In comparing experimental studies with observational studies, which of the following statements is false?
Correct Answer C: In both types of studies, the effect of differences of an independent variable (or variables) on the behavior of the dependent variable are observed. The difference between the two types is in how the study is actually conducted.
An experimental study involves taking measurements of the system under study, manipulating the system, and then taking additional measurements using the same procedure to determine if the manipulation may have modified the values of the measurements.
In contrast, an observational study does not involve experimental manipulation. Instead data are gathered and correlations between predictors and the response are investigated.
An example of an experimental study is the famous Hawthorne studies which attempted to test changes to the working environment at the Hawthorne plant of the Western Electric Company. The researchers were interested in whether increased illumination would increase the productivity of the assembly line workers. The researchers first measured productivity in the plant then modified the illumination in an area of the plant to see if changes in illumination would affect productivity. As it turns out, productivity improved under all the experimental conditions (see Hawthorne effect).
An example of an observational study is a study which explores the correlation between smoking and lung cancer. This type of study typically uses a survey to collect observations about the area of interest and then perform statistical analysis. In this case, the researchers would collect observations of both smokers and non-smokers, perhaps through a case-control study, and then look at the number of cases of lung cancer in each group.
Medication compliance can be increased by:
Correct Answer C: Compliance in a medical context refers to a patient agreeing to and then undergoing some part of a treatment program as advised by a doctor or other healthcare worker. Most commonly it is a patient taking medication (drug compliance).
Causes for poor compliance include:
Compliance with treatment can be improved by:
Medication non-adherence in patients leads to considerable worsening of disease, death, and increased health care costs. The consequence of non-adherence is waste of medication, disease progression, reduced functional abilities, a lower quality of life, increased use of medical resources such as nursing homes, hospital visits and hospital admissions.
Which of the following is most related to patient compliance with medication?
Correct Answer B: Patient compliance can be affected by the following:
Patients most often become non-compliant for chronic diseases, like hypertension, where they do not have any unpleasant symptoms even without strict compliance to medication regimen.
Which one of the following is true concerning patient adherence?
Correct Answer D: Active participation by the patient in the selection and adjustment of a therapeutic regimen improves adherence. Self-monitoring of blood pressure increases participation and thus increases adherence to hypertension regimens.
Physicians rarely identify nonadherent patients. Complicated drug regimens reduce compliance by confusing patients. Patients frequently become more adherent just before an appointment. Chronically ill pediatric patients are no more likely to be adherent than chronically ill adult patients.
Which one of the following statements is true regarding medication for homeless populations?
Correct Answer D: Homeless patients face many barriers in accessing and complying with medical care. The goal of a provider should be to decrease the difficulty of adhering to medical regimens. Using the simplest medical regimen warranted by standard clinical guidelines is helpful, with once-daily, directly observed therapy being preferable. Liquid formulations should be avoided if possible, because of the need for measuring and refrigerating. Medications with sedative effects may compromise a patient’s safety on the streets or in shelters. Pseudoephedrine should be prescribed carefully, as it can be used to make methamphetamine. Albuterol can be used to enhance the effects of crack cocaine. Diuretics can be problematic for patients who have limited access to bathroom facilities during the day.
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