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Apps have been attested to empower patients regarding disease self-management through numerous studies. However, it is still unclear what factors determine the perception of patients whether an app is a useful tool for this purpose. A multiple regression model that was informed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM 2) was tested based on the answers of 235 app users with Diabetes type 1 or 2. The model accounted for 59.2% of the variance of the perceived degree of self-management. Factors belonging to the relevance-usefulness-quality complex as well as factors reflecting the patient’s self-control were found to be significant in the model. Patient demographics, i.e. age, gender, app experience and type of Diabetes did not play any significant role. In conclusion, this study raises the question whether apps should be designed to strengthen self-management in the sense of self-control (e.g. own measurements, diary) as opposed to guiding and advice giving.
Background
Digital health technologies enable patients to make a personal contribution to the improvement of their health by enabling them to manage their health. In order to exploit the potential of digital health technologies, Internet-based networking between patients and health care providers is required. However, this networking and access to digital health technologies are less prevalent in sociodemographically deprived cohorts. The paper explores how the use of digital health technologies, which connect patients with health care providers and health insurers has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
The data from a German-based cross-sectional online study conducted between April 29 and May 8, 2020, were used for this purpose. A total of 1.570 participants were included in the study. Accordingly, the influence of sociodemographic determinants, subjective perceptions, and personal competencies will affect the use of online booking of medical appointments and medications, video consultations with providers, and the data transmission to health insurers via an app.
Results
The highest level of education (OR 1.806) and the presence of a chronic illness (OR 1.706) particularly increased the likelihood of using online booking. With regard to data transmission via an app to a health insurance company, the strongest increase in the probability of use was shown by belonging to the highest subjective social status (OR 1.757) and generation Y (OR 2.303). Furthermore, the results show that the higher the subjectively perceived restriction of the subjects' life situation was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the higher the relative probability of using online booking (OR 1.103) as well as data transmission via an app to a health insurance company (OR 1.113). In addition, higher digital literacy contributes to the use of online booking (OR 1.033) and data transmission via an app to the health insurer (OR 1.034).
Conclusions
Socially determined differences can be identified for the likelihood of using digital technologies in health care, which persist even under restrictive conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the results indicate a digital divide with regard to the technologies investigated in this study.
Einleitung: Whiteboards können als ein Instrument des Lean Managements zur Steuerung der Verweildauer auf Stationen eingesetzt werden, um aktuelle Patienteninformationen zu bündeln und in regelmäßigen strukturierten sowie interdisziplinären Besprechungen die Patientenversorgung zu steuern, die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit zu optimieren und das Entlassungsmanagement zu verbessern. Das Ziel dieser Studie bestand darin, zu untersuchen, inwiefern die Einführung von Whiteboards in zwei Kliniken mit einer Veränderung der Verweildauer einherging.
Methode: Um die Forschungsfrage zu beantworten, wurden retrospektive Zeitreihen aus den DRG-Routinedaten vor und nach Installation der Whiteboards aus den beiden Kliniken in einem Interrupted Time Series Design genutzt. In der einen Klinik (Chirurgie) lagen 3.734 Fälle für den Zeitraum von Januar 2018 bis Dezember 2019 und in der anderen Klinik (Innere Medizin) 54.049 Fälle für den Zeitraum Juli 2013 bis Dezember 2019 vor.
Ergebnisse: In dem gemittelten Vergleich der Verweildauer (relative Verweildauerabweichung pro DRG von dem jeweiligen Verweildauermittel) konnte in der ersten Klinik kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den Werten vor und nach Einführung des Boards festgestellt werden. Am zweiten Klinikum zeigte sich sogar im Vorher-Nachher-Vergleich eine signifikante Verschlechterung der Verweildauer. Eine deskriptive Zeitreihenanalyse vor und nach Einführung zeigte in beiden Kliniken, dass kurz nach der Einführung der Boards sich die Verweildauer verschlechterte, anschließend jedoch verbesserte, d.h. dass die Patienten durchschnittlich früher entlassen wurden. Dieser Unterschied ging jedoch im Zeitverlauf wieder zurück.
