Journal of evaluation in clinical practice
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Indications are lacking on which patient to refer to pain facilities. Pain-chronicity stage and outcome prognosis may be used for such aims. The Mainz pain-staging system (MPSS) classifies pain patients in three chronicity stages that respectively require more extensive management. We explored the psychometric and validation properties of its Italian version towards its application as screening/referral tool. ⋯ The I-MPSS showed satisfactory psychometric and validation properties. With adequate feasibility, it enabled the screening of mixed non-cancer-pain outpatients in three chronicity/prognostic stages. Results are sufficient to warrant its use for a subsequent impact study as a prognostic model and screening tool for referring pain patients.
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This article examines costs to treat latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in an urban clinic population and highlights the potential effectiveness of an alternative transitional treatment regimen. ⋯ Future work should more carefully assess the clinical attributes, including effectiveness, of treatment with 9INH and transitional 4RIF as alternative treatment for LTBI.