Positively waiting: Technology as the preferred distractor in a pediatric outpatient setting

Visiting any pediatric outpatient clinic as a child may be considered a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience. The literature suggests that positive distractions, such as pet therapy and single-user electronic devices, may aid in reducing anxiety and maximizing patient satisfaction throughout the patient’s experience at a pediatric outpatient clinic. The aim of this pilot quality improvement project was to determine which positive distractions patients experienced and whether single-user electronic loaner devices should be provided to patients at pediatric outpatient facilities. A quantitative causal comparative approach was utilized in identifying patient exposure to key positive distraction techniques that may significantly decrease anxiety. The independent variable was the patient gender as reported by the caretaker. The term “caretaker” refers to the adult parent, guardian, relative, or friend accompanying the patient. The dependent variables were caretakers’ responses to interview questions regarding exposure to and interest in various positive distractors. Most patients reported more interactions with therapy dogs than either clowns or musicians, with none reporting magician interaction while waiting for their appointments. Many patients (71%) demonstrated interest in having access to single-user electronics during clinic appointment wait times. Male patients showed great interest (87%) in having access to single-user electronics. Findings suggest that pediatric healthcare facilities funding single-user electronics to reduce patient anxiety may increase patient satisfaction. Additionally, data suggest administrators may benefit by offering an array of positive distractions, with a particular focus on pet therapy programs. Child life specialists are particularly suited for overseeing the implementation of an efficient and effective program. Experience Framework This article is associated with the Innovation & Technology lens of The Beryl Institute Experience Framework (https://www.theberylinstitute.org/ExperienceFramework). Access other PXJ articles related to this lens. Access other resources related to this len

The Iowa Homemaker vol.23, no.15

Keeping Up With Today, D. Jean Merrill, page 2 Institution Recipes Are Acclaimed, Victoria McKibben, page 3 Democracy Begins in the Home, Jean Larson, page 4 Schools Sponsor Nutrition Program, Jean Bunge, page 5 Vicky Rehearses for Spring, Josephine Ahern, page 6 What’s New in Home Economics, Marilyn Mitchell, page 8 Benefit from College Placement, Mary Elva Sather, page 10 Well-known Cooks Open Their Kitchens, Mary E. Lush, page 11 Alums in the News, Patricia Maddex, page 12 Distinguished Alumnus Credits Home, Marjorie Shuler, page 14 Across Alumnae Desks, Harriet Keen, page 15 Women’s Follies in Fashion, Lila Mae Hummel, page 1

The Iowa Homemaker vol.23, no.11

Keeping Up With Today, Marilyn Clayton, page 2 Introducing Our Dean, Dr. P. Mabel Nelson, page 3 Add Courtesy to Your Curriculum, Jane Fay, page 4 If I Were a Freshman Again, A Senior, page 5 Please Your Professors, Ruth Midgorden, page 6 Business Home Economics, Katherine Goeppinger, page 7 School Belle Fashions, Josephine Ahern, page 9 Personalize Your College Home, Victoria McKibben, page 10 Write from the College Front, Mary Dodds, page 11 What’s New in Home Economics, Lovilla Holland, page 12 Dietitians Plan for Future, Nell C. Clausen, page 14 Designed for Postwar Living, Mary Krumboltz, page 15 Club Keyed to Wartime, Jean Larson, page 17 Cultural Advantages Await You, Harriet Breckenridge, page 18 Women Advance in Activities, Virginia Carter, page 20 Know Your Honoraries, Frances Kerekes, page 21 Alums in the News, Patricia Maddex, page 2

The Iowa Homemaker vol.23, no.10

Keeping Up With Today, Marilyn Clayton, page 2 Victory Canning Corps, Corinne Cunningham, page 3 Posters for South America, Frances Kerekes, page 4 Choosing Your College, Clara M. Brown, page 5 For Random Reading, Lila Mae Hummel, page 7 Wanted: More Home Economics, Victoria McKibben, page 9 Teaching Field Broadens in Scope, Norma Shellito, page 10 Food Customs from the Phillipines, Soledad Payawal, page 11 Sheer Simplicity, Josephine Ahern, page 12 Association Benefits Graduates, Zoe Wilson, page 14 Forecasting Textile Supply, Elizabeth Peterson, page 15 What’s New in Home Economics, Mildred Krogh, page 16 Packaging for Post War Foods, Virginia Carter, page 18 Challenge from Latin America, Delores Stewart, page 19 Designed for Individuality, Gertrude Richards, page 21 More Products from Plastics, Mary Elizabeth Lush, page 23 Fashions in Weeds, Marilyn Baker, page 24 Across Alumnae Desks, Harriet Keen, page 26 Rehabilitation Challenges Home Economist, Marian Hoppe, page 28 Alums in the News, Patricia Maddex, page 30 Electronics Change Food Flavors, Barbara Reader, page 3