Diskussion: Zusammenfassend lässt sich festhalten, dass keine Verbesserung in der Verweildauer im Zuge der Nutzung der Whiteboards durch einen reinen Vorher-Nachher-Vergleich nachweisbar war. In der anschließenden Zeitreihenbetrachtung zeigten sich starke Schwankungen, die zunächst mit einer kurzzeitigen Verschlechterung der Verweildauer nach der Implementierung einhergingen und dann zu einer Verbesserung führten. Im Zeitverlauf verblasste der Unterschied jedoch, sodass die Patienten wieder später entlassen wurden. Methodisch zeigt sich, dass im Gegensatz zu der reinen Vorher-Nachher-Analyse erst eine Zeitreihenbetrachtung einen Einblick in das Geschehen und seine Variabilität lieferte. Für die Praxis ergeben sich folgende Implikationen: Whiteboards können als ein hilfreiches Instrument von Lean Management zur Verweildauersteuerung angesehen werden, wie die zwischenzeitlichen Verbesserungen nahelegen. Dies erfordert jedoch eine kontinuierliche, unter Einbezug der Mitarbeiter durchgeführte Pflege der Informationen und einen erkennbaren Mehrwert. Perspektivisch empfiehlt sich zudem eine Digitalisierung der Boards, um den Nachteilen wie der manuellen Pflege entgegenzuwirken.
In the context of the ongoing digitization of interdisciplinary subjects, the need for digital literacy is increasing in all areas of everyday life. Furthermore, communication between science and society is facing new challenges, not least since the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to deal with these challenges and to provide target-oriented online teaching, new educational concepts for the transfer of knowledge to society are necessary. In the transfer project “Zukunftslabor Gesundheit” (ZLG), a didactic concept for the creation of E-Learning classes was developed. A key factor for the didactic concept is addressing heterogeneous target groups to reach the broadest possible spectrum of participants. The concept has already been used for the creation of the first ZLG E-Learning courses. This article outlines the central elements of the developed didactic concept and addresses the creation of the ZLG courses. The courses created so far appeal to different target groups and convey diverse types of knowledge at different levels of difficulty.
Vor zehn Jahren haben erste Unternehmen damit begonnen, ihre Käuferschaft nach dem "Pay-what-you-want"-Prinzip entscheiden zu lassen, wieviel sie für eine in Anspruch genommene Leistung zahlen will. Parallel dazu hat die Verhaltensökonomik in Laborexperimenten oder Feldversuchen bestätigt, dass Menschen bereit sind, solche Angebote nicht vollständig zu ihrem Vorteil zu nutzen, sondern Preise größer als null zu zahlen, die in manchen Fällen sogar kostendeckend sind. Unternehmen gehen jedoch vor allem dann mit Pay What You Want ein hohes Verlustrisiko ein, wenn sie hochpreisige Waren anbieten und sich ein Teil ihrer Käuferschaft opportunistisch verhält, so wie es das Modell des Homo oeconomicus vorhersagt. Wir zeigen, dass es in der Realität nur in Ausnahmefällen gelingt, ein vollständiges Geschäftsmodell auf "Pay-What-You-Want"-Basis langfristig erfolgreich zu etablieren. Wesentlich besser eignet sich Pay What You Want als Bezahloption für einen Teil des Angebots eines Unternehmens oder als Marketinginstrument.
Die Macht des Volkes ist längst zu einer Phrase in Sonntagsreden verkommen. In den westlichen Demokratien herrscht nicht mehr das Volk, sondern das Kapital. Politiker regieren die Bürger, aber Finanzmärkte und Großkonzerne regieren die Politik. Lobbyisten steuern die Gesetzgebung zum Wohl der Großkonzerne, PR-Agenturen machen Kapitalismus-Propaganda, die Unterhaltungsindustrie stellt das Volk ruhig und das Bildungssystem erzieht ökonomisch verwertbaren Nachwuchs. Doch stehen wir auf verlorenem Posten? Harald Trabold demonstriert, wie wir Bürgerinnen und Bürger unsere eingebüßte Macht zurückerobern können. Dafür müssen wir jedoch bereit sein, uns in neuer Freiheit gegen die Herrschaft der Konzerne und Reichen zu behaupten und den Kapitalismus in die Schranken zu weisen. Noch ist es nicht zu spät! Es ist der klare Blick eines erfahrenen Insiders, der das Warum dahinter aufdeckt. Seit 2005 ist Trabold Professor für Volkswirtschaftslehre mit zahlreichen Veröffentlichungen u. a. zu den Themen Globalisierung, Wettbewerbsfähigkeit, Finanzkrise. Zudem ist er als Berater für UN-Organisationen, die Europäische Kommission und das Wirtschaftsministerium tätig.
