involved in the commissioning of the programme and its evaluation, as trainers and as course members. The evaluation employed mixed methods to assess: learners' reactions to user-trainers and users as course members; changes in knowledge, attitudes and skills; and changes in individual and organisational practice. Data were collected from participant observation of training, 23 individual and 18 group interviews with students and their managers (n=13), and student ratings of knowledge and skills at the beginning and end of the programme (n=49). The quality of care provided by students was rated by service users (n=120) with whom they worked, using a user-defined questionnaire. The quality of care, and mental health and quality of life outcomes were compared to those for two comparison groups (n=44) in areas where no training had taken place. In general, the students reported positive learning outcomes associated with the partnership orientation of the programme, and learning directly from and with service users. A higher proportion of programme users reported good user-centred assessment and care planning, and showed greater improvement in life skills compared to the comparators. This case study provides evidence of the value of partnership working with service users in interprofessional postqualifying education in mental health. The success is attributed to the design of the programme and the responsiveness of the programme board, which included service users. It may provide a useful model for programmes elsewhere and for other user groups. The case study itself provides a possible model for the systematic evaluation of partnerships with users in education and training.

Community Mental Health Services↗

Variables influencing perceptions of the communicative competence of an adult augmentative and alternative communication system user.

The effects of aided message length, partner reauditorization, and observer background on perceptions of the communicative competence of an adult augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system user were examined. Two groups of subjects participated: naive adults with minimal exposure to nonspeaking persons, and speech-language pathologists currently working with AAC users. Four scripted videotaped conversational conditions involving an AAC user and a normally speaking partner were employed to manipulate aided message length and partner reauditorization. A balanced incomplete block design was used. Following each viewing, subjects completed a questionnaire designed to assess the communicative competence of the AAC user. Results indicated a significant interaction effect involving subject group and aided message length. The speech-language pathologists were affected by aided message length. Furthermore, significant differences between subject groups were found in specific conditions. Future research directions are discussed.

Adult↗

Simultaneous development and implementation of the children's rehabilitation activities profile: a communication instrument for pediatric rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: To describe the methods used for the development and implementation of the Rehabilitation Activities Profile for Children (Children's RAP), an instrument to structure information for team conferences. METHODS: Our strategy consisted of nine steps: (1) survey in clinical practice; (2) literature search; (3) formation of a national study group; (4) development of specifications and a national draft; (5) development of local drafts; (6) integration of local drafts; (7) consultation of users and experts; (8) national conference; and (9) assessment of user experience. RESULTS: The final version of the Children's RAP consists of three sections: (1) basic information about the child and its proxies; (2) present situation and needs of the child and its proxies; and (3) conclusions of the team conference. User satisfaction ranged from adequate to good. The Children's RAP is currently used in 53% of the Dutch pediatric rehabilitation centres. CONCLUSION: The methods used guarantee an optimal involvement of users, experts and literature. With these methods it was possible to develop an instrument which is widely accepted and implemented in clinical practice.

Child↗

Improving computer security by health smart card.

The University hospitals of Strasbourg have worked for several years on the computer security of the medical data and have of this fact be the first to use the Health Care Professional Smart Card (CPS). This new tool must provide security to the information processing systems and especially to the medical data exchanges between the partners who collaborate to the care of the Beyond the purely data-processing aspects of the functions of safety offered by the CPS, safety depends above all on the practices on the users, their knowledge concerning the legislation, the risks and the stakes, of their adhesion to the procedures and protections installations. The aim of this study is to evaluate this level of knowledge, the practices and the feelings of the users concerning the computer security of the medical data, to check the relevance of the step taken, and if required, to try to improve it. The survey by questionnaires involved 648 users. The practices of users in terms of data security are clearly improved by the implementation of the security server and the use of the CPS system, but security breaches due to bad practices are not however completely eliminated. That confirms that is illusory to believe that data security is first and foremost a technical issue. Technical measures are of course indispensable, but the greatest efforts are required after their implementation and consist in making the key players [2], i.e. users, aware and responsible. However, it must be stressed that the user-friendliness of the security interface has a major effect on the results observed. For instance, it is highly probable that the bad practices continued or introduced upon the implementation of the security server and CPS scheme are due to the complicated nature or functional defects of the proposed solution, which must therefore be improved. Besides, this is only the pilot phase and card holders can be expected to become more responsible as time goes by, along with the gradual national implementation of the CPS project and the introduction of new functions using electronic signatures and encryption.

Access to Information↗

A strategy for coordination of end-user computing in hospital departments.

