Evaluation of consumer satisfaction using the tetra-class model

BACKGROUND: A number of studies have shown the importance of consumers' satisfaction toward pharmacy services. The measurement of patient satisfaction through different elements of services provided is challenging within the context of a dynamic economic environment. Patient satisfaction is the result of long-term established habits and expectations to the pharmacy as an institution. Few studies to date have attempted to discern whether these changes have led to increased patient satisfaction and loyalty, particularly within developing nations. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the elements of the services provided in Bulgarian pharmacies and their contribution to consumer satisfaction using a tetra-class model. Three main hypotheses were tested in pharmacies to validate the model in the case of complex services. Additionally, the contribution of the different service elements to the clients' satisfaction was studied. METHODS: The analysis was based on a survey of customers in central and district pharmacies in Sofia, Bulgaria. The data were analyzed through a correspondence analysis which was applied to the results of the 752 distributed questionnaires. RESULTS: It was observed that different dimensions of the pharmacies contribute uniquely to customer satisfaction, with consumer gender contributing greatly toward satisfaction, with type/location of pharmacy, consumer age, and educational degree also playing a part. The duration of time over which the consumers have been clients at a given pharmacy influences the subsequent service categorization. CONCLUSIONS: This research demonstrated that the tetra-class model is suitable for application in the pharmaceutical sector. The model results could be beneficial for both researchers and pharmacy managers.     

Congenital cataracts facial dysmorphism neuropathy syndrome, a novel complex genetic disease in Balkan Gypsies: clinical and electrophysiological observations.

During a study of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy-Lom in Bulgaria, a previously unrecognized neurological disorder was encountered, mainly in Wallachian Gypsies, who represent a relatively recent genetic isolate. The disorder has been termed the congenital cataracts facial dysmorphism neuropathy (CCFDN) syndrome to emphasize its salient features. Fifty individuals from 19 extended pedigrees were identified and examined clinically and electrophysiologically. At least 1 patient from each family was admitted to the hospital in Sofia for full investigation. Pedigree analysis indicates autosomal recessive inheritance. The disorder is recognized in infancy by the presence of congenital cataracts and microcorneas. A predominantly motor neuropathy beginning in the lower limbs and later affecting the upper limbs develops during childhood and leads to severe disability by the third decade. Associated neurological features are a moderate nonprogressive cognitive deficit in most affected individuals together with pyramidal signs and mild chorea in some. Accompanying nonneurological features include short stature, characteristic facial dysmorphism, and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Nerve conduction studies suggest a hypomyelinating/demyelinating neuropathy, confirmed by nerve biopsy. The CCFDN syndrome is thus a pleomorphic autosomal recessive disorder displaying a combination of neurological and nonneurological features.     

Role of initial immunologic status of patients with congenital heart defects in the development of postoperative infectious complications

Before surgical correction of the defect, the immune status was examined in 65 patients with congenital heart disease who developed postoperative infectious complications. The patients showed significant changes in peripheral blood levels of various lymphocyte populations (E-, EAC-ROC) and immunoglobulins M, G, A. It was concluded that the occurrence of infections complications was related to the initial immunological status of patients with congenital heart disease.     

Syndromology and differential treatment of secondary cochleovestibulitis in patients with early clinical forms of cerebral circulatory insufficiency

Altogether 136 patients with cochleovestibulitis and early clinical forms of cerebral circulation insufficiency were examined. Two types of syndrome were identified that were associated with the pathogenetic development: vascular and metabolic. Different diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approaches as applied to each type of syndrome were developed.     

Kidney and pancreas transplantation in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The article analyses the results of one-stage transplantation of the kidney and pancreas in three patients suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy in the stage of terminal renal failure which called for programmed hemodialysis. The specific features of early postoperative management of patients are described, particularly the various routes of drug administration.