Zur dauerhaften Steigerung des Unternehmenserfolges wird die Integration einer global ausgerichteten Steuerplanung in die Unternehmens- und Investitionspolitik für international agierende Unternehmen immer wichtiger. Dieses Buch verbindet erstmalig beide Aspekte miteinander:
• Es greift die wachsende Bedeutung der Kapital- und Finanzmärkte und die Herausbildung globaler Unternehmenskooperationen bzw. Netzwerke auf und stellt wertorientierte Managementkonzepte und daraus resultierende international gängige Verfahren zur Bewertung von Unternehmen und Investitionen vor.
• Darüber hinaus konzentriert sich die Darstellung jedoch auf den steuerlichen Vergleich zwischen den einzelnen Ländern und wichtige steuerliche Regelungsbereiche auf nationaler und internationaler Ebene sowie auf grenzüberschreitende Gestaltungen, die einen positiven Wertbeitrag im Rahmen von Verbundunternehmen ermöglichen.
Das Buch richtet sich in erster Linie an Studierende in international orientierten Studiengängen und an Studierende im Bereich Immobilienwirtschaft. Gleichwohl können auch Praktiker in Unternehmen und Unternehmensberater Anregungen und Hilfestellungen erhalten.
Im Studium kommen Sie am Bürgerlichen Recht kaum vorbei und das zu Recht: Es ist eben nunmal wichtig. Oliver Tillmann erklärt Ihnen die Systematik des BGB und was Sie zum Allgemeinen Teil wissen sollten. Hier erfahren Sie, das Wichtigste zu Willenserklärungen, Verträge, Stellvertretung, Rechts- und Geschäftsfähigkeit. Außerdem führt er Sie in das Schuldrecht und das Sachenrecht ein. Kursorisch streift er gegen Ende des Buches auch noch das Familien- und Erbrecht. Zahlreiche Übungsaufgaben mit Lösungen helfen Ihnen, Ihr Wissen zu testen und zu festigen.
Identification of differences in clinical presentation and underlying pain mechanisms may assist the classification of patients with neck–arm pain which is important for the provision of targeted best evidence based management. The aim of this study was to: (i) assess the inter-examiner agreement in using specific systems to classify patients with cervical radiculopathy and patients with non-specific neck–arm pain associated with heightened nerve mechanosensitivity (NSNAP); (ii) assess the agreement between two clinical examiners and two clinical experts in classifying these patients, and (iii) assess the diagnostic accuracy of the two clinical examiners. Forty patients with unilateral neck–arm pain were examined by two clinicians and classified into (i) cervical radiculopathy, (ii) NSNAP, (iii) other. The classifications were compared to those made independently by two experts, based on a review of patients' clinical assessment notes. The experts' opinion was used as the reference criterion to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the clinical examiners in classifying each patient group. There was an 80% agreement between clinical examiners, and between experts and 70%–80% between clinical examiners and experts in classifying patients with cervical radiculopathy (kappa between 0.41 and 0.61). Agreement was 72.5%–80% in classifying patients with NSNAP (kappa between 0.43 and 0.52). Clinical examiners' diagnostic accuracy was high (radiculopathy: sensitivity 79%–84%; specificity 76%–81%; NSNAP: sensitivity 78%–100%; specificity 71%–81%). Compared to expert opinion, clinicians were able to identify patients with cervical radiculopathy and patients with NSNAP in 80% of cases, our data supporting the reliability of these classification systems.
Background: The painDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) has been used as a tool to characterize sensory abnormalities in patients with persistent pain. This study investigated whether the self-reported sensory descriptors of patients with painful cervical radiculopathy (CxRAD) and patients with fibromyalgia (FM), as characterized by responses to verbal sensory descriptors from PD-Q (sensitivity to light touch, cold, heat, slight pressure, feeling of numbness in the main area of pain), were associated with the corresponding sensory parameters as demonstrated by quantitative sensory testing (QST).
