Systematic review of contemporary interventions for improving discharge support and transitions of care from the patient experience perspective.

AIM: To synthesize the impact of improvement interventions related to care coordination, discharge support and care transitions on patient experience measures. METHOD: Systematic review. Searches were completed in six scientific databases, five specialty journals, and through snowballing. Eligibility included studies published in English (2015-2023) focused on improving care coordination, discharge support, or transitional care assessed by standardized patient experience measures as a primary outcome. Two independent reviewers made eligibility decisions and performed quality appraisals. RESULTS: Of 1240 papers initially screened, 16 were included. Seven studies focused on care coordination activities, including three randomized controlled trials [RCTs]. These studies used enhanced supports such as improvement coaching or tailoring for vulnerable populations within Patient-Centered Medical Homes or other primary care sites. Intervention effectiveness was mixed or neutral relative to standard or models of care or simpler supports (e.g., improvement tool). Eight studies, including three RCTs, focused on enhanced discharge support, including patient education (e.g., teach back) and telephone follow-up; mixed or neutral results on the patient experience were also found and with more substantive risks of bias. One pragmatic trial on a transitional care intervention, using a navigator support, found significant changes only for the subset of uninsured patients and in one patient experience outcome, and had challenges with implementation fidelity. CONCLUSION: Enhanced supports for improving care coordination, discharge education, and post-discharge follow-up had mixed or neutral effectiveness for improving the patient experience with care, compared to standard care or simpler improvement approaches. There is a need to advance the body of evidence on how to improve the patient experience with discharge support and transitional approaches.

Psychosis in Alzheimer's disease is associated with specific changes in brain MRI volume, cognition and neuropathology.

Psychosis in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is prevalent and indicates poor prognosis. However, the neuropathological, cognitive and brain atrophy patterns underlying these symptoms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated 178 patients with AD neuropathological change (ADNC) and ante-mortem volumetric brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Presence of psychosis was determined using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire. Clinical Dementia Rating Sum-of-boxes (CDR-SB) was longitudinally compared between groups with a follow-up of 3000 days using mixed-effects multiple linear regression. Neuropsychological tests closest to the time of MRI and brain regional volumes were cross-sectionally compared. Psychosis was associated with lower age of death, higher longitudinal CDR-SB scores, multi-domain cognitive deficits, higher neuritic plaque severity, Braak stage, Lewy Body pathology (LB) and right temporal lobe regional atrophy. Division according to the presence of LB showed differential patterns of AD-typical pathology, cognitive deficits and regional atrophy. In conclusion, psychosis in ADNC with and without LB has clinical value and associates with subgroup patterns of neuropathology, cognition and regional atrophy.

Global research publications on cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation and their alignment with population rehabilitation needs: An ecological study.

PURPOSE: Towards informing health research policy and planning, this article evaluates the relationship of the research publications in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) with the rehabilitation needs arising from cardiovascular diseases (except stroke) and chronic respiratory diseases, over time (1990-2017). METHODS: Ecological study using a secondary analysis and linear regressions of public domain data to associate two datasets of population-level data: (1) research publications for CR and PR (data from the PubMed database); and (2) global need for CR and PR (data from the Global Burden of Disease study). RESULTS: The percentage of both CR and PR publications (among total rehabilitation research) significantly decreased from 1990 to 2017 (both: p < 0.01). PR needs and research publications were aligned: around 5% of total rehabilitation needs and rehabilitation research. For CR needs (around 2%, but significantly increasing since 1990), we found a greater portion of CR research publications (6.5% or over). Finally, we found an inverse association among the percentage of CR research publications and CR needs (b = -6.08; r2  = 0.37, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The portion of CR and PR research (among total rehabilitation research) is declining over time. Yearly percentage of CR publications were greater than those of PR but for lower level of rehabilitation need, but the disparate trend was significantly decreasing over time. Population rehabilitation needs and their alignment with research volume must be one factor in the design of population-centred, equitable health research priorities.

