Predictors of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in a spanish sample of preterm children with very low birthweight: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a higher likelihood of being diagnosed in preterm populations. Likewise, low birthweight has also been connected with an increased likelihood of ASD. The objectives were to study the frequency and define the relationship between ASD, gestational age, birthweight, and growth percentiles for preterm children. Methods: A sample of preterm children with very low birthweight was selected from the Spanish population at 7-10 years old. Families were contacted from the hospital, and they were offered an appointment to conduct a neuropsychological assessment. The children who showed signs of ASD were referred to the diagnostic unit for differential diagnosis. Results: A total of 57 children completed full assessments, with 4 confirmed ASD diagnoses. The estimated prevalence was 7.02%. There were statistically significant weak correlations between ASD and gestational age (τb = -0.23), and birthweight (τb = -0.25), suggesting there is a higher likelihood of developing ASD for those born smaller or earlier in their gestation. Conclusion: These results could improve ASD detection and outcomes for this vulnerable population while also supporting and enhancing previous findings.

Effect of a Focused Social and Communication Intervention on Preterm Children with ASD: A Pilot Study.

While advances in intensive neonatal care have greatly improved survival rates among preterm infants, incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in this group is still high, with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) being one of the most frequent. To this end, we conducted a social-communication intervention aimed at investigating efficacy in social-communicative skills. Eighteen children (preterm and full-term with ASD and preterm children) aged 18 through 20 months participated in the study. Our findings indicate that most participants in the intervention groups registered significant improvements in terms of socio-communicative skills, cognitive development, and language. Accordingly, these pilot data underscore the need for further research and implementation of early interventions in young preterm children with ASD.

A Qualitative Study of the Cognitive Rehabilitation Program GRADIOR for People with Cognitive Impairment: Outcomes of the Focus Group Methodology.

In recent years, technology has been implemented in the field of interventions for older adults. GRADIOR 4.5 is a cognitive software within the wide variety of available multimedia programs that support healthcare professionals in cognitive assessment and neuropsychological rehabilitation. The study aimed to evaluate the new version of GRADIOR (v4.5) based on the experience of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), people with dementia (PWD), and healthcare professionals. A qualitative study using the focus group methodology was carried out involving 13 people with MCI, 13 PWD, and 11 healthcare professionals. An analysis of the content and the level of feedback was performed. The study showed that GRADIOR 4.5 might be sufficiently adapted to PWD and people with MCI. Participants were motivated to use GRADIOR 4.5, showed high acceptability of the software, and a positive attitude towards technology. However, healthcare professionals suggested significant improvements to the software. GRADIOR 4.5 appeared to be a promising intervention that, because of its positive experience and acceptability, could be systematically implemented to complement cognitive rehabilitation interventions for older adults with MCI and dementia. Finally, it is advisable to consider the suggestions gathered in this study for future developments.

Dependencia, cuidados y apoyos: términos complementarios aplicados a un caso con enfermedad vascular cerebral / Dependency, care and supports complementary terms applied to a case on cerebrovascular disease

Introducción: el incremento de la esperanza de vida, la mayor supervivencia de las personas con discapacidad y el crecimiento de las enfermedades crónicas elevan las cifras de personas en situación de dependencia. Esta transformación ha incrementado las necesidades de apoyo que van más allá de los servicios o programas formales y que requieren la incorporación de nuevas herramientas que permitan identificarlas. Desarrollo: se trata de la valoración de una persona en situación de dependencia a causa de una enfermedad vascular cerebral (EVC) con uso de la Escala de Intensidad de Apoyos (SIS). Los resultados muestran la pertinencia de incorporar al enfoque del cuidado de la enfermería un marco de evaluación que facilite la determinación de la frecuencia, tiempo y tipo de apoyo necesarios para el desarrollo de las actividades cotidianas, de tal modo que sea posible planificar de manera individualizada los apoyos requeridos para mejorar, mantener o recuperar la salud. Conclusiones: el modelo de intensidad de apoyos resultó de gran ayuda para evaluar la diferencia entre las capacidades/habilidades de la persona y los requerimientos/demandas que necesita para funcionar en su entorno; asimismo, permitió planificar el entorno y las adecuaciones ambientales, la cantidad de personas necesarias para el cuidado y el grado de capacitación para suministrar el cuidado previsto.

