Home-based immunoglobulin infusion therapy: quality of life and patient health perceptions.
Thirty-seven antibody-deficient patients who were participating in a multicenter trial evaluating home-based, self-administered IVIG therapy anonymously completed questionnaires regarding beliefs concerning health control, quality of life, and attitudes toward active participation in medical care. Their responses were compared with a group of 29 patients undergoing traditional IVIG therapy in a medical clinic setting. A subsample of the home-based group who later returned to clinic-based IVIG therapy allowed comparison of responses given by the same patients in both settings. Home-based therapy was preferred to clinic-based therapy. Independence, convenience, comfort, decreased disruption of activities, travel time, and costs were specific factors rated most favorably. On the Health Belief Questionnaires, patients preferred informed, self-involved medical care regardless of the setting for their IVIG treatments.
Daly
P B
PB
Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha.
Evans
J H
JH
Kobayashi
R H
RH
Kobayashi
A L
AL
Ochs
H D
HD
Fischer
S H
SH
Pirofsky
B
B
Sprouse
C
C
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous