Journal of Patient Experience最新文献

Hypophosphatemia following iron infusion is thought to be a relatively rare complication of intravenous iron infusion, though research is beginning to demonstrate that it occurs more often than previously assumed. Still, healthcare professionals are often unaware of this potential complication. This, coupled with the medical bias women can receive in health settings-plus the over-representation of women receiving intravenous iron-means that symptoms of hypophosphatemia may be misinterpreted or worse, misdiagnosed. This article presents an account of a patient experience of hypophosphatemia following intravenous iron. Key points include: healthcare providers should be aware of this potential complication, healthcare providers must be prepared to listen, assess, address, and treat potential hypophosphatemia that occurs after receiving an iron infusion, and physicians should monitor phosphate, particularly in patients who develop fatigue, nausea, bone pain, and other symptoms of hypophosphatemia after receiving an iron infusion. Further research on the prevalence, impact, and duration of hypophosphatemia following iron infusion is needed.

The mental health workforce in the United States faces a significant challenge: a stark underrepresentation of African American practitioners. This disparity reflects broader issues of racial inequality in healthcare and has far-reaching implications for mental health care delivery, particularly within Black communities. This perspective examines the contributing factors to this underrepresentation, explores its consequences on patient care and research, and proposes strategies to increase diversity in the field. By addressing this issue, we can work towards a more equitable, effective, and culturally responsive mental health care system for all.

Provider web profiles are becoming popular locations for patients to seek information before their visits. This industry insight assesses patients' utilization of a physical therapy clinic's website to determine the impact the addition of physical therapist biographies had on patient perceptions and physical therapist selection. Forty-six percent of first-time patients (n = 786) indicated visiting the clinic's website prior to their visit. After biographies were added, these website visitors rated the website as more helpful, and indicated a greater perception of certainty regarding the services the clinic provides. A greater percentage of website visitors made a purposeful selection of therapist after therapist biographies were posted online than prior to biographies being posted. These findings indicate that improvements to a clinic's website can positively impact patient empowerment in making personal healthcare decisions. Simply adding biographies of physical therapists to clinics' websites can have significant effects on reducing first-time patients' uncertainty, as well as providing a greater level of patient-centered care by offering information to empower patients to be more active participants in their healthcare choices.

In 2018, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) established the original 19 Headache Centers of Excellence (HCoE) program, and an evaluation center. This study utilized a Veteran engagement group method to elicit input from Veteran patients living with chronic headache on daily needs, social determinants of health, and preferences and suggestions for headache programs, services, and research priorities. Four engagement groups were conducted between July 13^th and August 22^nd of 2022 with Veterans who experience headache and received care at a VHA HCoE. Engagement groups were audio-recorded, de-identified, transcribed, and analyzed using rapid qualitative content matrix analysis. Participants also completed a baseline survey on demographics, technology use, headache history, and health. Patients perceived care coordination, social support, gender specific preferences and access to complementary and integrative therapies to be important aspects of headache care delivered by HCoEs. Participants expressed strong interest in effective, interactive peer support groups to share and learn from each other's experiences with headaches and treatments. Findings underscore the demand for coordinated, interdisciplinary headache care integrating complementary health approaches and addressing gender-specific needs.

Patient experience is a vital measure of healthcare quality, affecting satisfaction, engagement, and outcomes. Standardized radiology reporting can improve care by enhancing communication, reducing errors, and optimizing workflows. This article examines the role of structured reporting and AI in improving patient experience, addressing challenges like workload imbalances and communication issues. Key points include adopting standardized systems, leveraging AI, and focusing on patient-centered communication. Practical tips are shared to boost reporting accuracy, patient engagement, and care quality.

Dysautonomia refers to any disorder involving altered function of the autonomic nervous system. Dysautonomia can be debilitating as it often affects multiple organ systems. The diagnostic journey for individuals affected by dysautonomia can be hindered by symptom overlap with other conditions and by limited access to autonomic specialists. The present patient-reported outcome study aims to characterize the diagnostic journey of 672 adult individuals affected by different types of dysautonomia. The average time to diagnosis was 7.7 years (SD 10 years) and diagnosis was made primarily by cardiologists, followed by neurologists, and internists or primary care physicians. Common comorbid conditions are Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, mast cell disorders, vitamin deficiency, fibromyalgia, and myalgic encephalomyelitis, all of which can contribute to the symptoms burden and can potentially confound the diagnostic process. We suggest that the prolonged time to diagnosis contributes to morbidity and compounds the psychological and economic burden of dysautonomia. Raising awareness about the numerous obstacles that hinder the diagnostic process among both clinicians and dysautonomia patients is the first step to reduce morbidity and improve clinical outcomes.

