ObjectiveThe current medical questionnaire resources are mainly processed and organized at the document level, which hampers user access and reuse at the questionnaire item level. This study aims to propose a multi-class classification of items in medical questionnaires in low-resource scenarios, and to support fine-grained organization and provision of medical questionnaires resources. MethodsWe introduced a novel, BERT-based, prompt learning approach for multi-class classification of items in medical questionnaires. First, we curated a small corpus of lung cancer medical assessment items by collecting relevant clinical assessment questionnaires, extracting function and domain classifications, and manually annotating the items with "function-domain" combination labels. We then employed prompt learning by feeding the customized template into BERT. The masked positions were predicted and filled, followed by mapping the populated text to labels. This process enables the multi-class classification of item texts in medical questionnaires. ResultsThe constructed corpus comprised 347 clinical assessment items for lung cancer, across nine "function-domain" labels. The experimental results indicated that the proposed method achieved an average accuracy of 93% on our self-constructed dataset, outperforming the runner-up GAN-BERT by approximately 6%. ConclusionThe proposed method can maintain robust performance while minimizing the cost of building medical questionnaire item corpora, illustrating its promotion value of research and practice in medical questionnaire classification.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and effect of early pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients after acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a district hospital. MethodsA single-centre prospective study was conducted. The COPD patients after an episode of acute exacerbation and referred to the outpatient department were recruited from January 2013 to December 2014. They were randomized to a group with PR (PR group) and a group without PR (wPR group). The following data were recorded and evaluated including age, gender, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1 as a percentage of the predicted value (FEV1% pred).The baseline and the post-PR medical research council scale (MRC), St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), and six-minute walk distance (6MWD) were also compared. ResultsA total of 91 cases were enrolled with 46 cases in the PR group and 45 cases in the wPR group. The age, gender, the severity of COPD were similar in two groups (P > 0.05). The MRC score and SGRQ score of the PR group were significantly improved 3 months later compare with the baseline (P < 0.05), and did not changed significantly in the wPR group (P > 0.05). There were 26 patients whose SGRQ scores decreased > 4 in the PR group (26/46, 56.5%), which was significantly higher than the wPR group (7/45, 15.6%) (P < 0.05). The 6MWD of the PR group was significantly increased 3 months later compare with the baseline (P < 0.05), and did not changed significantly in the wPR group (P > 0.05). There were 22 patients whose 6MWD increased > 54 meters in the PR group (22/46, 47.8%), which was significantly higher than the wPR group (9/45, 20.0%) (P < 0.05). ConclusionsIt is feasible and safety to perform early PR in patients after acute exacerbation of COPD in the district hospital. The early PR can improve the MRC score, SGQR score, and 6MWD in COPD patients.
Objective To analyze the nurses' current view and perceptions of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) by a questionnaire and to promote the clinical application of ERAS. Methods We conducted a questionnaire study for nurses who attended the First West China Forum on Chest ERAS in Chengdu during September 26-27, 2016 and 259 questionnaires were collected for descriptive analysis. Results (1) The application status of ERAS: There were 13.5% responders whose hospital took a wait-an-see attitude, while the others' hospital took different actions for ERAS; 85.7% of nurses believed that ERAS in all surgeries should be used; 58.7% of nurses believed that the concept of ERAS was more in theory than in the practice; 40.2% of nurses thought that all patients were suitable for the application of ERAS; (2) 81.9% of nurses believed that the evaluation criteria of ERAS should be a combination of the average hospital stay, patients’ comprehensive feelings and social satisfaction; (3) 70.7% of nurses thought that the combination of subjects integration, surgery orientation and surgeon-nurse teamwork was the best model of ERAS; 44.8% of nurses thought the hospital administration was the best way to promote ERAS applications; (4) 69.1% of responders believed that immature plan, no consensus and norms and insecurity for doctors were the reasons for poor compliance of ERAS; 79.5% of nurses thought that the ERAS meeting should include the publicity of norms and consensus, analysis and implementation of projects and the status and progress of ERAS. Conclusion ERAS concept has been recognized by most nurses. Multidisciplinary collaboration and hospital promotion is the best way to achieve clinical applications.
