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Support Programs (support + program)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	62%
Psychology	18%
Business, Economics, Finance and Accounting	7%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Nursing General	17%
Psychiatry	11%

Selected Abstracts

Developing a Comprehensive Mechanical Support Program

JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 3 2001
David N. Helman M.D.
As cardiac surgery centers appreciate that ventricular assist devices (VAD) can dramatically impact patient survival as a bridge to transplant or recovery, and possibly permanent therapy, increasing numbers will desire to establish mechanical support programs. A number of vital elements must be put in place in order to operate a successful mechanical support program. Of utmost importance is the assembly of a dedicated team focused on comprehensive care of critically ill patients in need of circulatory support. An ongoing commitment from anesthesiologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, and other support staff is essential. Selection of complementary assist devices should be made to cover the spectrum of required support scenarios, both short- and long-term. Outpatient therapy has become increasingly important in mechanical cardiac assistance and establishment of an office where "LVAD coordinators" see outpatients facilitates this aspect of the program. Critically ill patients in need of cardiac assistance may benefit from specialized medical therapies such as: (1) intravenous arginine vasopressin for vasodilatory hypotonsion; (2) inhaled nitric oxide for right heart failure; (3) aprotinin to reduce hemorrhage; and (4) early enteral feeding in an effort to reduce infectious complications and improve rehabilitation following VAD implantation. A regional network with spoke hospitals centered around a hub hospital with long-term VAD and heart transplant programs can improve survival of patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock via early transfer to the hub hospital. In this article, we describe the components of our mechanical support program that have allowed us to successfully support patients with heart failure in need of circulatory support. [source]

Parents' experiences of a Family Support Program when a parent has incurable cancer

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 24 2009
Kari E Bugge
Aims and objectives., The Family Support Program was created to support children and parenting when one of the parents has incurable cancer. We chose a family-based approach to support parent's coping and to help families pull together, identify strengths in the family and learn how to seek help. Background., Cancer is usually a new experience for young families. In most cases, parents do not have the necessary knowledge about their children's need for information and support about their parent's serious illness and impending death. Design., A qualitative evaluation study based on data collected through in-depth interviews focusing on parent's experiences with the Family Support Program. Methods., Participants were patients with incurable cancer and their partners and ex-partners with children aged between 5,18 years. Thirteen parents were in-depth interviewed. Results., Parents described how the Family Support Program helped them gain greater insight into their children's thoughts and reactions and into how the situation affected their daily living. Parents reported that conflicts were reduced, they could talk more openly about the situation in the family and that they were shown how to support their children's coping. Conclusion., The Family Support Program met the parents in the study's needs for more information and support about how to cope with their children during the patient's terminal illness. Relevance to clinical practice., The Family Support Program is described in detail in a manual that makes it easy for other health workers to use the same programme. The Family Support program was in use in outpatient clinics, oncology wards and palliative care units and was provided both from nurses and social workers trained in cancer care. Parent's in the study would like the Family Support Program to be available to all patients who receive the poor prognosis that their cancer cannot be cured. [source]

Implementing a Comprehensive Postpartum Depression Support Program

NURSING FOR WOMENS HEALTH, Issue 3 2004
MSN director, Mary Wroblewski RNC
First page of article [source]

Active for Life After Cancer: a randomized trial examining a lifestyle physical activity program for prostate cancer patients

PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 10 2006
Cindy L. Carmack Taylor
Abstract Background: Active for Life After Cancer is a randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of a 6-month group-based lifestyle physical activity program (Lifestyle) for prostate cancer patients to improve quality of life (QOL) including physical and emotional functioning compared to a group-based Educational Support Program and a Standard Care Program (no group). Method: A total of 134 prostate cancer patients receiving continuous androgen-ablation were randomly assigned to one of the three study conditions. Results: Results indicated no significant improvements in QOL at 6 or 12 months. Both group-based programs were positively received and yielded good attendance and retention. Lifestyle participants demonstrated significant improvements in most theoretical mediators proposed by the Transtheoretical Model and Social Cognitive Theory to affect physical activity. Despite these improvements, no significant changes were found for most physical activity measures. Conclusions: Results suggest a lifestyle program focusing on cognitive-behavioral skills training alone is insufficient for promoting routine physical activity in these patients. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

