Gaze stabilization testing: The efficiency and test-retest reliability of user operated control versus the parameter estimation (PEST) algorithm

The primary objective of this research study is to determine which form of testing, the PEST algorithm or an operator-controlled condition is most accurate and time efficient for administration of the gaze stabilization tes

Physical touch in a changing world : guidance for the mental health nurse

Physical contact with other people is an essential health activity (Johansson et al., 2020). For example, caring for one another is expressed through physical touch, whether it be soothing a small child who is crying, embracing a lover, or physically supporting a frail, older person (Strozier et al., 2003). Likewise, physical contact is used to connect people socially through, for example, greeting one with a handshake or, in some cultures, kissing cheeks or touching noses (Prisco, 2014). Physical touch can also be used inappropriately, as evidenced by ongoing reports of child and elder abuse or exploitation through unequal or gendered power roles (Davin et al., 2019

Leadership during times of crisis : towards recovery

Abstract not available

Home-based work and ergonomics : physical and psychosocial considerations

[Extract] This column considers some health and psychosocial impacts of HBW during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also discusses the ways and means by which workers can support themselves and others, physically and psychosocially, while working from home, whether during times of crisis or as common practice in the future

Coping with chronic cardiovascular disease in Iran : a qualitative study

The effects of chronic cardiovascular disease can challenge the achievement of treatment goals and recovery outcomes. This study explores the ways in which patients cope with the effects of chronic cardiovascular disease, from the perspectives of patients, family caregivers, and health professionals. The qualitative study was conducted from May 2019 to September 2020 in Isfahan, Iran. Thirteen people with chronic cardiovascular disease, 6 family caregivers, and 16 healthcare professionals participated in semi-structured individual interviews. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Findings suggest that people with chronic cardiovascular disease use a range of coping strategies, both positive and negative, to adjust to their conditions. The positive strategies include managing their health-related symptoms, drawing on religious or spiritual beliefs, and accessing social and relational supports. Negative strategies can include over-reliance on family members for support, leading to reduced activity and loss of independence. Understanding the nature of the strategies used by patients provides an important means by which health service providers can support patients to further develop positive coping strategies. This, in turn, will enable patients to achieve higher levels of wellbeing. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd

Clinical Considerations for Routine Auditory and Vestibular Monitoring in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Purpose Specific classes of antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, have well-established adverse events producing permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance and/or vestibular problems (i.e., ototoxicity). Although these antibiotics are frequently used to treat pseudomonas and other bacterial infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), there are no formalized recommendations describing approaches to implementation of guideline adherent ototoxicity monitoring as part of CF clinical care. Method This consensus statement was developed by the International Ototoxicity Management Working Group (IOMG) Ad Hoc Committee on Aminoglycoside Antibiotics to address the clinical need for ototoxicity management in CF patients treated with known ototoxic medications. These clinical protocol considerations were created using consensus opinion from a community of international experts and available evidence specific to patients with CF, as well as published national and international guidelines on ototoxicity monitoring. Results The IOMG advocates four clinical recommendations for implementing routine and guideline adherent ototoxicity management in patients with CF. These are (a) including questions about hearing, tinnitus, and balance/vestibular problems as part of the routine CF case history for all patients; (b) utilizing timely point-of-care measures; (c) establishing a baseline and conducting posttreatment evaluations for each course of intravenous ototoxic drug treatment; and (d) repeating annual hearing and vestibular evaluations for all patients with a history of ototoxic antibiotic exposure. Conclusion Increased efforts for implementation of an ototoxicity management program in the CF care team model will improve identification of ototoxicity signs and symptoms, allow for timely therapeutic follow-up, and provide the clinician and patient an opportunity to make an informed decision about potential treatment modifications to minimize adverse events

The use of social environment in a psychosocial clubhouse to facilitate recovery-oriented practice

Background: Recovery-oriented language has been widely adopted in mental health policy; however, little is known about how recovery practices are implemented within individual services, such as psychosocial clubhouses. Aims: To explore how recovery practices are implemented in a psychosocial clubhouse. Method: Qualitative case study design informed by self-determination theory was utilised. This included 120 h of participant observation, interviews with 12 clubhouse members and 6 staff members. Field notes and interview transcripts were subject to theoretical thematic analysis. Results: Two overarching themes were identified, each comprising three sub-themes. In this paper, the overarching theme of ‘social environment’ is discussed. It was characterised by the sub-themes, ‘community and consistency’, ‘participation and opportunity’ and ‘respect and autonomy’. Conclusions: Social environment was used to facilitate recovery-oriented practice within the clubhouse. Whether recovery is experienced by clubhouse members in wider society, may well depend on supports and opportunities outside the clubhouse