bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
User participation and involvement in mental health rehabilitation: A literature review
Authors: Petersen Kirsten , Hounsgaard Lise , Nielsen Claus Vinther 
Published: May 2014

Aim This review aimed to identify and evaluate research on user participation and involvement in mental health rehabilitation; how it is viewed from the users and the professionals perspectives, how it affects the processes and outcome of rehabilitation, and which theories and research methods are used. Method Empirical research papers from 1997–2007 were reviewed. A systematic search of international electronic databases was performed, using the Matrix Method. Findings Thirteen papers based on quantitative and qualitative methods were included. Differing perspectives on user involvement, barriers and factors furthering rehabilitation were key themes highlighted. User participation and involvement has a positive effect on development of social skills, on outcome of rehabilitation and assists the prevention of helplessness. Conclusions Although sparse, existing research suggests that user participation and involvement has a positive effect on the process and outcome of rehabilitation in mental health. Exploration of this area would benefit from greater clarity of theoretical concepts around user participation, and further research should explore barriers to user involvement.
Skilled transfer training in stroke rehabilitation: A review of use and safety
Authors: Mehan Robert , Mackenzie Meaghan , Brock Kim 
Published: May 2014

Aims This study reviews the use of a competency-based training tool, which was developed to teach staff on a stroke rehabilitation unit specifi c, skilled transfers based on the Bobath concept. The tool aims to minimize risk of injury to staff while maximizing the patient's opportunity to actively participate in transfers. Methods A retrospective audit was undertaken to assess the safety of the transfers for staff and use of the transfers in patients with moderate to severe stroke at one rehabilitation unit at a hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Incident reports from a 7-year period were reviewed. Use of transfers was investigated over 1 year by auditing records for mode of transfer used for each week of rehabilitation stay. Six incident reports relating to staff injury were identifi ed, with no days of work lost. The skilled transfers taught on the training programme were used for 46% of the cumulative length of rehabilitation stay. Discussion and conclusions These results indicate that the competency-based skilled transfers potentially provide opportunities for the patient to actively participate in transfers with minimal risk of injury to staff. This competency-based training tool should be further explored, and research should also investigate the ability of skilled transfers to enhance outcomes and/or the rate of recovery for stroke patients.
Reintegration and rehabilitation after spinal cord injury: a small-scale pilot study
Authors: Suddick Kitty , O'Neill Aoife 
Published: May 2014

Aims Despite the fact that community reintegration is rapidly becoming a significant area of clinical, policy and research concern, research into reintegration after spinal cord injury (SCI) within the UK is sparse. This small-scale pilot study aimed to explore the experiences of reintegration for people living with SCI in the UK, and how rehabilitation was perceived to have helped or hindered this reintegration. Methods Seven participants between 5–12 years, post-SCI, and who lived in the community were recruited from local sport and activity groups. All participants took part in a single semi-structured interview. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and sent to each respondent for validation. Transcripts were then analysed. Findings Themes that emerged regarding the individuals' experiences of reintegration and rehabilitation were: restoring independence, regaining life roles, understanding and redefining, individuals' and family and friends' attitudes, professionals' attitude and approach, dissatisfaction and unmet needs, transition to home, and lack of community rehabilitation and follow-up services. Conclusions Although only a small-scale study, the findings suggest potential areas for improving SCI rehabilitation. They also support further research that will establish whether current rehabilitation services are successful in meeting the needs of those with SCI.
Population health surveys: An introduction to basic concepts
Authors: Waghorn Geoffrey , Lloyd Chris 
Published: May 2014

Background Population health surveys are a subset of general survey research methods that overlap with epidemiology, a research domain that has been defined as the study of the distribution of disease in populations, rather than the study of disease processes in affected individuals. Population based surveys in health, therapy or rehabilitation differ in fundamental ways from other research methods which may involve interventions, experimental designs or non-representative surveys. Content This article introduces some basic concepts in population survey design so that health professionals can better assess and use information from this source. The different types of population-based survey designs are described, and an overview of sampling methods is provided. The concepts of prevalence and incidence are examined, and methods of diagnostic assessment, reliability estimation, and of survey and data set evaluation are described. Conclusions Population surveys need to be methodologically sound and reported in sufficient detail for close replication. The strengths and limitations of the design need to be critically discussed with reference to the population in scope and the aims of the study. This article can be used by health professionals to classify the potential strength of a particular population survey with respect to its intended purpose and population in scope.
Supporting allied health practitioners in evidence-based practice: A case report
Authors: Lizarondo Lucylynn M , Kumar Saravana , Grimmer-Somers Karen 
Published: May 2014

