Dataset Information

Does a consumer training work? a follow-up survey of the PartecipaSalute training programs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

When properly trained through training programs on epidemiology, clinical research and healthcare policy, members of patients'/consumers' organizations could be helpful for a patient-oriented healthcare system. Since 2006 the not for profit project PartecipaSalute has organized periodic editions of a training program for representatives of citizens'/patients' organizations. After five editions of this training program, a survey of the long-term satisfaction and the impact on activities has been carried out.

Methods

A 17-questions follow-up questionnaire has been developed. The sample comprised 99 people who had taken part in at least one program edition.

Results

The overall response rate was 89% (89 responders/99 participants). About 98% of participants expressed general satisfaction with the training program and with the knowledge gained. Medical and informative topics were rated better than technical ones for their usefulness (96% versus 86%). The results of the survey showed a strong impact of the training course on single participants, while a weak outcome on the activities of the organizations was reported.

Conclusions

The training program was positively rated, and improvements in personal knowledge were reported. Less impact was reported on organizations' activities. Participants showed a remarkable willingness to get more involved in healthcare decisions, and to boost their knowledge of health and research issues. The results show the importance of follow-up to understand the real value of training program and to better organize future programs.

SUBMITTER: Mosconi P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3464673 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Does a consumer training work? a follow-up survey of the PartecipaSalute training programs.

Mosconi Paola P Satolli Roberto R Colombo Cinzia C Villani Walter W

Health research policy and systems 20120901

<h4>Background</h4>When properly trained through training programs on epidemiology, clinical research and healthcare policy, members of patients'/consumers' organizations could be helpful for a patient-oriented healthcare system. Since 2006 the not for profit project PartecipaSalute has organized periodic editions of a training program for representatives of citizens'/patients' organizations. After five editions of this training program, a survey of the long-term satisfaction and the impact on a ...[more]

PMID: 22938140

Similar Datasets

Project description:Objectives There were 2 main objectives. The primary objective was to replicate a prior clinical trial of a consumer-decides (CD) approach to selecting hearing aids in older adults as a potential model for over-the-counter (OTC) intervention using less front-end screening of participants and a wider range of frequency-gain characteristics in the devices. The 2nd objective, only feasible if participant choices allowed, was to evaluate the efficacy of the CD approach relative to a CD-based placebo device. Design The design of this study is a single-site, prospective, double-blind clinical trial. Outcome measures were obtained after a typical 4- to 5-week trial period. An optional follow-up of a 4-week audiology-based (AB) best practices trial was also included for replication and comparison purposes. Setting Older adults from the general community were recruited via newspaper and community flyers to participate at a university research clinic. Participants Participants were adults, aged 54-78 years, with mild-moderate hearing loss. Forty-one participants enrolled as a volunteer sample; 40 completed the intervention. Intervention(s) All participants received the same high-end digital mini-behind-the-ear hearing aids fitted bilaterally. CD participants self-selected their own preprogrammed hearing aids via an OTC-type model. One of the 3 devices from which participants could choose was programmed to be a placebo device with no functional gain. Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures The primary outcome measure is the 66-item self-report Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit ( Cox & Alexander, 1990 ). The secondary outcome measure is the Connected Speech Test ( Cox, Alexander, & Gilmore, 1987 ) benefit. Additional measures of hearing aid benefit and usage were also obtained. Results Per-protocol analyses based on the data from the 40 (of 41) participants who completed the study were performed. Hearing aid outcomes from this follow-up CD (CD2) cohort were positive and generally the same as for the original CD cohort. CD service delivery model was efficacious relative to CD-based placebo control, with medium effect sizes observed. Approximately half of the CD2 group was likely to purchase hearing aids after the trial, similar to findings for the original CD cohort. Outcomes improved significantly for the 32 CD2 participants who elected to complete the optional 4-week AB trial. For this largely unscreened sample, more individuals with healthy hearing sought amplification, and many of these individuals (35%) chose placebo devices for both ears. Conclusions Prior positive outcomes for CD service delivery have been replicated in a less restrictive approach to participant recruitment. The CD approach was again found to be efficacious. Significantly better outcomes were observed after subsequent AB service delivery follow-up, also replicating prior findings. Efficacious OTC models, including those using similar CD approaches to hearing aid self-selection, may increase accessibility and affordability of hearing aids for millions of older adults. Front-end guidance to consumers regarding the best path to intervention, ranging from self-screening of hearing online to a full audiologic assessment, appears to be critical to optimize the success of OTC approaches. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01788432; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01788423 Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7728479.

Dataset Information

Does a consumer training work? a follow-up survey of the PartecipaSalute training programs.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Does a consumer training work? a follow-up survey of the PartecipaSalute training programs.

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