Let the records speak: an exploration of rehabilitation services offered in primary healthcare, Johannesburg metropolitan district.

BACKGROUND: Primary healthcare in South Africa aims to transform the national health system by emphasising community-based care and preventive strategies. However, rehabilitation services, particularly for individuals with disabilities and chronic non-communicable diseases, are often overlooked in primary healthcare. This study aimed to investigate the provision of primary healthcare rehabilitation services in the Johannesburg Metropolitan District by exploring client sociodemographics and variations in services provided by rehabilitation professionals. METHODS: A retrospective review of clinic rehabilitation records from 2011 to 2020 was conducted at nine provincially funded community health centres (CHCs) offering rehabilitation services. Stratified sampling facilitated record selection based on rehabilitation service type and year. A specifically designed data extraction tool captured demographics, disabilities, rehabilitation received, and referral sources. Descriptive analysis used means, standard deviations, and frequencies. RESULTS: The findings show a diverse client population with a wide age range, with a significant proportion falling into the < 5 years and 30-49 years age groups. Neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related disabilities were most prevalent, affecting approximately two-thirds of clients. Referral sources were often undocumented, and inconsistent discharge information with no record of patient follow up, highlighted the need for improved documentation practices. Clinic visits were the primary service delivery mode, followed by limited home visits and outreach services. Occupational therapy and physiotherapy were the most used services. Speech and language therapy services were underused, and some CHCs lacked audiology services. There were variations in the number of individual and group sessions provided by the different rehabilitation services, and there were age- and disability-specific differences in service use. CONCLUSION: This study offers insights into rehabilitation service provision in the Johannesburg Metropolitan District and enhances our understanding of rehabilitation services in primary healthcare settings. It underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team to address diverse rehabilitation needs, improving documentation and discharge practices, expanding service delivery models, and reducing disparities in service use. The findings inform strategies for optimising service delivery, workforce, resource allocation, and intersectoral collaboration to ultimately enhance the quality and accessibility of integrated rehabilitation services.

[Current status of requirements in the design of healthcare facilities to ensure accessibility for patients with disabilities]. / Estado actual de los requerimientos en el diseño de centros sanitarios para asegurar accesibilidad a pacientes con discapacidad.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: People with disabilities are one of the groups that usually frequent healthcare centers, so it is essential to attend to their specific needs, especially from the point of view of universal accessibility, safety and healthcare quality. The aim of the study is to summarize the available evidence on the needs of groups of patients with some type of disability in access, navigation and stay during the reception of healthcare in various health centers and to identify successful solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review had been designed, based on a literature review without time limit in three databases (PubMed, WOS, and Embase). RESULTS: Of the 2562 articles identified, 11 were included. Recommendations for improvement in the design of healthcare services focused on the following aspects: improving access to primary care centers; navigation, signage, and orientation in the hospital environment; elevator design; hospital room bathroom design; meeting the needs of wheelchair users; importance of the participation of the patient with a disability; involvement of stakeholders in the design process; and the need for appropriate policies to ensure accessibility to buildings. CONCLUSIONS: The promotion of artistic programs in healthcare settings and the participation of people with disabilities in the design process of healthcare settings could provide beneficial solutions. More studies are needed, given the scarcity of evidence found, to ensure that care for this group is based on criteria of patient safety, universal accessibility, healthcare quality and humanization.

