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Biomedical subjects

J B Hulme

Publications and source records attributed to J B Hulme.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

The influence of adaptive seating devices on vocalization.

This study examined the relationship between receipt of adaptive seating devices (ASD) and sophistication of early vocalizations/verbalizations. Eight nonverbal children with cerebral palsy were studied prior to and following receipt of an ASD. Total speech tokens increased for 7 of the 8 subjects and diversity of speech sounds increased for 6 subjects. A concomitant improvement in feeding independence was observed for those subjects who demonstrated the greatest increase in speech sound diversity.

Cerebral Palsy

Obstetrics-gynecology in the physical therapy curriculum: a follow-up study.

This article reports the results of two questionnaire surveys conducted five years apart to evaluate the status and changes in obstetrics-gynecology (Ob-Gyn) units taught in physical therapy education programs. Sixteen new Ob-Gyn units were implemented in the five-year period between 1981 and 1986. Laboratory time for breathing and relaxation exercises decreased 50% between 1981 and 1986, whereas total hours for the Ob-Gyn unit remained the same. Fifteen respondents in the 1986 survey indicated gynecologic topic area content included reproductive anatomy, gynecological disorders, and evaluation techniques. The authors recommend increased laboratory time, development of Ob-Gyn internships, and further research. Threading Ob-Gyn concepts throughout the curriculum as well as having a concentrated Ob-Gyn unit are recommended.

Curriculum

Communication between physicians and physical therapists.

The purposes of this study were 1) to identify therapists' and physicians' attitudes and opinions about the physician-physical therapist communication dyad, 2) to identify potential areas for improvement in this communication process, and 3) to provide physical therapists and physical therapy students with basic guidelines for optimal communications. Ten physical therapists and 8 physicians participated in individual interviews that were taped and subsequently transcribed. The transcriptions were compiled and analyzed by an interpersonal communication expert (B.W.B.) for trends and themes. Findings of the study include 1) physical therapists want increased accessibility to and communication with physicians and 2) physicians want brief communication with clear objective data provided by the therapists. Basic guidelines developed for physical therapy students as a result of this study include 1) identify physicians with whom you can communicate most easily, 2) learn your physicians' schedules, 3) organize beforehand so that communication is clear and concise, 4) be polite but self-assured, 5) ask your supervisor or other staff therapists for advice, and 6) use the telephone discriminately. This study emphasizes that communication with physicians must be approached on an individual basis. Each physician differs in personality, philosophy of patient care, and expectations of physical therapy. Therapists should take the initiative in developing good rapport and maintaining a viable relationship with physicians.

Attitude of Health Personnel

Proprietary physical therapy service in entry-level physical therapy curricula.

The purposes of this study were to 1) assess the value of including an expanded business administration unit that would include proprietary practice issues in an entry-level physical therapy curriculum and 2) organize topics by priority that could be included in such a unit. Twenty-seven physical therapists (100%) in private practice in Montana responded to the questionnaire. Ninety-three percent of the respondents stated that such an expansion would be valuable in the entry-level physical therapy curriculum. Topics of greatest priority were 1) Self-analysis of Resources, 2) Reimbursement, and 3) Contracting Services and Referral Sources. Topics of least priority were 1) City and State Tax and Licensure Requirements, 2) Computers and Computer Programs, and 3) Insurance Planning. Further research and development are needed to formulate methods and objectives for such an expansion.

Curriculum

Behavioral and postural changes observed with use of adaptive seating by clients with multiple handicaps.

Adaptive seating devices (ASDs) are used in the treatment of children with multiple handicaps. This longitudinal study evaluated, through direct observation and parent-guardian assessment, the behavioral changes seen with the use of ASDs and programming. Nineteen individuals with multiple handicaps and developmental disabilities, aged 1 to 6 years, participated as subjects. Data were collected by a trained observer from eight on-site evaluations and from parent-guardian responses to a preequipment and postequipment questionnaire. Evaluations were made every six weeks, starting about three months before and ending about six months after receiving the seating devices. The activities observed were head control, controlled sitting posture, visual tracking, reach, and grasp. Rating scale data were analyzed using an analysis of variance and a Friedman's test. Other data were analyzed descriptively for frequencies and central tendencies. Sitting posture, head control, and grasp improved significantly. Parent perceptions of the equipment indicated that the chairs freed parents from the need to provide support for their children's activities of daily living, which enabled them to participate in other activities with the children and around the home.

Adolescent

Effects of adaptive seating devices on the eating and drinking of children with multiple handicaps.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of adaptive seating on oral-motor functioning as it relates to eating and drinking in 11 children with multiple handicaps between the ages of 1 and 4 years. An assessment instrument with a behavioral base was used for the seven direct observations of each child's motor behavior. During the first and last visit the parent or guardian filled out a pre- and post-equipment questionnaire. Evaluations were conducted every 6 weeks beginning 3 months before and ending 6 months after the receipt of the seating devices. An analysis of variance was used to analyze rating scale score data. A nonparametric sign test was used for the analysis of yes/no data. Other data were analyzed for frequencies and central tendencies. Sitting posture and head alignment during eating and drinking improved significantly. A significant increase in the frequency with which liquid and food was retained in the mouth was noted. A significant number of children progressed from bottle to cup drinking and from eating blended to chopped or cut-up food. The present research extends beyond case study and retrospective study reports to support the efficacy of the use of adaptive seating devices by children with multiple handicaps.

Cerebral Palsy

Obstetrics in the physical therapy curriculum.

We report the status of obstetric education in physical therapy curricula. A questionnaire was sent to 83 accredited physical therapy education programs. Of the respondents from 69 programs, 47 (68%) included a specific unit or information on obstetrics in their program. The reporting programs averaged 7.5 hours for obstetric education. The unit was required in 45 of the 47 programs. Topics covered included anatomy and physiology, psychology, labor and delivery sequence, relaxation techniques, breathing techniques, prenatal and postpartum exercises, body mechanics, nutrition, fetal development, and birthing alternatives. Fifty-three percent of the units were taught by a physical therapist and combination of other professionals including a nurse, physician, nutritionist, psychiatric social worker, physiologist, or anatomist. We present behavioral objectives, required readings, and audiovisual aids used in the units.

Curriculum

Perceived behavioral changes observed with adaptive seating devices and training programs for multihandicapped, developmentally disabled individuals.

The purpose of this study was to assess, by analyzing survey responses, the perceived behavioral changes that were observed when adaptive seating devices and training programs were provided to multihandicapped, developmentally disabled individuals. Results for 41 clients were analyzed. Statistical analysis revealed that significant changes in social interaction, positioning, tracking, grasping, and self-feeding were perceived by parents, guardians, or trainers. The necessity of a prospective study to analyze data about the influence of behavior programs used with adaptive seating devices is discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological