Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 36 in total

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  1. Ghosh D, Krishnan A, Gibson B, Brown SE, Latkin CA, Altice FL
    AIDS Behav, 2017 Apr;21(4):1183-1207.
    PMID: 27125244 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1413-y
    Social network analysis (SNA) and social network-based interventions (SNI) are important analytical tools harnessing peer and family influences critical for HIV prevention and treatment among substance users. While SNA is an effective way to measure social network influences, SNI directly or indirectly involves network members in interventions. Even though these methods have been applied in heterogeneous ways, leading to extensive evidence-based practices, systematic reviews are however, lacking. We searched five bibliographic databases and identified 58 studies involving HIV in substance users that had utilized SNA or SNI as part of their methodology. SNA was used to measure network variables as inputs in statistical/mathematical models in 64 % of studies and only 22 % of studies used SNI. Most studies focused on HIV prevention and few addressed diagnosis (k = 4), care linkage and retention (k = 5), ART adherence (k = 2), and viral suppression (k = 1). This systematic review highlights both the advantages and disadvantages of social network approaches for HIV prevention and treatment and gaps in its use for HIV care continuum.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  2. Ranjit YS, Gibson BA, Altice FL, Kamarulzaman A, Azwa I, Wickersham JA
    AIDS Care, 2023 Jun;35(6):784-790.
    PMID: 34723714 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1995839
    An estimated 37,000 cisgender and transgender women work as sex workers in Malaysia, a population that has been disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. Although Malaysia provides no-cost antiretroviral therapy (ART) to people with HIV, little is known about sex workers' engagement in the HIV care continuum. We analyzed data from 57 HIV-infected cisgender women (n = 33) and transgender women (n = 24) sex workers from a respondent-driven sampling study on HIV prevalence among sex workers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We examined the proportion of women who were newly diagnosed with HIV, had a baseline CD-4 count test, were initiated and retained on antiretroviral treatment (ART). Overall, only 26.3% had ever been HIV tested and almost 60% were newly diagnosed. Only a small proportion of cisgender (15.2%) and transgender (12.5%) women were currently taking ART. Interventions to enhance sex workers' engagement in the HIV care continuum are urgently needed. Deployment of evidence-based strategies to improve linkage and retention in HIV care should be adapted to address the unique needs of this important key population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  3. Hanafi NS, Teng CL, Yasin S
    Asia Pac Fam Med, 2003;2(1):10-15.
    Aim: To assess the importance of continuity of care among diabetic patients attending a primary care clinic and to correlate degree of continuity of care with diabetic control. Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out among diabetic patients (n = 166) attending follow-up consultations in a family practice clinic of a teaching hospital. Face-to-face interviews were carried out on patients' perception of continuity of care and various aspects related to diabetes. Diabetic control was assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin. Retrospective chart audits of each patient over the previous 28 months were done to assess the degree of continuity of care, measured with the Usual Provider Continuity Index (UPCI). Results: The UPCI ranged from 0.18 to 1.00 with a mean value of 0.60. The average number of visits per patient over the 28-month period was 11.7 visits. The majority of patients saw five different doctors for all their visits. There were no statistically significant associations between the degree of provider continuity with diabetic control (r = 0.054) and diabetic self-care behavior (r = 0.065). The majority of patients (89%) felt that it was important to have a regular doctor. The main reason given was that a regular doctor would know the patient's problems. Conclusions: Continuity of care was highly valued by diabetic patients attending a hospital-based family practice clinic. Even though the degree of continuity was not associated with the degree of diabetic control, patients felt that it was important to have doctors who are aware of their problems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  4. Yadav H, Lin WY
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2001;13 Suppl:S36-8.
    PMID: 12109246
