The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the patients cared for with teledermatology (TD) services was analyzed as compared with face-to-face dermatology (F-F/D) at the hospital. This study was ...a controlled, non-blinded, intra-level, and multicenter randomized clinical trial, with a 6-month follow-up. A total of 450 patients were randomly assigned to two different groups. The Spanish version of the generic EuroQol-5-dimensions-5-Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire and the specific Skindex-29 questionnaire were used at 0 and 6 months. The number of primary care visits (2.24 TD; 1.68 F-F/D) and number of hospital visits (0.01 TD; 1.48 F-F/D) were statistically significant. It was observed that from month 0 onwards, the users included in the F-F/D group self-perceived a lower HRQoL than the users included in the TD group (Skindex-29 total: p ≤ 0.00; EQ-5D-5L VAS = p ≤ 0.00; EQ-5D-5L utilities = p ≤ 0.00). At the end of the study, the patients included in the F-F/D group still obtained lower scores in their perception of HRQoL, as compared to those included in the other type of follow-up (Skindex-29 total: p ≤ 0.00; EQ-5D-5L VAS = p ≤ 0.00; EQ-5D-5L utilities = p ≤ 0.00). TD was an effective diagnosis and follow-up tool. At the end of the study period, the HRQoL of the patients in both groups was significantly higher as compared to their baseline levels. Additionally, both the general and specific HRQoL perceived by the TD patients was higher than the F-F/D group from the start of the study.
The Humanities-498 research group from the University of Almeria created the European project entitled: “Improving Digital Skills of European Citizens Seniors and Disabled: a Work Program. DSSD: ...Digital Skills for Seniors and Disabled” in collaboration with six other countries: Holland, Hungary, Greece, Italy, the Slovak Republic and Romania.
The purpose of this article is to describe the basic ICT skills of elderly individuals from different social involvement centres in Almería.
A transversal, descriptive study using a sample of 322 elderly individuals in Spain. Their socio-demographic characteristics are described and a questionnaire was used to determine their basic ICTS skills.
57.4% of the participants were female; the mean age was 72 and 36.6% had some sort of disability. Results were presented in terms of their knowledge of information systems (hardware and networks, software); operating systems; Internet searches and information selection; inter-personal communication and collaborative work in networks: Internet, mobile phones; image treatment; expression / multi-media creation; creation of statistics calculations and graphics, among other topics.
This data may serve as the basis for the design and experimentation of an educational program, based on a green practice model, with the participation of elderly individuals, distinct experts and leaders in social policy.
Introduction. Lifelong learning and education are necessary for the social and cultural integration of elderly individuals. In order to ensure their participation in these programs, a new mentality ...is needed and these offerings must be adapted to their specific needs, expectations and interests in order to successfully attract them to the numerous training offerings of their educational centres. Objectives. To describe the creation and implementation of an educational program directed at individuals over the age of 55, designed to improve their interpersonal relationship skills and healthy lifestyle habits, elements that may be key determinants of their psychological well-being. Methodology. Experimental design with a control group. Based on a random sample of 200 individuals over the age of 55, an education program was implemented over a three- month period in Active Participation Centres of the province of Almería (Spain). The Scale of Subjective Psychological Well-being (Sánchez Cánovas, 1998) and the self-concept of Garaigordobil (2011) were used.
Results. Data analysis indicates that the program could have a positive influence, with statistically significant differences being observed between the control and experimental groups for the majority of the evaluated variables.
Conclusions and Recommendation. These data reveal the benefits of lifelong learning programs for elderly individuals, serving to improve their psychological well-being and the integration of skills that promote healthy and active ageing.
The study of the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment applied to patients with sequelae following a cerebrovascular disease (CVD) plays a decisive role nowadays in planning their management in ...public healthcare and to improve existing guidelines regarding assessment and treatment.
To describe the characteristics presented by patients who have suffered a CVD and were treated in mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy units (MRPU) and how such treatment affects their functional recovery.
Descriptive, prospective study conducted on 124 patients referred to the MRPUs in the province of Almeria between 2008 and 2011. The variables analysed (both pre- and post-treatment) included personal history and characteristics, Barthel index, Modified Ashworth Spasticity Scale, pain (shoulder) and the Canadian Neurological Scale.
The final sample consisted of 106 participants (mean age: 73.72 years). The disabling process was ischaemic in 77.4% and hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor (81%). The mean initial Barthel index was 31.04 and the mean final index was 57.62 (t = -11.75; p < 0.001). The Canadian Neurological Scale showed a favourable progression in the level of consciousness, orientation and language (p < 0.001). Altogether 56.2% of the patients were discharged as a result of the improvement of their condition, and did not require any further outpatient rehabilitation.
The results obtained reflect an important functional improvement in patients treated in the MRPUs. Home-based rehabilitation is considered a necessary tool for persons with greater clinical vulnerability and no access to outpatient care, which provides them with the benefits of effective treatment.
The graphic novel represents a new and current state of the comics industry. Recent studies have revealed the great educational potential of comics. However, scientific literature on their use in the ...university setting is virtually non-existent. The present paper aims to promote the use of the graphic novel as an innovative teaching methodology with a great potential in higher education, and to present and assess the experience conducted in the Physiotherapy degree program at the University of Almeria. Students were provided with a series of graphic novels that take an entertaining and practical look at the social healthcare reality of distinct pathologies. Along with discussions and debates that were conducted in class, an individual reflective work was carried out in writing by the students, in which they expressed their satisfaction regarding this methodology. Based on our experience, the graphic novel should be considered an innovative teaching methodology with a great potential in higher education.