Planners, Parents, & Pediatrics: Appointment Barriers

Patient satisfaction continues to be an ongoing conundrum within the healthcare system. Patients who are unable to attend appointments may negatively impact the patient’s health while simultaneously impacting healthcare providers’ ability to work efficiently and effectively. To maximize patient satisfaction, it is imperative to identify barriers which may lead to patients missing appointments. There are various arguments as to which aspect of patients’ lives is the biggest culprit that prevents them from attending appointments. The purpose of this quality project was to better understand what barriers were preventing families from scheduling and attending appointments at a not-for-profit children’s orthopedic outpatient clinic. This quality project was conducted by asking the parents of patients who attend the pediatric outpatient clinic a series of structured questions referring to specific barriers they may encounter when scheduling or attending appointments. 97 interviews were conducted in a waiting room within a pediatric outpatient setting in the Tampa Bay area. Descriptive statistics and cumulative frequencies were conducted to compare trends across groups. The top three barriers were the parent’s work schedule (40%), phone wait times (17%), and after-school activities (19%). After-school activities were the most prevalent barrier for African American families (40%), while work schedule and transportation issues were more prevalent in Hispanic families (58% and 33% respectively). These data indicate that parent work schedules interfere with attending scheduled appointments to the largest extent. These findings suggest that an expansion of hours of operation may better serve the needs of caretakers and patients while maximizing facility efficiencies

Stick It: Can Celebrity Endorsements of Childhood Vaccinations Influence Compliance?

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into caretakers’ education profiles, the influence of celebrity endorsements and opinions during the immunization decision making process, and their fear that vaccinations may cause autism in children/ infants. This study was limited to the caretakers of students enrolled at a rigorous, African American private middle school for students qualifying for need-based scholarships in Saint Petersburg, Florida. A causal comparative approach was utilized. The independent variables were the caretaker’s education level. The dependent variables were the caretaker’s responses to the survey questions regarding knowledge and sources of vaccination information. Descriptive statistics and a multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to compare trends across groups. Overall, caretakers (25%) reported that their opinions on vaccinations were admittedly influenced by celebrity endorsements/opinions and many of the caretakers (38%) were identified as believing that vaccinations in children and infants may cause Autism (p\u3c0.0001). Additionally, caretakers (74%) who have a high school degree or a GED, believe that vaccines may cause autism when given to children/infants when compared to caretakers who have some college education or an Associate degree (17%) and of caretakers (21%) who have at least a bachelor’s degree (p\u3c0.0001). This information is the first of its kind in the area of caretakers’ education level and the barriers present that could prevent them from vaccinating their children. This information may assist policymakers and other key stakeholders in Florida—and nationally—in identifying, designing and implementing strategies to provide caretakers with the appropriate childhood immunization information

Patient Satisfaction by Gender

The quality of care received from providers may impact the satisfaction of the patient experience. There have been numerous studies regarding patient satisfaction, especially retrospective studies that document changes that were made within hospitals and healthcare networks analyzing whether or not changes generated significant findings. Patient satisfaction was also found to be highly correlated with aspects of healthcare that people take for granted such as functioning medical instruments and careful explanation of diagnosis and treatment. This project examines key drivers relating to patient satisfaction in this Midwestern United States multi-hospital system. A quantitative causal comparative approach identified key drivers to improve patient satisfaction while simultaneously increasing quality outcomes for hospitalized patients. A retrospective review was conducted of patients’ verbatim comments derived from post-discharge satisfaction scores utilizing a MANOVA. The following themes were identified: Facilities/Environment, Care Team, System/ Organization, Provider, Nurses, Administration/Reception, and Timeliness. Results of the MANOVA showed statistically significant differences with the following two criteria: system/organization and facility/environment. Overall, 69% of patients expressed satisfaction with the system/organization, and 74% of patients reported satisfaction with the facility/ environment. These findings indicated a correlation between gender and patient satisfaction, with females reporting greater satisfaction scores. Limited healthcare resources require efficient and effective process improvement efforts in order to maximize the patient care experience at this Midwestern multi-hospital system in the United States. This information may assist caretakers and administrators with the appropriate data-driven evidence in order to make informed decisions and implement system and process changes that will maximize the patient care experience

Stick It: Can Celebrity Endorsements of Childhood Vaccinations Influence Compliance?

