Italian Survey Research Articles

The Italian Aphasia Awareness Survey (IAAS): an online questionnaire about the public knowledge of aphasia in Italy, informative findings

ABSTRACT Background: According to surveys conducted in several countries, public awareness and knowledge of aphasia are inadequately low. Persons with aphasia appoint this fact as a relevant environmental barrier. Aims: The present inquiry aims at analyzing the status of awareness and knowledge about aphasia in Italy. Methods & Procedures: An original questionnaire was distributed online through a snowball sampling method on the Italian adult population. Respondents were asked if they had heard of the term “aphasia” and subsequently tested on its definition and clinical characteristics. Similar questions regarding “celiac disease” and “Down syndrome” were asked for comparison. Demographic data and information about the source of knowledge were also recorded. Outcomes & Results: Considering 2172 respondents, 62.4% had heard of aphasia, 58.2% showed definition knowledge while 4.6% complete general knowledge. These rates were lower than those for the other medical conditions. Older age, female gender, higher education, and being a health professional were significantly associated with awareness. The questionnaire highlighted poor knowledge about the social and functional consequences of aphasia. Conclusions: Overall, the rates of aphasia awareness and knowledge were low. Despite health professionals performed better, the level of general knowledge was also poor among these respondents. These preliminary data set the need for further inquiries, undertaking appropriate methodological ameliorations.

How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Effect Dental Patients? An Italian Observational Survey Study.

The primary aim of this observational survey study was to assess patients’ attitudes toward clinical dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic; the secondary aim was to evaluate patients’ attitudes towards oral health by maintaining an appropriate lifestyle and oral hygiene at home. The questionnaire was developed using Google Forms. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: Part A—geographic, demographic, and personal data; Part B—patients’ attitude toward oral health selfcare and lifestyle; Part C—patients’ attitude toward dental practice. This survey, conducted during the months of November and December 2020, enrolled 1135 subjects throughout Italy. All data were statistically analyzed. COVID-19 has changed patients’ approach to dental procedures. Most of the people interviewed lived in families, and their greatest fear was infecting a family member. Restrictive measures forced people to stay at home, which led to an increased consumption of various types of food, including cariogenic foods. People said they felt safe when they went to the dentist, but they also paid special attention to measures to prevent contagion. Among the measures that should be introduced in similar situations in the future, people wanted telemedicine, a phone recall, and the possible use of video clips for home oral care instructions.

465 Unmasking the prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis in the real world: first insights from the phase 2 of active study, an Italian nationwide survey

Abstract Aims Clinicians needs to identify patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) at an early stage, due to the availability of disease modifying therapies. Some echocardiographic findings may rise the suspicion of CA, also in patients with mild or no symptoms, addressing second level diagnostic tests. To investigate the prevalence of CA in consecutive patients ≥55 years undergoing clinically indicated, routine transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in Italy with echocardiographic signs suggestive of CA. Methods and results This is a prospective multicentric study conducted in Italy. It comprises two phases: 1) an observational phase consisting in a national survey on prevalence of possible echocardiographic red flags of CA in consecutive patients ≥55 years undergoing routine TTE (previously published) and 2) a CA diagnostic phase. Preliminary results of phase 2 are herein presented. Patients that in the phase 1 presented a CA-suggestive TTE (i.e. at least one red flag of CA in hypertrophic, non-dilated left ventricles) were re-evaluated for a cardiological visit. Those who consented to proceed in the study, underwent clinical evaluation, blood and urine tests and scintigraphy with bone tracer. Diagnosis of transthyretin related-CA (TTR-CA) was made in presence of Grades 2–3 Perugini uptake at scintigraphy and absence of monoclonal protein. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT04738266). Of the 5315 screened echocardiograms, 381 exams (7.2%) were classified as AC-suggestive. Two-hundred-twelve of the 381 patients with a CA-suggestive TTE underwent phase 2 study. Main reasons for the 169 non-entering patients into the phase 2 were death (n = 53) and refusal to participate (n = 85). Sixty-five of these 212 patients (31%; 17% considering also the 169 non-entering patients into the phase 2) had a diagnosis of CA. Finally, TTR-CA was diagnosed in 53 (25%) and AL-CA in 12 (5.7%) patients. Conclusions Among a cohort of consecutive unselected patients ≥55 years with echocardiographic findings suggestive of CA, the real prevalence of CA ranged from 17 up to 31%. Although TTR-CA was predominant, AL-CA was diagnosed in a significant amount of cases. TTE has a fundamental role in screening patients, raising the suspicion of CA and orienting diagnostic work-up for CA.

