Trauma symptoms of individuals with mental illness at risk for homelessness participating in a life skills intervention.

This study investigated 1) trauma symptom changes following the implementation of a life skills intervention; 2) the relationship between demographic characteristics, cognitive functioning, life skill knowledge and changes in trauma symptoms; and 3) predictive factors of trauma symptoms during housing transitions. Participants (N=72) enrolled in intervention modules to increase residential stability (room and self-care, money management, nutrition management or safe community participation), completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, ACLS-2000 and a Practical Skills Test at baseline, post-intervention and 3 and 6 months later to examine differences in trauma symptoms and treatment outcomes. Trauma symptoms were highest at baseline and decreased significantly for most participants over time. For a subgroup of females experiencing abuse and individuals who were homeless less than 1 year, there was an increase in symptoms at 3 months post-intervention (highest rate of housing transition). This small convenience sample represents a limited geographic area. Replication of the study with larger groups for generalization, and further investigation into the specific impact of symptoms on function were recommended for future research.

Evaluation of an adaptive ice skating programme for children with disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an adaptive ice skating programme designed by paediatric therapists. METHODS: Twenty-two children, ages 5-12 years, with developmental disabilities participated in this once per week skating programme lasting 6 weeks. Ice skating instructors led the group lessons, while university student coaches provided individualized assistance to the children. The programme was evaluated using a summative evaluation design. Outcomes included participant attendance, incidence of injuries, skating skills and parent and student coach survey data. RESULTS: On average, participants attended 83% of the sessions and one minor injury was reported. Participants' parents were very satisfied with the programme and reported improvements in their child's skating skills, leg strength, endurance, balance, self-esteem/confidence and ability to participate in a group. Student coaches also reported high levels of satisfaction with this programme and reported similar improvements in the children they coached. CONCLUSION: The programme appeared promising, but may require minor modifications.

Development and evaluation of a minimum data set for children with airway support for transfers between acute and post-acute care.

OBJECTIVE: To generate consensus on the reasons why children with airway support transfer between acute and post-acute care; develop a minimum data set to transmit between care settings; and examine transfer reports to determine the frequency of data set content. STUDY DESIGN: Two consensus development meetings were conducted of acute and post-acute care professionals to identify reasons for transfer and develop the minimum data set. A content analysis was used to generate the frequency of inclusion of minimum data set elements in the narrative reports of 15 acute to post-acute and 15 post-acute to acute transfer summaries. The observed frequencies were compared with the expected frequencies (95%), as were frequencies between the two groups. RESULTS: Advanced diagnostic assessment and unexpected changes in medical, surgical and mental health conditions were the primary reasons for transfer from post-acute to acute care. For transfers in both directions, 20 of the 34 data elements were present in <75% of the cases and were statistically different than the pre-set 95% standard. No statistical difference in the occurrence of data elements between transfer directions existed. CONCLUSION: A minimum data set has the potential to reduce redundancy, improve safety and optimize care co-ordination between facilities for children with airway support.

Self-report measures of physical function for children with spinal cord injury: a review of current tools and an option for the future.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to provide paediatric rehabilitation providers with a review of self-report physical function outcome measures that have been used for children with spinal cord injury (SCI). REVIEW PROCESS: A literature review was conducted to identify self-report physical function measures for children with SCI. Further searching of reference lists and textbooks was also completed. OUTCOMES: Eight measures were identified, but limitations exist in these current tools. There are few reports of psychometrics, in addition to a lack of accommodation for wheelchair use, limited item content for supported ambulation and minimal variation in content for a wide age-range. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive yet practical self-report measure applicable for all ages with items suitable for a child with a complete or incomplete injury is needed. The best means to achieve effective and efficient outcome monitoring may be computerized adaptive testing.