PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Packard

Publications and source records attributed to S Packard.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

The need for information on assistive devices by older persons.

Analyzing the results of the first 110 interviews from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging's Consumer Assessments Project, this study examined subjects' responses to the question, "Can you think of a device you would like to have that you haven't been able to find--a device that may not have yet been developed?" Each response was compared to the results of a Hyper-ABLEDATA search for similar existing products. When asked to propose a new device, 43 subjects (39% of the sample) responded with suggestions. In all instances, however, the respondents suggested devices that are already available. These findings indicate that subjects did not have up-to-date or complete information on the assistive devices that could improve their quality of life.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Design of hand-held remotes for older persons with impairments.

The University at Buffalo Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging (RERC) developed two prototype television remote control devices (remotes), designed to address the needs of older persons with some visual and/or fine motor impairment. The prototype remotes have large buttons, large numbers and characters on the buttons, and high color contrast between the buttons and background. One remote has 15 buttons, and one has 6 buttons. The purpose of this study was to test these prototype remotes against two commercially available remotes for user speed, accuracy, and satisfaction. One of the commercially available remotes has small buttons and small print but more features than the prototype remotes; this device came with the television used in the study. The second commercially available remote has somewhat larger buttons, but still smaller than the ones on the RERC prototypes. Thirty elders with impairments participated in testing the remotes in a simulated living room setting. The order in which the remote devices were presented to the subjects was randomly determined. Results indicated a significant difference among remotes in number of errors made; subjects made the fewest number of errors on the 15-button prototype remote. There was no significant difference among remotes in speed. There were significant differences in user satisfaction: users preferred the 15-button prototype device. Subjects were asked if they would rather have more features and small buttons on their remote, or fewer features and larger buttons; almost three-fourths of the sample desired fewer features and larger buttons.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Cruciate retained and excised total knee arthroplasty. A comparative study in patients with bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

A comparative study of posterior cruciate ligament retention and excision was conducted in patients who underwent bilateral total knee arthroplasty using the total condylar modifier prosthesis. The posterior cruciate ligament was excised in one knee and was retained in the other knee in 28 patients. Postoperative results were assessed using the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Evaluation Score. In addition, stair activity was tested to determine whether there was preferential dependence on one of the two knees. There was no significant difference between the posterior cruciate ligament retained or excised knees in terms of postoperative Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Evaluation Score. Patients who ascended and descended stairs with one leg at a time tended to prefer the posterior cruciate ligament retention side. Those who could use each leg in sequence to go up and down stairs, however, did not show preferential dependence on either knee.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1993

Transligamentous motor branch of the median nerve discovered during endoscopically assisted carpal tunnel release.

The endoscopically assisted carpal tunnel release is an alternative to open procedures. A case is presented in which a transligamentous motor branch of the median nerve exits from the main trunk in a proximal and ulnar location. It is discovered from within the carpal canal during an endoscopically assisted procedure. The authors suggest adherence to strict principles to minimize potential complications in the rare event of an anatomic anomaly.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Psychological determinism and the evolving nursing paradigm.

The purpose of this article is to explore three behaviorist theories and their roles within the evolving paradigm of nursing. The authors suggest that the behaviorist theories of locus of control, self-efficacy, and the health belief model are derived from deterministic philosophical premises. These premises are in direct conflict with the premise of free will. As interpreted by the authors and many others, the emerging paradigm of nursing relies on the free will of the individual, the ability of the individual to choose for himself/herself what course of action to take, to avoid, or to pursue. The authors address the psychological deterministic philosophical premises within the three theories and utilize nursing theories to compare and contrast the views of free will and determinism. Finally, they suggest that the use of borrowed and applied theories should decline when nurse scientists are true to the philosophical assumptions of theories within nursing science.

Attitude to Health↗