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A conceptual framework for outcomes research in arthroscopic meniscectomy: results of a nominal group process.

Standard measures for the assessment of arthroscopic knee surgery are needed, as existing instruments do not cover the full range of relevant outcomes. Using a modified nominal group technique, a panel of orthopedic surgeons and methodologists developed a conceptual framework for the assessment of arthroscopic knee procedures. The outcome domains included in the evaluation comprised traditional measures such as range of motion, complications, and other objective parameters, as well as patient-centered variables such as health status and satisfaction. Independent variables that might influence the outcome of surgery included traditional measures such as knee alignment as well as comorbidity and patient expectations. This conceptual framework should allow a more comprehensive, patient-centered assessment of the outcome of arthroscopic meniscectomy.

Arthroscopy

Grouping processes in visual search: effects with single- and combined-feature targets.

We report evidence for spatially parallel visual search for targets defined by combinations of form elements in visual search. In Section 1, we show that flat search functions occur for combined-form targets when distractor forms are homogeneous and can be grouped together, thus segmenting the target from the distractors. Introducing heterogeneous distractors lessens distractor grouping and can produce serial search. These results cannot be easily attributed to subjects' use of local feature information to discriminate targets. Instead, they suggest that grouping can operate at a level at which combined form information is represented. In Section 2 we show that these grouping effects are spatially scaled by the size of the stimuli. In Section 3 we show that heterogeneity does not prevent flat search functions when the target has a unique defining feature. The data are interpreted in terms of a hierarchical processing system involving both devoted single-feature and combined-feature (junction) maps. Grouping processes can operate at both the single-feature and the combined-form levels. Selection in visual search remains confined to one object description at a time, but this description can be at various spatial scales, including that at the level of grouped forms.

Attention

Application of group process model to performance appraisal development in a CQI environment.

Health care administrators have been faced with the challenge of developing performance appraisal instruments that balance continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives with the potential legal liabilities surrounding employee performance. Although the literature offers many examples of performance appraisal instruments, there is no real roadmap of how those charged with developing such an instrument can successfully go through the process. This article documents one pediatric hospital's experience in developing this needed device.

Employee Performance Appraisal

Group processes involved in coming to terms with a mentally retarded identity.

A growing body of research has documented the existence of the problem of stigma among people with mental retardation. Normalization-based services often seem to collude with current consensus, which indicates that the best way to cope with stigma is by "passing" for "normal." In the present paper we presented an alternative method of dealing with stigma, namely, group therapy based on the two paradigms of loss and consciousness raising. In talking about their experiences with retardation and stigma, seven group members passed through six stages: denial, statement, recognition, exploration, meaning, and acceptance. Implications of this approach for working with people who have mental retardation were discussed.

Adult

Coronary angiography and revascularization: defining procedural indications through formal group processes. The Canadian Revascularization Panel, the Canadian Coronary Angiography Panel.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the process and extent of interphysician agreement within two panels convened to derive indications for the appropriate use of coronary angiography and for coronary revascularization procedures. PARTICIPANTS: Two panels, each with nine practitioners. METHODS: Panelists rated the appropriateness of intervention for a comprehensive set of indications for each procedure. Indications were brief profiles created by combining and permuting clinical characteristics pertinent to case selection for intervention. Ratings were first made at home, with a second round at the panel meeting following open discussion. Final rankings of indications as 'appropriate', 'uncertain' or 'inappropriate' were based on the pattern of panelists' responses on a nine-point scale, including the median rating and extent of agreement among panelists. Agreement was defined as at least seven panelists' ratings within the three-point region containing the median rating. Panelists were later mailed a much-reduced list of indications for which there was agreement on appropriateness. These were re-rated on a necessity scale. A procedure was rated 'necessary' only if a physician was ethically obligated to recommend it as the preferred treatment option. RESULTS: For appropriateness of angiography, agreement occurred in 38.2% of indications in round 1 and 64.4% in round 2 (P < 0.0001). For coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) versus medical therapy, the corresponding increase was from 43.5 to 54.0% (P < 0.0001). Agreement on necessity of angiography occurred for 44.3% of scenarios. For indications where CABG alone was appropriate, agreement on necessity was 56%. However, for indications where percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) could be regarded as the first-line intervention, agreement on necessity was only 5%. CONCLUSIONS: A two-step panel process permitted considerable convergence of panelists' ratings, highlighting the importance of formal panel methods in setting utilization management criteria. However, the extent of continuing disagreement on ratings underscores the need to avoid a forced consensus; instead, divergent opinions should be taken as indicative of uncertainty about the appropriateness of intervention. Interpanelist agreement on necessity ratings was modest, but may help in setting benchmarks to assess possible underprovision of invasive cardiac services in Canada.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary

Therapeutic group process with the institutional elderly.

This paper reviews the status of geriatric group psychotherapy and the experience with such programs at the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged. Specific ways are suggested for enhancing the administration of group psycho-therapy programs in the geriatric institutional setting. Group therapy techniques adapted to the specialized needs of the aged are of definite therapeutic benefit.

Aged