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Christ A, Bamer O, Seilern Und Aspang J, Aldrian S, Herold J, Haider T. Health literacy in physical trauma patients : Evaluation of the general understanding of patients in an outpatient clinic using the German Short Test of Functional Health Literacy. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024:10.1007/s00508-024-02389-3. [PMID: 39085647 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-024-02389-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy (HL) refers to the ability to understand and process information provided by the healthcare system and depends on various factors, such as language comprehension, education, and social environment. Low HL was recently associated with increased readmission, morbidity, and mortality. Little is known about HL levels in physical trauma patients. The aim of this study was to determine general HL in physical trauma patients in an outpatient setting and to evaluate possible differences based on demographic characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 100 physical trauma patients were recruited in the outpatient trauma facility of the Medical University of Vienna. All recruited patients completed the German Short Test of Functional Health Literacy (S-TOFHLA). RESULTS The evaluated HL index ranged between 20 and 36 points (highest achievable score: 36 points), with the mean value calculated at 34.3 (adequate). Out of 100 participants, 97 patients (97%) showed adequate HL and 3 patients (3%) reached a score corresponding to a marginal understanding. No patient showed inadequate HL utilizing the S‑TOFHLA tool. No significant differences were found between different demographic categories, including age, education level, native language, and injury location. CONCLUSION In this study, included outpatient trauma patients demonstrated an overall adequate understanding of healthcare related information. Age, sociodemographic background, and/or educational status did not influence performance, which leads to the question as to whether the German version of the S‑TOFHLA is valid to representatively measure HL in these patients. Furthermore, regarding the obvious shortcomings of the S‑TOFHLA, the education standard of the respective population should be taken into consideration when choosing an appropriate testing tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Christ
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oskar Bamer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Silke Aldrian
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Herold
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Haider
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Ray S, Luke J, Kreitzer N. Patient-centered mild traumatic brain injury interventions in the emergency department. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 79:183-191. [PMID: 38460465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in 2.5 million emergency department (ED) visits per year in the US, with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) accounting for 90% of cases. There is considerable evidence that many experience chronic symptoms months to years later. This population is rarely represented in interventional studies. Management of adult mTBI in the ED has remained unchanged, without consensus of therapeutic options. The aim of this review was to synthesize existing literature of patient-centered ED treatments for adults who sustain an mTBI, and to identify practices that may offer promise. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed and Cochrane databases, while following PRISMA guidelines. Studies describing pediatric patients, moderate to severe TBI, or interventions outside the ED were excluded. Two reviewers independently performed title and abstract screening. A third blinded reviewer resolved discrepancies. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was employed to assess the methodological quality of the studies. RESULTS Our search strategy generated 1002 unique titles. 95 articles were selected for full-text screening. The 26 articles chosen for full analysis were grouped into one of the following intervention categories: (1) predictive models for Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), (2) discharge instructions, (3) pharmaceutical treatment, (4) clinical protocols, and (5) functional assessment. Studies that implemented a predictive PCS model successfully identified patients at highest risk for PCS. Trials implementing discharge related interventions found the use of video discharge instructions, encouragement of daily light exercise or bed rest, and text messaging did not significantly reduce mTBI symptoms. The use of electronic clinical practice guidelines (eCPG) and longer leaves of absence from work following injury reduced symptoms. Ondansetron was shown to reduce nausea in mTBI patients. Studies implementing ED Observation Units found significant declines in inpatient admissions and length of hospital stay. The use of tablet-based tasks was found to be superior to many standard cognitive assessments. CONCLUSION Validated instruments are available to aid clinicians in identifying patients at risk for PCS or serious cognitive impairment. EDOU management and evidence-based modifications to discharge instructions may improve mTBI outcomes. Additional research is needed to establish the therapeutic value of medications and lifestyle changes for the treatment of mTBI in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ray
- University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, USA
| | - Jude Luke
- University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, USA
| | - Natalie Kreitzer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati, USA.
