Patients' appraisals of public and private healthcare: a qualitative study of physiotherapy and osteopathy.

Patients have previously reported differences in their experiences of treatments received in the public and private sectors; it remains unclear whether such perceived differences are particular to or shared across different interventions. This study explored whether patients' appraisals of public and private treatments are similar when appraising a complementary therapy (osteopathy) compared to a mainstream therapy (physiotherapy). Thirty-five qualitative interviews were analysed thematically.

The effect of early confirmation of hearing loss on the behaviour in middle childhood of children with bilateral hearing impairment.

Aim: To determine if the benefit of early confirmation of permanent childhood hearing impairment (PCHI) on children's receptive language development is associated with fewer behavioural problems.

Method: Follow-up of a total population cohort of 120 children with PCHI of moderate or greater severity (≥ 40 decibels relative to hearing threshold level) (67 males, 53 females; mean age 7 y 11 mo, range 5 y 5 mo-11 y 8 mo) and 63 hearing children (37 males, 26 females; mean age 8 y 1 mo, range 6 y 4 mo-9 y 10 mo). The main outcome measures were the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) completed by teachers and parents and the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS) which are completed on the basis of a parental interview.