Objective To estimate the minimal important change (MIC) and the minimal detectable change (MDC) of the Katz-activities of daily living (ADL) index score and the Lawton instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale. Design Data from a cluster-randomized clinical trial and a cohort study. Setting …

From the website of the publisher: "Background Nocturnal sialorrhea is one of the most frequent adverse events in clozapine treatment. Symptomatic management of sialorrhea usually consists of off-label treatment with anticholinergic agents. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the efficacy and …

From the publisher's site: "Trial design: Self-management plays a central role in diabetes management. However, not all patients are able to translate the health care providers’ recommendations for effective self-management in daily life. Diabetes Education and Self-management to Increase Empowerment …

Background: A pragmatic, stepped wedge trial design can be an appealing design to evaluate complex interventions in real-life settings. However, there are certain pitfalls that need to be considered. This paper reports on the experiences and lessons learned from the conduct of a cluster randomized, …

Background The major challenges in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care are guiding a patient in daily living with the consequences of the disease, reducing the impact of symptoms and improving Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). The new nurse-led COPD-Guidance, Research on an Illness …

Purpose: The effects of a multicomponent dyadic intervention on the mood, behavior, and physical health of people with dementia living in the community were evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. This multicomponent dyadic intervention is a translated and adapted version of an intervention that …

Importance Older adults acutely hospitalized are at risk of disability. Trials on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and transitional care present inconsistent results. Objective To test whether an intervention of systematic CGA, followed by the transitional care bridge program, improved activities …

Background: In patients with burns, an early accurate diagnosis of burn depth facilitates optimal treatment. Laser Doppler imaging combined with clinical assessment leads to an accurate estimate of burn depth. However, the actual effects of the introduction of laser Doppler imaging on therapeutic decisions, …

Background Total laryngectomy with or without adjuvant (chemo)radiation often induces speech, swallowing and neck and shoulder problems. Speech, swallowing and shoulder exercises may prevent or diminish these problems. The aim of the present paper is to describe the study, which is designed to investigate …

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) demonstrate reduced levels of daily physical activity (DPA) compared to healthy controls. This results in a higher risk of hospital admission and shorter survival. Performing regular DPA reduces these risks. Objective: To develop …