Is there a sexual difference in the relationship between sociodemographic information and the unmet dental care needs of disabled adults? An analysis from a national survey on persons with disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Health status and health care utilization in people with disabilities are more likely to be poorer than those without disabilities. Previous studies showed that there were gaps in health-related conditions by sociodemographic information and gender but the association between these factors was not explained. This study aims to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic information and the unmet dental care needs of people with disabilities and explore the effect of sex within this relationship. METHODS: The 2014 national survey on persons with disabilities was used, which separated unmet healthcare needs into medical and dental services. Unweighted samples included 6,824 people with disabilities in total and 6,555 (96.1% of the total, weighted as 6,583) people aged 20 years or older were selected as the study population. Frequency and chi-square tests were conducted to determine differences in the prevalence of unmet dental needs based on socioeconomic information, chronic diseases, and behavioral factors after applying weights. Logistic regressions were performed using an adjusted model with sociodemographic information, chronic diseases, and behavioral variables. All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). RESULTS: Analysis of the sociodemographic factors related to unmet dental care revealed that they were higher in women and the elderly. In the fully adjusted logistic model, most of the sociodemographic information was significantly associated with unmet dental needs. The lowest group was 4.18 times more likely to have unmet dental care needs than the richest group, and females and middle-school graduates were almost twice as likely to experience unmet dental care needs than males and university graduates. Considering the interaction effect of age on unmet dental needs depending on sex differences, the odds ratio decreased for females with every annual increase in both models. Compared with the younger group, the older group showed a lower risk of having unmet dental needs, especially in females. CONCLUSIONS: The factor most closely related to the unmet dental care needs of disabled people was socioeconomic problems. Its influence also differed by sex and age. Therefore, economic support measures and sexual differences are needed for long-term policy consideration to reduce the unmet dental care needs of disabled people.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Inherited Ataxia in Ireland.

Inherited cerebellar ataxias (CA) are heterogeneous progressive neurological conditions associated with significant functional limitations. This study aimed to assess the implications of inherited CA on patients' self-reported quality of life (QoL) and impairments in work and activities. 129 individuals with ataxia responded to a survey focused on QoL. Health-related QoL was measured using the RAND 36-Item Short Form Survey. An adaptation of the validated Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire was used to assess the effect of health on work productivity and ability to perform activities over the past week. Nine percent of respondents were currently employed. Individuals with inherited ataxia experienced significant activity impairment, and 75% required professional or informal care. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was significantly worse in all areas for the individuals with inherited ataxia compared with Irish population normative values. Participants with Friedreich's ataxia (n = 56) demonstrated worse physical functioning then those with undetermined ataxia (n = 55). Female gender, younger age at symptom onset, current employment, retirement due to age or ataxia, and living in a long-term care facility were associated with higher sub-scores in different domains of HRQoL, while disease duration correlated with worse physical functioning sub-scores. This study is the first cross-sectional study on HRQoL in patients with inherited ataxia in Ireland. It highlights high rates of unemployment, difficulty with daily activities and physical functioning limitations, which is worse than comparative international studies. Given the limited therapeutic options currently available, optimising HRQoL is an important aspect of managing ataxia.

Understanding how faculty make return-to-learn decisions for college students.

BACKGROUND: College faculty are receiving attention as influential members of the Return-to-Learn (RTL) process for students with concussion. Investigators continue to learn more about how faculty can assist students throughout recovery, yet we must also strive to determine whether such evidence is isolated or is in fact exhibited by faculty elsewhere. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine if successive faculty cohorts demonstrate similar perspectives and RTL decision-making profiles as those from initial investigations. METHODS: Two universities in New York State were recruited to participate in a two-stage cross-sectional study. College faculty with teaching responsibilities were given the opportunity to complete an online Qualtrics survey followed by a private interview discussing their thoughts, perspectives, and/or experiences with managing students with concussion. RESULTS: Accommodations for students were allowed more often when some form of documentation was present (disability services note = 100%; multiple types of proof = 91%; doctor/medical notes = 90%; and no note = 75%). Three factors consistently scored as influential to faculty RTL decision-making: documentation, teacher-student relationship, and empathy. No significant differences in scoring were seen between male and female faculty participants. Follow-up interviews revealed two themes: legitimacy and empathy. Legitimacy outlines why faculty seek verification of concussion prior to allowing accommodations and includes two subthemes: i) note/documentation, and ii) fairness/protecting integrity. Empathy discusses how and why faculty empathetically assist students with concussion, and includes two subthemes: i) personality, and ii) past experiences/understanding of concussion. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that faculty from different universities display similar RTL decision-making tendencies and perspectives towards students with concussion as those from initial investigations. These data allow RTL stakeholders to better understand and appreciate the potential for faculty to act as facilitators to concussion support. As gatekeepers of the classroom environment, understanding how to produce faculty cooperation will ensure a reproducible and positive outcome for students recovering from concussion.