Methods: Twenty-three patients with CxRAD (eight women, 46.3 ± 9.6 years) and 22 patients with FM (20 women, 46.1 ± 11.5 years) completed the PD-Q. Standardized QST of dynamic mechanical allodynia, cold and heat pain thresholds, pressure pain thresholds, mechanical and vibration detection thresholds, was recorded from the maximal pain area. Comparative QST data from 31 age-matched healthy controls (HCs; 15 women) were obtained.
Results: Patients with CxRAD demonstrated a match between their self-reported descriptors and QST parameters for all sensory parameters except for sensitivity to light touch, and these matches were statistically significant compared with HC data (p ≤ 0.006). The FM group demonstrated discrepancies between the PD-Q and QST sensory phenotypes for all sensory descriptors, indicating that the self-reported sensory descriptors did not consistently match the QST parameters (p = ≤0.017).
Conclusion: Clinicians and researchers should be cautious about relying on PD-Q as a stand-alone screening tool to determine sensory abnormalities in patients with FM.
Rationale:
Instrumentalists often suffer from playing-related (neuro-)musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). Most common PRMDs in string players are related to upper-body regions. Motion analysis has proven to be helpful in the evaluation of functional disorders. It was already shown that it is a valid and clinically feasible tool for accurate, repeatable, and objective assessments of functional movement in string players. Thus, it may guide clinicians to improvements in injury prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Nevertheless, its application in clinical consultation is still very uncommon. For this reason, there is a lack of well-established motion analysis protocols for the examination of PRMDs in string players using advanced biomechanical instruments in clinical settings.
Purpose:
To demonstrate the development and application of a motion analysis protocol for the evaluation of functional upper-body movements in violinists, violists, and cellists in a clinical setting for the investigation of PRMDs.
Approach:
The protocol was to be integrated into a clinical reasoning process for testing clinical hypotheses and evaluating treatment outcomes in physiotherapy. As a starting point, a primary clinical question was defined, and then, specific upper-body symptom regions as well as measurement parameters (relative rotation angles and muscle activities over time) were identified. Subsequently, involved segments, joints, and muscles were assorted. For quantification of upper-body kinematics a novel, marker-based method was used which provides multi-segmented shoulder and spine models while providing simple application. Based on that, a comprehensive mechanical model of the upper body as well as the associated coordinate systems and rotation sequences were specified. This further guided both, the definition of a custom-made marker set as well as the selection and placement of surface electrodes. Furthermore, required static and functional calibration trials as well as movement tasks for functional assessment were specified. Finally, advanced approaches, such as a comprehensive kinematic model and functional determination of joint centers and axes were established for extraction. Then, outcome parameters and their form of representation were determined for further analysis and interpretation.
The application of the method first includes the selection of segments, joints, and muscles to examine – originating from one or more clinical (working) hypotheses or symptom regions. This drives the configuration and placement of required surface markers and electrodes. Then, the required calibration and functional movement trials are executed. After measurement, the outcome parameters get extracted and analyzed. Based on the results the hypothesis is discarded or verified.
Content:
The method was applied to a violinist (female; 18 years old; 13 years of experience; practicing 2 to 3 hours per day, 7 days per week) with playing-related demands in the left cervical-shoulder-arm region.
Subjective findings indicated that the pain regularly occurred after 30 minutes of playing fast or difficult musical pieces. Physical examination showed that strength testing of left serratus anterior muscle caused pain, lower trapezius muscles seemed weak, forearm muscles were sensitive to pressure, movement of the cervical spine to the left was reduced, and upper limb neural tension test was noticeable.
This led to the following working hypothesis: Neck-related arm pain with neurodynamic component and motor control problem in the scapulothoracic region. Thus, left-sided cervical-shoulder-arm region was selected for functional examination.
Optoelectronic motion capture system and surface electromyography were used for data collection. Static and function calibration trials as well as functional assessment trials (chromatic scale with different tempi) were conducted. Afterwards, data was further processed, and outcome parameters were extracted.
Results showed that greater tempo and pain had an impact on the rotation angles and muscle activities. They led to less overall joint movement and range of motion, to less muscle activity in the forearm muscles, and to greater activity inputs in the scapulothoracic muscles. Overall, greater tempo and pain led to a different motor program which verified the working hypothesis.
