1.
Eilertsen, M. E. B., et al.
(author)
Impact of Social Support on Bereaved Siblings' Anxiety: A Nationwide Follow-Up
2013
In: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing. - : SAGE Publications. - 1043-4542 .- 1532-8457. ; 30:6, s. 301-310
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
Purpose:To assess adolescent and young adult siblings' perception of social support prior to and following the loss of their brother or sister to cancer, 2 to 9 years earlier, and their anxiety at follow-up. Method: In 2009, 174 (73%) bereaved siblings (12-25 years) participated in a nationwide, long-term follow-up study in Sweden using an anonymous study-specific questionnaire. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to measure self-assessed anxiety. Results: Siblings had a higher risk of anxiety if they perceived their need for social support was unsatisfied during their brother or sisters' last month before death, relative risk (RR) = 3.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8-7.3); time after death, RR = 2.9 (95% CI = 1.5-5.6); and at follow-up, RR = 3.8 (95% CI = 2.0-7.2). Furthermore, a higher risk for anxiety was shown for siblings if they did not perceive that their parents and neighbors cared for them after their brother or sisters' death, RR = 2.7 (95% CI = 1.3-5.5), RR = 5.4 (95% CI = 1.3-21.9), respectively. Conclusion: Bereaved siblings had a greater probability to report self-assessed anxiety if they perceived that their need for social support was not satisfied prior to and following death. Information from both nurses and other health care professionals to families about the impact of social support may contribute to lessen the siblings' risk of anxiety.
2.
Hua, Håkan, et al.
(author)
The impact of different background noises : effects on cognitive performance and perceived disturbance in employees with aided hearing impairment and normal hearing
2014
In: Journal of the American Academy of Audiology. - : American Academy of Audiology. - 1050-0545 .- 2157-3107. ; 25:9, s. 859-868
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
Background: Health care professionals frequently meet employees with hearing impairment (HI) who experience difficulties at work. There are indications that the majority of these difficulties might be related to the presence of background noise. Moreover, research has also shown that high-level noise has a more detrimental effect on cognitive performance and self-rated disturbance in individuals with HI than low-level noise.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of different types of background noise on cognitive performance and perceived disturbance (PD) in employees with aided HI and normal hearing.Research Design: A mixed factorial design was conducted to examine the effect of noise in four experimental conditions.Study Sample: A total of 40 participants (21 men and 19 women) were recruited to take part in the study. The study sample consisted of employees with HI (n = 20) and normal hearing (n = 20). The group with HI had a mild-moderate sensorineural HI, and they were all frequent hearing-aid users.Intervention: The current study was conducted by using four general work-related tasks (mental arithmetic, orthographic decoding, phonological decoding, and serial recall) in four different background conditions: (1) quiet, (2) office noise at 56 dBA, (3) daycare noise at 73.5 dBA, and (4) traffic noise at 72.5 dBA. Reaction time and the proportion of correct answers in the working tasks were used as outcome measures of cognitive performance. The Borg CR-10 scale was used to assess PD.Data Collection and Analysis: Data collection occurred on two separate sessions, completed within 4 wk of each other. All tasks and experimental conditions were used in a counterbalanced order. Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was performed to analyze the results. To examine interaction effects, pairwise t-tests were used. Pearson correlation coefficients between reaction time and proportion of correct answers, and cognitive performance and PD were also calculated to examine the possible correlation between the different variables.Results: No significant between-group or within-group differences in cognitive performance were observed across the four background conditions. Ratings of PD showed that both groups rated PD according to noise level, where higher noise level generated a higher PD. The present findings also demonstrated that the group with HI was more disturbed by higher than lower levels of noise (i.e., traffic and daycare setting compared with office setting). This pattern was observed consistently throughout four working tasks where the group with HI reported a significantly greater PD in the daycare and traffic settings compared with office noise.Conclusions: The present results demonstrate that background noise does not impair cognitive performance in nonauditory tasks in employees with HI and normal hearing, but that PD is affected to a greater extent in employees with HI during higher levels of background noise exposure. In addition, this study also supports previous studies regarding the detrimental effects that high-level noise has on employees with HI. Therefore, we emphasize the need of both self-rated and cognitive measurements in hearing care and occupational health services for both employees with normal hearing and HI.
3.
Ahlander, Britt-Marie, 1954-, et al.