The Global Status of Occupational Therapy Workforce Research Worldwide: A Scoping Review.

IMPORTANCE: To fulfill their societal role, occupational therapists need to exist in sufficient supply, be equitably distributed, and meet competency standards. Occupational therapy workforce research is instrumental in reaching these aims, but its global status is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To map the volume and nature (topics, methods, geography, funding) of occupational therapy workforce research worldwide. DATA SOURCES: Six scientific databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, PDQ-Evidence for Informed Health Policymaking, OTseeker), institutional websites, snowballing, and key informants. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA COLLECTION: Research articles of any kind were included if they involved data regarding occupational therapists and addressed 1 of 10 predefined workforce research categories. Two reviewers were used throughout study selection. No language or time restrictions applied, but the synthesis excluded publications before 1996. A linear regression examined the publications' yearly growth. FINDINGS: Seventy-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, 57 of which had been published since 1996. Although significant (p < .01), annual publication growth was weak (0.07 publications/yr). "Attractiveness and retention" was a common topic (27%), and cross-sectional surveys were frequent study designs (53%). Few studies used inferential statistics (39%), focused on resource-poor countries (11%), used standardized instruments (10%), or tested a hypothesis (2%). Only 30% reported funding; these studies had stronger methodology: 65% used inferential statistics, and just 6% used exploratory cross-sectional surveys. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Worldwide occupational therapy workforce research is scant and inequitably distributed, uses suboptimal methods, and is underfunded. Funded studies used stronger methods. Concerted efforts are needed to strengthen occupational therapy workforce research. What This Article Adds: This review highlights the opportunity to develop a stronger, evidence-based strategy for workforce development and professional advocacy.

Effectiveness of interventions by non-professional community-level workers or family caregivers to improve outcomes for physical impairments or disabilities in low resource settings: systematic review of task-sharing strategies.

BACKGROUND: In low-resource settings, access to basic rehabilitation could be supplemented by community-level interventions provided by community health workers, health volunteers, or family caregivers. Yet, it is unclear whether basic physical rehabilitation interventions delivered to adults by non-professional alternative resources in the community, under task-shifting or task-sharing approaches, are effective as those delivered by skilled rehabilitation professionals. We aim to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of community-level rehabilitation interventions delivered by non-professional community-level workers or informal caregivers to improve health outcomes for persons with physical impairments or disabilities. METHODS: We performed a systematic review with a PROSPERO registration. Eight databases were searched for (PubMed, CINAHL, Global Health, PDQ Evidence, Scopus, ProQuest, CENTRAL, and Web of Science), supplemented by snowballing and key-informant recommendations, with no time restrictions, applied. Controlled and non-controlled experiments were included if reporting the effects of interventions on mobility, activities of daily living (ADLs), quality of life, or social participation outcomes. Two independent investigators performed the eligibility decisions, data extraction, risk of bias, and assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Ten studies (five randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) involving 2149 participants were included. Most common targeted stroke survivors (n = 8); family caregivers were most frequently used to deliver the intervention (n = 4); and the intervention was usually provided in homes (n = 7), with training initiated in the hospital (n = 4). Of the four RCTs delivered by family caregivers, one demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in mobility (effect size: 0.3; confidence interval [CI] 121.81-122.19; [p = 0.04]) and another one in ADLs (effect size: 0.4; CI 25.92-35.08; [p = 0.03]). Of the five non-RCT studies by community health workers or volunteers, one demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in mobility (effect size: 0.3; CI 10.143-16.857; [p < 0.05]), while two demonstrated improved statistically significant improvement in ADLs (effect size: 0.2; CI 180.202-184.789 [p = 0.001]; 0.4; CI - 7.643-18.643; [p = 0.026]). However, the quality of evidence, based on GRADE criteria, was rated as low to very low. CONCLUSIONS: While task-sharing is a possible strategy to meet basic rehabilitation needs in low-resource settings, the current evidence on the effectiveness of delivering rehabilitation interventions by non-professional community-level workers and informal caregivers is inconclusive. We can use the data and experiences from existing studies to better design studies and improve the implementation of interventions. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022319130.

