Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Nursing/Physiotherapy Program in Chronic Patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the functional impact of a shared intervention model by the mobile physiotherapy and rehabilitation team (MPRT) and primary care case management nurses (PCCMNs) on chronic patients. This was a prospective, observational study involving 1086 patients (mean age, 80 years; 63.7% females) in the province of Almeria, which was conducted between 2004 and 2018. Most of the registered diseases included cerebrovascular and neurological diseases (56.7%), osteoarticular diseases (45.3%), diabetes mellitus (25.7%), cardiovascular diseases (25.5%), and chronic respiratory diseases. The study included a home care intervention by the MPRT and PCCMNs and included the following main outcome measures: age, sex, main caregiver, disabling process (ICD-9), type and number of inclusion categories for chronic disease, initial and final Barthel index (BI), treatment or intervention on the patient (techniques), objectives, and number of sessions. The main techniques used were kinesiotherapy (44.6%) and caregiver training (23%), along with technical aid. An equation predicting the patients' final BI, according to the initial BI, was constructed using multiple linear regression modelling. A marked improvement in functional capacity was found after an average of 10 physiotherapy sessions. A lower patient age was correlated with a higher functional capacity, both initial and final BI, as well as a greater number of sessions.

Organisational Climate, Role Stress, and Public Employees' Job Satisfaction.

The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model is an integrative theoretical framework for monitoring workplaces with the aim to increase job engagement and prevent burnout. This framework is of great interest since the management of job resources and demands can negatively affect employees, especially in organisational contexts characterised by high job demands. This study uses the job demands-resources model to investigate the relationships between organisational climate, role stress, and employee well-being (burnout and job satisfaction) in public organisations. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The research participants are 442 public employees. A structural equation model was developed (organisational climate, job satisfaction, burnout, role stress). These confirm that organisational climate is correlated with role stress (-0.594), job satisfaction (0.746), and burnout (-0.408), while role stress is correlated with burnout (0.953) and job satisfaction (-0.685). Finally, there is a correlation between burnout and job satisfaction that is negative and significant (-0.664). The study confirms that a positive organisational climate could lead to less stressed and burned-out workers and, at the same time, to more satisfied employees with improved well-being.

Effectiveness of Physiotherapy Treatment for Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) may be defined as involuntary urine loss, which can be diagnosed based on patient-reported measures and is a hygiene and social problem in those who have it, affecting their quality of life negatively. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of distinct physiotherapy techniques used in the treatment of UI in women through a systematic review of the existing literature. The scales and instruments used for the assessment and follow-up of UI were described. METHODS: On searching the PubMed, Dialnet, PEDro, and SciELo databases, 16 articles, with information on 1220 patients that comply with the inclusion criteria and conform to the proposed objectives were obtained, limiting the publication period to 2007-2016. The PRISMA statement was adopted. RESULTS: The "Pad Test" is a commonly used diagnostic test and bladder diaries on paper; the Oxford scale was used in the assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength. Distinct protocols and techniques have been described in the treatment of UI in women, namely, pelvic floor exercises, vaginal cones, biofeedback, and electrostimulation. Upon analysis of the content of the articles, the quality of the included clinical trials was determined using the PEDro scale. CONCLUSIONS: Studies included in this work propose that physiotherapy treatment may improve UI, the patients' quality of life, and social relations in women. It is necessary to establish group treatment protocols for women with UI, supervised by a physiotherapist to reduce the financial burden incurred from this health problem.

Interpersonal justice climate, extra-role performance and work family balance: A multilevel mediation model of employee well-being.

The global economic recession is relevant in public administration, especially in terms of the human factor. If we pretend to empower people as a resource, a key aspect is the perception of equity in their relationships. Previous research has shown how a positive shared interpersonal justice climate (IJC) in a work team impacts employee well-being, affecting the level of engagement and burnout. This influence is crucial in achieving positive results in the organization and for employees. The objective was to analyze the relationship between IJC and extra-role performance (ERP) and the mediating role of two indicators of well-being (burnout and engagement) in work teams. Furthermore, the study examined the Job Demands and Resources model (JD-R) including the relationship with the work family balance (WFB) of public employees. The sample was composed of 404 technical and administrative staff in a Spanish public university. The results indicated the significant relationships between the perceptions of IJC and burnout, engagement, and the two work outcomes WFB and ERP. When burnout and engagement were introduced in the regression equations, total mediation effects were produced.