The procedure was repeated after treatment (four appointments over one week) with manual therapy, training, and education. The pre-/post-interventional comparison showed changes in the motor program. There was noticeable higher mean activity in upper trapezius and deltoid muscles and simultaneously less in the remaining ones. In addition, only marginal differences in ranges of motion and muscle activity inputs were found between tempi. The playing style appeared to be more stable now. Overall, it appeared that nearly the same motor program was used for each tempo.
Clinical Implications:
Potential applications are intraindividual evaluations of simultaneously joint and muscular function in string players during clinical consultation. It is intended to contribute to the diagnosis of PRMDs in terms of an objective, comprehensive and yet clinically feasible diagnostic assessment as well as pre-post-intervention outcome evaluation.
Nonetheless, motion analysis must be used with care in clinical decision making. Motion data is subject to both, intraindividual variations, and measurement errors. In addition, the smallest clinically relevant changes are not clear yet. Therefore, results should only be interpreted together with other clinical findings.
Rationale:
Neck pain is a large health problem worldwide and often seen in musicians [1, 2]. Neck pain can radiate into the arm due to various underlying pain types and pain mechanisms making it heterogeneous in clinical signs and symptoms [3-5]. On the one hand, patients may present with dominant nociceptive neck-arm pain caused by activation of the nociceptors in muscles, joints, ligaments, fascia, tendons and the connective tissues of a nerve [6, 7]. Activation of nociceptors in nerve connective tissues may cause clinical signs of heightened nerve mechanosensitivity what is per definition categorized as nociceptive pain [6, 8, 9]. On the other hand, patients may present with dominant neuropathic pain, defined as pain as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system [10, 11]. The clinical profile of these different pain types is sometimes difficult to disentangle based on the localization and pain character [12]. Moreover, non-specific neck-arm pain patients shown a neuropathic pain component based on somatosensory changes detected via Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) [3, 13]. Classifications with a defined physical examination pathway can be helpful to define subgroups to guide the clinical decision making [14]. This workshop updates the background about the pathophysiology of neck-arm pain and mediates an evidence-based examination to classify patients.
Purpose:
The aim of this workshop is to give a current insight into the background and evidence of neck-arm pain and to plan and practice a physical examination.
Content of Presentation:
This workshop will summarize evidence of neck-arm pain. Thereupon, current evidencebased diagnostic options will be presented and practiced together. Finally, a short insight in the management of neck-arm pain will be given.
Approach of Presentation:
QST testing and current cost-effective evidence-based methods will be presented to identify neuropathic components in neck-arm pain. Selected methods will be performed practically together, e.g. bedside sensory testing and neurodynamic tests.
Clinical Significance:
After the workshop, participants will have improved skills to diagnose in the spectrum of neck-arm pain for musicians with neck-arm pain.
At the end of the presentation, the participants will be able to:
- understand the heterogeneity of neck-arm pain,
- plan an appropriate diagnostic physical examination,
- have an insight in possible management strategies.
Neuropathischer Schmerz
(2014)
Neuropathische Schmerzen entstehen durch eine Läsion oder Erkrankung des somatosensorischen Nervensystems. Davon sind ca. 7 – 8 % der Normalbevölkerung betroffen. Patienten mit neuropathischen Schmerzen leiden unter erheblichen Einschränkungen ihrer Lebensqualität und die daraus resultierenden staatlichen Gesundheitskosten sind extrem hoch.
Die frühe Identifikation vorhandener neuropathischer Schmerzen ist ausschlaggebend für eine gezielte Schmerztherapie und Vorbeugung einer Chronifizierung des Krankheitszustandes. Das klinische Bild ist vielfältig, und die Diagnostik kann in der klinischen Praxis eine Herausforderung darstellen.
Der Schwerpunkt dieses Artikels liegt in der Untersuchung und Diagnosestellung neuropathischer Schmerzen.
Zum WerkAls vielfältig aktiver Jurist hat Dirk Güllemann, Professor für Wirtschaftsrecht an der Hochschule Osnabrück, das Zivilrecht nicht nur weit überblickt, sondern die einzelnen Gebiete bis in die Details durchdrungen und beherrscht.Die 13 Beiträge dieser Festschrift spiegeln nicht nur die Bandbreite der Fachgebiete des Jubilars wider, sondern zeigen auch, wie stark sich das juristische Profil der Hochschule Osnabrück in den letzten Jahrzehnten entwickelt hat.
