Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Research Articles

An Observational Cohort Study of the Role of Level of Effort in Post-Acute Brain Injury Rehabilitation

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of participant level of effort (LoE) on outcome in post-acute brain injury rehabilitation with the hypothesis that greater effort is associated with more positive outcomes. DesignObservational cohort study. SettingComprehensive integrated rehabilitation program for brain injury within a skilled nursing facility. ParticipantsConsecutive admissions with acquired brain injury (N=101). InterventionsIndividualized interdisciplinary brain injury rehabilitation; therapist rating of participant LoE with Acquired Brain Injury LoE Scale (ABI-LoES) during physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology sessions. Main Outcome MeasuresMayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory, fourth edition (MPAI-4); Supervision Rating Scale (SRS). ResultsLinear regression showed that discharge MPAI-4 Total T scores were significantly associated with mean ABI-LoES rating, admission MPAI-4 Total T scores, age at admission, and days from injury but not with standard deviation of ABI-LoES rating, sex, injury type, length of stay, or treatment before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discharge SRS scores were significantly associated with mean ABI-LoES rating, admission SRS scores, and age. A 1-unit increase in mean ABI-LoES rating was associated with 5.1-unit lower discharge MPAI-4 Total T scores and 1.5 lower discharge SRS scores, after controlling for other variables. Logistic regression showed that the odds of achieving a minimal clinically important difference on the MPAI-4 were 8.34 times higher with each 1-unit increase in mean ABI-LoES rating after controlling for other variables. Admission MPAI-4 was negatively associated with mean ABI-LoES rating (β=−0.07, t=−8.85, P<.0001). ConclusionsAfter controlling for nonmodifiable variables, average ABI-LoES rating is positively associated with outcome. Initial level of disability is negatively associated with mean ABI-LoES rating.

Fächerübergreifende psychokardiologische Rehabilitation: vom Modellprojekt zur Blaupause des dualen Rehabilitationskonzeptes – von Erfahrungswerten zu wissenschaftlichen Daten

The development and course of heart disease can be decisively influenced by psychological comorbidities (especially depression, anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder). An acute or chronic cardiological disease can in turn trigger or exacerbate mental disorders. These relationships are of considerable importance for cardiac rehabilitation, since psychological comorbidities often limit activity and participation more than organic heart disease. In monodisciplinary rehabilitation procedures (cardiological or psychosomatic), however, in the case of comorbidity, one clinical picture cannot be adequately treated and assessed by socio-medical experts. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation concepts are required here.In the first part of this article, the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary psychocardiological rehabilitation concept from the model phase to the establishment and expansion to other disciplines as well as the first research results are described. After initial positive evaluation data and good acceptance by the rehabilitants, the German Pension Insurance (DRV) is expanding the concept to other specialist areas under the name "dual rehabilitation" in order to promote interdisciplinary cooperation in the case of psychological and somatic comorbidity.In the second part of the work, the concept and first data from the controlled EvaPK study (Evaluation of the effectiveness of psychocardiological rehabilitation) funded by the DRV Bund are presented. These show that the comorbid patients are particularly stressed in terms of activity and participation (recorded in the Mini-ICF-APP-S) and that psychocardiological rehabilitation is also effective in this highly stressed group. However, the evaluations of the catamnesis and the cardiac function parameters are still missing.Both the pilot study and the first data from the EvaPK study show that psychocardiological rehabilitation meets the needs of comorbid patients and is well accepted by them. However, successful psychocardiological rehabilitation according to the concept presented here requires higher personnel costs and intensive, equal cooperation. Further research on this is necessary.

Study protocol of a non-randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of the F@ce 2.0 programme: a person-centred, ICT-supported and interdisciplinary rehabilitation intervention after stroke

IntroductionKnowledge is missing on use of information and communication technology (ICT), for example, mobile phones/tablets in rehabilitation after stroke. F@ce 2.0 is a person-centred, interdisciplinary intervention supported by ICT. The...

Do rehabilitation patients with chronic low back pain meet World Health Organisation's recommended physical activity levels?