Establishing a disability-specific home enteral nutrition service in a paediatric tertiary hospital: Experience and outcomes.

AIMS: The provision of Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) is a well-established support for patients, however, significant inconsistencies in funding result in financial burden for some healthcare services across Australia. Recent government-initiated funding changes prompted the development of a new HEN service for eligible patients with a disability, moving from a universal to more individualised approach to care. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included patients enrolled on a newly established disability-specific HEN service at a paediatric tertiary hospital between July 2020 and February 2022 inclusive. Components of service development were explored including service model, clinical resources, information related to patient enrolments and costings for annual HEN requirements provided by dietitians. Retrospective quantitative data was collected from the Electronic Medical Record system and analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 362 patient enrolments occurred over a 21-month period, with an average of 17 new patients having accessed the service each month. Annual HEN supports were quoted at a median cost of $13487.94 AUD (2364.97-44170.92), mostly attributable to consumable requirements. Most eligible participants chose to receive care through the new HEN service. Supports were quoted >330% higher than previous fixed price allocations, highlighting the true cost associated with HEN care. Large variation in costings may be attributed to the diversity and complexity of patients. CONCLUSION: Funding changes presented a unique opportunity to meet pre-existing resource deficits and enabled individualised access to HEN supports for paediatric patients with a disability.

Occupational therapy improves social participation of complex patients discharged from hospital: results of a powered randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To verify the effectiveness of experimental occupational therapy plus intensive standard rehabilitation compared to intensive standard rehabilitation alone on the reintegration to social activities of complex patients three months after hospital discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a score ≥ 9 on the Rehabilitation Complexity Scale at admission to an intensive rehabilitation ward were randomized to the control or experimental group. Both groups received intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation aimed at recovering independence in the basic activities of daily life (ADL). The experimental group also received experimental occupational therapy services to address goals identified through the administration of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Experimental occupational therapy began during the in-hospital phase and continued in the home-based setting. It consisted of teaching strategies, recommending aids, and providing personalized information regarding available community support. RESULTS: Ninety-two individuals with a mean age of 65 years (female 44.6%) were enrolled. The experimental group significantly improved participation measured by the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (mean changes 8.61, 95% CI: 1-16.23, p = 0.027). The performance and satisfaction scores of the COPM, both during hospitalization and after discharge, and independence in ADL also improved. No differences in mood disturbances were found. CONCLUSION: Early post-discharge occupational therapy integrated with multidisciplinary rehabilitation improves the social participation of complex patients. Future research should investigate the concrete feasibility of implementing this complex intervention cost-effectively and in different contexts. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03668938 (first posted date 13/09/2018).

Early post-discharge rehabilitation assists patients' transition from hospital to home by improving the management of problems they encounter.In complex patients, occupational therapy initiated during hospitalization and extended to the early post-discharge phase improves social participation, independence in basic and instrumental daily activities, and performance and satisfaction when carrying out relevant occupational activities.The strong partnership between the Occupational Therapist and the patient improves compliance to treatment, enhancing the chances of success of rehabilitation interventions.

The Impact of Visual Impairment on Healthcare Use among Four Medical Institution Types: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study in Korea.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of visual impairment (VI) onset on the use of healthcare services across four types of institutions in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We utilized data from the National Health Insurance Service database from 2006 to 2015 for 714 persons who experienced VI onset in 2009-2012 and for 2856 matched persons for a 1:4 ratio of matching controls. We compared trends in healthcare use and expenditures for eye diseases at clinics, hospitals, general hospitals, and tertiary teaching hospitals using 3 years of data prior to and after the onset of VI. RESULTS: The inpatient and outpatient healthcare expenditures of individuals with VI were higher than those without VI, peaking at the pre-VI onset period in tertiary teaching hospitals. During the pre-VI onset period, the proportion of healthcare expenditures attributed to eye diseases ranged 11%-40.8% among individuals with VI, but 1.9%-11% among individuals without VI at the four types of institutions. The differences in healthcare use between the pre- and post-VI periods were primarily observed in tertiary teaching hospitals for inpatient care. There was a peak in utilization of outpatient care in the year preceding VI onset at tertiary teaching hospitals, clinics, and hospitals, but there was a decrease in outpatient care over time during the post-VI period. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest economic burden of healthcare in tertiary teaching hospitals during pre-VI onset period and a potential lack of regular management and continuity of care in post-VI periods.

