Current medical research and opinion
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The 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11) is widely used with Arabic-speaking pediatric populations. However, there is no data about its validity or reliability. Thus, the aims of this research were to translate the NRS-11 into Arabic and study its dimensionality and construct (convergent and discriminant) validity, and reliability. ⋯ The data provide preliminary evidence of the unidimensionality, validity and reliability of the NRS-11-Arabic scores, thus supporting its use in clinical and research activities involving Arabic-speaking pediatric samples.
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To assess patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) associated with authorized generics (AGs) and independent generics (IGs) use. ⋯ PRO differences were often small in magnitude and varied by therapeutic area. The impact of switching should consider observed PRO differences, patient preferences, and market availability of AG and IG alternatives.
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To know the dimensionality and internal consistency of the Tuberculosis-Related Stigma Scale in patients living with tuberculosis in Santa Marta, Colombia. ⋯ The Tuberculosis-Related Stigma Scale has an excellent internal consistency but poor goodness-of-fit indicators of unidimensionality. Evaluating the scale's psychometric performance is recommenced in future research.
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The Prescription Opioid Misuse and Abuse Questionnaire (POMAQ) was developed to identify prescription opioid misuse and abuse among patients with chronic pain. A clinical scoring algorithm was developed and refined to align with the patient experience. ⋯ The clinical scoring algorithm for the POMAQ was developed and refined to reflect clinically relevant patient behaviors identified by expert review. Future testing is needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of this measure.
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Telehealth is delivering health care services remotely from healthcare facilities using telecommunications and virtual technology. Egypt is aiming to reach Universal Health Coverage; this increases the demand for telehealth in routine health services. Telehealth helps in increasing access to areas with no available medical services as patients can be monitored remotely. ⋯ Large percentages of attendees to primary health care centers are aware of telehealth and are willing to implement it. The major cause of refusal to implement telehealth was ignorance of using telecommunication devices and the desire to be in close contact with the physicians.