Clinical Advances in Assessment Measures and Theoretical Models of Caregivers' Sensitivity and Contingency

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Intensive Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 3337

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Our latest Special Issue is on "Clinical Advances in Assessment Measures and Theoretical Models of Caregivers' Sensitivity and Contingency". We aim to showcase groundbreaking research in the field of clinical caregiving, emphasizing the importance of caregivers' sensitivity and responsiveness to their recipients' needs. Through novel assessment measures and innovative theoretical models, this Special Issue seeks to shed light on the crucial role caregivers play in promoting patients’ overall well-being and mental health outcomes. Join us as we explore the latest advancements and improve our clinical understanding of caregivers' interactions and their profound impact on individuals' lives.

Dr. Silvia Cimino
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • clinical caregiving
  • sensitivity assessment
  • contingency modeling
  • caregiver-patient interactions
  • mental health outcomes
  • novel assessment measures
  • therapeutic responsiveness
  • caregiver interventions
  • clinical well-being
  • care recipient support

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 167 KiB  
Editorial
Implementing Sensitivity and Contingency in Medical Contexts: The Case of Prematurity
by Silvia Cimino
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(16), 5306; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12165306 - 15 Aug 2023
Viewed by 450
Abstract
In the context of relational situations, sensitivity and contingency are identified as pivotal variables that contribute to the enhancement of patients’ overall wellbeing [...] Full article

Research

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12 pages, 1289 KiB  
Article
May Spasticity-Related Unpleasant Sensations Interfere with Daily Activities in People with Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury? Secondary Analysis from the CORTOX Study
by Salvatore Facciorusso, Stefania Spina, Alessandro Picelli, Alessio Baricich, Franco Molteni and Andrea Santamato
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(6), 1720; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13061720 - 16 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1183
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study examined the impact of spasticity-related unpleasant sensations (pain, heaviness, stiffness) on various domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and psychosocial well-being in individuals affected by stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). The primary aim is [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study examined the impact of spasticity-related unpleasant sensations (pain, heaviness, stiffness) on various domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and psychosocial well-being in individuals affected by stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). The primary aim is to explore how these sensations affect daily activities, participation, and overall quality of life, guided by the comprehensive framework of the ICF. Methods: Utilizing a secondary analysis of data from a cohort undergoing Botulinum toxin type-A treatment for spasticity post-stroke or TBI, we developed and administered an ad-hoc questionnaire focusing on ICF domains such as body function, activities and participation, and psychosocial aspects such as mood, relationship, social life, motivation, and sleep quality. Spearman rho correlation was applied to assess the relationship between unpleasant sensations and functional as well as psychosocial outcomes among 151 participants. Results: This study identified significant correlations between the severity of unpleasant sensations and limitations in daily functioning, particularly in activities of daily living and mobility. Furthermore, an impactful association was identified between increased unpleasant sensations and deterioration in psychosocial well-being, notably in mood and sleep quality. Conclusions: These findings advocate for a person-centered approach in spasticity management, emphasizing the integration of sensory impairment strategies into rehabilitation to enhance functional outcomes and quality of life. Such an approach aims to improve functional outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals experiencing spasticity post-stroke or TBI. Future directions include targeted interventions to alleviate these sensations, support better rehabilitation results and improve patient experiences. Full article
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11 pages, 281 KiB  
Article
The Quality of Mother–Child Feeding Interactions Predicts Psychopathological Symptoms in Offspring and Mothers Seven Years Later: A Longitudinal Study on the General Population
by Silvia Cimino, Federica Andrei, Leonardo De Pascalis, Elena Trombini, Renata Tambelli and Luca Cerniglia
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(24), 7668; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12247668 - 13 Dec 2023
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Abstract
The increased risk of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children has been observed in the presence of maternal psychopathology. This study aimed to investigate a potential pathway involving the quality of early interactions between mothers and their children. A sample of 150 mother–child [...] Read more.
The increased risk of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children has been observed in the presence of maternal psychopathology. This study aimed to investigate a potential pathway involving the quality of early interactions between mothers and their children. A sample of 150 mother–child dyads underwent assessment when the children were 3 years old and around the age of 10. Video recordings of feeding exchanges between mothers and children were analyzed to evaluate the quality of mother–child interactions. Maternal psychopathology and child internalizing and externalizing symptoms were measured through self-report and report-form measures completed by mothers. The quality of mother–child feeding interactions at three years of age significantly differentiated (p < 0.001), eight years later, between mothers at high and low psychopathological risk and between children exhibiting clinical and subclinical internalizing symptoms. Clinically relevant child symptoms were notably more prevalent when the mother–child interaction quality at three years of age was maladaptive, particularly in the context of concurrent high maternal psychopathological risk. The study findings underscore the importance of focusing on the early quality of mother–child feeding interactions to identify potential situations of maternal and child clinical risk for the development of psychopathological symptoms and to guide preemptive measures and policies. Full article

Other

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20 pages, 2234 KiB  
Systematic Review
Telehealth in Informal Caregivers of Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review
by Juan Carlos Zuil-Escobar, Jose Antonio Martín-Urrialde, Juan Andrés Mesa-Jiménez, Rocío Palomo-Carrión and Carmen Belén Martínez-Cepa
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(6), 1810; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13061810 - 21 Mar 2024
Viewed by 596
Abstract
Background: There has been an increase in people with disabilities who require continuous care, which often falls to informal carers (ICs). Stroke is one of the conditions where ICs are most needed. Therefore, it is necessary for ICs to improve their caregiving [...] Read more.
Background: There has been an increase in people with disabilities who require continuous care, which often falls to informal carers (ICs). Stroke is one of the conditions where ICs are most needed. Therefore, it is necessary for ICs to improve their caregiving skills and self-care capacity. Telehealth (TH) can facilitate them. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the evidence of the effects of interventions on ICs of stroke patients. Methods: The search was conducted in Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINALH, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and APA PsycInfo. Key search terms included “stroke”, “informal caregiver” and “telemedicine”. Only randomised clinical trials were included. Results: A total of 2031 articles were found in the databases, 476 were screened and 19 clinical trials met the eligibility criteria. Different TH programmes have evaluated many outcomes related to physical and emotional health. The TH tools included phone, videophone, web-based interventions, and social media. The most investigated outcome was depression; although contradictory results were found, the TH may have helped to prevent an increase in depressive symptoms. There were inconsistent results on the caregiving burden and the preparedness of the IC. However, TH has positive effects on the health of the ICs, reducing the number of unhealthy days, anxiety, task difficulty perception, and improving psychological health. Conclusions: TH may be a useful tool to improve the abilities and health of ICs of SS. No adverse effects have been reported. More quality studies evaluating the effects of telemedicine on the ICs of stroke survivors, as well as the most appropriate doses, are needed. Full article
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