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Background: Stroke is one of the prevalent noncommunicable diseases in India. In stroke rehabilitation, valid and reliable outcome measurements help in evaluating treatment effectiveness, systematic program evaluation, and justifying reimbursement. Measuring outcomes is construed as a good practice in the field of rehabilitation. Objectives: The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and review the outcome measures used in stroke rehabilitation in India to provide an up-to-date understanding of the nature of outcome measures used, their cultural relevance, linguistic relevance, and validity. Study Design: This is a descriptive scoping review. Methods: The scoping review framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley in 2005 was used in this review. Following the development of review questions, relevant studies were identified, suitable studies were selected and critically reviewed, and the data were charted, collated, and summarized to generate themes. Results: Thirty-three studies identified 46 outcome measures. Most of the outcome measures used in stroke rehabilitation research in India were ordinal scales and body structure/function assessments. Reliability and validity scores of the identified scales ranged from 0.37-1.00 to 0.65-0.96, respectively. Modified Rankin Scale and Barthel Index were the most used outcome measures. Only two of the identified measures were developed in India. Conclusion: There is a dearth of culturally sensitive stroke-related outcome measures in India in all domains. The authors suggest that researchers in India exert caution when selecting and using outcome measures developed in foreign countries as the review identified only two translated and validated cognitive scales and one performance measure specific to the Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prevocational training means assisting participants in the development of employment-related skills. These may include teaching how to use work-related equipment, how to observe work-related personal safety skills, and specialized work-related training and education. In the model of human occupation (MOHO), humans are conceptualized as being made up of three interrelated components: volition, habituation, and performance capacity are maintained and changed through what one does and what one thinks and feels about Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the effect of MOHO in developing prevocational skills and improving the QOL among alcoholic addiction. Study Design: This was a quasi-experimental study design. Methods: Thirty patients diagnosed as alcoholic dependent were selected based on convenient sampling, experimental group (n = 15) received prevocational skills training for 36 sessions for 1 h 15 min each, whereas the control group received conventional occupational therapy for the same time period. MOHOST and WHOQOL-BRIEF were used as outcome measures. Results: The study resulted that MOHO had an effect on prevocational skills training among alcoholic addiction (P < 0.005) also resulted improvement in the quality of life of alcoholic addiction (P < 0.005). Conclusion: The study concluded that MOHO was effective in improving the prevocational skills and improving the quality of life among alcoholic addiction. Hence, MOHO can be used in other conditions to train the individual for prevocational training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the authors present their study which evaluated reports of multiple adverse drug reactions (ADR) in patients who were treated with disulfiram to treat their alcohol use disorders. The research was made at an addiction treatment center in India from January 2019 to March 2020. Among the common adverse effects of the drug are drowsiness, abdominal pain, and psychiatric and neurological complications.

Background: Social and community participation are major indicators to assess the adequacy of treatment and rehabilitation in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study examined the relationship between functional independence, level of disability, and social and community participation among people with SCI in India. Materials and Method: In this cross sectional study, 110 persons with SCI, aged 18 years and above participated in a community setting, in Karnataka, India. Spinal Cord Independence Measure Version III-self-reporting (SCIM III-SR), Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART), and WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS) were the clinical outcome measures. Spearman's correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression were done to determine association and identify the factors determining the community participation of people with SCI. Results: CHART physical independence had a positive correlation with SCIM self-care (R = 0.446) and SCIM mobility (r = 0.434). CHART cognitive independence (R = -0.38) and CHART mobility (R = -0.396) had a weak correlation with WHODAS. SCIM self-care and SCIM mobility (R² = 0.34) were determinants of CHART cognitive independence. SCIM respiratory and sphincter management and SCIM self-care (R² = 0.327) were determinants of CHART mobility. Conclusion: Self-care and mobility of people with SCI determine their ability to successfully reintegrate into the community, warranting a comprehensive community rehabilitation program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread use of telepractice