PurposePrimary: to analyse the time that patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) admitted to pain rehabilitation spent on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and compare this to the WHO recommendations. Secondary: to explore factors that might differentiate between those who do and do not meet the recommendations. Materials and methodsA Cross-sectional study embedded in secondary interdisciplinary rehabilitation of adults with CLBP. PA was measured with a tri-axial accelerometer for 1 week during admission phase. Time spent in each PA level was calculated. MVPA was also analysed in ≥10 min bouts. ResultsComplete datasets of 4–6 days recorded accelerometery of n = 46 patients were analysed. Time spent in MVPA was on average 6.0% per day. MVPA per day in ≥10-min bouts occurred on average 0.8 times per day (sd = 0.9; min-max 0–4). Percentage of patients meeting the recommended level of MVPA was 21.7% (10/46) and 84.8% (39/46) for the 2010 and 2020 recommendations, respectively. Most demographic and clinical variables did not seem to differentiate between those who met the WHO recommendations, and those who did not. ConclusionThe minority of the patients (22%) met the WHO recommended MVPA level of 2010. The more lenient recommendation of 2020 was met by 85%.

Profiles of Pain Acceptance and Values-Based Action in the Assessment and Treatment of Chronic Pain

Pain acceptance and values-based action are relevant to treatment outcomes in those with chronic pain. It is unclear if patterns of responding in these 2 behavioral processes can be used to classify patients into distinct classes at treatment onset and used to predict treatment response. This observational cohort study had 2 distinct goals. First, it sought to classify patients at assessment based on pain acceptance and values-based action (N = 1746). Second, it sought to examine treatment outcomes based on class membership in a sub-set of patients completing an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain (N = 343). Latent profile analysis was used in the larger sample to identify 3 distinct patient classes: low acceptance and values-based (AV) action (Low AV; n = 424), moderate acceptance and values-based action (Moderate AV; n = 983) and high acceptance and values-based action (High AV; n = 339). In the smaller treated sample, participants in the Low AV and Moderate AV class demonstrated improvements across all outcome variables, whereas those in the High AV class did not. These findings support the role of pain acceptance and values-based action in those with chronic pain. PerspectiveIndividuals with chronic pain can be classified with respect to pain acceptance and values-based action and these groups may respond differently to treatment.

The Effects of an Intensive Rehabilitation Program on the Nutritional and Functional Status of Post-COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients.

Most hospitalized COVID-19 pneumonia patients are older adults and/or have nutrition-related issues. Many are bedridden in intensive care units (ICU), a well-documented cause of malnutrition, muscle wasting, and functional impairment. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of an intensive rehabilitation program over the nutritional/functional status of patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia. Post-COVID-19 pneumonia patients underwent a 30-day intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation program including a personalized nutritional intervention designed to achieve a minimum intake of 30 kcal/kg/day and 1 g protein/kg/day. The nutritional and functional status was assessed in each patient at three different moments. Each assessment included Body Mass Index (BMI), Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), Mid Arm Muscle Circumference (MAMC), Tricipital Skinfold (TSF), Hand Grip Strength (HGS), and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®). The study included 118 patients, with ages in the range 41–90 years old. BMI increased linearly over time (0.642 units, F-test = 26.458, p < 0.001). MUAC (0.322 units, F-test = 0.515, p = 0.474) and MAMC status (F-test = 1.089, p = 0.299) improved slightly, whereas TSF decreased (F-test = 1.885, p = 0.172), but all these arm anthropometry trends did not show significant variations, while HGS (4.131 units, F-test = 82.540, p < 0.001) and MNA® (1.483 units, F-test = 217.726, p < 0.001) reported a meaningful improvement. Post-COVID-19 pneumonia patients presented malnutrition and functional impairment. An interdisciplinary rehabilitation program, including personalized nutritional intervention, was effective for post-hospital COVID-19 pneumonia nutritional/functional rehabilitation.

