RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to address the current relative void of valid measures by developing evidence-based quality indicators for pain management of chronic nonmalignant pain. METHODS: We performed a 10-year literature search to identify guidelines and review articles on chronic pain management to identify evidence-based recommendations for the different conditions associated to chronic pain. A complementary search of indicators and indicator-related articles was also performed. Then, we built new indicators or adapted existing ones to cover all the evidence-based recommendations we found. The resulting set was pilot tested for feasibility, reliability (kappa), and usefulness to identify quality problems, using the Lot Quality Acceptance method (α ≤ 0.05 and ß ≤ 0.01) for 75% (40% threshold) and 95% (70% threshold) compliance standards, and estimates with binomial exact 95% confidence intervals. We reviewed clinical records from a primary care center, a medium-size hospital (250 beds), and a large hospital (500 beds). RESULTS: Forty-six indicators were developed (6 general and 40 condition specific). Thirty-three were feasible in primary care and/or hospitals. Feasible indicators were also reliable (most kappa > 0.7). Regarding compliance, 4 quality indicators obtained compliance levels over 60%, addressing pharmacological treatment, multimodal approach, and appropriate use of neuro-image tests, while 16 obtained compliance scores under 15% (6 with 0% compliance). CONCLUSIONS: The created set has tested to be feasible, reliable, and useful, with the capacity to serve as the baseline for developing the necessary strategies to improve the management of chronic nonmalignant pain, by monitoring and evaluating quality of care.
Asunto(s)
Dolor Crónico/terapia , Manejo del Dolor/métodos , Indicadores de Calidad de la Atención de Salud , Medicina Basada en la Evidencia , Femenino , Humanos , Proyectos Piloto , Reproducibilidad de los ResultadosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Over recent years there has been a paradigm shift towards a patient-centred biopsychosocial care model in physical therapy. This new paradigm features a growing interest in understanding the contextual factors that influence the patient's experience of disease, pain and recovery. This includes generalized consensus regarding the importance of establishing a therapeutic relationship that is centred on the patient. OBJECTIVE: To explore physical therapists' perceptions and experiences regarding barriers and facilitators of therapeutic patient-centred relationships in outpatient rehabilitation settings. METHODS: This is a qualitative study with four focus groups including twenty-one physical therapists. Two researchers conducted the focus groups, using a topic guide with predetermined questions. The focus group discussions were audiotaped and videotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using a modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Physical therapists perceived that the therapeutic patient-centred relationship not only depends on the personal qualities of the professional, but also on the patient's attitudes and the characteristics of the context, including the organization and team coordination. CONCLUSIONS: Although being more linked towards the patients' contextual factors and needs than towards the practice of the profession, a therapeutic relationship is worth considering by physical therapists. Furthermore this study highlights the need for physical therapists and administrators to rethink the situation and propose strategies for improvement.
Asunto(s)
Grupos Focales/métodos , Fisioterapeutas , Humanos , Pacientes Ambulatorios , Fisioterapeutas/normas , Investigación CualitativaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Few empirical studies have been conducted on the continuity of rehabilitation services, despite the fact that it may affect clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, the perception of quality, and safety. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore experiences and perceptions of inpatients receiving physical rehabilitation in an acute care hospital and how these experiences may have led to perceived gaps in the continuity of rehabilitation care. METHOD: Using qualitative research methods, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who received physical rehabilitation during hospital stay in an acute care hospital in Murcia, Spain. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, analyzed, and grouped into predetermined and emergent codes. RESULTS: Patients described three main themes in continuity of care: informational, management, and relational continuity. Several factors were described as influencing the perceived gaps in these three types of continuity. Informational continuity was influenced by the transfer of information among care providers. Relational continuity was influenced by patient-therapist relations and consistency on the part of the provider. Management continuity was influenced by consistency of care between providers and the involvement of patients in their own care. CONCLUSION: The participants in this study identified several gaps in three types of continuity of care (informational, management, and relational). Inpatients often perceive their experiences of rehabilitation as being disconnected or incoherent over time.