Analysis of home-based rehabilitation in patients with motor impairment in primary care: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of health and social policies is to encourage older people more longevity, remain free of disability and experience quality of life while living in their homes. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of 473 patients diagnosed with motor impairment in primary care, the objectives of home-based rehabilitation and its functional impact. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Almería Health District. The analysed variables included age, gender, secondary diagnosis, Barthel Index (BI), physiotherapeutic objectives and techniques, and number of sessions. RESULTS: The sample had a mean age of 83 years, and 59% were women. The assessed conditions with a high prevalence included osteoarticular pathology (55%), Alzheimer's disease (15.1%), cardiovascular disease (13.7%) and stroke (6.5%). The techniques applied mainly consisted of functional exercises (57.1%), caregiver education (13.8%), and technical assistance (5.7%). There were statistically significant differences (t = -15.79; p < 0.001) between initial (X = 34.8) and final BI (X = 48.1), with an improvement of 13.4 points in patients' functional capacity (95% confidence interval [CI]: -15.0 to -11.7). An equation was constructed to predict patients' final BI as a function of the initial BI using a multiple linear regression model. The regression model explained 78% of the variance in patients with motor impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Important improvements were obtained in terms of functional capacity with a mean of ten sessions of physiotherapy. Lower patient age was correlated with higher initial and final functional capacities in primary care. This study aimed to present a useful starting point for decision making among management and health administration regarding this population group by approaching the process from the reality of practice and in relation to the rehabilitation provided. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02715245 ; Date of registration: 18 January 2016.

Comparison of Two Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Programs: A Follow-Up Study among Primary versus Specialized Health Care.

OBJECTIVE: To compare home-based rehabilitation (RITH) and standard outpatient rehabilitation in a hospital setting, in terms of improving the functional recovery and quality of life of stroke patients. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a prospective cohort study in Andalusia (Spain). PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and forty-five patients completed the outcome data. MEASURES: Daily activities were measured by the Barthel index, Canadian Neurological Scale (to assess mental state), Tinetti scale (balance and gait), and Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36 to compare the quality of life). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the clinical characteristics of patients in the initial measurement, except for age and mental state (younger and with greater neurological impairment in the hospital group). After physical therapy, both groups showed statistically significant improvements from baseline in each of the measures. These improvements were better in RITH patients than in the hospital patients on all functionality scales with a smaller number of sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Home rehabilitation is at least as effective as the outpatient rehabilitation programs in a hospital setting, in terms of recovery of functionality in post-stroke patients. Overall quality of life is severely impaired in both groups, as stroke is a very disabling disease that radically affects patients' lives.

Factors Associated with the Anxiety, Subjective Psychological Well-Being and Self-Esteem of Parents of Blind Children.

The objective was to examine the connection of the personal, social and family context, educational variables with the levels of anxiety, subjective psychological well-being and self-esteem in a sample of 61 parents of blind children. Results suggest that parents present less anxiety when they have only one child, possess a technical degree, receive remuneration for their work, their child's visual impairment is not progressive, their knowledge about their child's disability is appropriate, and their leisure and labour possibilities have not been affected. Their psychological well-being is higher when they are married in first nuptials and perceive that their health is good. Their well-being is negatively related to reduced leisure, and self-esteem is lower when labour possibilities have been affected. In order for these families to achieve a more pleasant life, with greater psychological well-being, lower anxiety and higher self-esteem, professionals should be aware of the aspects with a negative impact.

Keys to active ageing: new communication technologies and lifelong learning.

