A framework for systematically improving occupational therapy expert opinions on work capacity

Aim:  To present an evidence-based framework to improve the quality of occupational therapy expert opinions on work capacity for litigation, compensation and insurance purposes.
Methods:  Grounded theory methodology was used to collect and analyse data from a sample of 31 participants, comprising 19 occupational therapists, 6 medical specialists and 6 lawyers. A focused semistructured interview was completed with each participant. In addition, 20 participants verified the key findings.
Results:  The framework is contextualised within a medicolegal system requiring increasing expertise. The framework consists of (i) broad professional development strategies and principles, and (ii) specific strategies and principles for improving opinions through reporting and assessment practices.
Conclusions:  The synthesis of the participants' recommendations provides systematic guidelines for improving occupational therapy expert opinion on work capacity.     

Opinion polling and decision making: a critical appraisal of quality of life assessment

The relationship between quality of life (QOL) assessments and decision making, in relation to the delivery of health services, is subjected to critical appraisal. Three levels of decision making in the health care system are taken into account in the analysis. Criticisms of opinion polling provide the basis for the appraisal. Examples of criticisms considered are: Might the use of QOL information be manipulative? Could the interviews or questionnaires used to obtain QOL data influence personal opinions? Are the methods used sometimes defective and/or superficial? Will QOL information always be used in decision making in ways that are ascertainable and justifiable? It is concluded that the time has come for the main focus of critical appraisal in QOL research to shift, from an emphasis on evaluation of the quality of methods used for assessments of QOL, toward an emphasis on the practical usefulness of QOL data.     

Concordance of second opinion diagnosis in salivary gland cytopathology: experience from a single academic institution

Interpretation of fine needle aspiration (FNA) material from salivary gland lesions has high interobserver variability due to the heterogenous and overlapping cytological features of various lesions. For this reason, second opinion consultation may play an important role in guiding appropriate clinical management for challenging cases. We aimed to report our experience with salivary gland cytology consultation cases at our academic center. Consecutive salivary gland FNA cases received from outside institutions for second opinion consultation between 2013 and 2022 were reviewed. Cases were divided into true consults (diagnostic assistance sought) or confirming consults (reviewed by in-house cytopathologists for patients being transferred to our institution for treatment). All diagnoses were re-classified using the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC). Discordance between reclassified consult diagnostic categories and preliminary diagnostic categories was recorded. Consultation resulted in a change in the diagnostic category in 15% of confirming and 18% of true consult cases. The overall distribution of diagnostic categories provided by outside pathologists was similar to consult diagnoses. Only 4 (5.4%) confirming and 3 (5.5%) true consult cases had major diagnostic discrepancies, which may impact the clinical treatment. Moderate interobserver variability is often expected with salivary gland FNA. However, in our consultation practice, we found a relatively high degree of concordance between submitting and consult diagnoses utilizing the MSRSGC.     

Patients'' complaints and satisfaction 5 years after complete denture treatment

This study is based on an evaluation of patients' opinions of their dentures by means of a questionnaire. The patients had been provided with complete dentures at a university clinic. Of the original sample (n = 139) a test group of 92 patients remained available for the actual study 5 yr after treatment. The replies in the questionnaire were subjected to statistical processing and interpretation. Six clusters could be defined and these were introduced as "scales" representing the patients' score on a specific type of complaint. Apart from the six scales a score was achieved for each patient's overall satisfaction. The correlations between the various scales were calculated with the aid of a computer program. Finally, cross-tabulation was used to see if any significant (inter)correlations could be proved between complaints, satisfaction, and some of the patients' social data. It could be concluded that a correlation exists between complaints of pain and of functional aspects on the one hand and vague complaints on the other hand. There is also a correlation between complaints of looseness of the maxillary denture and complaints about aesthetic factors. Well-fitting and well-functioning dentures, absence of pain, and a socially acceptable appearance contribute much to the patients' satisfaction with dentures. Social variables such as type of insurance (public or private) and marital status influence denture appreciation to a certain extent.     

The development of guidelines for drug and alcohol dependence treatment: affecting policy and practice

The rationale and methodology behind the Australian Quality Assurance Project is described. The Project aimed to develop guidelines for treatment content based on three sources of information: research findings, current practice and expert opinion. The issue of the gap between research and practice is discussed, as well as the role of dissemination in altering clinician behaviour.     

医学情报研究机构编发《妇幼保健管理舆情简报》的实践探索

本文以《妇幼保健管理舆情简报》的编发背景、栏目设置、主要内容、发行效果及改进措施为例，探讨了医学情报研究机构为妇幼卫生主管部门和妇幼保健机构提供决策与管理情报的工作模式，总结出了及时了解信息需求，组建相对稳定团队，获得单位重视支持的经验体会，为其他信息服务部门开展相关工作提供参考借鉴。     

深化家庭医生首诊职能的分析与实践

目的深化家庭医生首诊职能的实施。方法设立激励机制，赋予家庭医生使用三级医疗机构资源的权限，对通过家庭医生首诊的患者给予优先处理措施，向家庭医生反馈患者就诊信息。结果接受家庭医生首诊的55名患者对服务的评价较为积极。结论三级医疗机构和社区卫生服务中心均能够通过家庭医生首诊的实施获益。