Delivering Rehabilitation Care Around the World: Voices From the Field.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the challenges and common issues that the rehabilitation health workforce experienced in delivering services in different practice settings across the world. These experiences could suggest approaches to improving rehabilitation care to people in need. DESIGN: A semi-structured interview protocol centering on 3 broad research questions was conducted to collect data. The data were analyzed to identify common themes across the cohort interviewed. SETTING: Interviews were conducted using Zoom. Interviewees not able to access Zoom provided written responses to the questions. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 30 key rehabilitation opinion leaders from different disciplines from 24 countries, across world regions and income levels (N=30). INTERVENTIONS: NA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Although rehabilitation care deficiencies differ in severity, participants reported that the demand for services consistently outstrips available care, regardless of world region or income level. Access and social barriers, particularly in rural areas and remote regions, are common challenges for those delivering and receiving rehabilitation care. RESULTS: Individual voices from the field reported both challenges and hopeful changes in making rehabilitation services available and accessible. CONCLUSIONS: The descriptive approach undertaken has allowed individual voices, rarely included in studies, to be highlighted as meaningful data. Although the research findings are not generalizable beyond the convenience cohort included without further analysis and validation in specific local practice contexts, the authentic voices that spoke out on these issues demonstrated common themes of frustration with the current state of rehabilitation services delivery but also hopefulness that more solutions are on the horizon.

Investigation and influencing factors of the behavioral intention of nurses voluntarily participating in the care of older adults with disabilities.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze nurses' intention and influencing factors to participate in voluntary care services for older adults with disabilities, and build a structural equation model to clarify the influence of behavioral attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on the behavioral intention, to lay the foundation for establishing voluntary care teams for older adults with disabilities. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 hospitals of different levels from August to November 2020. Participants were selected by convenience sampling. A self-designed questionnaire was used to survey nurses to investigate their intention to participate in voluntary care services for older adults with disabilities, including four dimensions: behavioral intention (three items), behavioral attitude (seven items), subjective norms (eight items), and perceived behavioral control (eight items), a total of 26 items. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of general information on behavioral intention. Smart PLS 3.0 software was used to build the structural equation model, and the influence of behavioral attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on behavioral intention was analyzed. Results: A total of 1,998 nurses were enrolled, 1,191 (59.6%) were willing to participate in volunteer care for older adults with disabilities, and the willingness of nurses to participate in volunteer care for older adults with disabilities was above the medium level. The scores of behavioral attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention dimension were 26.31 ± 5.94, 30.93 ± 6.62, 27.58 ± 6.70, and 10.78 ± 2.50, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the nurses who had urban household registration, held a management positions in the department, received free help from other volunteers, and was rewarded by hospitals or organizations for voluntary activities were more willing to participate (P < 0.05). The partial least squares analysis showed that behavioral attitudes (ß = 0.456, P < 0.001), subjective norms (ß = 0.167, P < 0.01), and perceived behavioral control (ß = 0.123, P < 0.01) had a significant positive impact on behavioral intention. The more positive the attitude, the more support, the fewer the obstacles, and the greater the intention of the nurses to participate. Conclusion: Mobilizing nurses to volunteer care for older adults with disabilities is feasible in the future. Therefore, policymakers and leaders need to improve relevant laws and regulations to ensure the safety of volunteers, reduce the external hindrance factors of volunteer activities, pay attention to the cultivation of nursing staff values, identify the internal needs of nursing staff and improve incentive measures, to improve the willingness of nursing staff to participate and transform it into practical action.