The purpose of this study is to describe the creation and implementation of an ICT education program for the elderly in various Active Participation Centers in Almería (Spain), assessing its impact on quality of life. From a randomized sample of 200 individuals over the age of 55. Results reveal a high degree of participant satisfaction (76.6 %), as well as improvements in quality of life as compared to the control group after the 3 month program health factor: p = 0.004; leisure and activity factor: p = 0.001; Satisfaction with Life Factor: p < 0.001. The analysis conducted to determine the influence of age and gender on quality of life indicates that there are statistically significant differences in regards to age (the younger groups had higher scores) and gender (the males). This study may serve to facilitate similar works that promotes on-going education in different locations and across the lifespan.

Subjective Psychological Well-Being in Families with Blind Children: How Can We Improve It?

The aim of this work was to examine family well-being in a sample of Spanish families with blind children. Sixty-one participants reported their perceived economic status, the level of job satisfaction, and state-anxiety symptoms. The participants of our study scored higher on state-anxiety and lower on material well-being than the normative sample, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. They also scored higher on job satisfaction and family satisfaction than the general population. A negative correlation was found between state-anxiety and material well-being (r = - 0.62, p = 0.001) and between state-anxiety and family satisfaction (r = - 0.57, p = 0.001). A positive correlation was found between material well-being and job satisfaction (r = 0.40, p = 0.001), and between material well-being and family satisfaction (r = 0.41, p = 0.001). Higher levels of material well-being, job satisfaction, and family satisfaction were associated with lower levels of anxiety in these families. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between family satisfaction and job satisfaction. Our results suggest that the family experience of having a disabled child is evolving, and this implies achieving greater job and family satisfaction than the normative samples, although anxiety scores continue to be higher and material well-being scores remain lower. On the whole, our results confirm that it is necessary to provide these families with more economic resources, which would have a positive impact on their subjective psychological well-being, decreasing their state-anxiety, and increasing their satisfaction with life.

Home-Based versus Hospital-Based Rehabilitation Program after Total Knee Replacement.

OBJECTIVES: To compare home-based rehabilitation with the standard hospital rehabilitation in terms of improving knee joint mobility and recovery of muscle strength and function in patients after a total knee replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A non-randomised controlled trial was conducted. Seventy-eight patients with a prosthetic knee were included in the study and allocated to either a home-based or hospital-based rehabilitation programme. Treatment included various exercises to restore strength and joint mobility and to improve patients' functional capacity. The primary outcome of the trial was the treatment effectiveness measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). RESULTS: The groups did not significantly differ in the leg side (right/left) or clinical characteristics (P > 0.05). After the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements (P < 0.001) from the baseline values in the level of pain (visual analogue scale), the range of flexion-extension motion and muscle strength, disability (Barthel and WOMAC indices), balance, and walking. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that the rehabilitation treatments offered either at home or in hospital settings are equally effective.

[Treatment and rehabilitation of dysphagia following cerebrovascular disease]. / Tratamiento y rehabilitación de la disfagia tras enfermedad cerebrovascular.

INTRODUCTION. Bronchopneumonia is a frequent complication in the first days after a cerebrovascular disease and is linked with a higher rate of mortality. It occurs in patients with an altered level of consciousness or tussigenic reflex, and could be prevented with an early dysphagia rehabilitation programme. AIMS. To review the scientific literature on the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with dysphagia after suffering a stroke, published between 2002 and 2012. DEVELOPMENT. A search conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, CINAHL and ENFISPO databases yielded 15 papers that fulfilled eligibility criteria and the initial aims of the study, providing information about 3,212 patients. The different protocols and techniques for re-education in dysphagia are described and include compensatory strategies, orofacial regulation therapy, music therapy, sensory stimulation, lip muscle, tongue, pharynx, larynx and respiratory tract training, Mendelsohn manoeuvre, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and acupuncture. CONCLUSIONS. The studies examined in this research claim that the treatment of dysphagia following a stroke can improve the function of deglutition (coordination, speed, volume), quality of life and people's social relationships. Further work needs to be carried out to establish or define what kind of therapies, techniques, exercises or manoeuvres are the most effective in dysphagia. Generally agreed treatment or rehabilitation protocols also need to be drawn up within units that address stroke in an integrated manner.

