Rehab Centers: Reintegrating Cancer Patients Into the Workplace.
Reintegrating cancer patients into the workplace.
Filed under: Rehab Centers
Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2012 Oct; 109(42): 702-8
Rick O, Kalusche EM, Dauelsberg T, König V, Korsukéwitz C, Seifart U
In Germany at present, 64% of women and 59% of men who receive a diagnosis of cancer are still alive five years later. 45% of men and 57% of women with cancer are still of working age. Cancer can markedly harm their ability to work.We analyzed data from selected publications to calculate the percentage of cancer patients in Germany who are now returning to work.The efficacy of oncological rehabilitation has not been demonstrated by a randomized controlled trial, nor is it clear whether the existing studies have accounted for potentially confounding variables. A combined assessment of reports from various countries reveals that 63% of cancer patients who are of working age go back to work after being unable to work for an average of five months. The situation varies markedly across countries: In Germany, the percentage of women with breast cancer who return to work is only 59%, compared to 80% in the USA and 82% in the United Kingdom. Younger and better educated patients are more likely to return to work, as are those who have received less invasive treatment with fewer complications.Most cancer patients of working age go back to work, but the percentages vary widely from one country to another, perhaps reflecting differences in social systems.
HubMed – rehab
COPD ELICITS REMODELING OF THE DIAPHRAGM AND VASTUS LATERALIS MUSCLES IN HUMANS.
Filed under: Rehab Centers
J Appl Physiol. 2012 Dec 20;
Levine S, Bashir MH, Clanton TL, Powers SK, Singhal S
A profound remodeling of the diaphragm and vastus lateralis (VL) occurs in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. In this mini-review, we discuss the following costal diaphragm remodeling features noted in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD: (a) increased proportion of slow-twitch fibers; (b) fast to slow isoform shift in sarcoendoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA); (c) increased capacity of oxidative metabolism; (d) oxidative stress; and (e) myofiber atrophy. We then present the sole feature of diaphragm remodeling noted in mild-to-moderate COPD under the heading “myosin heavy chain and contractile remodeling noted in mild-to-moderate COPD.” The importance of VL remodeling in COPD patients as a prognostic indicator as well as a major determinant of the ability to carry out activities of daily living is well-accepted. We present the remodeling of the VL noted in COPD patients under the following headings: (a) decrease in proportion of slow-twitch fibers; (b) decreased activity of oxidative pathways (c) oxidative and nitrosative stress; and (e) myofiber atrophy. For each of the remodeling features noted in both VL and costal diaphragm of COPD patients, we present mechanisms that are currently thought to mediate these changes as well as the pathophysiology of each remodeling feature. We hope that our mechanistic presentation stimulates pharmacological as well as rehabilitation medicine research that focuses on the ability of COPD patients to carry out increased activities of daily living.
HubMed – rehab
Developing a trauma critical care and rehab hospital in Haiti: A year after the earthquake.
Filed under: Rehab Centers
Am J Disaster Med. 2012 Fall; 7(4): 273-279
Hotz GA, Moyenda ZB, Bitar J, Bitar M, Ford HR, Green BA, Andrews DM, Ginzburg E
OBJECTIVE: Prior to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, January 12, 2010, a group of Haitian physicians, leaders and members of Project Medishare for Haiti, a Non-governmental Organization, had developed plans for a Trauma Critical Care Network for Haiti. DESIGN: One year after the earthquake stands a 50-bed trauma critical care and rehab hospital that employs more than 165 Haitian doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals, and administrative and support staff in Port-Au-Prince. Hospital Bernard Mevs Project Medishare (HBMPM) has been operating with the following two primary goals: 1) to provide critical-care- and trauma-related medical and rehabilitation services and 2) to provide clinical education and training to Haitian healthcare professionals.(1) RESULTS: These goals have been successfully accomplished, with more than 43,000 outpatients seen, 6,500 emergency room visits, and about 2,300 surgical procedures performed. Daily patient care has been managed by Haitian medical staff as well as more than 2,400 international volunteers including physicians, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals. With the continued assistance of weekly volunteers, many programs and services have been developed; however, many challenges remain. CONCLUSIONS: This article highlights the development and progress of HBMPM over the last year with emphasis on developing inpatient and outpatient services, which include surgical, clinical laboratory, wound care, radiology, rehabilitation, and prosthesis/orthotics programs. Some of the challenges faced and how they were managed will be discussed as well as future plans to conduct more training and education to increase the building of medical capacity for Haiti.
HubMed – rehab
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