Hintergrund: In Deutschland gibt es in der physiotherapeutischen Praxis bisher lediglich 2 Fragebögen, die ellenbogenspezifische Beschwerden aus
der Patientenperspektive erfassen und einen therapeutischen Erfolg messen.
Ziel: Das Ziel dieser Studie war daher die Übersetzung des englischen „Oxford Elbow Score“ (OES)
ins Deutsche.
Methode: Der OES wurde anhand von 2 Leitlinien
zur kulturellen Adaption ins Deutsche übersetzt.
Es wurden 2 unabhängige Vorwärtsübersetzungen
erstellt und miteinander verglichen. Anschließend
erfolgten 2 unabhängige Rückwärtsübersetzungen,
gefolgt von einem Review. Der daraus resultierende
Fragebogen wurde in 2 Testphasen mit jeweils 5
Probanden qualitativ auf seine Verständlichkeit
und kulturelle Stimmigkeit überprüft.
Ergebnisse: Der OES wurde in die deutsche Version
der „Oxford Ellenbogen Bewertung“ (OEB) übersetzt und adaptiert. Nach der 1. Pilotphase wurden
kleinere Änderungen am Fragebogen vorgenommen. Die Überprüfung in der 2. Testphase machte
weitere Änderungen überflüssig.
Schlussfolgerung: Eine autorisierte Version des OES
konnte erfolgreich ins Deutsche übersetzt werden.
Deren Gütekriterien werden in einer nachfolgenden Studie untersucht.
Background: Lumbar discectomy is considered a safe, efficacious and cost-effective treatment for selected cases of patients with leg pain associated with the presence of a disc protrusion. But despite technically successful surgery, 30 % of patients complain of persistent pain on long-term follow up. Identification of possible predictors for a negative outcome is important, in the search for appropriate pre- and/or post-operative care and prevention of persistent disability. There is some evidence in the literature that quantitative sensory testing (QST) measures may play a role in prediction of patients’ pain persistency, however, this has never been investigated in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy.
Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the predictive value of QST parameters, in combination with previously documented predictor variables such as medical/psychological/cognitive behavioural factors, in patients with lumbar radiculopathy and/or radicular pain, for predicting patients’ clinical outcome after lumbar discectomy.
Method: Participants with radiculopathy and/or radicular pain and confirmed imaging diagnosis of nerve root compression will be recruited from the elective surgery waitlist at one hospital. All participants will undergo lumbar discectomy performed by one neurosurgeon. A standardized QST protocol comprising all of the somatosensory sub-modalities that are mediated by different primary afferents (C-, Aδ-, Aβ-) will be performed prior to surgery. QST will be conducted in the patients’ main pain area and contralateral side, in the affected dermatome and at a remote control site. The presence of other predictor variables will be captured by questionnaires. Follow-up at 3 months will include QST and measurements of pain intensity, pain descriptors, functional status, health related quality of life, return to work and health care utilisation. A further 1-year follow-up will include the same measurements except QST.
Results/Conclusions: Identification of new predictor variables may assist in the development of pre-surgical screening methods and in targeted pre- and/or post-operative patient care, with the potential to improve patients’ functional status, quality of life, work capacity whilst also reducing health care costs associated with persistent disability
Objectives
The aims of the present study were to provide back pain (BP) point prevalence data from inpatients at an Australian tertiary hospital on one day, and compare this with Australian non-hospitalized population prevalence data; to collect data around the development of BP throughout hospital admission; and to analyse the association between BP and past history of BP, gender, age, admission specialty and hospital length of stay (LOS).
Methods
This was a single-site, prospective, observational study of hospitalized inpatients on one day during 2016, with a subsequent survey over the following 11 days (unless discharge or death occurred sooner).
Results
Data were collected from 343 patients (75% of the hospitalized cohort). A third of patients (n = 108) reported BP on admission, and almost a fifth (n = 63) developed new BP during their hospitalization. Patients who described BP at any time during their hospital stay had a higher chance of having had a history of BP, with odds increasing after adjustment for age and gender (odds ratio 5.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0 to 11.6; p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and gender, those experiencing BP had a significantly longer LOS (median 13 days; CI 10.8 to 15.3) than those who did not (median 10 days; CI 8.4 to 11.6; p = 0.034).
