American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Dec 2020
Spasticity Outpatient Evaluation via Telemedicine: A Practical Framework.
The COVID-19 global pandemic has resulted in significant changes to delivery of care in the field of physiatry. Most prominently, in-person visits have fast tracked to virtual visits. ⋯ The intent of this article was to provide a framework for conducting a virtual spasticity assessment via telemedicine. We will provide tips on how to conduct a person-centered virtual examination assessment and how to document goals related to the virtual assessment.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2020
African American Patient Disparities in COVID-19 Outcomes: A Call to Action for Physiatrists to Provide Rehabilitation Care to Black Survivors.
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel and highly contagious coronavirus that has been a major threat to the public's health. As the pandemic has spread across the United States, it has become abundantly clear that vulnerable populations include not only the elderly and individuals with disabilities but also those who are homeless or incarcerated, Latinx Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans. ⋯ Programs must be administered in a way that is geographically accessible to Black communities and demonstrate cultural competence. Future research should focus on the social determinants of health to better understand at-risk populations and improve outcomes.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2020
Outpatient Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Synchronous Telemedicine: A Survey Study of Patient Satisfaction with Virtual Visits During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed health care delivery, including rapid expansion of telehealth. Telerehabilitation, defined as therapy provided by physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology, was rapidly adopted with goals to provide access to care and limit contagion. The purpose of this brief report was to describe the feasibility of and satisfaction with telerehabilitation. ⋯ Other benefits included eliminating travel time, incorporating other health care advocates, and convenience delivering care in familiar environment to pediatric patients. Technology and elements of hands-on aspects of care were observed limitations. Recognizing reduced indirect costs of care that telerehabilitation may provide along with high patient satisfaction are reasons policy makers should adopt these services into future health care delivery models.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2020
Investigating the Clinical Significance and Research Discrepancies of Balance Training in Degenerative Cerebellar Disease: A Systematic Review.
The aims of this study were to understand the clinical significance of balance training in degenerative cerebellar disease and to analyze inconsistencies among published data. ⋯ Advanced ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Oct 2020
Review Case ReportsThe Down Side of Prone Positioning: The Case of a Coronavirus 2019 Survivor.
The coronavirus 2019 pandemic has resulted in a surge of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Prone positioning may be used in such patients to optimize oxygenation. Severe infections may leave survivors with significant functional impairment necessitating rehabilitation. ⋯ This case report describes the course and clinical findings of a survivor of acute respiratory distress syndrome due to coronavirus 2019 who was prone positioned while in intensive care and subsequently admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Her related complications, as well as those described in the literature, are reviewed. Critical elements of a comprehensive rehabilitation treatment plan for those who have been prone positioned, including implementation of preventive strategies, as well as early recognition and treatment of related injuries, will be described.