The PediPump: A Versatile, Implantable Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device,Update IV

ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 11 2009
Brian W. Duncan
Abstract Cleveland Clinic's PediPump (Cleveland, OH, USA) is a ventricular assist device designed for the support of pediatric patients. The PediPump is a mixed-flow ventricular assist device with a magnetically suspended impeller measuring 10.5 mm in diameter by 64.5 mm in length. Progress and achievements for the PediPump program are considered according to the development project's three primary objectives: Basic engineering: along with size reductions, substantial design improvements have been incorporated in each design iteration including the motor, magnetic bearings, axial touch points, and heat transfer path; Anatomic modeling and device fitting studies: Techniques based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been developed to create three-dimensional anatomic-modeling and device-fitting tools to facilitate device implantation and to assist in preoperative planning. For in vivo testing, to date, six acute (6-h duration) and nine chronic (30-day target duration) implantations have been performed in sheep; the implantation of the PediPump appears to be relatively easy with excellent hemodynamic performance and minimal hemolysis during support. Cleveland Clinic's PediPump program supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Pediatric Circulatory Support Program has led to the development of a pediatric ventricular assist device that has satisfactory performance in preclinical evaluation and appears to be ready to support a program of clinical testing. [source]

Participation Patterns in Home-Based Family Support Programs: Ethnic Variations,

FAMILY RELATIONS, Issue 1 2003
Karen McCurdy
This study investigated the relationship between ethnicity and retention among families participating in a national network of home-based family support programs. Using archival data collected on 224 African American, 227 European American, and 219 Latino American mothers of newborns and 153 home visitors, multivariate analyses indicate greater participation by African American and Latino parents as compared with European American parents. Retention predictors vary by ethnicity. Strategies to form a supportive parent-provider alliance are discussed. [source]

Program Report: GENECOUNTING Support Programs

ANNALS OF HUMAN GENETICS, Issue 2 2006
D. Curtis
We describe a suite of programs which enhance the usability of GENECOUNTING, a program for estimating haplotype frequencies in unrelated subjects. The programs, called RUNGC, SCANASSOC, COMPGR, SCANGROUP and LDPAIRS, carry out likelihood ratio tests and permutation tests to detect differences in haplotype frequencies between cases and controls,or between predefined groups, and output likely haplotype assignments and tables of linkage disequilibrium statistics between all pairs of markers in a dataset. [source]

The Andersen-Comsoc affair: Partnerships and the public interest

CANADIAN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION/ADMINISTRATION PUBLIQUE DU CANADA, Issue 3 2001
David Whorley
Thc business transformation project was intended to support the Ontario Works program and Ontario Disability Support program. The provincial auditor subsequently reviewed the project and identified a number of problems. This particular case illustrates some of the key issues associated with public-private partnerships in Ontario, and perhaps more generally. The article examines the government's managerialist agenda and the twin goals of downsizing the Ontario Public Service while increasing the involvement of business in program delivery. Analysis focuses on how the Ontario government conceives of partnership arrangements; the issue of differences in organizational power between public and private actors; the question of whether shared interests need necessarily exist between the parties; and the problem of securing accountability in partnership arrangements. It finds that collaborative partncrships and democratic accountability are in tension; public-sector organizations risk entering public-private partnerships in subordinate roles; and that divergent public and private purposes hampered the project. Moreover, the article suggests that the ministry's eventual corrective actions embraced traditional public administrative concerns. This development indicates that while recent managerialist reforms havc posed some challenge to public administration, it shows continued relevance in protecting the public interest. Sommaire: En janvier 1997, le ministère des Services sociaux et communautaires de l'Ontario a conch avec Andersen Consulting un partenariat entre secteurs public et privé. Le projet visait à appuyer le programme Ontario au travail et le Programme ontarien de soutien aux personnes handicapées. Le vérificateur provincial a, par la suite, passé en revue le projet et a identifié un certain nombre de problèmes. Ce cas particulier illustre certaines des questions clés associées aux partenariats entre le secteur public et le secteur privé en Ontario, et peut-être dans un champ plus vaste. L'artio cle examine le programme de nouveau management public du gouvernement let les deux objectifs jumeaux consistant à réduire la taille de la Fonction publique de l'Ontario tout en augmentant le rôe du secteur privé dans la prestation des programmes. L'analyse se centre sur la manière dont le gouvernement de l'Ontario conçoit les contrats de partenariat; la question des différences en matière de pouvoir organisationnel entre les intervenants des secteurs public et privé; la question de savoir si les parties doivent nécessairement partager des intérêts communs; et le problème de la garantie de l'imputabilité dans les contrats de partenariat. L'article montre qu'il existe des tensions dans les partenariats de collaboration par rapport à la responsabilité démocratique, que les organismes du secteur public risquent de conclure avec le secteur privé des partenariats où ils joueront des rôles subordonnés et que les objectifs divergents des secteurs public et privé ont été une entrave au projet. Par ailleurs, l'article laisse entendre que les mesures correctives prises finalement par le ministère ont tenu compte des préoccupations traditionnelles de l'administration publique. Cela indique que même si les récentes réformes de gestion ont posé certains défis à l'administration publique, elles visent toujours la protection de l'intérêt public. [source]

Effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to support people with dementia living in the community: a systematic review

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 2 2008
Deborah Parker BA, MSocSci
Executive summary Objectives, The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community. Inclusion criteria, Types of participants, Adult caregivers who provide support for people with dementia living in the community (non-institutional care). Types of interventions, Interventions designed to support caregivers in their role such as skills training, education to assist in caring for a person living with dementia and support groups/programs. Interventions of formal approaches to care designed to support caregivers in their role, care planning, case management and specially designated members of the healthcare team , for example dementia nurse specialist or volunteers trained in caring for someone with dementia. Types of studies, This review considered any meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomised control trials, quasi-experimental studies, cohort studies, case control studies and observational studies without control groups that addressed the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community. Search strategy, The search sought to identify published studies from 2000 to 2005 through the use of electronic databases. Only studies in English were considered for inclusion. The initial search was conducted of the databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsychINFO using search strategies adapted from the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group. A second more extensive search was then conducted using the appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords for other available databases. Finally, hand searching of reference lists of articles retrieved and of core dementia, geriatric and psycho geriatric journals was undertaken. Assessment of quality, Methodological quality of each of the articles was assessed by two independent reviewers using appraisal checklist developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and based on the work of the Cochrane Collaboration and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Data collection and analysis, Standardised mean differences or weighted mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each included study reported in the meta-analysis. Results from comparable groups of studies were pooled in statistical meta-analysis using Review Manager Software from the Cochrane Collaboration. Heterogeneity between combined studies was tested using standard chi-square test. Where statistical pooling was not appropriate or possible, the findings are summarised in narrative form. Results, A comprehensive search of relevant databases, hand searching and cross referencing found 685 articles that were assessed for relevance to the review. Eighty-five papers appeared to meet the inclusion criteria based on title and abstract, and the full paper was retrieved. Of the 85 full papers reviewed, 40 were accepted for inclusion, three were systematic reviews, three were meta-analysis, and the remaining 34 were randomised controlled trials. For the randomised controlled trials that were able to be included in a meta-analysis, standardised mean differences or weighted mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each. Results from comparable groups of studies were pooled in statistical meta-analysis using Review Manager Software and heterogeneity between combined studies was assessed by using the chi-square test. Where statistical pooling was not appropriate or possible, the findings are summarised in narrative form. The results are discussed in two main sections. Firstly it was possible to assess the effectiveness of different types of caregiver interventions on the outcome categories of depression, health, subjective well-being, self-efficacy and burden. Secondly, results are reported by main outcome category. For each of these sections, meta-analysis was conducted where it was possible; otherwise, a narrative summary describes the findings. Effectiveness of intervention type, Four categories of intervention were included in the review , psycho-educational, support, multi-component and other. Psycho-educational Thirteen studies used psycho-educational interventions, and all but one showed positive results across a range of outcomes. Eight studies were entered in a meta-analysis. No significant impact of psycho-educational interventions was found for the outcome categories of subjective well-being, self-efficacy or health. However, small but significant results were found for the categories of depression and burden. Support Seven studies discussed support only interventions and two of these showed significant results. These two studies were suitable for meta-analysis and demonstrated a small but significant improvement on caregiver burden. Multi-component Twelve of the studies report multi-component interventions and 10 of these report significant outcomes across a broad range of outcome measures including self-efficacy, depression, subjective well-being and burden. Unfortunately because of the heterogeneity of study designs and outcome measures, no meta-analysis was possible. Other interventions Other interventions included the use of exercise or nutrition which resulted in improvements in psychological distress and health benefits. Case management and a computer aided support intervention provided mixed results. One cognitive behavioural therapy study reported a reduction in anxiety and positive impacts on patient behaviour. Effectiveness of interventions using specific outcome categories, In addition to analysis by type of intervention it was possible to analyse results based on some outcome categories that were used across the studies. In particular the impact of interventions on caregiver depression was available for meta-analysis from eight studies. This indicated that multi-component and psycho-educational interventions showed a small but significant positive effect on caregiver depression. Five studies using the outcome category of caregiver burden were entered into a meta-analysis and findings indicated that there were no significant effects of any of interventions. No meta-analysis was possible for the outcome categories of health, self-efficacy or subjective well-being. Implications for practice, From this review there is evidence to support the use of well-designed psycho-educational or multi-component interventions for caregivers of people with dementia who live in the community. Factors that appear to positively contribute to effective interventions are those which: ,,Provide opportunities within the intervention for the person with dementia as well as the caregiver to be involved ,,Encourage active participation in educational interventions for caregivers ,,Offer individualised programs rather than group sessions ,,Provide information on an ongoing basis, with specific information about services and coaching regarding their new role ,,Target the care recipient particularly by reduction in behaviours Factors which do not appear to have benefit in interventions are those which: ,,Simply refer caregivers to support groups ,,Only provide self help materials ,,Only offer peer support [source]

