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Selected AbstractsPeer mediation training and program implementation in elementary schools: Research resultsCONFLICT RESOLUTION QUARTERLY, Issue 2 2002Kathy Bickmore This research examines the implementation and effects of a peer mediation program in twenty-eight urban elementary schools. The Center for Conflict Resolution, a program of the Cleveland, Ohio, public schools, provided intensive training and follow-up support for teams of peer mediators and adult advisers at each school. Trainers were youths from the same community. Qualitative and quantitative evidence indicate that this program significantly improved the average eight- to eleven-year-old students understanding of and inclination to use nonviolent conflict resolution and his or her capacity to achieve in school. The study outlines the specific commitments from administrators and other staff members that were required to develop and implement equitable, effective, and sustainable programs. [source] An interactive education session and follow-up support as a strategy to improve clinicians' goal-writing skills: a randomized controlled trialJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2010Elisabeth Marsland BAppSc(OT)Hons Abstract Background, Recent research indicates that allied health clinicians have difficulty articulating client needs and priorities into specific and measurable goals. As a result, a number of strategies to facilitate improvement in allied health clinicians' goal-setting skills have been recommended in the literature. In order to assist clinicians develop the skills required to set SMART goals, it is necessary that the strategies are rigorously tested. Aim, To determine if a 50-minute education session and 3-month email and telephone support programme improves clinicians' SMART goal-writing skill and accurately predicts improved goal-writing behaviour. Methods, Concealed random allocation of participants (n = 120) into two parallel groups: (1) intervention group received education on writing goals using the SMART Goal Evaluation Method as part of a workshop on outcome measurement and received 3 months of follow-up support (n = 60); and (2) control group attended a workshop on evidence-based practice (n = 60). Results, Education and follow-up support improved clinicians' SMART goal-writing skills at both the 3- and 6-month review (Yates ,2 = 4.324, d.f. = 1, P = 0.0375). Structural equation modelling revealed education and follow-up support is an accurate predictor of SMART goal-setting behaviour change at both 3 months (standardized regression weights = 0.21; P = 0.014) and 6 months (standardized regression weights = 0.19; P = 0.02) post intervention. Changes were modest and developed over a 6-month period. Conclusion, This study provides empirical evidence that a programme of educating clinicians in a standardized method of goal setting and providing follow-up support improves allied health clinicians' SMART goal-writing skills. [source] Use of film for community conservation education in primate habitat countriesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Juliet H. Wright Abstract Wildlife films have become an integral part of broadcast schedules in developed countries. As charismatic mammals, primates are frequently the focus of the wildlife filmmaker's attention. Yet the people watching these films tend to be situated on different continents from the species concerned. Communities in primate habitat countries are unlikely to ever have the opportunity to gain such an insight into the species with which they share their environment and the threats these species face. Over recent years, an increasing number of filmmakers are realizing the importance of reaching local audiences through film for conservation purposes. Published research on the impact films can have on eliciting conservation action in developed or developing countries is minimal. The perceived power of wildlife films to change attitudes and behaviors is largely based on anecdotal evidence. This commentary highlights the on-going debate regarding the conservation impact of wildlife films, discusses the work of various NGOs that are using films for conservation purposes in habitat countries and makes recommendations with regards to the film type and situational context necessary to promote positive conservation behavior in communities. Bespoke conservation films convey a specific message to a specific audience at a particular point in time. If produced by trained local conservation educators, these films are likely to have the biggest impact. Films must be shown as a part of a conservation education program that incorporates other education materials and group discussion so that the desired conservation message can be clearly defined and reinforced. Audiences should not be made to feel disillusioned, depressed or vilified by the content of wildlife films. Rather films should increase support for conservation and empower people to act. Once enthusiasm for specific conservation actions has been created, practical assistance and follow-up support is necessary to ensure ideas are implemented. Am. J. Primatol. 72:462,466, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Health Beliefs toward Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Patients Admitted to Chest Pain Observation UnitsACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009David A. Katz MD Abstract Objectives:, Even after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is ruled out, observational studies have suggested that many patients with nonspecific chest pain have a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) and are at increased long-term risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD)-related mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the premise that evaluation in an observation unit for symptoms of possible ACS is a "teachable moment" with regard to modification of CRFs. Methods:, The authors conducted a baseline face-to-face interview and a 3-month telephone interview of 83 adult patients with at least one modifiable CRF who presented with symptoms of possible ACS to an academic medical center. Existing questionnaires were adapted to measure Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs for IHD. Stage of change and self-reported CRF-related behaviors (diet, exercise, and smoking) were assessed using previously validated measures. The paired t-test or signed rank test was used to compare baseline and 3-month measures of health behavior within the analysis sample. Results:, Of the 83 study patients, 45 and 40% reported having received clinician advice regarding diet and physical activity during the observation unit encounter, respectively; 69% of current smokers received advice to quit smoking. Patients reported lower susceptibility to IHD (13.3 vs. 14.0, p = 0.06) and greater perceived benefit of healthy lifestyles (27.5 vs. 26.4, p = 0.0003) at 3-month follow-up compared to baseline. Patients also reported greater readiness to change and improved self-reported behaviors at follow-up (vs. baseline): decreased intake of saturated fat (10.1% vs. 10.5% of total calories, p = 0.005), increased fruit and vegetable intake (4.0 servings/day vs. 3.6 servings/day, p = 0.01), and fewer cigarettes (13 vs. 18, p = 0.002). Conclusions:, Observed changes in IHD health beliefs and CRF-related behaviors during follow-up support the idea that observation unit admission is a teachable moment. Patients with modifiable risk factors may benefit from systematic interventions to deliver CRF-related counseling during observation unit evaluation. [source] |