Medical Needs of Adults with Down Syndrome Presenting at a Regional Medical and Rehabilitation Center in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent chromosomal aberration; however, knowledge of associated health issues in adulthood is inadequate. We analyzed health data from Japanese adults with DS. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 151 patients with DS who visited the Internal Medicine Outpatient Department of the Tokyo Metropolitan Kita Medical and Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled. RESULTS: Endocrine disorders such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia were most common in adulthood (≤40 years) and senescence (>40 years); neurological diseases were more prevalent in senescence. Multimorbidity was noted even patients with DS who were younger than 30 years, and the prevalence increased with age. Only 21 patients (13.9%) with DS visited our hospital with referral letters from pediatricians; 94 patients (62.3%) visited without such referrals from other medical institutions. Patients without a referral letter had a mean of 3.1 comorbidities per patient. Moreover, medical care for some people with DS was interrupted during childhood. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention and detection of comorbidities in patients with DS requires continuous medical care from childhood through adulthood. Recently, DS has been diagnosed by chromosome testing and genetic counseling. Clinical geneticists and genetic counselors can help patients with DS, and their caregivers, to obtain appropriate health care and achieve well-being on their own by seamlessly engaging them throughout childhood and adulthood.

Effects of comorbidity on post-acute outcomes in acquired brain injury: ABI-RESTaRT 1991-2020.

BACKGROUND: Current understanding of comorbidities associated with acquired brain injury (ABI) and the effects on post-acute ABI outcomes is poor. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence, severity and patterns of comorbidity for the pre-injury, acute and post-acute phases, and to examine the effects of post-acute comorbidities on functional independence and length of stay (LOS) at discharge from post-acute care. METHODS: Retrospective whole-population cohort study of n = 1,011 individuals with traumatic (TBI) or non-traumatic brain injury (NTBI), or eligible neurologic conditions admitted to a post-acute neurorehabilitation and disability support service in Western Australia (WA) between 1991 and 2020. Comorbidities were ascertained from internal electronic medical records and linked hospital and emergency department data from the WA Data Linkage System. We measured comorbidities across 14 body systems using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), and functional independence with the UK Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measure (UK FIM+FAM). We used multilevel mixed-effect regression models to determine the effects of comorbidity on post-acute outcomes. RESULTS: NTBI was the most common diagnosis (54%), followed by TBI (34%) and neurologic conditions (10%). Pre-injury comorbidities were present in over half the cohort. Comorbidity prevalence increased significantly from 57% to 84% (∆+27%) and severity (mean ECI score) increased significantly from 2.1 to 13.8 (∆+11.7) between pre-injury and the acute phase and remained elevated at admission to post-acute services (82%, mean ECI score 7.3). Psychiatric comorbidity was the most prevalent (56%) and was associated with significantly poorer functional outcomes at discharge and an increase in LOS of 6.5 months. Genitourinary, musculoskeletal, eye, ear nose and throat, and renal comorbidities also had significant effects on post-acute outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: ABI has a long-term impact on multiple body systems. Identification and management of comorbidities is critical to maximize functional outcomes and reduce the cost of post-acute care.

Therapy service delivery for children with disabilities during COVID-19: Parent perceptions and implementation recommendations.

This study identifies challenges and advantages parents faced in navigating therapy service delivery for their child with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of an online survey, 171 parents of children with disabilities answered four, free response questions regarding the therapy services their children received during the pandemic. A grounded theory approach was used to identify top challenges, barriers, advantages, and recommendations. Challenges included children's poor response to telehealth services, lack of parent training, and technological challenges. Advantages included fewer barriers to service access and increased family involvement. Parents largely recommended shorter, more frequent teletherapy sessions, and resuming in-person services. To improve parent engagement in, and the sustainability of, services, parent feedback should inform service delivery design and implementation. Incorporating parent feedback about service delivery can decrease disparities in access and increase parent engagement in child services both generally, and during periods of service disruption.

An intervention to improve the self-efficacy of key workers to support parental wellbeing at an early childhood intervention service in Australia: a stepped wedged randomized cluster trial.

