[Impact of primary care nursing discharge follow-up on early hospital readmissions. Observational longitudinal study]. / Impacto del seguimiento al alta de Enfermería en Atención Primaria sobre los reingresos hospitalarios tempranos. Estudio observacional longitudinal.

AIM: To determine the proportion of people who undergo discharge follow-up when indicated. DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal observational study, with an analytical approach. POPULATION: persons discharged from the Hospital Universitario de la Princesa of any age and sex, with any reason for admission and with an indication for discharge follow-up in Primary Care. Users who did not have an assigned Autonomous Personal Identification Code (CIPA) were excluded. Random sample (n=289). VARIABLES: Discharge follow-up and readmissions (<30 days). Sociodemographic, clinical and discharge follow-up variables were included from the electronic medical records of Primary and Hospital Care. A descriptive analysis of the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the study population was conducted. To analyze the association between discharge follow-up and readmissions, a logistic regression model was used. RESULTS: Age 72.4 years (RIQ 60-87). 55.2% of the population were women. Follow-up was conducted in 61.2% of those indicated. According to the logistic regression model performed between early readmission and discharge follow-up, adjusted for all other factors, the group with discharge follow-up had a 66% lower likelihood of hospital readmission (OR 0.34, 95% CI (0.18-0.67)). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that nursing discharge follow-up conducted in primary care reduces the risk of early readmission.

Possible benefits of food supplementation or diet in scar management: A scoping review.

Aim: The evidence regarding a potential role of food supplementation as an adjunct therapy in scar aftercare is limited. In this scoping review we aim to provide an overview of the possible beneficial role of supplementations in aftercare settings. Method: After formulating the research question and accompanying key words, a comprehensive search for relevant publications was performed using PubMed and Web of Science. Two authors independently identified and checked each study against the inclusion criteria. All data was collected and summarized for further discussion. Results: After screening, 11 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Four studies including human subjects showed a promising connection between scar improvement and supplementation of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty-acids or a Solanaceae-free diet and lower omega-6 fatty-acid intake. Most of the studies were performed on in-vitro models. Preliminary evidence confirmed the beneficial role of vitamin D. Curcumin- and quercetin-supplementation were linked to decreased fibroblast proliferation. Vitamin C enhanced collagen production in healthy as well as keloidal dermal fibroblasts. Chitin stimulated cell-proliferation in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Conclusion: The findings suggest early potential benefits of additional food supplementation in scar management for scars but provide no clear evidence. To establish guidelines or gather more evidence on food supplementation, studies involving human subjects (in vivo) are essential. The intricacies associated with nutritional studies in vivo present multifaceted challenges. It should be emphasized that substantial additional evidence is required before aspects such as timing and dosage of supplementation could be addressed for clinical application. Lay Summary: Aim: This scoping review looks at whether taking food supplements might help with scar care alongside standard scar management following burn injury. Little information is thought to be available on this subject. An up-to-date review of the literature was undertaken to assimilate the body of evidence and determine if a consensus could be drawn.Method: A specific research question was designed and search conducted in scientific databases like PubMed and Web of Science. Two of our team members carefully selected and reviewed each study to determine which studies met the inclusion or exclusion criteria. All studies that met the inclusion criteria were then reviewed and the information collated to enable conclusions to be drawn.Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were used to formulate the conclusions drawn. Four studies showed that taking vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, a diet without certain vegetables (Solanaceae), and eating less omega-6 fatty acids might help improve scars. It is important to note that most studies (seven out of 11) were carried out in a laboratory and not with real people. These lab studies showed that vitamin D might be helpful. Supplements like curcumin and quercetin seemed to slow down the growth of skin cells like fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Vitamin C aided collagen synthesis, which is important for healthy skin, in both normal and keloid scar cells. Another substance, chitin, was also found to help skin cells and keratinocytes grow better.Conclusion: Our findings point to some early possible benefits of taking extra nutrient supplements for managing scars but do not provide clear evidence. More research is required to enable the development of supplement recommendation and guidelines to be produced. Future research should focus on human trials but do keep in mind that carrying out supplement studies with people is more complicated. The evidence provided by this scoping review is insufficient to recommend the intake of any supplements or the imposition of dietary restrictions for the purpose of managing scars.

