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Biomedical subjects

B B Hamilton

Publications and source records attributed to B B Hamilton.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Discharge outcome after stroke rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relations between host characteristics (age and side of body affected) and program variables (lengths of stay in acute care and rehabilitation, levels of functional ability at admission and discharge, and rates of community discharge). METHODS: A sample of 7,905 patients was drawn from medical rehabilitation facilities enrolled in the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation who were admitted and discharged for the first time between January 1988 and June 1989. Data were analyzed using either chi 2 tests or z normal tests of proportions, and analyses of variance (ANOVA) and/or t tests. Significance was set at p less than 0.05, and statistically significant F ratios were examined using Student-Newman-Keuls tests. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 70.7 years (24% less than 65 years, 53% 65-79 years, and 23% greater than 79 years). Lengths of stay in acute care and rehabilitation, admission and discharge functional independence ratings, and rates of community discharge were generally inversely related to patient age. Patients with bilateral paresis had lower rates of community discharge than those with unilateral paresis, although this distinction was not evident in the older group. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that older age and bilateral paresis are negatively associated with levels of independence at admission and discharge and with rates of community discharge.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1990

Functional assessment scales: a study of persons with multiple sclerosis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate disability in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) by using combinations of functional assessment scales and subscales to predict (1) the burden of care measured in minutes of assistance provided per day by another person in the home, and (2) the subject's level of satisfaction with life in general. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Incapacity Status Scale, Environmental Status Scale, and the Barthel Index had high intercorrelations with each other. Although each was predictive of the MS subject's physical care needs, the FIM was the most useful. A change in total FIM score of one point was equivalent to an average of 3.38 minutes of help from another person per day. With the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Environmental Status Scale, the FIM contributed to predicting the patient's general satisfaction as well. We propose that burden of care and subjective satisfaction with life be the standards by which functional assessment instruments are compared to reflect, in pragmatic terms, the impact of disability on the lives of individuals and on the human and economic resources of the community.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1979

Outcome of comprehensive medical rehabilitation: measurement by PULSES profile and the Barthel Index.

In view of current emphasis on evaluation of benefits derived from rehabilitation programs, it is important that there be easily replicated measures for demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided, as well as for transmitting information on patient functional status when transferring service responsibilities from one agency or facility to another. The authors used the PULSES profile and the Barthel index to measure severity of disability and to monitor rehabilitation progress in a heterogeneous sample of 307 severely disabled persons in 10 comprehensive medical rehabilitation centers, geographically selected. Gains in functional independence were registered for up to 2 years after admission. Cutting points of PULSES score totals or Barthel score totals distinguished the degree of severity of disability. The 2 scoring modalities appear valid, reliable, and sensitive for describing functional abilities and change over a period of time. They can be applied both to medical records and direct observations, and staff of medical facilities can readily be trained in their use.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1976

A basic evaluation framework for spinal cord injury care systems.

Regional spinal cord injury care systems have recently been initiated in the United States. A basic strategy for evaluating effectiveness and cost of care in these systems has been developed and preliminary results from one of the regional systems indicates the utility of the evaluation plan and effectiveness/cost savings of the system.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗
PubMed1975

Orthotics research evaluation framework.

The evaluation framework presented here defines a three-tier hierarchy of the functional goals of rehabilitation, using the tenodesis splint as an example of an orthosis designed to improve limb function. These goals are combined with five categories of evaluative criteria to create a matrix. Based upon the key validity assumptions underlying the goals, conjoint criteria are suggested. Directions of development and inquiry are indicated. The matrix illustrates the separation as well as the integration of goal levels and evaluative categories; it sets the stage for the proper context and relative importance of specific splinting. This framework will increase the validity of criteria for orthotics evaluation in the design of future clinical studies.

Chicago↗