Saint Francis University

About: Saint Francis University is a education organization based out in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Osteoblast. The organization has 1694 authors who have published 2038 publications receiving 87149 citations.

Comparison of the Insall-Burstein II and NexGen Legacy Total Knee Arthroplasty Systems with Respect to Patella Complications

Abstract: This study retrospectively contrasts 2 cohorts of consecutive patients ""(N = 202) after primary total knee arthroplasty with respect to the types and numbers of patella and extensor mechanism complications. Our results demonstrated an overall decrease of patellofemoral complications associated with the NexGen Legacy PS system (Zimmer Inc, Warsaw, Ind). Patella fractures decreased from 6 to 0 (P = .013), avascular necrosis from 9 to 0 (P = .0002), and lateral retinacular release trended down from 24 to 14. The Insall-Burstein II (Zimmer Inc, Warsaw, Ind) has a significantly higher incidence of patella fractures, avascular necrosis, and the lateral retinacular release. We feel that the alteration and adjustment of the patellofemoral dimension in the NexGen Legacy design to a more anatomical, extended design of the femoral component and patella modifications led to a decrease in the incidence of complications.

Time perspective and psychological well-being in younger and older adults

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to examine the present fatalistic time perspective as a mechanism that may partially account for age differences in purpose in life and personal growth. An additional purpose of this study was to explore the relations among age, time perspective, and psychological well-being. Seventy-five older adults (M=73.43, SD=7.91) and 77 younger adults (M=19.58, SD=1.19) completed surveys measuring time perspective (past positive, past negative, present fatalistic, present hedonistic, future) and psychological well-being (autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the present fatalistic time perspective predicted purpose in life and personal growth above and beyond age and income. Several significant correlations were found among the time perspective and psychological well-being variables. Results showed that age was positively correlated with the past negative and present fatalistic time perspectives, but negatively correlated with the future time perspective. Results showed that age negatively correlated with purpose in life and personal growth, but positively correlated with autonomy. Results are discussed in light of socioemotional selectivity theory, theory of time perspective, and implications for incorporating time perspective into mental health counseling.

Can electronic health records help improve patients' understanding of medications?

Abstract: Over a decade of experience with our General Internal Medicine Clinic Electronic Medical Record (EPIC, Madison WI) has shown that the EMR provides clinicians with more efficient documentation, more rapid and timely access to tests and procedure findings, and useful preventive services alerts for patients.1-2 However, we have also found that the attention required to enter and access EMR information in the exam room can potentially detract from the quality of interpersonal communication with patient.3 Physicians may avoid the time required to clean up and update EMR medication screens during a particular visit, old prescriptions are left on lists, drugs which were prescribed by other medical specialists or alternative providers are not entered, and newly ordered prescriptions may be hastily discussed with patients.4,5 The advent of the electronic medical record (EMR) offers the potential for primary care practices to adopt new approaches to eliminating medication discrepancies, while also providing patients with easy to understand instructions about new prescriptions that will enhance medication safety and adherence. The Northwestern General Internal Medicine clinic in downtown Chicago was recently awarded a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to design an EMR-based physician randomized trial to simultaneously improve medication reconciliation and communication about new medications. Because the EMR is in use during each patient visit, it is possible to easily review current medication lists. To aid in this process, our intervention includes a new step in our rooming process which enlists patients’ help in flagging potential discrepancies. Patients receive an EMR medication list of their current medications at check in, allowing them to review any discrepancies before their physician visit. In addition, to improve patient understanding of their new medications, we have created plain-language medication information sheets that have been populated in the EMR to be printed out for patients when they are prescribed a new medication. To help shape this intervention, we conducted post-visit, in-person patient interviews to evaluate 1) the extent of medication discrepancies, 2) perceived problems, concerns and questions (PCQs) about current medications, and 3) patient knowledge about new prescriptions, including what the newly prescribed medication was for, how and when to take it, and potential side effects. The results of this baseline study are being used to guide our planned EMR-based intervention.

Implementation of the redesigned Community Health Fund in the Dodoma region of Tanzania: A qualitative study of views from rural communities.

Abstract: The need to understand how an intervention is received by the beneficiary community is well recognised and particularly neglected in the micro-health insurance (MHI) domain. This study explored the views and reactions of the beneficiary community of the redesigned Community Health Fund (CHF) implemented in the Dodoma region of Tanzania. We collected data from focus group discussions with 24 groups of villagers (CHF members and nonmembers) and in-depth interviews with 12 key informants (enrolment officers and health care workers). The transcribed material was analysed thematically. We found that participants highly appreciate the scheme, but to be resolved are the challenges posed by the implementation strategies adopted. The responses of the community were nested within a complex pathway relating to their interaction with the implementation strategies and their ongoing reflections regarding the benefits of the scheme. Community reactions ranged from accepting to rejecting the scheme, demanding the right to receive benefit packages once enrolled, and dropping out of the scheme when it failed to meet their expectations. Reported drivers of the responses included intensity of CHF communication activities, management of enrolment procedures, delivery of benefit packages, critical features of the scheme, and contextual factors (health system and socio-political context). This study highlights that scheme design and implementation strategies that address people's needs, voices, and values can improve uptake of MHI interventions. The study adds to the knowledge base on implementing MHI initiatives and could promote interests in assessing the response to interventions within the MHI domain and beyond.