La Garde

This research focuses on elderly patients hospitalized in Continuing and Rehabilitation Care Units, many of whom suffer from neurodegenerative diseases and need personalized rehabilitation care. The study evaluates the use of ergonomic cutlery handles tailored to patients hand grip ability, aiming to improve their autonomy during meals and potentially reduce malnutrition risks. These custom handles are made using 3D printing technology, offering a lightweight and inexpensive alternative to standard adapted cutlery. Participants will start with a functional and joint assessment of their hand to determine the optimal diameter for the cutlery handles 25, 30, 35, or 40 mm. Their autonomy in eating and the amount of food consumed will be measured at three lunch times before using the adapted handles Day 0, the first lunch using the handles Day 1, and after three days of use Day 3. Ergotherapists will also assess upper limb compensations during meals without and with the technical aid. Throughout the study, participants autonomy in eating is evaluated using the Katz scale, with additional assessments by ergotherapists and dieticians. The study tracks changes in food intake and physical compensations over three days, ending after the Day 3 assessments. The main outcome measured is patients food autonomy at Day 1, with secondary outcomes including autonomy and food intake at Day 3 and upper limb compensations. Participation lasts only through the initial assessment and the three-day intervention period.

Obesity is a chronic and progressive condition characterized by an increase in body fat, impacting physical, psychological, and social well-being. This research evaluates the care pathway offered by the Chronic Disease Unit in the Var region, which aims to improve obese patients sense of self-efficacy and help them become active participants in their treatment and health decisions. The study focuses on how this coordinated and individualized care might support patients in managing obesity over time. Participants identified during routine consultations with the Chronic Disease Unit dietician will follow a care pathway involving three main visits over six months. At these visits, patients will complete various questionnaires assessing quality of life, self-efficacy, self-esteem, body image satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. Some participants will also join focus groups to provide additional feedback. The care pathway includes therapeutic education and psychosocial support tailored to each patients skills and needs. During the study, patients will attend consultations at the start M0, three months M3, and six months M6 to complete assessments and discuss their progress. Questionnaires are completed with the psychologist present to offer support if needed. Researchers will measure changes in self-efficacy, quality of life, body measurements, adherence to the care pathway, and satisfaction. The study lasts six months and aims to understand the impact of this care model on obese patients health management and well-being.