Which factors affect the implementation of telerehabilitation? Study protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review with a framework synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth approaches are promising for the delivery of rehabilitation services but may be under-used or under-implemented. OBJECTIVE: To report a review protocol to identify how much telerehabilitation (telehealth approaches to the delivery of rehabilitation services) have been used and implemented, and which factors have affected such implementation. METHODS: A mixed-methods systematic review with a framework synthesis. Six databases for the scientific literature will be searched, complemented by snowballing searches and additional references coming from key informants (i.e., rehabilitation researchers from a networking group in health services research). We will include English-language empirical research examining the routine use or implementation of telehealth technologies in physical rehabilitation services or by physical rehabilitation professionals from a range of study designs, excepting case studies, case reports, and qualitative studies with n < 5. Two independent reviewers will perform the screenings, quality appraisals (using the Joanna Briggs Institutes' appraisal checklists), and the data extractions. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research will be used to synthesize the data on the enablers and barriers of the implementation of telerehabilitation approaches. All the authors will be involved at this synthesis, and key informants will provide feedback. CONCLUSION: The results can inform further implementation endeavours.

Situational analysis for informing the global strengthening of the occupational therapy workforce.

BACKGROUND: Occupational Therapists are needed for meeting the health, rehabilitation, and occupational needs of the population worldwide, but there is no strategy for strengthening the occupational therapy workforce against a backdrop of an insufficient and inequitable supply worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To perform a situational assessment of occupational therapy workforce development and research toward informing a global human resources strategy for the occupational therapy workforce strengthening. METHOD: A multi-methods design incorporating Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis based on scoping review findings, workforce development frameworks, and expert feedback. RESULTS: Strengths included identified workforce research trends, gaps, and findings. Weaknesses included a shortage of workforce research, lack of uniform and readily available workforce datasets, absence of workforce research programs, over-reliance on descriptive and non-experimental research, lack of research on workforce topics (e.g., diversity), and lack of labor market or economic analyses. Opportunities are the availability of guidance and tools for strengthening the health and rehabilitation workforce worldwide, and increased membership from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Threats include the suboptimal funding of occupational therapy workforce research, the lack of occupational therapists data on international datasets and studies, suboptimal educational capacity in LMICs, lack of professional regulation and uniform workforce data collection in many contexts, and a perceived lower priority of this health workforce focused on health and wellbeing rather than medical outcomes. CONCLUSION: This SWOT analysis identifies strengths and opportunities to be seized and weaknesses and threats to be addressed by development of a strategy for the global strengthening of the occupational therapy workforce.

Limitations and Recommendations for Advancing the Occupational Therapy Workforce Research Worldwide: Scoping Review and Content Analysis of the Literature.

Occupational therapy workforce research can help determine whether occupational therapists exist in sufficient supply, are equitably distributed, and meet competency standards. Advancing the value of occupational therapy workforce research requires an understanding of the limitations and recommendations identified by these investigations. This scoping review and content analysis synthesizes the study limitations and recommendations reported by the occupational therapy research worldwide. Two independent reviews included 57 papers from the past 25 years. Stated limitations included: focus on cross-sectional studies with small and convenience samples; participants from single settings or regions; local markets or preferences not specified; focus on self-reported data and intentions (rather than behaviors or occurrences); challenges in aggregating or synthesizing findings from descriptive data; lack of statistical adjustment for testing multiple associations; and the lack of detailed, up-to-date, and accessible workforce data for continuous monitoring and secondary research. Stated recommendations included: strengthening routine workforce data collection; developing longitudinal studies that include interventions (e.g., recruitment or retention packages); developing context-sensitive comparisons; studying the impact on ultimate outcomes; promoting nation-wide, coordinated workforce plans and requirements; and fostering international coalitions for workforce research and developments at scale. These study limitations and recommendations reported by the literature must be considered in the design of a local and global occupational therapy workforce research agenda.

