The Role of Unobtrusive Continuous Sensing in the Diagnosis and Management of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV-2 (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Harris Peterson Corman ◽  
Sritha Rajupet ◽  
Fan Ye ◽  
Elinor Randi Schoenfeld

UNSTRUCTURED Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been reported that greater than 10% of patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 develop post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 (PASC). PASC is still a disease for which preliminary medical data is being collected and pathophysiological understanding is yet in its infancy. The disease is notable for its prevalence and its variable symptom presentation and as such, diagnoses and management plans could be more holistically made if health care providers had access to unobtrusive continuous physiologic and physical sensor data at home. Such sensors would be able to provide vital sign and activity measurements that correlate directly or by proxy to documented PASC symptoms. These data can be collected at time points between hospital visits and can give care providers contextualized information from which symptom exacerbation or relieving factors may be classified. Such data can also improve the collective academic understanding of PASC by providing temporally and activity-associated symptom cataloging. In this viewpoint, we make a case for the utilization of sensor technologies that can serve as a foundation from which medical professionals and engineers may develop and pursue long-term mitigation strategies in conjunction with those ongoing in the acute setting.

1989 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Lynn Kail ◽  
Eugene Litwak

Primary groups such as relatives, neighbors and friends are a source of support that health care providers overlook. We present a theoretical framework which suggests primary groups can help prevent the misuse of prescription medicine. Kin are especially helpful in assisting elderly to take medications on a long-term basis where the regimens are fairly simple. It may also be especially important to engage kin in helping the older minority woman to understand the doctor. Even at a distance, kin may be able to provide such assistance and should not be discounted as a resource. Neighbors can be helpful in getting a medicine needed unexpectedly and might assist with relatively complex routines that last for only a brief period. Friends who have had similar experiences are especially helpful when the medicine is prescribed on an as needed basis by teaching the client how to judge when a dose is needed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e23067-e23067
Author(s):  
Gabriel Lopez ◽  
Cathy Eng ◽  
Michael J. Overman ◽  
Wenli Liu ◽  
Lorenzo Cohen ◽  
...  

e23067 Background: Short- and long-term toxicity of platinum compounds and taxanes includes development of CIPN. Although anti-neuropathic medications are available, there is increased interest by health care providers and patients (pts) regarding the role of complementary approaches for symptom control. Therefore, we explored the role of massage therapy for symptomatic relief of chronic CIPN. Methods: This pilot study evaluated the optimum treatment schedule and initial efficacy of two treatment schedules of a standardized Swedish massage technique to treat lower extremity (LE) CIPN. Inclusion criteria: LE neuropathy attributed to oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, or docetaxel, no other history of attributable causes (concurrent upper extremity neuropathy allowed); self-reported neuropathy score ≥3, 0-10 scale; ≥ 6 months since last chemotherapy treatment; age ≥ 18. Pts were randomized to one of four groups: 1) LE massage 3 times (3X) week for 4 weeks; LE massage 2X week for 6 weeks; 3) head/neck/shoulder (control) massage 3X week for 4 weeks; or 4) control massage 2X week for 6 weeks. Massage completion rate was examined and symptoms of CIPN measured with the Pain Quality Assessment Scale [PQAS (Range: 0-10); subscales of PQAS-SP (surface pain), PQAS-DP (deep pain), and PQAS-PP (paroxysmal pain)] at baseline and at 10 weeks. Results: 71 pts fulfilled inclusion criteria: 77.5% women; 57.7% (breast cancer), and 42.3% (GI cancer); mean age 60.3 y/o (range: 40-77). Average length of time since the end of chemotherapy was > 3 yrs. Mean massage completion rates (max = 12) were 8.9 (SD 4.2) for 3X week and 9.8 (4.0) for 2X week with no statistical differences. There were no statistically significant differences in PQAS scores at follow-up between site-specific massage groups (lower extremity vs controls). Pts who had massage 3X week reported statistically and clinically significantly improved PQAS scores versus those who had massage 2X week (change scores: PQAS-SP: -2.3 vs. -0.6, p = 0.001; PQAS-DP: -2.1 vs. -0.9, p = 0.008; PQAS-PP: -2.3 vs. -1.0, p = 0.025), with sustained improvement maintained in the 3X week group, but minimal change in the 2X week group. Conclusions: We observed sustained reduction in pts with long-term CIPN up to 6 weeks after treatment completion for the more intensive 3X week massage group, regardless of massage treatment site. A large-scale efficacy trial is warranted to validate the role of oncology massage therapy for CIPN. Clinical trial information: NCT02221700.


2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 582-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Kosny ◽  
Ellen MacEachen ◽  
Sue Ferrier ◽  
Lori Chambers

Hematology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick G. Gallagher

Abstract Disorders of the erythrocyte membrane, including hereditary spherocytosis, hereditary elliptocytosis, hereditary pyropoikilocytosis, and hereditary stomatocytosis, comprise an important group of inherited hemolytic anemias. These syndromes are characterized by marked clinical and laboratory heterogeneity. Recent molecular studies have revealed that there is also significant genetic heterogeneity in these disorders. This is particularly true for the spherocytosis syndromes where each kindred has a private mutation in one of the spherocytosis genes. Treatment with splenectomy is curative in most patients. Splenectomy via a laparoscopic approach has become the surgical method of choice. Growing recognition and understanding of the long-term risks and complications of splenectomy, including cardiovascular disease, thrombotic disorders, and pulmonary hypertension, and the emergence of penicillin-resistant pneumococci, a concern for infection in overwhelming postsplenectomy infection, have led to reevaluation of the role of splenectomy. Recent management guidelines acknowledge these important considerations when entertaining splenectomy and recommend detailed discussion between health care providers, patient, and family.


