The Generation of suffering related items: A process integrating consensus experts and Sorensen’s similarity analysis.

in 33 nd Annual Conference on the European Health Psychology Society. Methodology.Publisher: EHPS (2019)

Health psychology and public health aspire to find ways for evaluating the suffering of patients. Quantitative assessment of pain-related suffering exists, but methodological frameworks implying ... [more ▼]

Health psychology and public health aspire to find ways for evaluating the suffering of patients. Quantitative assessment of pain-related suffering exists, but methodological frameworks implying qualitative approach based on a direct communication with participants are missing. Our aim was to analyse the procedure generating pain and suffering-related items and explore the validity of their content. Volunteers were all right-handed and of European origin. After received information concerning the aims of the study, they signed a consent to accept the experimental pain stimulation protocols and to receive financial compensation. Descriptors of pain-related suffering were gathered through 106 semi-structured interviews of 31 particpants (16 men ;15 women), age 18-33 years. A thematic categorical content analysis on the transcriptions was conducted. Verbatim were extracted and classified under categories. Cluster analysis on word of verbatim using the index of Sorensen was performed with N’Vivo12. The content of each category was validated through consensus by multidisciplinary experts (some have lived the experimental pain stimulation). Then they formulated 70 items to capture the overall pain-related suffering experience. In accordance to theories and with the help of the Sorensen’s similarity analysis, a conceptual framework with different dimensions (physical, mental, etc.) has been discussed and elaborated. The list obtained constitutes a first classification for laboratory use and a basis for the development of a routine clinical suffering assessment tool. This generation process should guarantee that the items are acceptable, comprehensive and relevant (reflecting the lived experience of the participants) ensuring a content validity of the future questionnaire [less ▲]

Mapping long-term care quality assurance practices in the EU - Luxembourg -

Report (2019)

Approche Patient Partenaire de Soins (APPS) : un programme de recherche interrégional pour comprendre comment passer de la théorique à la pratique

Article for general public (2018)

Le projet « Approche Patient Partenaire de Soins » (APPS INTEEREG) vise à améliorer la qualité des soins dans le suivi et la prévention de la maladie par la mise en place d’une culture de partenariat ... [more ▼]

Le projet « Approche Patient Partenaire de Soins » (APPS INTEEREG) vise à améliorer la qualité des soins dans le suivi et la prévention de la maladie par la mise en place d’une culture de partenariat patients-professionnels de santé dans la Grande Région. Il a pour but de questionner et de promouvoir l’Approche du Patient Partenaire de Soins en développant des solutions qui intègrent, notamment les aspects socioculturels, les organisations et les réglementations respectives des différents niveaux (micro, meso, macro) du système de santé. Concrètement, les responsables des équipes des quatre territoires (Luxembourg, Belgique, France) procéderont à des recherches scientifiques, mobiliseront les associations et les comités de patients, sensibiliseront les professionnels de santé et évalueront la place des nouvelles technologies dans les pratiques d’APPS. Le projet produira : • Une définition des principes de fonctionnement ainsi qu’un cadre conceptuel de l’APPS communs aux pays de la Grande Région. • Des recommandations pour rendre possible l’implémentation de l’APPS. • Une analyse des activités d’APPS ainsi que des interventions existantes dans la Grande Région. • Un réseau-transfrontalier des associations et des comités de patients. • Des solutions innovantes, utilisant les nouvelles technologies (ex : e-santé, m-santé), pour faciliter le développement durable des pratiques de l’APPS. • Un programme d’études et de formations professionnels pour sensibiliser les professionnels de santé à l’APPS. [less ▲]

New cultural competences needed for healthcare teams as a priority in treatment of chronic diseases

in "Health Psychology across the Lifespan: Uniting Research, Practice and Policy” (2018)

Technological changes and higher prevalence of chronic diseases require changing patients’ and healthcare professionals’ position with more participation in healthcare organization, and more implication ... [more ▼]