Effects of a nurse-led aftercare telehealth programme on sleep and psychological outcomes of adult burn survivors: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Burn survivors often experience a plethora of post-burn residual needs following their discharge including psychological issues and poor sleep. These needs are often overlooked with a significant focus on resolving physical issues. Aftercare support is particularly limited. The emergence of the Coronavirus pandemic worsened the situation as burn survivors were unable to return to utilise available services outpatient basis. Thus, an innovative nurse-led aftercare programme was developed and delivered via WeChat social medial platform. The current study sought to examine the effects of the intervention on anxiety, depression, and sleep pattern among adult burn survivors. METHODS: This is a randomised controlled trial. Sixty adult burn survivors were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group received the nurse-led aftercare programme which involved pre-discharge support and active follow-up on WeChat over an 8-week period and an additional 4 weeks to examine the sustained effects of the intervention. Data were collected at three timepoints: baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and follow-up (T2). Generalised estimating equation was employed to ascertain the group, time, and interaction effects. RESULTS: Using Bonferroni corrected p value (0.017), Anxiety and depression improved at T1 and sustained at T2 with mean scores demonstrating a reduction in both variables and total score. No statistically significant improvement was however observed regarding sleep. CONCLUSION: Continuous, comprehensive support is required by burn survivors following discharge to improve psychological outcomes. Delivering aftercare via WeChat should be considered a feasible option to supporting burn survivors following discharge.

Ideal Postdischarge Follow-Up After Severe Pneumonia or Acute Respiratory Failure: A Qualitative Study of Primary Care Clinicians in Diverse Settings.

BACKGROUND: Most patients discharged after hospitalization for severe pneumonia or acute respiratory failure receive follow-up care from primary care clinicians, yet guidelines are sparse. RESEARCH QUESTION: What do primary care clinicians consider to be ideal follow-up care after hospitalization for severe pneumonia or acute respiratory failure and what do they perceive to be barriers and facilitators to providing ideal follow-up? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted, via videoconferencing, semistructured interviews of 20 primary care clinicians working in diverse settings from five US states and Washington, DC. Participants described postdischarge visits, ongoing follow-up, and referrals for patients recovering from hospitalizations for pneumonia or respiratory failure bad enough to be hospitalized and to require significant oxygen support or seeking treatment at the ICU. Barriers and facilitators were probed using the capability, opportunity, motivation, behavior framework. Interview summaries and rigorous and accelerated data reduction analysis techniques were used. RESULTS: Core elements of primary care follow-up after severe pneumonia or acute respiratory failure included safety assessment, medication management, medical specialty follow-up, integrating the hospitalization into the primary care relationship, assessing mental and physical well-being, rehabilitation follow-up, and social context of recovery. Clinicians described specific practices as well as barriers and facilitators at multiple levels to optimal care. INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that at least seven core elements are common in follow-up care after severe pneumonia or acute respiratory failure, and conventional systems include barriers and facilitators to delivering what primary care clinicians consider to be optimal follow-up care. Future research could leverage identified barriers and facilitators to develop implementation tools that enhance the delivery of robust follow-up care for severe pneumonia or acute respiratory failure.

Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives on Post-Diagnostic Care for People with Vascular Cognitive Impairment: When Help Is Needed in a "No-Man's Land".

