Biomedical subjects

Fary Khan

Publications and source records attributed to Fary Khan.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Brief osteoporosis education in an inpatient rehabilitation setting improves knowledge of osteoporosis in elderly patients with low-trauma fractures.

The effect of an osteoporosis education program on knowledge of osteoporosis was assessed in elderly rehabilitation inpatients with low-trauma fractures. A modified version of the Osteoporosis Questionnaire (OPQ) was administered prior to and following a brief education program on the rehabilitation ward, and again at 4-6 months. A historical control group, admitted to the same ward prior to the educational program, was used as a comparison. The baseline mean OPQ test score (out of 20) for the intervention group was 7.26. The OPQ score significantly increased by a mean of 2.16 during the admission. The difference was increased in the available subjects at the 6-month questionnaire, with a significant mean increase of 2.67. There was a significant correlation between admission Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score and both baseline OPQ score (r=0.59) and follow-up OPQ score (r=0.60). There was a significant correlation between discharge FIM score and increase in OPQ score from baseline to follow-up (r=0.77), and with OPQ score at follow-up (r=0.76). There was a significant correlation between the Mini Mental State Examination at follow-up (r=0.78), and the change in OPQ score between initial survey and follow-up (r=0.70). Osteoporosis education in elderly rehabilitation inpatients with fractures is effective, but requires adequate patient cognitive skills.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Multiple sclerosis: disability profile and quality of life in an Australian community cohort.

The objective of this study was to determine the experience of disability and reported symptoms in multiple sclerosis in an Australian community sample, comparing the perceptions of patients, carers and treating doctors, and to examine effects on quality of life, carer stress and utilization of health services. The study design used a prospective cross sectional community survey. The participants were persons with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, with quantified neurological, mobility and cognitive deficits, from a tertiary hospital database (n=101), who lived at home, and their carers and doctors. The study method used demographic, diagnostic and disease severity data extracted from the database. Structured interviews conducted at home included: (1) open questionnaires for participant, carer and general practitioner, prioritizing symptoms/problems affecting daily living; and (2) standardized assessments for patient quality of life, caregiver strain and perceived burden of care. The mean age was 49 years (range 28-64). Those more severely affected had a significantly reduced quality of life and increased carer burden than those with milder disability, but discordance between patients, carers and doctors was noted in their perception of problems and symptom experience. Rates of depression (67%) and work-related problems were high, but vocational support was rarely provided. Forty persons used interferon, of whom 20 had secondary progressive multiple sclerosis; 39% reported difficulty in accessing rehabilitation services and only 10% were referred to medical rehabilitation units. In conclusion, the rates of disability and symptom experience were similar to other series; however, access and utilization of appropriate rehabilitation and support services appears to be lacking. There were higher reported rates of depression and poor quality of life. Opportunities may possibly exist to re-deploy resources to develop vocational support, counselling and rehabilitation.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Rehabilitation for postpolio sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Postpolio sequelae (PPS) are new, late manifestations that occur many years after the initial poliomyelitis infection. Recurrence of symptoms and fear of reactivation of the polio virus is particularly distressing to polio survivors. OBJECTIVE: This article outlines the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of PPS disabilities using a case vignette. DISCUSSION: Clinical features of PPS include fatigue, joint and muscle pain, new muscular weakness and bulbar symptoms. Diagnosis can be complicated particularly in nonparalytic cases of poliomyelitis. Disabilities in PPS may not be obvious to the observer but significantly affect the quality of life of the PPS patient. Previous rehabilitation intervention focussed on physical effort and determination to overcome disability at all costs. The treatment in PPS is now modified, and aggressive physical measures that may exacerbate muscle weakness are avoided. Most disabilities in PPS can be well managed with rehabilitation interventions that address limitations in patient activities of daily living, mobility and cardiopulmonary fitness.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Poststroke depression.

BACKGROUND: Poststroke depression (PSD) is common and often unrecognised. The diagnosis can be difficult due to deficits of stroke such as impaired self reporting and cognition, poor insight and dysphasia. Untreated PSD can interfere with recovery and adversely affect functional and social outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This article outlines the diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment for PSD. DISCUSSION: The natural history of PSD suggests that most PSD is not immediate but develops over months with peak prevalence between 6 and 24 months, and in some cases persists up to 3 years following stroke. General practitioners and treating specialists need to actively monitor patients for PSD. While antidepressant medication is the mainstay of treatment for PSD, psychotherapeutic interventions are important. Treatment should include patient and family education, reestablishment of sleep pattern, addressirng functional difficulties, increasing community participation, improving diet and regular exercise.

Antidepressive Agents↗

PubMed2004

Rehabilitation in Guillian Barre syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Guillian Barre syndrome (GBS) is the most common form of neuromuscular paralysis. It mostly affects young people and can cause long-term residual disability. OBJECTIVE: This article outlines the rehabilitation treatment for patients recovering from GBS. DISCUSSION: Recovery from GBS can be prolonged. Early rehabilitation intervention ensures medical stability, appropriate treatment and preventive measures to minimise long term complications. Specific problems include deep venous thrombosis prevention, complications of immobility, dysautonomia, de-afferent pain syndromes, muscle pain and fatigue. Longer-term issues include psychosocial adjustment, return to work and driving, and resumption of the role within the family and community. Effective communication between the GP and rehabilitation physicians is imperative for improved functional outcomes and successful social reintegration.

Autonomic Nervous System Diseases↗

PubMed2003

4: Rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly affects younger people and causes life-long impairments in physical, cognitive, behavioural and social function. The cognitive, behavioural and personality deficits are usually more disabling than the residual physical deficits. Recovery from TBI can continue for at least 5 years after injury. Rehabilitation is effective using an interdisciplinary approach, and close liaison with the patient, family and carers. The focus is on issues such as retraining in activities of daily living, pain management, cognitive and behavioural therapies, and pharmacological management. The social burden of TBI is significant, and therefore family education and counselling, and support of patient and carers, is important. General practitioners play an important role in providing ongoing support in the community, monitoring for medical complications, behavioural and personality issues, social reintegration, carer coping skills and return-to-work issues.

Activities of Daily Living↗