Breaking barriers: Adjunctive use of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) to reach adolescents with obesity living in remote locations

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 271-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Coles ◽  
Barkha P Patel ◽  
Ping Li ◽  
Kristina Cordeiro ◽  
Alissa Steinberg ◽  
...  

Introduction Implementation of telemedicine has been shown to improve health outcomes, such as body mass index (BMI). However, it is unclear whether telemedicine is useful alongside traditional weight-management programmes for adolescents with complex obesity. The objective was to evaluate implementation of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), a videoconferencing programme, as an adjunctive tool to face-to-face counselling within the setting of an established interdisciplinary obesity treatment programme. Methods Our observational cohort included two groups of adolescents enrolled in a clinical obesity-management programme over a two year period. Adolescents ( n = 50) in group 1 attended both in-person and virtual visits (OTN group), and adolescents ( n = 50) in group 2 received only in-person visits (comparison group). Within the OTN group, satisfaction survey responses were compared between patients and healthcare professionals. Change in BMI per month, paediatric quality of life scores, session attendance and demographic variables were compared between groups. Results OTN subjects averaged 4.9 telehealth visits per adolescent over the two year programme. Both OTN and comparison groups had similar changes in BMI ( p = 0.757), with increases over time ( p = 0.042). Paediatric quality of life scores in both groups improved over time compared to baseline ( p < 0.001), with higher scores for children compared to parental-reported child scores ( p = 0.008). Both adolescents and healthcare professionals using the OTN were similarly satisfied with their experience. Conclusion Adjunctive use of the OTN within the setting of a weight-management programme is feasible, well accepted by families and healthcare providers, and led to similar outcomes compared to usual care.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (42) ◽  
pp. 52-62
Author(s):  
Saltanat Makhanova ◽  
◽  
Raushan Sekenova ◽  

The purpose of the study: analysis and assessment of the quality of life of glaucoma patients in Kazakhstan on the example of Balkhash. Methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the municipal state institution (KSU) "Polyclinic No. 2" of the city of Balkhash, Karaganda region in the period from 2019 to 2020. The study involved 46 men and 74 women. The average age of the respondents was ≥64 years. To determine the quality of life of glaucoma patients, we conducted a questionnaire compiled by ourselves and the NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire. The respondents were conditionally divided into three groups: group 1-patients who receive only conservative treatment; group 2 – patients who underwent laser correction in parallel with conservative treatment; group 3-patients who, in addition to previous types of treatment, were operated on. Results. Among the comparison groups, the values of indicators of dependence on the help of others (23.7) and role difficulties (23.9) and social activity (81.6) were significantly lower in patients receiving only conservative treatment. In this group, along with the physical and mental components, it was found that the gap in visual indicators is up to 4 times. Conclusions. The results of the study show that in glaucoma patients receiving only conservative treatment, the quality of life is low compared to the control groups according to all indicators of the scales. A significant impact on the decrease in the quality of life of patients receiving conservative treatment is caused by the discomfort associated with regular use of drugs prescribed for glaucoma and their side effects. Keywords: glaucoma, quality of life, NEI VFQ-256 questionnaire, Kazakhstan.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 263300402110207
Author(s):  
Suja Somanadhan ◽  
Hannah Bristow ◽  
Ellen Crushell ◽  
Gregory Pastores ◽  
Emma Nicholson ◽  
...  

