RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The number of dermatology residency positions in Canada has not reflected the growing workforce shortage. Until 2005, all dermatology residents at the University of Ottawa were committed to return to their funding area at the completion of their training. This has left Eastern Ontario with a critical shortage of dermatologists. OBJECTIVE: To survey dermatologists practicing in Eastern Ontario to understand the basis of the workforce shortage and outlook for the future. METHODS: Mailed surveys sent in 1999, 2003, and 2006 to all dermatologists in Eastern Ontario requesting demographic information, workload data, and future career plans. RESULTS: There was a 100% response rate in each survey year. Between 1999 and 2006, the total number of practicing dermatologists decreased from 26 to 23, whereas the average age increased from 51.4 to 57.4 years. The waiting time to see new and returning patients increased, from 5.8 to 18.5 weeks and 4.9 to 11.8 weeks, respectively. Ten of the 23 dermatologists practicing in 2006 plan to retire within the next 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The inadequate supply of dermatologists in Eastern Ontario will increasingly threaten patient care. This emphasizes the need for additional funding for dermatology training positions, continued mentorship, and improved dermatology training for nondermatologists.
Assuntos
Dermatologia , Coleta de Dados , Dermatologia/tendências , Feminino , Previsões , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Ontário , Recursos HumanosRESUMO
Male cancer patients typically access currently available psychosocial services at lower rates than do female patients. This research examined the psychosocial needs of male cancer patients and explored the types of services that may better meet their needs. Participants included 128 male patients diagnosed with 138 primary cancers ranging in age from 23 to 79 years of age. Men in this study expressed interest in attending an informational intervention and provided several topics that they would like to learn about, including nutrition, sexual functioning, stress management, and spirituality. Implications for the development of a male-specific clinical intervention are discussed.
Assuntos
Neoplasias do Sistema Nervoso Central/psicologia , Neoplasias Gastrointestinais/psicologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/psicologia , Avaliação das Necessidades/estatística & dados numéricos , Neoplasias Urogenitais/psicologia , Adaptação Psicológica , Adulto , Idoso , Atitude Frente a Saúde , Canadá , Neoplasias do Sistema Nervoso Central/terapia , Aconselhamento/métodos , Aconselhamento/estatística & dados numéricos , Neoplasias Gastrointestinais/terapia , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/terapia , Masculino , Serviços de Saúde Mental/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Grupos de Autoajuda/estatística & dados numéricos , Apoio Social , Estresse Psicológico/psicologia , Estresse Psicológico/terapia , Inquéritos e Questionários , Neoplasias Urogenitais/terapiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Surgeons, other healthcare professionals, and patients may identify different health-related concerns related to the quality of life of patients undergoing major surgery. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with surgeons (n =14), other healthcare professionals (n =19), and patients undergoing major elective surgery (n = 52). Themes were extracted by content analysis and organized into major domains. The frequencies with which specific themes were mentioned were compared among groups. RESULTS: A total of 85 themes were extracted from the interviews, 15 of which were mentioned by 50% or more of participants in each group, representing 5 of the 6 domains. The greatest differences were observed in the domains of social well-being, wherein 5 themes were mentioned less often by surgeons than other groups, and spiritual well-being, wherein 2 themes were mentioned more often by patients than other groups. Differences in the physical, emotional, cognitive preparation, and concern about quality of care domains were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons, other healthcare professionals, and patients identified many similar concerns related to the well-being of patients undergoing major surgery. However, the importance of social and spiritual themes to patients may be underestimated by surgeons.
Assuntos
Qualidade de Vida , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Operatórios/psicologia , Cirurgia Geral , Pessoal de Saúde , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Estudos de AmostragemRESUMO
This study examined themes relevant to health-related quality of life as identified by patients undergoing major surgery and by health care providers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 52 patients undergoing major abdominal, cardiac, orthopedic, thoracic, or vascular surgical procedures and 33 health professionals from various disciplines. A total of 58 themes were identified by content analysis. These themes were categorized into 6 domains. These were: physical well-being (14 themes), emotional well-being (13 themes), concern about quality of care (12 themes), social well-being (12 themes), cognitive preparation (4 themes), and spiritual well-being (3 themes). In general, we found that most aspects of health-related quality of life were common across various major surgical procedures and between patients and health care providers. However, when we examined the coverage of these themes in seven commonly-used health-related quality of life instruments, we found that many of the most frequently mentioned themes were not assessed with the available measures. A new evaluative instrument tailored to patients undergoing major surgery may therefore be warranted.