P141 - Dosimetry in nuclear medicine for therapy optimization and exposure verification: the Italian survey

P141 - Dosimetry in nuclear medicine for therapy optimization and exposure verification: the Italian survey

P.0813 Digital Psychiatry in the COVID-19 era: the first Italian cross-sectional survey

P.0813 Digital Psychiatry in the COVID-19 era: the first Italian cross-sectional survey

Italian national dietary survey on children population from three months up to nine years old – IV SCAI CHILD

This final scientific report under the EFSA contract OC/EFSA/DATA/2014/02-LOT1-CT03 aims to describe the activities performed to design, prepare, pilot, implement the national food consumption survey on Italian children from three months up to nine years old. The report highlights the adaptation according to the EFSA “Guidance on the EU Menu methodology” on the dietary assessment method (food diary), sample selection, dietary software (Foodsoft 1.0), food description, food classification (FoodEx2 system) and data transfer. The IV SCAI – CHILD has started on 9th December 2014 when the contract between CREA and EFSA was signed. 825 parents/caregivers accepted to participate in the survey. The sample was representative of the whole national territory and four main geographical Nielsen -areas (North West, North East, Centre, South & Islands). Subjects were recruited in the 2017-2020 period, reaching the 44% response rate according to the ratio between the number of recruited and the number of contacted individuals. Infants (< 1 years old), toddlers (1-2 years old), children (3-9 years old) were the age classes covered. Τhe collection of food consumption was carried out through two food diaries and the time interval between these was at least 15 days. The whole study was embedded in a training course path divided in different phases. Each phase of the course path led to select fieldworkers that attended the final on-the-job course within which data were collected. The adopted approach allowed for training and standardizing on a continuous basis the personnel and selecting a representative group of medical doctors, nutritionists, and dietitians covering the whole territory.

Italian national dietary survey on children population from three months up to nine years old – IV SCAI CHILD

This final scientific report under the EFSA contract OC/EFSA/DATA/2014/02-LOT1-CT03 aims to describe the activities performed to design, prepare, pilot, implement the national food consumption survey on Italian children from three months up to nine years old. The report highlights the adaptation according to the EFSA “Guidance on the EU Menu methodology” on the dietary assessment method (food diary), sample selection, dietary software (Foodsoft 1.0), food description, food classification (FoodEx2 system) and data transfer. The IV SCAI – CHILD has started on 9th December 2014 when the contract between CREA and EFSA was signed. 825 parents/caregivers accepted to participate in the survey. The sample was representative of the whole national territory and four main geographical Nielsen -areas (North West, North East, Centre, South & Islands). Subjects were recruited in the 2017-2020 period, reaching the 44% response rate according to the ratio between the number of recruited and the number of contacted individuals. Infants (< 1 years old), toddlers (1-2 years old), children (3-9 years old) were the age classes covered. Τhe collection of food consumption was carried out through two food diaries and the time interval between these was at least 15 days. The whole study was embedded in a training course path divided in different phases. Each phase of the course path led to select fieldworkers that attended the final on-the-job course within which data were collected. The adopted approach allowed for training and standardizing on a continuous basis the personnel and selecting a representative group of medical doctors, nutritionists, and dietitians covering the whole territory.

Family networks and refugees’ health conditions. A picture from Italian informal settlements

While the relationships between social networks and health are widely acknowledged in the literature, few of these studies have covered the population of refugees living in makeshift camps. In our analysis of a nationally representative Italian survey of individuals living in informal settlements, we find that many had weak family relations: only 10 per cent had one or more family members in their settlement. The paper analyses the effects of individual social network on two measures of health, and finds that the refugees’ health conditions were associated with both their personal characteristics and the characteristics of the settlement. The results show that more than 50 per cent of these foreign nationals recently had health problems, and that those with no family members in the settlement had significantly higher chances of both being in bad or very bad health and having experienced a health problem in the last month.

