An Evaluation of Patient Privacy Protection with Fuzzy Conjoint Analysis-A Case Study from Nurses' Perspective.

BACKGROUND: With the rapid improvement in healthcare technologies, the security and privacy of the most sensitive data are at risk. Patient privacy has many components, even when data are in electronic format. Although patient privacy has extensively been discussed in the literature, there is no study that has presented all components of patient privacy. METHODS: This study presents a complete assessment framework, develops an inventory as an assessment tool, and examines the reliability and validity of the inventory. The study was carried out in three phases: conceptual framework development, inventory development, and an evaluation case study. Fuzzy conjoint analysis was used in the evaluation to deal with subjectivity and ambiguity. As a result of the evaluation, the case study institution was given a patient privacy maturity level between 1 and 5, where 1 is the worst and 5 is the best. RESULTS: The case study evaluated the largest hospital in Turkey, which employs 800 nurses. Half of the nurses, 400, participated in the study. According to the literature, healthcare institutions do not invest enough in protecting patients' privacy, and the results of the study support this finding. The institution's maturity level was 2, which is poor. CONCLUSIONS: This study measured privacy maturity with many assessment components. The result of the assessment explains to patients and the public whether their data are secure or not. With the implementation of this maturity level, patients have an idea about which institution to choose, and the public can infer the reliability of institutions in terms of patient privacy.

Assessment of the reliability and usability of ChatGPT in response to spinal cord injury questions.

OBJECTIVE: The use of artificial intelligence chatbots to obtain information about patients' diseases is increasing. This study aimed to determine the reliability and usability of ChatGPT for spinal cord injury-related questions. METHODS: Three raters simultaneously evaluated a total of 47 questions on a 7-point Likert scale for reliability and usability, based on the three most frequently searched keywords in Google Trends ('general information', 'complications' and 'treatment'). RESULTS: Inter-rater Cronbach α scores indicated substantial agreement for both reliability and usability scores (α between 0.558 and 0.839, and α between 0.373 and 0.772, respectively). The highest mean reliability score was for 'complications' (mean 5.38). The lowest average was for the 'general information' section (mean 4.20). The 'treatment' had the highest mean scores for the usability (mean 5.87) and the lowest mean value was recorded in the 'general information' section (mean 4.80). CONCLUSION: The answers given by ChatGPT to questions related to spinal cord injury were reliable and useful. Nevertheless, it should be kept in mind that ChatGPT may provide incorrect or incomplete information, especially in the 'general information' section, which may mislead patients and their relatives.

The use of standing powered wheelchairs from the perspective of individuals with spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of standing powered wheelchair (SPWC) users with spinal cord injury (SCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 20 participants with SCI. SPWC daily usage time (total, in sitting position and standing position) and the frequency of using the SPWC's standing feature were recorded. Participants' level of satisfaction and comfort associated with the SPWC were assessed on a five-point Likert scale. If there was a dissatisfaction reason with the SPWC, the issues related to it were recorded. Participants were asked about their positive and adverse experiences with the use of SPWC. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 41.65 (± 9.35) years. Eighty percent were tetraplegic. Ninety percent of the participants stood for at least 30 minutes at least one day a week, and 55% stood for at least 30 minutes at least four days a week. The most commonly reported perceived benefits were improvement in activities of daily living, bowel movements, and blood pressure regulation, better perception of body image, and feeling better. The most frequently identified reasons for dissatisfaction with the SPWC were its big dimensions, heavy weight, and difficulty of use in indoor environment and on uneven surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show positive perceived experiences for SPWC users with SCI in terms of physical, social, and psychological aspects. Prospective controlled studies are needed to explore the benefits of SPWC use regarding secondary complications of SCI.

This paper shows that participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) report numerous perceived physical, social, and psychological benefits of using standing powered wheelchair (SPWC).Individual adjustments must be made for SPWCs. Before prescribing SPWC, the physician and physical or occupational therapist who specialises in wheelchairs should make the necessary evaluations based on the individual's abilities and needs. The necessity for special SPWC equipment and orthoses during standing should be evaluated.In SPWC users with SCI, neck discomfort may occur due to the contraction of non-postural innervated muscles such as the neck due to inadequate trunk control. In addition to the adjustable chest support in SPWC, equipment that provides additional chest support can be used for better control of the trunk. Better control of the trunk can contribute to improved neck comfort.