Developing a Comprehensive Mechanical Support Program

Young mothers' involvement in a prenatal and postpartum support program,

JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
Xiaoli Wen
The involvement of 124 young mothers in a doula support program was measured in two dimensions,quantity of program contact and quality of mother,doula helping relationship. The study examined each dimension's differential associations with maternal outcomes, as well as the moderating effects of mother characteristics on these associations. Quantity of program contact was related to the quality of helping relationship, especially when rated by doulas. Both quantity and quality of involvement predicted the maternal outcomes, although not always in the expected direction. For mothers with limited vocabulary skills and better connections with the baby's father, program contact was more likely to promote positive birth experiences. A negative association between program contact and parenting behaviors was observed among mothers who were less mature or had less positive social relationships. The study suggests the multidimensionality of program involvement and the complexity of interactions between program and participant factors in producing program outcomes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Cultural relevance as program-to-community alignment,

JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
Jayanthi Mistry
Calls for cultural sensitivity in the design and implementation of human services programs have become a standard response to the increasing diversity among the families and communities being served. In this article, we take a critical look at the construct, using data from a multi-year evaluation of a statewide family support program. We examine how selected, locally implemented programs operationalize the state program's cultural sensitivity standard, using both etic and emic approaches; that is, we apply extant cultural competence definitions to assess program cultural sensitivity and document how the program staff articulated their approach to the cultural sensitivity. Findings suggest that programs focus more directly on the immediate cultural relevance of their services, rather than on developing more generalized competencies among their staff. Further, findings indicate that program-to-community alignment may well be a more useful representation of how programs address cultural issues. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Direct effects of short-term psychoeducational intervention for relatives of patients with schizophrenia in Japan

PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 5 2006
HAJIME YAMAGUCHI md
Abstract, This study examined the direct effects of short-term psychoeducation on relatives of inpatients with schizophrenia, with the goal of introducing this type of support program into standard care. The subjects were 46 relatives of inpatients with schizophrenia who attended three or four sessions of psychoeducation. Levels of anxiety and subjective burden and distress were measured before and after sessions using self-administered rating scales. In addition, levels of expressed emotion were also measured. Results showed that both state and trait anxiety on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were significantly lower after psychoeducational intervention than before intervention. In addition, subjective burden and distress reported by the family significantly decreased on the subscales for family confusion resulting from a lack of knowledge of the illness and anxiety about the future, subjective burden and depression resulting from the patient's illness, and difficulties in the relatives' relationships with the patient. Comparison of high and low expressed emotion families showed that the intervention was almost equally effective for the two groups. However, its effectiveness with regard to the subjective burden and depression experienced by the families was significantly greater among high expressed emotion families. The present study confirmed that family psychoeducation during hospitalization, even for a short period, is effective for all families, whether high or low expressed emotion. Moreover, the results suggested that the intervention may have a greater effect on emotional factors in high expressed emotion families than in low expressed emotion families. [source]

Changes in emotion regulation and psychological adjustment following use of a group psychosocial support program for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer

PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
Linda D. Cameron
Abstract This study assesses the efficacy of a group intervention in altering emotion regulation processes and promoting adjustment in women with breast cancer. Using a design with 10 alternating phases of availability of the intervention versus standard care, we assessed women participating in one of three conditions: a 12-week group intervention (N = 54); a decliner group who refused the intervention (N = 56), and a standard care group who were not offered the intervention (N = 44). The intervention included training in relaxation, guided imagery, meditation, emotional expression, and exercises promoting control beliefs and benefit-finding. Emotion regulation processes and adjustment were assessed at baseline (following diagnosis), 4 months (corresponding with the end of the intervention), 6 months, and 12 months. At 4 months, intervention participants (compared to decliners and standard care participants) reported greater increases in use of relaxation-oriented techniques, perceived control, emotional well-being, and coping efficacy, and, greater decreases in perceived risk of recurrence, cancer worry, and anxiety. Intervention participants also reported relatively greater decreases in emotional suppression from baseline to 12 months, suggesting that the intervention had a delayed impact on these tendencies. The findings suggest an emotion regulation intervention can beneficially influence emotional experiences and regulation over the first year following diagnosis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Depression burden, psychological adjustment, and quality of life in women with breast cancer: Patterns over time

RESEARCH IN NURSING & HEALTH, Issue 1 2004
Terry A. Badger
Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine how level of depression burden influences women's psychological adjustment and quality of life over time and how depression burden interacted with a community-based oncology support program to influence psychological adjustment and life quality. Participants were 169 women who completed a side effects checklist at three data collection points. Women were divided into two groups based on their depression burden scores: 123 women reporting no burden, and 46 women reporting high depression burden. For psychological adjustment, there were significant interaction effects for intervention by time and for intervention by depression burden by time and significant main effects for depression burden. For life quality, there was a significant interaction effect for intervention by time and a significant main effect for depression burden. The findings document the negative impact of depression burden on psychological adjustment and life quality. Oncology support interventions can be effective in reducing this negative impact. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:19,28, 2004 [source]

Launch Decisions and New Product Success: An Empirical Comparison of Consumer and Industrial Products

THE JOURNAL OF PRODUCT INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2000
Erik Jan Hultink
Many articles have investigated new product development success and failure. However, most of them have used the vantage point of characteristics of the product and development process in this research. In this article we extend this extensive stream of research, looking at factors affecting success; however, we look at the product in the context of the launch support program. We empirically answer the question of whether successful launch decisions differ for consumer and industrial products and identify how they differ. From data collected on over 1,000 product introductions, we first contrast consumer product launches with industrial product launches to identify key differences and similarities in launch decisions between market types. For consumer products, strategic launch decisions appear more defensive in nature, as they focus on defending current market positions. Industrial product strategic launch decisions seem more offensive, using technology and innovation to push the firm to operate outside their current realm of operations and move into new markets. The tactical marketing mix launch decisions (product, place, promotion and price) also differ markedly across the products launched for the two market types. Successful products were contrasted with failed products to identify those launch decisions that discriminate between both outcomes. Here the differences are more of degree rather than principle. Some launch decisions were associated with success for consumer and industrial products alike. Launch successes are more likely to be broader assortments of more innovative product improvements that are advertised with print advertising, independent of market. Other launch decisions uniquely related to success per product type, especially at the marketing mix level (pricing, distribution, and promotion in particular). The launch decisions most frequently made by firms are not well aligned with factors associated with higher success. Additionally, comparing the decisions associated with success to the recommendations for launches from the normative literature suggests that a number of conventional heuristics about how to launch products of each type will actually lead to failure rather than success. [source]