Level of Diffusion and Training of Lung Ultrasound during the COVID-19 Pandemic - A National Online Italian Survey (ITALUS) from the Lung Ultrasound Working Group of the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation, and Intensive Care (SIAARTI).

Purpose The goal of this survey was to describe the use and diffusion of lung ultrasound (LUS), the level of training received before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the clinical impact LUS has had on COVID-19 cases in intensive care units (ICU) from February 2020 to May 2020. Materials and Methods The Italian Lung Ultrasound Survey (ITALUS) was a nationwide online survey proposed to Italian anesthesiologists and intensive care physicians carried out after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. It consisted of 27 questions, both quantitative and qualitative. Results 807 responded to the survey. The median previous LUS experience was 3 years (IQR 1.0–6.0). 473 (60.9 %) reported having attended at least one training course on LUS before the COVID-19 pandemic. 519 (73.9 %) reported knowing how to use the LUS score. 404 (52 %) reported being able to use LUS without any supervision. 479 (68.2 %) said that LUS influenced their clinical decision-making, mostly with respect to patient monitoring. During the pandemic, the median of patients daily evaluated with LUS increased 3-fold (p < 0.001), daily use of general LUS increased from 10.4 % to 28.9 % (p < 0.001), and the daily use of LUS score in particular increased from 1.6 % to 9.0 % (p < 0.001). Conclusion This survey showed that LUS was already extensively used during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic by anesthesiologists and intensive care physicians in Italy, and then its adoption increased further. Residency programs are already progressively implementing LUS teaching. However, 76.7 % of the sample did not undertake any LUS certification.

The Practice of Deep Sedation in Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing Laboratories: Results of an Italian Survey Promoted by the AIAC (Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing).

The aim of this survey, which was open to all Italian cardiologists involved in arrhythmia, was to assess common practice regarding sedation and analgesia in interventional electrophysiology procedures in Italy. The survey consisted of 28 questions regarding the approach to sedation used for elective direct-current cardioversion (DCC), subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation, atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation, and transvenous lead extraction procedures. A total of 105 cardiologists from 92 Italian centres took part in the survey. The rate of centres where DCC, S-ICD implantation, AF ablation, VT ablation and lead extraction procedures were performed without anaesthesiologic assistance was 60.9%, 23.6%, 51.2%, 37.3%, and 66.7%, respectively. When these procedures were performed without anaesthesiologic assistance, the drugs (in addition to local anaesthetics) commonly administered were benzodiazepines (from 64.3% to 79.6%), opioids (from 74.4% to 88.1%), and general anaesthetics (from 7.1% to 30.4%). Twenty-three (21.9%) of the 105 cardiologists declared that they routinely administered propofol, without the supervision of an anaesthesiologist, in at least one of the above-mentioned procedures. In current Italian clinical practice, there is a lack of uniformity in the sedation/analgesia approach used in interventional electrophysiology procedures.

Agreements and controversies of national guidelines for bronchiolitis: Results from an Italian survey.

IntroductionSignificant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, in parallel, to recommend a univocal clinical approach is challenging and still questioned. This study is aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of bronchiolitis in children adopted by Italian pediatricians following the national guidelines.Material and MethodsA survey study was designed and carried out by sending an email an open‐ended questionnaire developed by an expert panel of the Scientific Board of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP). Questions were designed according to the national intersociety consensus document on treatment and prevention of bronchiolitis in newborns and infants.ResultsOverall, 234 pediatricians were taking part in the study. When diagnosing bronchiolitis, only 44.01% (103/234) of participants correctly followed the national guidelines. All participants (100%) would perform laboratory tests and/or radiological exams. 44.01% administered oxygen (O2) when O2 saturation was minor than 92%. About the therapeutic regimen, marked discrepancies between national guidelines and recorded answers were reported. Indications for hospital admission and discharge criteria were in line with the national guidelines.ConclusionsThere is a significant practice variation in the management of acute bronchiolitis among Italian physicians. Some wrong attitudes need to be further discouraged, such use of diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches. Further research is urgently required to define the best management of patients with bronchiolitis and implement strategies to standardize care and improve the quality of care.