Type of Findings Generated by the Occupational Therapy Workforce Research Worldwide: Scoping Review and Content Analysis.

Occupational therapists are needed to meet the health and occupational needs of the global population, but we know little about the type of findings generated by occupational therapy workforce research conducted worldwide. We aim to synthesize these findings and their range of content to inform future investigations. A scoping review with content analysis was used. Six scientific databases, websites of official institutions, snowballing, and key informants were used for searches. Two independent reviewers took selection decisions against the eligibility criteria published a priori in the review protocol. Of the 1246 unique references detected, 57 papers were included for the last 25 years. A total of 18 papers addressed issues of attractiveness and retention, often in Australia, and 14 addressed the issues of supply, demand, and distribution, often in the US. Only these two categories generated subtopics. Many workforce issues were rarely addressed as a main topic (e.g., race/ethnic representation). Cross-national, cross-regional, or cross-professional studies generated more actionable findings. Overall, we found few discernable trends, minimal evidence of research programs, and various gaps in content coverage or in the use of contemporary research approaches. There is a need for a coordinated strengthening of the occupational therapy workforce research worldwide.

Is Physical Rehabilitation Need Associated With the Rehabilitation Workforce Supply? An Ecological Study Across 35 High-Income Countries.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether population-adjusted rates of physical rehabilitation need (ie, disability-related epidemiological data) are associated with the workforce supply (ie, combined rates of practicing physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) per 10 000 population) across high-income countries (HICs), adjusted for socio-demographic and economic covariates. METHODS: This is a cross-national ecological study. Hierarchical, multiple linear regressions analyzed current international data across 35 HICs using: current PTs and OTs supply data obtained from the international professional federations (outcome variable); needs data obtained from the Global Burden of Disease 2017 (GBD 2017); and finally relevant socio-demographic variables and supply-side covariates extracted from the World Bank, GBD 2017, the supply data sources, and the Global Health Expenditure Database. RESULTS: The PTs and OTs per capita varied greatly across the 35 HICs, differing by as much as 40-fold. Denmark had the greatest supply per capita. Physical rehabilitation need was not a significant, independent predictor of workforce supply regardless of the multiple regression model used (P >.10). In the final model, after Bonferroni correction, 3 covariates were significant, independent predictors of the supply variable: gross national income (GNI) per capita and the current health expenditure in % of gross domestic product (GDP) were positive factors for workforce supply, while population size was a negative factor (all P <.01). CONCLUSION: PT and OT workforce supply is highly variable across HICs. This variability is not accounted for by an indicator of population need but rather by financial indicators and population size.

Growing physical rehabilitation needs in resource-poor world regions: secondary, cross-regional analysis with data from the global burden of disease 2017.

PURPOSE: This paper aims to analyze the levels and trajectories of physical rehabilitation needs across five resource-poor world regions, against global and key country-specific benchmarks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This comparative, secondary cross-region analysis uses data from the Global Burden of Diseases study 2017 [1990-2017], specifically varied metrics of the Years Lived with Disability (YLD) measure from the health conditions likely benefiting from physical rehabilitation. RESULTS: All the resource-poor world regions had significant increases (p < 0.01) in the absolute, relative, and percentage of physical rehabilitation needs [1990-2017]. Nonetheless, The Asia-Pacific region stood out with the greatest YLD Rates (i.e., per population size) in 2017, the greatest growth in YLD Rates since 1990 (38%), and an exponential growth in the rehabilitation-sensitive YLD Rates. The Asia-Pacific region also had the greatest portion of their YLDs coming from rehabilitation-sensitive conditions (72% in 2017), closely followed by the Latin America & Caribbean (67%). Nonetheless, in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, we observed the greatest percent increases in the portion of physical rehabilitation needs among all YLDs, out of lower initial values. CONCLUSIONS: An overall growth but differential patterns were observed in the evolution of physical rehabilitation needs across the resource-poor world regions.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAsia-Pacific and Latin America & Caribbean regions had over than two-thirds of their non-fatal health loss arising from conditions sensitive to physical rehabilitation, and important growths in rehabilitation need indicators have been observed also for South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.The scale-up and strengthening of rehabilitation services and resources should be informed by needs-based data.The needs-based data from this study can inform trans-national developments and the planning of rehabilitation resources, inclusively at the world-region level.