Conclusions
Hospital LOS for patients who complained of BP at any time during their admission was 3 days longer than those who had no BP, and a history of BP predicted a higher likelihood of BP during admission. Screening of patients on admission to identify any history of BP, and application of a package of care including early mobilization and analgesia may prevent the onset of BP and reduce LOS.
Characterisation of pain in people with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy
(2017)
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy (HNPP) has historically been considered a pain-free condition, though some people with HNPP also complain of pain. This study characterised persistent pain in people with HNPP. Participants provided cross-sectional demographic data, information on the presence of neurological and persistent pain symptoms, and the degree to which these interfered with daily life. The painDETECT and Central Sensitization Inventory questionnaires were used to indicate potential neuropathic, central sensitisation and musculoskeletal (nociceptive) pain mechanisms. Additionally, participants were asked if they thought that pain was related to/part of HNPP. 32/43 (74%) subjects with HNPP had persistent pain and experience this pain in the last week. Of those with pain, 24 (75%) were likely to have neuropathic pain and 27 (84%) were likely to have central sensitisation. All 32 participants felt that their pain could be related to/part of their HNPP. Significant negative impact of the pain was common. Pain characterisation identified neuropathic pain and/or central sensitisation as common, potential underlying processes. Pain may plausibly be directly related to the underlying pathophysiology of HNPP. Further consideration of including pain as a primary symptom of HNPP is warranted.
Entrapment neuropathies are the most prevalent type of peripheral neuropathy and often a challenge to diagnose and treat. To a large extent, our current knowledge is based on empirical concepts and early (often biomechanical) studies. This Viewpoint will challenge some of the current beliefs with recent advances in both basic and clinical neurosciences.
15 Minuten Wirtschaftspsychologie
Entscheidungen in Gruppen führen bisweilen zu katastrophalen Konsequenzen. In jüngster Zeit trifft dies beispielsweise für den Angriff Putins auf die Ukraine zu. Aber es gibt viele weitere Beispiele dafür, dass Gruppen, die mit hochkarätigen Personen besetzt sind, zu folgenschweren Fehlentscheidungen gelangen. Woran liegt das? Das sozialpsychologische Phänomen des Groupthink liefert eine Erklärung.
15 Minuten Wirtschaftspsychologie
Explizit negative Charakterisierungen sind in Arbeitszeugnissen rechtlich nicht erlaubt. Daher versuchen manche Arbeitgeber mit Verschleierungstechniken versteckt Botschaften zu transportieren. Ist es sinnvoll nach solchen Verschleierungstechniken zu suchen oder sie zu interpretieren?
Wie wirksam ist Mentoring?
(2022)
15 Minuten Wirtschaftspsychologie
Viele Arbeitgeber setzen Mentoring ein, um insbesondere neuen Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern zu Helfen, damit sie ihren Weg im Unternehmen erfolgreich gehen. Die Forschung zeigt, dass Mentoring eine sinnvolle Methode ist, die durch gezielte Maßnahmen auch nennenswerte Effekte nach sich zieht.
15 Minuten Wirtschaftspsychologie
Arbeitszeugnisse sind ein klassischer Baustein der Personalauswahl. Tausendfach werden jedes Jahr die Gerichte angerufen, weil Beschäftigte nicht zufrieden sind mit ihren Arbeitszeugnissen. Beides unterstreicht die große Bedeutung, die Arbeitszeugnissen heute zugeschrieben wird. Doch wie aussagekräftig sind sie wirklich? Welchen Stellenwert sollten Arbeitszeugnisse in der Personalauswahl eigentlich haben?
Ist Coaching wirksam?
(2021)
15 Minuten Wirtschaftspsychologie
Kaum eine Methode der Personalentwickung hat in den letzten Jahren so viel Aufmerksamkeit auf sich gezogen, wie das Coaching. Viele tausend Menschen bieten Dienstleistungen als Coach an und noch mehr Menschen lassen sich coachen. Doch wie wirksam ist Coaching wirklich?