Participation Patterns in Home-Based Family Support Programs: Ethnic Variations,

Developing a Comprehensive Mechanical Support Program

Psychotherapy in Australia: Clinical psychology and its approach to depression

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 8 2007
David J. Kavanagh
In Australia, clinical psychology training is dominated by cognitive and behavioral treatments (CBTs), although there is exposure to other theoretical orientations. Since 2001, over 20% of general medical practitioners (GPs) have received training in CBT, and psychiatry training increasingly incorporates CBT elements. Psychotherapy by medical practitioners is financially supported by universal health care funding with supplementation by patients and their private health insurance. Federally funded health benefits for up to 12 psychology consultations per year are provided on referral from GPs and psychiatrists, and initial takeup has been very strong. Mrs. A would be a typical patient for such a referral. However, she would not fulfill criteria for priority access from state-funded mental health services. Mrs. A would probably consult a GP and receive antidepressants, although she may also access a range of other community support programs. Access to and acceptance of psychotherapy would be greater in urban areas, and if she were of Anglo-Saxon and nonindigenous origin. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 725,733, 2007. [source]

Smoking Cessation Counseling for Pregnant Women Who Smoke: Scientific Basis for Practice for AWHONN's SUCCESS Project

JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 3 2004
FAAN, Susan A. Albrecht PhD
Objectives: To review the literature addressing smoking cessation in pregnant women. To develop the project protocol for the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurse's (AWHONN) 6th research-based practice project titled "Setting Universal Cessation Counseling, Education and Screening Standards (SUCCESS): Nursing Care of Pregnant Women Who Smoke." To evaluate the potential of systematic integration of this protocol in primary care settings in which women seek care at the preconception, pregnant, or postpartum stages. Literature Sources: Computerized searches in MEDLINE and CINAHL, as well as references cited in articles reviewed. Key concepts in the searches included low-birth-weight infants and effects of prenatal smoking on the infant and the effects of preconception and prenatal smoking cessation intervention on premature labor and birth weight. Literature Selection: Comprehensive articles, reports, and guidelines relevant to key concepts and published after 1964 with an emphasis on new findings from 1996 through 2002. Ninety-eight citations were identified as useful to this review. Literature Synthesis: Tobacco use among pregnant women and children's exposure to tobacco use (secondhand smoke) are associated with pregnancy complications such as placental dysfunction (including previa or abruption), preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous abortions, and decreased birth weight and infant stature. Neonates and children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk for developing otitis media, asthma, other respiratory disorders later in childhood; dying from sudden infant death syndrome; and learning disorders. The "5 A's" intervention and use of descriptive statements for smoking status assessment were synthesized into the SUCCESS project protocol for AWHONN's 6th research-based practice project. Conclusions: The literature review generated evidence that brief, office-based assessment, client-specific tobacco counseling, skill development, and support programs serve as an effective practice guideline for clinicians. Implementation and evaluation of the guideline is under way at a total of 13 sites in the United States and Canada. [source]

Comparative Analysis of Employment Services for People with Disabilities in Australia, Finland, and Sweden

JOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3-4 2004
James O'Brien
Abstract, Described and discussed are comparative employment policies and programs for people with intellectual and other disabilities in Australia, Finland, and Sweden. The dominant economic and social policies of many Western countries are such that they continue to place considerable pressure on the development and maintenance of employment programs for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, particularly for those with high support needs. The authors note that these policies often result in tension between the simultaneous achievement of person-centered principles for people with disabilities and a desire for improved service efficiencies and accountability. In addition, a concern raised by specialists in all three countries is the demise of low skilled jobs, which traditionally have attracted people with intellectual disabilities. It is proposed that improving the level of education and training available for people with intellectual disabilities may improve their employment opportunities. In this vein, key aspects of these countries' respective support programs were identified as an aid to policy-makers and service providers reconciling the disparities between employment needs and opportunities. [source]