Background: Post-diagnostic care for people with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) typically involves multiple professions and disjointed care pathways not specifically designed to aid VCI needs. Objective: Exploring perspectives of healthcare professionals on post-diagnostic care for people with VCI. Methods: We conducted a qualitative focus group study. We used purposive sampling to include healthcare professionals in different compositions of primary and secondary care professionals per focus group. Thematic saturation was reached after seven focus groups. Transcripts were iteratively coded and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Forty participants were included in seven focus groups (4-8 participants). Results showed knowledge and awareness of VCI as prerequisites for adequate post-diagnostic care, and for pre-diagnostic detection of people with VCI (theme 1). In light of perceived lack of differentiation between cognitive disorders, participants shared specific advice regarding post-diagnostic care for people with VCI and informal caregivers (theme 2). Participants thought current care for VCI was fragmented and recommended further integration of care and collaboration across settings (theme 3). Conclusions: People with VCI and their caregivers risk getting stuck in a "no man's land" between post-diagnostic care pathways; challenges lie in acknowledgement of VCI and associated symptoms, and alignment between healthcare professionals. Education about the symptoms and consequences of VCI, to healthcare professionals, people with VCI and caregivers, may increase awareness of VCI and thereby better target care. Specific attention for symptoms common in VCI could further tailor care and reduce caregiver burden. Integration could be enhanced by combining expertise of dementia and stroke/rehabilitation pathways.

Extending emergency care beyond discharge: Piloting a virtual after care clinic.

Objective: Many unscheduled return visits to the emergency department (ED) stem from insufficient access to outpatient follow-up. We piloted an emergency medicine-staffed, on-demand, virtual after care clinic (VACC) as an alternative for discharged ED patients. Methods: Prospective cohort study of discharged ED patients who scheduled VACC appointments within 72 hours of index ED visit. We performed descriptive analyses and compared risks of ED return at 72 hours and 30 days between patients who did/did not attend their appointment. Results: From March to December 2022, 309 patients scheduled VACC appointments and 210 (68%) attended them. Patients who scheduled appointments were young (median 37 years), non-Hispanic white (80%), females (75%) with a primary care physicians (PCP) (90%), and commercial insurance (72%).  Most VACC visits reinforced ED testing and/or treatment (64%) or adjusted medications (26%). VACC attendees were less likely to return to the ED within 72 h (3.3% vs. 13.1%; risk difference 9.3% [95% confidence interval, CI 2.7%‒19.8%]) and 30 days (16.2% vs. 30.3%; risk difference 14.1% [95% CI 3.8%‒24.4%]) compared to those who scheduled but did not attend a VACC appointment. VACC attendance was associated with lower odds of 72-h (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.0; 95% CI 0.0‒0.4) and 30-day (aOR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2‒0.7) return ED visits. Conclusions: In this pilot study, younger, white, female, commercially insured patients with a PCP preferentially scheduled VACC appointments. Among patients who scheduled VACC appointments, those who attended their appointments were less likely to return to the ED within 72 hours and 30 days than those who did not.

The Attend-PE model: A feasibility study of a structured follow-up care model for patients with pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism may have both physical and psychological consequences for the affected person. Guidelines recommend structured follow-up care, yet this is still not widely practised. Therefore, a national research project was initiated in Denmark in 2021, with the aim of developing, testing, implementing, and evaluating a structured post-pulmonary embolism follow-up care model, 'Attend-PE'. The objective of this feasibility study was to examine the fidelity, acceptability, and appropriateness of the Attend-PE model in a Danish hospital setting. METHODS: This feasibility study was conducted in two Danish hospitals, using a prospective study design with six months' follow-up. The fidelity, acceptability, and appropriateness of the Attend-PE model's components were evaluated using surveys, registrations sheets, and interviews with two physicians, three nurses, and 29 patients. Qualitative data were analysed using a deductive content analysis, while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Fidelity with the Attend-PE model was good, with a high participation rate of patients in all components of the model. Acceptability was likewise good, as both patients and health care professionals expressed a high level of satisfaction with the model. The health care professionals considered the model to be relevant and suitable in a Danish hospital setting, confirming appropriateness of the model. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the Attend-PE model for patients with pulmonary embolism is feasible and acceptable in a Danish hospital setting.