    Telemedicine is fast becoming popular in many countries in the world. It has several advantages such as being cost saving and providing better access to health care in the remote areas in many parts of the world. However, it has some disadvantages as well. One of the major problems is the problem of patients' rights and confidentiality in the use of telemedicine. There are no standard guidelines and procedures in the practice of telemedicine as yet. Both the patient and the physician are unsure of the standard of practice and how to maintain confidentiality. The patient is uncertain as to how to protect her/his rights in the use of telemedicine. The issue of litigation is also unclear as to where the physician is practicing when he/she uses telemedicine. Is she/he practicing in the country where the patient is or is the physician practicing in the country of her/his origin? These issues need to be addressed urgently so that telemedicine will have standards of ethical practice and the patient's rights and confidentiality will be protected.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  5. Yip CH, Samiei M, Cazap E, Rosenblatt E, Datta NR, Camacho R, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2012;13(4 Suppl):23-36.
    PMID: 22631594
    Survival following a diagnosis of cancer is contingent upon an interplay of factors, some non-modifiable (e.g., age, sex, genetics) and some modifiable (e.g., volitional choices) but the majority determined by circumstance (personal, social, health system context and capacity, and health policy). Accordingly, mortality and survival rates vary considerably as a function of geography, opportunity, wealth and development. Quality of life is impacted similarly, such that aspects of care related to coordination and integration of care across primary, community and specialist environments; symptom control, palliative and end-of-life care for those who will die of cancer; and survivorship challenges for those who will survive cancer, differs greatly across low, middle and high-income resource settings. Session 3 of the 4th International Cancer Control Congress (ICCC-4) focused on cancer care and treatment through three plenary presentations and five interactive workshop discussions: 1) establishing, implementing, operating and sustaining the capacity for quality cancer care; 2) the role of primary, community, and specialist care in cancer care and treatment; 3) the economics of affordable and sustainable cancer care; 4) issues around symptom control, support, and palliative/end-of-life care; and 5) issues around survivorship. A number of recommendations were proposed relating to capacity-building (standards and guidelines, protocols, new technologies and training and deployment) for safe, appropriate evidence-informed care; mapping and analysis of variations in primary, community and specialist care across countries with identification of models for effective, integrated clinical practice; the importance of considering the introduction, or expansion, of evidence-supported clinical practices from the perspectives of health economic impact, the value for health resources expended, and sustainability; capacity-building for palliative, end-of-life care and symptom control and integration of these services into national cancer control plans; the need for public education to reduce the fear and stigma associated with cancer so that patients are better able to make informed decisions regarding follow-up care and treatment; and the need to recognize the challenges and needs of survivors, their increasing number, the necessity to integrate survivorship into cancer control plans and the economic and societal value of functional survival after cancer. Discussions highlighted that coordinated care and treatment for cancer patients is both a ' systems'challenge and solution, requiring the consideration of patient and family circumstances, societal values and priorities, the functioning of the health system (access, capacity, resources, etc.) and the importance assigned to health and illness management within public policy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care/organization & administration*
  6. Mohd Nordin NA, Aziz NA, Abdul Aziz AF, Ajit Singh DK, Omar Othman NA, Sulong S, et al.
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2014;14:118.
    PMID: 24606911 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-118
    The importance of long term rehabilitation for people with stroke is increasingly evident, yet it is not known whether such services can be materialised in countries with limited community resources. In this study, we explored the perception of rehabilitation professionals and people with stroke towards long term stroke rehabilitation services and potential approaches to enable provision of these services. Views from providers and users are important in ensuring whatever strategies developed for long term stroke rehabilitations are feasible and acceptable.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  7. Sellappans R, Lai PS, Ng CJ
    BMJ Open, 2015 Aug 27;5(8):e007817.
    PMID: 26316648 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007817
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the challenges faced by primary care physicians (PCPs) when prescribing medications for patients with chronic diseases in a teaching hospital in Malaysia.