How to strengthen the RTW process and collaboration between patients with chronic pain and their employers in interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs? Patients’ experiences of the Demand and Ability Protocol

Purpose To explore how patients who participate in an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program (IPRP) experience a three-party meeting based on the Demand and Ability Protocol (DAP) to assist in return to work (RTW). The DAP is a employee and his/her immediate manager under the guidance of medical staff with knowledge of the patient’s work requirements and his/her current functional ability. Materials and methods Data included 18 semi structured individual interviews with persons having chronic pain, who participated in a DAP-dialogue during their IPRP. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Four themes were identified: A structured dialogue facilitated new insights; the dialogue enabled employer participation; the facilitator enabled experiences of feeling safe during the dialogue; and the dialogue created a link between rehabilitation and work. Conclusions The DAP dialogue was experienced as a supportive measure for RTW where the employer naturally participated in IPRP. The structure of the dialogue supported concrete planning for workplace adaptations. Furthermore, the dialogue enabled a connection between rehabilitation and the activity of work in everyday life. The results reinforce the importance of including efforts close to the workplace in IPRP in order to facilitate rehabilitation outcomes related to RTW. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION A structured collaboration and dialogue between the employee, employer, and rehabilitation supports the RTW process. Collaboration between stakeholders is important and should be intertwined in IPRP to jointly facilitate the employee’s RTW. Clarifying the work demands provides motivation for the RTW process. Healthcare professionals should collaborate with the workplace to promote employer participation.

Implementing Team-Based Post-Stroke Telerehabilitation: A Case Example.

Access to extensive, interdisciplinary rehabilitation following stroke is necessary to optimize recovery. Telerehabilitation is an appropriate model for delivering these services. However, given its relatively recent increase in popularity as a service delivery model, researchers have yet to explore the feasibility of interprofessional coordination and collaboration as a guiding framework for telerehabilitation and the effects of team-based remote service delivery on recovery of body functions and activities. This case example reports the development, implementation, and progression of a post-acute treatment program delivered via telerehabilitation to a woman with left hemorrhagic stroke. As is typical, therapy time alone afforded insufficient practice to exploit neuroplasticity and ensure maintenance and generalization of improved functioning; hence, the team worked collaboratively to encourage interdisciplinary activities outside scheduled treatment sessions. Standardized and informal assessments administered at the start and conclusion of treatment confirmed improved functioning as did the client's progress toward independent living and return to work. Implications for telerehabilitation practices are discussed.

0558 Emergence of Restless Legs Syndrome During Opioid Withdrawal

Abstract Introduction Discontinuation of opioid medications may be associated with emergence of restless legs syndrome (RLS), which may complicate opioid withdrawal. However, this has not been systematically studied. We aimed to prospectively determine the frequency of the occurrence and severity of RLS symptoms in patients undergoing physician supervised opioid tapering during a 3-week interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program. Methods Adult patients undergoing prescription opioid taper were prospectively recruited during their participation in the Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Center from 2016 to 2021. Subjects completed the Cambridge-Hopkins RLS Questionnaire 13 and International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale (IRLS) at baseline, midpoint, and dismissal from the program as well as 2 weeks, 1 and 3 months after dismissal from the program. Results 101 patients participated with 61% being female taking a mean morphine equivalent dose of 46.6 ± 49.0 mg. Baseline prevalence of RLS symptoms was 29% (29/101), increasing to 32% (32/101) at midpoint of treatment and further to 35% (34/97) at dismissal from the program. Frequency of RLS symptoms peaked 2 weeks after dismissal at 38% (30/78) and steadily declined to 35% (28/80) and 31% (21/68) at 1 month and 3 months after dismissal, respectively. Thirty-five percent of patients without baseline RLS symptoms reported de novo RLS symptoms at some point during their opioid taper. RLS severity score followed a similar trend as the presence of symptoms with a baseline of 16.6 ± 10.0. RLS severity score was maximum at 19.1 ± 7.3 one month following dismissal and decreased but remained elevated above baseline at 3 months following dismissal. Conclusion Symptoms of RLS occurred in over a third of patients on chronic opioids and increased during opioid withdrawal, appearing to peak in frequency and severity 2-4 weeks after discontinuation and gradually improved 3 months after discontinuation. Over one-third of patients in our cohort developed de novo symptoms of RLS at some point during their opioid withdrawal. Physicians supervising individuals undergoing opioid withdrawal should be aware of the potential development of RLS symptoms which may hinder successful opioid withdrawal. Support (If Any)

Interdisciplinary prosthetic rehabilitation following bilateral maxillectomy with total upper lip and unilateral zygoma resection: A clinical report

