Need For Educational Materials Research Articles

Evaluation of a community health worker intervention to improve adherence to therapy for non-communicable disease in Chiapas, Mexico

: 02NCD019 Creating and implementing low literacy cancer education materials: bridging the gap in sub-Saharan Africa M. Olsen, V.E. Manzo, C. Cardenas, A. Bhatt, A. Fajardo, F. Huang, M. Jacobs, S. Kennell-Heiling, L.S. May, H. Mehrtash, K. Taylor, M. Xu; Partners In Health, Cambridge, MA/US, Stanford University, Stanford, CA/US, THE MEME Design, Cambridge, MA/US, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute / Harvard Medical School / Global Oncology, Inc., Boston, MA/US, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA/US, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, Partners In Health, Boston, MA/US, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA/US, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA/US, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA/US Program/Project Purpose: Global Oncology (GO) is a non-profit community of professionals and student volunteers helping global partners alleviate suffering through providing the highest quality cancer care. In January 2013, GO established a partnership with Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Malawi. In June 2013, GO initiated the development of cancer educational materials for QECH’s low-literate patient population, in collaboration with THE MEME Design in Cambridge, MA. The materials were completed in May 2014 and piloted in Malawi and Rwanda in JuneSeptember 2014. Through this project, GO aims to improve psychosocial support services and patient adherence in resource-limited settings. Structure/Method/Design: Cancer care providers at QECH identified a need for educational materials for their low-literate patient population. In order to develop a clinically relevant and culturally appropriate product, GO is working with MEME, QECH, Partners In Health (PIH) in Rwanda, and has consulted with experts throughout Boston and sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to developing the materials, GO and its partners are investigating ways to integrate the booklets into clinical protocols as a platform to better engage patients and families in the treatment process.

Groundwater for the 21st Century: A Primer for Citizens of Planet Earth

Although the daily water needs of 2.5 billion people worldwide are met with groundwater (UNESCO 2012), only a small percentage of the world’s population has any formal education in hydrogeology. Thus, there is a profound need for educational materials that introduce hydrogeology in a manner that is accessible to a wide audience, including nonscientists. Conners (2013) recognizes and addresses this need with his book, Groundwater for the 21st Century: A Primer for Citizens of Planet Earth . In the preface, Conners describes his book as “a broad flexible resource” that “does not have pages filled with differential equations” and is also not a “‘popular science’ book, filled with human interest stories” but that does “provide a basic understanding of groundwater science . . . in a manner that is accessible to all.” (viii). To make the book both widely accessible and applicable, Conners includes chapters on basic scientific and geologic principles, global water resources issues, and applied hydrogeology, in addition to covering the fundamentals of hydrogeology. As a consequence of being broad, the book is rather long. With 614 pages, 14 chapters, and 3 appendices, I suspect some readers, particularly those without a scientific background, might be overwhelmed by the book’s size. In my opinion the book is unnecessarily broad and long. Although the basic science and geology chapters provide background for later chapters, they also cover several topics (e.g., subatomic chemistry, plate tectonics, modes of crustal deformation, and periglacial geology) that are well beyond the background necessary for a general, nontechnical understanding of hydrogeology and groundwater resources. The readability of the text and Conners’s professional yet unintimidating writing style are notable. Several case studies are presented in boxes throughout the book and these very effectively elucidate the applicability of the

Predictors of Health Information Needs among U.S. Mainland and Puerto Rican Caregivers

Stroke caregivers often do not have the information necessary to adequately manage the stroke recovery process at home. We explore how the educational needs of stroke caregivers vary by race, ethnicity, and place, and their association with caregiver characteristics. We surveyed 276 stroke caregivers living on the U.S. Mainland and in Puerto Rico to assess their educational needs related to stroke recovery. Caregivers report a high overall need for educational materials with Puerto Rican stroke caregivers having greater needs compared to whites and African Americans on the Mainland. Increased caregiver educational needs are associated with greater desire to institutionalize, less positive appraisals of caregiving, greater use of coping strategies, and greater burden. All caregivers can benefit from educational materials, but special attention to island-dwelling Puerto Rican caregivers may provide additional benefit. Future research and interventions should focus on tailoring educational materials for race, culture, and other caregiver characteristics.

Development and Validation of a Nutritional Education Pamphlet for Low Literacy Pediatric Oncology Caregivers in Central America

A culturally appropriate nutrition education pamphlet was developed and validated for low-literacy caregivers in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The pamphlet was developed after a preliminary survey of pediatric oncology nurses in the 3 countries to assess the need for education materials, caregiver literacy levels, and local eating habits. Experts in nutrition and low-literacy patient education and pediatric oncology nurses validated the pamphlet's content and design. The pamphlet was validated positively and has been circulated to pediatric oncology caregivers in Central America.