Person-Centered Rehabilitation Model: Framing the Concept and Practice of Person-Centered Adult Physical Rehabilitation Based on a Scoping Review and Thematic Analysis of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a cross-professional model framing the concept and practice of person-centered rehabilitation (PCR) in adult populations, based on a scoping review and thematic analysis of the literature. DATA SOURCES: Key databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health), snowballing searches, and experts' consultation were the data sources for English-language empirical or conceptual articles published from January 2007-February 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Two independent reviewers selected adult-based articles addressing at least 1 of the 6 categories of PCR-related content, a priori specified in the published review protocol. From 6527 unique references, 147 were finally included in the analysis. Of those, 26 were exclusively conceptual articles. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers extracted textual data on what PCR entails conceptually or as a practice. No quality appraisals were performed as is typical in scoping reviews. DATA SYNTHESIS: A thematic analysis produced thematic categories that were combined into an emergent model (the PCR Model), which was reviewed by 5 external experts. PCR was framed as a way of thinking about and providing rehabilitation services "with" the person. PCR is embedded in rehabilitation structures and practice across 3 levels: (1) the person-professional dyad; (2) the microsystem level (typically an interprofessional team, involving significant others); and (3) a macrosystem level (organization within which rehabilitation is delivered). Thematic categories are articulated within each level, detailing both the conceptual and practice attributes of PCR. CONCLUSIONS: The PCR Model can inform both clinical and service organization practices. The PCR Model may benefit from further developments including obtaining wider stakeholders' input, determining relevance in different cultural and linguistic groups, and further operationalization and testing in implementation projects.

Global health workforce research: Comparative analyses of the scientific publication trends in PubMed.

AIM: To analyse the amount of Human Resources for Health (HRH) research publication trends [1990-2019], compared to the broader health policy, systems, and services research (HPSSR). METHODS: PubMed and its indexation system with Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) are used for this time-trend study. Searches combine MeSH terms for research publications and HPSSR or HRH subjects, except education. Sub-group searches are conducted on: funding support, and high- versus low- and middle-income countries (HICs vs. LMICs). Linear regressions are used for the analysis. RESULTS: HRH research publications rose exponentially (r2  = 0.94; p < 0.001) from 129 yearly publications in 1990, to 867 in 2018. Yet, HRH research publications had a logarithmic decrease (p < 0.001) in percentage of broader HPSSR publications, from 2.5% to 1.5% [1990-2018]. Funding support increased significantly and linearly (p < 0.001 r2  = 0.88), up to 44% in 2018. The percentage of HRH research publications addressing LMICs grew linearly (p < 0.001; r2  = 0.75), up to 23% in 2018. CONCLUSION: HRH research publications in the PubMed database increased especially in the more recent years but did not outpace (in earlier times was outpaced) by the growth of HPSSR publications overall. Yearly, HICs still accounted for more than three-quarters of HRH research. These findings can inform global and health research policies.

Epidemics, Lockdown Measures and Vulnerable Populations: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review of the Evidence of Impacts on Mother and Child Health in Low-and Lower-Middle-Income Countries.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was to synthetise the existing evidence on the impact of epidemic-related lockdown measures on women and children's health in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs). METHODS: A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods evidence. Between 1st and 10th of November 2021, seven scientific databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were that the paper provided evidence on the impact of lockdown and related measures, focused on LLMICs, addressed impacts on women and child's health, addressed epidemics from 2000-2020, was peer-reviewed, provided original evidence, and was published in English. The Joanne Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of the studies, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for reporting. The evidence from the papers was grouped by type of lockdown measure and categories of impact, using a narrative data-based convergent synthesis design. RESULTS: The review process identified 46 papers meeting the inclusion criteria from 17 countries that focussed on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Ebola epidemics. The evidence on the decrease of utilisation of health services showed plummeting immunisation rates and faltering use of maternal and perinatal services, which was linked to a growth of premature deaths. Impacts on the mental health of children and women were convincingly established, with lockdowns associated with surges in depression, anxiety and low life satisfaction. Vulnerability may be compounded by lockdowns, as livelihoods were disrupted, and poverty levels increased. CONCLUSION: Limitations included that searches were conducted in late-2020 as new research was being published, and that some evidence not published in English may have been excluded. Epidemic-related lockdown measures carry consequences for the health of women and children in lower-income settings. Governments will need to weigh the trade-offs of introducing such measures and consider policies to mitigate their impacts on the most vulnerable.