The Influence of Economic Conditions on Aspects of Stigmatization

JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES, Issue 3 2010
Eden B. King
Realistic group conflict theory,(LeVine & Campbell, 1972) posits that people resist policies that advance the relative standing of out-group members, especially during periods of threat. To test the viability of realistic conflict in a meaningful social context, an experimental method was used to explore the influence of economic threat on stigmatization in White individuals' personnel decisions and resistance to diversity policies. As expected, compared to participants in a control condition, participants who were exposed to an economic threat evaluated a minority female job candidate more negatively than a White male candidate. In addition, willingness to support programs related to diversity was reduced among participants who endorsed zero-sum ideologies. This study highlights the role of economic threat on stigmatization and indicates that vigilance in addressing discrimination may be particularly important in the context of the current turmoil of the world economy. [source]

Health status and life satisfaction among breast cancer survivor peer support volunteers

PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2002
B. Alex Matthews
Two measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the Satisfaction with Life Domains Scale for Cancer (SLDS-C), were compared to examine the relationship between health status and life satisfaction among breast cancer survivors (BCSs). A total of 586 BCSs, all of whom were volunteers in peer support programs, met inclusion criteria and completed the self-report measures. Significant correlation coefficients were shown between life satisfaction and measures of health status. SF-36 scores were significantly higher for physical functioning, emotional well-being, and vitality subscales compared to population norms. BCSs expressed greatest dissatisfaction with their sexual ability, physical strength, and bodies in general. Small age differences were found. Results suggest that incorporating multiple measures of HRQOL contribute to the understanding and measurement of the effects of cancer on perceived health status and life satisfaction. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Under-Utilization of Mechanical Circulatory Support in Canada: Why and What Can Be Done?

ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 3 2004
Tofy Mussivand
Abstract:, In October of 2002, a workshop was held as part of the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Edmonton, Canada, entitled "Under-Utilization of Mechanical Circulatory Support in Canada. Why and What Can Be Done?" The workshop examined various issues related to the use of mechanical circulatory support devices in the Canadian context. Representatives from all Canadian centers with active mechanical circulatory support programs were invited to participate and participants included surgeons and cardiologists, as well as other affiliated health professionals. Opinions were solicited from the workshop participants and a series of recommendations were formulated. [source]

Personal stigma and coping strategies in families of patients with schizophrenia: Comparison between Japan and Korea

ASIA-PACIFIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 2 2010
Setsuko Hanzawa PhD
Abstract Introduction: It has been extensively documented that caregivers of persons who have serious and persistent mental disorders must successfully cope with many challenging problems in order to provide good care. However, little is known about the relationship between family stigma and strategies for coping with patients with schizophrenia. Therefore, the present study compared the personal stigma and coping strategies of families of patients with schizophrenia by examining the socio-cultural factors that affect the care experience of families in Northeast Asian countries. Methods: Two self-rating scales were used to compare personal stigma and coping strategies regarding family members of patients with schizophrenia in 47 Japanese and 92 Korean families. Respondents reported their personal attitudes (personal stigma) with respect to a case vignette that described a person with chronic schizophrenia. Results: Analysis revealed the following: 1) although no differences in coping strategies were observed between the countries, the personal stigma of families was significantly higher in Korea than in Japan; 2) coping strategies, such as positive communication, coercion, and avoidance, were significantly associated with personal stigma in Korean families; however, in Japanese families, resignation was significantly associated with personal stigma. Discussion: The present findings suggest that personal family stigma was higher in Korea than Japan, and the features associated with coping strategies differ between countries. It is important to determine the features of personal stigma that are associated with schizophrenia. Furthermore, education and support programs for families with schizophrenia based on trans-cultural considerations must be emphasized in both countries. [source]