Exploring the Diversity of Conceptualizations of Work (Dis)ability: A Scoping Review of Published Definitions.

Exploring the Diversity of Conceptualizations of Work (Dis)ability: A Scoping Review of Published Definitions.

J Occup Rehabil. 2013 Jul 25;
Lederer V, Loisel P, Rivard M, Champagne F

Purpose Researchers are confronted to numerous definitions of work ability/disability, influenced by their context of emergence, discipline, purpose, underlying paradigm and relationship to time. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the concept through a systematic scoping review and the development of an integrative concept map of work (dis)ability. The research questions are: How has work (dis)ability been conceptualized from the perspectives of research, practice, policy and industry in the published scientific literature? How has the conceptualization of work (dis)ability evolved over time? Methods A search strategy was designed with a library scientist to retrieve scientific publications containing explicit definition(s) of work (dis)ability in leading-edge databases. The screening and the extraction of the definitions were achieved by duplicate assessment. The definitions were subject to a comparative analysis based on the grounded theory approach. Results In total, 423 abstracts were retrieved from the bibliographic databases. After removing duplicates, 280 unique records were screened for inclusion. A final set of 115 publications containing unique original conceptual definitions served as basis for analysis. Conclusions The scientific literature does not reflect a shared, integrated vision of the exact nature and dimensions of work (dis)ability. However, except for a few definitions, there seems to be a consensus that work (dis)ability is a relational concept resulting from the interaction of multiple dimensions that influence each other through different ecological levels. The conceptualization of work (dis)ability also seems to have become more dynamic over time. The way work (dis)ability is defined has important implications for research, compensation and rehabilitation. HubMed – rehab

Disc degeneration-related clinical phenotypes.

Eur Spine J. 2013 Jul 25;
Battié MC, Lazáry A, Fairbank J, Eisenstein S, Heywood C, Brayda-Bruno M, Varga PP, McCall I

The phenotype, or observable trait of interest, is at the core of studies identifying associated genetic variants and their functional pathways, as well as diagnostics. Yet, despite remarkable technological developments in genotyping and progress in genetic research, relatively little attention has been paid to the equally important issue of phenotype. This is especially true for disc degeneration-related disorders, and the concept of degenerative disc disease, in particular, where there is little consensus or uniformity of definition. Greater attention and rigour are clearly needed in the development of disc degeneration-related clinical phenotypes if we are to see more rapid advancements in knowledge of this area. When selecting phenotypes, a basic decision is whether to focus directly on the complex clinical phenotype (e.g. the clinical syndrome of spinal stenosis), which is ultimately of interest, or an intermediate phenotype (e.g. dural sac cross-sectional area). While both have advantages, it cannot be assumed that associated gene variants will be similarly relevant to both. Among other considerations are factors influencing phenotype identification, comorbidities that are often present, and measurement issues. Genodisc, the European research consortium project on disc-related clinical pathologies has adopted a strategy that will allow for the careful characterisation and examination of both the complex clinical phenotypes of interest and their components. HubMed – rehab

[Service robots in elderly care : Possible application areas and current state of developments].

Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz. 2013 Aug; 56(8): 1145-52
Graf B, Heyer T, Klein B, Wallhoff F

The term “Service robotics” describes semi- or fully autonomous technical systems able to perform services useful to the well-being of humans. Service robots have the potential to support and disburden both persons in need of care as well as nursing care staff. In addition, they can be used in prevention and rehabilitation in order to reduce or avoid the need for help. Products currently available to support people in domestic environments are mainly cleaning or remote-controlled communication robots. Examples of current research activities are the (further) development of mobile robots as advanced communication assistants or the development of (semi) autonomous manipulation aids and multifunctional household assistants. Transport robots are commonly used in many hospitals. In nursing care facilities, the first evaluations have already been made. So-called emotional robots are now sold as products and can be used for therapeutic, occupational, or entertainment activities. HubMed – rehab

Early Diagnosis of Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity in the ICU.

Neurocrit Care. 2013 Jul 25;
Hughes JD, Rabinstein AA

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) is a complication of acquired brain injury manifesting with episodic tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, diaphoresis, hypertonia, and posturing. No universally accepted diagnostic criteria exist and diagnosis is often delayed until the rehabilitation phase.Electronic records were screened to identify consecutive cases of PSH diagnosed in an intensive care unit (ICU) between 1/2006 and 8/2012 and assess the validity of early clinical diagnosis against formal diagnostic criteria. Data collected included patient demographics, brain injury etiology, symptoms noted by the clinician to support the diagnosis of PSH, PSH manifestations, therapeutic interventions, relevant brain imaging, and investigations to exclude alternative diagnoses. An operational set of diagnostic criteria based on previous literature was used for comparison.Fifty-three consecutive patients with PSH were identified. Mean age was 33.6 ± 14.5 years (range 16-67). Traumatic brain injury was the most common etiology (30 patients, 56.6 %) but causes were diverse. Mean time to diagnosis was 8.3 ± 11.0 days; 31 patients (59 %) were diagnosed within 7 days and 20 patients (38 %) within 3 days of admission. Tachycardia was almost uniformly present, and diaphoresis, fever, hypertension, and tachypnea were also present in most cases. Dystonia and posturing were present in less than half of patients. 89 % of clinically diagnosed cases met formal diagnostic criteria.Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity can be diagnosed early in the ICU. Strict diagnostic criteria supported the clinician’s diagnosis in the majority of cases. Diagnosis should not be rejected because of any particular sign’s absence, especially dystonia and posturing. HubMed – rehab

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