2018, Article / Letter to editor (Neuromuscular Disorders, vol. 28, iss. 11, (2018), pp. 938-946)Overweight and obesity are common in patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Lifestyle change is often challenging for patients with neuromuscular diseases, especially to increase physical activity. When lifestyle changes have not been effective, bariatric surgery is a treatment option. However, very little is known about the benefits and risks in patients with neuromuscular disorders. This study therefore aims to obtain insight into the patients' perspectives and experiences, the outcome, effects and risks of bariatric surgery in these disorders. We performed a qualitative study, consisting of 14 in-depth interviews with six patients (three FSHD and three DM1; five women, one man; aged range 31-47 years), four relatives, three bariatric surgeons and one general practitioner. The study used a qualitative descriptive method. Four themes were formulated: (1) overweight as burden; (2) bariatric surgery as last option; (3) not your standard patient; and (4) a different life, a different me. This study shows that bariatric surgery has beneficial physical and mental effects for most patients with FSHD and DM1, and does not influence the muscular disease course. Bariatric surgery is feasible in patients with FSHD and DM1, but specific precautions and a suitable follow-up including tailored dietary and training advices are required. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
2021, Article / Letter to editor (Disability and Rehabilitation, (2021))Purpose This study focuses on the functional and psychosocial consequences of facial weakness of patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and how they manage their daily lives. Materials and methods We conducted a qualitative study. Sixteen FSHD patients with varying degrees of facial weakness were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using the constant comparison approach based on the Straussian Grounded Theory. Results Reduced facial expression affected different aspects of a participant's life, which is reinforced by fatigue. Particularly the younger participants described the confrontation with reduced facial expression as upsetting. The unpredictability of the progression of facial weakness makes many participants insecure and concerned. They generally tend to avoid discussing facial weakness with loved ones as well as with strangers. Conclusions Patients would like the expert teams to shed more light on effective skill training and psychosocial support, especially for the younger patient group. A multidisciplinary approach is needed in addition to programs focusing on the individual aspects of facial weakness. As the experienced psychosocial effect is not commonly equal to the objective degree of facial weakness, we recommend a tailored approach. Finally, these programs should point out the importance of the patient's own ingenuity.
2020, Article / Letter to editor (Disability and Rehabilitation, (2020))Purpose:Chronic spasticity poses a major burden on patients after stroke. Intramuscular botulinum toxin injections constitute an important part of the treatment for patients suffering from troublesome focal spasticity. This study explores the experienced consequences of chronic spasticity amongst patients after stroke regarding physical impairments and activities, the experienced effects of botulinum toxin treatment on these domains, and whether current spasticity management addresses patients' needs. Materials and methods:Fourteen participants with chronic spasticity after stroke who were treated with cyclical botulinum toxin injections in the upper and/or lower extremity muscles were interviewed. Inductive thematic analysis generated representative themes. Results:Analyses of the interviews revealed three themes: (1) spasticity-related impairments and activity limitations; (2) fluctuations in spasticity related to botulinum toxin; (3) need for professional support and feedback. Besides motor impairments, participants experienced activity limitations in many domains of everyday life, with considerable day-to-day fluctuations. Moreover, treatment with botulinum toxin led to cyclical fluctuations in spasticity-related symptoms, which differed across participants. The participants called for shared responsibility for treatment, particularly regarding optimising the timing of injections. Conclusion:Incorporating patient-relevant outcomes into the current assessment of spasticity and monitoring these outcomes may improve spasticity management, particularly regarding the timing of botulinum toxin injections.
