scholarly journals 3D PRINTING OF MEDICINES

2020 ◽  
pp. 157-172
Author(s):  
Miren Gómez Galparsoro ◽  
Edorta Santos Vizcaíno
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Personalized Medicine ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing ◽  
Pharmaceutical Development ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Dimensional Printing ◽  
Pharmaceutical Practice ◽  
Additive Technique

The pharmaceutical industry is continually searching for new technologies to improve the characteristics of current medicines. One of the objectives is the increase of adherence to the treatments by patients. Simultaneously, 3-dimensional printing (3DP) is an emerging additive technique that is reaching many sectors of industry and influencing directly and indirectly the quality of life of patients. In this sense, 3DP postulates to be one of the technologies that contribute to the pharmaceutical development, allowing the personalized medicine in patients, improving the bioavailability of drugs with dissolution problems or combining all the medication of the patients in a single tablet (polypill), among others. This new technique will differ greatly from the traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing and in the coming years it may involve a revolutionary transformation in pharmaceutical practice.

Effectiveness of Teleassistance at Improving Quality of Life in People with Neuromuscular Diseases

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Martínez ◽  
Amaia Jometón ◽  
Manuel Pérez ◽  
Esther Lázaro ◽  
Imanol Amayra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Neuromuscular Diseases ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Psychosocial Domain

AbstractRare neuromuscular diseases (NDs) are a group of inherited or acquired neurological pathologies affecting the muscles and the nervous system. Their low prevalence and high geographical dispersion can cause isolation and difficulties in social interaction between affected equals. New technologies, such as videoconferencing, offer a complementary option for improving the health of this population. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a teleassistance program at improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) through social interaction in adults with NDs. The sample consisted of 45 participants affected by rare NDs. Twenty-four participants were assigned to the experimental group (EG), which participated in the videoconferencing sessions, and 21 to the control group. Three questionnaires were administered: WHO-DAS II, Sickness Impact Profile, and SF-36 Health Survey. Effectiveness was assessed by a pre-post design. An online psychosocial program was applied over three-month period. Data revealed an improvement of the EG in psychosocial variables, e.g. “Getting along with people” (z = –2.289, r = –.47, p ≤ .05) or “Psychosocial Domain” (z = –2.404, r = –.49, p ≤ .05), and in physical variables, e.g. “Life activities” (z = –2.844, r = –.58, p ≤ .05). Social interaction appeared as a relevant factor at improving HRQoL levels. High levels of satisfaction about the teleassistance program were reported.

scholarly journals JOURNEY THROUGH “FIELDS” OF AGEING - FROM “WORLD OF ELDERS” TO “WORLDS OF SENIORS”

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Orazio Licciardello ◽  
Manuel Mauceri ◽  
Graziella Di Marco ◽  
Maria Giuseppina Cardella
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
University Students ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Social Representations ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Digital Skills

Abstract.We conducted some researches in order to explore “fields” or dimensions of elderly people’s Quality of Life (QoL), both as self-perception and hetero-perception. A set of researches were conducted in Italy and Spain, involving seniors and university students. The aim was to explore the seniors’ QoL from both their and the students’ point of view. Results showed elderly people perceived their own life better than the “other” attributed to them; they were quite good at managing Positive and Negative Emotions. Spanish university students represented more positively the elderly people’s QoL than Italian colleagues. A Positive Affect as well as an empathic attitude towards seniors affected a better representation about elderly people’s QoL. Another set of studies was focused on the elderly people’s QoL and New Technologies (NTs) as these may offer opportunities both to maintain an independent lifestyle and to being involved in relevant activities. Most participants had nor any digital skills neither prejudices on the NTs; the perceived QoL was quite positive; Self-Efficacy believes were really high. The QoL was affected only by Self-Efficacy. A workshop was held, involving a small group of both disabled and healthy seniors; it was focused on the NTs, as tools to promote an active citizenship. After Training our seniors improved their Digital Skills and their own Quality of Life. In the end, a study was conducted in order to verify how both empathy (Empatic Concern; Perspective Taking), Theory on Mind (RMET) and contact worked well to improve QoL levels attributed to elders by a group of university students. On an applicative plan, empathy and TOM should represent the backdrop in supervised experiences of contact between students and elders. Further research will be conduct on this path.Key-Words: Active ageing; Quality of Life; Social Representations; Contact; Empathy.

