Supporting Families. Saving Lives.
Both studies, conducted by Stephanie Felgoise Ph.D., ABPP, Professor & Vice-Chair, Department of Psychology and Director, PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Katherine Corvi, MA, a clinical psychology doctoral student attending Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, examined adults with LQTS and caregivers of children with LQTS and their social problem-solving skills, patient satisfaction, and perceived therapeutic alliance with physicians in emergency room care.
There were 21 diverse adults with LQTS who completed an online survey examining emergency room experiences. Results indicated that the sample was characterized by people who reported poor working alliance and maladaptive problem-solving skills. While overall care was perceived as poor, interactions with physicians were rated as neutral. Respondents reported 50% of ED physicians knew of LQTS, 2/3 consulted cardiologists. At this point in data collection, patient experiences in the Emergency Department are predominantly negative. At this point in data collection, patient experiences in the Emergency Department are predominantly negative, according to measures. The expectation is that a larger sample will allow for analysis of how Working Alliance and Social Problem Solving Skills contribute to satisfaction with Emergency Department experiences. It is possible that our data represent a self-selection bias of persons who volunteered because they had a negative experience in the ED. Also, the researchers did not verify respondents’ LQTS diagnosis.
A diverse sample of 20 caregivers reported moderate working alliance and adaptive problem-solving skills. While overall care was perceived as positive, caregivers’ perceived physicians’ knowledge of LQTS was neutral and were overall “not at all” helpful in treating LQTS. Respondents reported 50% of ED physicians knew of LQTS, 1/3 consulted cardiologists. Caregivers’ experiences in the ED are predominantly positive with the exception of marginal satisfaction within the area of continuity and transition of care. Individuals (caregivers of children and adults) with LQTS are encouraged to be empowered consumers about their condition. Recommendations include having LQTS patients be prepared by cardiologists in advance for how to handle possible ED services; carry information related to LQTS and medications with them; wear medical ID bracelets; and inquire about local ED staff and LQTS knowledge in their local area, before needed.