This clinical report describes the design and fabrication of an implant-retained and soft-tissue-supported obturator prosthesis and a magnetic retained midfacial prosthesis for a patient with a midfacial defect following bilateral total maxillectomy, removal of the left zygoma, and excision of the entire upper lip. The patient underwent multiple head and neck surgeries for 4 separate primary oral cancers, 1 recurrence, and 1 pulmonary metastasis. The definitive obturator prosthesis was retained by 1 zygomatic implant with soft-tissue support and retention. The midfacial prosthesis was attached to the obturator prosthesis with magnets, improving appearance and the recovery of significant aspects of the patient’s speech and swallowing. Some improvement in mastication was observed.

Older adults' perspectives on rehabilitation and recovery one year after a hip fracture – a qualitative study

BackgroundIn order to improve quality of care and recovery after hip fracture we need to include the perspectives of the individual older adults when evaluating different rehabilitation interventions. The aim of this study was therefore to explore older adults’ experiences of their rehabilitation after a hip fracture and of the recovery process during the 12 months following the fracture.MethodsQualitative interviews were conducted with 20 older adults (70–91 years of age) who had participated in a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effects of early discharge followed by geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation compared to in-hospital care according to a multifactorial rehabilitation program. Ten participants from each group were interviewed shortly after the one-year follow-up when the study was completed. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe analysis resulted in four themes: Moving towards recovery with the help of others; Getting to know a new me; Striving for independence despite obstacles; and Adapting to an altered but acceptable life. The participants emphasised the importance of having access to rehabilitation that was provided by skilled staff, and support from family members and friends for well-being and recovery. They experienced a change in their self-image but strove for independence despite struggling with complications and functional limitations and used adaptive strategies to find contentment in their lives.ConclusionsRehabilitation interventions provided by competent health care professionals, as well as support from family members and friends, were emphasised as crucial for satisfactory recovery. Participants’ experiences further highlight the importance of targeting both physical and psychological impacts after a hip fracture. To improve recovery, rehabilitation providers should customise future interventions to suit each individual´s wishes and needs and provide rehabilitation in various settings throughout the recovery process.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at Current Controlled Trials Ltd, ICRCTN 15738119. Date of registration 16/06/2008, retrospectively registered.

“It gave her that soft landing”: Consumer perspectives on a transitional rehabilitation service for adults with acquired brain injury

ABSTRACT Transitional rehabilitation service models for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) may address sub-optimal support for individuals returning home after hospitalization for ABI. This study investigated perspectives of people with ABI and close others who received transitional rehabilitation. A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 10 individuals with ABI and 12 associated close others was conducted as part of a mixed-method evaluation of an Australian transitional rehabilitation service (TRS) pilot project. Thematic analysis based on the Framework method was conducted independently by two researchers. Three broad themes illustrated participants’ experience of the TRS: (1) structure after hospital discharge; (2) a “soft landing”; and (3) equipped for community living. Findings suggest that home-based, interdisciplinary transitional rehabilitation after hospital discharge was perceived as an important stage of rehabilitation by participants. Valued features relate to post-hospital rehabilitation structure: a single point of contact to facilitate organization and information exchange, a known discharge destination, and consistent communication; support and therapy within a familiar home environment; and being equipped with relevant knowledge and strategies to manage ongoing challenges. Further research exploring the experiences of individuals with ABI without close family or social support, and research capturing longitudinal outcomes from transitional rehabilitation is recommended.

MP35-16 IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PELVIC AND GENITAL PAIN THROUGH AN INTERDISCIPLINARY PAIN REHABILITATION PROGRAM

