NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 52, issue 1

Authors: Perrin, Paul B. | Rodriguez-Agudelo, Yaneth | Plaza, Silvia Leonor Olivera | Quijano-Martinez, Maria Cristina | Trujillo, Michael A. | Smith, Erin R. | Cariello, Annahir N. | Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Latin America experience high levels of disability and extremely poor functional outcomes, and their informal caregivers play a key role in their rehabilitation and care. OBJECTIVE: To improve TBI rehabilitation through stronger informal caregiving, this study developed and evaluated an evidence-based and culturally appropriate Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for informal caregivers of individuals with TBI in Latin America, specifically targeting the time period before and after the transition from hospital to home. METHODS: A sample of 89 people with a new TBI and their primary informal caregiver (n … = 178) was recruited from two hospitals in Mexico City, Mexico, and in Cali, Colombia. Caregivers were randomly assigned to either the TAP group or to a control group receiving the standard care provided by the hospital. Caregivers completed measures of depression and burden, and individuals with TBI completed measures of depression and self-perceived burden on caregivers before hospital discharge and at 2- and 4-month follow ups. RESULTS: Caregivers in the TAP group reported significantly lower burden than those in the control group and marginally lower depression. Individuals with TBI whose caregivers had been in the TAP group reported significantly lower depression than those whose caregivers had been in the control group, and a non-significant but lower self-perceived burden on their caregivers. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the TAP has strong potential to benefit both TBI caregivers and individuals with TBI during the transition from acute TBI hospitalization to home in Latin America, generally showing small-or medium-sized effects on key outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, caregiver, acute rehabilitation, Latin America, intervention, randomized clinical trial

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-220121

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 1, pp. 137-147, 2023

Authors: Engkasan, Julia Patrick

Article Type: Other

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers may develop in people with impaired mobility, sensation, or cognition. Alternating pressure (active) air beds, overlays and mattresses are commonly used to prevent pressure ulcers. OBJECTIVE: This Cochrane Review aimed to determine the effects of alternating pressure (active) air beds, overlays or mattresses compared with any support surface in preventing pressure ulcers. METHODS: The population addressed was people at risk of and with existing pressure ulcers. Studies comparing alternating pressure (active) air surfaces with any beds, overlays or mattresses were included. The outcomes studied were pressure ulcer incidence, patient support-surface-associated comfort, adverse events, …health-related quality of life and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: There were 32 studies with a total of 9058 participants. There is low certainty evidence that alternating pressure (active) air surfaces compared with foam surfaces may reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers. It is uncertain whether there is a difference in the proportion of people developing new pressure ulcers between alternating pressure (active) air surfaces and reactive water-filled, fibre, air, gel or standard hospital surfaces. CONCLUSION: The use of alternating pressure (active) air surfaces may reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers compared to foam surfaces. However, it is uncertain if it is superior to reactive air surfaces, water surfaces and fiber surfaces in preventing pressure ulcers. Show more

Keywords: Pressure injury, wound, support surfaces, bedsores

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-228028

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 1, pp. 149-151, 2023