Journal of evaluation in clinical practice
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To investigate whether patients are prioritized for joint replacement surgery on the basis of severity of osteoarthritis, pain and physical functioning. ⋯ With the expected increase in demand for joint replacement, there needs to be a re-examination of assessment procedures of patients listed for joint replacement. The use of measurement tools to assess symptoms such as pain and physical function would be one way forward.
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Safer care is a strategic priority for health care organizations worldwide. Yet, the measurement and evaluation of key processes and outcomes associated with safer care remains challenging, even with existing performance measurement indicators. The multi-national Quality Indicator Project (QI Project) data are analysed to [1] document the patterns of safety indicators used between 1999 and 2006 among hospitals in Asia, Europe and the USA; and [2] to identify trends in using both organization-level and patient-level data in hospital performance improvement. ⋯ Traditional performance measures continue to assist hospitals in identifying crucial aspects of safety in the delivery of care. Building on the findings of a previous study, there are emerging trends in the type of measures used in hospitals in Asia, Europe and the USA pursuing the improvement of overall performance. The increasing use of patient-level data specifically, in tandem with organizational level indicators, may signal the continuum of measurement strategies, now still predominantly in the USA but anticipated to be adopted both in Europe and Asia.
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A systematic review to identify and appraise interactive decision aids that are designed for consumer use, in the field of hereditary breast cancer and genetic testing. ⋯ Although there is a significant amount of interest in genetic testing to determine whether a woman is at high risk of breast cancer, the current genetic services are having difficulty coping with the demand. Alternatives such as decision aids have been suggested. There are many sources of information available, but few are truly interactive or designed for patient use. Of the three evaluated, all were from the USA and are likely to require modification for patients elsewhere.
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To investigate if pain, physical function and the quality of life changed among adults with osteoarthritis while on the waiting list for hip or knee joint replacement. ⋯ The often long wait for joint replacement surgery and deterioration in pain and physical function has highlighted the need for active management by health professionals while patients are on the waiting list.