Introduction: The increase in life expectancy, the greater survival rate of people with disabilities and the growth of chronic diseases raise the numbers of people in situations of dependency. This transformation has increased support needs that go beyond formal services or programs and that require the incorporation of new tools to identify them. Development: This is the assessment of a person in a situation of dependency due to a cerebrovascular disease (EVC) using the Support Intensity Scale (SIS).The results show the pertinence of incorporating into the Nursing Care approach, an evaluation framework that facilitates the estimation of the frequency, time and type of support required for the development of daily activities, thus allowing the intensity to be individually planned of the supports required to improve, maintain or regain health. Conclusions: The support intensity model was of great help to evaluate the difference between the capacities / abilities of the person and the requirements / demands that he needs to function in his environment, as well as allowed to plan the environment and the environmental adaptations, the quantity of people required for care and the level of training needed to provide the intended care.

Technologies for Cognitive Training and Cognitive Rehabilitation for People With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. A Systematic Review.

Due to the growing number of older adults with cognitive impairment, it is essential to delay the onset and progression of cognitive decline and promote a healthy lifestyle. The rapid growth of technology has considerably advanced the field of computerized cognitive interventions. Consequently, traditional cognitive interventions are being adapted and new multimedia systems are being developed to encourage health and independent living in old age. The primary objective of this review was to identify cognitive stimulation, training and rehabilitation programs aimed at older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, and CORDIS databases were searched from January 2008 to August 2018. Two researchers reviewed the potential studies individually for eligibility. Studies of computerized cognitive interventions for people with dementia and cognitive impairment were included if they clearly described objectives, users and functioning. A systematic review of the studies was carried out, providing a qualitative synthesis of the features and study characteristics of each software. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, and 11 different cognitive stimulation, training, and rehabilitation programs were identified. The studies found on cognitive intervention software indicate the existence of various technological programs for people with MCI and dementia. On the overall, the programs were aimed at people with different clinical conditions, able to create specific treatments and personalized training, optimized for portable devices, and user-friendly. However, the selected programs differ from each other in terms of objectives, usage mode and characteristics, even if they were used for the same purposes. Therefore, the information obtained in the review may be relevant to distinguish between programs and select the one that best suits each user. Thus, more information about the features and context of use is needed as well as more clinical studies to be able to compare among computerized cognitive programs.

Implicaciones éticas para la investigación: El interminable reto en un mundo que se transforma / Ethical implications for research: A constant defiance in a changing world / Implicaciones éticas para la investigación: O interminável reto em um mundo que se transforma / Implications éthiques pour la recherche: le défi sans fin dans un monde en transformation

Resumen Objetivo Identificar cuál ha sido la evolución de los principios éticos delineados para la investigación biomédica. Materiales y Métodos Se desarrolló una revisión integradora de la literatura en las bases de datos Medline, SciELO y Google Scholar usando los descriptores ciencia OR investigación, conjuntados por el operador AND con el descriptor ética. Resultados El análisis de los trabajos seleccionados permitió identificar como resultado cinco temáticas predominantes que muestran la vigencia del análisis de los principios éticos a la luz de una realidad cambiante. Conclusión Las presiones crecientes para desarrollar estudios de investigación en el ámbito académico y de salud requieren fortalecer los principios éticos para evitar que el dominio del conocimiento se acompañe de un cúmulo importante de desigualdades, exclusiones y luchas sociales que lleve a crear un modelo basado exclusivamente en las exigencias de la economía del conocimiento.

Summary Objective To identify the evolution of the ethical principles outlined for biomedical research. Material and methods A narrative review of the literature was developed in the Medline, SciELO and Google Scholar databases using the science OR research descriptors, combined by the operator AND with the ethical descriptor. Results The analysis of the selected works allowed us to identify five predominant themes that show the validity of the analysis of ethical principles in the light of a changing reality. Conclusion Growing pressures to develop research studies in the academic and health field require strengthening the ethical principles to avoid that the domain of knowledge is accompanied by an important accumulation of inequalities, exclusions and social struggles leading to the create a model based on exclusively in the demands of the knowledge economy.