Characteristics of Patients Lost to Follow-up after Bariatric Surgery.

After bariatric surgery lifelong follow-up is recommended. Evidence of the consequences and reasons for being lost to follow-up (LTFU) is sparse. In this prospective study follow-up data of all patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2008 and 2017 at a certified obesity centre were investigated. LTFU patients were evaluated through a structured telephone interview. Overall, 573 patients (female/male 70.9%/29.1%), aged 44.1 ± 11.2 years, preoperative BMI 52.1 ± 8.4 kg/m2 underwent bariatric surgery. Out of these, 33.2% had type 2 diabetes mellitus and 74.4% had arterial hypertension. A total of 290 patients were LTFU, of those 82.1% could be reached. Baseline characteristics of patients in follow-up (IFU) and LTFU were comparable, but men were more often LTFU (p = 0.01). Reported postoperative total weight loss (%TWL) and improvements of comorbidities were comparable, but %TWL was higher in patients remaining in follow-up for at least 2 years (p = 0.013). Travel issues were mentioned as the main reason for being LTFU. A percentage of 77.6% of patients reported to regularly supplement micronutrients, while 71.0% stated regular monitoring of their micronutrient status, mostly by primary care physicians. Despite comparable reported outcomes of LTFU to IFU patients, the duration of the in-centre follow-up period affected %TWL. There is a lack of sufficient supplementation and monitoring of micronutrients in a considerable number of LTFU patients.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Suffering Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock (CS) can stem from multiple causes and portends poor prognosis. Prior studies have focused on acute myocardial infarction-CS; however, acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF)-CS accounts for most cases. We studied patients suffering ADHF-CS to identify clinical factors, early in their trajectory, associated with a higher probability of successful outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive patients with CS were evaluated (N=1162). We studied patients who developed ADHF-CS at our hospital (N=562). Primary end point was native heart survival (NHS), defined as survival to discharge without receiving advanced HF therapies. Secondary end points were adverse events, survival, major cardiac interventions, and hospital readmissions within 1 year following index hospitalization discharge. Association of clinical data with NHS was analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall, 357 (63.5%) patients achieved NHS, 165 (29.2%) died, and 41 (7.3%) were discharged post advanced HF therapies. Of 398 discharged patients (70.8%), 303 (53.9%) were alive at 1 year. Patients with NHS less commonly suffered cardiac arrest, underwent intubation or pulmonary artery catheter placement, or received temporary mechanical circulatory support, had better hemodynamic and echocardiographic profiles, and had a lower vasoactive-inotropic score at shock onset. Bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke, hemolysis in patients with mechanical circulatory support, and acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy were less common compared with patients who died or received advanced HF therapies. After multivariable adjustments, clinical variables associated with NHS likelihood included younger age, history of systemic hypertension, absence of cardiac arrest or acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy, lower pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and vasoactive-inotropic score, and higher tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion at shock onset (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: By studying contemporary patients with ADHF-CS, we identified clinical factors that can inform clinical management and provide future research targets. Right ventricular function, renal function, pulmonary artery catheter placement, and type and timing of temporary mechanical circulatory support warrant further investigation to improve outcomes of this devastating condition.