Technological changes and higher prevalence of chronic diseases require changing patients’ and healthcare professionals’ position with more participation in healthcare organization, and more implication in their relationships. Based on the Canadian ‘patient-as-partner in healthcare’ approach, our aims were to identify and categorize cultural values underlying this term in Luxembourg, and to characterize a set of cultural competencies needed for its practical application. Method: A qualitative study using a semi-directive guide developed within an INTERREG project was conducted among 30 healthcare professionals. A categorical thematic content analysis was realized using N'Vivo software. Results: For some professionals, the word ‘partner’ is not appropriate in Luxembourgish, but they defined it as a companion who engages in a mutual cooperation, structured collaboration and sharing of information with a common goal: Quality of healthcare. For others, a ‘partner’ is an associate who takes part in decision making, discussions, negotiations and evaluations. This partner approach would allow processes of change, bringing autonomy (surveillance, self-education, and monitoring treatment) to the patients, provided that professionals partly cede their traditional power. Trust and respect would be the main start of this process. Difficulties in communication and relationships would arise when helping the patients understand their disease, adhering to instructions, and giving a balanced place to the information found on Internet. Conclusion: This ‘collaborative accompaniment’ appears to allow decisional balance, an interdisciplinary method which requires training for all partners (physicians GP or specialists, patients and psychologist) and not only case-managers to help patients acquire self-efficacy for behavioral changes. [less ▲]

Le changement de rôle des patients atteints de maladie chronique dans l'organisation des soins

in Pratiques et interventions en santé (2018)

Introduction: Les patients sont de plus en plus impliqués dans les soins qui exigent leur engagement dans la surveillance, la prévention des risques, l'auto-éducation et l'auto-traitement. Les ... [more ▼]

Introduction: Les patients sont de plus en plus impliqués dans les soins qui exigent leur engagement dans la surveillance, la prévention des risques, l'auto-éducation et l'auto-traitement. Les professionnels, quant à eux, ils sont plus enclins à adopter avec leurs patients des modèles d'interaction équitable. Sur le plan théorique, une Approche Patient Partenaire de Soins (APPS) a été proposée par des chercheurs canadiens. Pour clarifier ce que représente l’APPS, une étude qualitative a tenté d’analyser les facteurs culturels et psychosociaux qui interviennent dans la mise en place d’une APPS. Méthode : Avec l’appui des associations luxembourgeoises, six focus groupes ont été organisés avec 30 patients. A partir des retranscriptions, une analyse de contenu thématique catégorielle a été réalisée avec l’aide de N’Vivo 12 Résultats: Parmi les obstacles qui freinent une APPS, des divergences culturelles entre patients et professionnels de santé sont évoqués. Des patients préfèrent en effet rester en harmonie avec leurs valeurs et refusent de partager les prises de décision, pour eux seuls les professionnels doivent les prendre. Les échanges avec les professionnels restent compliqués car des positions dominantes et autoritaires demeurent. Parmi les facteurs favorisants APPS, on peut retenir le fait que les patients estiment avoir une connaissance de leur corps, et qu’ils ressentent l’impact que peut avoir les effets secondaires des traitements ; ceci à condition qu’ils soient capables de les verbaliser. Enfin l'accent est mis sur une confiance réciproque. Conclusion: Une éducation des patients devrait être développée pour leur permettre d’acquérir un «Capital Culturel en Santé» ; une connaissance de base favorisant la compréhension des soins et facilitant les relations avec les professionnels de santé. De même, une formation médicale et une pratique infirmière plus soutenues par des «Compétences Culturelles» permettaient aux professionnels de mieux reconnaître l'impact socioculturel que peut avoir leur identité lors de leurs relations avec les patients. [less ▲]

Life Satisfaction and longitudinal changes in physical activity, diabetes and obesity among patients with cardiovascular diseases.

in BMC Public Health (2017), (17), 925

Patients with cardiovascular disease who underwent coronary angiography at the National Institute of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiological Intervention (INCCI) in Luxembourg were surveyed for cardiovascular ... [more ▼]