Sumário Objetivo Identificar a evolução dos princípios éticos delineados para a pesquisa biomédica. Materiais e Métodos Foi desenvolvida uma revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, SciELO e Google Scholar, utilizando os descritores de pesquisa science OR, combinados pelo operador AND com o descritor ético. Resultados A análise dos trabalhos selecionados permitiu identificar como resultado cinco temas predominantes que mostram a validade da análise dos princípios éticos à luz de uma realidade em mudança. Conclusão As crescentes pressões para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas na área acadêmica e de saúde exigem o fortalecimento dos princípios éticos para impedir que o domínio do conhecimento seja acompanhado por um importante acúmulo de desigualdades, exclusões e lutas sociais que levam à criação de um modelo de base exclusiva. nas demandas da economia do conhecimento.

Résumé Objectif Identifier l'évolution des principes éthiques applicables á la recherche biomédicale. Matériels et méthodes Une revue intégrative de la littérature dans les bases de données Medline, SciELO et Google Scholar a été réalisée á partir des descripteurs "science" OR "recherche", combinés par l'opérateur AND avec le descripteur "éthique". Résultats L'analyse des publications sélectionnées a permis d'identifier cinq thémes prédominants qui montrent la validité de l'analyse des principes éthiques á la lumiére d'une réalité changeante. Conclusion Les pressions croissantes en faveur du développement de la recherche dans le domaine académique et de la santé requiert le renforcement des principes éthiques afin d'éviter que le champ de la connaissance ne s'accompagne d'une accumulation importante d'inégalités, d'exclusions et de luttes sociales conduisant á la création d'un modéle basé exclusivement sur les exigences de l'économie du savoir.

ICT-based applications to improve social health and social participation in older adults with dementia. A systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVES: Information and communication technologies (ICT) developers, together with dementia experts have created several technological solutions to improve and facilitate social health and social participation and quality of life of older adults living with dementia. However, there is a need to carry out a systematic literature review that focuses on the validity and efficacy of these new technologies assessing their utility to promote 'social health' and 'active ageing' in people with dementia. METHOD: Searches in electronic databases identified 3824 articles of which 6 met the inclusion criteria and were coded according to their methodological approach, sample sizes, type of outcomes and results. RESULTS: Six papers were identified reporting the use of 10 different interventions with people with dementia. Qualitative studies (four) showed a benefit of the use of technologies to foster social participation in people with dementia. At the same time, barriers to a widespread use of these technologies in this population were identified. A quantitative study and a mixed-method study with quantitative outcomes showed that ICT-based interventions promote more social behaviours than non-technology-based interventions. CONCLUSIONS: In the last years, several technological devices for living independently and fostering social health and social participation in people with dementia have been developed. However, specific outcome measures to assess social health and social participation are needed. Even though the analysed studies provided some evidence-base for the use of technology in this field, there is an urge to develop high quality studies and specific outcome measures.

Calidad de vida de adultos con discapacidad intelectual institucionalizados en Chile desde la perspectiva de los proveedores de servicios / Quality of Life of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Institutionalized in Chile from the Perspective of Service Providers

El presente estudio de corte cualitativo, pretende analizar la percepción de profesionales, cuidadores de trato directo y directores sobre la calidad de vida de los usuarios de centros residenciales de Chile. La recogida de información se ha realizado mediante grupos focales. Los resultados obtenidos indican diferencias en las percepciones sobre la calidad de vida de las personas con discapacidad intelectual o del desarrollo según la tipología de informante. Por otro lado, los comentarios sobre la calidad de vida de los residentes reflejan una actitud excesivamente protectora que reduce las posibilidades de que estas personas sean los actores principales de sus vidas. Esta aproximación cualitativa ha permitido también identificar dimensiones del modelo de calidad de vida que se ven obstaculizadas por la institucionalización, como son los aspectos emocionales y materiales. Este estudio acentúa la importancia de los modelos mentales sustentados por los profesionales y su reflejo en las prácticas promotoras de la calidad de vida.