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP35-16 IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PELVIC AND GENITAL PAIN THROUGH AN INTERDISCIPLINARY PAIN REHABILITATION PROGRAM Kevin Hanna, Matthew Ziegelmann, Hannah Betcher, Sevann Helo, Elizabeth Kacel, and Wesley Gilliam Kevin HannaKevin Hanna More articles by this author , Matthew ZiegelmannMatthew Ziegelmann More articles by this author , Hannah BetcherHannah Betcher More articles by this author , Sevann HeloSevann Helo More articles by this author , Elizabeth KacelElizabeth Kacel More articles by this author , and Wesley GilliamWesley Gilliam More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002589.16AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic pelvic and/or genital pain is a disabling condition and commonly associated with poor quality of life, impaired sexual function, and decreased productivity. METHODS: A series of within-subject ANOVAs (corrected for multiple comparisons) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of an Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Program (IPRP) on self-reported (pain severity, interference, depressive symptoms, quality of life) and observer-rated outcomes (5-minute walk) among 15 patients receiving care at the Mayo Clinic IPRP between 2016–2018. Additionally, opioid use of participants was assessed throughout the program via total daily Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME). RESULTS: Fifteen patients (5 male, 10 female) were identified. Mean age was 47.0 (range: 24–78) and primary diagnoses were pelvic pain (n=13) and penile pain (n=2). Significant within-subject effects were detected for all self-report outcomes and the 5-minute walk test (Table 1). Six patients were on opioid therapy (MME = 49 mg), and all but one successfully tapered off opioids. In the remaining patient, daily MME decreased from 150 mg to 30 mg (Figure 1). CONCLUSIONS: Intensive outpatient IPRP significantly improves quality of life for patients with treatment-refractory chronic pelvic and/or genital pain. These results support multi-disciplinary treatment paradigms for refractory urogenital pain. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e593 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Kevin Hanna More articles by this author Matthew Ziegelmann More articles by this author Hannah Betcher More articles by this author Sevann Helo More articles by this author Elizabeth Kacel More articles by this author Wesley Gilliam More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

An overview of post COVID sequelae.

After healing from COVID-19, patients often experience a slew of symptoms known as post COVID-19 sequelae. Despite the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is still ongoing, post-Covid-19 syndrome is already a difficult problem to address: long-term multiorgan sequelae, while frequently described, have yet to be systematized. As a result, post-Covid-19 syndrome can have a major influence on surviving patients' working capacity as well as their personal lives. The clinical spectrum and long-term course of this clinical entity must be better understood. Post-Covid syndrome affects a wide spectrum of individuals (16-87%), with pneumological and cognitive symptoms being the most common. Pulmonary fibrosis was the most common organic consequence seen in post-Covid patients. In conclusion, post-Covid-19 syndrome can have a major impact on the health of survivors. Working-age patients should seek rehabilitation and follow-up in interdisciplinary rehabilitation programmes. Given the pandemic's global extent, it's obvious that COVID-19-related healthcare demands will continue to climb for the foreseeable future. For COVID-19 survivors' long-term mental and physical health, present outpatient infrastructure will be utilised, scalable healthcare models will be built, and cross-disciplinary collaboration will be required.

En route to flourishing - a longitudinal mixed methods study of long-term unemployed citizens in an interdisciplinary rehabilitation program

BackgroundInterdisciplinary rehabilitation programmes (IRP) are used in municipality settings to assist unemployed citizens with complex health and/or life issues. Individually tailored IRP activities help people develop their personal working life skills and increase their chances of re-entering the work force. The aims of this paper were to describe citizens’ wellbeing in terms of health aspects, explore the impact of stressful life events on wellbeing and obtain understanding of how IRP activities affect the participants’ development towards future employment.MethodsA mixed methods exploratory approach has been used. For data collection a quantitative longitudinal survey (baseline and 1-year follow-up) and qualitative interviews were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis of survey data, while the data material from interviews was analysed using directed content analysis. Results were discussed with the theory of flourishing as a framework to develop understanding.ResultsAt baseline, 146 respondents (71% females) filled in the survey and seven participants were interviewed. The analysis of survey data and interviews revealed five themes: (1) Stressful life events, (2) Positive emotions - how IRP-activities positively impacted wellbeing and physical capacity, (3) Appreciation of engagement, (4) Relationships, and (5) Meaning and optimal functioning. Results showed that IRP participants from the outset experienced high general pain intensity as well as distress, anxiety and depression. Life events relating both to physical health and work life were significant for their wellbeing. IRP activities supported participants’ positive development towards future employment in ways that were specific to each individual.ConclusionsFrom this study it can be derived that participants’ development took place around self-acceptance, acceptance by others, physical capacity, psychological resources and capacity to balance engagement to cultivate the best version of themselves. In future programmes, it may be emphasized that participants’ interest may be an important driver for wellbeing and future employment.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02641704, date of registration December 29, 2015.