Patients with cardiovascular disease who underwent coronary angiography at the National Institute of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiological Intervention (INCCI) in Luxembourg were surveyed for cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco consumption). In 2013/14, their life satisfaction (LS) was also assessed. Our aim was to analyse the relationships between LS on one hand and <br />longitudinal changes in CVRF between 2008/09 and 2013/14 and socioeconomic factors on the other. <br />Methods: 1289 patients completed a self-administered questionnaire. Life Satisfaction, originally recorded on a 1 to 10 scale of complete satisfaction was dichotomized into two groups: ≤ 7 and. >7. We then performed logistic multiple regressions. The event on which the probability was modelled, was LS > 7. Data were adjusted on age, sex and income. Longitudinal changes in CVRF were assessed by their presence or absence in 2008/09 and 2013/ 14 (categories: ‘no-no’; ‘no-yes’; ‘yes-no’; ‘yes-yes’). <br />Results: Physical activity in 2008/09 and 2013/14 was associated with a lower LS (OR = 0.469). The same pattern was observed for obesity and physical inactivity: lower LS was related to the presence of these risks (yes-yes; no-yes) in 2013/14 (mean OR for obesity and physical inactivity in 2013/14: 0.587 and 0.485 respectively), whereas their presence or absence in 2008/09 was not related to LS. Finally, patients who suffered from diabetes in 2008 <br />were more likely to experience a decline in LS, particularly if their diabetes was less severe in 2013/14 (OR = 0.462). <br />Conclusions: The lowest LS was observed when obesity or physical inactivity was present in 2013/14, newly or otherwise. The same trend was seen in diabetes among patients who had it in 2008/9, but were less severely affected in 2013/14. In secondary prevention, CVD-related upheavals could be minimised if professionals and patients ecame ‘Partners in Healthcare’ to better adhere to healthy lifestyles, as well as to reduce CVRF, and thereby enhance LS. [less ▲]

Quality of doctor-patient communication in cardiovascular diseases and secondary preventive adherence. The role of gender

in Innovative ideas in Health Psychology (2017)

The doctor-patient communication intervenes on the preventive behaviours of chronic patients by reducing their risk factors – in cardiovascular diseases: hypertension, overweight, obesity ... [more ▼]

The doctor-patient communication intervenes on the preventive behaviours of chronic patients by reducing their risk factors – in cardiovascular diseases: hypertension, overweight, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes. What are the associations between the quality of communication and the improvement of secondary preventive behaviours? How does gender influence these relationships? Methods: 1,289 patients who underwent a coronary angiography in 2008/09 in Luxembourg completed a self-administered questionnaire at the time of the visit, and at a five-year follow-up. The probability of improving each preventive eating behaviour (decrease of salt, sugar, fat consumption and increase of fruits/vegetables), and the quality of doctor-patient communication (5-item scale) were evaluated using logistic regression models. Sex was introduced in interaction with the communication score. Findings: Among hypertensive respondents, a higher quality of communication was associated with a higher probability of decreasing the salt intake in women (OR [95% CI]: 1.139 [1.060; 1.223]) whereas in men, the OR was only 1.086 [1.017; 1.159]. ORs were also higher in women among patients with hypertension, overweight and hypercholesterolemia regarding the increase of fruits/vegetables consumption; among patients with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia regarding sugar decrease or cessation; and among patients with overweight and hypercholesterolemia regarding fat reduction or stop. ORs were slightly higher among men only among diabetic and obese patients, regarding the increase of fruits/vegetables consumption. Discussion: The quality of the communication showed an effect on the adoption of secondary preventive eating behaviours, especially in women patients. Motivational interviews could encourage, especially men patients, to adhere to the recommendations about lifestyle change. [less ▲]

What enhances the Life Satisfaction of postgraduates who studied in Luxembourg, in the EU or out-EU universities?

in Papanikos, Gregori. T. (Ed.) Education (2016)

Postgraduate students’ Life Satisfaction (LS) has been few explored, in a context where mobility towards universities abroad is increasing. In Luxembourg, more than half of students pursue their studies ... [more ▼]