This qualitative study aims to analyze the perception of professionals, directcare assistants, and managers on quality of life of residential users in Chile. Information was gathered by means of focus groups. The results indicate differences in perceptions of quality of life of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities by type of informant. Comments on the quality of life of the residents reflect overly protective attitudes that reduce the chances of being the main actors of their lives. This qualitative approach also allowed the identification of dimensions of the quality of life model which are hampered by institutionalization, such as emotional and material well-being. This study emphasizes the importance of mental models supported by professionals and its reflection on the practices that promote quality of life.

Evaluación de la calidad de vida de adultos con discapacidad intelectual institucionalizados en Chile / Quality of Life Assessment of Institutionalized Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Chile

El presente estudio analiza la calidad de vida de una muestra de 285 adultos institucionalizados con discapacidad intelectual. La calidad de vida, evaluada a través de profesionales, se concibe desde el modelo de ocho dimensiones de Schalock y Verdugo. Se ofrecen además evidencias de la adecuación (fiabilidad y validez) de la Escala Transcultural de Indicadores de Calidad de Vida para su aplicación con esta población. Los resultados revelaron diferencias significativas en importancia y uso de las diferentes dimensiones de calidad de vida, así como sobre sus valoraciones en función del grado de discapacidad de los participantes. La duración de la institucionalización tuvo un impacto significativo en las valoraciones de la importancia de las distintas dimensiones de calidad de vida. Se incluye una discusión sobre las percepciones de los proveedores de servicios acerca de la calidad de vida de sus usuarios y del impacto de la institucionalización.

This study analyzes the quality of life for a sample of 285 institutionalized adults with intellectual disabilities. Quality of life, as assessed by professionals, is conceptualized according to the eight domains model from Schalock and Verdugo. The study also offers evidence of the adequacy (reliability and validity) of the Cross-cultural Measure of Quality of Life Indicators for use with this population. The results revealed significant differences in importance and use of the different dimensions of quality of life, and evaluation ratings of quality of life, based on the degree of disability of the participants. Length of institutionalization significantly impacted on ratings of importance of the different domains of quality of life. Discussion on further research on perceptions of service providers concerning the quality of life of its users and the impact of institutionalization is included.

Necesidades de apoyos en adultos con discapacidad intelectual institucionalizados: estudio en el contexto chileno / Supports Needs for Institutionalized Adults with Intellectual Disability

El presente estudio analiza las necesidades de apoyos de una muestra de 285 adultos con discapacidad intelectual institucionalizados. El instrumento empleado ha sido la Escala de Intensidad de Apoyos, SIS (Verdugo, Arias & Ibañez, 2007). Los resultados revelaron la existencia de bajas necesidades de apoyos en cuanto al perfil general de la muestra, si las mayores necesidades están en las dimensiones de Aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida y la dimensión con menores necesidades de apoyos es Actividades de la vida en el hogar. Los años institucionalizados o la edad no se encontraron asociados con el nivel de las necesidades de apoyos, pero sí la severidad de la discapacidad y el género. Estos resultados avalan la validez transcultural de la SIS y su utilidad para planificar servicios orientados a mejorar la vida de la población institucionalizada con discapacidad intelectual.

This study examines the support needs of a sample of 285 institutionalized adults with intellectual disabilities. The instrument used was the Supports Intensity Scale SIS. The results revealed the existence of low support needs, with more elevated needs in lifelong learning activities and less in home living domains. Years institutionalized and age were not associated with the level of support needs, but the severity of the disability and the gender were. These results support the cross-cultural validity of the SIS and its usefulness for planning services oriented to improving the lives of institutionalized population with intellectual disabilities.

Changes in the care context: challenges for nursing.

This research aimed to identify global changes in the way of practicing and understanding care, as well as the demands population change has generated and the implications for family and professional caregivers. An integrative literature review was performed, identifying 284 papers with the following descriptors: care and caregivers, associated with the descriptor "Nursing", published between 2005 and 2010. Forty-one papers were selected that correspond to the intended goal. The results point towards a care transition model, reconfigured by new care demands, which are mainly associated with the increase in chronic conditions and population aging. In addition, the change in social and individual roles takes care beyond the family sphere and closer to shared social responsibility. Care is the axis around which nurses rotate. Hence, it is fundamental to analyze this context, which demands evolution in professional care development.