Objective To compare the clinical characteristics of chronic cough, and to establish the Modified Cough Assessment Test and the simple decision tree to improve the efficacy of etiologic diagnosis. Methods Patients with chronic cough consulted in Tongji Hospital between October 2021 and August 2023 were enrolled in our study. The patients with identified single cause were divided into 3 groups accordingly: corticosteroid-responsive cough (CRC), upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) and gastroesophageal reflux-related cough (GERC). And the characteristics of chronic cough in different causes were assessed and compared by cough questionnaires. Independent predictors of various causes were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis and used to establish the Modified Cough Assessment Test (MCET) and to construct the simple decision tree. Results A total of 358 patients were enrolled, including 201 with CRC (56.1%), 125 with UACS (34.9%) and 32 with GERC (8.94%). "Cough with wheezing or chest tightness" (OR=3.222, 95%CI 2.144 - 4.843, P<0.001), "Cough with daytime heaviness and nighttime lightness" (OR=1.755, 95%CI 1.264 - 2.435, P<0.001), and "Cough with acid reflux, heartburn or indigestion" (OR=15.580, 95%CI 5.894 - 41.184, P<0.001) were independent factors for each group, respectively. The area under ROC curve for classification of CRC, UACS and GERC were 0.871, 0.840 and 0.988 for MCET, which were better than those of Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) (0.792, 0.766 and 0.913) and Cough Evaluation Test (CET) (0.649, 0.691 and 0.580). The accuracy of the simple decision tree for the differential diagnosis of chronic cough was 77.4%. Conclusion The simple decision tree based on the Modified Cough Evaluation Test is a simple and effective method of etiologic diagnosis of chronic cough, which can be used as a tool to improve the efficacy of clinical diagnosis in outpatient settings.
Objective To understand the current status of the preferences and opinions on the investigator-initiated trails (IIT) of the neurosurgeons participating in INTERACT3 in China, as well as the design preference for IIT projects, and to provide a basis for the design and organization of multi-center clinical studies in the future. Methods Neurosurgeons with different seniority and professional titles from 89 domestic research institutions participating in the INTERACT3 project were collected from September to October 2023. The questionnaires were collected by questionnaire star. Results A total of 56 valid questionnaires were collected from 29 units. Among the 56 respondents, 52 neurosurgeons (92.86%) were from teaching hospitals and 45 (80.36%) were from grade A tertiary hospitals. 30 neurosurgeons (53.57%) had experience in conducting various clinical studies, and 55 neurosurgeons (98.21%) had experience in participating in various clinical studies. The main purposes of presiding over or participating in clinical research focused on “accumulating relevant experience and preparing for future projects” and “standardizing clinical diagnosis and treatment”, which were 89.29% and 83.93%. Respectively, regarding the way the case report form completing, respondents preferred to use electronic data collection systems (83.93%). Conclusions The purpose of the neurosurgeons interviewed to host or participate in clinical research is mainly to assist clinical and scientific research. Economic reasons have little impact on whether to participate in clinical research. The rationality and ease of operation of the trail design are the keys to attracting respondents to participate in clinical researches, and the level of remuneration has little impact on the decision-making of the respondents. The safety of clinical studies and the difficulty of enrolling subjects are the key factors that hinder respondents’ participation in clinical studies.
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of kinesio tape (KT) combined with progressive resistance training (PRT) in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS), and to explore whether the direction of KT affects the therapeutic effect of SIS.MethodsBetween May 2017 and March 2019, 90 participants with SIS in West China Hospital, Sichuan University were randomly divided into three groups, with 30 participants in each group. Participants were treated with KT combined with PRT, and the direction of the KT is from the proximal end of the rotator cuff muscles to the distal end in group A. Participants were treated with KT combined with PRT, and the direction of the KT is from the distal end of the rotator cuff muscles to the proximal end in group B. Participants were treated with PRT alone in group C. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain in patients at rest, during movement and at night; range of motion (ROM) of shoulder and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) outcome questionnaire were used to measure the physical function before treatment and after 1 week and 2 weeks.ResultsAfter 1 week of treatment, ROM of shoulder abduction, internal rotation and DASH scores in group A were significantly improved compared with those in group B and C (P<0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, the nighttime VAS score, ROM of shoulder abduction, internal rotation and DASH score scores in group A were significantly improved compared with those in group B and C (P<0.05). The VAS score during movement, nighttime VAS score, ROM of shoulder (except external rotation) and DASH score in group A were significantly improved after 1 week and 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05); and after 2 weeks of treatment, the nighttime VAS score, ROM of shoulder flexion and internal rotation in group B were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, the VAS score during movement, nighttime VAS score, ROM of shoulder (except external rotation) in group C were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.05).ConclusionKT combined with PRT is more effective than PRT alone in the treatment of SIS, and the therapeutic effect is related to the direction of the tape.
Objective To compare BODE index with GOLD staging for the severity evaluation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) . To investigate the relationship between BODE index and quality of life. Methods A total of 100 patients with stable COPD were enrolled. All participants were examined with lung function test and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire ( SGRQ) for evaluation of quality of life. BODE index and it’s four components including body mass index( BMI) , airflow obstruction ( FEV1%pred) , dyspnea( MMRC) , and exercise capacity( 6MWD) were calculated. The participants were divided into four groups of severity using GOLD guidelines and BODE index quartiles. Results The associations between SGRQ total score and SGRQ subscales, and BODE index were significant( P lt;0. 01) .BODE index was a significant predictor of the quality of life, explaining 41. 3% of the total score of the SGRQ ( P lt;0. 01) . However, GOLD classification showed a correlation only with SGRQ activity score ( P lt;0. 05) but not with other SGRQ scores. There were significant differences in SGRQ total score and SGRQsubscales between different severity groups of BODE index( P lt;0. 01) . But there was no difference in SGRQ score between different severity groups of GOLD classification, except SGRQ activity score. Conclusion BODE scoring system is better correlated with the quality of life as assessed by the disease severity inpatients with COPD than the GOLD staging criteria.