2020, Article / Letter to editor (Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, vol. 15, iss. 1, (2020))Background Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive spastic paresis of the lower limbs. Treatment is often focused on reducing spasticity and its physical consequences. To better address individual patients' needs, we investigated a broad range of experienced complaints, activity limitations, and loss of motor capacities in pure HSP. In addition, we aimed to identify patient characteristics that are associated with increased fall risk and/or reduced walking capacity. Methods We developed and distributed an HSP-specific online questionnaire in the Netherlands. A total of 109 out of 166 questionnaires returned by participants with pure HSP were analyzed. Results Participants experienced the greatest burden from muscle stiffness and limited standing and walking activities, while 72% reported leg and/or back pain. Thirty-five and 46% reported to use walking aids (e.g. crutches) indoors and outdoors, respectively; 57% reported a fall incidence of at least twice a year ('fallers'); in 51% a fall had led to an injury at least once; and 73% reported fear of falling. Duration of spasticity and incapacity to rise from the floor were positively associated with being a 'faller', whereas non-neurological comorbidity and wheelchair use were negatively associated. Higher age, experienced gait problems, not being able to stand for 10 min, and incapacity to open a heavy door showed a negative association with being a 'walker without aids' (> 500 m). Conclusions Our results emphasize the large impact of spastic paraparesis on the lives of people with pure HSP and contribute to a better understanding of possible targets for rehabilitation.
2023, Article / Letter to editor (Molecular Genetics and Metabolism, vol. 138, iss. 3, (2023), pp. 107523)RATIONALE: To date, causal therapy is potentially available for GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) due to loss-of-function (LoF) variants in GRIN2B, resulting in dysfunction of the GluN2B subunit-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Recently, in vitro experiments showed that high doses of NMDAR co-agonist d-serine has the potential to boost the activity in GluN2B LoF variant-containing NMDARs. Initial reports of GRIN2B-NDD patients LoF variants, treated with l-serine using different regimens, showed varying effects on motor and cognitive performance, communication, behavior and EEG. Here, this novel treatment using a standardized protocol with an innovative developmental outcome measure is explored further in an open-label observational GRIN2B-NDD study. METHODS: Initially, in vitro studies were conducted in order to functionally stratify two de novo GRIN2B variants present in two female patients (18 months and 4 years old). Functional studies showed that both variants are LoF, and thus the patients were treated experimentally according to an approved protocol with oral l-serine (500 mg/kg/day in 4 doses) for a period of 12 months. Both patients showed a heterogeneous clinical phenotype, however overlapping symptoms were present: intellectual developmental disability (IDD), behavioral abnormalities and hypotonia. Outcome measures included laboratory tests, quality of life, sleep, irritability, stool, and performance skills, measured by, among others, the Perceive-Recall-Plan-Perform System of Task Analysis (PRPP-Assessment). RESULTS: Both patients tolerated l-serine without adverse effects. In one patient, improvement in psychomotor development and cognitive functioning was observed after 12 months (PRPP mastery score 10% at baseline, 78% at twelve months). In the most severe clinically affected patient no significant objective improvement in validated outcomes was observed. Caregivers of both patients reported subjective increase of alertness and improved communication skills. CONCLUSION: Our observational study confirms that l-serine supplementation is safe in patients with GRIN2B-NDD associated with LoF variants, and may accelerate psychomotor development and ameliorate cognitive performance in some but not all patients. The PRPP-Assessment, a promising instrument to evaluate everyday activities and enhance personalized and value-based care, was not performed in the severely affected patient, meaning that possible positive results may have been missed. To generate stronger evidence for effect of l-serine in GRIN2B-NDD, we will perform placebo-controlled n-of-1 trials.
2019, Article / Letter to editor (Disability and Rehabilitation, vol. 41, iss. 16, (2019), pp. 1898-1905)Objective: The impact of difficulties with eating and drinking in adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy is unknown. The purpose of this study is to find out which difficulties adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy experience with eating and drinking in daily life and how they deal with these difficulties. The study also explores how they think about themselves with respect to eating and what does or does not help regarding social participation. Method: We collected the data from ten participants with spastic cerebral palsy (aged 15-23 years) living in the Netherlands. We used a qualitative study design with a conventional content analysis. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to identify meaningful factors related to eating and drinking difficulties. We coded relevant phrases from each interview and clustered and synthesized them into categories. Result: We derived four categories from the transcripts: (I) perceived eating and drinking difficulties (e.g., not managing to eat all food textures and/or choking); (II) challenges in physical and social context (e.g., accessibility of restaurants, menu supply, and/or needing assistance or not); (III) dealing with eating and drinking difficulties (e.g., adaptation, food avoidance, and/or giving up); (IV) Negative feelings about their eating and drinking (e.g., shame, frustration, fear for choking, and/or concerns about the future). One striking finding was that most participants had not recently received either monitoring or intervention for their feeding skills. Conclusion: This study shows that adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy experience many restrictions in eating and drinking situations leading to negative feelings and lower participation levels, while little attention is directed towards these difficulties. Regular multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs should include evaluation, advice, and intervention regarding eating and drinking ability in order to increase social participation and self-management.