Introduction: Disease trajectories are often uncertain among individuals living with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) due to the progressive nature of the illness and the goal of care. This study investigated the impact on caregivers and care providers of children and adults living with MPS. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling strategy which involved two sequential study components. The stage 1 quantitative component included three validated scales: the abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), the Paediatric Inventory for Parents (PIP) and the 14-item Resilience Scale (RS-14). The stage 2 qualitative component consisted of two focus groups with healthcare professionals (HCPs) ( n = 9) working with children and adults living with MPS across three clinical sites in Ireland. Data were collected between November 2017 and July 2019. Results: A total of 31 parents identified as caregivers participated in this study. The mean quality of life (QoL) score was 93.81, indicating a significantly high QoL. The PIP frequency total mean was 102.74 and difficulty mean 104.94. The mean score for the RS-14 was notably high, 81.42 out of a maximum of 98. The majority of the results showed high levels of concern for the future, with just under 50% finding themselves very often feeling scared that their child’s condition will deteriorate or that their child will die and finding these thoughts very difficult. The healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions were focused on the complexity of MPS, coping strategies, managing expectations and support services. Conclusion: The overall findings of the study reinforced the need for sustained and enhanced psychological support to ensure both families of children and adults living with MPS and the HCPs are supported in the continued delivery of quality patient care and outcomes. Subjective and objective measures from family caregivers and HCPs yield results that can decrease stress and improve psychological support. Plain language summary Impact of caregiving on families and healthcare professionals of children and adults living with mucopolysaccharidoses in Ireland Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) is a group of one of the many rare inherited metabolic disorders that come under category three of life-limiting conditions. Children born with this genetic condition show no change at birth, but effects start to show in subsequent years as it is a progressive disease. The severity of the condition varies according to the specific type, ranging from very mild symptoms to, in most cases, multisystemic, restricted growth or mental and physical disabilities. Recent developments in treatments for some forms of MPS have dramatically changed the quality of life (QoL) for patients. Other forms of treatment are currently under investigation and development. This study aimed to provide a detailed and reliable evidence base on the impact of caregiving for patients living with MPS on family caregivers and healthcare providers. Paper questionnaires were completed by the family caregivers of children and adults living with MPS. These three questionnaires focused on measuring QoL, parental stress and anxiety, and resilience among these families. Two focus group interviews were carried out with healthcare professionals working with children and adults living with MPS across three clinical sites in Ireland. A total of 31 parents completed the questionnaires in this study, indicating a significantly high QoL and notably high resilience. The majority of the parental stress results were related to concern for the future, with just half of the families finding themselves very often scared that their child’s condition will deteriorate or that their child will die and find these thoughts very difficult. The healthcare providers also spoke about the complexity of MPS, coping strategies, managing expectations and support services for the families of children and adults living with MPS. This study provided evidence for clinicians and policymakers to improve the availability of appropriate healthcare provisions for people living with MPS and their families.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 253-253
Author(s):  
Joanna Morales ◽  
Monica Bryant

253 Background: Nearly 10% of the U.S. population lacks health insurance coverage. Healthcare professionals are often asked by their patients about health insurance options. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has brought new health care options and consumer protections for people coping with cancer. Unfortunately, there is a plethora of misinformation about these changes. Healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to provide patients with accurate, quality information, improving patient quality of life. Methods: The presentation will cover the implementation of the ACA at the federal and state levels and the impact of the ACA on the cancer community. Attendees will learn about new consumer protections and health insurance options, and receive concrete tools to conduct clinical assessments that address access to health insurance coverage and the subsequent impact on psychosocial needs. Results: Our surveys have found that 75% of oncology healthcare professional respondents were asked for guidance on how healthcare reform might affect their patients. However, only 7% of those surveyed felt “very comfortable” answering questions about the ACA. Therefore, there is an obvious gap between the knowledge level of healthcare professionals and what they are being asked by their patients. Oncology healthcare provider attendees will gain a better understanding of health insurance options available to their patients. Attendees will receive practical tools to answer questions and provide appropriate resources, thereby alleviating anxiety, and improving quality of life for patients. Conclusions: In order to effectively navigate patients through the cancer care continuum, oncology healthcare providers must be armed with up-to-date knowledge about health insurance options and protections, and given concrete tools for conducting clinical assessments that address a broad spectrum of psychosocial needs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-150
Author(s):  
Sergey Chikunov ◽  
Fatima Dzalaeva ◽  
Anatoliy Utyuzh ◽  
Zarina Dzhagaeva ◽  
Aleksey Yumashev

Subject ― is adentia and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. Goal ― based on the quality of life indicators, to evaluate the efficiency of various approaches to dental orthopedic treatment of patients with adentia and temporomandibular disorder, who need a full mouth reconstruction. Methodology. A total pf 647 patients with adentia and a need for full mouth reconstruction were assigned to a comprehensive examination and treatment. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 218) was exposed to standard treatment procedures. Group 2 (n = 195) was given certain elements of the interdisciplinary approach to dental orthopedic rehabilitation. Group 3 (n = 234) was exposed to interdisciplinary approach towards dental orthopedic rehabilitation. The follow-up period was 7 years. A key step in the treatment of group 3 patients was to conduct full patient examinations sequentially. The corresponding procedures were supplemented with a temporomandibular disorder test. In treatment planning, the cause-and-effect relationships between this disorder and malocclusion were identified. Results. The improvement in temporomandibular joint after the interdisciplinary approach manifested in changes that were statistically significant (relative to those in the comparison groups). Pain sensations in the joint decreased as reported on the VAS score. The OHIP-14 subscale scores showed a downward trend that was more pronounced as compared with the standard procedure group, which indicates an improvement in the quality of life of patients. Conclusion. The use of interdisciplinary approach in dental orthopedic rehabilitation contributes to a prominent and persistent improvement in the dental quality of life of patients with adentia, who need a full mouth reconstruction.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 159-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bastianina Contena ◽  
Stefano Taddei