This paper discusses issues associated with end-user computing and describes an approach for coordination of departmental end-user computing that was implemented at Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia. There are a number of pressures for end-user computing. These include the inability of IS departments to provide the services that users require, the increasing spread of computing skills and the advent of the microcomputer. The traditional approaches to computing are discussed and the concern over security explained. The potential benefits of greater involvement of users in systems development and support is discussed. Information systems development needs to be a collaborative activity. At Concord Hospital, a number of departments have responsibility for their own local minicomputer and microcomputer based systems. Coordination of this systems effort was seen as important in order to maximize the benefits of end-user computing while seeking to minimize duplication of effort, data or systems, or security risks.

Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over↗

[Child maltreatment due to alcohol abuse].

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the occurrence of maltreatment in children abused by alcohol users. Authors looked at the records of children hospitalized from 2000 to 2003 at the Children Hospital "Dr. Ovidio Aliga Uria". Findings showed that among the total of hospitalizations, 0.62% were due to maltreatment. Considering them, 57.9% involved alcohol users. Approximately 12.9% of them died as a consequence of brain trauma. The characterization of the aggressors showed that they are abusive drinkers with no dependence; with age varying from 20 to 30 years, are members of the children's family; finished primary school, do not have a job and are drug users. Although the low percentage of cases, there is a need to take care of this situation aiming at protecting the children and respecting their rights as well as at providing care to the adult that also experiences stressing conditions.

Adolescent↗

A taxonomy: hospital information systems evaluation methodologies.

During the past decade, computers and information systems and their resultant products have pervaded hospitals. Not only have the number of and investments in computers and their associated systems increased, but the types of hospital systems and affected functions have also multiplied. Unfortunately, methodologies to measure impacts of these systems have not evolved at the same pace. There have been few developments of new techniques. Existing techniques have not been adapted for use in hospitals. As a result, evaluations are not performed or are based upon generalizations, often with users minimally involved, if at all. Most techniques emphasize the cost-benefit approach, but this should not be the only tool used. This paper presents a taxonomy of methodologies for the evaluation of hospital information systems. The analyses of methodologies and systems are accomplished from user's perspectives. Effectiveness of system products is emphasized. Users are provided with an additional tool to plan, organize, control, and direct the information resources and achieve the hospital's goals and objectives.

Classification↗

[The cost of bipolar disorder: our situation].

Recent studies are showing that prevalence of Bipolar Disorders is higher than traditionally admitted, and that their costs are equal, at least, to those arising from schizophrenia. In our region, these disorders may be considered as an epidemic in the few next years, according the epidemiological approach. Nevertheless, the very few available data in our country show a serious deficit in diagnosis, treatment and information available for the users. In this context, the inertia of government is critical in generating specific policies aimed to control these disorders. Facing this challenge, needed information should be achieved in order to be able of establishing rational policies and strategies thus increasing general information about this problem, involving the users.

Argentina↗

The effect of involvement in participatory research on parent researchers in a Sure Start programme.

Involving service users, patients and members of local communities in health and social care research is becoming increasingly common. However, surprisingly little research has been carried out to examine the experiences of such lay researchers. This paper presents the findings of a study to investigate the experiences of a group of parent researchers involved in a community survey within a UK Sure Start programme. The survey was undertaken to provide insight into the early impact of the programme and inform Sure Start programme expansion. Researchers were recruited from the local community and were given an accredited training programme, before working on the development of the research itself. They took a lead role in the development, data collection, analysis and report writing phases of the survey and have been actively involved with the dissemination of findings. In order to gain insight into the experiences of the lay researchers involved in this work, three separate methods were used to collect data: questionnaires before and after the study, a focus group at the end of the data collection phase and by analysis of personal diaries kept by the parent researchers. Findings reported include lay researchers responses to the accredited training programme, the development of new skills and understanding, access and the conduct of interviews and the impact of the work both for Sure Start and the researchers themselves. Some of the strengths and difficulties of participatory research are discussed and comment made on the extent to which lay involvement impacted on the conduct of the survey.

Adult↗

A comprehensive analysis of craniofacial trauma.

