Sentence:  [There] is no suggestion that they were treated differently, for example, from the “<WSD>worseners</WSD>” or those who remained the same in the same groups. In reviewing the characteristics of improvers as compared with <WSD>worseners</WSD>, a multivariate analysis (to be reported on at a later date) shows no cluster of predictive variables among the almost 100 characteristics recorded. Our data then do not permit prediction of self-care change. It was noted clinically that “improvers” required less nursing care [...] 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  One who or that which worsens (internally), becomes worse, deteriorates in condition.