A Mixed-Methods Cohort Study to Determine Perceived Patient Benefit in Providing Custom Breast Prostheses.
A mixed-methods cohort study to determine perceived patient benefit in providing custom breast prostheses.
Filed under: Rehab Centers
Curr Oncol. 2012 Apr; 19(2): e43-52
Kubon TM, McClennen J, Fitch MI, McAndrew A, Anderson J
Of all mastectomy patients, 90% will use an external prosthesis where the standard of care uses a stock prosthesis that is purchased “off the shelf.” Our objectives were to determine patient demand for and perceived value of a custom breast prosthesis. The information obtained will influence future research and program direction.We asked 65 women who had undergone lumpectomy or mastectomy to participate before exploring rehabilitation options. The quantitative outcome measures were the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer qlq-C30 general and -BR23 breast cancer-specific quality of life questionnaires, and the Ambulatory Oncology Patients Satisfaction Tool. The qlq results were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results of the satisfaction tool were compared using the Fisher exact and chi-square tests. A descriptive qualitative approach-involving in-depth interviews exploring the experiences of the women-was used to establish the perceived value of the services to the patients. The analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted using a standardized content method to describe the experiences of the women.All the women had had previous experiences with a conventional prosthesis, and they reported that wearing a custom prosthesis was more satisfying for them. They reported comfort and ease in wearing it, coupled with a sense of feeling less like a victim. Comparison of the qlq and patient satisfaction scores showed no significant difference between the women wearing the conventional prosthesis and those wearing the custom prosthesis.The qualitative data provide a strong case in support of the new device. Patient demand, perceived benefit, and experience wearing the prosthesis were documented. Suggestions for improvements in the device and in the program operations were gathered and will influence future development of this service.
HubMed – rehab
Different properties of visual relearning after damage to early versus higher-level visual cortical areas.
Filed under: Rehab Centers
J Neurosci. 2012 Apr 18; 32(16): 5414-25
Das A, Demagistris M, Huxlin KR
The manipulation of visual perceptual learning is emerging as an important rehabilitation tool following visual system damage. Specificity of visual learning for training stimulus and task attributes has been used in prior work to infer a differential contribution of higher-level versus lower-level visual cortical areas to this process. The present study used a controlled experimental paradigm in felines to examine whether relearning of motion discrimination and the specificity of such relearning are differently influenced by damage at lower versus higher levels of the visual cortical hierarchy. Cats with damage to either early visual areas 17,18, and 19, or to higher-level, motion-processing lateral suprasylvian (LS) cortex were trained to perform visual tasks with controlled fixation. Animals with either type of lesion could relearn to discriminate the direction of motion of both drifting gratings and random dot stimuli in their impaired visual field. However, two factors emerged as critical for allowing transfer of learning to untrained motion stimuli: (1) an intact LS cortex and (2) more complex visual stimuli. Thus, while the hierarchical level of visual cortex damage did not seem to limit the ability to relearn motion discriminations, generalizability of relearning with a damaged visual system appeared to be influenced by both the areas damaged and the nature of the stimulus used during training.
HubMed – rehab
Determinants of risk factor control in subjects with coronary heart disease : a report from the EUROASPIRE III investigators.
Filed under: Rehab Centers
Eur J Prev Cardiolog. 2012 Apr 18;
Cooney MT, Kotseva K, Dudina A, De Backer G, Wood D, Graham I
The EUROASPIRE audits of risk factor control have indicated that, even in those with established coronary heart disease, risk factor control remains poor. We therefore analysed the EUROASPRE III data set to establish the factors associated with success or failure in risk factor control in order to inform future risk factor management strategies. University education, attendance at a specialist cardiology clinic, and participation in a cardiac rehabilitation programme were associated with improved risk factor control. Risk factor control was poorer in women, those with diabetes, and those undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery as opposed to medical therapy or percutaneous coronary intervention. Increasing age, depression, and anxiety were not associated with poorer risk factor control.
HubMed – rehab
New machine at IMH offers more precise cancer treatment
Filed under: Rehab Centers
Cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy at the J. Allen Knox Radiation Therapy Center at Iredell Memorial Hospital will soon benefit from more precise treatment. Varian Medical Systems technicians are currently piecing together the new True Beam …
Read more on Statesville Record & Landmark
Saint Jude's Retreats An Alternative to Drug and Alcohol Rehab, Renames …
Filed under: Rehab Centers
The two courses additionally help the guests with an easier transition when returning to their lives outside of the retreat, something guests have not received at 12 step drug and alcohol treatment centers. Cheryl Curtis, the Saint Jude Retreats Senior …
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