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27-06-2023 | Computed Tomography | Original Article

Impact of disclosure of radiographic test results on quality of life among patients with hernias: a randomized controlled trial

Authors: O. A. Olavarria, N. B. Lyons, K. Bernardi, N. H. Dhanani, N. Neela, A. Arakelians, B. L. Cohen, K. Mohebzad, R. Coelho, J. L. Holihan, M. K. Liang

Published in: Hernia | Issue 2/2024

Abstract

Purpose

Hernias noted on radiographic imaging are common. We aimed to determine if informing patients of the presence of a clinically apparent or occult hernia on imaging would change their abdominal wall quality of life (AW-QOL).

Methods

This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04355819) in April 2020. Patients with a ventral hernia on elective CT abdomen/pelvis were enrolled. Patients underwent standardized abdominal examination by surgeons, and completed the modified Activities Assessment Scale, a validated, hernia-specific AW-QOL survey. On this scale, 1 is poor AW-QOL, 100 is perfect, and the minimally clinically important difference is five for a minor change. Patients were randomized to complete the one-year follow-up survey before or after being informed of the presence of a hernia on their imaging results. Primary outcome was follow-up AW-QOL adjusted for baseline AW-QOL.

Results

Of 169 patients randomized, 126 (75%) completed follow up at one-year. Among patients with occult hernias, those who completed the follow-up survey after being informed of having a hernia had a lower follow-up AW-QOL (mean difference − 7.6, 95% CI = − 20.8 to 5.7, p = 0.261) compared to those who completed the survey before being informed. Conversely, for patients with clinical hernias, those who completed the survey after being informed had higher adjusted follow-up AW-QOL (mean difference 10.3, 95% CI = − 3.0 to 23.6, p = 0.126) than those that completed it after.

Conclusion

Conveying findings of hernias found on CT imaging can influence patients’ AW-QOL. Future research should focus on identifying and addressing patients’ concerns after disclosure of CT results.

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Title: Impact of disclosure of radiographic test results on quality of life among patients with hernias: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: O. A. Olavarria
N. B. Lyons
K. Bernardi
N. H. Dhanani
N. Neela
A. Arakelians
B. L. Cohen
K. Mohebzad
R. Coelho
J. L. Holihan
M. K. Liang
Publication date: 27-06-2023
Publisher: Springer Paris
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Published in: Hernia / Issue 2/2024
Print ISSN: 1265-4906
Electronic ISSN: 1248-9204
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-023-02824-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Impact of disclosure of radiographic test results on quality of life among patients with hernias: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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