    DESIGN/SETTING: 3 focus group discussions were conducted between July and August 2012 in a teaching primary care clinic in Malaysia. A topic guide was used to facilitate the discussions which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.
    PARTICIPANTS: PCPs affiliated to the primary care clinic were purposively sampled to include a range of clinical experience. Sample size was determined by thematic saturation of the data.
    RESULTS: 14 family medicine trainees and 5 service medical officers participated in this study. PCPs faced difficulties in prescribing for patients with chronic diseases due to a lack of communication among different healthcare providers. Medication changes made by hospital specialists, for example, were often not communicated to the PCPs leading to drug duplications and interactions. The use of paper-based medical records and electronic prescribing created a dual record system for patients' medications and became a problem when the 2 records did not tally. Patients sometimes visited different doctors and pharmacies for their medications and this resulted in the lack of continuity of care. PCPs also faced difficulties in addressing patients' concerns, and dealing with patients' medication requests and adherence issues. Some PCPs lacked time and knowledge to advise patients about their medications and faced difficulties in managing side effects caused by the patients' complex medication regimen.
    CONCLUSIONS: PCPs faced prescribing challenges related to patients, their own practice and the local health system when prescribing for patients with chronic diseases. These challenges must be addressed in order to improve chronic disease management in primary care and, more importantly, patient safety.
    Study site: Primary care clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  8. Nugent J
    Contemp Nurse, 2003 Aug;15(1-2):110-3.
    PMID: 14649514
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  9. Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL
    Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis., 2015 Feb;28(1):10-6.
    PMID: 25490106 DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000125
    HIV management in people who use drugs (PWUD) is typically complex and challenging due to the presence of multiple medical and psychiatric comorbidities as well as social, physical, economic and legal factors that often disrupt the HIV continuum of care. In this review, we describe the individual, health systems and societal barriers to HIV treatment access and care retention for PWUD. In addition, the clinical management of HIV-infected PWUD is often complicated by the presence of multiple infectious and noninfectious comorbidities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  10. Sainafat A, Asmawati, Ikhlasiah M, Mat SB, Hassan HC
    Enferm Clin, 2020 06;30 Suppl 5:73-76.
    PMID: 32713589 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2019.11.024
    Preconception Care is an intervention starting from adolescence until near conception. Preconception Care refers to biomedical interventions and social preventive behaviors which can improve healthy babies and healthy mothers. Interventions carried out during adolescence are more effective in reducing the occurrence of pregnancies untimely, unplanned pregnancies. Preconception Care program has not run optimally so far. The purpose of this literature study is to present the research findings on how Preconception Care interventions in adolescents. The method used is the study of the research findings on Preconception Care published in the last ten years (2009-2019) in national and international reputable literature sources indexed by Scopus, Elsiver, Proquest, Plos One, and Google Scholar database. The keywords of Preconception Care, Adolescent, AKI, and AKB are used to facilitate the search for literature. The results of the study show that Preconception Care has a powerful impact on women's health and is part of Continuum Care, including Preconception Care, Antenatal Care, Intranatal, and Post Natal. Preconception Care in adolescents has a good impact on the preconception period and can reduce maternal mortality (AKI) and infant mortality (AKB), thus, it is necessary to optimize Preconception Care on adolescents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  11. Ludin SM, Arbon P, Parker S
    Intensive Crit Care Nurs, 2013 Aug;29(4):187-92.
    PMID: 23727138 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2013.02.001
    Adequate preparation of critically ill patients throughout their transition experience within and following discharge from the Intensive Care Unit is an important element of the nursing care process during critical illness. However, little is known about nurses' perspectives of, and engagement in, caring for critically ill patients during their transition experiences.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care*
  12. Akseer N, Lawn JE, Keenan W, Konstantopoulos A, Cooper P, Ismail Z, et al.
    Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2015 Oct;131 Suppl 1:S43-8.
    PMID: 26433505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.03.017