PURPOSE: It is well documented parents of children who have a disability are at an increased risk of poor mental health and wellbeing. A capacity building program designed to build key worker self-efficacy to support the mental health of parents accessing early childhood intervention services (ECIS) for their child was trialled. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial design was utilised to deliver and evaluate a 12-month intervention program, comprising tailored professional development, resource development and sustainability measures. The repeated measurements on individuals in six clusters over three follow-up periods were analysed using linear mixed models. Comparison of the control and new program statistical means (adjusted for period effects) were assessed with an F test. RESULTS: Key workers reported increased confidence to talk to parents about their own wellbeing (d = 0.51, F(1, 51.8) = 4.28, p = 0.044) and knowledge of parental mental wellbeing improved (p = 0.006). A reduction in staff sick leave partially offset the cost of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A multi-pronged intervention targeted at key workers was found to be an effective way to ensure parental wellbeing is supported at an ECIS in Australia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12617001530314Implications for RehabilitationThere are implications for the development of children whose parents are experiencing high stress and poor mental health, whereby parents of children with disability or developmental delays are at increased risk.Findings from this study support the recommendation that a key worker is provided to holistically support families who access Early Childhood Intervention Services to aid in reducing poor parental wellbeing and child outcomes.Improved confidence to support and initiate conversations regarding parental wellbeing by key workers, in combination with support from management and the organisation to undertake this as part of their role, is a positive finding from this intervention study.

Repercussões da pandemia de COVID-19 nos serviços de saúde para pessoas com deficiência: relato dos profissionais de reabilitação / Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on health services for people with disabilities: report from rehabilitation professionals / Repercusiones de la pandemia de COVID-19 en los servicios de salud para personas con discapacidad: relato de los profesionales de la rehabilitación

Resumo: Diversos processos que permeiam a assistência à saúde, incluindo a reabilitação, precisam de brevidade para ser iniciados ou não podem ser interrompidos. Sendo assim, estes passaram por importantes adaptações durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Porém, não se sabe ao certo como os equipamentos de saúde adaptaram suas estratégias e quais foram os resultados. O estudo investigou como os atendimentos em reabilitação foram afetados durante a pandemia e quais foram as estratégias para a manutenção dos serviços prestados. Entre junho de 2020 e fevereiro de 2021, realizaram-se 17 entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais de saúde da área da reabilitação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), que atuam em um dos três níveis de atenção, nas cidades de Santos e São Paulo, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os discursos foram gravados, transcritos e analisados por meio da análise de conteúdo. Os profissionais relataram mudanças organizacionais em seus serviços, com a interrupção inicial dos atendimentos e, posteriormente, com a adoção de novos protocolos sanitários e o retorno gradativo dos atendimentos presenciais e/ou a distância. As condições de trabalho foram diretamente impactadas, pois houve necessidade de dimensionamento, capacitação, ampliação de carga horária, além da sobrecarga de trabalho e do esgotamento físico e mental dos profissionais. A pandemia determinou uma série de mudanças nos serviços de saúde, por vezes descontínuas, com a suspensão de inúmeros serviços e atendimentos. Alguns atendimentos presenciais foram mantidos, apenas para os pacientes que apresentavam risco de agravo em curto prazo. Medidas sanitárias preventivas e estratégias de continuidade dos atendimentos foram adotadas.

Abstract: Several healthcare processes, including rehabilitation, require prompt initiation and cannot be interrupted. Therefore, these processes underwent important adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is not fully known how healthcare facilities adapted their strategies and what the results were. This study investigated how rehabilitation services were affected during the pandemic and what strategies were employed to maintain the provided services. From June 2020 to February 2021, 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals working in rehabilitation services from the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS), who work at one of the three levels of care, in the municipalities of Santos and São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via content analysis. The professionals reported organizational changes in their services, with the initial interruption of appointments and, subsequently, the adoption of new sanitary protocols and the gradual return to in-person and/or remote appointments. Working conditions were directly impacted, as there was a need for staffing, training, increased workloads, as well as physical and mental exhaustion among professionals. The pandemic caused a series of changes in healthcare services, some of which were interrupted due to the suspension of numerous services and appointments. Some in-person appointments were maintained exclusively for patients who presented a risk of short-term deterioration. Preventive sanitary measures and strategies for continuity of care were adopted.

