Articles: outcome-assessment-health-care.
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Int J Qual Health Care · Aug 1999
Meta AnalysisHow valid and reliable are patient satisfaction data? An analysis of 195 studies.
To assess the properties of validity and reliability of instruments used to assess satisfaction in a broad sample of health service user satisfaction studies, and to assess the level of awareness of these issues among study authors. ⋯ With few exceptions, the study instruments in this sample demonstrated little evidence of reliability or validity. Moreover, study authors exhibited a poor understanding of the importance of these properties in the assessment of satisfaction. Researchers must be aware that this is poor research practice, and that lack of a reliable and valid assessment instrument casts doubt on the credibility of satisfaction findings.
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In summary, the radiology outcomes research literature is both extensive and broad. The methodologic quality, however, is quite variable. Overall, this quality could be improved by intervention in two areas: methodologic dissemination and development. ⋯ Traditionally, National Cancer Institute and other National Institutes of Health and public sector funding has been predicated on a high level of research sophistication. Undoubtedly, availability of grants for diagnostic and screening imaging clinical trials and other research will go far to improve radiology research methods. The other traditional source of research funding is industry.
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Meta Analysis
Prearrest predictors of survival following in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a meta-analysis.
The success rate of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) varies with the patient population studied. Prearrest variables have been used to identify groups of patients with a particularly low rate of survival following CPR. The purpose of this study was to use the technique of meta-analysis to identify prearrest variables associated with a decreased rate of survival to the time of discharge following CPR of hospitalized patients. ⋯ The identification of prearrest variables that are associated with decreased survival following CPR will assist clinicians when they counsel their patients regarding do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders. In addition, the further refinement of a predictive tool such as the modified Pre-Arrest Morbidity Index can help clinicians to identify patients for whom CPR is futile. Such an instrument must be validated on an independent data set before it can be considered for clinical application.