ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The evaluation of patient satisfaction provides important information about subjective quality indicators from the patient's perspective. In Germany, cataract surgery is mostly done ambulatory in a special surgery or in a hospital. This study examines if there are differences in global patient satisfaction of either outpatient setting and if there are different determinants of global satisfaction with regard to the outpatient settings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The survey comprises ambulatory operated cataract patients in Saxony between 2014 and 2015. A total of 4800 cataract patients sent back a standardized, written questionnaire. Regression analysis identified determinants of global patient satisfaction in both groups. RESULTS: The most influencing parameters for the global satisfaction were satisfaction with the treatment outcome, atmosphere and facilities in the surgery or hospital as well as the staff's level of kindness. CONCLUSION: Results of the conducted study show most identified determinants of patient satisfaction are associated with service variables, such as atmosphere and facilities in surgery or hospital and waiting time in surgery or hospital. These aspects should be focused on to improve patient satisfaction in cataract patients.
Subject(s)
Ambulatory Surgical Procedures , Cataract Extraction , Outpatient Clinics, Hospital , Patient Satisfaction , Private Practice , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Germany , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Quality Indicators, Health Care , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Ilex paraguariensis St Hilaire (Aquifoliaceae) is a plant widely cultivated in South America and with various reputed medicinal properties that can be attributed to phenolic constituents of the leaves: caffeine, theophylline and theobromine, besides the flavonoids, quercetin and rutin. This study examined the antiparkinsonian activity of the hydroalcohol extract of Ilex paraguariensis in models of protection against cerebral injury induced by MPTP and reversal of the catatonia induced by reserpine in mice. The hydroalcohol extract prevented MPTP-induced hypolocomotion at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg at the all time points observed and also prevented the reserpine-induced catalepsy at the same doses. The extract potentiated the effect of apomorphine in preventing catatonia, suggesting a non-dopaminergic activity, probably through antagonism of adenosine. In biochemical studies the hydroalcohol extract caused a significant decrease in the NO levels, exhibited a DPPH-scavenging ability and was effective in preventing the oxidation of deoxyribose. The results obtained suggest that the hydroalcohol extract of Ilex paraguariensis may have an antiparkinsonian profile in animal models, probably through its antioxidant activity and antagonist action on adenosine A(2A) receptors.
Subject(s)
Ilex paraguariensis/chemistry , Parkinsonian Disorders/drug therapy , 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/pharmacology , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Hydroxyl Radical , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Nitric Oxide , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Reserpine/toxicityABSTRACT
Systematic sensitometric measurements of xero-radiographs were carried out and compared with ordinary X-ray films. The effect of kilovoltage and exposure on image contrast and resolution was investigated; optimal exposure and kilovoltage were sought and sources of loss of information are pointed out.