Resumen: Diversos procesos que impregnan la asistencia a la salud, incluida la rehabilitación, deben iniciarse con prontitud o no pueden interrumpirse. Por lo que estos sufrieron importantes adaptaciones durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Sin embargo, no se sabe con certeza cómo las instalaciones de salud adaptaron sus estrategias y cuáles fueron los resultados. El estudio investigó cómo se vieron afectados los servicios de rehabilitación durante la pandemia y cuáles fueron las estrategias para mantener los servicios prestados. Entre junio del 2020 y febrero del 2021, se realizaron 17 entrevistas semiestructuradas con profesionales de la salud del área de rehabilitación del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS), que actúan en uno de los tres niveles de atención, en las ciudades de Santos y São Paulo, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Los discursos se grabaron, se transcribieron y se analizaron mediante análisis de contenido. Los profesionales relataron cambios organizacionales en sus servicios, con la interrupción inicial de la atención y, posteriormente, con la adopción de nuevos protocolos sanitarios y el regreso gradual de la atención presencial o a distancia. Las condiciones de trabajo se vieron directamente afectadas, ya que fue necesario el dimensionamiento, la capacitación, la ampliación de la carga horaria, además de la sobrecarga de trabajo y del agotamiento físico y mental de los profesionales. La pandemia determinó una serie de cambios en los servicios de salud, en ocasiones discontinuos, con la suspensión de numerosos servicios y atenciones. Se mantuvieron algunas atenciones presenciales, solo para los pacientes con riesgo de agravamiento a corto plazo. Se adoptaron medidas sanitarias preventivas y estrategias de continuidad de las atenciones.

Optimizing spinal cord injury care in Canada: Development of a framework for strategy and action.

National health strategies are integral in defining the vision and strategic direction for ensuring the health of a population or for a specific health area. To facilitate a national coordinated approach in spinal cord injury (SCI) research and care in Canada, Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, with support from national experts and funding from the Government of Canada, developed a national strategy to advance SCI care, health, and wellness based on previous SCI strategic documents. This paper describes the development process of the SCI Care for Canada: A Framework for Strategy and Action. Specifically, it covers the process of building on historical and existing work of SCI in Canada through a thorough review of literature to inform community consultations and co-creation design. Furthermore, this paper describes planning for communication, dissemination, and evaluation. The SCI Care Strategic Framework promotes an updated common understanding of the goals and vision of the SCI community, as well as strengths and priorities within the SCI system regarding care, health, and wellness. Additionally, it supports the coordination and scaling up of SCI advancements to make a sustainable impact nationwide focusing on the needs of people living with SCI.

Quality indicators for the care of older adults with disabilities in long-term care facilities based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop quality indicators for the care of older adults with disabilities in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Methods: The draft of the quality indicators was drawn up based on a literature review and research group discussion. The quality indicators were finalized by two rounds of expert consultation (involving 15 experts) using the Delphi method. The Analytic Hierarchy Process was applied to calculate the indicators' weight. Results: The response rates of the two rounds of consultation were 100% and 93%, and the expert authority coefficients were 0.86 and 0.87. After two rounds of consultation, the expert opinion coordination coefficients of the first-, second- and third-level indicators were 0.42, 0.25, and 0.96, respectively (P < 0.05), and the variation coefficient was ≤0.25. The final quality indicators for the care of older adults with disabilities in LTCFs included 7 first-level, 19 second-level, and 107 third-level indicators. Conclusion: The quality indicators for the care of older adults with disabilities in LTCFs are reliable, scientific, comprehensive, and practical and specify the content of person-centered care needs. This can provide a reference for evaluating and improving care quality in LTCFs.

Facilitadores do acesso da pessoa com deficiência aos serviços de saúde: revisão de escopo / Facilitators of persons with disabilities' access to health services: a scope review

Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar as evidências científicas globais e locais relativas aos facilitadores que promovem o acesso de pessoas com deficiência aos serviços de saúde. Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão de escopo, estabelecendo-se a pergunta norteadora: "Quais são os principais facilitadores que as pessoas com deficiência encontram no acesso a serviços de saúde?" O levantamento dos artigos foi realizado em julho de 2019, em seis bases de dados de literatura científica. Dos 1.155 documentos identificados nas buscas, após seleção por título e resumo, foram lidas 170 publicações na íntegra e incluídas 76 revisões da literatura, que foram categorizadas conforme referencial teórico. Resultados: A revisão elenca os facilitadores identificados por prestadores de serviços e por pessoas com deficiência e os seus familiares e/ou cuidadores, em todos os níveis de complexidade dos cuidados de saúde. Os facilitadores foram categorizados pelas diferentes dimensões do acesso e da Lei Brasileira de Inclusão. Os principais facilitadores identificados, tanto pelos usuários dos serviços quanto pelos prestadores de serviço, incluem a disponibilidade de programas de promoção à saúde, profissionais capacitados, informações sobre os serviços prestados, orientação em cuidados de saúde, serviços de cuidados específicos de reabilitação e suporte social. Conclusões: Evidenciamos que faltam estudos nacionais sobre esta temática e que os facilitadores para o acesso aos serviços de saúde para as pessoas com deficiência precisam ser mais profundamente abordados na literatura cientifica como um todo. O melhor entendimento desta realidade é de grande valia para o incremento de políticas públicas e implementação de estratégias voltadas à promoção do acesso aos serviços de saúde.

Objective: This study aims to analyze global and local scientific evidence regarding the facilitators that promote the access of people with disabilities to health services. Methods: A scope review was carried out, establishing the guiding question: "What are the main facilitators that people with disabilities find in accessing health services?" The search was carried out in July 2019, in six scientific literature databases. Of the 1,155 documents identified in the searches, after selection by title and abstract, 170 publications were read in full and 76 literature reviews were included, which were categorized according to the theoretical framework. Results: The review lists the facilitators identified by service providers and people with disabilities and their family members and/or caregivers, at all levels of healthcare. The facilitators were categorized by the different dimensions of access and the Brazilian Inclusion Law. Key facilitators identified by both service users and service providers include the availability of health promotion programs, trained professionals, information about services provided, healthcare guidance, specific rehabilitation care services, and social support. Conclusions: There is a lack of national studies on this topic and the facilitators of persons with disabilities' access to health services need to be more deeply addressed in the literature. A better understanding of this reality would be of great value for improving public policies and implementing strategies aimed at promoting access to health services.

Exploring views on medical care for people with intellectual disabilities: an international concept mapping study.

BACKGROUND: Medical care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is organized differently across the globe and interpretation of the concept of medical care for people with IDD may vary across countries. Existing models of medical care are not tailored to the specific medical care needs of people with IDD. This study aims to provide an improved understanding of which aspects constitute medical care for people with IDD by exploring how international researchers and practitioners describe this care, using concept mapping. METHODS: Twenty-five experts (researchers and practitioners) on medical care for people with IDD from 17 countries submitted statements on medical care in their country in a brainstorming session, using an online concept mapping tool. Next, they sorted all collected statements and rated them on importance. RESULTS: Participants generated statements that reflect current medical and health care practice, their ideas on good practice, and aspirations for future medical and health care for people with IDD. Based on the sorting of all statements, a concept map was formed, covering 13 aspects that characterize medical and health care for people with IDD across nations. The 13 aspects varied minimally in importance ratings and were grouped into five overarching conceptual themes: (i) active patient role, (ii) provider role, (iii) context of care, (iv) consequences of care for people with IDD, and (v) quality of care. CONCLUSIONS: The themes, clusters and statements identified through this explorative study provide additional content and context for the specific patient group of people with IDD to the dimensions of previous models of medical care.

Adecuaciones para la atención de personas con discapacidad sensorial en los CESFAM del Servicio de Salud Concepción / Adjustments for the care of people with sensory disabilities in primary health centers

BACKGROUND: People with Sensory Disabilities (PcDS) face barriers for equal access to health care. Thus, health centers require adjustments to comply with equal access that allows an universal coverage of care. AIM: To characterize the adjustments for the care of PcDS in primary health centers in Concepción, Chile. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study using data obtained through a questionnaire to key informants or via Transparency Law, and direct observation. The variables were subdivided into four categories, namely infrastructure, communication, skills, and environment. RESULTS: The analyzed health centers have a high proportion of general adjustments of their physical settings. However, there is a lack of specific adjustments for deaf and blind people, especially communicational ones. Conclusions: There is a paucity of adjustments for the health care of PcDS in the analyzed health centers. This deficiency underscores the barriers faced by PcDS for receiving care in the Chilean public health system.