Introduction: The utilisation of standardised outcome measures (SOMs) is crucial for evaluating patients' health status. Physiotherapists are highly recommended to use SOMs routinely. Despite the well-documented benefits of using SOMs, the utilisation of SOMs in clinical practice is still problematic particularly in Africa.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis study examined whether goal-directed treatment leads to improved treatment outcomes for patients with a primary mood or anxiety disorder and whether beneficial outcomes are achieved sooner compared to treatment as usual. In a quasi-experimental controlled study with a nested design, 17 therapists received training in goal-directed treatment and treated 105 patients with anxiety or mood disorders using principles of goal-directed treatment. Treatment results on a generic self-report instrument were compared with two control groups: a historical control group consisting of 16 of the 17 participating therapists, who provided treatment as usual to 97 patients before having received training in goal-directed treatment, and a parallel control group consisting of various therapists, who provided treatment as usual to 105 patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMechanical device malfunction remains a known issue in left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). We investigated the incidence of mechanical device malfunction in the HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 LVADs. We conducted a retrospective study of all HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 LVADs implanted in our center.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlthough well-established therapies exist for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), barriers to seek mental health care are high. Technology-based interventions may play a role in improving the reach of efforts to treat, especially when therapist availability is low. The goal of the current randomized controlled trial was to pilot the efficacy of a computer-based trauma intervention with elements of virtual reality (VR; system) and limited therapist involvement for the treatment of PTSD in a childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and war veteran sample and to compare this to "treatment as usual" (TAU).
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