2015, Article / Letter to editor (Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, vol. 35, iss. 2, (2015), pp. 132-146)The Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ'07) is a Canadian-English instrument recommended for screening children aged 5 to 15 years who are at risk for developmental coordination disorder. While a Canadian-French version of the DCDQ'07 presently exists, a European-French version does not. Aims. To produce a cross-cultural adaptation of the DCDQ'07 for use in areas of Europe where French is spoken and to test its cultural relevance in French-speaking Switzerland. Methods. Cross-cultural adaptation was done using established guidelines. Cultural relevance was analyzed with cognitive interviews of thirteen parents of children aged 5.0 to 14.6 years (mean age: 8.5 years, SD = 3.4), using think-aloud and probing techniques. Results. Cultural and linguistic differences were noted between the European-French, the Canadian-French, and the original versions of the DCDQ'07. Despite correct translation and expert committee review, cognitive interviews revealed that certain items of the European-French version were unclear or misinterpreted and further modifications were needed. Conclusions. After rewording items as a result of the outcomes of the cognitive interview, the European-French version of the DCDQ'07 is culturally appropriate for use in French-speaking Switzerland. Further studies are necessary to determine its psychometric properties.
2010, Article / Letter to editor (Wetenschappelijk Tijdschrift voor Ergotherapie, vol. 2010, iss. 3, (2010), pp. 17-18)Betaalde arbeid is een belangrijk aspect van maatschappelijke participatie. De overheid stimuleert arbeidsdeelname, ook bij mensen met een chronische aandoening zoals reumatoïde artritis. De CBO-richtlijn Reumatoïde artritis (2009) beschrijft de risicofactoren voor arbeidsuitval en doet aanbevelingen voor vroegtijdige, multidisciplinaire interventies ter voorkoming van verlies van arbeid. Tijdigheid, het in kaart brengen van de individuele werksituatie en het aanbieden van aanpassingen op het werk worden gezien als belangrijke uitgangspunten voor interventies. De invalshoek van ergotherapie bij risico op arbeidsuitval wordt niet expliciet genoemd in de richtlijn. De beschrijvingen in de richtlijn ten aanzien van de effectiviteit van ergotherapie zijn gericht op alle activiteitendomeinen inclusief arbeid. Het recent gepubliceerde onderzoek van Macedo et al. (2009) is een goede aanvulling op de richtlijn vanwege de focus op ergotherapie en arbeid. Deze kritisch beoordeelde publicatie (critically appraised paper, CAP) geeft een samenvatting van dit onderzoek en beschrijft het belang van de toepassing van de nieuwe evidence.