TITLE: Tratamiento y rehabilitacion de la disfagia tras enfermedad cerebrovascular.Introduccion. La bronconeumonia es una complicacion frecuente en los primeros dias despues de una enfermedad cerebrovascular y se asocia con una mayor tasa de mortalidad. Se produce en pacientes con el nivel de conciencia o el reflejo tusigeno alterado, y podria prevenirse con un programa temprano de rehabilitacion de la disfagia. Objetivo. Revisar la literatura cientifica en relacion con el tratamiento y rehabilitacion de pacientes con disfagia tras sufrir un ictus, entre 2002 y 2012. Desarrollo. Las bases de datos PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, CINAHL y ENFISPO ofrecieron 15 articulos que cumplieron los criterios de inclusion y los objetivos planteados, con informacion sobre 3.212 pacientes. Se describen distintos protocolos y tecnicas para la reeducacion de la disfagia, como estrategias compensatorias, terapia de regulacion orofacial, musicoterapia, estimulacion sensorial, entrenamiento muscular labial, de la lengua, faringe, laringe y aparato respiratorio, maniobra de Mendelsohn, estimulacion electrica neuromuscular, estimulacion magnetica transcraneal repetitiva y acupuntura. Conclusiones. Los estudios incluidos en esta investigacion afirman que el tratamiento de la disfagia tras ictus puede mejorar la funcion deglutoria (coordinacion, velocidad, volumen), la calidad de vida y las relaciones sociales de las personas. Existe una labor pendiente para establecer o definir que tipo de terapias, tecnicas, ejercicios o maniobras son los mas eficaces en la disfagia, y para elaborar protocolos de tratamiento o rehabilitacion consensuados dentro de las unidades que abordan integralmente el ictus.

[Home-based rehabilitation in the functional recovery of patients with cerebrovascular disease]. / Rehabilitacion domiciliaria en la recuperacion funcional de los pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular.

INTRODUCTION: The study of the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment applied to patients with sequelae following a cerebrovascular disease (CVD) plays a decisive role nowadays in planning their management in public healthcare and to improve existing guidelines regarding assessment and treatment. AIM: To describe the characteristics presented by patients who have suffered a CVD and were treated in mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy units (MRPU) and how such treatment affects their functional recovery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive, prospective study conducted on 124 patients referred to the MRPUs in the province of Almeria between 2008 and 2011. The variables analysed (both pre- and post-treatment) included personal history and characteristics, Barthel index, Modified Ashworth Spasticity Scale, pain (shoulder) and the Canadian Neurological Scale. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 106 participants (mean age: 73.72 years). The disabling process was ischaemic in 77.4% and hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor (81%). The mean initial Barthel index was 31.04 and the mean final index was 57.62 (t = -11.75; p < 0.001). The Canadian Neurological Scale showed a favourable progression in the level of consciousness, orientation and language (p < 0.001). Altogether 56.2% of the patients were discharged as a result of the improvement of their condition, and did not require any further outpatient rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained reflect an important functional improvement in patients treated in the MRPUs. Home-based rehabilitation is considered a necessary tool for persons with greater clinical vulnerability and no access to outpatient care, which provides them with the benefits of effective treatment.

TITLE: Rehabilitacion domiciliaria en la recuperacion funcional de los pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular.Introduccion. El estudio de la eficacia en los tratamientos de rehabilitacion aplicados a pacientes con secuelas tras una enfermedad cerebrovascular (ECV) resulta decisivo en la actualidad para planificar su abordaje desde la sanidad publica y mejorar las directrices de evaluacion y tratamiento existentes. Objetivo. Describir las caracteristicas que presentan los pacientes que han sufrido ECV atendidos por las unidades moviles de rehabilitacion-fisioterapia (UMRF) y como influyen estos tratamientos sobre su recuperacion funcional. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio descriptivo prospectivo en 124 pacientes derivados a las UMRF de la provincia de Almeria entre 2008 y 2011. Se analizaron variables (pre y postratamiento) como las caracteristicas y antecedentes personales, indice de Barthel, escala de espasticidad de Ashworth modificada, dolor (hombro) y escala neurologica canadiense. Resultados. La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 106 participantes (edad media: 73,72 años). El proceso discapacitante fue isquemico en un 77,4%, y la hipertension, el factor de riesgo mas prevalente (81%). La media del indice de Barthel inicial fue de 31,04, y la media del indice final, de 57,62 (t = ­11,75; p < 0,001). La escala canadiense mostro una evolucion favorable en el nivel de conciencia, orientacion y lenguaje (p < 0,001). El 56,2% de los pacientes recibio alta por mejoria, sin precisar rehabilitacion ambulatoria adicional. Conclusiones. Los resultados obtenidos reflejan una importante mejora funcional en los pacientes tratados en las UMRF. La rehabilitacion domiciliaria se plantea como una herramienta necesaria para las personas con mayor vulnerabilidad clinica y sin acceso a los cuidados ambulatorios, que logra los beneficios de tratamientos que son efectivos.