Effect of a transitional tele-rehabilitation programme on quality of life of adult burn survivors: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of the transitional tele-rehabilitation programme on quality of life of adult burn survivors. DESIGN: A prospective, single centre, randomised controlled trial and reported according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. PARTICIPANTS: Adult burn survivors aged ≥18 years with burn size ≥10% total body surface area irrespective of the depth was considered eligible to participate. INTERVENTION: The intervention was in two phases: pre-discharge and active follow-up phase (which occurred via WeChat). In both phases, comprehensive assessment and intervention guided by the Omaha System and evidenced-based protocols guided the care delivery over an 8-week period. MAIN MEASURES: The outcome of interest was quality of life. Two outcome measures were used to assess the outcome of interest: Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) and the EQ-5D-5L tools. The outcome was assessed at three time points: T0 (baseline), T1 (immediate post-intervention) and T2 (4 weeks from T1). RESULTS: In total, 60 adult burn survivors were randomly allocated to undergo the new programme. The transitional tele-rehabilitation programme elicited statistically significant improvement in simple abilities, affect, interpersonal relationship (T2) and overall quality life (T1 and T2) measured on the BSHS-B. CONCLUSION: Ongoing rehabilitative care is essential to support the recovery process of burn survivors considering that some quality-of-life subscales may improve faster than others. The study findings highlight the potential of employing a social media platform to improve post-burn quality of life outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.govNCT04517721. Registered on 20 August 2020.

[Treatment concepts for the medial clavicle and the sternoclavicular joint]. / Versorgungskonzepte der medialen Klavikula und des Sternoklavikulargelenks.

Medial clavicle fractures and injuries to the sternoclavicular joint are rare injuries but can have life-threatening consequences. There are no standardized treatment algorithms or guidelines for the diagnostics and treatment. This article provides an overview of the individual topographies as well as the conservative and surgical treatment strategies.Conservative treatment is preferred for medial clavicle fractures. The indications for surgical treatment are variable but this is frequently carried out if there is a fracture displacement > 1 cm or 1 shaft width and high functional demands. In the case of accompanying injuries to neurovascular structures, an open fracture or the threat of perforation of the skin, surgical treatment is mandatory. Open reduction and internal fixation using (locking) plates is currently the preferred form of treatment.In the case of posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint, an immediate closed reduction must be attempted with the patient under analgosedation and with emergency treatment on standby. This temporal urgency does not exist for anterior and superior dislocations. Surgical treatment is indicated in cases of unsuccessful reduction, persistent symptomatic instability or injuries of the neurovascular bundle. From a multitude of treatment options, arthrodesis with suture cerclage has shown good results. Tendon grafts as well as special hook plates are increasingly being used due to better biomechanical qualities. The surgical treatment of combined injuries is determined by the individual injury pattern.Despite the variety of treatment strategies, the long-term outcome has consistently been positively described.

Mental Health Aftercare Availability for Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth in New York City.

The goal of our study was to describe the availability of community child and adolescent mental health services, trauma-informed care, and the geographic accessibility of these services for juvenile justice-involved (JJ) youth who received mental health services while in secure detention. Data collection occurred through direct contact with the child and adolescent outpatient clinics listed on the New York State Office of Mental Health website. Zip codes were collected from the juvenile secure detention census. Of the clinics contacted, 88.5 percent accepted JJ youth; however, 43.5 percent accepted them on a conditional basis. Only 62.1 percent offered trauma-informed care, including evidence-based interventions and unspecified care. Although 84.5 percent of the clinics that would accept this population reported currently accepting new patients, reported wait times were as high as six or more months. When JJ residents' home zip codes and those of the clinics were geographically mapped, there were few clinics in the zip codes where most residents lived. The clinics that accepted youth on a conditional basis often refused high-risk patients, essentially ruling out a large majority of this population. The geographical inaccessibility of these clinics limits their ability to provide care for this vulnerable population.

Her village: experiences of drug-involved women in a female-only aftercare program in the Philippines.

