Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2009
Multicenter StudyCharacterizing rehabilitation services for patients with knee and hip replacement in skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation facilities.
To characterize rehabilitation services for patients with knee and hip replacement in 3 types of postacute facilities in the U.S. ⋯ Both freestanding SNFs and IRFs provided similar amounts of PT with a similar emphasis on exercise and gait activities. IRFs, however, provided more OT than freestanding SNFs. IRFs had shorter LOSs and more intensive therapy services than freestanding SNFs. Study freestanding SNFs exhibited greater variation in LOS and intensity of therapy than IRFs.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2009
Comparative StudyInfluence of race/ethnicity on divorce/separation 1, 2, and 5 years post spinal cord injury.
(1) To compare the proportions of divorce/separation between races/ethnicities at 1, 2, and 5 years post spinal cord injury (SCI); (2) to examine changes in proportions of divorce/separation over time within each race/ethnicity group; and (3) to compare the changes in proportions of divorce/separation over time between races/ethnicities. ⋯ Family therapists and rehabilitation professionals should work together to reduce the separation and divorce rates in all subjects with SCI, with special attention paid to meeting the specific needs of those with minority backgrounds.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2009
Predictors and outcomes of antibiotic adequacy for bloodstream infections in veterans with spinal cord injury.
To identify predictors and outcomes associated with receiving inadequate empirical antimicrobial treatment for bloodstream infections (BSIs) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). ⋯ Over one third of patients received inadequate empirical treatment, which was associated with having a polymicrobial BSI. However, inadequate treatment was not associated with increased mortality or LOS postinfection.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2009
External control of exhalation for cough assistance: a method for patients with glottis dysfunction and/or tracheostomy.
To investigate the effectiveness of our method of assisting a cough by mimicking the functions of the glottis in patients with bulbar muscle weakness or paralysis and/or those who had a tracheostomy tube. ⋯ We showed the effectiveness of our method of assisting a cough by external control of the glottis in patients with bulbar muscle weakness or paralysis and/or those who had a tracheostomy tube who cannot effectively cough with the help of existing cough assistance methods.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jul 2009
Mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder and their associations with health symptoms.
To determine the association of various symptoms and psychiatric diagnoses with a remote history of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and a current diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ⋯ MTBI, even in the chronic phase years postinjury, is not a benign condition. It is associated with increased rates of headaches, sleep problems, and memory difficulties. Furthermore, it can complicate or prolong recovery from preexisting or comorbid conditions such as PTSD. Similarly, PTSD is a potent cocontributor to physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.