Patient, carer, and staff perceptions of robotics in motor rehabilitation: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis

Abstract Background In recent years, robotic rehabilitation devices have often been used for motor training. However, to date, no systematic reviews of qualitative studies exploring the end-user experiences of robotic devices in motor rehabilitation have been published. The aim of this study was to review end-users’ (patients, carers and healthcare professionals) experiences with robotic devices in motor rehabilitation, by conducting a systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies concerning the users’ experiences with such robotic devices. Methods Qualitative studies and mixed-methods studies with a qualitative element were eligible for inclusion. Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to August 2020, supplemented with internet searches and forward and backward citation tracking from the included studies and review articles. Data were synthesised thematically following the Thomas and Harden approach. The CASP Qualitative Checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies of this review. Results The search strategy identified a total of 13,556 citations and after removing duplicates and excluding citations based on title and abstract, and full text screening, 30 studies were included. All studies were considered of acceptable quality. We developed six analytical themes: logistic barriers; technological challenges; appeal and engagement; supportive interactions and relationships; benefits for physical, psychological, and social function(ing); and expanding and sustaining therapeutic options. Conclusions Despite experiencing technological and logistic challenges, participants found robotic devices acceptable, useful and beneficial (physically, psychologically, and socially), as well as fun and interesting. Having supportive relationships with significant others and positive therapeutic relationships with healthcare staff were considered the foundation for successful rehabilitation and recovery.

Download Full-text

Patients’ experiences and perceptions of Guillain-Barré syndrome: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0245826 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. e0245826

Author(s):

Despina Laparidou ◽

Ffion Curtis ◽

Joseph Akanuwe ◽

Jennifer Jackson ◽

Timothy L. Hodgson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Guillain Barre Syndrome ◽

Link Type ◽

Immune Mediated ◽

Acceptable Quality ◽

Guillain Barré Syndrome ◽

Internet Searches ◽

Guillain Barré ◽

Full Text Screening

Background Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy, with an incidence of 1-2/100,000 per year. Its severity is variable, ranging from very mild cases with brief weakness to severe paralysis, leading to inability to breathe independently, or even death. Currently there is limited evidence exploring the experiences of GBS patients. The aim of this study was to review patients’ experiences and perceptions of GBS and its variants at diagnosis, discharge and during recovery, by conducting a systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies of patients’ experiences of GBS (and its variants). Methods We searched twelve electronic databases, supplemented with internet searches and forward and backward citation tracking from the included studies and review articles. Data were synthesised thematically following the Thomas and Harden approach. The CASP Qualitative Checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies of this review. Results Our search strategy identified a total of 5,282 citations and after removing duplicates and excluding citations based on title and abstract, and full-text screening, five studies were included in the review and meta-synthesis; all included studies were considered of acceptable quality. Through constant discussions and an iterative approach, we developed six analytical themes following a patient’s journey from suspecting that they had a health problem, through to being hospitalised, experiencing ongoing difficulties, slowly recovering from GBS, adjusting to their new circumstances, and re-evaluating their lives. Conclusions Despite the variety of experiences, it was evident from all included studies that being diagnosed with and surviving GBS was a life-changing experience for all participants. Trial registration Protocol was registered (CRD42019122199) on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).

Download Full-text

The lived experience of people with obesity: study protocol for a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-021-01706-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Emma Farrell ◽

Marta Bustillo ◽

Carel W. le Roux ◽

Joe Nadglowski ◽

Eva Hollmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Lived Experience ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Qualitative Studies ◽

Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽

Care Providers ◽

Critical Appraisal Skills ◽

Health Complications

Abstract Background Obesity is a prevalent, complex, progressive and relapsing chronic disease characterised by abnormal or excessive body fat that impairs health and quality of life. It affects more than 650 million adults worldwide and is associated with a range of health complications. Qualitative research plays a key role in understanding patient experiences and the factors that facilitate or hinder the effectiveness of health interventions. This review aims to systematically locate, assess and synthesise qualitative studies in order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the lived experience of people with obesity. Methods This is a protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of the lived experience of people with obesity. A defined search strategy will be employed in conducting a comprehensive literature search of the following databases: PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, PsycArticles and Dimensions (from 2011 onwards). Qualitative studies focusing on the lived experience of adults with obesity (BMI >30) will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, abstracts and full-text articles and abstract data. The quality of included studies will be appraised using the critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) criteria. Thematic synthesis will be conducted on all of the included studies. Confidence in the review findings will be assessed using GRADE CERQual. Discussion The findings from this synthesis will be used to inform the EU Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)-funded SOPHIA (Stratification of Obesity Phenotypes to Optimize Future Obesity Therapy) study. The objective of SOPHIA is to optimise future obesity treatment and stimulate a new narrative, understanding and vocabulary around obesity as a set of complex and chronic diseases. The findings will also be useful to health care providers and policy makers who seek to understand the experience of those with obesity. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020214560.