Rehabilitación domiciliaria en la recuperación funcional de los pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular / Home-based rehabilitation in the functional recovery of patients with cerebrovascular disease

Introducción. El estudio de la eficacia en los tratamientos de rehabilitación aplicados a pacientes con secuelas tras una enfermedad cerebrovascular (ECV) resulta decisivo en la actualidad para planificar su abordaje desde la sanidad pública y mejorar las directrices de evaluación y tratamiento existentes. Objetivo. Describir las características que presentan los pacientes que han sufrido ECV atendidos por las unidades móviles de rehabilitación-fisioterapia (UMRF) y cómo influyen estos tratamientos sobre su recuperación funcional. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo prospectivo en 124 pacientes derivados a las UMRF de la provincia de Almería entre 2008 y 2011. Se analizaron variables (pre y postratamiento) como las características y antecedentes personales, índice de Barthel, escala de espasticidad de Ashworth modificada, dolor (hombro) y escala neurológica canadiense. Resultados. La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 106 participantes (edad media: 73,72 años). El proceso discapacitante fue isquémico en un 77,4%, y la hipertensión, el factor de riesgo más prevalente (81%). La media del índice de Barthel inicial fue de 31,04, y la media del índice final, de 57,62 (t = –11,75; p < 0,001). La escala canadiense mostró una evolución favorable en el nivel de conciencia, orientación y lenguaje (p < 0,001). El 56,2% de los pacientes recibió alta por mejoría, sin precisar rehabilitación ambulatoria adicional. Conclusiones. Los resultados obtenidos reflejan una importante mejora funcional en los pacientes tratados en las UMRF. La rehabilitación domiciliaria se plantea como una herramienta necesaria para las personas con mayor vulnerabilidad clínica y sin acceso a los cuidados ambulatorios, que logra los beneficios de tratamientos que son efectivos (AU)

Introduction. The study of the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment applied to patients with sequelae following a cerebrovascular disease (CVD) plays a decisive role nowadays in planning their management in public healthcare and to improve existing guidelines regarding assessment and treatment. Aim. To describe the characteristics presented by patients who have suffered a CVD and were treated in mobile rehabilitationphysiotherapy units (MRPU) and how such treatment affects their functional recovery. Patients and methods. Descriptive, prospective study conducted on 124 patients referred to the MRPUs in the province of Almería between 2008 and 2011. The variables analysed (both pre- and post-treatment) included personal history and characteristics, Barthel index, Modified Ashworth Spasticity Scale, pain (shoulder) and the Canadian Neurological Scale. Results. The final sample consisted of 106 participants (mean age: 73.72 years). The disabling process was ischaemic in 77.4% and hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor (81%). The mean initial Barthel index was 31.04 and the mean final index was 57.62 (t = –11.75; p < 0.001). The Canadian Neurological Scale showed a favourable progression in the level of consciousness, orientation and language (p < 0.001). Altogether 56.2% of the patients were discharged as a result of the improvement of their condition, and did not require any further outpatient rehabilitation. Conclusions. The results obtained reflect an important functional improvement in patients treated in the MRPUs. Home-based rehabilitation is considered a necessary tool for persons with greater clinical vulnerability and no access to outpatient care, which provides them with the benefits of effective treatment (AU)

Anxiety, psychological well-being and self-esteem in Spanish families with blind children. A change in psychological adjustment?