Evaluation of secondary complication awareness among individuals with spinal cord injury.

Secondary complications (SCs) are common and cause high morbidity and mortality in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). There is no information or a satisfactory scale of measurement for evaluating the opinions of individuals with SCI on whether they have sufficient knowledge about these complications. This study aimed to evaluate the opinions of individuals with SCI about whether they have sufficient information on SCI-related SCs. Demographic and clinical characteristics of 64 SCI individuals were recorded. A questionnaire was applied to evaluate the opinions of the participants and whether they have sufficient information about SCs before and after a multidisciplinary rehabilitation for SCI. A test was performed to measure the knowledge level at admission to the hospital and discharge. The mean value of the total questionnaire score, which was 6.2 at admission, increased to 7.91 at discharge ( P < 0.001). All subgroup scores of the questionnaire were higher at discharge than at admission (all P < 0.05). Total, neurogenic bladder, neurogenic bowel and spasticity test scores increased at discharge compared to admission (all P < 0.05). There is a relationship between the change in questionnaire scores and some demographic and injury characteristics. The opinions of the individuals with SCI on having sufficient information about SCs and their knowledge levels increased after a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Applying such a questionnaire and test at admission may have increased the awareness of the participants about SCs and contributed to a higher level of knowledge and opinion.

The relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity, clinical parameters, and oxidative stress in fibromyalgia syndrome: A novel point of view.

Objectives: This study aims to reveal the relationship between serum total antioxidant status (TAS), clinical parameters, and nutrition (dietary total antioxidant capacity [TAC]) in patients with fibromyalgia. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 60 female participants (mean age: 44.7±9.7 years; range, 18 to 50 years) at Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital between July 2020 and February 2021. Thirty female patients with fibromyalgia were compared with 30 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched healthy individuals. The short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index were used. Total antioxidant status, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured. Dietary TAC was calculated using the ferric reducing ability of plasma according to a food frequency questionnaire. Results: Total antioxidant status showed no significant difference between groups (p=0.080). Total oxidant status and OSI were significantly higher in the patient group (p<0.001 and p=0.005, respectively). The mean dietary TAC was 16.5±6.5 in the patient group and 17.2±6.2 in the control group, and it was similar between groups (p=0.492). Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index global score was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p<0.001). Dietary TAC showed a moderate positive correlation with serum TAS in both groups (r=0.373, p=0.042 for the patient group, and r=0.380, p=0.038 for the control group). In the patient group, TOS and OSI showed a moderate positive correlation with FIQ total scores (r=0.420, p=0.021 and r=0.450, p=0.013, respectively). The mean polyunsaturated fatty acid and omega-6 intake of the patient group was significantly lower than the control group (p=0.025 for both). Dietary antioxidant intake from vegetables (p=0.025), legumes/nuts (p=0.049), and meat (p<0.001) was significantly lower, whereas dietary antioxidant intake from cereal and potatoes was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p=0.028). Conclusion: The results indicate that oxidative stress can be reduced by increasing dietary antioxidant intake in fibromyalgia.

Modified prolotherapy by 5% dextrose: Two years experiences of a traditional and complementary medicine practice center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Prolotherapy (PrT) is an increasingly popular regenerative injection treatment for the management of musculoskeletal injuries. The diagnostic injection is a method for selecting suitable patients to apply PrT using subcutaneous 5% dextrose solution. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess the PrT usage and modifications in the treatment of chronic low back pain and lumbar disc herniation and to define diagnostic injection procedure for PrT. METHOD: Two thousand three hundred and eighty-two patients with low back pain or lumbar disc herniation were evaluated at the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practice Center in Ankara, Turkey. Six hundred fifty-four patients were included in the study. Diagnostic injections were performed on all patients who were thought to be eligible candidates for PrT indications. A 4-or-6 week interval was allowed between treatment sessions. RESULTS: Xix hundred and fifty-four patient treatments were completed. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores decreased to 5.1 ± 1.4 while 7.2 ± 1.1 before the diagnostic injection (p< 000.1). The VAS scores decreased from 7.2 ± 1.1 before the treatment to 0.9 ± 0.9 after 52 weeks of the treatment (p< 000.1). Thirty-four patients' treatments resulted in poor clinical results (5.2%), and 620 of the patients' pain improved (94.8%). CONCLUSION: PrT can be regarded as a safe way of providing a meaningful improvement in pain and musculoskeletal function compared to the initial status. Diagnostic injection is an easy way to eliminate patients and may become a favorite treatment modality. 5% dextrose is a more simple and painless solution for PrT and also has a high success.