Aims The Centre for Allied Health Evidence in collaboration with the Department of Health, South Australia, initiated structured journal clubs across selected metropolitan and country allied health-care sites. The aim was to provide a sustainable model of journal club to keep allied health practitioners informed of the current best evidence. This case report describes the development of the journal club, and its evaluation to date. Methods The journal club development and its component processes are described. Evaluation of the journal club was conducted using a survey to ascertain participants knowledge and attitude towards evidence-based practice and their expectations of journal clubs. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore reasons for interest in journal clubs, local barriers to implementation and sustainability, and members perspectives of journal clubs. Findings The processes involved in the journal club comprised six distinct steps, from development of a clinical scenario to reflect issues in current clinical practice, to dissemination of the research publication and its critical appraisal at the health service site. Evaluation of participants attitudes revealed a lack of confidence in research interpretation, positive expectations of the journal club (in applying research to practice), and a reliance on peers for research information. The journal club model was found to be effective in addressing the significant barriers of access and evaluation of research evidence. Conclusions The case report demonstrates how this unique model of collaborative partnership between researchers and allied health practitioners can address the barriers in evidence-based practice, which could potentially impact on overall health service quality. Further evaluation of this model is needed.
A specialized exercise programme for a patient suffering from eosinophilic meningitis
Authors: Sealey Rebecca , Newman Rosemarie 
Published: May 2014

Aims The aim of this study was to determine whether a specialized exercise program, including vibration training, resistance exercise and stretching, improved health, fitness and quality of life in a patient suffering from chronic pain due to skin hypersensitivity, insomnia, irritability and depression, all associated with eosinophilic meningitis, with pain exacerbated during exercise. Methods The 20-–30-minute program incorporated stretching, lower-body exercises performed on a vibration platform and upper-body resistance exercises, which were performed three times a week within an air-conditioned environment. The patient wore a tight-fitting long-sleeve shirt to minimize skin pain. Pre- and post-assessments included body mass index, girth, cholesterol, resting heart rate and blood pressure, mobility, strength, endurance and flexibility. Findings The patient completed all 36 exercise sessions, resulting in an average 14% (2–25%) improvement in health, 42% (19–103%) improvement in functional fitness, and improved quality of life measures as stated by the patient. Despite experiencing chest skin pain during vibration training, the combination of the air-conditioned environment, as well as the short duration of the sessions, the use of a long-sleeved shirt and the proximity of the patient's house to the clinic, helped him control his pain. Conclusions The set programme with pain-control measures was a successful exercise combination for the patient who was previously unable to undertake regular exercise due to pain associated with skin hypersensitivity from meningitis.
Legal rehabilitation of health professionals in New Zealand
Authors: Diesfeld Kate , Godbold Rosemary 
Published: May 2014

Aims A common understanding of ‘rehabilitation’ is the restoration of physical or mental functioning. However, sometimes the concept is applied by professional disciplinary bodies to restore poorly performing health practitioners to their former level of professional functioning. This article aims to research what ‘rehabilitation’ means, in the context of New Zealand law. Methods A range of cases were considered to assess what rehabilitation consists of, and when disciplinary boards choose to use it. Where discrepancies between decisions gave rise to questions, further analysis was carried out. Findings It can be seen that the New Zealand's disciplinary decisions do not appear consistent, particularly differing by profession. Nevertheless, a clearer approach is beginning to emerge, one which should become more so in the future. Conclusions Analysis of New Zealand's disciplinary decisions may contribute to the rich international research on professional regulation.
Systematic review: interventions intended to reduce admission to hospital of older people
Authors: Batty Christine 
Published: May 2014

Aims To reduce costly acute hospital admissions of a growing elderly population, a number of complex interventions have been developed, but evidence of the effectiveness of these is inconclusive. What is it about these models that make them effective or ineffective? The aim of this study was to examine the research underpinning these models; analyse treatment components and identify what is and is not effective. Method Thirteen international studies of complex interventions that reported hospital admission data as an outcome, published between 2000 and 2009, were examined. Findings What works in reducing admissions is not one, but a combination of components, underpinned by the delivery of interventions by established, integrated health and social care teams. Conclusions the most effective models in preventing older people being admitted to hospital are provided by established, integrated teams in the patient's home. However, cost effectiveness must be considered if effective interventions are to be delivered to a growing population of older people.
The role of an Australian homeless health outreach team. Part 2: a case study
Authors: Murtagh Laura , Lloyd Chris , Bassett Hazel 
Published: May 2014

