Collaborative Home-Visit Program for Young Children With Motor Delays in Rural Taiwan: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 979-994
Author(s):  
Yu-Hsin Hsieh ◽  
Hua-Fang Liao ◽  
Suh-Fang Jeng ◽  
Mei-Hui Tseng ◽  
Veronica Schiariti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Caregiver engagement and collaborative team early childhood intervention (ECI) services are international trends; however, relevant evidence of collaborative home-visiting ECI in rural areas is as yet undetermined. Objective The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a collaborative ECI program in a rural area of Taiwan. Design The study was a pilot randomized control led trial. Methods Children aged 6 to 33 months experiencing motor delays and their caregivers were enrolled in Taitung, Taiwan. Using stratified randomization, 24 participants were allocated to either experimental or control groups, and both received 5 home visits within 3 months. The experimental group received ECI services based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework and family-centered approaches. The control group received regular home visits by local social workers. Child outcomes included Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Chinese Version and Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, 2nd edition. Family outcomes included the Disability-Adapted Infant–Toddler version of Home Observation for Measurement, and Chinese versions of the Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory and Parental Stress Index-Short Form. A tester blinded to the study conducted assessments at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up. Two-way mixed analysis of variance was used with α = .05 (2-tailed). Results The experimental group improved scores on the Disability-Adapted Infant–Toddler version of Home Observation for Measurement significantly more than the control group with an effect size of 0.64 at follow-up. In other outcomes, both groups showed no significant differences. The follow-up rate was 69%, and adherence to the ECI program was acceptable. Limitations A limitation of the study was the heterogeneity of the sample. Conclusions This pilot study revealed possible effectiveness in implementing collaborative ECI programs based on family-centered approaches and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in rural areas. Larger field studies are needed to confirm our findings.

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 152-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne B Halk ◽  
Robert J Damstra

Introduction Lipedema is a chronic, progressive condition that can result in considerable disability. In 2011, the Dutch Society of Dermatology and Venereology organized a task force to create guidelines on lipedema, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health of the World Health Organization. Guideline development Clinical questions on significant issues in lipedema care were proposed, involving (1) making the diagnosis of lipedema; (2) clinimetric measurements for early detection and adequate follow-up; and (3) treatment. A systematic review of literature published up to June 2013 was conducted. Based on available evidence and experience of the task force, answers were formed and recommendations were stated. The guidelines define criteria to make a medical diagnosis of lipedema, a minimum data set of (repeated) clinical measurements that should be used to ensure early detection and an individually outlined follow-up plan, pillars on which conservative treatment should be based and recommendations on surgical treatment options. Conclusions Little consistent information concerning either diagnostics or therapy can be found in the literature. It is likely that lipedema is frequently misdiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed as only an aesthetic problem and therefore under- or mis-treated. Treatment is divided into conservative and chirurgic treatment. The only available technique to correct the abnormal adipose tissue is surgery. Recommendations To ensure early detection and an individually outlined follow-up, the committee advises the use of a minimum data set of (repeated) measurements of waist circumference, circumference of involved limbs, body mass index and scoring of the level of daily practice and psychosocial distress. Promotion of a healthy lifestyle with individually adjusted weight control measures, graded activity training programs, edema reduction, and other supportive measures are pillars of conservative therapy. Tumescent liposuction is the treatment of choice for patients with a suitable health profile and/or inadequate response to conservative and supportive measures.


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