Remote monitoring of vital and activity parameters in chronic transfusion dependent patients: a case-crossover pilot using wearable biosensors (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rik Tonino ◽  
Mackenzie Tweardy ◽  
Jaap Jan Zwaginga ◽  
Stephan Wegerich ◽  
Martin Roelof Schipperus
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Red Cell ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Red Cell Transfusion ◽  
Induced Changes

BACKGROUND Little is known if and to what extent outpatient RBC transfusions benefit chronic transfusion dependent patients. Costs, labour, and small but remaining side effects of RBC transfusions cause restrictive transfusions strategy to be the standard of care. However, the actual performance and quality of life of patients who require RBC’s on a regular basis are hardly accounted for. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to understand how new technologies and techniques like wearable biosensor devices and web-based testing can be used to measure physiological changes and functional activity in a cohort of transfusion-dependent patients. METHODS We monitored 5 patients who regularly receive transfusions during one transfusion cycle with the VitalPatch biosensor, the Withings Steel HR, and web-based cognitive and quality of life testing. RESULTS The deployed devices rendered qualitative and usable data. Heart rate and cognition showed to be significantly improved by RBC transfusions. Activity and quality of life measures did not show transfusion-induced changes. CONCLUSIONS The accelerateIQ platform, Withings Steel HR, and the CANTAB platform are usable for extracting and analysing data. Red cell transfusions significantly and reversibly decrease heart rate and increase sustained attention in our cohort of five red cell transfusion-dependent patients.

On the Use of Speech Technologies to Achieve Inclusive Education for People with Intellectual Disabilities

2013 ◽  
pp. 163-174
Author(s):  
Ana Pérez Pérez ◽  
Zoraida Callejas Carrión ◽  
Ramón López-Cózar Delgado ◽  
David Griol Barres
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Language Disorders ◽  
The Social ◽  
Educational Integration ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Speech And Language Disorders

New technologies have demonstrated a great potential to improve the social, labour, and educational integration of people with special needs. That is why there is a special interest of academia and industry to develop tools to assist this people, improving their autonomy and quality of life. Usually, intellectual disabilities are linked with speech and language disorders. In this chapter, the authors present a review on the efforts directed towards designing and developing speech technologies adapted to people with intellectual disabilities. Also, they describe the work they have conducted to study how to gather speech resources, which can be used to build speech-based systems that help them to communicate more effectively.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Understanding and optimizing quality of life and psychological well-being presents a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the enhancement of the lives of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their caregivers. ALS is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder. No current medical therapy can reverse or stop its progression, and the promotion of quality of life and psychological well-being is a central component of ALS care. Health care professionals who work in this field should incorporate attention to psychological, emotional, and relational aspects of the disease into their approach to care. This book provides some of the knowledge and direction necessary for optimizing the quality of care for individuals with ALS and their caregivers. Topics discussed include an ALS-centred view of quality of life, depressive features, anxiety, resilience, cognitive impairment, complementary and alternative medicines, and psychological research. Specific elements of ALS, such as end-of-life concerns and bulbar dysfunction, are described through the lens of their psychological impact. There is extensive discussion of the development of new psychological treatments, as well as the impact and incorporation of new technologies, with the goal of fostering optimal quality of life and psychological well-being as key parts of a holistic approach to care for the patients and for those who are close to such individuals.

scholarly journals The Best Day of the Week: New Technology Enhancing Quality of Life in a Care Home

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Juul ◽  
Raelene Wilding ◽  
Loretta Baldassar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
The Social ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Meaningful Engagement

