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Final validation of the Pediatric Tracheotomy Health

Status Instrument (PTHSI)

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc., March 2002 – Volume 126 – Number 3

Christopher J. Hartnick, MD
Barbara K. Giambra, RN, MS, PNP
Cynthia Bissell, RN
Cynthia M. Fitton, RN, MSN, CPNP
Robin T. Cotton, MD
Susan K. Parsons, MD, MRP
Boston, Massachusetts

Abstract

Objective: We sought to describe the development and final testing of an instrument designed to evaluate the impact of tracheotomy on the health-related quality of life of affected families in whom a child has had a tracheotomy (the Pediatric Tracheotomy Health Status Instrument [PTHSI]).

Study Design: This cross-sectional study designed to analyze a disease-specific health status instrument to establish validity and reliability.

Results: The PTHSI was initially pilot tested in 130 families during a 3-month period from September through November 2000. After initial analysis and revision, from January 2001 through July 2001, 154 different families completed the revised instrument. The overall Cronbach’s coefficient for the instrument was 0.91, with domain-specific coefficients ranging from 0.66 for physical symptoms to 0.87 for caregiver stress and coping. Specific criterion validity analysis produced a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.8 (P < 0.0001). Construct validity testing via Wilcoxon matched sum testing suggested statistically significant differences between subpopulations (P < 0.001). Conclusion: After initial testing and revision of the PTHSI, final instrument administration and analysis reveal the instrument to be valid and reliable. Future studies are planned to evaluate its responsiveness in longitudinal application.

Library | cindy | March 1, 2002 | Leave a comment

Canadian Bear

Canada is a country that is north of the United States.

The people who live in Canada do not mind the cold. They are called "hardy people." — The people who live in Canada do not mind the cold.
They are called “hardy people.”

This is because their blood is thicker than ours, so it does not freeze in the cold.

I don’t like to be cold. I wait for Uncle Bear to travel south to visit me! — I don’t like to be cold.
I wait for Uncle Bear to travel south to visit me!

THE END

Published by
The Children’s Publishing Center
South Grafton Elementary School
South Grafton, MA
2001-2002

Eric Library | cindy | January 1, 2002 | Leave a comment | bissell Book Canada SGES South Grafton Elementary School

Aaron’s Tracheostomy Page Appears in New American Medical Association Publication

Aaron's Tracheostomy Page is found on Page 24 of this new publication "Building and Implementing Physician Practice Web Sites" by Michael A. Rothschild, MD as an example of a community web site. — Aaron’s Tracheostomy Page is found on Page 24 of this new publication “Building and Implementing Physician Practice Web Sites” by Michael A. Rothschild, MD as an example of a community web site.

Uncategorized | cindy | June 1, 2001 | Leave a comment | Aaron's Tracheostomy Page medical sites Web

Bissell’s Receive MR/DD Award At Statehouse

BOSTON: Richard and Cindy Bissell of Grafton received recognition at the 2001 Department of Mental Retardation Statehouse Recognition Ceremony on March 30. The ceremony, entitled “In Partnership with Communities” and hosted by WBZ-TV’s Bob Lobel, honored fifteen individuals and/or groups throughout the state for their progress and accomplish-merits that have been achieved through inter-personal, interagency and collaborative efforts.

The Bissell’s are parents of twin boys with disabilities who determined a need in the Central Region of Massachusetts for information about disability-related resources. Working in partnership with the Central Region of the Department of Mental Retardation and central region resources, they created and maintain the www.communitygateway.org website. Families, provider agencies, staff, individuals with disabilities and community members are now able to access disability information for local, state, and national resources. The Bissell’s work with large and small groups to provide links to their website and keep online resource information current and accurate.

The Mental Retardation community held numerous events throughout the state in March to commemorate the month as Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities month. Regional, facilities and area offices working in concert with families and boards hosted a series of local events conferences, legislative receptions and recognition ceremonies to honor the accomplishments of people with developmental disabilities.