    The end of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) era was marked in 2015, and while maternal and child mortality have been halved, MGD 4 and MDG 5 are off-track at the global level. Reductions in neonatal death rates (age <1 month) lag behind those for post-neonates (age 1-59 months), and stillbirth rates (omitted from the MDGs) have been virtually unchanged. Hence, almost half of under-five deaths are newborns, yet about 80% of these are preventable using cost-effective interventions. The Every Newborn Action Plan has been endorsed by the World Health Assembly and ratified by many stakeholders and donors to reduce neonatal deaths and stillbirths to 10 per 1000 births by 2035. The plan provides an evidence-based framework for scaling up of essential interventions across the continuum of care with the potential to prevent the deaths of approximately three million newborns, mothers, and stillbirths every year. Two million stillbirths and newborns could be saved by care at birth and care of small and sick newborns, giving a triple return on investment at this key time. Commitment, investment, and intentional leadership from global and national stakeholders, including all healthcare professionals, can make these ambitious goals attainable.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  13. Mukari SZ, Tan KY, Abdullah A
    Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2006 May;70(5):843-51.
    PMID: 16246430
    This paper reports the performance of a newly implemented hospital-based universal newborn hearing screening programme and the challenges to the effective implementation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  14. Vijayakumar, P., Leonard, H.J., Ayiesah, H.R.
    MyJurnal
    Traumatic knee crush injuries of degloving nature carries a greater risk for the multitude of complications rendering emergency surgical intervention the treatment of choice in the majority of such injuries. These types of injuries commonly result in a unique post- operative complication such as arthrofibrosis and it presents overly challenge for Physiotherapists managing it. In this retrospective single-case report, we describe the challenges of in – and out- patient physiotherapy treatment planning for a 16-year old boy throughout the continuum of care for his knee arthrofibrosis following a series of surgical procedures. As result of his complex medical situation, the time-specific physiotherapy intervention during the immediate post-operative period failed to improve our patient’s knee function. The knee function with regard to range of motion ( especially extension), muscle strength(quadriceps) improved considerably with the adoption of an aggressive physiotherapy intervention approach that included specific quadriceps muscle strengthening, joint mobilization (rotation/traction) in sitting position with legs over the edge of table and contract-relax quadriceps stretching in prone position using theraband.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
  15. Loh SY, Packer T, Chinna K, Quek KF
    J Cancer Surviv, 2013 Sep;7(3):331-42.
    PMID: 23519654 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-013-0274-x
    PURPOSE: Patient self-management enables living with a chronic disease effectively. This study examines the effectiveness of a 4-week self-management programme to enable self-management of the numerous after-effects and with breast cancer as a chronic disease.
    METHODS: Upon ethical approval, 147 multiethnic survivors (stages I-III breast cancer) received either a 4-week self-management intervention (n = 68) or usual care (n = 78) on a controlled clinical trial in a medical centre. The facilitator-led group intervention provides self-management support and skills for managing the medical, emotional and role tasks. Survivors completed the pre- and post-intervention measures on quality of life, distress and participation inventory.
    RESULTS: Multiple analyses of covariance (adjusted for baseline measures) showed significant differences between groups [F(6, 129) = 2.26, p = 0.04 at post-test and F(6, 129) = 4.090, p care. Although time can attenuate the participation limitation and distress of survivors, self-management programmes could help to increase patients' self-efficacy for better self-management.
    Study site: Clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care*
  16. Watan Pal A, Aziz Z, Kamarulzaman A
    J Clin Pharm Ther, 2021 Dec;46(6):1531-1548.
    PMID: 34159618 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13449
    WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) has a high mortality rate and affects millions of people worldwide. Many organizations and societies develop Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) to serve as a framework for healthcare providers to decide and support best practice to manage and treat OUD. However, not all CPGs sufficiently address all the important aspects of optimal care for managing OUD. This study aims to review current CPGs for management of OUD, evaluate their methodological quality and summarize their recommendations.