A review of the literature identified a need for a prospective study of the complete range of craniofacial trauma. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence, etiology, and mechanisms of craniofacial and associated injuries, enabling a greater understanding of their range and magnitude. Nine hundred fifty consecutive patients seen at an urban university hospital with any degree of craniofacial trauma were prospectively investigated. Craniofacial trauma was found to be very common at all ages. The causes were directly related to age, sex, and alcohol consumption, and determine the type and severity of injury. The commonest cause of soft-tissue injury was falls, whereas that of fractures was interpersonal violence. Falls accounted for most of the injuries in children and the elderly, whereas interpersonal violence was mainly responsible for those occurring in patients aged 15 to 50 years. Interpersonal violence mostly involved young male adults: fights occurring mainly between strangers who had consumed excessive amounts of alcohol. Women were usually assaulted by assailants known to them, their partners. Pedestrians showed a propensity to sustain cranial fractures, whereas motor vehicle occupants tended to sustain midfacial fractures and bicyclists mandibular fractures. Pedestrians incurred the severest injuries of all road users, and a significant proportion of road user collisions involved bicyclists. Sports were responsible for a significant proportion of craniofacial injuries in youths and young adults. Craniofacial soft-tissue injuries overall occurred most frequently on the forehead, nose, lips, and chin, and a method for their classification is proposed. The commonest craniofacial fracture was that of the nasal bones (45%), followed by cranial bones (24%), mandible (13%), zygoma (13%), orbital blow-out (3%), and maxilla (2%). The incidence of craniofacial trauma can be greatly reduced by improvements in interior home design, school education in alcohol abuse and handling potentially hostile situations (especially for men), improvement in automotive safety devices and compliance by motor vehicle occupants, and utilization of full-face helmets by bicyclists and motorcyclists.

Accidental Falls↗

Complex health problems in general practice: do we need an instrument for consultation improvement and patient involvement? Theoretical foundation, development and user evaluation of the Patient Perspective Survey (PPS).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many patients in general practice present with complex health problems. It is argued that the GP who is in a prime position to counsel patients with such problems, will, however, often perceive a lack of tools to manage them. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel instrument in terms of a patient-administered questionnaire, the Patient Perspective Survey (PPS), designed to enhance the quality of clinical communication in the consultation. It is based on a biopsychosocial patient perspective, patient centredness, patient resources, involvement and coping, and quality of life orientation. METHODS: Development of the PPS has included comprehensive literature research, discussions and advice, during several phases, from groups of GPs, patients, broad panels of experts and testing in pilot studies. After many revisions, a 102-item version, consisting of a main somatic, mental and social domain axis, was evaluated by GPs and patients in 213 consultations. RESULTS: The basic idea, theoretical elements and purpose of the PPS appeared in general to be well accepted. Seventy-five to eighty-five per cent of the patients found the questions relevant and easy to understand and there were high positive scorings regarding influence on the doctor-patient relationship, communication, resource and coping aspects, occurrence of new information and general satisfaction with the consultation. Similar scorings were obtained from the GPs' evaluation. Both parties agreed that there is a need for a shorter and more specific PPS version, and that the resource and coping dimension should be even more extended. CONCLUSIONS: We consider it well documented that there is a need for this new instrument to deal with complex health problems in general practice, and that it has promising potentials for consultation improvement.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

The impact of a breathlessness intervention service (BIS) on the lives of patients with intractable dyspnea: a qualitative phase 1 study.

OBJECTIVE: Disabling breathlessness is the most common symptom of advanced cardiopulmonary disease. It is usually intractable, even when patients receive maximal medical therapy for their underlying condition. A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate a newly formed palliative Breathlessness Intervention Service (BIS). METHODS: The methodology followed the Medical Research Council's Framework for the Evaluation of Complex Interventions (Phase I). Qualitative interviews were completed with patients and relatives who had used the service and clinicians who had referred to it. The focus of the interviews was the participants' experience of using BIS. RESULTS: Patients valued the positive educational approach taken to breathlessness, emphasizing what was possible rather than what had been lost. Non-pharmacological strategies, especially the hand-held fan and exercises, were rated very helpful and new to patients. Participants reiterated that breathlessness was frightening and isolating, exacerbating the disability it caused: the easy access to advice and flexibility of BIS helped to alleviate this. Participants wanted a written record of the advice given. Carers welcomed the focus on their needs. Clinicians valued sharing the management of patients with an intractable problem. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This Phase I study has helped to remodel the service rapidly by uncovering the aspects of BIS that users find most valuable and areas that need change or improvement. The BIS needs to provide written information, to reinforce and extend contacts with other agencies to build on support it already provides for patients and carers, and extend its flexibility and accessibility. Providing a "drop-in" service and continuing education after the initial program of contacts is completed could be a useful service development, warranting further evaluation. A qualitative methodology involving service users and referrers can help to shape service development rapidly.

Adult↗

Outbreak of hepatitis A infection among intravenous drug users in Suffolk and suspected risk factors.

