Journal of evaluation in clinical practice
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We recently proposed the Pain and Disability Drivers Management (PDDM) model, which was designed to outline comprehensive factors driving pain and disability in low back pain (LBP). Although we have hypothesized and proposed 41 elements, which make up the model's five domains, we have yet to assess the external validity of the PDDM's elements by expert consensus. ⋯ This expert consensus-derived list of clinical elements related to the management of LBP represents a first step in the validation of the PDDM model.
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To evaluate the Patient Participation in Rehabilitation Questionnaire (PPRQ) according to Rasch measurement theory. ⋯ The PPRQ-17 showed that a ruler with a reasonable and clinical hierarchy can be constructed, although the expectations of dimensionality and local dependency need to be evaluated further. Despite room for further development, PPRQ-17 nevertheless shows improved measurement precision in terms of patient leniency compared with previous evaluations with classical test theory. In turn, this can play a crucial role when comparing different rehabilitation programs and planning tailored care development activities.
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Multiple outcomes measures including exercise capacity and quality of life are necessary to get complete and accurate picture of cystic fibrosis (CF) progression. In this pilot study, we investigated these measures in CF longitudinally for a year to determine (a) minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and CF Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (CFQ-R) domains and (b) how 6MWD, CFQ-R, and spirometry change during times of exacerbation and baseline health and their relationship among each other. ⋯ In this pilot study, MCIDs for 6MWD and CFQ-R domains were calculated for the first time to facilitate their use as additional outcome measures in CF. The disparity among multiple outcome measures highlights that these measures together may provide a more complete picture in CF than any single measure alone.
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Patient sitters provide one-to-one care for hospital patients at high risk of falls. The study aimed to explore patient sitters' task readiness to assist in fall prevention on hospital wards. ⋯ There is a gap between what patient sitters report as the cause of falls (patient factors) and what was suggested to prevent falls (environment factors). Education and practical training addressing challenging patient behaviours may improve sitters' task readiness to assist in preventing falls on wards. Improving communication and cooperation between patient sitters and nursing staff is also important.
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Osteoporosis is a common health problem in India, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality in elderly individuals. Lack of knowledge and awareness among medical professionals is one of the important barriers in management of these patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess knowledge pertaining to diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis among a group of Indian medical practitioners. ⋯ This study showed suboptimal knowledge among a group of medical professionals regarding various aspects of diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, and it stipulates the need for escalating the efforts to improve their knowledge regarding various aspects of osteoporosis.