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into caretakers’ education profiles, the influence of celebrity endorsements and opinions during the immunization decision making process, and their fear that vaccinations may cause autism in children/ infants. This study was limited to the caretakers of students enrolled at a rigorous, African American private middle school for students qualifying for need-based scholarships in Saint Petersburg, Florida. A causal comparative approach was utilized. The independent variables were the caretaker’s education level. The dependent variables were the caretaker’s responses to the survey questions regarding knowledge and sources of vaccination information. Descriptive statistics and a multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to compare trends across groups. Overall, caretakers (25%) reported that their opinions on vaccinations were admittedly influenced by celebrity endorsements/opinions and many of the caretakers (38%) were identified as believing that vaccinations in children and infants may cause Autism (p\u3c0.0001). Additionally, caretakers (74%) who have a high school degree or a GED, believe that vaccines may cause autism when given to children/infants when compared to caretakers who have some college education or an Associate degree (17%) and of caretakers (21%) who have at least a bachelor’s degree (p\u3c0.0001). This information is the first of its kind in the area of caretakers’ education level and the barriers present that could prevent them from vaccinating their children. This information may assist policymakers and other key stakeholders in Florida—and nationally—in identifying, designing and implementing strategies to provide caretakers with the appropriate childhood immunization information

Positively Waiting: Technology as the Preferred Distractor in the Pediatric Setting

Visiting a healthcare facility as a child may be considered a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience. Recent research suggests that positive distractions, such as pet therapy and single-user electronic devices, aid in reducing anxiety and increasing patient satisfaction throughout a patient’s experience at a pediatric healthcare facility. The aim of this quality improvement project was to determine which positive distractions patients experienced and whether single-user electronic loaner devices should be provided to patients at pediatric outpatient facilities. A quantitative causal comparative approach was utilized in identifying patient exposure to key positive distraction techniques that may significantly decrease anxiety. The independent variable was caretaker gender. The dependent variables were caretakers’ responses to interview questions regarding exposure to and interest in positive distractors. Many patients had interactions with therapy dogs than clowns, musicians, with none reporting interaction with magicians at the facility. Although funding is provided for positive distractions, the results show that reported exposure to any single activity did not exceed 30%. Many patients (71%) showed interest in having access to single-user electronics during clinic appointment wait times. Male patients showed great interest (87%) in having access to single-user electronics. Findings suggest pediatric healthcare facilities funding single-user electronics to reduce patient anxiety may increase patient satisfaction. Additionally, data suggest administrators may benefit by offering an array of positive distractions, with a particular focus on pet-therapy programs. Child life specialists are particularly suited for overseeing the implementation of an efficient and effective program

Patient Satisfaction by Gender

The quality of care received from providers may impact the satisfaction of the patient experience. There have been numerous studies regarding patient satisfaction, especially retrospective studies that document changes that were made within hospitals and healthcare networks analyzing whether or not changes generated significant findings. Patient satisfaction was also found to be highly correlated with aspects of healthcare that people take for granted such as functioning medical instruments and careful explanation of diagnosis and treatment. This project examines key drivers relating to patient satisfaction in this Midwestern United States multi-hospital system. A quantitative causal comparative approach identified key drivers to improve patient satisfaction while simultaneously increasing quality outcomes for hospitalized patients. A retrospective review was conducted of patients’ verbatim comments derived from post-discharge satisfaction scores utilizing a MANOVA. The following themes were identified: Facilities/Environment, Care Team, System/ Organization, Provider, Nurses, Administration/Reception, and Timeliness. Results of the MANOVA showed statistically significant differences with the following two criteria: system/organization and facility/environment. Overall, 69% of patients expressed satisfaction with the system/organization, and 74% of patients reported satisfaction with the facility/ environment. These findings indicated a correlation between gender and patient satisfaction, with females reporting greater satisfaction scores. Limited healthcare resources require efficient and effective process improvement efforts in order to maximize the patient care experience at this Midwestern multi-hospital system in the United States. This information may assist caretakers and administrators with the appropriate data-driven evidence in order to make informed decisions and implement system and process changes that will maximize the patient care experience