PURPOSE: Women are exposed to vulnerabilities that can lead to drug use or hinder recovery. However, there is a dearth of studies on recovery programs for women. This study aims to add to the literature by examining the feasibility of a women-only aftercare program for recovering users in the Philippines. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study used a mixed-method design with pre and post-program surveys used to measure changes in participants' recovery capital. Focused group discussions elicited participants' context, their reactions, perceived outcomes and suggestions on the program. FINDINGS: Women in the program shared narratives of pain, trauma and abuse before treatment. Participants reported significant improvements in personal, community and family recovery capital dimensions. The program enabled personal growth in the form of new knowledge, skills and self-confidence. The women-only program also provided a safe space for women, to receive support from other women, community members and family. However, the women continue to face continuing challenges related to stigma and discrimination and a lack of livelihood opportunities. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: A limitation of the study was its small sample size and the lack of a control group. Another limitation was the variability in treatment received by the women, which could have affected overall outcomes. Future studies using a randomized control trial and longitudinal designs may provide more robust conclusions on the effectiveness of the program. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Given punitive contexts, gender-sensitive and trauma-informed programs and services for women involved in drug use could potentially mitigate the abuse, stigma and vulnerabilities they experience. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study contributes to the sparse literature on women-only aftercare, particularly in countries that criminalize drug use.

Epidemiology of patch tested patients with permanent tattoos-A comparative analysis of 9693 IVDK patients (2020-2022).

BACKGROUND: Permanent tattooing is the invasive introduction of tattoo ink (pigments) into the dermis. The ink and aftercare cosmetics applied on pre-damaged skin may contain skin sensitisers. OBJECTIVES: To identify patient characteristics and the pattern of sensitisation in tattooed patients patch tested within the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Comparative analysis of patient characteristics and reaction frequencies to baseline series allergens in 1648 consecutive patients with and 8045 consecutive patients without permanent tattoos. Non-overlapping 95%-confidence intervals were considered as significant. RESULTS: Having permanent tattoos was related with female sex, age <40 years, tobacco smoking, atopic dermatitis, (occupational) hand dermatitis and being employed in particular occupational groups (e.g., healthcare workers, mechanics, hairdressers). Sensitisation to nickel was increased in tattooed patients and associated with female sex (OR 4.23 [95%-CI, 3.48-5.18]), age ≥40 years (OR 1.26 [95%-CI, 1.08-1.49]), tobacco smoking (OR 1.19 [95%-CI, 1.01-1.40]) and having permanent tattoos (OR 1.27 [95%-CI, 1.05-1.53]). CONCLUSIONS: The association between nickel sensitisation and permanent tattoos is probably confounded by past reactions to pierced costume jewellery. Socio-economic factors most probably contribute to the connection between tattoos, tobacco smoking, occupational or hand dermatitis, and being employed in particular occupational groups.

The social class of orthopedic rehabilitation patients: Are there differences in subjective health, return to work motivation, and participation in aftercare interventions?

This longitudinal quasi-experimental study examines the relationship between social class, subjective health, motivation to return to work (RTW) following medical rehabilitation, and participation in aftercare interventions, utilizing the Social Cognitive Theory of Social Class. To do so, a prospective multicentric study was conducted. The analysis was based on data from N = 1044 orthopedic rehabilitation patients in three clinics in Germany. Latent growth curve models, fixed-effect linear regression models, and multilevel binomial logistic regression were employed for data analysis. As hypothesized, the findings demonstrate that lower social class is associated with poorer subjective health, while higher social class is linked to increased solipsistic motives, characterized by pursuing personal goals in the context of RTW. Conversely, individuals from lower social classes exhibit contextualist motives, which indicate a focus on social and environmental threats influencing their motivation to RTW. Surprisingly, social class does not significantly impact participation in aftercare interventions, probably due to low variance and potentially the successful inclusion within the German healthcare system. These findings emphasize the importance of considering diverse motivation profiles derived from the Social Cognitive Theory of Social Class. The study contributes to our understanding of the social determinants of health and has implications for reducing health disparities by highlighting the motivational aspects, including solipsistic and contextualist motives, associated with social class.