Lumen-apposing metal stents: How far are we from standardization? An Italian survey.

Background and Objectives:EUS-guided transluminal drainage has increasingly developed, especially after the era of lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS): a fully covered, barbell-shaped, metal stent with anti-migratory properties allowing direct therapeutic interventions through a wide and short channel. The aim of this survey is to investigate the current management of patients undergoing LAMS placement nationwide.Materials and Methods:Forty-eight questions were submitted to Italian centers about expertise, peri- and intra-procedural aspects, budget/refund, and future perspectives. Statistical analyzer was SPSS®.Results:Thirty-six centers completed the survey. Indications for LAMS positioning are pancreatic fluid collection drainage (PFCD, 97.2%), biliary drainage (BD, 80.5%), gallbladder drainage (GBD, 75%), and gastroentero-anastomosis (GEA, 19.4%). A total of 77.7% of the endoscopists perform only on-label procedures and 22.2% both on-label and off-label. 38.8% attended a training preliminary course, 27.7% were just supported by an expert, 22.2% had both the opportunities, and 8.3% none of them. Management of antiplatelets and sedation protocol is very heterogeneous. Only 50% involves a multidisciplinary meeting and 30.5% has a specialized clinic for follow-up. Acid suppression is usually continued after PFCD. The type and timing of postprocedural imaging varies widely. 8.3% of the endoscopists work without fluoroscopy. Refund for LAMS is mostly not guaranteed. Main future growing indications appear to be BD, GBD, and GEA (69.4%, 55.5%, and 55.5%, respectively).Conclusions:This is the first survey assessing the state of the art on LAMS almost 10 years after their advent. There are currently wide variations in practice nationwide, which demonstrates a pressing need to define technical, qualitative, and peri-procedural requirements to carry out this procedure, toward a standardization.

Citizens' knowledge and educational needs in the omics sciences field: results from an Italian survey

Abstract Background Progress in genomics has crucial implications for public health. Therefore, a strategic line to define the promotion and governance of omics related innovation is necessary. In this context, citizens education is essential to allow appropriate decisions about their own health. Objectives As part of a project funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, we carried out in collaboration with an Italian civic organization (Cittadinanzattiva) a survey on citizens' attitude, knowledge, and educational needs in omics sciences field. On the basis of the results of two our literature reviews and of a survey with experts of the Italian Network of Genomics in Public Health (GENISAP), we developed an ad hoc questionnaire for citizens. It was developed in order to assess the current state of information on omics field in the Italian population. The survey was launched, through the Cittadinanzattiva channels, on October 29, 2020 and it was closed on April 15, 2021. Results As of April 2021, 359 responses have been collected. The average age of the participants was 46.04 ± 15.77 years. 73.5% of the participants had no knowledge of omics sciences and 66.6% of DTC-GTs. As regards the citizens' attitudes, 88.6% would change their lifestyle on the basis of the genetic tests results. 89.2% expressed doubts about the reliability of the information received through the media. Almost all believe that citizens are not adequately informed about omics sciences and DTC-GTs and that more training initiatives are necessary on these topics (omics sciences: 95.5%, DTC-GTs: 95%). Conclusions The omics sciences progress is linked to the need to develop a solid literacy of citizens. For this reason, effective tools of knowledge on the omics sciences field will have to be identified and implemented to improve citizens' literacy and engagement in this rapidly changing field. Key messages The progress of the omics sciences is related to the need to develop a solid literacy of citizens in order to enable them to make appropriate decisions about their own health. The current challenge is to identify effective methods of improving citizens' literacy and implementing them.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among university students: how worrying is it? An Italian survey

