Effectiveness of the PECS Phase III app and choice between the app and traditional PECS among preschoolers with ASD

We investigated the efficacy of a tablet-computer-based Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) application for use with three preschoolers with ASD and investigated participant preference for the app versus traditional PECS (i.e., with a physical communication book) once the participants demonstrated minimal levels of mastery of both. We implemented a single-case multiple baseline design to determine the efficacy of the app. Results indicated that participants rapidly demonstrated above-chance level mastery of the app. Following mastery, two participants demonstrated a preference for the app, while the other preferred the traditional PECS communication book.     

Parent-reported use of assisted reproduction technology,infertility, and incidence of autism spectrum disorders

In this study, we explored the relationship between the rise in the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the rise in the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), and the role of infertility. We compared the incidence of ASD in children conceived with and without the use of ART. We also considered the incidence of ASD in children whose parents reported issues of infertility. Ninety families completed a confidential questionnaire and reported use of ART, ASD diagnoses of their children, infertility, parent age at time of conception, socioeconomic status, and other variables. We obtained information for a total of 163 children. Findings indicate that there is not a significant difference in the incidence of ASD diagnoses among participants who used ART compared to those that did not. Additionally, infertility was not found to be associated with increased rates of ASD diagnoses. Limitations include small sample sizes and reliance on parent report. Implications are discussed.     

Supporting self-managed leisure engagement and communication in post-coma persons with multiple disabilities

Post-coma persons affected by extensive motor impairment and lack of speech, with or without disorders of consciousness, need special support to manage leisure engagement and communication. These two studies extended research efforts aimed at assessing basic technology-aided programs to provide such support. Specifically, Study I assessed a program for promoting independent stimulation choice in four post-coma persons who combined motor and speech disabilities with disorders of consciousness (i.e., were rated between the minimally conscious state and the emergence from such state). Study II assessed a program for promoting independent television operation and basic communication in three post-coma participants who, contrary to those involved in Study I, did not have disorders of consciousness (i.e., had emerged from a minimally conscious state). The results of the studies were largely positive with substantial levels of independent stimulation choice and access for the participants of Study I and independent television operation and communication for the participants of Study II. The results were analyzed in relation to previous data in the area and in terms of their implications for daily contexts dealing with these persons.     

Trends in PACS architecture

Radiological Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) have only relatively recently become abundant. Many hospitals have made the transition to PACS about a decade ago. During that decade requirements and available technology have changed considerably. In this paper we look at factors that influence the design of tomorrow's systems, especially those in larger multidisciplinary hospitals. We discuss their impact on PACS architecture (a technological perspective) as well as their impact on radiology (a management perspective).We emphasize that many of these influencing factors originate outside radiology and that radiology has little impact on these factors. That makes it the more important for managers in radiology to be aware of architectural aspects and it may change cooperation of radiology with, among others, the hospital's central IT department.     

Psychosomatics in obstetrics and gynecology – evaluation of a compulsory standardized teaching program

Abstract

Objective: This observational study was aimed at assessing the effect of case supervision in small groups over a two-year period as part of a standardized psychosomatic basic training for future obstetrician-gynecologists from the physicians’ perspective.

Methods: The supervised groups were evaluated by questionnaires distributed to all 128 candidates at the beginning (T1), at half time (T2) and at the end of the course (T3). Aside from a validated battery of questions on self-efficacy, items included self-estimated psychosomatic competence, professional satisfaction as well as a validation of the training program.

Results: The training program was associated with a significant increase of self-reported psychosomatic competence (55.0/68.9, p?=?0.000) and self-efficacy (2.4/2.8, p?=?0.0011). While major changes occurred at the end of the first year of the supervised groups, no further enhancement could be demonstrated throughout the second year. A total of 44 (88%) study participants who answered at T3 considered the training program as helpful.

Conclusions: The presented teaching program – more precisely the supervised groups – seemed to be effective in increasing self-estimated psychosomatic competence and self-efficacy in future specialists for obstetrics and gynecology. It may serve as a model for the systematic integration of standardized psychosomatic basic training into the education of obstetrician-gynecologists.