(author)
Development and validation of a questionnaire evaluating patient anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging : the Magnetic Resonance Imaging- Anxiety Questionnaire (MRI-AQ)
2016
In: Journal of Advanced Nursing. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0309-2402 .- 1365-2648. ; 72:6, s. 1368-1380
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
Aim: To develop and validate a new instrument measuring patient anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging examinations, Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Anxiety Questionnaire.Background: Questionnaires measuring patients’ anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging examinations have been the same as used in a wide range of conditions. To learn about patients’ experience during examination and to evaluate interventions, a specific questionnaire measuring patient anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging is needed.Design: Psychometric cross-sectional study with test-retest design.Methods: A new questionnaire, Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Anxiety Questionnaire, was designed from patient expressions of anxiety in Magnetic Resonance Imagingscanners. The sample was recruited between October 2012–October 2014. Factor structure was evaluated with exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha. Criterion-related validity, known-group validity and test-retest was calculated.Results: Patients referred for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of either the spine or the heart, were invited to participate. The development and validation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Anxiety Questionnaire resulted in 15 items consisting of two factors. Cronbach’s alpha was found to be high. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Anxiety Questionnaire correlated higher with instruments measuring anxiety than with depression scales. Known-group validity demonstrated a higher level of anxiety for patients undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan of the heart than for those examining the spine. Test-retest reliability demonstrated acceptable level for the scale.Conclusion: Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Anxiety Questionnaire bridges a gap among existing questionnaires, making it a simple and useful tool for measuring patient anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging examinations.
4.
5.
Ahlsson, Anders, 1962-
(author)
Rädda synen på Bach
2014
In: Läkartidningen. - 0023-7205 .- 1652-7518. ; 111:3-4, s. 100-1
Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)
6.
Ahmad, I., et al.
(author)
Validity of diagnoses, treatment dates, and rating scales in the Swedish national quality register for electroconvulsive therapy
2022
In: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0803-9488 .- 1502-4725. ; 76:2, s. 96-103
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
Background The Swedish national quality register for electroconvulsive therapy (Q-ECT) contains data on patients receiving treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Sweden. Aim This study determined the validity of diagnoses, treatment dates, and rating scales in the Q-ECT by investigating the degree of accordance between data from the Q-ECT and patient records. Materials and methods From January 2016 to December 2017, 200 treatment series were randomly selected from the Q-ECT. The corresponding patient records were requested from the treating hospitals. Data on the indicative diagnosis, dates for the first and the last ECT session, and rating scales were compared between the Q-ECT and patient records using (i) a strict and (ii) a liberal method of assessment. Using the liberal method, each variable was assessed as accordant if it belonged to the same diagnosis group, or if the dates differed by less than 1 week, or ratings differed by only 1 point on the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI- S), or no more than 3 points on the Montgomery angstrom sberg Depression Rating Scale between the Q-ECT and the patient record. Results A total of 179 patient records were received. The strict method of assessment showed an accordance of 89% or higher for all studied variables. The liberal method showed an accordance of 95% or higher. Conclusions We conclude that data on the studied variables in the Q-ECT have high validity. However, limited use of some rating scales makes the results uncertain. Measures can be taken to further improve the data quality.
7.
Algharbi, Muteb, et al.
(author)
Do Different Maxillary Expansion Appliances Influence the Outcomes of the Treatment?
2018
In: European Journal of Orthodontics. - : Oxford University Press. - 0141-5387 .- 1460-2210. ; 40:1, s. 97-106
Research review (peer-reviewed) abstract
Background and objectives: There is no consensus in the literature regarding which rapid maxillary expansion (RME) design or activation rate benefits the patients the most. Therefore, the primary aim of this systematic review was to see whether there is a difference in the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of different RME appliances in children and growing adolescents. The secondary aim was to see whether these effects are different when using different activation protocols for these appliances. Data collection and analysis: The search was done in three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science). The following inclusion criteria were used: randomized controlled trial, prospective controlled studies, 15 or more patients in each study, human subjects up to 18 years of age, and RME effects had to be assessed by computed tomography/cone beam computed tomography. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: Quality of the methodology was classified according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines as high, moderate, or low. Results: The search resulted in 145 titles and abstracts; 109 of them were excluded based on pre-established criteria. Thirty-six full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 18 of which satisfied the inclusion criteria. Finally, seven articles were deemed eligible for full inclusion and revealed that all appliances and protocols showed significant expansion in the mid-palatal suture. No evidence was found for the cause of dental tipping. Limitations: In this systematic review, having different age groups in each study and using different anatomical landmarks and outcome measures for assessing the skeletal and dental effects made it difficult to conduct a meta-analysis. Conclusions: There is moderate evidence that all designs produce significant expansion at the mid-palatal suture. However, lack of studies comparing appliances and protocols has been found. Finally, no evidence-based conclusions could be drawn about the appliance effect on teeth tipping.