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Dimech N, Cassar M, Carabott J. The health literacy and patient discharge experience dyad after cardiac surgery: an exploratory study. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2023; 32:1046-1052. [PMID: 38006591 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2023.32.21.1046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Health literacy concerns the ability to access, appraise and use information to maintain good health. The purpose of this study was to explore the health literacy of older adults and their experiences after cardiac surgery. A purposive sample of eight patients (aged ≥65 years) who had undergone cardiac surgery participated in this qualitative study. A validated health literacy assessment instrument was used to gather data on their health literacy levels. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant to explore the experiences of recovery in the immediate and medium-term post-discharge period. The data from the assessment instrument and the interviews were analysed and collated. Data analysis gave rise to seven themes: aftermath of cardiac surgery; settling in; whirlwind of emotions; shifting perspective; faith and hope; sense of community; and COVID-19 experience. The findings suggest health literacy plays a part in a patient's cardiac surgical discharge experience, along with other factors. As patients' responses and experiences vary, health professionals need to adopt a context-sensitive approach when discharging patients after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Dimech
- MSc Nursing Student, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta
| | - Maria Cassar
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Malta
| | - James Carabott
- Hospital Planning Manager, St Vincent de Paul Long Term Care Facility, Malta
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Trutner ZD, Furlough K, Martinez A, Vetter I, Uhler LM, Haynes A, Jayakumar P. Is Health Literacy Associated With Surgical Outcomes? A Systematic Review. J Surg Res 2023; 291:720-733. [PMID: 37572516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low levels of health literacy have been shown to increase healthcare utilization and negatively affect health outcomes within medical specialties. However, the relationship of health literacy with clinical, patient-centered, and process-oriented surgical outcomes is not as well understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS We sought to systematically review the current evidence base regarding the relationship between health literacy and a range of outcomes in patients experiencing surgical care. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched six databases and then identified and extracted data from 25 cross-sectional or cohort studies deemed eligible for a systematic review. RESULTS Among included studies, strong evidence exists to support an association between low health literacy and worse patient-centered outcomes, as well as an association between low health literacy and poorer process-oriented surgical outcomes. However, the relationship between health literacy and clinical outcomes remains unclear. CONCLUSIONS Substantial opportunities remain to improve our understanding of the impact of health literacy on surgical outcomes. Future work should expand the range of institutional and specialized surgical settings studied, implement a standardized set of validated health literacy assessment tools, include more diverse patient populations, and investigate a comprehensive range of patient-reported outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe D Trutner
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.
| | - Kenneth Furlough
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Anuska Martinez
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Imelda Vetter
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Lauren M Uhler
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Alex Haynes
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Prakash Jayakumar
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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Jacobson CE, Suwanabol PA. Readability of Patient Education Materials From the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Website: An Opportunity to Improve Health Care Access and Quality. Dis Colon Rectum 2023; 66:865-868. [PMID: 37057915 DOI: 10.1097/dcr.0000000000002628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Clare E Jacobson
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Alobuia WM, Meng T, Cisco RM, Lin DT, Suh I, Tamura MK, Trickey AW, Kebebew E, Seib CD. Racial disparities in the utilization of parathyroidectomy among patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: Evidence from a nationwide analysis of Medicare claims. Surgery 2022; 171:8-16. [PMID: 34229901 PMCID: PMC8688157 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, parathyroidectomy offers a chance of cure and mitigation of disease-related complications. The impact of race/ethnicity on referral and utilization of parathyroidectomy has not been fully explored. METHODS Population-based, retrospective cohort study using 100% Medicare claims from beneficiaries with primary hyperparathyroidism from 2006 to 2016. Associations of race/ethnicity with disease severity, surgeon evaluation, and subsequent parathyroidectomy were analyzed using adjusted multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS Among 210,206 beneficiaries with primary hyperparathyroidism, 63,136 (30.0%) underwent parathyroidectomy within 1 year of diagnosis. Black patients were more likely than other races/ethnicities to have stage 3 chronic kidney disease (10.8%) but had lower prevalence of osteoporosis and nephrolithiasis compared to White patients, Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to have been hospitalized for primary hyperparathyroidism-associated conditions (White 4.8%, Black 8.1%, Hispanic 5.8%; P < .001). Patients who were White and met operative criteria were more likely to undergo parathyroidectomy than Black, Hispanic, or Asian patients (White 30.5%, Black 23.0%, Hispanic 21.4%, Asian 18.7%; P < .001). Black and Hispanic patients had lower adjusted odds of being evaluated by a surgeon (odds ratios 0.71 [95% confidence interval 0.69-0.74], 0.68 [95% confidence interval 0.61-0.74], respectively) and undergoing parathyroidectomy if evaluated by a surgeon (odds ratios 0.72 [95% confidence interval 0.68-0.77], 0.82 [95% confidence interval 0.67-0.99]). Asian race was associated with lower adjusted odds of being evaluated by a surgeon (odds ratio 0.64 [95% confidence interval 0.57-0.71]), but no difference in odds of parathyroidectomy. CONCLUSION Racial/ethnic disparities exist in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism among older adults. Determining the factors that account for this disparity require urgent attention to achieve parity in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson M. Alobuia
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Tong Meng
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research and Education Center (S-SPIRE), Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Robin M. Cisco
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Dana T. Lin
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Insoo Suh
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Manjula Kurella Tamura
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA.,Division of Nephrology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Amber W. Trickey
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research and Education Center (S-SPIRE), Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Electron Kebebew
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Carolyn D. Seib
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA.,Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research and Education Center (S-SPIRE), Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA.,Division of General Surgery, Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
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