Abstract. Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) refers to a global IQ ranging from 71 to 84, and it represents a condition of clinical attention for its association with other disorders and its influence on the outcomes of treatments and, in general, quality of life and adaptation. Furthermore, its definition has changed over time causing a relevant clinical impact. For this reason, a systematic review of the literature on this topic can promote an understanding of what has been studied, and can differentiate what is currently attributable to BIF from that which cannot be associated with this kind of intellectual functioning. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, we have conducted a review of the literature about BIF. The results suggest that this condition is still associated with mental retardation, and only a few studies have focused specifically on this condition.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Thöne ◽  
N Obi ◽  
A Jung ◽  
M Schmidt ◽  
J Chang-Claude ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1109-1123
Author(s):  
Jonas da Silva Santos ◽  
Joel Jones Junior ◽  
Flavia M. da Silva

Background: We present here the synthesis of 1,3-thiazolidin-4-one (1) and its functionalised analogues, such as the classical isosteres, glitazone (1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione) (2), rhodanine (2-thioxo-1,3- thiazolidin-4-one) (3) and pseudothiohydantoin (2-imino-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one) (4) started in the midnineteenth century to the present day (1865-2018). Objective: The review focuses on the differences in the representation of the molecular structures discussed here over time since the first discussions about the structural theory by Kekulé, Couper and Butlerov. Moreover, advanced synthesis methodologies have been developed for obtaining these functional group, including green chemistry. We discuss about its structure and stability and we show the great biological potential. Conclusion: The 1,3-thiazolidin-4-one nucleus and functionalised analogues such as glitazones (1,3- thiazolidine-2,4-diones), rhodanines (2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones) and pseudothiohydantoins (2-imino-1,3- thiazolidine-2-4-ones) have great pharmacological importance, and they are already found in commercial pharmaceuticals. Studies indicate a promising future in the area of medicinal chemistry with potential activities against different diseases. The synthesis of these nuclei started in the mid-nineteenth century (1865), with the first discussions about the structural theory by Kekulé, Couper and Butlerov. The present study has demonstrated the differences in the representations of the molecular structures discussed here over time. Since then, various synthetic methodologies have been developed for obtaining these nuclei, and several studies on their structural and biological properties have been performed. Different studies with regards to the green synthesis of these compounds were also presented here. This is the result of the process of environmental awareness. Additionally, the planet Earth is already showing clear signs of depletion, which is currently decreasing the quality of life.


Author(s):  
Elliot Friedman ◽  
Beth LeBreton ◽  
Lindsay Fuzzell ◽  
Elizabeth Wehrpsann

By many estimates the majority of adults over age 65 have two or more chronic medical conditions (multimorbidity) and are consequently at increased risk of adverse functional outcomes. Nonetheless, many older adults with multimorbidity are able to maintain high levels of function and retain good quality of life. Research presented here is designed to understand the influences that help ensure better functional outcomes in these older adults. This chapter presents findings that draw on data from the Midlife in the United States study. The independent and interactive contributions of diverse factors to multimorbidity and changes in multimorbidity over time are reviewed. The degree that multimorbidity increases risk of cognitive impairment and disability is examined. The role of inflammation as a mediator is considered. Multimorbidity is increasingly the norm for older adults, so better understanding of factors contributing to variability in multimorbidity-related outcomes can lead to improved quality of life.


Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Smith ◽  
Bishma Saqib ◽  
Rebecca Lee ◽  
Wendy Thomson ◽  
Lis Cordingley

Abstract Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous group of arthritic conditions presenting in children and young people, in which physical limitations and associated complications can have detrimental effects on physical and psychosocial wellbeing. This study aims to investigate the impact of living with JIA on different aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to explore how this changes over time, using data from the Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS). Methods Longitudinal data collected as part of CAPS were analysed. HRQoL was assessed at baseline, 1 year and 3 years’ post-diagnosis using the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), a parent-completed form for children from 5 years of age. The CHQ measures physical, emotional and social components of child health status. Raw domain scores were transformed via algorithm into values ranging from 0-100, with higher scores indicating better health status. Mean (standard deviation) and median (interquartile range) for each domain were determined, both for the full cohort and by gender. Differences between median scores at baseline and 3 years were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Mean scores of each domain were visually compared with a reference population sample of healthy children from the United States. Results 184 participants completed the questionnaire at all 3 time points. At baseline, compared to the reference population, children with JIA scored lower in every domain although scores were closer between the 2 groups at 3 years. Median scores improved over time, the exception being the general health perceptions domain which decreased after baseline. Domains with the greatest improvement were physical functioning,“bodily pain and social-physical. The largest changes occurred from baseline to 1 year. Statistically significant differences between baseline and 3-year scores were found for all domains. Domain scores for male and female participants were very similar at baseline, though scores for male participants indicated slightly better health at 1 and 3 years for both physical and psychosocial domains. Conclusion JIA has significant impact on HRQoL, which improves within 3 years of diagnosis with the greatest improvement occurring within the first year. Physical health domains show greater improvement over time than psychosocial domains, although psychosocial scores were generally higher throughout the study. Male participants tend to score slightly higher than female participants in both physical and psychosocial domains after baseline. Further research should explore measurable patient, age or disease-related drivers of HRQoL. Disclosures A. Smith None. B. Saqib None. R. Lee None. W. Thomson None. L. Cordingley None.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Demenko ◽  
G.A Chumakova

Abstract Background Mental disorders in patients with cardiovascular disease have a significant impact on the course, the prognosis of the underlying disease and quality of life (QOL). Objective We aimed to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders and their impact on the quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Materials and methods In 52 with permanent AF and 50 with paroxysmal AF patients, we administered the depression scale Tsung, the scale of situational anxiety (SA) and personal anxiety (PA) Spielberger-Hanin; QOL was assessed the SF-36 quality of life assessment scale. Correlation analysis using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results The prevalence symptoms mild depression situational or neurotic genesis was 21.1% (12 patients) in Group 1 and 12.0% (6 patients) in Group 2 (p&gt;0.05). Subdepressive state was two percents of patients in Group 1 and Group 2. The incidence SA was 59.6% (31 patients) in Group 1 and 52.0% (26 patients) in Group 2. The incidence PA was 74.0% (37 patients) in Group 2 and 67.3% (35 patients) in Group 1. The average score the physical component of health (PCH) was 29,8±4,3 in Group 1, the mental component of health (MCH) – 49.5±7.4 points; p&lt;0.05. In Group 2: PCH – 44.8±6.6 points, MCH – 26.6±7.5 points; p&lt;0.05. Correlation analysis showed negative strong correlations between SA and MCH (r=−0.64, p=0.0005) and between PA and MCH (r=−0.69, p&lt;0.0001), between SA and PCH (r=−0.71, p=0.0001), between depression and PCH (r=−0.69, p=0.023). Negative statistically significant correlation between depression and MCH (r=−0.69, p=0.54) and negative medium correlation between depression and PCH (r=−0.64, p=0.23). Conclusion These findings suggest that we did not identify patients with symptoms of a true depressive (that can cause pseudodementia and influenced to complete tests). 16.5% patients with AF had mild depression of situational or neurotic genesis. Depression may be a pathogenetic factor of AF or develop because of paroxysms AF – psychological stress. More than 50% patients in Group 1 and Group 2 had an increased anxiety score. SA is more common in patients with permanent AF, probably because older people difficult to adapt to a new situation. PA is more common in patient with paroxysmal AF, probably because disease is sudden and causes anxiety. The PCH of QOL is more impairment in patients with permanent AF, because complications (for example heart failure) impairment physical activity. However, PCH also reduced in patient with paroxysmal AF, because disease is sudden may occur during physical activity. The MCH of QOL is more impairment in patients with paroxysmal AF, because waiting attack effect on mental health and social functioning. An increased level of anxiety and depression negatively affected the mental and physical health of patients with AF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


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