Postgraduate students’ Life Satisfaction (LS) has been few explored, in a context where mobility towards universities abroad is increasing. In Luxembourg, more than half of students pursue their studies in a different country, and must be able to cope with this transition. Our research questions were (1) which factors are associated with students’ LS, according to their country of studies, and in relation to their mental health, career attitude and socioeconomic characteristics? and (2) which determinants contribute to a better LS for each group? For the years 2012 and 2013, all postgraduates who had obtained a financial aid from the Luxembourgish government were contacted by post to complete an online questionnaire. For the 492 respondents, the regression analysis showed that a higher health satisfaction leads to higher LS. Career optimism and planning were positively associated with LS for students in Luxembourg. Higher were autonomy and career adaptability, and lower was worry, better was the LS for those studying in EU. To enhance students’ LS, it is suggested a preparation for a successful mobility organized by the corresponding CEDIES of every country. Moreover, an accompaniment realized by the hosting university should be also proposed to students in mobility. [less ▲]

Factors that contribute to work satisfaction of master students and graduates

in Pracana, Clara; Wang, Michael (Eds.) International psychological Applications Conference and Trends (2016)

From employers to university managers, they all want their employees or students to be the most satisfied in their work or studies respectively. Our study aim was to analyze the associations between work ... [more ▼]

From employers to university managers, they all want their employees or students to be the most satisfied in their work or studies respectively. Our study aim was to analyze the associations between work satisfaction (WS) with psychosocial job-related factors, general and psychological quality of life, and socioeconomic characteristics. An online questionnaire was completed by Master students (N=66) and graduates (N=71). WS was assessed with a single item (1 to 10=very satisfied). Determinants of Postgraduates’ WS were: physical working conditions, recognition you get for good work, opportunity to use ones abilities as well as general and psychological quality of life. These results show that their entrance into the job market is recent and hasn’t yet allowed them to feel the reinforcement they are entitled to expect. Indeed, for Masters Students, the higher their WS was, the better the financial situation they declared was, and the higher the freedom to choose their own work methods and relationships with colleagues and fellow workers were. Whereas for graduates, it is the amount of responsibility they are given, which was higher. The perceptions of graduates’ WS in relation to their career attitudes and at different stages of their careers must be further explored with a longitudinal study. [less ▲]

Doctor-patient communication about nutrition on related secondary preventive behaviours, especially for hypertension

in Hypertension (2016)

Inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables and salt intake are two major factors that can play a role in increased to secondary prevention behaviours. Doctor-patient relationship intervenes on the ... [more ▼]

Inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables and salt intake are two major factors that can play a role in increased to secondary prevention behaviours. Doctor-patient relationship intervenes on the adherence of these advices. For hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, overweight and obesity, our study’s aim was to analyse the associations between the quality of the doctor-patient communication, evaluated in 2013, and patients’ adherence to their general practitioner (GP)’s nutritional advices, between 2008 and 2013. Methods Performed by the National Institute of Cardiac Surgery and Interventional Cardiology in Luxembourg, 4391 patients were contacted. Five years after a coronary angiography, 1289 completed a self-rating questionnaire assessing the GP’Com-5 items scale (Cronbach 0.87). The variables were analysed with a multiple logistic regression model. Results Patients declared that 57.9% reduced or stopped their consumption of salt intake, whereas 65% increased their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Around 37% of the patients reported having made changes following the advice of their doctor. An increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables was linked with the quality of doctor-patient communication when patients were hypertension (odd ratio (OR) = 1.084, IC 95%, [1.017-1.157]), overweight (1.081 [1.013-1.155]), obesity (OR = 1.130 [1.056-1.209]), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.102 [1.033–1.175]) and diabetes (OR = 1.103 [1.029-1.181]). The decreased of salt intake consumption was associated with the quality of physician-patient communication when the patient was hypertension (OR = 1.102 [1.034 – 1.176]). Conclusion Doctor-patient communication is a relevant determinant in obtaining a favourable behavioural outcome, especially on nutrition. The rehabilitation program must promote more exchange and telephone assistance to develop a mutual engagement. [less ▲]