Background: Diabetes registries have grown in prevalence and incorporated patient engagement opportunities to support diabetes management. We aimed to understand the goals, purpose, and context for diabetes registries defined as patient-focused and how people with diabetes are engaging with these registries. Methods: We searched Pubmed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Emcare using the following criteria: (1) the population is people with diabetes mellitus, including type 1, type 2, and/or gestational diabetes; and (2) the study describes a patient focused registry. Results: The search identified 346 citations, 9 of which were included. The goals of the registries included: developing referral systems, evaluating community-based interventions, collecting self-reported data, improving access to care, and fostering diabetes communities. The delivery settings were community-based, outpatient, or primary care. The methods of delivery and level of patient engagement varied between registries. Conclusions: This scoping review identified 9 diabetes registries, with varying goals, purposes and levels of patient engagement. It highlights a need for registries centered on people with diabetes to promote engagement and facilitate long-term diabetes self-management.

Delays in cancer treatment are detrimental across nearly every disease site in oncology including head and neck cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of same-day access for patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer referred for radiation therapy consultation. From March 2021 to March 2023, a total of 50 consecutive patients who completed curative treatment were matched to a control subject who did not use the same-day initiative based on age, gender, histology, performance status, primary tumor site, stage, p16 status, treatment, and smoking history. With a median follow up of 30 months, there were no differences in 3-year overall survival, progression-free survival, or local-regional control between the 2 cohorts (P > .05, for all). However, the same-day access initiative was associated with significant reductions in time from diagnosis to first day of radiation (49 days vs 71 days, P < .001); time from diagnosis to completion of diagnostic work-up (32 days vs 43 days, P = .01); and time from diagnosis to completion of all treatment (91 days vs 111 days, P < .001).The same-day access initiative was associated with significant reductions in time from diagnosis to first day of radiation (49 days vs 71 days, P < .001); time from diagnosis to completion of diagnostic work-up (32 days vs 43 days, P = .01); and time from diagnosis to completion of all treatment (91 days vs 111 days, P < .001). The same-day access initiative thus enhanced multidisciplinary coordination and expedited treatment for patients with head and neck cancer.

Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) are evidence-informed strategies to promote recovery among victims of violence. Limited tools exist to capture client-reported perspectives of program relevance, responsiveness, acceptability, and impact. We conducted a quality improvement project to develop an HVIP-specific tool that can be used to collect information regarding client satisfaction with services to inform ongoing and future program improvement efforts. Four former adolescent clients and 5 caregivers who received services participated in cognitive interviews to share interpretation of questionnaire items, improvements to response options, comfort responding, and missing topics. Participants demonstrated understanding of survey items and offered alternate wording to improve clarity, reduce redundancy, and clarify response options. Revisions based on participant and staff feedback resulted in a 12-item HVIP Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. Our tool provides an opportunity to collect client-reported perspectives regarding satisfaction and perceived short-term program impact to inform continued improvement activities. This tool could be utilized by HVIPs and other violence prevention programs to engage clients in quality improvement efforts in support of program values to be trauma-informed and client centered.

The burden of diabetic foot ulcers is largely underappreciated, even by the healthcare community. Living with advanced, complex chronic diseases can be challenging for the patient and often requires additional time and resource utilization by the provider. The use of novel technology within medicine should be focused on fostering excellent experiences, thereby promoting satisfaction and ultimately, quality care. Using a remote foot temperature monitoring program, we have learned that 3 strategies support positive experience including: design for ease of use, patient and provider support, and continuous process improvement. Further key points include: (1) foot ulcers and amputations are a significant source of morbidity, mortality, and decreased quality of life for people living with diabetes; (2) remote patient monitoring innovations in technology can help connect patients, healthcare providers, and data; (3) technology should serve as an extension of the patient-provider trust relationship and help improve systemic efficiency; and (4) future considerations for successful patient experiences must also address healthcare disparities and promote health equity.