Age and ageing
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there is a causal association between carotid sinus hypersensitivity, falls and syncope in elderly subjects. Neurological complications during carotid sinus massage have been reported in case studies and two retrospective series. Our aim was prospectively to ascertain the incidence of complications occurring after carotid sinus massage performed for diagnostic purposes in a consecutive series of patients. ⋯ no subjects had cardiac complications and 1% had possible neurological symptoms, which resolved in most cases. Persistent neurological complications are uncommon, occurring in 1:1000 patients (0.1%) or 1: 3805 episodes of carotid sinus massage (0.03%).
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patient views on the quality of care are usually assessed by means of patient satisfaction questionnaires. ⋯ using scale optimization, we produced a self-administered questionnaire on quality of health care from the perspective of elderly people. This contains scientific characteristics and provides specific information for practical quality-assurance policies.
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Editorial Comment
Compression or expansion of morbidity--what does the future hold?