Publications by authors named "Milva Veronica Castorina"
: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the workloads of healthcare workers (HCWs). The fear of contracting the new virus with the frequent medical consequences has affected their mental health. As a result, they are at high risk of compassion fatigue (CF).
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- Recent technological advancements have resulted in new sensory stimulation tools, such as virtual reality training, aimed at improving cognitive functions in minimally conscious state (MCS) patients.
- A study involving 42 MCS patients compared the effects of a novel multi-sensory stimulation method (Neurowave) with conventional treatment, assessing cognitive and motor outcomes as well as caregiver psychological states.
- Results indicated significant improvements in patients receiving Neurowave, particularly in communication skills, while caregiver anxiety was monitored, highlighting the potential of innovative sensory therapies in rehabilitation.
Objective: The study aim was to investigate the prevalence of behavioral symptoms and burnout in healthcare workers in an intensive neurological rehabilitation unit in Messina, Italy, during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy.
Methods: Forty-seven healthcare workers (including neurologists, physiatrists, nurses and rehabilitation therapists) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from February 2020 to June 2020. Participants were administered the following psychometric tests to investigate burnout and related symptoms: the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which measures emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment; the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS); the Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS); the Dyadic Adjustment Scale; and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ).
Article Synopsis
- Executive dysfunction is a major issue for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), affecting their reasoning, planning, and behavior, and can be targeted through cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation methods.
- This study compares traditional cognitive training with non-immersive virtual reality-based training to see which is more effective in improving executive functions and reducing anxiety and depression in TBI patients.
- Results indicate that the virtual reality training (VR-CT) shows significant improvements in cognitive functioning and mood compared to conventional training, suggesting VR could be a more engaging rehabilitation tool for TBI patients.