Showing papers by "Ian McDowell published in 1987"
Book•
21 May 1987
TL;DR: The theory and the leading methods of measurement, all of which rely on subjective judgments in questionnaires and rating scales are described, showing readers how to select the most suitable one, apply it, and score the results.
Abstract: This is a convenient guide to the health measurement methods used in health and social surveys, epidemiological studies, and clinical trials. It describes the theory and the leading methods of measurement, all of which rely on subjective judgments in questionnaires and rating scales. The authors discuss the validity and reliability of each method, showing readers how to select the most suitable one, apply it, and score the results. Epidemiologists and health care researchers; social scientists; health care planners and analysts.
4,798 citations
TL;DR: A modification is suggested that resolves methodologic weaknesses in health risk appraisal by estimating the prevalence and associated composite relative risk for each combination of precursors before calculating the numerical estimate of combined risk.
6 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The feasibility and acceptability of having patients complete a brief health index questionnaire designed to help them describe their underlying concerns to the doctor was tested and was found to be acceptable to most.
Abstract: The symptoms that a patient presents to the doctor are often not the underlying concern that prompted the consultation. The success of consultations involving a hidden diagnosis depends on how well the patient can express his or her concerns to the doctor and on how skilfully the doctor can encourage this. This study tested the feasibility and acceptability of having patients complete a brief health index questionnaire designed to help them describe their underlying concerns to the doctor. In two family medicine centres 996 patients were asked to complete a questionnaire while waiting to see the doctor; 724 (73%) did so. An evaluation of their responses showed the method to be acceptable to most. The doctors judged that it added valuable information in 41% of all consultations and in 73% of consultations in which the patient presented with psychologic complaints. There was, nevertheless, considerable variation among the physicians in their acceptance of the approach. This variability is discussed in the light of alternative models of how, in practical terms, to treat the psychosocial dimensions of a patient's complaint.
5 citations