A prolonged outbreak of hepatitis A infection amongst drug users in Suffolk prompted a study of the natural immunity against hepatitis A in this population, and a retrospective analysis of the relationship between specific drug-taking behaviours and the risk of hepatitis A infection. Prior to the outbreak, age-specific seroprevalence of hepatitis A IgG in drug users was similar to that amongst blood donors in the region. Of those without effective immunity, intravenous drug users, multiple drug users and those injecting frequently were more likely to have developed hepatitis. The reported frequency of equipment sharing and the number of injecting partners were not related to the risk of infection. The potential for blood-to-blood, and a suggested faecal-blood transmission were considered to be important in propagating the outbreak in this population. We suggest that a single dose of hepatitis A vaccine administered opportunistically should be used in outbreaks involving drug users.

Adult↗

Propulsion patterns and pushrim biomechanics in manual wheelchair propulsion.

OBJECTIVES: To classify stroke patterns of manual wheelchair users and to determine if different patterns of propulsion lead to different biomechanics. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight individuals with paraplegia who use manual wheelchairs for mobility. INTERVENTION: Subjects propelled their own wheelchair on a dynamometer at 2 different steady state speeds. Bilateral biomechanical data were obtained by using a force and moment sensing pushrim and a motion analysis system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The propulsive stroke of each participant for each speed and side was classified as following 1 of 4 patterns. These 4 patterns were then compared by using a mixed-model analysis of variance. The biomechanical variables that were compared were cadence, peak and rate of rise of the resultant force, mechanical effective force, push angle, and ratio of time spent pushing to time in recovery. RESULTS: The most common propulsive stroke involved the user lifting the hand over the pushrim during the recovery phase. The stroke pattern was independent of axle position and varied from side to side and between speeds. After controlling for subject characteristics, significant differences were observed between stroke patterns in cadence and ratio of time spent pushing to time in recovery. A stroke pattern that involves using a semicircular motion with the hand below the pushrim during the recovery phase of the propulsion stroke was associated with a lower cadence and more time spent in the push phase relative to the recovery phase. CONCLUSION: The semicircular motion of propulsion displayed characteristics consistent with reduced repetition and more efficient propulsion. Use of this propulsion style may reduce trauma to the upper extremities. Clinicians should consider training individuals in this propulsion style.

Adult↗

Psychiatry and citizenship: the Liverpool black mental health service users' perspective.

This study investigates the appropriateness of statutory psychiatric services for the Black community in Liverpool by appraising the services through the views of Black British, Black African, and Black Caribbean service users residing in Liverpool. Semi-structured and unstructured interviews, which characterize methodological approaches used to harness and deploy services users' views to generate involvement in service decisions at local level, are utilized and analyzed by thematic content analytical procedures described in Burnard (1991), and demonstrated by Evans (1995). Interview transcripts are individually studied, manipulated, and aggregated to generate the main themes discussed during this process. The findings are discussed in the presentation of the data as supporting or disconfirming evidence of the researcher's understanding of the anomalies in the characteristics of psychiatric services in cross-cultural settings. The study shows that structures already exist in the Black Community for mental health service providers to action user involvement, a contemporary policy initiative in the British National Health Service (DoH 1997). This study demonstrates the process.

Africa↗

Design features of portable wheelchair ramps and their implications for curb and vehicle access.

This study evaluated a range of portable wheelchair ramps to highlight the effect of different product features on ease of use when wheelchair users climb curbs or access vehicles. Twelve portable ramps were evaluated. Although all the ramps were designed to load powered wheelchairs into motor vehicles, they were manufactured in different designs. The ramps were based on a "singlewide" platform or "channel" design. Some ramps had fixed dimensions, whereas others could be reduced in size because they were telescopic or designed to allow folding. Overall, the ramps could be divided into four subgroups on the basis of their key features. These were horizontally and longitudinally folding ramps, telescopic ramps, and ramps with fixed dimensions. The telescopic ramps could be subdivided into "U"-shaped gutter ramps and reverse profile ramps. Product appraisals and trials involving wheelchair users and caregivers of wheelchair users were done to evaluate each of these ramp designs. Although wheelchair ramps are available in a wide range of designs and configurations, we found that no single ramp design successfully met the needs of all wheelchair users or their caregivers. The evaluation highlighted a number of specific problems and potential hazards. Some ramps were found to move during a maneuver, showed poor stability when used with some vehicles, or were too narrow to allow wheelchair castors to pass through the channel without jamming. Some features, such as handles and locking mechanisms, influenced the ease with which the caregivers could use the ramps. Wheelchair users preferred the wide platform ramps because they were able to drive up these with ease and little preparation. The caregivers preferred folding or telescopic channel ramps because these were easier to handle and store.

Architectural Accessibility↗