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Effectiveness of Teleassistance at Improving Quality of Life in People with Neuromuscular Diseases

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 December 2014

Oscar Martínez ,
Amaia Jometón ,
Manuel Pérez ,
Esther Lázaro ,
Imanol Amayra ,
Juan Francisco López-Paz ,
Mireia Oliva ,
Pamela Parada ,
Sarah Berrocoso  and
Andrea Iglesias
...Show all authors
Oscar Martínez*
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Amaia Jometón
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Manuel Pérez
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Esther Lázaro
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Imanol Amayra
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Juan Francisco López-Paz
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Mireia Oliva
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Pamela Parada
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Sarah Berrocoso
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Andrea Iglesias
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Patricia Caballero
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Luis De Nicolás y Martínez
Affiliation:
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
José Eulalio Bárcena
Affiliation:
Hospital de Cruces (Spain)
*
*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Oscar Martínez. Faculty of Psychology and Education. Universidad de Deusto. Avenida de las Universidades. 24. 48007. Bilbao (Spain). E-mail: oscar.martinez@deusto.es
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Abstract

Rare neuromuscular diseases (NDs) are a group of inherited or acquired neurological pathologies affecting the muscles and the nervous system. Their low prevalence and high geographical dispersion can cause isolation and difficulties in social interaction between affected equals. New technologies, such as videoconferencing, offer a complementary option for improving the health of this population. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a teleassistance program at improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) through social interaction in adults with NDs. The sample consisted of 45 participants affected by rare NDs. Twenty-four participants were assigned to the experimental group (EG), which participated in the videoconferencing sessions, and 21 to the control group. Three questionnaires were administered: WHO-DAS II, Sickness Impact Profile, and SF-36 Health Survey. Effectiveness was assessed by a pre-post design. An online psychosocial program was applied over three-month period. Data revealed an improvement of the EG in psychosocial variables, e.g. “Getting along with people” (z = –2.289, r = –.47, p ≤ .05) or “Psychosocial Domain” (z = –2.404, r = –.49, p ≤ .05), and in physical variables, e.g. “Life activities” (z = –2.844, r = –.58, p ≤ .05). Social interaction appeared as a relevant factor at improving HRQoL levels. High levels of satisfaction about the teleassistance program were reported.

Keywords

teleassistancevideoconferencingneuromuscular diseasequality of lifesocial interaction
Type
Research Article
Information
The Spanish Journal of Psychology , Volume 17 , 2014 , E86
Copyright
Copyright © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2014 

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