Migraine education brochures and patient-perceived satisfaction

The quality and reliability of online video resources concerning patient education for migraine treatment in China Mainland: an electronic media-based study

BACKGROUND

Migraine is an extremely prevalent and disabling primary neurological disease worldwide. Although multiple forms of patient education for migraine management have been employed in the past decades, the quality and reliability of headache-related online videos targeting migraine patients remained unclear, particularly those in China. Therefore, in this study, our research team aimed to explore the overall quality and credibility of online videos concerning patient education on migraine treatment in China Mainland.

METHODS

A total of 182 online videos concerning migraine treatment were retrieved from four most popular Chinese language online video platforms, including Douyin, BiliBili, Haokan Video, and Xigua Video. Our research team collected the producer identity and basic information of these videos, and then used two major score instruments, i.e., the Global Quality Score (GQS) scale and the DISCERN questionnaire, to evaluate the quality and reliability of its content. Subsequently, overall descriptive analysis and detailed comparison among specific video platforms and producers were performed. Finally, using the Spearman correlation coefficient, we also explored the potential correlation between video general information and video quality and reliability.

RESULTS

The overall quality and reliability of the migraine-related information provided by online videos were poor, yet those uploaded to Douyin were relatively more satisfactory. Among all study videos, 10 encouraged patients to keep a headache diary, 12 warned about the risk of medication overuse, and 32 emphasized the preventive treatment of chronic migraine. However, the treatment recommendations proposed by video creators were highly heterogenous, with the most frequently mentioned pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and traditional Chinese medicine measures being Triptans (n = 57, 31.3%), massage (n = 40, 22.0%), and acupuncture (n = 31, 17.0%), respectively. We also observed slight positive correlations between video quality and the numbers of likes and comments received.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our research revealed that the quality and reliability of Chinese language online videos focused on patient education for migraine treatment were inadequate, suggesting that viewers should treat these contents with caution. However, the prospects for video-based patient education remain promising. Implementing appropriate strategies, such as strengthening regulations on health-related videos and instituting a review process conducted by medical professionals, may elevate the overall quality and trustworthiness of medical information shared through online video platforms.

Evaluation of a pharmacist-led shared decision-making in atrial fibrillation and patients' satisfaction-a before and after pilot study

BACKGROUND

Chronic complex diseases like atrial fibrillation have potential long-term economical and personal consequences. Shared decision-making principles may promote therapeutic compliance, satisfaction and outcomes. Pharmacists, as patient-advocates, play a key role in guiding them through complex clinical decisions about their chronic disease management and anticoagulation choices.

AIM

To evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led shared decision making on patients' satisfaction and appropriateness of their anticoagulation therapy in newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation patients.

METHODS

A prospective 2-phase before and after single-centre study was conducted in an Australian hospital. Phase 1 provided usual care, and patients' satisfaction and appropriateness of their anticoagulation therapy were evaluated. Phase-2 assessed the impact on satisfaction and appropriateness of anticoagulant therapy following pharmacist-led interventions of shared decision making to promote patients' involvement.

RESULTS

Patients with pharmacist-led shared decision making reported higher degree of appropriateness of anticoagulation therapy and satisfaction (36% vs 92%, P < 0.001; 25% vs 68, P < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, patients who had a pharmacist input during their hospital stay received guideline-recommended anticoagulant therapy and reported satisfaction with their management was also higher in stage 2 (21% vs 65%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The study highlights pharmacist-led shared decision making in atrial fibrillation that contributes to patient satisfaction and appropriateness of therapy.

Effect of a pulmonary nodule fact sheet on patient anxiety and knowledge: a quality improvement initiative

Introduction

The utilisation of chest CT for the evaluation of pulmonary disorders, including low-dose CT for lung cancer screening, is increasing in the USA. As a result, the discovery of both screening-detected and incidental pulmonary nodules has become more frequent. Despite an overall low risk of malignancy, pulmonary nodules are a common cause of emotional distress among adult patients.

Methods

We conducted a multi-institutional quality improvement (QI) initiative involving 101 participants to determine the effect of a pulmonary nodule fact sheet on patient knowledge and anxiety. Males and females aged 35 years or older, who had a history of either screening-detected or incidental solid pulmonary nodule(s) sized 3–8 mm, were included. Prior to an internal medicine or pulmonary medicine clinic visit, participants were given a packet containing a pre-fact sheet survey, a pulmonary nodule fact sheet and a post-fact sheet survey.

Results

Of 101 patients, 61 (60.4%) worried about their pulmonary nodule at least once per month with 18 (17.8%) worrying daily. The majority 67/101 (66.3%) selected chemotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation, or radiation as the best method to cure early-stage lung cancer. Despite ongoing radiographic surveillance, 16/101 (15.8%) stated they would not be interested in an intervention if lung cancer was diagnosed. Following review of the pulmonary nodule fact sheet, 84/101 (83.2%) reported improved anxiety and 96/101 (95.0%) reported an improved understanding of their health situation. Patient understanding significantly improved from 4.2/10.0 to 8.1/10.0 (p<0.01).

Conclusion

The incorporation of a standardised fact sheet for subcentimeter solid pulmonary nodules improves patient understanding and alleviates anxiety. We plan to implement pulmonary nodule fact sheets into the care of our patients with low-risk subcentimeter pulmonary nodules.