Download Full-text

Emotional distress, anxiety and depression in South Asians with long-term conditions: a qualitative systematic review

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp.2021.0345 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. BJGP.2021.0345

Author(s):

Hassan Awan ◽

Faraz Mughal ◽

Tom Kingstone ◽

Carolyn A Chew-Graham ◽

Nadia Corp

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Emotional Distress ◽

Help Seeking ◽

South Asians ◽

Qualitative Studies ◽

Long Term Conditions ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour

People with physical-mental comorbidity have a poorer quality of life, worse clinical outcomes and increased mortality compared to people with physical conditions alone. South Asians (SAs) are the largest minority group in the UK and are more likely to have long-term conditions (LTCs) such as diabetes and heart disease. SAs are less likely to recognise symptoms which may represent mental health problems. To explore how people of SA origin with LTCs understand, experience and seek help for emotional distress, depression and anxiety. Systematic review of qualitative studies exploring emotional distress in SAs with diabetes or coronary heart disease, within primary and community care settings worldwide. Comprehensive searches of eight electronic databases from inception to 1st September 2021. Data extracted included study characteristics, and understanding, experience and help-seeking behaviour for emotional distress. Thematic synthesis was undertaken. The CASP checklist for qualitative studies was used to assess quality of papers, and GRADE-CERQual used to determine the overall strength of evidence. Twenty one studies from 3,165 unique citations were included. Three main themes were identified. Understanding of emotional distress: non-medical terminology used, such as ‘tension,’ and a complex relationship between emotional and physical illness. Experiences of emotional distress: multiple forms of inequality, distress at diagnosis of their LTC, cultural factors, and gender differences. Help-seeking behaviour: self-management, seeking help from family, friends, and faith, and inadequate clinical support. This review provides a greater understanding of SAs’ conceptualisation of emotional distress in the context of LTCs, to support improvement in its recognition and management.

Download Full-text

Effects of Extra-curricular Physical Activity Programs on High-school Girls: A Systematic Review

10.1101/2020.04.25.20079780 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Laura-Maude Houle ◽

Jo-Anne Gilbert ◽

Karine Paiement ◽

Alexandra Ayotte ◽

Marie-Eve Mathieu

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Psychosocial Outcomes ◽

Qualitative Studies ◽

Average Score ◽

Psychosocial Effects ◽

High School Girls ◽

Health Related ◽

School Girls

AbstractIntroductionMost adolescents do not meet physical activity (PA) recommendations, especially girls. Physical inactivity has major physical and psychosocial deleterious effects on adolescents. Little is known about the effect of girl-only, extra-curricular PA programs designed for adolescents on physical and psychosocial outcomes. Hence, this systematic review assessed quantitative and qualitative studies evaluating the effects of such interventions. It also aimed at identifying recommendations to improve their implementation and efficacy.MethodsLiterature published until June 4, 2018, was searched in three electronic databases. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of studies presenting results on physical and psychosocial outcomes, not those presenting solely implementation recommendations.ResultsSeventeen quantitative and qualitative studies describing 10 different PA programs were included. Six of these studies provided recommendations for implementation only. The overall quality of the studies assessing the effects on physical and psychosocial outcomes was moderate, with an average score of 58%. The PA programs assessed did not lead to clear improvements in PA levels or other physical outcomes. Concerning psychosocial results, there is some evidence that the programs could improve dimensions of the self-esteem construct.ConclusionFuture studies should assess the effect of girl-only, extra-curricular PA programs on the health-related habits, such as reduction of sedentary time among adolescents and sleep duration. More studies evaluating the psychosocial effects as a primary outcome are recommended to obtain a clearer understanding of the benefits. This review gathers recommendations to improve the efficacy of future extra-curricular PA programs designed to increase PA levels in girls.

Download Full-text

Development of a conceptual model of health-related quality of life among hepatitis C patients: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Hepatology Research ◽

10.1111/hepr.12521 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

pp. 29-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Shivani K. Mhatre ◽

Sujit S. Sansgiry

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Conceptual Model ◽

Qualitative Studies ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

Download Full-text

Incidence of chronic kidney disease in patients undergoing arthroplasty: A systematic review of the literature

Orthopedic Reviews ◽

10.4081/or.2019.8157 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Kateir Contreras ◽

Dayany Rodriguez ◽

Marcela Bernal-Gutiérrez ◽

Juan Pedro Villamizar ◽

Romar Baquero-Galvis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Cochrane Collaboration ◽

Review Of The Literature ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Acceptable Quality ◽

