Living with a Disability: A Synthesis and Critique of the Literature on Quality of Life, 1985–1989

1993 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 771-777 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron L. Evans ◽  
C. Mary Dingus ◽  
Jodie K. Haselkorn

The current study describes articles cross-indexed under the keywords “quality of life” and “disability” in Index Medicus for the years 1985 through 1989 to compare their relative merits in terms of research design, sampling details, and the type of quality of life criteria included. Of 833 articles indexed under “quality of life,” 52 (16%) included data about a a disabling condition requiring rehabilitation. Of those 52, only seven (13%) were randomized clinical trials. The modal design was a descriptive survey or case study ( N = 22 or 42%). Given the limited rigor in research design and invalid measurements, conclusions about improvement in the quality of life for disabled individuals after rehabilitative care could not be drawn from the studies reviewed. It may be concluded that research on quality of life needs to be better designed and should include more uniform and valid criteria.

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J Brownstein ◽  
Estela Salagre ◽  
Cristiano Köhler ◽  
Brendon Stubbs ◽  
João Vian ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-6
Author(s):  
M.C. Maccarone ◽  
G. Magro ◽  
U. Solimene ◽  
S. Masiero

Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are age-related conditions, linked to functional impairment and decreased quality of life (QoL). As a result of the increased life expectancy in Europe, great attention has been focused on investigating the impact of these diseases on QoL. Thermal environment is a suitable place for providing interventions (mud therapy, bath, exercise, etc.) for chronic MSD patients. Our narrative review aims to assess if Spa therapy may improve QoL in patients with chronic MSDs. We searched randomized clinical trials and clinical trials screening PubMed and Google Scholar databases from 2016 up to March 2020. We included 14 trials testing Spa therapy interventions concerning osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic shoulder pain and fibromyalgia. In conclusion, even though limitations must be considered, evidence shows that Spa therapy, especially in combination with rehabilitation approach, can significantly improve QoL of patients with chronic MSDs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 886-899
Author(s):  
Hector Acosta-García ◽  
Eva Rocío Alfaro-Lara ◽  
Susana Sánchez-Fidalgo ◽  
Daniel Sevilla-Sánchez ◽  
Eva Delgado-Silveira ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Nowadays, it is difficult to establish a specific method of intervention by the pharmacist and its clinical repercussions. Our aim was to identify interventions by pharmacists integrated within an interdisciplinary team for chronic complex patients (CCPs) and determine which of them produce the best results. Methods A systematic review (SR) was performed based on PICO(d) question (2008–18): (Population): CCPs; (Intervention): carried out by health system pharmacists in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team; (Comparator): any; (Outcome): clinical and health resources usage outcomes; (Design): meta-analysis, SR and randomized clinical trials. Results Nine articles were included: one SR and eight randomized clinical trials. The interventions consisted mainly in putting in order the pharmacotherapy and the review of the medication adequacy, medication reconciliation in transition of care and educational intervention for health professionals. Only one showed significant improvements in mortality (27.9% vs. 38.5%; HR = 1.49; P = 0.026), two in health-related quality of life [according to EQ-5D (European Quality of Life—5 Dimensions) and EQ-VAS (European Quality of Life—Visual Analog Scale) tests] and four in other health-related results (subjective self-assessment scales, falls or episodes of delirium and negative health outcomes associated with medication). Significant differences between groups were found in hospital stay and frequency of visits to the emergency department. No better results were observed in hospitalization rate. Otherwise, one study measured cost utility and found a cost of €45 987 per quality-adjusted life year gained due to the intervention. Conclusions It was not possible to determine with certainty which interventions produce the best results in CCPs. The clinical heterogeneity of the studies and the short follow-up of most studies probably contributed to this uncertainty.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 919-933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Ruiz-Muelle ◽  
María Mar López-Rodríguez

Background: In recent years, several reviews have addressed the effectiveness of dance therapy in dementia, healthy older adults, or the elderly in general. However, reviews regarding the effect of this therapy exclusively on patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease have not been found. Objective: The purpose of this study is to review the available literature describing clinical trials which explore the effects of dancing on psychological and physical outcomes, functionality, cognitive function, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, this review aims to assess the quality of studies that perform dance therapy interventions in these patients. Methods: This study is a systematic review of randomized and non-randomized clinical trials regarding the effect of intervention including a dancing activity in people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Results: In total, the evidence for this review rests on 12 studies with a total of 349 participants. The findings of this mini-review confirm the positive effect of dance therapy on physical and cognitive function, functionality, psychological outcomes, and quality of life in people with Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: Most of the studies implementing dance as part of the therapeutic treatment has shown to improve or slow the worsening in the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Future research focused on these patients should use a more exhaustive methodology and make a more detailed description of these kind of interventions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e12290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Szmulewicz ◽  
Kerollos N. Wanis ◽  
Ashley Gripper ◽  
Federico Angriman ◽  
Jeff Hawel ◽  
...  

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