Abstract Background With the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine hesitancy (VH) poses a great challenge to achieving herd immunity. Since young adults are usually asymptomatic, they may be less inclined to follow social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines. This study aimed at (i) quantifying VH among university students and (ii) investigating its determinants to identify barriers and predisposing factors to COVID-19 vaccination. Methods Students physically attending Sapienza University of Rome during April 2021 were invited to take part in an online survey. The questionnaire explored sociodemographic variables, COVID-19 experience, attitude towards preventive measures, and COVID-19 vaccination. Hesitancy was measured as the complement to 10 of students' intention to get vaccinated and was modeled through zero-inflated negative binomial regression analysis. Results Overall, 1949 students were surveyed. Most were females (59.9%) and aged 23.8±4.9 years on average. A great proportion reported no (76.8%) or slight hesitancy (15.7%). At multivariable analysis, in the count part, being more scared for the pandemic (IRR=0.94, 95%CI: 0.89-0.98), rating COVID-19 as more severe (IRR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.89-0.98) and being Italian rather than non-Italian (IRR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.54-0.85) were associated with lower VH, but no influence was found for age, sex, self-perceived risk of infection, and being a medical student. In the logit part, rating the vaccines as safe (b: 0.92, 95%CI: 0.75-1.10) or effective (b: 0.30, 95%CI: 0.14-0.45) decreased the likelihood of being hesitant. Conclusions A few factors seemed to influence the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19, including vaccine safety and effectiveness. Hence, attention should be given to planning effective communication about the vaccine profile in order to maintain and improve the public's confidence. Also, partnerships should be established among the stakeholders to ensure coordinated information sharing and dissemination. Key messages Almost one-quarter of the surveyed students reported VH to some extent, and a few factors seemed to play a role in the vaccination decision-making process. Among others, the perceived vaccine safety and effectiveness seemed to influence VH. Attention should be given to planning effective communication about the vaccines’ profile.

COVID-19 fake news, conspiracy beliefs and the role of eHealth literacy: an Italian nationwide survey

BackgroundThe pandemic has been accompanied by an infodemic, which includes false information that can lead to harmful consequences. Additionally, conspiracy theories have been linked to lower preventive behaviors. This work mainly aims to explore the skill in identifying COVID-19 fake news and the conspiracies beliefs.MethodsA cross-sectional study has been conducted amongst a convenience sample throughout Italy, using a Computer-Assisted Web Interview method (from 12 April 2021-ongoing). The survey included the Single-Item Literacy Screener (SILS), the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), a Fake News Score (FNS: percentage of misclassified news), a Conspiracy Score (CS: score from 1 to 5). Multivariable linear regressions were run (p < 0.05 as significant).ResultsUp to date, participants were 1252. The median FNS and CS were: 25% (IQR=19-44) and 2.8 (IQR=2.2-3.4). For instance, 54% thought ibuprofen worsens COVID-19 symptoms and 50% agreed with “politicians usually do not tell us the motives for their decisions”. The 17% had low health literacy (SILS) and 41% low eHealth literacy (eHEALS). COVID-19 vaccine hesitant people were 13%. The multivariable models identified many significant relationships. Low economic status and vaccine hesitancy were positively associated with FNS and CS. Higher education had a negative association with FNS and CS. Age was positively associated with FNS. Low health and eHealth literacy were positively associated with FNS. Low eHealth literacy had a negative association with CS. FNS was positively associated with CS.ConclusionsAssociations between news misclassification, conspiracy beliefs and vaccine hesitancy might suggest shared determinants. EHealth literacy had a conflicting role. Attention should be paid to the mass media COVID-19 coverage as key information source for the general population. Public health campaigns should be planned to fight beliefs that hinder the reduction of transmission and might cause additional damages.Key messages The median percentage of misclassified news was 25% (IQR=19-44) and the median Conspiracy Score was 2.8 (IQR=2.2-3.4). COVID-19 vaccine hesitant people were 13% and 41% had a low eHealth literacy.News misclassification, conspiracy beliefs and vaccine hesitancy were associated. EHealth literacy had conflicting associations with fake news and conspiracy beliefs.

Knowledge and attitudes of young women regarding preconception health-An Italian survey

