Disability and rehabilitation
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Complications of surgical incision include pathological scars with functional, cosmetic or psychological consequences. Postsurgical scar assessment is fundamental for a complete functional evaluation and as an outcome measure. Scar assessment scales are here reviewed and discussed from a clinical and psychometric point of view, with a clear definition of different scar parameters. ⋯ To date, VSS is the most widely used rating scale for scars but POSAS appears the most comprehensive, taking into account the important aspect of patient's perspective. The MSS has been never used for research, while SBSES has only been very recently proposed.
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The general problem of 'getting past the statistical referee' has been recognised in many journals over a long period of time. The purpose of this article is to help authors in the review process, and to give the journal better statistical credentials. ⋯ By using these criteria authors should be better equipped to deal with statistical issues that might arise.
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The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness can be an extremely stressful, traumatic experience. However, many survivors report also various positive changes, referred in empirical literature as post-traumatic growth (PTG). Empirical studies that documented stress disorders and PTG in patients and survivors of life-threatening diseases are reviewed in three areas: Predictors of PTG, relationships between PTG and indicators of mental health and the impact of PTG on the process of convalescence. ⋯ The results point to the potential adaptive significance of PTG. More research is needed to investigate specific disease-related profiles of PTG and the complex mechanisms, which underlie the relationships between PTG and the process of convalescence. This knowledge may help to foster the overall positive adjustment of chronically ill patients.
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To examine the attributes of disability in end-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) by analyzing the relationships between self-reported disability and objectively measured physical function after controlling pain, personal characteristic factors, and pathophysiological factors. ⋯ Pain, BMI, and antero-posterior laxity of the knee joint were major attributes of self-reported disability. The negative effect of comorbid diseases and female gender on health-related quality of life was significant. The results of objectively measured physical performance tests correlated with self-reported disability.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Psychological determinants of quality of life in patients with whiplash associated disorders-a prospective study.
To evaluate whether psychological factors and personality traits influence recovery in terms of quality of life in patients with subacute whiplash associated disorders (WAD). ⋯ In order to improve health-related quality of life in patients with WAD, the present study stresses the importance of targeting self-efficacy. A special effort should be made to enhance these beliefs in the rehabilitation process.