8.
Alm, Fredrik, 1983-, et al.
(author)
Improving pain management after pediatric tonsil surgery – an ongoing project
2018
Conference paper (peer-reviewed) abstract
The National Tonsil Surgery Register in Sweden collects perioperative data from health care professionals and patient reported outcome measures 30 days and 6 months after surgery. Since 2009, patient-reported outcome measures, include questions related to pain.Objective: To illustrate the process of improvements, efforts, and the use of a quality register in pain, and pain management after tonsil surgery in Sweden.Method: Quantitative and qualitative research.Results: Registry data indicated unrelieved postoperative pain with a high proportion of health care contacts. This resulted in the implementation of the Swedish National Guidelines (2013), and patient information published on the website www.tonsilloperation.se. The guidelines recommend multimodal pain treatment with paracetamol combined with COX-inhibitors, and if necessary, oral clonidine rather than opioids as rescue analgesics. A national survey (2015) showed that Swedish ENT-professionals’ opinions of, and the ENT-departments adherence to the guidelines were good. According to the national registry data (2017), the implementation has resulted in longer use of post-operative analgesic and fewer contacts with healthcare. Simultaneously, registry data showed that operating methods and techniques, age, and indication for surgery affect the pain outcome. Results from age-oriented pain diaries and qualitative interviews (2017-2018) capture the children’s and caregivers’ perspectives on pain, and pain treatment. Preliminary results show that type of pain treatment affects the quality of the postoperative care and recovery.Conclusion: Pain management after tonsil surgery has been, and still is, a challenge for ENT-professionals and constant improvements are necessary.
9.
Alm, Fredrik, 1983-, et al.
(author)
Patient reported outcome of pain after tonsil surgery : An analysis of 32,225 children from the National Tonsil Surgery Register in Sweden 2009-2016
2017
Conference paper (peer-reviewed) abstract
The objective of this register study was to explore factors affecting pain after pediatric tonsil surgery, using patient-reported outcomes from questionnaires in the National Tonsil Surgery Registry in Sweden, 30 days after surgery.Material and method: A total of 32,225 tonsil surgeries on children (aged 1-18 years) during 2009-2016 were included; 13,904 tonsillectomies with or without adenoidectomy (TE±A) and 18,321 tonsillotomies with or without adenoidectomy (TT±A). Pain was evaluated by using patient-reported outcomes from questionnaires in the National Tonsil Surgery Registry in Sweden, 30 days after surgery. Results: In surgery cases of indication obstruction, the TT±A stopped taking painkillers and returned to normal eating habits sooner, and had less contact with health care services due to pain, compared to TE±A. After TE±A, the indication infection group had more days on analgesics and more contacts with health care services due to pain, compared to the indication obstruction group. TE±A with cold-dissection technique resulted in fewer days on painkillers compared to warm-technique, and reduced the number of contacts with health care services due to pain. Older children were affected by more days of morbidity than the younger ones, but there was no gender difference after adjustment for age, dissection technique and hemostasis technique. Implementation of national guidelines for pain treatment (2013) and patient information on the website tonsilloperation.se seems to have increased the days on analgesics after surgery.Conclusion: Pain after tonsil surgery depends on the surgical procedure and technique, as well as factors such as the patient’s age and surgical indication.
10.
Andersson, Gerhard, et al.
(author)
A 3.5-year follow-up of Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for major depression
2013
In: Journal of Mental Health. - London, UK : Informa Healthcare. - 0963-8237 .- 1360-0567. ; 22:2, s. 155-164
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
BackgroundInternet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) for major depression has been tested in several trials, but only with follow-ups up to 1.5 years.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of ICBT 3.5 years after treatment completion.MethodsA total of 88 people with major depression were randomized to either guided self-help or e-mail therapy in the original trial. One-third was initially on a waiting-list. Treatment was provided for eight weeks and in this report long-term follow-up data were collected. Also included were data from post-treatment and six-month follow-up. A total of 58% (51/88) completed the 3.5-year follow-up. Analyses were performed using a random effects repeated measures piecewise growth model to estimate trajectory shape over time and account for missing data.ResultsResults showed continued lowered scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). No differences were found between the treatment conditions. A large proportion of participants (55%) had sought and received additional treatments in the follow-up period. A majority (56.9%) of participants had a BDI score lower than 10 at the 3.5-year follow-up.ConclusionsPeople with mild to moderate major depression may benefit from ICBT 3.5-years after treatment completion.