Effectiveness of the eVISualisation of physical activity and pain intervention (eVIS) in Swedish Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Programmes: study protocol for a registry-based randomised controlled clinical trial

IntroductionLiving with chronic pain often involves negative consequences. Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Programmes (IPRP) is considered superior to single-treatment measures in patients with chronic pain. Despite this, effects emerge suboptimal and...

Evidence-based digital support during 1 year after an Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Programme for persons with chronic musculoskeletal pain to facilitate a sustainable return to work: a study protocol for a registry-based multicentre randomised controlled trial

IntroductionChronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) severely affects the individual’s quality of life, functioning and ability to work, and comes with significant societal costs for sick leave and productivity loss. After rehabilitation,...

Outcomes for Chronic Pelvic and Genital Pain Using Through an Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Program

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic pelvic and/or genital pain is a disabling condition and commonly associated with poor quality of life, impaired sexual function and decreased productivity. Objective To examine treatment outcomes among a cohort of patients diagnosed with refractory pelvic and/or genital pain enrolled in a 3-week interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program (IPRP). Methods A series of with-in subjects ANOVAs (corrected for multiple comparisons) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of IPRP on self-report (pain severity, interference, depressive symptoms, quality of life) and observer-rated outcome (5 minute walk) among 15 treated patients receiving care at the Mayo Clinic IPRP between 2016-2018. Results Fifteen patients (5 male, 10 female) were identified. Mean age was 47.0 (range: 24-78) and primary diagnoses were pelvic pain (n=13) and penile pain (n=2). Significant within-subject effects were detected for all self-report outcomes and the 5-minute walk test (see table 1). Six patients were on opioid therapy (MME = 49mg), and all but one successfully tapered off opioids. In the remaining patient, daily MME decreased from 150 mg to 30 mg. Conclusions Intensive outpatient IPRP significantly improves quality of life for patients with treatment-refractory chronic pelvic and/or genital pain. These results support multi-disciplinary treatment paradigms for refractory urogenital pain. Disclosure No

White Paper - Improving the care of patients with impairments following sepsis and infections

Hundreds of thousands of individuals who experience lasting sequelae after sepsis and infections in Germany do not receive optimal care. In this White Paper we present measures for improvement, which were developed by a multidisciplinary expect panel as part of the SEPFROK project. Improved care rests on four pillars: 1. cross-sectoral assessment of sequelae and a structured discharge and transition management, 2. interdisciplinary rehabilitation and aftercare with structural support, 3. strengthening the specific health literacy of patients and families, and 4. increased research into causes, prevention and treatment of sequelae. To achieve this, appropriate cross-sectoral care structures and legal frameworks must be created.

Mediators of change in depressed mood following pain rehabilitation among participants with mild, moderate, or severe depressive symptoms

BackgroundPrior research indicates that depression and chronic pain commonly co-exist and impact each other. Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs (IPRPs) have been shown to lead to statistically and clinically significant improvements for patients who report both depressed mood and chronic pain, however there is a gap in the literature regarding the mechanisms by which these improvements occur. Methods.This two-site, distinct sample study (Study 1: N = 303, 10-week, individual format, ACT-based program; Study 2: N = 406, 3-week, group format, CBT-based program) evaluated mediators of treatment improvement in depressive symptoms among adult IPRP participants who reported elevated depressive symptoms at program admission and examined treatment mechanisms for depressive symptoms. ResultsSelf-reported pain self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing – particularly the helplessness domain - mediated the treatment-related change in depression among IPRP participants with elevated depressive symptoms across the two sites and samples. In one sample, full mediation was achieved while in the other sample, partial mediation was achieved. Participants in both samples showed improvement on all measures. LimitationsThis study relied on self-report measures of depressive severity and not clinical diagnosis. Results may not generalize to other populations of patients with chronic pain. There was no control condition in either study. ConclusionIncreasing pain self-efficacy and decreasing a sense of helplessness are important treatment targets among IPRP participants who endorse symptoms of depression.