In this study, the relation between levels of anxiety, self-esteem and subjective psychological well-being is analyzed in a Spanish sample of 28 fathers and 33 mothers of blind children. The results reveal a positive correlation between subjective psychological well-being and self-esteem, and a negative correlation between anxiety and subjective psychological well-being, and between anxiety and self-esteem. In comparison with the general population, no statistically significant differences were found in anxiety and subjective psychological well-being; however, levels of self-esteem were significantly higher in families with blind children. These results suggest that the process of adaptation described in previous research may be changing, as having a blind child does not necessarily lead to parents' maladjustment.

Percepción social de la sordera en el entorno escolar: proceso de elaboración de un cuestionario de evaluación / Social perception of deafness in the educational environment: designing an evaluation questionnaire

Se analizan los resultados de un estudio piloto para un modelo de cuestionario sobre la percepción de la sordera en el entorno educativo de primaria y secundaria. La primera parte del estudio presenta la justificación de una evaluación de la integración de alumnos y alumnas con deficiencia auditiva en la escuela ordinaria, así como la utilidad del uso de cuestionarios para dicha evaluación. La segunda parte describe el proceso de elaboración de los ítems que cubren aspectos como la calidad de la comunicación, la percepción social de la sordera desde el punto de vista de los oyentes, la autoestima de los alumnos sordos y el grado de integración social que pueden alcanzar. La tercera parte analiza los resultados del cuestionario aplicado a una muestra experimental. A partir de estos resultados, se propone una nueva versión del cuestionario de cara a poder utilizarlo en investigaciones posteriores, con la posibilidad de relacionar los datos con variables independientes (modalidades de integración escolar, modalidad comunicativa principal, características sociales de la población, etc.) y mejorar así las tomas de decisión en programas de integración (AU)

This article analyzes the results of a pilot study of the application of a proposed questionnaire on social perception of deafness in the primary and secondary education setting. The first part of the article discusses the rationale for evaluating the integration of deaf girls and boys in mainstream schools and the suitability of the questionnaire for this purpose. The second part describes the process of drafting the items covering aspects such as the quality of communication, social perceptions of deafness from the point of view of the hearing person, deaf students' self-esteem and the degree of social integration they can attain. The third part analyzes the results obtained when the questionnaire was first applied to an experimental sample. Based on these results, we propose a new version of the questionnaire to be used in subsequent studies, with the possibility of relating data to independent variables (social integration and principle communication modalities, social characteristics of the population, etc.) in order to improve decision making in mainstream school programs (AU)

Análisis de la actividad en las unidades móviles de rehabilitación-fisioterapia en atención primaria / Analysis of the activity of mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy units in primary care

ObjetivoDescribir la atención domiciliaria que ofrecen los equipos móviles de rehabilitación-fisioterapia (EMRF) como respuesta a las necesidades de la población dependiente, las características que tiene su aplicación y las consecuencias que produce sobre el paciente y su independencia funcional.DiseñoEstudio descriptivo transversal desde 2004 hasta junio de 2007.EmplazamientoMedio comunitario. Los EMRF de atención primaria en Almería.ParticipantesEn total 1.093 pacientes incluidos en el programa.Mediciones principalesSe recogió sistemáticamente el estado de salud de los pacientes (proceso discapacitante principal, motivos de inclusión en el tratamiento, valoración funcional inicial y final e índice de Barthel), los datos sobre la atención fisioterapéutica y el n.o de sesiones.ResultadosUn 64,2% de la muestra fueron mujeres; la edad media fue de 78 años. El tiempo medio de espera para su valoración fue de 4 días y hubo una gran diversidad de procesos discapacitantes principales que han quedado descritos. Existió un elevado porcentaje de síntomas de grave deterioro motor, dolor y debilidad muscular. El 88,6% de los pacientes realizó tratamiento fisioterapéutico; el 11,1% de los pacientes fisioterapia y tratamiento ocupacional y el 0,3% de los pacientes tratamiento ortésico. El número medio de sesiones fue de 12,85. Se describe la variación en el índice de Barthel final tras la intervención realizada (cinesiterapia [61,9%]; combinada con electroterapia [10,2%]; cinesiterapia y educación al cuidador [14,5%], etc.).ConclusionesSe aporta información valiosa respecto a las características de la población geriátrica y dependiente así como la ayuda fisioterapéutica que viene recibiendo y cómo se lleva a cabo el proceso(AU)