Life after meningitis: a qualitative study exploring survivors' experience of living with sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Around twenty percent of meningitis survivors experience after-effects. However, very little research on their psychological impact has been conducted. This report details a small explorative investigation into these psychological impacts. OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact sequelae have on the meningitis survivors affected. METHODS AND MEASURES: Thematic analysis of one-hundred individual user's blog posts, self-reporting one or more sequelae after a diagnosis of meningitis. RESULTS: Blog posters' experiences varied greatly. Common trends in experience were mapped onto three themes. 'Struggling to Adjust to the New Normal' captures blog posters' struggles in returning to their lives post-hospitalization. 'Navigating Possibilities for Positivity' explores how blog posters either reported positive change due to their illness experience or felt a pressure, or inability, to do so. 'The Impact of Knowledge and Support' overarching two sub-themes; 'Lack of Awareness Causing Further Suffering' and 'Validation Leads to Narrative Shift'. These sub-themes contrast differences in experience blog posters reported, with and without knowledge, of the cause of their symptoms and support in dealing with the resulting difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent and structured after-care would benefit patients experiencing sequelae. Suggestions of a possible format this could take are put forward. In addition, self-regulatory models of illness perception help explain some variations in blog posters experiences, with possible intervention plans based on these models also suggested. However, limitations, including the comparatively small and highly selected sample, mean that further research is necessary to validate the findings and assess their validity, widespread applicability, and financial feasibility.

Impact of digital and conventional rehabilitation aftercare on physical and mental health in orthopedic patients in Germany.

The integration of digital interventions in health rehabilitation offers promising opportunities to improve patient outcomes. However, empirical studies comparing the effectiveness of digital and traditional rehabilitation interventions remain scarce. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of a digital aftercare program, compared to traditional aftercare and a control group, on both psychological and physical health outcomes in individuals undergoing orthopedic rehabilitation. Additionally, the study also aimed to examine the moderating effects of age and gender. The study employed a partially controlled trial design, engaging a cohort of 805 orthopedic patients, divided into: digIRENA (n = 323, digital aftercare), IRENA (n = 252, traditional aftercare), and a control group (n = 230, without organized aftercare). Measurements took place at four different time points: baseline (start of the rehabilitation program), T1 (13 weeks after the start of rehabilitation, marking the midpoint of aftercare), T2 (26 weeks, marking the end of aftercare), and T3 (43 weeks, to assess the sustainability of aftercare effects). The SF-12 Health Survey was the primary data collection instrument for measuring trends in physical and mental health outcomes over these intervals using repeated measures ANOVA. The results show that rehabilitants in the digIRENA group participated for a longer period of time than rehabilitants in the IRENA group, while the two groups did not differ in terms of motivation at T0 and organized physical activity outside of aftercare at T3. A significant improvement in physical health outcomes was observed in all groups across time, with digIRENA participants showing the greatest improvement. For mental health, all groups showed initial improvements, with the digIRENA group showing the most pronounced increase at T2. Overall, there was a decline in the effects achieved 4 months after the end of aftercare. When age and gender were included as covariates, the time effect for mental health disappeared, showing a significant time * gender interaction due to significantly lower baseline scores of women compared to men. The results of the study show that digital interventions, in particular the digIRENA program, contribute to improving health rehabilitation outcomes. The digIRENA program and similar digital health interventions may offer potential for improving health rehabilitation aftercare.

Exploring potential influencing factors of inadherence to specialist aftercare and long-term medication in patients with acromegaly.

PURPOSE: To improve the understanding of adherence as one major factor of disease control in acromegaly patients, we systematically assessed patients' motivations to adhere to advised follow-up schedules and recommended medication for acromegaly. METHODS: Cross-sectional, postal questionnaire study on adult patients with acromegaly, operated upon a growth hormone producing pituitary adenoma more than 1 year ago in two tertiary treatment centers. We assessed demographic and clinical characteristics, disease status, adherence to acromegaly medication and/or aftercare, and the five dimensions defined by the World Health Organization influencing adherence. Wherever applicable, we included validated short scales. The answers of 63 patients (33 f, 30 m; mean age 56.1 y) were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with problems in adherence to aftercare had a significantly lower subjective symptomload than those adherent to aftercare (p = 0.026) and a lower perceived need for treatment (p = 0.045). Patients with adherence problems to medication had a higher subjective symptomload than those without (p = 0.056). They also tended to have shorter consultations, were significantly more often dissatisfied with the duration of their medical consultations (42% vs 4.8%, p = 0.019) and tended to find that their physician explained potential difficulties with adherence less well than patients without adherence problems (p = 0.089). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study which explored adherence to medication and aftercare in patients with acromegaly, taking into account potential influencing factors from all areas defined by the WHO model of adherence. Of the modifiable factors of adherence, patient-doctor relationship seemed to play a crucial role and could be one leverage point to improve adherence.