    METHODS: We conducted this systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Various databases were searched for CPGs and Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE-II) instrument was used to assess the methodological quality. We also summarized the treatments plans of CPGs across continuum of care (diagnosis and assessment, treatment initiation, pharmacotherapy and psychosocial).

    RESULTS: This review included 28 CPGs of varying qualities. CPGs from high-income countries and international organizations rated high for their methodological quality. Most CPGs scored high for the scope and purpose domain and scored low for applicability domain. Recommendations for the continuum of care for OUD varied across CPGs. Buprenorphine was recommended in most of the CPGs, followed by methadone. Recommendations for psychosocial interventions also varied, with cognitive behaviour therapies and counselling or education being the common recommendations in many CPGs WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: We found most CPGs have scope and purpose and clarity of presentation. However, the methodological rigour and applicability scored low. CPGs need to frame health questions in a comprehensible manner and provide an update as evidence grows. It is important for CPG developers to consider methodological quality as a factor when developing CPG recommendations.

    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care/standards
  17. Lim RBL
    J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother, 2003;17(3-4):77-85; discussion 87-9.
    PMID: 15022953 DOI: 10.1080/j354v17n03_11
    Palliative care first began in Malaysia in 1991, and since then there has been a growing interest in the field and its development both from the government and nongovernmental organizations. It is important to recognize the potential advantages and disadvantages of palliative care provided by both government and private programs to maximize development for the greater benefit of patients. A close relationship between these two bodies must be created so that there is smooth continuity of service and no overlapping of roles. This article highlights some thoughts on how palliative care has developed over the years from the perspective of a clinician who is currently working in the government sector and cooperating with nongovernmental organizations to develop a palliative care network in the region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care/organization & administration*
  18. Hassali MA, Al-Haddad M, Shafie AA, Tangiisuran B, Saleem F, Atif M, et al.
    J Patient Saf, 2012 Jun;8(2):76-80.
    PMID: 22561848 DOI: 10.1097/PTS.0b013e31824aba86
    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the perceptions of general practitioners (GPs) from the state of Penang toward the feasibility of implementing the medication reconciliation program in Malaysia.
    METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study using a validated, self-completed anonymous 18-item questionnaire was undertaken over a period of 2 months in 2010. The study was conducted in the state of Penang, Malaysia. A letter consisting of survey questionnaires and prepaid return envelope were mailed to 429 GPs identified from the Private Medical Practice Control Department Registry.
    RESULTS: A total of 86 responses were received with response rate of 20.1%. Majority (90.1%) of the respondents agreed that medication reconciliation can be a feasible strategy to improve medication safety, and 97.7% confirmed that having an accurate up-to-date list of the patient's previous medication will be useful in the rational prescribing process. However, about half (56.9%) of them felt that standardization of the medication reconciliation process in all clinics will be difficult to achieve. Three quarters (73.2%) of the respondents believed that the involvement of GPs alone is insufficient, and 74.5% agreed that this program should be expanded to community pharmacy setting. More than 90% of the respondents agreed upon the medication reconciliation card proposed by the researchers.
    CONCLUSIONS: General practitioners in Penang are generally in favor of the implementation of medication reconciliation program in their practice. Because medication reconciliation has been shown to reduce many medicine-related problems, it is thus worth considering the feasibility of nationwide implementation of such program.
    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care/organization & administration*
  19. Oh AL, Tan AGHK, Chieng IYY
    J Pharm Pract, 2021 Jan 12.
    PMID: 33433248 DOI: 10.1177/0897190020987127
    INTRODUCTION: Medication history assessment during hospital admissions is an important element in the medication reconciliation process. It ensures continuity of care and reduces medication errors.

    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the incidence of unintentional discrepancies (medication errors), types of medication errors with its potential severity of patient harm and acceptance rate of pharmaceutical care interventions.

    METHODS: A four-month cross-sectional study was conducted in the general medical wards of a tertiary hospital. All newly admitted patients with at least one prescription medication were recruited via purposive sampling. Medication history assessments were done by clinical pharmacists within 24 hours or as soon as possible after admission. Pharmacist-acquired medication histories were then compared with in-patient medication charts to detect discrepancies. Verification of the discrepancies, interventions, and assessment of the potential severity of patient harm resulting from medication errors were collaboratively carried out with the treating doctors.

    RESULTS: There were 990 medication discrepancies detected among 390 patients recruited in this study. One hundred and thirty-five (13.6%) medication errors were detected in 93 (23.8%) patients (1.45 errors per patient). These were mostly contributed by medication omissions (79.3%), followed by dosing errors (9.6%). Among these errors, 88.2% were considered "significant" or "serious" but none were "life-threatening." Most (83%) of the pharmaceutical interventions were accepted by the doctors.

    CONCLUSION: Medication history assessment by pharmacists proved vital in detecting medication errors, mostly medication omissions. Majority of the errors intervened by pharmacists were accepted by the doctors which prevented potential significant or serious patient harm.

    Matched MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care
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