Objective To investigate problems in applying clinical epidemiology and evidence-based medicine in the field of dentistry in China. Method In early April of 2001, about 200 copies of a questionnaire were sent to chief editors of dental journals, directors and famous experts of the university dental schools and/or dental departments of the provincial/metropolitan hospitals located in the mainland of China. The sent back questionnaires were summarized and analysized. Results At the end of June, 2001, 40 replies from the experts of 12 universities and one metropolitan dental hospital were received. The main points are summarized as following: EBM in China is at starting stage of "anti-illiteracy" campaign. There are 6 out of 12 universities having delivered clinical epidemiology courses to postgraduates (2 to undergraduates), only 3 added lectures on evidence-based medicine to dental students and/or professionals, only one university held intensive training courses on EBM to clinicians. In dental practice there are still scram dentists making decisions simply by experiences. In the research practice some dentists are eager for quick success, and instant benefits, ignoring, scientific design aid quality control of the studies. Randomized controlled clinical trials are seldom appeared in Chinese dental journals. To popularize EBM in all dental clinicians is important for them to use and produce the best evidences. Conclusions EBM in dental field of China is at starling stage. Collection and dissemination of best dental evidences in dental professionals is a key to raise the dental care levels in China.
Objective To analyze the current status and difficulties of ERAS applicated in thoracic surgery in different regional hospitals. Methods A total of 773 valid questionnaires were collected during the First West China Forum on Chest ERAS and analyzed by geographical distribution. The content of the questionnaire was divided into two parts, including the respondents’ institute and personal information, as well as 10 questions about ERAS. Results There were 83.57%, 83.82%, 89.58%, 93.75%, 94.74% and 92.86% of surgeons and nurses in Sichuan province, municipalities, the eastern, western, southern and northern respectively who believed that ERAS in all surgeries should be used. There were 61.84%, 60.29%, 65.97%, 81.25%, 73.68% and 75.00% of surgeons and nurses who thought that the concept of ERAS was more in the theory than in the practice; 77.99%, 80.88%, 74.31%, 78.13%, 83.33% and 69.64% of respondents agreed that average hospital stay, patients’ experience and social satisfaction should be the evaluation standard of ERAS practice while 58.50%, 63.24%, 54.86%, 62.50%, 70.18% and 58.93% of respondents believed that immature procedure, lack of consensus and specifications and insecurity for doctors were the reasons for poor compliance of ERAS; 63.23%, 67.65%, 59.72%, 68.75%, 72.81% and 67.86% of respondents thought that the best team of ERAS should be based on the combination of subject integration, surgery orientation and surgeon-nurse teamwork; 43.73%, 44.12%, 43.75%, 46.88%, 59.65% and 41.07% of respondents thought that multidisciplinary cooperation, multi-modality conducted and surgical programming should be the best way for ERAS implementation; 72.98%, 69.12%, 62.50%, 65.63%, 80.70% and 55.36% of responders agreed that the ERAS forum or conference should include the norms and consensus, analysis and implementation of projects and the status and progress of ERAS. Conclusion There are more consistent views on the clinical application of ERAS in all regions. The subject integration, surgeon-nurse teamwork and multidisciplinary, multi-modality cooperation are the best team and best way for ERAS program implementation.
Objective To investigate the validity of estimating American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade with a bowel-routine based self-administered questionnaire for assessment of sacral sparing after spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods The 5-item SCI sacral sparing self-report questionnaire was administrated to SCI inpatients from August 2014 to July 2016, followed by an standardized digital rectal examination. Question 1 (perceiving the tissue), Question 2 (identifying the water temperature as warm or cold), Question 3 (perceiving the inserted finger), and Question 4 (perceiving the inserted enema tube) tested the sensory sacral sparing, and Question 5 (holding the enema for more than 1 min) evaluated the voluntary anal sphincter contraction. Based on the answers from each participant, the sensory and motor sacral sparing was implied, and an estimated AIS grade (AIS A, AIS B, or AIS C/D) was recorded. Agreement of the estimated AIS grade and the actual AIS grade according to the physical examination was analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, and Youden’s index of the questionnaire for estimating completeness of injury were calculated.ResultsA total of 102 SCI patients were enrolled. The general agreement of estimated and actual AIS grades was good (κ=0.681, P<0.001). For the estimation of a complete injury, both the sensitivity (87.10%) and the specificity (100.00%) of this questionnaire were high, with a Youden’s index of 0.87. For the estimation of a motor complete injury, the sensitivity increased (92.00%) while the specificity decreased slightly (75.00%), with a Youden’s index of 0.67.ConclusionsThe validity of this self-report questionnaire for estimation of AIS grade is good. In some situations, it could be considered as an alternative tool for the estimation of sacral sparing as well as the AIS grades within SCI individuals, especially when repeated anorectal examinations are not feasible.