2021, Article / Letter to editor (Health Research Policy and Systems, vol. 19, iss. 1, (2021))Background A group of clinician-scientists and managers working within a Dutch academic network, experienced difficulties in clearly defining the knowledge broker role of the clinician-scientists. They found no role clarity in literature, nor did they find tools or methods suitable for clinician-scientists. Clarifying role expectations and providing accountability for funding these knowledge broker positions was difficult. The aim of this research was to design a theory-informed tool that allowed clinician-scientists to make their knowledge broker role visible. Methods A participatory design research was conducted in three phases, over a 21-month period, with a design group consisting of an external independent researcher, clinician-scientists and their managers from within the academic network. Phase 1 constituted a literature review, a context analysis and a needs analysis. Phase 2 constituted the design and development of a suitable tool and phase 3 was an evaluation of the tool's perceived usefulness. Throughout the research process, the researcher logged the theoretic basis for all design decisions. Results The clinician-scientist's knowledge broker role is a knowledge-intensive role and work-tasks associated with this role are not automatically visible (phase 1). A tool (the SP-tool) was developed in Microsoft Excel. This allowed clinician-scientists to log their knowledge broker activities as distinct from their clinical work and research related activities (phase 2). The SP-tool contributed to the clinician-scientists' ability to make their knowledge broker role visible to themselves and their stakeholders (phase 3). The theoretic contribution of the design research is a conceptual model of professionalisation of the clinician-scientist's knowledge broker role. This model presents the relationship between work visibility and the clarification of functions of the knowledge broker role. In the professionalisation of knowledge-intensive work, visibility contributes to the definition of clinician-scientists broker functions, which is an element necessary for the professionalisation of an occupation. Conclusions The SP-tool that was developed in this research, contributes to creating work visibility of the clinician-scientists' knowledge broker role. Further research using the SP-tool could establish a clearer description of the knowledge broker role at the day-to-day professional level and improved ability to support this role within organisations.
2022, Article / Letter to editor (J Clin Med, vol. 11, iss. 12, (2022))People with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) are at risk of developing aspiration pneumonia. However, there is no "best practice" for oral health interventions to improve swallowing-related outcomes, the incidence of aspiration pneumonia, and oral health in people with OD. Systematic literature searches were conducted for oral health interventions in OD in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO until July 2021. Original articles published in English and reporting pre- and post-intervention measurements were included. The methodology and reporting were guided by the PRISMA checklist. The methodological quality of the eight included studies was rated using the QualSyst critical appraisal tool. The oral health interventions in people with OD were diverse. This study shows little evidence that regular oral care and the free water protocol or oral disinfection reduced the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in people with OD. Oral cleaning, twice a day with an antibacterial toothpaste in combination with intraoral cleaning or the free water protocol, proved to be the most promising intervention to improve oral health. The effect of improved oral health status on swallowing-related outcomes could not be established. Increasing awareness of the importance of oral health and implementing practical oral care guidelines for people involved in the daily care of people with OD are recommended.
2009, Article / Letter to editor (Fysiotherapie en Ouderenzorg, vol. 23, iss. 3, (2009), pp. 19-30)Ergotherapie wordt in de eerstelijn steeds vaker geïndiceerd. Daarbij is erg belangrijk dat ook de hoeveelheid beschikbare evidence groeit. Dit artikel laat zien dat het dagelijks functioneren van patiënten met dementie verbetert en de draaglast van mantelzorgers neemt af ten gevolge van een gestructureerde aanpak. Bovendien blijkt dat deze verbeteringen behouden blijven na follow-up.
2009, Article / Letter to editor (Neuromuscular Disorders, vol. 19, iss. 3, (2009), pp. 196-198)The phenotype of myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) shows similarities as well as differences to that of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Dysphagia, a predominant feature in DM1, has not yet been examined in DM2. In a recent nationwide questionnaire survey of gastrointestinal symptoms in DM2, 12 out of 29 DM2 patients reported to have difficulty in swallowing for solid food. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of dysphagia in patients with genetically proven DM2 who reported difficulty in swallowing for solid food at the questionnaire survey. Swallowing function and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) were examined by a speech therapist and otorhinolaryngologist, respectively. In DM2 patients who reported difficulty in swallowing the presence of dysphagia could be confirmed (clinically in 100%, by FEES in 88%). A correlation exists between Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Score (DOSS) and age (p = 0.05). None of the patients was underweight, and none of the patients had suffered aspiration pneumonia in the past. Dysphagia is present among DM2 patients and is more severe in older patients. However, dysphagia is generally mild, and do not lead to weight loss, or aspiration pneumonia.
