Factors influencing patient satisfaction: assessment in outpatients in dermatology department.

BACKGROUND: Improving patient satisfaction may lead to better adherence with treatment and consequently to better clinical outcomes for skin diseases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing patient satisfaction in consultations with dermatologists. METHODS: All patients presenting to the secretariat for a medical consultation received a one-page anonymous questionnaire to fill at the end of the consultation. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-seven questionnaires were completed. Mean age of the population was 43.6 years with 58.4% of women and 41.6% of men in the sample. Patients were generally satisfied with their consultation (77.1%). Patient age was signifcantly related to overall satisfaction (P < 0.01), with greater satisfaction among patients aged 50 years and older. The factors that infuence overall satisfaction the most were quality of life, physician's concerning, interest in the medical problem and attention given to symptoms. Performance of a full-body skin examination, use of dermatoscopy, performance of a skin biopsy and comfort of the waiting room were additional factors contributing to satisfaction among patients 50 years and older. CONCLUSIONS: Interpersonal skills of dermatologists and attention to the quality of life are important factors in outpatient satisfaction.

Biocompatible and Antibacterial SnO2 Nanowire Films Synthesized by E-Beam Evaporation Method.

In this work, the biocompatibility and antibacterial activities of novel SnO2 nanowire coatings prepared by electron-beam (E-Beam) evaporation process at low temperatures were studied. The nanowire coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity and cell proliferation assays suggested that the SnO2 nanowire coatings were nontoxic and promoted the proliferation of C2C12 and L929 cells (> 90% viability). Cellular activities, cell adhesion, and lactate dehydrogenase activities were consistent with the superior biocompatibility of the nanowire materials. Notably, the nanowire coating showed potent antibacterial activity against six different bacterial strains. The antibacterial activity of the SnO2 material was attributed to the photocatalytic nature of SnO2. The antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of the newly developed SnO2 nanowire coatings may enable their use as coating materials for biomedical implants.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone oral films of enrofloxacin: film characterization and drug release.

Enrofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone derivative used for treating urinary tract, respiratory and skin infections in animals. However, low solubility and low bioavailability prevented it from using on humans. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is an inert, non toxic polymer with excellent hydrophilic properties, besides it can enhance bioavailability by forming drug polymer conjugates. With the aim of increasing solubility and bioavailability, enrofloxacin thin films were prepared using PVP as a polymer matrix. The obtained oral thin films exhibited excellent uniformity and mechanical properties. Swelling properties of the oral thin films revealed that the water uptake was enhanced by 21%. The surface pH has been found to be 6.8±0.1 indicating that these films will not cause any irritation to oral mucosa. FTIR data of the oral thin films indicated physical interaction between drug and polymer. SEM analysis revealed uniform distribution of drug in polymer matrix. In vitro drug release profiles showed enhanced release profiles (which are also pH dependant) for thin films compared to pure drug. Antibacterial activity was found to be dose dependent and maximum susceptibility was found on Klebsiella pneumonia making this preparation more suitable for respiratory infections.

A psychoeducational and support group for obsessive-compulsive disorder patients and their significant others.

This report details the contents of a 10-week psychoeducational and support group for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and their significant others. As growing numbers of OCD patients seek behavioral and psychopharmacologic treatments for their disorder, the need for such a group has increased. Little is written about this type of group, despite the need. Successful research and evaluation of this treatment entity will rely on a clearly defined group protocol such as the one reported here. In the present study, the group averaged 21 members in attendance. The 17 members present at the final session rated the group an average of 3.8 on a 0 (poor) to 4 (excellent) scale across several content areas. These uncontrolled data suggest that the format has clinical utility as a tool for the delivery of information and support to OCD patients and their significant others.

Obsessive compulsive patients: familial frustration and criticism.

Familial factors such as attitudes toward illness, knowledge of disease process, and criticism of patients often play an important role in patient compliance and outcome in general medical practice as well as in psychiatric settings. As part of the initial assessment in a psychoeducational group for obsessive compulsive disorder patients and their significant others, nonpatients completed the Relative's Reactions Questionnaire and the Control of Symptoms Schedule. The patients completed the Perceived Criticism Measure. Results suggest that significant others experience frustration with the symptomatic behavior of their friend or family member with obsessive compulsive disorder and may respond too frequently with verbal criticism. The patients themselves reported a moderately high level of criticism from significant others at home. Further research is needed on a larger sample size and with nonpsychiatric and nonobsessive compulsive disorder psychiatric controls.