Journal of evaluation in clinical practice
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In epidemiological research, it is essential to account for the confounding effects of factors such as age, stage, and comorbidity for accurate prediction of cancer outcomes. There are several internationally developed and commonly used comorbidity indices. However, none are regarded as the gold-standard method. This study will assess and compare the predictive validity of established indices for use in a South Australian (SA) colorectal cancer (CRC) population against a local index. Furthermore, the prognostic influence of comorbidity on survival is investigated. ⋯ The existing indices are still valid for adjusting for comorbidity and accurately predicting mortality in an SA CRC population. Internationally developed indices are preferred when policymakers and researchers wish to compare local study results with those of studies (national and international) that have used these indices. Comorbidity is a predictor of mortality and should be considered when assessing CRC survival.
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Providing high-quality primary care in patient-centred medical homes (PCMHa) requires competencies that can only be provided by interprofessional (IP) education. The benefits of collaborative training have been documented for learners, but less is known about the perceptions of the clinical professionals who train the learners or the patients receiving IP primary care. This investigation compared stakeholder attitudes about IP education, training, and providing collaborative care prior to developing a new IP training programme. ⋯ This is the first reported data comparing perceptions about IP training and care across these three stakeholder groups. Results suggest the need to clarify scope of practice, define professional roles, and bridge gaps between teaching PCMH principles and subsequently providing high-quality health care. Results inform faculty development needs in learning ways to train learners across professions and outline ways to structure interactions with patients.
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The present study aimed to investigate the effects of interprofessional education on healthcare providers' intentions to engage in an interprofessional shared decision-making (IP-SDM) process at emergency department and exploring the affecting factors on their intentions. ⋯ Our findings suggested that applying interprofessional education strategies could improve the learners' intention to engage in IP-SDM. Moreover, the results showed that the interprofessional collaboration among team members, adherence to the team-based care principles, and administrative support at different levels could be the influential factors the intentions of the participants to engage in IP-SDM.
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To investigate diabetes outcomes by long-term trajectories of patients' care settings among diabetes patients with regular follow-up. ⋯ Diabetes patients who were persistently treated in generalized care settings had health outcomes comparable to those who were persistently treated in specialized care settings. However, for elderly and less stable patients, regular diabetes care in specialized care settings was preferable.