2016, Article / Letter to editor (BMC Health Services Research, vol. 16, (2016))Background: E-mental health is a promising medium to keep mental health affordable and accessible. For consumers with severe mental illness the evidence of the effectiveness of e-health is limited. A number of difficulties and barriers have to be addressed concerning e-health for consumers with severe mental illness. One possible solution might be to blend e-health with face-to-face delivery of a recovery-oriented treatment, like the Illness Management & Recovery (IMR) programme. This paper describes the development of an e-health application for the IMR programme and the design of an early clustered randomized controlled trial. Method/Design: We developed the e-IMR intervention according to the six-step protocol of Intervention Mapping. Consumers joined the development group to address important and relevant issues for the target group. Decisions during the six-step development process were based on qualitative evaluations of the Illness Management & Recovery programme, structured interviews, discussion in the development group, and literature reviews on qualitative papers concerning consumers with severe mental illness, theoretical models, behavioural change techniques, and telemedicine for consumers with severe mental illness. The aim of the e-IMR intervention is to help consumers with severe mental illness to involve others, manage achieving goals, and prevent relapse. The e-IMR intervention consists of face-to-face delivery of the Illness Management & Recovery programme and an e-health application containing peer-testimonials on videos, follow up on goals and coping strategies, monitoring symptoms, solving problems, and communication opportunities. We designed an early cluster randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the e-IMR intervention. In the control condition the Illness Management & Recovery programme is provided. The main effect-study parameters are: illness management, recovery, psychiatric symptoms severity, self-management, quality of life, and general health. The process of the IMR program will be evaluated on fidelity and feasibility in semi-structured interviews with participants and trainers. Discussion: Intervention Mapping provided a systematic procedure for the development of this e-health intervention for consumers with severe mental illness and the preparation of an early randomized controlled trial. Trial Registration: The trial is registered in the Dutch Trial Register: NTR4772
2019, Part of book or chapter of book (Kuijer, W.; Weijzen, S.; Vijlder, F de (ed.), Grensoverstijgend samenwerken, leren en opleiden in het sociaal- en gezondheidsdomein, pp. 68-76)
2008, Book (monograph) Luisteren naar wat mensen beweegt is één van de interessante en tevens moeilijke onderdelen van het werk in wonen, welzijn en zorg. Interessant omdat er, als we goed luisteren, nieuwe werelden voor ons opengaan. Moeilijk omdat we onvermijdelijk ons eigen perspectief meebrengen in het gesprek, inclusief al onze eigen ervaringen, ambities en nuances. Daardoor horen we vaak vooral die dingen die óns bezighouden. Dit speelt op individueel niveau, in de relatie tussen dienstverlener en burger en op collectief niveau in het aanbod en in de beleidsformulering.
2012, Article / Letter to editor (Wetenschappelijk Tijdschrift voor Ergotherapie, vol. 5, iss. 4, (2012), pp. 53-58)De herziene ergotherapierichtlijn CVA (Cerebraal Vasculair Accident) is volop in ontwikkeling en wordt in maart 2013 gepresenteerd. De herziene richtlijn is vanzelfsprekend nóg meer evidence-based, cliëntgecentreerd, op het handelen gericht en in de context gesitueerd. Deze column heeft een informatief karakter en geeft een voorproefje van de vernieuwingen die in de herziene ergotherapierichtlijn CVA worden opgenomen. Deze herzieningen sluiten aan bij de Zorgstandaard CVA/TIA die in november 2012 gepresenteerd is aan het werkveld (1). In de zorgstandaard wordt beschreven wat zorgverleners, cliënten en familie mogen verwachten van de zorg aan CVA-cliënten in alle fases van zorg na het CVA en dit is gebaseerd op de wensen en verwachtingen van cliënten en hun naasten. Ontwikkelingen waar de ergotherapierichtlijn CVA naadloos bij aansluit zijn de wens dat zorg goed aansluit op het functioneren thuis en het hebben van meer regie door cliënten en naasten tijdens het zorgproces.
