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Biomedical subjects

N LaRocca

Publications and source records attributed to N LaRocca.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Utilization of unconventional treatments by persons with MS: is it alternative or complementary?

This cross-sectional mail survey evaluated the prevalence and predictors of unconventional therapy (UT) utilization among 569 community-based people with MS. One-third reported having visited a UT practitioner in the last 6 months. Utilizers tended to report at least one medical comorbidity, earn at least $50,000 a year, and engage in preventive health behaviors; they also used more outpatient services and reported higher levels of interpersonal quality of care with their allopathic MS care provider than did nonutilizers. We conclude that UT is complementary to allopathic medicine for people with MS.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Patient perception of quality of care provided by specialists and generalists.

Efforts to control medical care costs have focused on reducing the number of specialists directing patient care. This cross-sectional survey evaluated multiple sclerosis patient perceptions of the quality of care across three patterns of care: primary care (n = 156), single specialty care (n = 338), and comprehensive care (n = 75). The pattern of medical care received by the patient was defined by: (1) whether the MS provider was a primary care physician or (2) a neurologist; (3) whether the patient reported using other specialty services, such as psychological, rehabilitation, or social work services. Process indicators of quality of care were measured by subscales for interpersonal aspects of care, access to care, and perceived action plan. The MSQOL-54 was used to measure health-related quality of life. Pattern of care was not related to the Interpersonal or Access dimensions of care, after adjusting for health status and sociodemographic characteristics. Patients in the Single Specialty and Comprehensive Care patterns of care were, however, more likely to report their MS provider having and implementing an action plan. We conclude that MS patients who receive Single Specialty and Comprehensive Care are more likely to get diagnostic and treatment-related tests, as well as immunotherapeutic and experimental treatments.

Attitude to Health↗