Assessment of lower limb peripheral nerves with ultrasound in patients with traumatic amputation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the sciatic nerve (SN), common peroneal nerve (CPN), and tibial nerve (TN) by ultrasound in patients with traumatic lower limb amputation (LLA) and to examine the possible relationship between ultrasonographic and clinical findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 33 male patients (mean age: 36.6±8.7 years; range, 21 to 48 years) who had LLA due to traumatic injury between May 2019 and April 2020. Amputation and prosthesis use and functional K level of activity were recorded. Ultrasound examinations were performed to measure the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the SN, CPN, and TN bilaterally at the same levels. The values from the normal sides were accepted as controls. RESULTS: The CSA values were greater on the amputated sides than the non-amputated sides for SN (p=0.001), TN (p=0.001), and CPN (p=0.015), regardless of the activity level. The amputated side SN (p=0.001), TN (p=0.001), and CPN (p=0.016) were thicker in patients with level of K4 activity than the non-amputated side. For the patients with K3 activity level, larger TN CSA values were determined on the amputated side, compared to those at the K4 level (p=0.035). The SN was found to be greater in patients using microprocessor-controlled knee prosthesis (p=0.032) and TN was larger in hypobaric sealing membrane users on the amputated sides (p=0.041). CONCLUSION: The SN, CPN, and TN were found to be larger in all patients on the amputated sides and in patients with K4 activity level. Based on these findings, the K3 activity level and the use of hypobaric sealing membrane seems to affect the CSA values of TN. Additionally, the use of microprocessor knee prosthesis affects the CSA values of SN. We believe that these results may be essential for the analysis or prediction of lower extremity nerve involvement according to the K activity level and the use of prosthesis in patients with traumatic LLA.

Cardiometabolic risk parameters of individuals with lower extremity amputation: What is the effect of adherence to DASH diet and Mediterranean diet?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between nutrition (adherence to Mediterranean Diet [MD] and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH] diets) and cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with traumatic lower limb amputation (LLA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 35 male patients (mean age 36.9±9.3 years; range, 21 to 54 years) with unilateral traumatic LLA between April 2019 and November 2019 were included. Data including age, education status, clinical data, level of amputation, time of amputation, comorbidities, physical activities, medications including nutritional supplements were collected. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements including weight, height, waist, hip, and upper median arm circumferences were measured. Three-day food records were evaluated to determine daily nutrient intake of each patient. The patients were divided into groups according to their diet scores. RESULTS: The DASH scores showed a moderate, negative correlation with the body mass index (BMI), hip circumference, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The MD scores showed a moderate, negative correlation with the BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-height ratio, serum TC, TG, and LDL-C. CONCLUSION: Patients with traumatic LLA should be monitored closely for accompanying conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, and it is necessary to encourage them for healthy nutrition habits.

Factors affecting functional outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury sequelae: Our single-center experiences on brain injury rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effect of rehabilitation on functional level of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and to examine the associated factors on functional gain in this patient population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2010 and November 2015, a total of 71 patients (63 males, 8 females; mean age 26.6±8.1 years; range, 18 to 56 years) who were admitted to our rehabilitation clinic with moderate-to-severe TBI were retrospectively analyzed. Functional recovery was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) scales. The patients were divided into two groups according to time from TBI to the initiation of rehabilitation: early (<6 months) and late (≥6 months). Possible predictive factors associated with FIM gain were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the FIM scores from admission to discharge (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the FIM gain and FIM efficiency between the patient groups according to the initiation of rehabilitation (p<0.001). The FAC scores increased from admission to discharge, showing statistical significance (p<0.001). Duration of rehabilitation, early rehabilitation, heterotopic ossification, and deep venous thrombosis were found to be significant factors associated with FIM gain (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that rehabilitation is effective for functional gain, particularly in the early period in patients with moderate- to-severe TBI and duration of rehabilitation, early rehabilitation, heterotopic ossification, and deep venous thrombosis are also predictors of functional improvement.