2011, Article / Letter to editor (Wetenschappelijk Tijdschrift voor Ergotherapie, vol. 2012, iss. 4, (2011), pp. 38-48)Depressie komt vaak voor na een beroerte en algemeen wordt aangenomen dat dit van grote invloed is op de behandelmogelijkheden en -resultaten. Het is een onafhankelijke determinant voor de prognose van herstel van ADL-vaardigheid. Aangezien paramedici en verpleegkundigen, door het intensieve contact, vaak als eersten stemmingsveranderingen signaleren is de beschikbaarheid van een adequaat screeningsinstrument van waarde voor het revalidatieproces. De Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) is, als meest bekend instrument in de verpleeghuissetting, een van de mogelijke instrumenten om de signalen van depressie te kunnen objectiveren.
2012, Article / Letter to editor (Gait & Posture, vol. 36, iss. 1, (2012), pp. 127-132)The objective of the present study was to examine the attentional demands of gait adaptations required to walk over irregular terrain in community-dwelling people with chronic stroke. Eight community ambulators (>6 months post-stroke, aged 57 ± 15 years) and eight age-matched healthy controls participated in the study. As the primary motor task, participants walked on a treadmill while they quickly reacted to a sudden obstacle in front of the affected (in the stroke group) or left (in healthy controls) leg. The secondary, cognitive task was an auditory Stroop task. Outcomes were avoidance success rate and muscle reaction times of the biceps and rectus femoris (motor task), and a composite score of accuracy and verbal reaction time (cognitive task). Success rates did not differ between single- and dual-task conditions in either group, while muscle reaction times deteriorated equally during the dual task in both groups. However, compared with the Stroop scores just before and after obstacle crossing, the scores while crossing the obstacle deteriorated more in the stroke group than in the controls (p=0.012). The higher dual-task costs on the Stroop task reflect greater attentional demands during walking and crossing obstacles. The absence of dual-task effects on obstacle avoidance performance suggests that the people with stroke used a "posture-first strategy". The results imply that common daily life tasks such as obstacle crossing while walking require disproportionate attention even in well-recovered people with stroke.
2022, Article / Letter to editor (Gerodontology, (2022))Objective To assess the occurrence and associations of verbal and non-verbal care-resistant behaviour (CRB) during oral examination by a dental hygienist in nursing home residents with dementia. Background CRB is a barrier to providing professional oral care and daily oral hygiene care. Understanding the predictors of CRB might help care professionals in learning to anticipate this behaviour. Methods In this multicentre cross-sectional study signs of verbal and non-verbal CRB were reported during the oral examination. Data collection occurred in the psychogeriatrics wards of 14 different nursing homes in the Netherlands (N = 367). Results A total of 367 residents were included. CRB was evident in 82 residents (22.3%), of whom 45 (55%) showed verbal and 37 (45%) non-verbal CRB. Associated with CRB were age >85 years, duration of residential stay longer than 2 years, and having Korsakov dementia. Other factors associated with CRB were duration of residential stay (categories ">2 and <= 4 years" or ">4 years") and having a natural dentition (P = .043-.005, OR = 1.20-1.33, 95% CI = 1.00-8.48). Significant associations for verbal and non-verbal CRB were age between 76 and 85 years, vascular dementia and Korsakov dementia (P = .031-.006, OR = .020-1.49, 95% CI = 0.43-2.15). Conclusion The occurrence of CRB was 22.3% and was associated with older age and longer duration of residential stay, Vascular and Korsakov dementia and natural dentition.
2017, Article / Letter to editor (Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, vol. 32, (2017), pp. 22-29)The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of the Mastication Observation and Evaluation (MOE) instrument, dynamic ultrasound and 3D kinematic measurements to describe mastication in children with spastic cerebral palsy and typically developing children. Masticatory movements during five trials of eating a biscuit were assessed in 8 children with cerebral palsy, spastic type (mean age 9.08years) and 14 typically developing children (mean age 9.01years). Differences between trials were tested (t-test) and the mastication of individual children with cerebral palsy was analyzed. MOE scores ranged from 17 to 31 (median 24) for the children with cerebral palsy and from 28 to 32 (median 31) for the typically developing children. There was an increased chewing cycle duration, a smaller left-right and up-down tongue displacement and larger anterior mandible movements for the trials (n=40) of cerebral palsy children (p<0.000 for all comparisons) compared to the trials of typically developing children (n=70). The MOE captures differences in mastication between individual children with cerebral palsy. The MOE items 'jaw movement' and 'fluency and coordination' showed the most similarity with the objective measurements. Objective measurements of dynamic ultrasound and 3D kinematics complemented data from the MOE instrument.
