BackgroundSubjects with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) experience abdominal cramping, bloating, pressure, and pain. Due to an absence of clinical biomarkers for IBS-D severity, evaluation of clinical therapy benefits depends on valid and reliable symptom assessments. A patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument has been developed, comprising of two questionnaires – the IBS-D Daily Symptom Diary and IBS-D Symptom Event Log – suitable for clinical trials and real-world settings. This program aimed to support instrument conversion from pen-and-paper to electronic format.Materials and methodsDigital technology (Android/iOS) and a traditional mode of administration study in the target population were used to migrate or convert the validated PRO IBS-D pen-and-paper measure to an electronic format. Equivalence interviews, conducted in three waves, each had three parts: 1) conceptual equivalence testing between formats, 2) electronic-version report-history cognitive debriefing, and 3) electronic version usability evaluation. After each inter-view wave, preliminary analyses were conducted and modifications made to the electronic version, before the next wave. Final revisions were based on a full analysis of equivalence interviews. The final analysis evaluated subjects’ ability to read, understand, and provide meaningful responses to the instruments across both formats. Responses were classified according to conceptual equivalence between formats and mobile-format usability assessed with a questionnaire and open-ended probes.ResultsEquivalence interviews (n=25) demonstrated conceptual equivalence between formats. Mobile-application cognitive debriefing showed some subjects experienced difficulty with font/screen visibility and understanding or reading some report-history charts and summary screens. To address difficulties, minor revisions/modifications were made and landscape orientation and zoom-in/zoom-out features incorporated.ConclusionThis study indicates that the two administration modes are conceptually equivalent. Since both formats are conceptually equivalent, both are psychometrically reliable, as established in the pen-and-paper version. Subjects found both mobile applications (Android/iOS) offered many advantages over the paper version, such as real-time assessment of their experience.
A 3 4 7 -A 7 6 6 first to analyze a German index. Results may provide useful for researchers and decision makers relying on health experienced. Methods: The index is derived from three yearly representative population surveys conducted in Germany 2012-2014, VAS (visual analogue scale) valuations of the own health state of participants, and a generalized linear model with binomial error distribution and constraint parameter estimation. Sensitivity of model specification is tested for three ways of integrating total problem level reported (no consideration/existence of any problem/ maximum problem level). Employing a split-sample design and 1000 simulation runs, cross-validation compares estimated and observed values by mean absolute error (MAE) and sum of squared errors (SSE). The index is further compared to observed valuations, to a respective value set for the EQ-5D-3L, and to a traditional index based on preferences over hypothetical health states. Results: With N= 6074 respondents, 265 health states were observed, with problem levels summing up to 24 for the most restricted individual. For all 3125 health states, the index model considering existence of any problem performed best regarding MAE and SSE in cross-validation. These indicators were also smaller than those for the external validation of a previous 3L index. Graphical comparison by health states indicates close correlation of the index with mean observed values for states occurring at least three times but systematic differences to traditional utilities. ConClusions: For the EQ-5D-5L, a first German index based on experienced health states is found to be feasible and to display acceptable psychometric characteristics. Future testing in clinical populations is needed for respective use. PRM160objeCtives: Countries generally use their own utility tariff to convert EQ-5D-3L health states to utility scores. However, it is unclear what the impact of these country-specific tariffs on the outcome of a cost-utility analysis is. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate this issue. Because the EQ-5D-3L mainly focusses on physical aspects of HRQOL, we evaluated this using data from two studies; a randomized controlled trial in patients with a physical disorder (low back pain) and a randomized controlled trial in patients with a mental disorder (depression). Methods: A literature search was done to identify EQ-5D-3L utility tariffs derived using the Time Trade Off method. Missing data was imputed using Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE). Incremental Cost-Utility Ratios (ICURs), cost-effectiveness planes and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves (CEA curves) were estimated. Results: Thirteen utility tariffs were identified. In the low back pain study, the ICUR using the Dutch tariff was 11,600 € /QALY, and ranged from 8,278 € /QALY for the Taiwanese tariff to 18,355 € /QALY for the Polish tariff. The probability of cost-effectiveness at a ceiling ratio of 30,000 € /QALY was 0.77, and ranged from 0.61 for the Polish tariff to 0.83 fo...
The internet presents numerous opportunities for universities to reach a wide audience with timely and relevant information. This study examines the potential impact of the internet on reaching university admission candidates, identifying application challenges, and assessing the conduct of Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) tests in a South-West Nigeria University. The population for the study comprised applicants who took the Post-UTME test at the Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo. The study utilized internet adverts and surveys to disseminate information and gather feedback from participants. Results showed that the majority of applicants were reached through internet digital adverts with no difficulties encountered during the application process. The university's Facebook page had the highest views and engagements from admission seekers. The conduct of the Post-UTME test was commended by most applicants. The study concluded that the Internet can facilitate increased participation and easy assessment of Post-UTME tests in the university. It recommends that universities should explore the potential benefits of internet adverts and surveys in disseminating admission-related information, extracting feedback from stakeholders, and sensitizing the public about university programs.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.