The effectiveness of personalised surveillance and aftercare in breast cancer follow-up: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer follow-up (surveillance and aftercare) varies from one-size-fits-all to more personalised approaches. A systematic review was performed to get insight in existing evidence on (cost-)effectiveness of personalised follow-up. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane were searched between 01-01-2010 and 10-10-2022 (review registered in PROSPERO:CRD42022375770). The inclusion population comprised nonmetastatic breast cancer patients ≥ 18 years, after completing curative treatment. All intervention-control studies studying personalised surveillance and/or aftercare designed for use during the entire follow-up period were included. All review processes including risk of bias assessment were performed by two reviewers. Characteristics of included studies were described. RESULTS: Overall, 3708 publications were identified, 64 full-text publications were read and 16 were included for data extraction. One study evaluated personalised surveillance. Various personalised aftercare interventions and outcomes were studied. Most common elements included in personalised aftercare plans were treatment summaries (75%), follow-up guidelines (56%), lists of available supportive care resources (38%) and PROs (25%). Control conditions mostly comprised usual care. Four out of seven (57%) studies reported improvements in quality of life following personalisation. Six studies (38%) found no personalisation effect, for multiple outcomes assessed (e.g. distress, satisfaction). One (6.3%) study was judged as low, four (25%) as high risk of bias and 11 (68.8%) as with concerns. CONCLUSION: The included studies varied in interventions, measurement instruments and outcomes, making it impossible to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of personalised follow-up. There is a need for a definition of both personalised surveillance and aftercare, whereafter outcomes can be measured according to uniform standards.

A caregivers' perspective on social reintegration and stigma of childhood cancer survivors in Kenya.

OBJECTIVES: Childhood cancer survivors' social reintegration may be hampered in low and middle-income countries. The nature and extent of social challenges and prejudices that survivors encounter in such settings are largely unknown. This study explores caregivers' perspectives on social reintegration and stigmatization of Kenyan childhood cancer survivors. METHODS: Caretakers of childhood cancer survivors (<18 years) were interviewed using mixed-methods questionnaires during home or clinic visits between 2021 and 2022. Stigma was assessed with an adjusted Social Impact Scale and risk factors were investigated. RESULTS: Caretakers of 54 survivors (median age 11 years) were interviewed. Families' income (93%) decreased since start of treatment. Caretakers (44%) often lost their jobs. Financial struggles (88%) were a burden that provoked conflicts within communities (31%). School fees for siblings became unaffordable (52%). Families received negative responses (26%) and were left or avoided (13%) by community members after cancer disclosure. Survivors and families were discriminated against because the child was perceived fragile, and cancer was considered fatal, contagious, or witchcraft. Survivors repeated school levels (58%) and were excluded from school activities (19%) or bullied (13%). Performance limitations of daily activities (p = 0.019), male sex (p = 0.032), solid tumors (p = 0.056) and a short time since treatment completion (p = 0.047) were associated with increased stigma. Caretakers recommended educational programs in schools and communities to raise awareness about cancer treatment and curability. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood cancer survivors and their families experienced difficulties with re-entry and stigmatization in society. Increasing cancer and survivorship awareness in schools and communities should facilitate social reintegration and prevent stigmatization.