Dataset Information

Improvement of medical judgments by numerical training in patients with multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have to face important decisions with regard to their medical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a targeted cognitive training reduces framing effects and thus improves medical judgments.

Methods

This was a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study enrolling patients with relapsing-remitting MS and healthy controls (HCs). Participants were randomly assigned to training order A (first week, numerical training; second week, control training) or B (reverse order). The primary endpoint was changed in a framing task score (framing effect). In the framing task, participants evaluated the success of fictive medications on a 7-point scale. Medications were described in either positive or negative terms.

Results

A total of 37 patients and 73 HCs performed either training order A (n = 56) or B (n = 54). The framing effect decreased after the numerical training regardless of training order. No such decrease was found after the control training. Mean change in framing effect was -0.3 ± 0.8 after the numerical training and 0.03 ± 0.6 after the control training. This specific effect of training type was comparable between groups.

Conclusion

Judgments of medical information improve in both patients with relapsing-remitting MS and HCs after a targeted numerical training. Thus, a specific cognitive intervention may help patients making informed decisions.

SUBMITTER: Zamarian L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6586155 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Improvement of medical judgments by numerical training in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Zamarian L L Delazer M M Ehling R R Pertl M-T MT Bsteh G G Wenter J J Glatzl S S Brenneis C C Benke T T Berger T T

European journal of neurology 20180905 1

<h4>Background and purpose</h4>People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have to face important decisions with regard to their medical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a targeted cognitive training reduces framing effects and thus improves medical judgments.<h4>Methods</h4>This was a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study enrolling patients with relapsing-remitting MS and healthy controls (HCs). Participants were randomly assigned to training order A (first week, numerical ...[more]

PMID: 30117230

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Project description:Background and Objectives: Gait disorders represent one of the most disabling aspects in multiple sclerosis (MS) that strongly influence patient quality of life. The improvement of walking ability is a primary goal for rehabilitation treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in association with physiotherapy treatment in patients affected by MS in comparison with ground conventional gait training. Study design: Randomized controlled crossover trial. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven participants affected by MS with EDSS scores between 3.5 and 7 were enrolled, of whom seventeen completed the study. They received five training sessions per week over five weeks of conventional gait training with (experimental group) or without (control group) the inclusion of RAGT. The patients were prospectively evaluated before and after the first treatment session and, after the crossover phase, before and after the second treatment session. The evaluation was based on the 25-foot walk test (25FW, main outcome), 6 min walk test (6MWT), Tinetti Test, Modified Ashworth Scale, and modified Motricity Index for lower limbs. We also measured disability parameters using Functional Independence Measure and Quality of Life Index, and instrumental kinematic and gait parameters: knee extensor strength, double-time support, step length ratio; 17 patients reached the final evaluation. Results: Both groups significantly improved on gait parameters, motor abilities, and autonomy recovery in daily living activities with generally better results of RAGT over control treatment. In particular, the RAGT group improved more than control group in the 25FW (p = 0.004) and the 6MWT (p = 0.022). Conclusions: RAGT is a valid treatment option that in association with physiotherapy could induce positive effects in MS-correlated gait disorders. Our results showed greater effectiveness in recovering gait speed and resistance than conventional gait training.

Project description:ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a specific communication training for neurologists on how to provide complex information about treatment options to patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).DesignSingle-centre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial.SettingOne university hospital in Norway.ParticipantsThirty-four patients with early-stage MS.InterventionA 3-hour training for neurologists on how to provide complex information about MS escalation therapy.Main outcome measuresPatient recall rate, measured with a reliable counting system of provided and recalled information about drugs.Secondary outcome measuresNumber of information units provided by the physicians. Effects on patient involvement through questionnaires.MethodsPatients with MS were instructed to imagine a disease development and were randomised and blinded to meet a physician to receive information on escalation therapy, before or after the physician had participated in a 3-hour training on how to provide complex information. Consultations and immediate patient recall interviews were video-recorded and transcribed verbatim.ResultsPatient recall rate was 0.37 (SD=0.10) pre-intervention and 0.39 (SD=0.10) post-intervention. The effect of the intervention on recall rate predicted with a general linear model covariate was not significant (coefficient parameter 0.07 (SE 0.04, 95% CI (-0.01 to 0.15)), p=0.099).The physicians tended to provide significantly fewer information units after the training, with an average of 91.0 (SD=30.3) pre-intervention and 76.5 (SD=17.4) post-intervention; coefficient parameter -0.09 (SE 0.02, 95% CI (-0.13 to -0.05)), p<0.001. There was a significant negative association between the amount of provided information and the recall rate (coefficient parameter -0.29 (SE 0.05, 95% CI (-0.39 to -0.18)), p<0.001). We found no significant effects on patient involvement using the Control Preference Scale, Collaborate or Four Habits Patient Questionnaire.ConclusionA brief course for physicians on providing complex information reduced the amount of information provided, but did not improve patient recall rate.Trial registration numberISRCTN42739508.

Dataset Information

Improvement of medical judgments by numerical training in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Background and purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Improvement of medical judgments by numerical training in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Similar Datasets

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