Older people living in residential aged care facilities tend to be physically as well as socially inactive, which leads to poorer health and reduced wellbeing. A lack of recognition of the importance of social support, limited resources, lack of training and task-oriented work routines leave little time for staff to meet the social needs of residents. Through qualitative ethnographic fieldwork, this study investigates the potential for new technologies to enhance quality of life and facilitate meaningful engagement in physical and social activities among culturally and linguistically diverse residents and staff in care facilities. A continuum from nonparticipation to full participation among residents was observed when Touch Screen Technology activities were implemented. Data indicate that resident’s engagement is impacted by five interdependent factors, including environmental, organisational, caregiver, patient, and management- &government-related. Findings show that new technologies can be used to increase meaningful physical and social engagement, including transcending language and cultural barriers. However, the successful application of new technologies to enhance quality of life is dependent on their integration into the daily routine and social relationships of staff and residents, with the full support of management. Guidelines governing the use of new technologies to support meaningful engagement of older people in residential care are lacking: this project highlights the importance of attention to the social relational dimensions of technology interventions to support best practice in their use.

scholarly journals Innovation and shortage: The Yin and Yang of the health sector

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (s1) ◽  
pp. 99-114
Author(s):  
Karen Eggleston
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Personalized Medicine ◽  
Chinese Philosophy ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Violent Conflict ◽  
Social Instability ◽  
Yin And Yang ◽  
Market Driven ◽  
The Relationship

The economic challenges countries face when adopting personalized medicine technologies provide an important illustration of many of the concepts articulated by János Kornai in his pioneering research on innovation in market-driven, capitalist surplus economies. In Chinese philosophy, Yin and Yang often represent contradictory yet inseparable opposites – two forces that not merely coexist, but are synergistic and mutually dependent. This concept is an apt analogy for the relationship between innovation and shortage in the health sector. Dangers arise from over-emphasizing the Yin of innovation over the Yang of access, and vice versa. If we over-constrain innovation, we die needlessly early and forfeit quality of life that innovations might have enabled. If we do not distribute access to innovations equitably, we diminish our humanity, suffer backlashes from populism and distrust of science and expertise, and risk social instability, even violent conflict.

scholarly journals Experience of Using an App in HIV Patients Older Than 60 Years: Pilot Program (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julián Olalla ◽  
Jose María García de Lomas ◽  
Efrén Márquez ◽  
Francisco Jesús González ◽  
Alfonso Del Arco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group

BACKGROUND New technologies can promote knowledge of HIV infection among patients suffering from this disease. Older patients with HIV infection represent an increasingly large group that could benefit from the use of specific apps. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to observe the acceptability and use of a mobile app on HIV infection in patients at least 60 years old and offer them the possibility of anonymously establishing contact with their peers. METHODS A series of clinical and psychosocial parameters were studied in 30 HIV-infected patients of over 60 years. The patients must be at least 60 years old, with a follow-up in the outpatient clinic for at least 1 year and without pathologies that limit his or her life expectancy to less than a year. They must know how to read and write. To be part of the group assigned to the app, they had to have their own smartphone and confirm that they were connected to the internet from that device. Overall, 15 of them were randomized to use an app and 15 were in the control group. All tests were repeated after 6 months. RESULTS The median age of patients was 66.5 years. Among them, 29 patients had an undetectable viral load at baseline. The median number of comorbid diseases was 2. Overall, 11 of them lived with their partners and 19 lived alone. They spent an average of 5 hours a day sitting down, and 56% (17/30) of them referred high physical activity. They scored 4 out of 5 for general quality of life perception. Moreover, 80% (24/30) presented high adherence to their treatment, and the average number of concomitant medications was 5. In the 6-min walking test, they covered a distance of 400 meters, and 3 of them desaturated during the test. The 15 patients made frequent use of the app, with 2407 sessions and an average of 7 min and 56 seconds time of use with a total of 13,143 screen views. During the 6 months of the trial, 3 non-AIDS events took place. There were no significant modifications to body mass index, blood pressure measurements, lipid profile, or immuno-virology information data. There were no differences in the questionnaire scores for perception of quality of life, confessed physical activity, or antiretroviral treatment (ART) and non-ART treatment adherence. CONCLUSIONS Significant differences between studied parameters were not objectified in these patients, possibly because this trial has significant limitations, such as a small sample size and only a brief follow-up period. However, patients did use the app frequently, making this a possible intervention to be proposed in future subsequent studies.

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