The aim of this work was to examine family well-being in a sample of Spanish families with blind children. Sixty-one participants reported their perceived economic status, the level of job ...satisfaction, and state-anxiety symptoms. The participants of our study scored higher on state-anxiety and lower on material well-being than the normative sample, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. They also scored higher on job satisfaction and family satisfaction than the general population. A negative correlation was found between state-anxiety and material well-being (r = - 0.62, p = 0.001) and between state-anxiety and family satisfaction (r = - 0.57, p = 0.001). A positive correlation was found between material well-being and job satisfaction (r = 0.40, p = 0.001), and between material well-being and family satisfaction (r = 0.41, p = 0.001). Higher levels of material well-being, job satisfaction, and family satisfaction were associated with lower levels of anxiety in these families. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between family satisfaction and job satisfaction. Our results suggest that the family experience of having a disabled child is evolving, and this implies achieving greater job and family satisfaction than the normative samples, although anxiety scores continue to be higher and material well-being scores remain lower. On the whole, our results confirm that it is necessary to provide these families with more economic resources, which would have a positive impact on their subjective psychological well-being, decreasing their state-anxiety, and increasing their satisfaction with life.
INTRODUCTION. Bronchopneumonia is a frequent complication in the first days after a cerebrovascular disease and is linked with a higher rate of mortality. It occurs in patients with an altered level ...of consciousness or tussigenic reflex, and could be prevented with an early dysphagia rehabilitation programme. AIMS. To review the scientific literature on the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with dysphagia after suffering a stroke, published between 2002 and 2012. DEVELOPMENT. A search conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, CINAHL and ENFISPO databases yielded 15 papers that fulfilled eligibility criteria and the initial aims of the study, providing information about 3,212 patients. The different protocols and techniques for re-education in dysphagia are described and include compensatory strategies, orofacial regulation therapy, music therapy, sensory stimulation, lip muscle, tongue, pharynx, larynx and respiratory tract training, Mendelsohn manoeuvre, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and acupuncture. CONCLUSIONS. The studies examined in this research claim that the treatment of dysphagia following a stroke can improve the function of deglutition (coordination, speed, volume), quality of life and people's social relationships. Further work needs to be carried out to establish or define what kind of therapies, techniques, exercises or manoeuvres are the most effective in dysphagia. Generally agreed treatment or rehabilitation protocols also need to be drawn up within units that address stroke in an integrated manner.
Introduction: Every day, millions of patients are safely and satisfactorily cared for in Primary Care centers (PC), although this care brings with it along a number of risks of involuntary harm or ...errors.
Objectives: To describe the perception of Western Health District professionals in Almería, regarding patient safety based on a translated and validated instrument for primary care services in Spain.
Methodology: Transversal descriptive study. A sample of 216 self-completed questionnaires were obtained and sent to the District Quality Sub-Directorate. Statistical analysis was conducted on the characteristics of the responding professionals and the dimensions of the questionnaire.
Results: The mean age of the professionals was 48 years and 66.70% were female. Their care activity had been carried out for a mean of 19 years (SD= 9). The main findings regarding aspects such as patient safety and quality have been presented (▪= 4.08; IC 95%: 4.00-4.16).
The dimensions receiving the worst responses in the Western Health District were “Error communication” (▪= 1.97; IC 95%: 1.85-2.09), “Patient care follow up” (▪= 1.88; IC 95%: 1.76-1.99), “Clear communication” (▪= 2.19; IC 95%: 2.05-2.32) and “Workload and work rhythm” (▪= 2.42; IC 95%: 2.29-2.54).
Conclusions: Based on the information generated by professionals in Primary Care Centers, these results may allow for the design of patient care improvement strategies in the province of Almería.
The 21st century has seen an ever-growing ageing population. Therefore, strategies are necessaryin order to improve their quality of life. Health is one of the most important variables in determining ...quality of life in the elderly. Currently, there are numerous theories attempting to improve the health of the elderly through the use of activity as healthy habits. Aims. The objective of this research study is to determine whether or not the degree of activity in individuals over the age of 60 influences their perceived health. Metodology. A descriptive correlational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 500 elderly individuals in Almeria (and its province) over the age of 60, having a mean age of 70.80 years. The Questionnaire on Occupational Behavior in the Elderly (C-COM) and the SF-36 on Quality of life, related to health were used. Result. A moderate correlation was found between being active, be it with daily tasks or leisure-related activities, and a higher degree of perceived health. Conclusions and recommendations. Further study is necessary inthis area in order to help guide future occupational programs and policies for the elderly. If activityhelps to improve the level of health in the elderly, then surely healthcare costs will be reduced, and further investments may be made in these activities.
To identify factors that affect prehospital time (PHT) for patients with stroke.
Systematic review. We searched 6 databases to select descriptive studies of factors influencing PHT in stroke. The ...studies selected were published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish between 1995 and 2019.
One hundred one articles were analyzed. Sociodemographic, clinical, contextual, cognitive, and behavioral data related to PHT in patients with stroke were identified. Calling the emergency medical services (EMS) immediately after onset of stroke symptoms was the main factor associated with a shorter PHT. Referral from another hospital was associated with a longer PHT.
PHT is affected by factors inherent to patients and the setting for the event. Educational strategies should be developed to address relevant factors, especially regarding the importance of recognizing the onset of a stroke and calling the EMS immediately.
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