2012, Article / Letter to editor (Wetenschappelijk Tijdschrift voor Ergotherapie, vol. 2012, iss. 5, (2012), pp. 5-14)Het doel van deze studie, die in 2007-2008 werd uitgevoerd, was het vaststellen van bevorderende en belemmerende factoren voor implementatie van dit EDOMAH-programma. Met een kwalitatieve onderzoeksmethode werden data verzameld: focusgroepen met 17 ergotherapeuten en telefonische interviews met 10 verwijzers en 4 managers. De analyses werden uitgevoerd op basis van de constante vergelijkingsmethode waarbij codes, categorieën en thema’s werden vastgesteld. De belangrijkste thema’s bij de belemmerende factoren waren het gebrek aan zelfvertrouwen bij ergotherapeuten om de doelgroep volgens het programma te behandelen, moeite met prioriteiten stellen binnen deze intensieve behandelwijze en het gebrek aan gerichte verwijzingen. Voor verwijzers en managers waren gebrek aan kennis over (deze vorm) van ergotherapie, over de vergoedingsmogelijkheden en gebrek aan beschikbare ergotherapeuten belemmerende factoren. Bevorderend waren de inhoud en doel van het programma, bewezen effectiviteit en externe ondersteuning. Op basis van deze resultaten kunnen gerichte implementatiestrategieën ontwikkeld worden.
2012, Article / Letter to editor (Wetenschappelijk Tijdschrift voor Ergotherapie, vol. 5, iss. 2, (2012), pp. 15-25)Achtergrond: Het doel van deze studie is het evalueren van de aspecten van interbeoordelaarsbetrouwbaarheid van het PRPP-systeem (Perceive, Recall, Plan en Perform) van Taakanalyse voor het beoordelen van het dagelijks functioneren van thuiswonende patiënten met dementie. Methode: Video-opnames van 30 Duitse patiënten met dementie die een betekenisvolle dagelijkse taak uitvoeren in hun eigen woning werden onafhankelijk beoordeeld door 10 Nederlandse ergotherapeuten opgeleid in PRPP, willekeurig geselecteerd uit een groep van 25. Intra-class correlaties (ICC) (one-way single measure) werden berekend voor PRPP Stage One- onafhankelijkheidsscore, en PRPP Stage Two informatieverwerkingsschaal, kwadrantschalen en subkwadrantschalen van in totaal 300 PRPP-scores. Conclusies: De PRPP is een betrouwbare meting om de individuele prestaties van routines en taken bij patiënten met dementie die in de gemeenschap leven te beoordelen door meerdere beoordelaars. Verder onderzoek is nodig om de kenmerken van betrouwbaarheid en validiteit van de PRPP voor patiënten met dementie na te gaan, met inbegrip van criterion-referenced testkarakteristieken.
2022, Article / Letter to editor (J Clin Med, vol. 11, iss. 3, (2022))OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of behavioural interventions in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia. METHODS: Systematic literature searches were conducted to retrieve randomized controlled trials in four different databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed). The methodological quality of eligible articles was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2), after which meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 37 studies were included. Overall, a significant, large pre-post interventions effect size was found. To compare different types of interventions, all behavioural interventions and conventional dysphagia treatment comparison groups were categorised into compensatory, rehabilitative, and combined compensatory and rehabilitative interventions. Overall, significant treatment effects were identified favouring behavioural interventions. In particular, large effect sizes were found when comparing rehabilitative interventions with no dysphagia treatment, and combined interventions with compensatory conventional dysphagia treatment. When comparing selected interventions versus conventional dysphagia treatment, significant, large effect sizes were found in favour of Shaker exercise, chin tuck against resistance exercise, and expiratory muscle strength training. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioural interventions show promising effects in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia. However, due to high heterogeneity between studies, generalisations of meta-analyses need to be interpreted with care.
