Articles: outcome-assessment-health-care.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[Validation of the Hannover Score for Polytrauma Outcome (HASPOC) in a sample of 170 polytrauma patients and a comparison with the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey].
Improved survival rates of patients with multiple injuries have increased general interest in the quality of rehabilitation status after polytrauma. Due to the complex nature of multiple injuries, a special score is needed to evaluate the outcome after polytrauma. The aim of this study was to validate the Hannover Score for Polytrauma Outcome (HASPOC). ⋯ Differences between healthy controls,patients after single injuries, and patients after multiple injuries were statistically significant when evaluated with the HASPOC. This statistical significance was not achieved using the SF-12. The HASPOC is a valid scoring system and useful for evaluating the rehabilitation status after polytrauma.
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Analysis of longitudinal data collected prospectively from patients seen in 27 National Spine Network member centers across the United States. ⋯ For studies of patients with low back problems, the general SF-36 may be a sufficient measure of health status and patient function, without the need for additional condition-specific instruments. Pain scales appear to be the most responsive measures in patients with low back pain.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2003
Multicenter StudyTraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage on the computerized tomography scan obtained at admission: a multicenter assessment of the accuracy of diagnosis and the potential impact on patient outcome.
The goal of this study was fourfold: 1) to determine the incidence of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI); 2) to verify agreement in the diagnosis of tSAH in a multicenter study; 3) to assess the incidence of tSAH on the outcome of the patient; and 4) to establish whether tSAH itself leads to an unfavorable outcome or whether it is a sign of major brain trauma associated with severe posttraumatic lesions. ⋯ Traumatic SAH frequently occurs in patients with TBI, but it is difficult to detect and grade. Traumatic SAH is associated with more severe CT findings and a worse patient outcome.
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Multicenter Study
Patient outcomes in academic medical centers: influence of fellowship programs and in-house on-call attending surgeon.
There are very few data on characteristics or policies that improve patient outcomes in academic medical institutions. We were interested in 2 such policies or characteristics that are commonly implemented in academic centers: an in-house on-call attending physician policy and the existence of postgraduate medical education. ⋯ An in-house on-call attending surgeon policy is not associated with improved outcomes. In contrast, presence of a trauma and surgical critical care fellowship program, a potential surrogate marker for an institution that is committed to this specialty interest, is associated with improved outcomes for critically injured patients. An investment in advanced postgraduate medical education has potential benefits in patient care and outcomes.
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Kidney international · Jan 2003
Multicenter StudyCreation, cannulation and survival of arteriovenous fistulae: data from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study.
An arteriovenous (A-V) fistula is the optimal vascular access for hemodialysis. The National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) recommends that fistulae should mature for at least one month before cannulation, but this recommendation is not evidence-based. If fistulae are created prior to ESRD and cannulation is possible earlier without compromising fistula survival, the need for temporary catheters would be reduced. ⋯ Significant differences in clinical practice currently exist between countries regarding the creation of A-V fistulae prior to starting hemodialysis and the timing of initial cannulation. Cannulation within 14 days of creation is associated with reduced long-term fistula survival. Fistulae ideally should be left to mature for at least 14 days before first cannulation.