Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2007. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 189-197). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oklahoma, 1990. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 216-255).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 197-202). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Doctor's use of medical terms is generally considered to be one of the reasons for patients' poor comprehension of medical information. However, little research has been done on the effects of Chinese medical terms, which are constructed rather differently compared to English medical terms. This study manipulated the use of Chinese medical terms in a simulated clinical consultation, to investigate its effects on patients’ comprehension of medical information and their confidence for seeking further information. One hundred and eighty one eligible Hong Kong laypersons were randomly assigned to watch one of three video clips, which differed in the use of words explaining the underlying pathological changes and the treatment of prolapsed intervertebral disc: one with lay terms only (group 1), another with medical terms alone (group 2), and another one with medical terms supplemented with lay terms (group 3). After that, a computer-based questionnaire was used to assess the participants' comprehension of the information and confidence for seeking further information, followed by a semi-structured face-to-face interview on their perceptions of the utility of Chinese medical terms. Results suggested that although Chinese medical terms were perceived to be useful in assisting patients to look for further information on their diseases, the use of Chinese medical terms, either used with or without the supplements of lay terms, did not add to patients' comprehension of medical information and confidence for seeking further information. Regression models showed a significant trend of decreasing comprehension of the cause of the disease (β = -0.241, P = 0.002) and knowledge test scores (β = -0.214, P = 0.006) with increasing age of the participant. However, older persons had better comprehension of the word used (β = 0.238, P = 0.001). Participants' educational level was the most important determinant of knowledge test scores (β = 0.364, P < 0.001). In addition, persons with higher education (β = 0.207, P = 0.024), professional occupation (β = 0.173, P = 0.015) had better comprehension of the cause of disease. The findings of the study have implications for doctor-patient communication as well as medical education. To improve the effectiveness of doctor-patient communication, it may be more rewarding to enhance doctors' overall communication skills, rather than simply advocating their use or not use of medical language. / published_or_final_version / Anatomy / Master / Master of Philosophy

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<p>Massage therapy is often used to treat musculoskeletal symptoms and to promote wellness. While evidence regarding its effectiveness is increasing, research related to actual practice and studies seeking to understand the mechanisms of massage therapy are needed. The purpose of this research was to describe the characteristics of massage therapists and their clients and to understand the role of communication in massage therapy outcomes. The first study examined the outcome expectations, expectancies, and behaviors of a random sample of massage therapists in Iowa (n=151) using a cross-sectional survey. The second study used a practice-based research design incorporating two samples of massage therapy clients (n=320 and n=321) to develop and validate a measure of client expectations of massage, the Client Expectations of Massage Scale (CEMS). The third study examined the influence of client expectations and massage therapists' interpersonal attractiveness on pain and satisfaction following massage. Social Cognitive Theory and Expectancy Violation Theory were used as frameworks to demonstrate how health behavior and communication theories can provide insight to massage therapy research. Results indicated that massage therapists had high expectations regarding the benefits of massage therapy and engaged in a variety of behaviors that reflect the clinical, educational, and interpersonal nature of massage therapy. In addition to using a variety of manual therapies, the massage therapists educated their clients in areas such as diet, stress management, and exercise to improve client health. Similarly, clients had positive expectations as measured by the outcome, clinical, educational, and interpersonal subscales of the CEMS. Positive outcome expectations predicted significant improvements in pain and serenity. High interpersonal expectations were related to negative changes in serenity. The third study revealed that high satisfaction was influenced by positive interpersonal attractiveness but more research is needed to understand the influence of client expectations being met on satisfaction. Initially high educational expectations, exceeded educational expectations, violated interpersonal expectations, and positive interpersonal attractiveness were related to less pain following massage. In conclusion, this research demonstrated that client expectations and massage therapist interpersonal attractiveness are important constructs to consider when evaluating the effects of massage therapy.

Thesis (M.P.H.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Public Health, 1999. / Includes bibliography (leaves 178-190).

Thesis (M.A.)--Emerson College, 1996. / Includes abstract. Bibliography: leaves 183-185.

Thesis (M. Med. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Also available in print.

Doctor of Philosophy(PhD) / This thesis consists of a series of studies of new models of multidisciplinary community health care in four compartments. These compartments are acute, subacute, outpatient and maintenance care. The purpose of the individual studies is to demonstrate the benifits of munltidisciplinary community health care in delivering alternatives to current practice by replacing hospital care or improving traditional community care.