The nature of life-transforming changes among cancer survivors.

Some cancer survivors report positive subjective changes they describe as "life transforming." We used a grounded theory approach to identify the content, underlying process, and identifying characteristics of self-defined "life-transforming" changes (LTCs) reported by 9 cancer survivors. To actualize their hopes for improvement, participants used a self-guided process centered on pragmatic action: researching options, gaining experience, and frankly evaluating results.

The effect of emergency department crowding on clinically oriented outcomes.

Background: An Institute of Medicine (IOM) report defines six domains of quality of care: safety, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. The effect of emergency department (ED) crowding on these domains of quality has not been comprehensively evaluated.

Objectives: The objective was to review the medical literature addressing the effects of ED crowding on clinically oriented outcomes (COOs).

BRIEF REPORT: Factors affecting outpatient follow-up compliance of emergency department patients.

Background: Emergency department (ED) patients often fail to follow-up with referrals to outpatient clinics and physicians.

Objective: To compare the effects of 2 ED discharge instructional methods on outpatient follow-up compliance and to evaluate sociodemographic characteristics as possible factors affecting outpatient follow-up compliance.

Design And Participants: Randomized trial of ED patients.