Mapping the occupational therapy workforce research worldwide: Study protocol for a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Human Resources for Health (HRH) research informs the development of evidence-based, population-centered HRH policies and practices. Occupational therapists are key human resources for meeting the health, rehabilitation, and occupational needs of the population worldwide. Yet, the global status of the occupational therapy workforce research remains unchartered. OBJECTIVES: This study protocol depicts the methods to map out and synthesize the occupational therapy workforce research worldwide. METHODS: Six scientific-literature databases and key international institutional websites will be systematically searched, complemented by snowballing searches and recommendations from key global, regional, or national representatives of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Two independent reviewers will screen titles-and-abstracts and then full-texts against the eligibility criteria, e.g., 10 categories of workforce research. Educational research, non-empirical papers, and papers (or their summaries) not available in English, Spanish or Portuguese are excluded. Data extraction (e.g., methods, geographies, aims, key findings) will be conducted by one author and fully verified by another. The extracted data will be computed as well as subject to content analysis to provide quantitative map of the literature and of the contents addressed, e.g., per inclusion category. CONCLUSION: The results of this review can inform wide consultation processes and strategic, concerted local and global developments of the occupational therapy workforce.

PREparedness, REsponse and SySTemic transformation (PRE-RE-SyST): a model for disability-inclusive pandemic responses and systemic disparities reduction derived from a scoping review and thematic analysis.

BACKGROUND: People with disabilities (PwD) have been facing multiple health, social, and economic disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic, stemming from structural disparities experienced for long time. This paper aims to present the PREparedness, RESponse and SySTemic transformation (PRE-RE-SyST): a model for a disability-inclusive pandemic responses and systematic disparities reduction. METHODS: Scoping review with a thematic analysis was conducted on the literature published up to mid-September 2020, equating to the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven scientific databases and three preprint databases were searched to identify empirical or perspective papers addressing health and socio-economic disparities experienced by PwD as well as reporting actions to address them. Snowballing searches and experts' consultation were also conducted. Two independent reviewers made eligibility decisions and performed data extractions on any action or recommended action to address disparities. A thematic analysis was then used for the model construction, informed by a systems-thinking approach (i.e., the Iceberg Model). RESULTS: From 1027 unique references, 84 were included in the final analysis. The PRE-RE-SyST model articulates a four-level strategic action to: 1) Respond to prevent or reduce disability disparities during a pandemic crisis; 2) Prepare ahead for pandemic and other crises responses; 3) Design systems and policies for a structural disability-inclusiveness; and 4) Transform society's cultural assumptions about disability. 'Simple rules' and literature-based examples on how these strategies can be deployed are provided. CONCLUSION: The PRE-RE-SyST model articulates main strategies, 'simple rules' and possible means whereby public health authorities, policy-makers, and other stakeholders can address disability disparities in pandemic crises, and beyond. Beyond immediate pandemic responses, disability-inclusiveness is needed to develop everyday equity-oriented policies and practices that can transform societies towards greater resiliency, as a whole, to pandemic and other health and social emergencies.

Lockdown-Related Disparities Experienced by People with Disabilities during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review with Thematic Analysis.