2011, Article / Letter to editor (International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, vol. 27, iss. 7, (2011), pp. 742-748)Implementing evidence-based guidelines is not a simple task. This study aimed to define barriers to and facilitators for implementing the proven and effective Community Occupational Therapy in Dementia (COTiD) guideline for older people with dementia and their carers. The qualitative method we used was the grounded theory. We collected data from focus group interviews with 17 occupational therapists (OTs) and telephone interviews with 10 physicians and 4 managers. We analysed the data with the constant comparative method by identifying codes, categories, and main themes. The main themes in barriers that OTs encountered were that they did not feel competent in treating older people with dementia at home according to the guideline; they had difficulties prioritising in this complex treatment, both for the client and themselves; and they were unsure about the minimal criteria for guideline adherence. The intensity of this programme was the main barrier. The barriers that confronted physicians and managers were lack of knowledge about occupational therapy and its reimbursement and lack of available trained OTs. For the OTs, the guidelines content and focus, evidence, and external support facilitated the use of the guideline. For physicians and managers, the guidelines evidence base and its benefits for clients and carers were the main facilitators. This study generates knowledge for applying innovations in health care settings. Improvement of the OTs knowledge and self-confidence is needed for using the guideline. We expect that more competent OTs will motivate their physicians and managers to use this successful COTiD intervention
2010, Article / Letter to editor (Tijdschrift voor Logopedie en Foniatrie, vol. 2010, iss. 2, (2010), pp. 58-61)Interview met Peter Vermeulen: Peter Vermeulen werkt sinds een aantal jaren bij Autisme Centraal, een kennis- en ondersteuningscentrum omtrent autisme. Daarnaast heeft hij al een 15-tal boeken op zijn naam staan en een werkboek, Ik ben speciaal. Onlangs is er een nieuw boek uitgekomen van Peter Vermeulen, Autisme als contextblindheid. In dit boek is Peter Vermeulen op zoek naar de rol van context bij de informatieverwerking in het menselijk brein. Hij probeert in zijn boek via talrijke voorbeelden te illustreren hoe contextblind -
heid een verklaring biedt voor het denken en het gedrag van mensen met autisme.
2013, Article / Letter to editor (Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, vol. 40, iss. 5, (2013), pp. 336-347)The aim of this study was to develop the Mastication Observation and Evaluation instrument for observing and assessing the chewing ability of children eating solid and lumpy foods. This study describes the process of item definition and item selection and reports the content validity, reproducibility and consistency of the instrument. In the developmental phase, 15 experienced speech therapists assessed item relevance and descriptions over three Delphi rounds. Potential items were selected based on the results from a literature review. At the initial Delphi round, 17 potential items were included. After three Delphi rounds, 14 items that regarded as providing distinctive value in assessment of mastication (consensus >75%) were included in the Mastication Observation and Evaluation instrument. To test item reproducibility and consistency, two experts and five students evaluated video recordings of 20 children (10 children with cerebral palsy aged 29-65 months and 10 healthy children aged 11-42 months) eating bread and a biscuit. Reproducibility was estimated by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). With the exception of one item concerning chewing duration, all items showed good to excellent intra-observer agreement (ICC students: 0.73-1.0). With the exception of chewing duration and number of swallows, inter-observer agreement was fair to excellent for all items (ICC experts: 0.68-1.0 and ICC students: 0.42-1.0). Results indicate that this tool is a feasible instrument and could be used in clinical practice after further research is completed on the reliability of the tool.
2011, Part of book or chapter of book ()Het zorgboek Ziekte van Parkinson is ontwikkeld voor mensen met parkinson en hun naasten. Op basis van goede medische informatie biedt de map praktische aanknopingspunten om problemen die door de aandoening kunnen ontstaan, aan te pakken. In dit boek wordt de volledige breedte van deze problematiek bestreken, zodat de gehele medische, verpleegkundige, psychosociale en maatschappelijke zorg rondom deze patiëntengroep aan bod komt.