Biomedical subjects

Anke Steckelberg

Publications and source records attributed to Anke Steckelberg.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

[Criteria for evidence-based patient information].

Evidence-based patient information (EBPI) is a prerequisite for informed patient choice. However, there is as yet no discussion as to what can be expected of EBPI. The present paper provides an overview of the criteria presently used or discussed for the development of EBPI. Ethics guidelines demand that EBPI are offered and made available to all patients. The presentation of information should be clear and consider risk communication as a source of framing of data. Patients should be involved in the process of development and evaluation.

Evidence-Based Medicine↗

PubMed2005

[Evaluation tools for patient information commonly used in Germany--a critical analysis].

The value of instruments for the evaluation of health- or patient information is a controversial issue. This article examines instruments that evaluate information materials on the basis of predefined quality criteria for evidence-based patient information. The aim is to prove whether the instruments commonly used in Germany can be recommended. A review of the literature and an internet search engine search were conducted to identify relevant international systematic reviews and instruments commonly used in Germany. Four instruments were identified for Germany: The quality seals "AFGIS" and "HON" and the checklists "Discern" and "Check-In". These were evaluated on the basis of the predefined criteria. The instruments predominantly address structural aspects. Aspects of content and content presentation are rarely considered. The instruments neglect relevant quality criteria for evidence-based patient information.

Evidence-Based Medicine↗

PubMed2005

[Protection of study participants through standardised information--proposal of a unified criterion catalogue for the activities of ethics committees--results of an expert survey].

CONTEXT: The main task of the ethics committees is the protection of study participants against unethical research. The international consensus on ethical aspects, however, is only partially considered in legal regulations. In Germany, the regulations for approval procedures of clinical studies have been increasingly standardised, but this does not apply to information for study participants. The aim of this study was to propose a list of criteria for information for study participants based on comparisons of existing resources and international standards. METHODS: The available criteria for the development of information for study participants and consent forms of the ethics committees of the German State Medical Chambers (n = 16) were analysed and compared. The criteria identified were complemented with indications provided in international guidelines and compiled in a catalogue. This first version of a list of criteria (58 items) was submitted to an expert panel of members of the ethics committees (n = 16) and patient and consumer representatives (n = 18), and subjected to corresponding revision. RESULTS: In Germany, the guidelines for the development of information for study participants are not standardised. The list of criteria resulting from international guidelines and the available criteria of the State Medical Chambers consisted of 58 items. The expert panel agreed on most of the items, and a revised version of the catalogue is now available. CONCLUSION: The list of criteria may contribute to standardisation of information for study participants in clinical studies for the activities of the ethics committees.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed2004

Explaining computation of predictive values: 2 x 2 table versus frequency tree. A randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN74278823].

BACKGROUND: Involving patients in decision making on diagnostic procedures requires a basic level of statistical thinking. However, innumeracy is prevalent even among physicians. In medical teaching the 2 x 2 table is widely used as a visual help for computations whereas in psychology the frequency tree is favoured. We assumed that the 2 x 2 table is more suitable to support computations of predictive values. METHODS: 184 students without prior statistical training were randomised either to a step-by-step self-learning tutorial using the 2 x 2 table (n = 94) or the frequency tree (n = 90). During the training session students were instructed by two sample tasks and a total of five positive predictive values had to be computed. During a follow-up session 4 weeks later participants had to compute 5 different tasks of comparable degree of difficulty without having the tutorial instructions at their disposal. The primary outcome was the correct solution of the tasks. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. About 58% achieved correct solutions in 4-5 tasks following the training session and 26% in the follow-up examination. CONCLUSIONS: These findings do not support the hypothesis that the 2 x 2 table is more valuable to facilitate the calculation of positive predictive values than the frequency tree.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Risk information--barrier to informed choice? A focus group study.

OBJECTIVES: To study consumers' information needs for informed choice on colorectal cancer screening, and to develop and evaluate information material that is evidence-based and communicates benefit as well as lack of benefit and risks as natural frequencies. METHODS DESIGN: Focus group study; during a first round consumers' needs and attitudes were surveyed, in a second round the information material was evaluated. The study was carried out in Hamburg, Germany. PARTICIPANTS: 50 women and men, 40 years or older without colorectal diseases. RESULTS: Consumers opted for traditional information that advises and guides them. If consumers were nevertheless given evidence-based information that considers the defined criteria it evoked cognitive dissonance which consumers tried to cope with by devaluating, minimising and not noticing the information. Cognitive dissonance inhibits processing of information. Researchers are confronted with a dilemma to either respect consumers' requests or to facilitate informed choice. CONCLUSION: Cognitive dissonance may be a barrier to informed choice. This should be considered when aiming at communicating risk information.

Adaptation, Psychological↗