scholarly journals Clinician awareness of brain computer interfaces: a Canadian national survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Letourneau ◽  
Ephrem Takele Zewdie ◽  
Zeanna Jadavji ◽  
John Andersen ◽  
Lee M. Burkholder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Disabled Persons ◽  
High Potential ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
Brain Computer Interfaces ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Computer Interfaces

Abstract Background Individuals with severe neurological disabilities but preserved cognition, including children, are often precluded from connecting with their environments. Brain computer interfaces (BCI) are a potential solution where advancing technologies create new clinical opportunities. We evaluated clinician awareness as a modifiable barrier to progress and identified eligible populations. Methods We executed a national, population-based, cross-sectional survey of physician specialists caring for persons with severe disability. An evidence- and experience-based survey had three themes: clinician BCI knowledge, eligible populations, and potential impact. A BCI knowledge index was created and scored. Canadian adult and pediatric neurologists, physiatrists and a subset of developmental pediatricians were contacted. Secure, web-based software administered the survey via email with online data collection. Results Of 922 valid emails (664 neurologists, 253 physiatrists), 137 (15%) responded. One third estimated that ≥10% of their patients had severe neurological disability with cognitive capacity. BCI knowledge scores were low with > 40% identifying as less than “vaguely aware” and only 15% as “somewhat familiar” or better. Knowledge did not differ across specialties. Only 6 physicians (4%) had patients using BCI. Communication and wheelchair control rated highest for potentially improving quality of life. Most (81%) felt BCI had high potential to improve quality of life. Estimates suggested that > 13,000 Canadians (36 M population) might benefit from BCI technologies. Conclusions Despite high potential and thousands of patients who might benefit, BCI awareness among clinicians caring for disabled persons is poor. Further, functional priorities for BCI applications may differ between medical professionals and potential BCI users, perhaps reflecting that clinicians possess a less accurate understanding of the desires and needs of potential end-users. Improving knowledge and engaging both clinicians and patients could facilitate BCI program development to improve patient outcomes.

Physician Perceptions on Quality of Life and Resuscitation Preferences for Extremely Early Newborns

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle LoRe ◽  
Christopher Mattson ◽  
Dalia M. Feltman ◽  
Jessica T. Fry ◽  
Kathleen G. Brennan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Comfort Care ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Extremely Preterm

Objective The study aimed to explore physician views on whether extremely early newborns will have an acceptable quality of life (QOL), and if these views are associated with physician resuscitation preferences. Study Design We performed a cross-sectional survey of neonatologists and maternal fetal medicine (MFM) attendings, fellows, and residents at four U.S. medical centers exploring physician views on future QOL of extremely early newborns and physician resuscitation preferences. Mixed-effects logistic regression models examined association of perceived QOL and resuscitation preferences when adjusting for specialty, level of training, gender, and experience with ex-premature infants. Results A total of 254 of 544 (47%) physicians were responded. A minority of physicians had interacted with surviving extremely early newborns when they were ≥3 years old (23% of physicians in pediatrics/neonatology and 6% in obstetrics/MFM). The majority of physicians did not believe an extremely early newborn would have an acceptable QOL at the earliest gestational ages (11% at 22 and 23% at 23 weeks). The majority of physicians (73%) believed that having an extremely preterm infant would have negative effects on the family's QOL. Mixed-effects logistic regression models (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]) revealed that physicians who believed infants would have an acceptable QOL were less likely to offer comfort care only at 22 (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.65, p < 0.01) and 23 weeks (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.78, p < 0.02). They were also more likely to offer active treatment only at 24 weeks (OR: 9.66, 95% CI: 2.56–38.87, p < 0.01) and 25 weeks (OR: 19.51, 95% CI: 3.33–126.72, p < 0.01). Conclusion Physician views of extremely early newborns' future QOL correlated with self-reported resuscitation preferences. Residents and obstetric physicians reported more pessimistic views on QOL. Key Points

Brain Computer Interfaces for Assisted Communication in Paralysis and Quality of Life

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ujwal Chaudhary ◽  
Bankim Subhash Chander ◽  
Avi Ohry ◽  
Andres Jaramillo-Gonzalez ◽  
Dorothee Lule ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Brain Computer Interfaces ◽  
Computer Interfaces

Quality of Life in People Living With HIV: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey in Belgium

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-264
Author(s):  
Gert Scheerder ◽  
Sandra Van den Eynde ◽  
Patrick Reyntiens ◽  
Ria Koeck ◽  
Jessika Deblonde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

This cross-sectional survey explored the quality of life in 505 people living with HIV in Belgium. Several domains of quality of life were impaired: 26% had been diagnosed with depression and 43% had weak social support. HIV-related stigma is still widespread, with 49% believing most people with HIV are rejected and 65% having experienced discrimination due to HIV. The impact of HIV was limited on professional life, but 40% experienced a negative impact on life satisfaction and 41% a negative impact on sexual life. For several domains, people with a recent diagnosis of HIV and long-term survivors had significantly worse scores. This survey also uncovered strengths of people living with HIV, such as positive coping and HIV self-image. Expanding the scope of quality of life in people living with HIV may provide a more complete picture of relevant life domains that may be impacted by living with HIV, but this needs further validation.

scholarly journals Quality of Life in Patients with Osteoporosis: A Us Cross-Sectional Survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. S199-S200 ◽  
Author(s):  
DT Gold ◽  
SA Williams ◽  
RJ Weiss ◽  
Y Wang ◽  
C Watkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals A cross sectional survey in paediatricians pertaining to management of functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants: Indian perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 2015
Author(s):  
Shrish Bhatnagar ◽  
Roshan R. Mane ◽  
Irfan A. Shaikh ◽  
Ganesh Kadhe
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breastfed Infants ◽  
Best Management

Background: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in infants and toddlers possess extensive burden to the parents and healthcare professionals. Guidelines addressing the practices in diagnosis and management of FGIDs in infants in Indian subcontinent is unavailable. Hence this study assessed current knowledge, attitude and practice of pediatricians in diagnosis and treatment of FGIDs.Methods: A cross-sectional survey based on a structured questionnaire assessed pediatrician’s knowledge about prevalence and profile of most common GI disorders in pediatric age groups (birth to 12 months), association of FGIDs with different feeding practices, impact of FGID on quality of life, various management options and physician preferred method of treatment.Results: Colic was rated as the most common GI disorder, followed by gassiness/fussiness, regurgitation and constipation. About 59% pediatricians come across FGIDs more in formula-fed infants compared to breastfed infants (4.2%) and 93.9% pediatricians affirm that FGIDs affect quality of life. Approximately 91% pediatricians believed reassurance and education was the best management option, which was also reported as the preferred mode of management by about 89% pediatricians, whereas pharmacological therapies were the least preferred (1.6%). For breastfed infants suffering with regurgitation, colic or constipation, majority pediatricians opted for switching to 100% whey partially hydrolysed protein formula; sequentially followed by use of pre/probiotics and switch to extensively hydrolyzed protein formula.Conclusions: Parental education and reassurance offer an ideal mode of management of FGIDs. Partially hydrolysed protein formula may be considered one of the best management options irrespective of the FGID condition in infants who are breastfeed.

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