Estimating the most accurate sonographic measurement in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: Which is the best?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify the most accurate method or ultrasonographic measurement for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2010 and April 2011, a total of 160 hands of 87 patients (4 males, 83 females; mean age 54.5 years; range, 26 to 84 years) with clinically and electrodiagnostically proven CTS and 80 hands of 40 controls (3 males, 37 females; mean age 53.7 years; range, 32 to 77 years) were evaluated by sonographic examination. The diameters and cross-sectional areas (CSA) of the median nerve and longitudinal diameters of the median nerve were measured at the inlet, proximal carpal tunnel, and outlet of the carpal tunnel. Volar bulging and thickness of the retinaculum were also measured. RESULTS: The most optimal combination for the diagnosis of CTS was proximal CSA, volar bulging, and the proximal transverse diameter. The combination of proximal CSA with volar bulging increased the sensitivity and specificity of sonographic measurements. CONCLUSION: Based on our study results, ultrasonography can be used as a practical modality to distinguish CTS patients from asymptomatic controls.

Can Epidural Contrast Dispersal Pattern Help to Predict the Outcome of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections in Patients with Lumbar Radicular Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between epidurographic contrast dispersal patterns and both immediate and short-term clinical effectiveness of lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) in patients with radicular back pain. METHODS: A digital database of 64 patients who underwent single-level lumbar TFESI for unilateral lumbar radicular pain was scanned. The type of contrast pattern was analyzed by 1 physiatrist and defined as follows: type 1 (tubular appearance), type 2 (nerve root visible as a filling defect), or type 3 (cloud-like appearance). Pain was evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS) and recorded before injection and 2 days, 2 weeks, and 3 months after injection. RESULTS: The mean age was 45.9 ± 13.5 years (range, 22-80 years), and the mean duration of symptoms was 5.7 ± 4.2 months. Contrast distribution patterns were as follows: type 1 in 33 patients (51.6%), type 2 in 18 patients (28.1%), and type 3 in 13 patients (20.3%). Mean decrease in VAS scores at all time points was statistically significant in 3 types of contrast dispersal patterns (P < 0.05). Differences in improvements of VAS scores obtained at any assessment period and success rates were not statistically significant between groups. However, the ratio of patients who achieved 50% or greater reduction in pain scores was higher in type 1 and type 2 than type 3 at each follow-up point. CONCLUSIONS: TFSEIs have a beneficial effect in managing lumbar radicular pain regardless of contrast pattern type. Success rates were higher in type 1 and type 2 than type 3.

Effects of two different degrees of lateral-wedge insoles on unilateral lower extremity load-bearing line in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of 5 and 10° lateral-wedge insoles on unilateral lower extremity load carrying line in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis using the L.A.S.A.R. posture alignment system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty subjects (10 females and 10 males, mean age 67.7 ± 5.4 years (range: 58-78) with bilateral medial knee osteoarthritis were included in the study. The laser line projected on the person by the L.A.S.A.R. posture alignment system showed joint load carrying line. The location of the joint load carrying line in static standing with one foot on the force plate was assessed with barefoot, and 5° and 10° lateral-wedge insoles. Displacement of the load carrying line was measured using a ruler placed tangentially to the patella at the level of joint line. RESULTS: The load carrying lines measured with 5° and 10° lateral-wedge insoles were significantly laterally located compared to that without wearing insole (p < 0.001). 10° lateral-wedge insole caused a significant more lateral shifting of the load carrying line than 5° lateral-wedge insole (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both wedge insoles was effective in moving of the unilateral lower extremity load carrying line to the lateral. Lateral wedged insoles are biomechanically effective and reduce loading of the medial compartment in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis.

