Dual Clustering for Clinical Care Construction

In recent years, rapid technological developments in the field of neuroimaging have provided several new methods for revealing thoughts, actions and intentions based solely on the pattern of activity that is observed in the brain. In specialized centres, these methods are now being employed routinely to assess residual cognition, detect consciousness and even communicate with some behaviorally non-responsive patients who clinically appear to be comatose or in a vegetative state. In this article, we consider some of the ethical issues raised by these developments and the profound implications they have for clinical care, diagnosis, prognosis and medical-legal decision-making after severe brain injury.

Download Full-text

A Questionnaire Survey of Current Rehabilitation Practices for Adults With Normal Hearing Sensitivity Who Experience Auditory Difficulties

American Journal of Audiology ◽

10.1044/2020_aja-20-00027 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 738-761

Author(s):

Tess K. Koerner ◽

Melissa A. Papesh ◽

Frederick J. Gallun

Keyword(s):

Hearing Aids ◽

Questionnaire Survey ◽

Patient Population ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Normal Hearing ◽

Auditory Training ◽

Training Methods ◽

Hearing Sensitivity ◽

Considerable Benefit ◽

High Level

Purpose A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information from clinical audiologists about rehabilitation options for adult patients who report significant auditory difficulties despite having normal or near-normal hearing sensitivity. This work aimed to provide more information about what audiologists are currently doing in the clinic to manage auditory difficulties in this patient population and their views on the efficacy of recommended rehabilitation methods. Method A questionnaire survey containing multiple-choice and open-ended questions was developed and disseminated online. Invitations to participate were delivered via e-mail listservs and through business cards provided at annual audiology conferences. All responses were anonymous at the time of data collection. Results Responses were collected from 209 participants. The majority of participants reported seeing at least one normal-hearing patient per month who reported significant communication difficulties. However, few respondents indicated that their location had specific protocols for the treatment of these patients. Counseling was reported as the most frequent rehabilitation method, but results revealed that audiologists across various work settings are also successfully starting to fit patients with mild-gain hearing aids. Responses indicated that patient compliance with computer-based auditory training methods was regarded as low, with patients generally preferring device-based rehabilitation options. Conclusions Results from this questionnaire survey strongly suggest that audiologists frequently see normal-hearing patients who report auditory difficulties, but that few clinicians are equipped with established protocols for diagnosis and management. While many feel that mild-gain hearing aids provide considerable benefit for these patients, very little research has been conducted to date to support the use of hearing aids or other rehabilitation options for this unique patient population. This study reveals the critical need for additional research to establish evidence-based practice guidelines that will empower clinicians to provide a high level of clinical care and effective rehabilitation strategies to these patients.

Download Full-text

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Gastroenterologist's Perspective

Perspectives on Voice and Voice Disorders ◽

10.1044/vvd21.3.89 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 89-99

Author(s):

Michael F. Vaezi

Keyword(s):

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ◽

Gastroesophageal Reflux ◽

Reflux Disease ◽

Best Practice ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Diagnostic Testing ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Swallowing Function ◽

Atypical Symptoms

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a commonly diagnosed condition often associated with the typical symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation, although it may present with atypical symptoms such as chest pain, hoarseness, chronic cough, and asthma. In most cases, the patient's reduced quality of life drives clinical care and diagnostic testing. Because of its widespread impact on voice and swallowing function as well as its social implications, it is important that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) understand the nature of GERD and its consequences. The purpose of this article is to summarize the nature of GERD and GERD-related complications such as GERD-related peptic stricture, Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma, and laryngeal manifestations of GERD from a gastroenterologist's perspective. It is critical that SLPs who work with a multidisciplinary team understand terminology, diagnostic tools, and treatment to ensure best practice.

Download Full-text

External Validity of SCORS-G Ratings of Thematic Apperception Test Narratives in a Sample of Outpatients and Inpatients

Rorschachiana Journal of the International Society for the Rorschach ◽

10.1027/1192-5604/a000057 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 58-81 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Michelle B. Stein ◽

Jenelle Slavin-Mulford ◽

Caleb J. Siefert ◽

Samuel Justin Sinclair ◽

Michaela Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Events ◽

Psychiatric Hospitalization ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Thematic Apperception Test ◽

Clinical Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Conduct Disordered ◽

Global Ratings ◽

Thematic Apperception ◽

History Of

Abstract. The Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Ratings Method (SCORS-G; Stein, Hilsenroth, Slavin-Mulford, & Pinsker-Aspen, 2011 ) is a reliable system for coding narrative data, such as Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) stories. This study employs a cross-sectional, correlational design to examine associations between SCORS-G dimensions and life events in two clinical samples. Samples were composed of 177 outpatients and 57 inpatients who completed TAT protocols as part of routine clinical care. Two experienced raters coded narratives with the SCORS-G. Data on the following clinically relevant life events were collected: history of psychiatric hospitalization, suicidality, self-harming behavior, drug/alcohol abuse, conduct-disordered behavior, trauma, and education level. As expected, the clinical life event variable associated with the largest number of SCORS-G dimensions was Suicidality. Identity and Coherence of Self was related to self-harm history across samples. Emotional Investment in Relationships and Complexity of Representations were also associated with several life events. Clinical applications, limitations of the study, and future directions are reviewed.

Download Full-text