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1 – 4 of 4Erika Cefai, Daniela Balzan, Cecilia Mercieca and Andrew Borg
The purpose of this paper is to assess the patient’s perspective on a dedicated clinic set up for patients diagnosed with an inflammatory arthritis who are being treated with a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the patient’s perspective on a dedicated clinic set up for patients diagnosed with an inflammatory arthritis who are being treated with a biologic. It proposes that dedicated clinics offer better overall care. The aim of this quality improvement survey is to evaluate the level of patient satisfaction with this clinic and identify any unmet needs.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was based on a quality improvement survey, which was developed using Zineldin’s five qualities model and assessed various aspects pertaining to service quality and improvement. A structured interview approach was used and 44 consecutive patients were recruited.
Findings
This paper explores key aspects that influence patient satisfaction within a rheumatology outpatient setting such as education on arthritis and biologics and involvement in decision making. It provides insight on what patients value most and it also addresses organizational aspects that can have an impact on patient satisfaction. It suggests that service quality can be linked to the degree of patient satisfaction.
Research limitations/implications
Direct interviewing of patients could have introduced a source of bias whilst questions are being answered. On the other hand, it provided an opportunity to clarify instantly any doubts and therefore avoiding any inadvertent errors.
Practical implications
This paper reinforces that specialized clinics enable the caring rheumatologist to provide better care for patients on biologics. Service providers should continue developing their services around the patient’s needs and perspectives in order to continue improving the service.
Social implications
Dedicated biologic clinics allow more judicious monitoring of patients who are taking these highly efficacious but costly medications.
Originality/value
This survey has reinforced that patients highly value dedicated clinics. These results strengthen the case that healthcare services should continue investing on specialized clinics.
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Kanta Kumar, Deva Situnayake, Paul Bacon and Karim Raza
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common chronic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. As with all chronic conditions, active participation by the patient, in areas…
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common chronic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. As with all chronic conditions, active participation by the patient, in areas ranging from accepting the diagnosis and its treatment to the implementation of coping strategies, is essential for effective management. Involving any patients in these process can be difficult; however patients of South Asian origin can present particular challenges. Many patients of South Asian origin have beliefs about disease causation and the utility of pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatments that differ from those held by other patients. Communication difficulties can make it difficult for health care professionals to address these issues. We discuss strategies to support patients and encourage their involvement including linguistically appropriate educational material, peer support and telephone helplines.
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Susan Albers Mohrman and Michael Kanter
The dynamics of the physician knowledge system in the Southern California Region of Kaiser Permanente are explored. The framing and analysis use concepts from the knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
The dynamics of the physician knowledge system in the Southern California Region of Kaiser Permanente are explored. The framing and analysis use concepts from the knowledge management literature and network theory. The criticality of this issue to the establishment of sustainable healthcare relates to the lynchpin nature of embedding evidence-based knowledge in healthcare practice and the simultaneous challenge of combining this with clinical knowledge that derives from practice.
Methodology/approach
The case study is compiled from longitudinal interviews with over 40 physicians and other stakeholders and an examination of archival information including published articles generated by the learning system.
Findings
The socio-technical approach to building this learning system was critical given the expectations of physicians for autonomy in making clinical decisions with respect to their patients. This robust learning system builds on rich professional and organizational networks, is led by physicians, and builds on and extends the foundation of evidence relating to quality and value. The goals of the physician practice and a robust measurement and feedback system provide focus for the learning system.
Social/practical implications
Accelerating the incorporation of evidence-based practice and increasing the scope and reach of the learning system entails building physician networks, having a robust system for critically examining and extending evidence, and a clear linkage to valued outcomes.
Originality/value of paper
This detailed examination of the dynamics of knowledge absorption extends understanding of the capacity of medical care systems to absorb evidence-based knowledge.
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