Background and aims
In 2008, the International Association for the Study of Pain Special Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain (NeuPSIG) proposed a clinical grading system to help identify patients with neuropathic pain (NeP). We previously applied this classification system, along with two NeP screening tools, the painDETECT (PD-Q) and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale (LANSS), to identify NeP in patients with neck/upper limb pain. Both screening tools failed to identify a large proportion of patients with clinically classified NeP, however a limitation of our study was the use of a single clinician performing the NeP classification. In 2016, the NeuPSIG grading system was updated with the aim of improving its clinical utility. We were interested in field testing of the revised grading system, in particular in the application of the grading system and the agreement of interpretation of clinical findings. The primary aim of the current study was to explore the application of the NeuPSIG revised grading system based on patient records and to establish the inter-rater agreement of detecting NeP. A secondary aim was to investigate the level of agreement in detecting NeP between the revised NeuPSIG grading system and the LANSS and PD-Q.
Methods
In this retrospective study, two expert clinicians (Specialist Pain Medicine Physician and Advanced Scope Physiotherapist) independently reviewed 152 patient case notes and classified them according to the revised grading system. The consensus of the expert clinicians’ clinical classification was used as “gold standard” to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the two NeP screening tools.
Results
The two clinicians agreed in classifying 117 out of 152 patients (ICC 0.794, 95% CI 0.716–850; κ 0.62, 95% CI 0.50–0.73), yielding a 77% agreement. Compared to the clinicians’ consensus, both LANSS and PD-Q demonstrated limited diagnostic accuracy in detecting NeP (LANSS sensitivity 24%, specificity 97%; PD-Q sensitivity 53%, specificity 67%).
Conclusions
The application of the revised NeP grading system was feasible in our retrospective analysis of patients with neck/upper limb pain. High inter-rater percentage agreement was demonstrated. The hierarchical order of classification may lead to false negative classification. We propose that in the absence of sensory changes or diagnostic tests in patients with neck/upper limb pain, classification of NeP may be further improved using a cluster of clinical findings that confirm a relevant nerve lesion/disease, such as reflex and motor changes. The diagnostic accuracy of LANSS and PD-Q in identifying NeP in patients with neck/upper limb pain remains limited. Clinical judgment remains crucial to diagnosing NeP in the clinical practice.
Implications
Our observations suggest that in view of the heterogeneity in patients with neck/upper limb pain, a considerable amount of expertise is required to interpret the revised grading system. While the application was feasible in our clinical setting, it is unclear if this will be feasible to apply in primary health care settings where early recognition and timely intervention is often most needed. The use of LANSS and PD-Q in the identification of NeP in patients with neck/upper limb pain remains questionable.
Introduction Development and implementation of appropriate health policy is essential to address the rising global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate existing health policies for integrated prevention/management of NCDs among Member States of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). We sought to describe policies’ aims and strategies to achieve those aims, and evaluate extent of integration of musculoskeletal conditions as a leading cause of global morbidity.
Methods Policies submitted by OECD Member States in response to a World Health Organization (WHO) NCD Capacity Survey were extracted from the WHO document clearing-house and analysed following a standard protocol. Policies were eligible for inclusion when they described an integrated approach to prevention/management of NCDs. Internal validity was evaluated using a standard instrument (sum score: 0–14; higher scores indicate better quality). Quantitative data were expressed as frequencies, while text data were content-analysed and meta-synthesised using standardised methods.
Results After removal of duplicates and screening, 44 policies from 30 OECD Member States were included. Three key themes emerged to describe the general aims of included policies: system strengthening approaches; improved service delivery; and better population health. Whereas the policies of most countries covered cancer (83.3%), cardiovascular disease (76.6%), diabetes/endocrine disorders (76.6%), respiratory conditions (63.3%) and mental health conditions (63.3%), only half the countries included musculoskeletal health and pain (50.0%) as explicit foci. General strategies were outlined in 42 (95.5%) policies—all were relevant to musculoskeletal health in 12 policies, some relevant in 27 policies and none relevant in three policies. Three key themes described the strategies: general principles for people-centred NCD prevention/management; enhanced service delivery; and system strengthening approaches. Internal validity sum scores ranged from 0 to 13; mean: 7.6 (95% CI 6.5 to 8.7).
Conclusion Relative to other NCDs, musculoskeletal health did not feature as prominently, although many general prevention/management strategies were relevant to musculoskeletal health improvement.
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