15 research outputs found
A systematic review of the psychometric properties of Quality of Life measures for school aged children with cerebral palsy
Background: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties and clinical utility of all condition specific outcome measures used to assess quality of life (QOL) in school aged children with cerebral palsy (CP)
Improving the outcome of infants born at <30 weeks' gestation - a randomized controlled trial of preventative care at home
Background: Early developmental interventions to prevent the high rate of neurodevelopmental problems in very preterm children, including cognitive, motor and behavioral impairments, are urgently needed. These interventions should be multi-faceted and include modules for caregivers given their high rates of mental health problems
Human aquaporins: regulators of transcellular water flow
Background: Emerging evidence supports the view that (AQP) aquaporin water channels are regulators of transcellular
water flow. Consistentwith their expression in most tissues, AQPs are associatedwith diverse physiological
and pathophysiological processes.
Scope of review: AQP knockout studies suggest that the regulatory role of AQPs, rather than their action as passive
channels, is their critical function. Transport through all AQPs occurs by a common passive mechanism, but their
regulation and cellular distribution varies significantly depending on cell and tissue type; the role of AQPs in cell
volumeregulation (CVR) is particularly notable. This reviewexamines the regulatory role of AQPs in transcellular
water flow, especially in CVR.We focus on key systems of the human body, encompassing processes as diverse as
urine concentration in the kidney to clearance of brain oedema.
Major conclusions: AQPs are crucial for the regulation of water homeostasis, providing selective pores for the
rapidmovement ofwater across diverse cellmembranes and playing regulatory roles in CVR. Gatingmechanisms
have been proposed for human AQPs, but have only been reported for plant andmicrobial AQPs. Consequently, it
is likely that the distribution and abundance of AQPs in a particular membrane is the determinant of membrane
water permeability and a regulator of transcellular water flow.
General significance: Elucidating the mechanisms that regulate transcellular water flow will improve our understanding
of the human body in health and disease. The central role of specific AQPs in regulating water homeostasis
will provide routes to a range of novel therapies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins
Systematic review and clinical recommendations for dosage of supported home-based standing programs for adults with stroke, spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions
A balancing act: Children's experience of modified constraint-induced movement therapy
Objective: This qualitative study explored the experiences of children participating in modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) within a circus-themed day camp
Barriers and facilitators to primary care for people with mental health and/or substance use issues: a qualitative study
Abstract
Background
Mental health and/or substance use issues are associated with significant disparities in morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanisms underlying poor primary care access for this population.
Method
This was a community-based participatory action qualitative study, in which 85 adults who self-identified as having a serious mental health and/or substance use issue and 17 service providers from various disciplines who worked with this population participated in a semi-structured interview.
Results
Client, service provider and health system barriers to access were identified. Client factors, including socioeconomic and psychological barriers, make it difficult for clients to access primary care, keep appointments, and/or prioritize their own health care. Provider factors, including knowledge and personal values related to mental health and substance use, determine the extent to which clients report their specific needs are met in the primary care setting. Health system factors, such as models of primary care delivery, determine the context within which both client and service provider factors operate.
Conclusions
This study helps elucidate the mechanisms behind poor primary health care access among people with substance use and/or mental health issues. The results suggest that interdisciplinary, collaborative models of primary healthcare may improve accessibility and quality of care for this population, and that more education about mental health and substance use issues may be needed to support service providers in providing adequate care for their clients
Swept under the carpet: a qualitative study of patient perspectives on Long COVID, treatments, services, and mental health
Care considerations in medical assistance in dying for persons with mental illness as the sole underlying medical condition: a qualitative study of patient and family perspectives
Abstract Background Persons with mental illness as their sole underlying medical condition are eligible to access medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in a small number of countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg and Switzerland. In Canada, it is anticipated that people experiencing mental illness as their sole underlying medical condition (MI-SUMC) will be eligible to request MAiD as of March 17th 2024. To date, few studies have addressed patient and family perspectives on MAiD MI-SUMC care processes. This study aimed to address this gap and qualitatively explore the perspectives of persons with lived experience of mental illness and family members on care considerations during MI-SUMC implementation. Methods Thirty adults with lived experience of mental illness and 25 adult family members residing in Ontario participated in this study. To facilitate participant engagement, the semi-structured interview used a persona-scenario exercise to discuss perspectives on MAiD MI-SUMC acceptability and care considerations. Framework analysis was used to inductively analyze data using NVivo 12 Pro. Steps, processes, or other care considerations suggested by the participants were charted in a framework matrix after familiarization with the narratives. Key themes were further identified. A lived-experience advisory group participated in every aspect of this study. Results Six themes were developed from the patient and family narratives: (1) Raising MAiD MI-SUMC awareness; (2) Sensitive Introduction of MAiD MI-SUMC in goals of care discussions; (3) Asking for MAiD MI-SUMC: a person-focused response; (4) A comprehensive circle of MAiD MI-SUMC care; (5) A holistic, person-centered assessment process; and (6) Need for support in the aftermath of the decision. These themes highlighted a congruence of views between patient and family members and described key desired process ingredients, including a person-centred non-judgmental stance by care providers, inter-professional holistic care, shared decision making, and the primacy of patient autonomy in healthcare decision making. Conclusions Family and patient perspectives on the implementation of MAiD MI-SUMC offer important considerations for service planning that could complement existing and emerging professional practice standards. These stakeholders’ perspectives will continue to be essential in MAiD MI-SUMC implementation efforts, to better address the needs of diverse communities and inform improvement efforts