Abstract Introduction Preconception care is a public health issue, concerning aspects that could have repercussions on pregnancy or child's health. Despite the importance, often there is a lack of knowledge among women, especially younger ones, who are at higher risk for unplanned pregnancies and less healthy lifestyles. In this context, the aim of this study is to explore knowledge and attitudes of young women regarding preconception health. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 until April 2021, including women 18 to 25 years old. A questionnaire was created based on a systematic review and was shared via social media and different channels of high schools and universities. It collected information on physical, reproductive and mental health, vaccination and lifestyle (diet, smoke, alcohol, physical activity). T-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in knowledge mean score among different groups. Results A total of 337 women answered the questionnaire. 47.5% of participants had never heard of preconception health and 84% had never asked their gynaecologist/general practitioner about this topic. Only 15.9% of women were currently taking folic acid. The knowledge mean score was 67.5% (SD = 18.1). It was higher in subjects with Italian nationality (p &amp;lt; 0.001), those who had a job (p &amp;lt; 0.001), and those that had healthcare professionals as main font of preconception information compared to social media (p = 0.001). Knowledge mean score was significantly associated with seeing a mental health professional (p = 0.0006), however not a general practitioner or gynaecologist, during the last year. Discussion Identifying preconception health needs of women could assist in designing and implementing personalized interventions, to enhance the level of knowledge and promote healthy behaviours, in order to prevent eventual woman's and child's health problems. Key messages Women 18-25 years in the sample had relatively poor knowledge on preconception health, almost half had never heard of this topic and the vast majority had never asked their doctor about it. There is a need to enhance the level of knowledge and promote healthy behaviours and attitudes regarding preconception health, to prevent eventual woman’s and child’s health problems.

Knowledge and attitudes towards smoking cessation counselling: an Italian cross-sectional survey on tertiary care nursing staff.

BackgroundOne of the most effective smoking cessation strategies involves care and advice from nurses due to their role in the front line of treatment. Lack of education on smoking cessation counselling may be detrimental, and adequate smoking cessation training during healthcare studies is needed.ObjectivesThe study aimed to examine nurses’ attitudes, belief, and knowledge of smoking cessation counselling; knowledge of the health risks associated with smoking was also assessed.DesignA cross-sectional survey on 77 nurses from the nursing staff of Cardiology, Cardiac Intensive Care and Surgical Oncology Units of two tertiary hospitals.MethodsCronbach’s alpha was calculated to assess the questionnaire’s internal consistency, and three composite indicators were computed to assess the three dimensions of the questionnaire (knowledge, attitude, belief). Furthermore, a stepwise linear regression model was used to predict the attitude to be engaged in smoking cessation counselling, related to demographic and behavioural variables, as well as knowledge and belief indicators. The analysis was stratified by Unit.ResultsNurses from three Units had a significantly different attitude score (2.55 ± 0.93 for Cardiology, 2.49 ± 0.72 for Cardiac Intensive Care and 2.09 ± 0.59 for Surgical Oncology Unit) (P-value = 0.0493). Analogously, knowledge of smoking cessation counselling was reported to be higher for Cardiac Intensive Care Unit nurses (3.19 ± 0.70) compared to Surgical Oncology nurses (2.73 ± 0.74) (P-value = 0.021). At the multivariable analysis, attitude towards smoking cessation counselling was significantly related to the nurse’s belief about counselling, for Cardiology staff (coeff = 0.74, 95% CI [0.32–1.16], P-value = 0.002) and for Surgical Oncology staff (coeff = 0.37, 95% CI [0.01–0.72], P-value = 0.042).ConclusionsIncorporation of smoking cessation interventions in nurses’ and nursing managers’ education could improve the nursing staff’s attitude, belief, and knowledge regarding smoking cessation counselling, which would lead to the inclusion of tobacco prevention and cessation as an integral part of patient care.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the care of patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI): And Italian survey

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the care of patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI): And Italian survey

The Italian national survey on COVID-19 in nursing homes during the first wave of the pandemic

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a strong impact on the most vulnerable categories such as older people, who paid the highest price. Nursing homes (NH) have been the epicenter of the pandemic. In NHs about a quarter of residents have dementia.

What is done is not always what should be done: Results of an Italian survey on management of cranioplasty in neurorehabilitation

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is often performed in the acute phase of several acute severe Acquired Brain Injuries (sABI) conditions to control intracranial hypertension and reduce mortality. Cranioplasty (CP) is a neurosurgical procedure aiming to reconstruct the skull defect created by DC. While delayed DC may be associated with complications, there may be significant neurological improvements following CP. This work aims to take a snapshot of the management issues regarding DC/CP patients admitted to neurorehabilitation from the Italian Neuro-Rehabilitation Physicians' (INRP) perspective.