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.Y. Lee ◽  
E.M. Khoo

70 patients presented with acute asthma exacerbation requiring nebulised bronchodilator treatment at the emergency department of a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were interviewed over a two-week period in July 2001. The results showed that 45 (64%) patients had not been educated on the nature of asthma; 30 (43%) had not been advised on preventive measures or avoidance of triggers; 54 (77%) were not advised about the medications used and their side effects; 42 (60%) patients did not know the difference between reliever and preventive medications; 37 (53%) were unable to recognize features of worsening asthma and 68 (97%) were not told about the danger of non-prescribed self-medication or traditional medications. Only six (9%) patients were using peak flow meters and were taught self-management plans. The multiple regression results suggest that patients who were followed up at teaching hospital based clinics were better educated on asthma. In conclusion, asthmatic patients are still not educated well about their disease. Health care providers need to put more emphasis on asthma education so that the number of emergency room visits can be reduced. Asia Pac J Public Health 2004; 16(1): 45-49.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tooba Lateef ◽  
Jiyao Chen ◽  
Muhammad Tahir ◽  
Teba Abdul Lateef ◽  
Bryan Z. Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted adversely upon the mental health of millions of people worldwide. Impacts on the mental health conditions and the associated predictors relating to adults in Pakistan, the fifth most populous country in the world, during the COVID-19 remain understudied. Our aim was to investigate distress, anxiety, and overall mental health and their associated predictors among Pakistani adults in this pandemic. We specifically examine mental health issues based on the distance from the epicenter, (a predictor that has revealed opposing evidence in other countries) based on the theories of typhoon eye effect and ripple effect. The sample consisted of 601 adults who were surveyed online about 2.5 months into the outbreak across Pakistan with varying distances from the epicenter of COVID-19 of Karachi. Results The results showed that 9.2 and 19.0% of the participants surpassed the cut-off criteria for distress and anxiety disorders, respectively. Overall, the distance from the epicenter positively predicted the mental health of adults in Pakistan, and family size negatively moderated this effect. The distance from the epicenter negatively predicted distress and anxiety disorders for adults in large families, which are quite common in Pakistan. Conclusion The evidence of the study interestingly finds that the prediction of the mental health of people by their distance from the epicenter depends on family size. The evidence of this study can help to provide initial indicators for mental health care providers to screen vulnerable groups in Pakistan, a populous country that continues struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.


2020 ◽  
pp. 089033442097998
Author(s):  
Cheryl Langford ◽  
Marcella Gowan ◽  
Monica Haj

Background Students returning to school who are breastfeeding face unique challenges. There is limited literature on breastfeeding university students. Several researchers have studied breastfeeding employees in the workplace. Institutions of higher education closely mimic the employment environment. Breastfeeding college students who express their milk while at school share similar challenges to employed mothers. A baccalaureate nursing program is rigorous and little is known about the challenges facing breastfeeding student nurses returning to classes. Research aim To explore the breastfeeding experience of baccalaureate nursing students. Methods Our study was a cross-sectional descriptive qualitative design. Purposive sampling was used to enroll participants ( N = 12). In depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the data both manually and using Dedoose QDA software. Results An overarching theme of pervasive conflict between the role of the breastfeeding mother and the role of the student nurse surfaced. Three interrelated organizing themes also emerged; challenging, vulnerability, and resilience. Time constraints, self-care versus role demands, and structural accommodations contributed to the challenges. Only one participant indicated a knowledge of her breastfeeding rights. All of the participants expressed gratitude for faculty and community support, regardless of conflicts. Conclusion Breastfeeding participants were both vulnerable and resilient. Faculty may improve experiences through providing specific areas of support. A breastfeeding support policy outlining student rights and faculty responsibilities is needed to educate, guide, and enforce protections. Health care providers may enhance breastfeeding students’ experiences through anticipatory guidance, education, and continued support.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brianne Redquest ◽  
Yona Lunsky

Purpose There has been an increase in research exploring the area of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and diabetes. Despite being described as instrumental to diabetes care for people with IDD, the role and experiences of family carers, such as parents and siblings, are often neglected in this research. However, it is clear that family carers do not feel that they have sufficient knowledge about diabetes. The purpose of this commentary is to extend the content from “Diabetes and people with learning disabilities: Issues for policy, practice, and education (Maine et al., 2020)” and discuss how family carers can feel better supported when caring for someone with IDD and diabetes. Design/methodology/approach This commentary discusses specific efforts such as STOP diabetes, DESMOND-ID and OK-diabetes for people with IDD including family carers. Encouragement is given for health care providers to recommend such programmes to people with IDD and their family carers. It is also suggested that health care providers involve family carers in diabetes care planning and implementation for people with IDD. Findings It is hoped that if changes are made to current diabetes practices and more research with family carers is conducted, diabetes prevention and management for people with IDD will be more successful and family carers can feel more confident in providing support to their loved ones. Originality/value Research exploring the role of family carers in diabetes care for people with IDD and diabetes is very limited. This commentary makes recommendations to help family carers feel better supported in their role. It also provides areas for future research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-126
Author(s):  
Chris Alderman

People from developed countries around the world now routinely live into their 80s and beyond, and this is associated with a range of medical and societal challenges that must be addressed. It is relatively rare to encounter older people who are not affected by one or more chronic diseases, including conditions such as osteoarthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, and depression. The concurrence of a number of medical and/or psychiatric conditions in the same patient has come to be referred to as multimorbidity, and it is a particularly familiar phenomenon observed by health care providers in settings such as the Emergency Department (ED), primary care practice, and long-term care facilities. Given that life expectancy continues to increase, and that there is considerable further investment in research for the development of new treatments, which will achieve adoption and be promoted to consumers, it is clear that multimorbidity is likely to be a driver for problems arising from medications that are vigorously promoted to consumers.


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