Changes in the care context: challenges for nursing / Mudanças no contexto do cuidado: desafios para a enfermagem / Cambios en el contexto del cuidado: desafíos para la enfermería

This research aimed to identify global changes in the way of practicing and understanding care, as well as the demands population change has generated and the implications for family and professional caregivers. An integrative literature review was performed, identifying 284 papers with the following descriptors: care and caregivers, associated with the descriptor "Nursing", published between 2005 and 2010. Forty-one papers were selected that correspond to the intended goal. The results point towards a care transition model, reconfigured by new care demands, which are mainly associated with the increase in chronic conditions and population aging. In addition, the change in social and individual roles takes care beyond the family sphere and closer to shared social responsibility. Care is the axis around which nurses rotate. Hence, it is fundamental to analyze this context, which demands evolution in professional care development.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo identificar mudanças globais, relacionadas à forma de fazer e entender o cuidado, assim como as demandas geradas pela mudança populacional e as implicações para cuidadores familiares e profissionais. Realizou-se revisão integrativa da literatura, identificando-se 284 artigos com os descritores: cuidado e cuidadores, associados ao descritor "Enfermagem", entre os anos 2005 e 2010, selecionando-se 41 artigos que correspondem ao objetivo proposto. Os resultados apontam para um modelo de transição no cuidado, reconfigurado pelas novas demandas de atenção associadas, principalmente, ao incremento das doenças crônicas e ao envelhecimento populacional. Além disso, a mudança nos papéis sociais e individuais situam o cuidado além do âmbito familiar e o aproximam da responsabilidade social compartida. O cuidado é o eixo onde gravitam as enfermeiras, daí resulta indispensável analisar esse contexto que demanda evolução no desenvolvimento do cuidado profissional.

Este trabajo tuvo por objetivo identificar cambios globales relacionados con la forma de hacer y entender el cuidado, así como las demandas generadas por el cambio poblacional y las implicaciones para cuidadores familiares y profesionales. Se realizó una revisión integradora de la literatura, identificando 284 artículos con los descriptores: cuidado y cuidadores, asociados al descriptor Enfermería, entre los años 2005 y 2010, seleccionando 41 artículos que corresponden al objetivo planteado. Los resultados apuntan a un modelo de transición en el cuidado, reconfigurado por las nuevas demandas de atención asociadas principalmente al incremento de las enfermedades crónicas y el envejecimiento poblacional. Además, el cambio en los roles sociales e individuales sitúan al cuidado mas allá del ámbito familiar y lo aproximan a la responsabilidad social compartida. El cuidado es el eje gravitatorio de las enfermeras, por ello resulta indispensable analizar este contexto que demanda evolución en el desarrollo del cuidado profesional.

[Validation of the Questionnaire of Emotional Maladjustment and Adaptive Resources in Infertility (DERA)]. / Validación del Cuestionario de Desajuste Emocional y Recursos Adaptativos en Infertilidad (DERA).

Validation of the Questionnaire of Emotional Maladjustment and Adaptive Resources in Infertility (DERA). Given the absence of measures to help psychologists working with infertile couples, this paper presents the process of developing a standardized measure to assess emotional maladjustment and adaptive resources in this population. A cross-sectional design was utilized to gather data from the assisted reproduction units of two public hospitals. Preliminary analyses were performed with a sample of 85 infertile patients. Psychometric properties of the measure were tested with a second sample of 490 infertile patients. Concerning reliability analyses, alpha indexes were adequate both for the measure and its factors. Concerning validity, second-order factor analysis yielded a four-factor solution that conjointly explains 56% of the total variance. Additional analyses with a third sample of 50 participants from the general population matched with a sample of 50 infertile participants were performed. In sum, this measure seems to be a useful psychological assessment tool to determine emotional adjustment, and individual, and interpersonal resources, for coping with infertility diagnosis and treatment.