Background Throughout the western world, the issue of homelessness has been receiving increasing attention. As a government response to homelessness in Australia, the Queensland State Government developed a strategic plan to address this issue, establishing Homeless Health Outreach Teams. Contents This article follows on from the previous issue, where the background to a team's formation is discussed. This article continues this discussion by describing a case study of a homeless service user. The areas that are addressed include the team involvement, recommendations for continuing treatment, and the practical ways in which the service user was assisted. Conclusions A key feature of team's work was the close working relationships established with both the non-government and government sectors in order to address the service user's complex needs. The work was challenging, but the potential of working in this way with a population experiencing homelessness is only limited by the creativity of the team.
Disability Studies in India: The Kerala Experience
Authors: Karna GN 
Published: May 2014

The study of disability as difference is not new. Disability theory is currently divided between those who insist it reflects a physical fact affecting life quality, and those who believe disability is defined by social prejudice. Notwithstanding a dialogue spanning bioethical, medical and social scientific literatures, the differences between opposing views remains persistent. Moreover, the issue of disability is dogged by the controversy of ‘normality’ and ‘abnormality’. Disability as ‘difference’, is often used in this context.
Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: experiences in northern regional Australia
Authors: Sossai Kate , Gray Marion , Tanner Bronwyn 
Published: May 2014

Objectives: This study aims to explore in depth the experience of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from the perspective of people with the condition in northern regional Australia.Methods: Qualitative research design was employed. Data was obtained from eight participants from a health service for chronic illness using semi-structured interviews to capture participants' diverse experiences. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and analyzed using a computer software programme. Data was coded and analyzed thematically.Results: Participant narratives illustrated the severe functional impairments and subsequent psychosocial consequences of this disease. In relation to the participants' experience of COPD, six major themes were identified. These were: emotional wellbeing, physical experience, knowledge and understanding, social relationships, external factors, and experience of intervention in relation to their COPD.Conclusions: This study provides a depth of insight into the day to day experience of people with COPD in a northern Australian location. Findings highlight the importance of the effect that climate, anxiety, and patient education have on participation in daily life and indicate a need for further research into these factors.
Positive clinical placements: perspectives of students and clinical educators in rehabilitation medicine
Authors: Hall Mark , McFarlane Lu-Anne , Mulholland Susan 
Published: May 2014

Background: Clinical education is a critical component of health science training programmes; however, clinical placement offers are often difficult to obtain. Although most placements are successful, a negative experience can have a significant impact on students, clinicians and clinical sites and may result in an agency's reluctance to supervise students. This study identified elements in rehabilitation medicine student clinical placements that facilitate a positive placement outcome. Methods: 152 first year rehabilitation medicine (Occupational and Physical Therapy & Speech-Language Pathology) students and 120 of their clinical educators completed a survey after their first (4-12 week) clinical placement. Students and educators rated items in 10 sections addressing demographics, general perceptions regarding a positive placement experience, physical space and resources, orientation to site, clinical educator-student relationship, relationship with the interprofessional team, location, area of practice, and financial and social supports. Findings: Ninety-eight percent of students and 97% of clinicians stated that the placement experience had been positive. Qualitative findings highlight student and clinical educator attitudes towards teaching and learning, and the team at the placement site as key factors contributing to a positive outcome. Conclusion: Despite external pressures and a lack of physical space to accommodate students, placement experiences were overwhelmingly positive. The factors contributing to this positive outcome can assist sites and university programmes in planning for future experiences.
Do occupational therapy pre-discharge home visits affect the longer term outcomes of the discharge process?
Authors: Wilson Lesley , Atwal Anita , Richards Chris , McIntyre Anne 
Published: May 2014

Background: Pre-discharge occupational therapy home assessments are routinely performed with older adults in Europe, Australia, and North America. Their primary aim is to facilitate a timely and safe discharge. There has been remarkably little research on the impact of pre-discharge occupational therapy home visits upon the subsequent discharge outcomes. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine whether pre-discharge home visits from an acute care National Health Service hospital enable an older person to remain at home, whether pre-discharge home visit prevents re-admission to hospital and whether occupational therapy recommendations made on the pre-discharge visit were still complied with two years after discharge. Method: Medical notes of 7 older adults were retrospectively analysed in May 2007 two years after their pre-discharge home visits carried out in 2005. A non-standardised pre-designed data collection tool was used in the medical note analysis. Results: The findings from this exploratory study suggest that occupational therapy pre-discharge home visits may have a positive effect in enabling frail older adults to remain living at home, that re-admissions following home visits in the current sample were for medical rather than functional reasons and that not all the recommendations made by occupational therapists were complied with. Conclusion: It is suggested that further research needs to be done to determine whether occupational therapists in acute care services have a wider role in the management of more frail older adults with long term and deteriorating conditions. There needs to be an acknowledgement that the compensatory approach used within pre-discharge home visits may be of benefit to many older clients.
Comparative efficacy of cervical retraction exercises (McKenzie) with and without using pressure biofeedback in cervical spondylosis
Authors: Wani Surendra , Raka Neha , Jethwa Juhi , Mohammed Rafi 
Published: May 2014