Knee pain relief with genicular nerve blockage in two brain injured patients with heterotopic ossification.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the ectopic bone formation in non-osseous tissues. This study aimed to present two patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who had HO in knee joint and pain relief after genicular nerve blockage. Case 1: A 14-year-old patient with TBI was admitted with bilateral knee pain and limited range of motion. Physical examination and x-ray graphics revealed calcification which was diagnosed as HO. Ultrasonography (US) guided genicular nerve blockage was performed to both knees with 2 ml lidocaine and 1 ml betamethasone. VAS of pain was decreased to 30 mm from 80 mm. At 6-month follow-up, VAS of pain was still 30 mm. Case 2: A 29-year-old patient with TBI was admitted for rehabilitation. He had right knee pain and his pain was 80 mm according to VAS. Investigation revealed HO. US guided genicular nerve blockage was performed to the right knee and pain was decreased to 20 mm. DISCUSSION: US guided genicular nerve blockage can provide pain relief in HO and this technique may be effective and alternative for pain relief in patients with neurogenic knee HO to increase patient's compliance.

Comparison of Intact Knee Cartilage Thickness in Patients with Traumatic Lower Extremity Amputation and Nonimpaired Individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the femoral articular cartilage thickness of the intact knee in patients with traumatic lower extremity amputation compared with nonimpaired individuals. DESIGN: A total of 30 male patients with traumatic lower extremity amputation (mean [SD] age, 31.2 [6.3] yrs) and a random sample of 53 age-matched and body mass index-matched male nonimpaired individuals (mean [SD] age, 29.8 [6.3] yrs) participated in the study. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 yrs, history of significant knee injury, previous knee surgery, or rheumatic disease. The femoral articular cartilage thickness was measured using ultrasound at the midpoints of the medial condyle, the intercondylar notch, and the lateral condyle. Ultrasonographic cartilage measurement was performed on the intact side of the patients with amputation and on both sides of the nonimpaired individuals. RESULTS: The femoral articular cartilage thickness of the intact knees of the patients with amputation was significantly decreased at the lateral and medial condyles compared with the nonimpaired individuals (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the measurements at the intercondylar notch between the patients with amputation and the nonimpaired individuals (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was a premature cartilage loss in the intact limb knee of the patients with traumatic amputation. This result supports the view that patients with traumatic lower extremity amputation are at increased risk for developing knee osteoarthritis in the intact limb.

Accuracy of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block measured with neurostimulation.

Although the use of ultrasound (US) to perform suprascapular nerve block (SsNB) is rapidly gaining popularity, information about its accuracy is still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the proximity of the needle to suprascapular nerve under US guidance by means of neurostimulation current intensity in SsNB. The patients who were referred for SSnB due to shoulder pain were included in the study. The patients were placed in sitting position, and when the operator decided that the needle was in the correct place under US guidance, the time duration until that time and the current amplitude in that location were recorded. Current intensity was obtained by gradually increasing the amplitude until patient feels parestesia over the shoulder area or contractions of the supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscles. Out of 27 patients, in five patients current intensity was between 0.1 and 0.8 mA (successful) and time duration was 2.52 ± 1.67 min in this group; in 19 patients, current intensity was between 0.9 and 1.4 mA (semi-successful) and time duration was 1.86 ± 1.02 min in this group; in three patients, current intensity was ≥ 1.5 mA (unsuccessful) and time duration was 2.41 ± 1.02 min in this group. Our results show that the needle could not reach sufficient proximity to the suprascapular nerve with only US guidance by means of NS current intensity.

HIV/AIDS awareness and attitudes of tour guides in Turkey.

The aim of this study was to ascertain Turkish tour guides' awareness and attitudes regarding HIV and AIDS. A sample of 516 tour guides registered in Turkey who verbally consented to participate in this study responded to an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The respondents typically exhibited a reasonable to excellent degree of knowledge about HIV and AIDS. However, the survey revealed some common misconceptions, indicating that tour guides require additional training in the mechanisms of HIV transmission. We also observed some differences in the level of HIV-related knowledge between different demographic groups. The knowledge level of male respondents was better than that of the female respondents. We also observed that knowledge levels increased with both age and work experience. These results are discussed within the framework of critical studies on HIV-related knowledge. Implications for the development of curricula and in-service training programmes for tour guide organisations and institutions are discussed.