People with disabilities may be disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We synthesize the literature on broader health and social impacts on people with disabilities arising from lockdown-related measures. METHODS: Scoping review with thematic analysis. Up to mid-September 2020, seven scientific databases and three pre-print servers were searched to identify empirical or perspective papers addressing lockdown-related disparities experienced by people with disabilities. Snowballing searches and experts' consultation also occurred. Two independent reviewers took eligibility decisions and performed data extractions. RESULTS: Out of 1026 unique references, 85 addressed lockdown-related disparities experienced by people with disabilities. Ten primary and two central themes were identified: (1) Disrupted access to healthcare (other than for COVID-19); (2) Reduced physical activity leading to health and functional decline; (3) From physical distance and inactivity to social isolation and loneliness; (4) Disruption of personal assistance and community support networks; (5) Children with disabilities disproportionally affected by school closures; (6) Psychological consequences of disrupted routines, activities, and support; (7) Family and informal caregiver burden and stress; (8) Risks of maltreatment, violence, and self-harm; (9) Reduced employment and/or income exacerbating disparities; and (10) Digital divide in access to health, education, and support services. Lack of disability-inclusive response and emergency preparedness and structural, pre-pandemic disparities were the central themes. CONCLUSIONS: Lockdown-related measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic can disproportionally affect people with disabilities with broader impact on their health and social grounds. Lack of disability-inclusive response and emergency preparedness and pre-pandemic disparities created structural disadvantages, exacerbated during the pandemic. Both structural disparities and their pandemic ramifications require the development and implementation of disability-inclusive public health and policy measures.

Depression or anxiety symptoms associated with occupational role transitions in Brazilian adults with a traumatic spinal cord injury: A multivariate analysis.

BACKGROUND: Psychological morbidity is commonly experienced by people with a spinal cord injury (SCI), but whether it is associated with occupational role transitions in is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether anxiety or depression symptoms are independently associated to increased likelihoods of role transitions in adults with SCI. METHODS: Cross-sectional study; multivariate analysis using a heteroscedastic Dirichlet regression. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty persons with traumatic SCI. MEASURES: Role Checklist (e.g. role transitions: dependent variables) and Beck's Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (independent variables), adjusted for socio-demographic, functional, and injury-level confounders. RESULTS: Greater depression symptoms independently increased the likelihood of occupational role transitions, either for roles loss [adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.009-1.080] or roles gain [AOR: 1.07; 95% CI:1.02-1.13], as opposed to continued occupational roles. Higher anxiety as a trait, in turn, independently reduced the likelihood of occupational roles gain [AOR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.869-0.992]. The "worker" role was the one lost more frequently (83%). CONCLUSION: Psychological morbidity is associated to occupational role transitions, as opposed to continued roles. Further research (e.g. with larger samples, longitudinal design, using structural equation modelling) should elucidate on the intricate relationships between mental health status and occupational role transitions in people experiencing SCI.

Health Risks and Consequences of a COVID-19 Infection for People with Disabilities: Scoping Review and Descriptive Thematic Analysis.

This study aims to synthesize the literature on any disproportionate health risks or consequences of a COVID-19 infection for people with disabilities. Scoping review with a descriptive thematic analysis was carried out. Up to mid-September 2020, seven scientific databases and three preprint servers were searched to identify empirical or perspective papers. Snowballing searches and expert' consultations also took place. Two independent reviewers were used for the screenings and data extractions. Of 1027 references, 58 were included, 15 of which were empirical articles. The thematic analysis showed that: (1) People with disabilities living in residential or long-term care facilities were more likely to have greater infection rates; (2) Intersecting mediators of greater infection risks were multiple (e.g., lack of accessible information); (3) People with disabilities often face greater health problems when infected; and (4) Unethical disadvantages in the rationing of lifesaving and critical care can be experienced by people with disabilities. Conclusions: Beyond any health-related vulnerabilities (e.g., comorbidity rates), multiple yet modifiable environmental factors can provide disproportionate health risks and consequences of a COVID-19 infection for people with disabilities. Public health and policy measures must prevent or reduce modifiable environmental risks.