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of cervical retraction exercises (McKenzie) with or without using pressure biofeedback in reducing pain and disability among patients with cervical spondylosis. Methods: Thirty participants of both genders and aged between 30 and 70 years who were medically diagnosed with cervical spondylosis were included and allocated by randomised sampling into two study groups. Group A were given cervical retraction exercises and Group B were given cervical retraction exercises and instructed to use a pressure biofeedback unit during these exercises. All of the participants in Group A and B were also given moist packs. The outcome measures used both pre- and post-intervention were: the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), which was used to assess for pain, and the Northwick Park Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), which was used to assess for disability. The demographic data collected in the study were the age and symptom duration. Results: The t tests of the post-interventional NPRS scores (P=0.0001*; t=4.5683), and post-intervention NPQ scores (P=0.0001*; t=4.945) showed a statistically significant difference between Group A and Group B. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicates that there was a significant reduction in neck pain and disability in both the groups. However, cervical retraction exercises using pressure biofeedback proved to be better than cervical retraction exercises alone.
Insomnia in chronic lower back pain: Non-pharmacological physiotherapy interventions
Authors: Nalajala Narender , Walls Kaye , Hili Ethel 
Published: May 2014

Background: Managing chronic lower back pain (CLBP) is a challenging issue for physiotherapists working in musculoskeletal clinics because of its complex bio-psychosocial nature. Sleep disturbance is one of the common complaints in CLBP patients. Aims: To bring an awareness and understanding of: the prevalence of sleep disturbance in CLBP; the effects of anxiety and stress on sleep; the effects of poor sleep on pain; and non-pharmacological management of insomnia Methods: A relevant literature search was conducted using the terms ‘back pain and sleep disturbance’, ‘back pain and insomnia’, ‘insomnia and stress, anxiety’, ‘sleep and inflammation’ and ‘non-pharmacological treatment of insomnia’. Relevant articles were analysed to understand the prevalence, effects of insomnia on CLBP and the non-pharmacological treatments of insomnia. Results: There is evidence for sleep disturbance in CLBP patients. Pain, anxiety, depression and stress are associated not only with CLBP but also with insomnia. Non-pharmacological treatments like sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), exercise and stimulus control are effective in improving sleep quality. Conclusion: Understanding the nature and extent of sleep disturbance in CLBP and the non-pharmacological treatments of insomnia should be an integral part of CLBP management, factors which are often neglected and poorly understood by physiotherapists.
Is the Australian paramedic discipline a profession? A national perspective
Authors: Williams Brett , Onsman Andrys , Brown Ted 
Published: May 2014

Background Over the past century the Australian paramedic discipline has gone through a dramatic evolution; moving from its origins of an ambulance driver to its current practitioner role as an integral member of the Australian health care system. However, at present the Australian paramedic discipline is not considered a full profession by the national or state governments. This begs the further question, how does the paramedic discipline within Australia view itself? Objectives This paper has two objectives: 1) To examine whether or not the Australian paramedic membership views itself as a profession, and 2) if it does not regard itself as such, whether the paramedic community wants to be considered a full profession within Australia. Methods 3800 questionnaires were posted to all Australian College of Ambulance Professionals (ACAP) members around Australia. An investigation of attitudes towards professionalisation were investigated using an 8-item paper-based self-report questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale (1=Strongly Disagree to 5=strongly agree). Findings A total of 872 paramedics (23 % response rate) returned completed questionnaires. The responses indicated that, broadly speaking, the Australian paramedic membership does not consider itself a recognised profession, furthermore, the Australian membership indicated a desire for paramedics to be recognised as a profession. Conclusions Given that first, the paramedic discipline does not presently view itself as a full profession and second, the paramedic discipline wants to become recognised as a profession. The study identified a set of underpinnings of professional paramedic practice; including professional autonomy, national accreditation for paramedic education programmes, and the development of a unique body of knowledge.