The Cochrane Collaboration

Patients undergoing arthroplasty are exposed to different interventions that can lead to renal dysfunction. There is abundant evidence of the incidence and factors associated with acute kidney injury (AKI); however, the incidence and the factors associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are not clear. The objective of this study is to determine the incidence and associated factors in arthroplasty patients. A systematic review of the literature was carried out following the recommendations of PRISMA and the Cochrane Collaboration (PROSPERO Protocol CRD42018075929). The search was carried out in Medline, Embase, Cochrane and LILACS. No language or date limits were set. Observational studies were included: cases and controls, and cohorts. The revision of titles and abstracts and the reading of the full texts was performed in a paired manner. The quality of the evidence was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa tool. The initial search found 1279 titles and abstracts. We excluded 115 duplicates, and 1153 in the reading of titles and abstracts. Three articles met the inclusion criteria and were of acceptable quality. The incidence of severe CKD after hip or knee arthroplasty was 1.2% at 1 year up to 6.5% at 9 years. The evidence of the incidence and risk factors associated with CKD in patients undergoing arthroplasty is very scarce and heterogeneous. Further primary studies are required in order to have more valid and trustable results.

Download Full-text

A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Therapy to Treat People with Chronic Knee Pain Following A Total Knee Replacement.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-70032/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nathan Adam Johns ◽

Justine Naylor ◽

Brinda Thirugnanam ◽

Dean Mckenzie ◽

Bernadette Brady ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Total Knee Replacement ◽

Knee Pain ◽

Knee Replacement ◽

Chronic Knee Pain ◽

Total Knee ◽

Full Text Screening

Abstract Background:Chronic knee pain after a total knee replacement has been estimated to affect 10 to 30% of patients and is related to dissatisfaction with surgery, reduced function and reduced quality of life. Rehabilitation is often prescribed in the subacute period post-operatively, but it may offer benefit to the increasing numbers of patients with chronic pain after their knee replacement. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation to improve pain, function and quality of life in people with chronic knee pain persisting for more than 3 months following a total knee replacement.Methods: The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines with a search of the online databases Ovid Medline, Embase via Ovid, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, Ovid Emcare and Proquest from their earliest date to July 12, 2020. The search criteria included English language randomised controlled trials of rehabilitation strategies in any setting to treat people with chronic knee pain, defined as knee pain persisting for more than 3 months, following a total knee replacement. Rehabilitation programs included exercise therapy, patient education, cognitive and mind-body strategies and self-management and excluded medication trials, procedural techniques and complementary therapies. Results:There were 254 abstracts screened for eligibility with 13 remaining for full-text screening. Following full-text screening, there were no studies that met the eligibility criteria for evaluating rehabilitation therapy to treat chronic knee pain persisting for more than 3 months following a total knee replacement.Conclusion:Despite the high volume of knee replacement surgery and the high incidence of moderate to severe chronic pain ensuing, there is currently no evidence available that rehabilitation commencing three months after surgery can effectively treat chronic pain and disability following a total knee replacement.

Download Full-text

Factors Conditioning Sexual Behavior in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9061716 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 1716 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Adrián Jesús Ricoy-Cano ◽

Esteban Obrero-Gaitán ◽

Francisco Caravaca-Sánchez ◽

Yolanda María De La Fuente-Robles

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sexual Behavior ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Qualitative Studies ◽

Sexual Pleasure ◽

Spiritual Beliefs ◽

Relevant Role ◽

Women's Role

The sexual behavior of older adults, especially women, has undergone changes in recent years, though there are still certain stereotypes today related to pathophysiology, beliefs, culture and tradition that negatively affect older adults’ sexual activity. The aim of our review is to present the main qualitative studies analyzing how physiological and psychosocial factors affect sexual behavior in older adults. A systematic review of these qualitative studies was carried out. All stages of this review were carried out peer-to-peer in order to guarantee minimized bias. A bibliographical search was completed between February and April 2019, in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed Medline, PsycINFO ProQuest and CINAHL. To analyze the findings of the selected qualitative studies, a “Thematic Synthesis Analysis” was performed, using Eppi-Reviewer 4 software (UCL Institute of Education, University of London, UK). The quality of the studies was assessed with a CASP-Qualitative-Checklist. A total of 16,608 references were screened and 18 qualitative studies were included in this review. The studies involved 2603 participants across seven countries, most being women (approximately 80%). We identified a wide variety of physiological and psychological factors that can influence the sexual behavior of older adults, such as the presence of pathologies (erectile dysfunction and menopause), the strength of spiritual beliefs, and patriarchal roles upheld by upbringings conveying that women’s role is to provide men with sexual pleasure. Biological age in relation to stereotypical models of sexual behavior, emphasized as a risk factor in the contraction of sexual diseases, seems to play a relevant role as a factor limiting sexual behavior in older adults.

Download Full-text