ObjectiveTo describe the home care provided by mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams as a response to the needs of the dependent population, the characteristics of their application, and the results they have on patients and their functional independence.DesignA descriptive, cross-sectional study from 2004 to June 2007.SettingCommunity setting. Mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams from Primary Care in Almeria.ParticipantsA total of 1093 patients were included in the programme.Main measurementsData were collected on, the state of the patients’ health (primary disabling process, reasons for inclusion in the treatment, initial and final functional assessment and Barthel Index); details of physiotherapy treatment, and number of sessions.ResultsOf the total sample, the mean age was 78 years and 64.2% were female. The mean waiting time for their assessment was 4 days and there was a wide variety of primary disabling processes described. There was a high percentage of symptoms of severe motor deterioration, pain and muscle weakness. Physiotherapy treatment was given in 88.6%, physiotherapy and occupational therapy in 11.1%, and orthopaedic treatment in 0.3%, of the patients. The mean number of sessions was 12.85. The variation in the Barthel Index after the final therapy was given was, 61.9% for kinesiotherapy, 10.2% combined with electrotherapy, and 14.5% for kinesiotherapy and carer education.ConclusionsValuable information is provided as regards the characteristics of the geriatric and dependent population, as well as the physiotherapy help they are receiving, and also how the procedure is carried out(AU)

[Analysis of the activity of mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy units in primary care]. / Análisis de la actividad en las unidades móviles de rehabilitación-fisioterapia en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the home care provided by mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams as a response to the needs of the dependent population, the characteristics of their application, and the results they have on patients and their functional independence. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional study from 2004 to June 2007. SETTING: Community setting. Mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams from Primary Care in Almeria. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1093 patients were included in the programme. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected on, the state of the patients' health (primary disabling process, reasons for inclusion in the treatment, initial and final functional assessment and Barthel Index); details of physiotherapy treatment, and number of sessions. RESULTS: Of the total sample, the mean age was 78 years and 64.2% were female. The mean waiting time for their assessment was 4 days and there was a wide variety of primary disabling processes described. There was a high percentage of symptoms of severe motor deterioration, pain and muscle weakness. Physiotherapy treatment was given in 88.6%, physiotherapy and occupational therapy in 11.1%, and orthopaedic treatment in 0.3%, of the patients. The mean number of sessions was 12.85. The variation in the Barthel Index after the final therapy was given was, 61.9% for kinesiotherapy, 10.2% combined with electrotherapy, and 14.5% for kinesiotherapy and carer education. CONCLUSIONS: Valuable information is provided as regards the characteristics of the geriatric and dependent population, as well as the physiotherapy help they are receiving, and also how the procedure is carried out.

Tecnologías para mayores / Technologies for the Elderly

En este artículo relacionamos el fenómeno del envejecimiento de la población con el uso de las nuevas tecnologías como indicador clave del progreso del mundo actual. Se aportan argumentos acerca de la necesidad de planificar las políticas dirigidas a las personas mayores contando con las tecnologías de información y la comunicación, así como con las tecnologías de ayuda para potenciar la integración sociofamiliar, la autonomía personal y la calidad de vida. Esto supone de hecho un paso más, y muy importante, con relación a las actuales políticas económicas, sanitarias o asistenciales.

In this article we relate the phenomenon of population aging to the use of new technologies as an important indicator of the progress of the current world, contributing arguments about the need to plan the policies directed to the major persons considering the technologies of information and the communication and the technologies of help to promote the family and social integration, the personal autonomy and the quality of life, that supposes in fact one more step, and very importantly, on the current economic, sanitary or welfare policies.