in hearing health care services. In this study, we investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of tele-audiology among Indian audiologists. The current study is based on tele-practice guidelines recommended by the Indian Speech and Hearing Association for tele-audiology services in India. Subjects and Methods: An internet-based KAP questionnaire survey was performed among 108 audiologists. The questionnaire included 33 items categorized under the following domains: demographic information and KAP of teleaudiology. Of the 108 audiologists included in the study, 38 admitted to the practice of teleaudiology previously and during the COVID-19 pandemic (tele-practitioners), and 70 respondents had no experience of tele-audiology (non-telepractitioners). Results: Overall higher scores were observed with regard to the knowledge domain, and a mixed attitude regarding tele-practice was observed among audiologists. Most respondents acknowledged the advantages of tele-audiology in clinical practice. However, audiologists were hesitant to utilize this technology owing to the challenges associated with tele-practice. Conclusions: Despite adequate awareness and a positive attitude, a gap is observed between available knowledge and its actual application/utilization in tele-audiology. Tele-audiology practice was limited to counseling, hearing impairment treatment, and troubleshooting tips for hearing aids. Evidence-based practices to perform diagnostic test battery in tele-mode, hands-on training to run diagnostic test battery/rehabilitation using a tele-mode approach, and greater understanding of the technical requirements for tele-practice may result in a positive perception and encourage tele-audiology practice among audiologists. Specialized training and regular continuing education programmes are important to promote tele-audiology services in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the current state of wheelchair services in Bangalore Rural district, as provided by Bangalore Baptist Hospital, and identified areas for improvement. a cross-sectional survey was held among 50 wheelchair users. Data was collected on demographics, satisfaction, wheelchair skills and level of disability using QUEST, WST-Q and CHART-SF questionnaires. Overall satisfaction can be described as more or less satisfied, scoring 3.8 out of 5. Wheelchair users were less satisfied with the services compared to the wheelchair itself. The skills a wheelchair users had were strongly correlated with satisfaction scores (p < 0.01). Differences in satisfaction between genders were observed and related to multiple factors. Wheelchairs should be easy to use with support services being easily accessible. A wheelchair should be delivered together with a training program to provide the user with the skills to operate and maintain the wheelchair. There are gender-wise differences in satisfaction towards wheelchair services that influence satisfaction. Training of wheelchair skills should be part of the delivery process as this positively impacts satisfaction of wheelchair users and increases their independent mobility. Requirements towards a wheelchair and its support service are gender specific. Recognizing and acting upon the differing needs between male and female wheelchair users should be an integral part of a wheelchair provision service. Wheelchair users should take part in the development and implementation of novel technologies, policies and service delivery schemes as their need is not always answered. This could lead to a reduced uptake, or even failure, of innovations in (wheelchair) services. The financial situation of a wheelchair user is a factor that influences satisfaction. Therefore, empowering and/or enabling wheelchair users to take part in activities that earns them an income should be part of a wheelchair service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in health related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with metastatic head and neck (H&N) cancer randomized to receive metronomic (methotrexate and celecoxib) or cisplatin chemotherapy.Methods: Patients older than 18 years, with a Karnofsky Performance score of ≥70, and diagnosed with metastatic, locally advanced inoperable or recurrent head and neck (H&N) cancer not amenable to surgery or radiation were randomized (1:1) to receive metronomic or cisplatin chemotherapy. All patients were recruited from the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. In addition to demographic and baseline clinical characteristics, patients were asked to rate their HRQoL using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires (Indian versions) at baseline and at the end of each chemo cycle (every 3 weeks) till the end of study or early termination.Results: Of the 110 patients screened, 87 agreed to participate in the study. Mean age of the study population was 47.5 years (S.D. ±10.04) for the metronomic group and 47.2 years (S.D. ±9.89) for the cisplatin group. Overall quality of life was not significantly different between the two treatment groups from baseline to end of treatment. However, there was a statistically significant improvement in Pain QLQ-C30 score from baseline to week 3 (OR = 3.14, p = 0.036) and week 6 (OR = 3.33, p = 0.034) in the metronomic arm compared with the cisplatin arm.Conclusion: In addition to improvements in survival, understanding the impact of treatment options on changes in HRQoL is important as it can aid physicians in making treatment and rehabilitation decisions for patients with advanced inoperable H&N cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Among all musculoskeletal disorders back pain is the most common reason for functional limitation in working age. It is due to low back pain (LBP) that the ODI has become one of the principal outcome measures for evaluation of disability and has been widely used in research as well as in clinical practice. So far, validated Gujarati version of the ODI 2.1a has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To accomplish the translation and validation of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a into the Gujarati language. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The validation of the ODI-Gujarati was tested in 120 patients diagnosed with non-specific LBP, who were receiving physiotherapy at a clinic in Gujarat, India. Data was collected at on initial visit and after 48 hours. During both visits, patients completed the Oswestry Disability Index-Gujarati (ODI-G), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire-Gujarati (RMDQ-G), and Visual Analogue Scale-Pain (VAS-P). RESULTS: Internal consistency was measured by Cronbach's alpha. The Gujarati version indicated high internal consistency (a = 0.96). Test-retest reliability was measured by intra-class correlation coefficient and it revealed very high correlation (ICC = 0.92). Construct validity was confirmed by strong correlation with RMDQ-G (r = 0.76), and concurrent validity indicated moderate correlation with VAS-P (r = 0.50). Factor analysis explained that the ODI was loaded on 1 factor. CONCLUSION: The Oswestry disability index version 2.1a was successfully translated into Gujarati language, showing excellent psychometric properties. Therefore, it can be used in evaluating the disability amongst Gujarati population with LBP for both clinical and research purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For patient undergoing cataract surgery in India, existing patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are either not culturally relevant, have not been adequately validated, or are too long to be used in a busy clinical setting. We sought to develop and validate a brief and culturally relevant point-of-care PRO measure to address this need.Methods: Twelve items from the Indian Visual Functioning Questionnaire (IND-VFQ) were selected based on preliminary data. Patients 18 years and older were prospectively recruited at Aravind Eye Care System in Madurai, India. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected and the 12-item short-form IND-VFQ (SF-IND-VFQ) was administered pre- and post-operatively to 225 patients; Factor analysis and Rasch modeling was performed to assess its psychometric properties.Results: One item that did not fit a unidimensional scale and had poor fit with the Rasch model was eliminated from the questionnaire. The remaining 11 items represented a single construct (no residual correlations> 0.1) and were largely unaffected by differential item functioning. Five items had disordered thresholds resolved by collapsing the response scale from four to three categories. The survey had adequate reliability (0.80) and good construct (infit range, 0.77-1.29; outfit range, 0.56-1.30) and content (item separation index, 5.87 logits) validity. Measurement precision was fair (person separation index, 1.97). There was evidence that items were not optimally targeted to patients' visual ability (preoperatively, - 1.92 logits; overall, - 3.41 logits), though the survey measured a very large effect (Cohen's d 1.80). In a subset of patients, the average time to complete the questionnaire was 2 min 6.3 s.Conclusions: The SF-IND-VFQ is a valid, reliable, sensitive, and rapidly administered point-of-care PRO measure to assess changes in visual functioning in patients undergoing cataract surgery in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify and compare factors influencing the use of standardized outcome measures by neurological physical therapists working in representative developed (Canada) and developing (India) countries. Methods: A self‐administered web‐based questionnaire on facilitators and barriers to using neurological outcome measures was sent by email to neurological physical therapists in Canada and India. Frequencies of responses to each question were computed. Differences between countries were assessed using two‐proportion z test. Results: Of 317 respondents, the use of standardized outcome measures was higher for Indian (96.7%) compared with Canadian physical therapists (89.2%). Among the most highly reported facilitators, three were common for both countries (known validity and reliability, outcome measures learned in professional training, and recommended in clinical practice guidelines). Three highly reported barriers were also common for India and Canada (lack of time, relying on judgement for clinical decisions, and unavailability of the assessment tools). Nevertheless, there were differences in the percentages of barriers and facilitators between countries. Conclusion: Understanding the factors influencing the uptake of outcome measures among neurological physical therapists working in a developed (Canada) and a developing country (India) can help identify whether strategies should or should not be modified to facilitate knowledge translation in different geographical, professional, or social contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]