Radiation therapy education for rural and remote GPs

Radiation therapy (RT) plays an important role in the treatment of many malignancies, either as a primary treatment or adjuvant modality. The referral base for many New South Wales (NSW) radiation oncology departments extends across rural and remote NSW regions. There are limited resources and support available to GPs in these rural areas to assist them in caring for patients considering or about to undergo RT, and those who have completed RT treatment and have returned to their rural residence. The project described aimed to develop an electronic learning (e-learning) information resource for: (1) both health professionals and patients in the NSW rural sector on general RT information; and (2) GPs on the specifics of radiation induced skin reactions. In order to produce a comprehensive information package and resource for rural GPs and their patients, a needs assessment was conducted on a sample GP population. The needs assessment was conducted via distribution of a survey to 1700 rural GPs throughout NSW. The survey was developed using patient and clinician input; and SPSS software (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis. The collected data were analysed descriptively to quantify the GPs' responses. A response rate of 22% was achieved. Of the respondents, 93.9% had previously cared for a patient undergoing radiation therapy, and 76.7% felt they had insufficient information to support their patient through this process. In total, 96.1% of the GPs indicated the need for information about acute and chronic radiation induced skin reactions. The need for educational material to be available in both hard copy and electronically was identified. The results indicate that most GPs have cared for an RT patient and few felt they had sufficient information. There was genuine interest from the respondents in obtaining an information and resource package that would assist them in the care of these patients.

Teaching Grid Computing: Topics, Exercises, and Experiences

Grid protocols and technologies are being adopted in a wide variety of academic, government, and industrial environments, and a growing body of research-oriented literature in grid computing is being compiled. However, there is a need for educational material that is suitable for classroom use. This paper describes topics, exercises, and experiences of teaching grid computing at two different universities. Course material in grid computing can be grouped into several knowledge areas. The focus in this paper is on grid programming, i.e., developing grid-enabled services using the Globus toolkit. Assessment data shows that with preparatory material and hands-on exercises, undergraduate computer science students can master grid programming. Topics and exercises for security, network programming, Web services, and grid programming are described. Recommendations include using stand-alone containers on individual student computers and following a first grid programming exercise that builds confidence with at least one more elaborate grid programming exercise

Diagnosis of foetal alcohol syndrome and alcohol use in pregnancy: A survey of paediatricians’ knowledge, attitudes and practice

To measure paediatricians' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and alcohol use during pregnancy. Postal survey of paediatricians in Western Australia in 2004. Of 179 eligible paediatricians, 132 (73.7%) responded (90 consultant paediatricians and 42 paediatric trainees). Of the 132 respondents, 18.9% identified all four essential diagnostic features for FAS. Only 49.2% had previously diagnosed FAS (range 1-30 cases) but 91.7% had seen children diagnosed by others; 76.5% had suspected but not diagnosed FAS; 12.1% had been convinced of but not recorded the diagnosis; and 31.8% had referred children for diagnostic confirmation. Although 79.6% agreed early diagnosis might be advantageous, 69.6% said diagnosis might be stigmatising and 36.4% thought parents might resist referral for assessment and treatment. Although 78.2% agreed avoiding binge drinking may reduce FAS, only 43.9% believed women should abstain from using alcohol in pregnancy. Only 4.5% felt very prepared to deal with a patient with FAS: most wanted educational materials for themselves (69.7%) and child carers (71.2%). Only 23.3% routinely ask about alcohol use when taking a pregnancy history and 4.2% routinely provide information on the consequences of alcohol use. Only 11.4% had read the current Australian national health guideline regarding alcohol consumption in pregnancy and 9.1% provided advice consistent with the guideline. Paediatricians identified the need for educational materials about FAS and alcohol use in pregnancy for themselves and their clients. Lack of knowledge about FAS diagnosis and management will limit opportunities for diagnosis, prevention and early intervention.

Health professionals' knowledge, practice and opinions about fetal alcohol syndrome and alcohol consumption in pregnancy

Objective: To measure the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health professionals regarding fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and alcohol use during pregnancy.Method: A postal survey of a representative random sample of health professionals was conducted in Western Australia (WA) in 2002/03. 1,143 (79%) of 1,443 eligible health professionals completed the survey (87 Aboriginal Health Workers, 286 allied health professionals, 537 community nurses, 170 general practitioners and 63 obstetricians).Results: Of 1,143 health professionals, 12% identified all four essential diagnostic features of FAS. Most (95%) had never diagnosed FAS. Although 82% believed that making a diagnosis of FAS might improve treatment plans and 85% agreed FAS was preventable, 53% said the diagnosis might be stigmatising. Only 2% felt very prepared to deal with FAS and most wanted information for themselves and their clients. Of the 659 health professionals caring for pregnant women, only 45% routinely ask about alcohol use in pregnancy, only 25% routinely provide information on the consequences of alcohol use in pregnancy and only 13% provide advice consistent with NHMRC guidelines on alcohol consumption in pregnancy.Conclusion: Health professionals have identified the need for educational materials for themselves and their clients.Implications: FAS is likely to be under‐ascertained in Australia due to a lack of knowledge of FAS by health professionals. Until this lack of knowledge is addressed, opportunities for diagnosis and prevention of FAS will be limited.

Special Report: Highlights of the 2004 Institute on Psychiatric Services

Special Report: Highlights of the 2004 Institute on Psychiatric Services

34. Traffic Safety for Diverse Populations

Injuries continue to be a serious health problem worldwide and account for more lives lost than any disease entity. In accordance with Healthy People 2010 objectives, efforts to reduce deaths and nonfatal injuries can be directed towards increasing usage of safety belt and child restraint devices for all occupants involved in motor vehicle crashes. US Census data reveal that immigration accounts for more than 31% of the shift in demographics of people within the United States since 1990. The projected impact on racial/ethnic groups is a rise of 15% within those electing to reside in the United States. Since 1998, Massachusetts has seen a steady rise in overall crash-related fatalities. A gap exists in the educational materials available to diverse populations or emerging linguistic groups within our state. Grant funding was provided through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Boston, Massachusetts, to develop traffic safety materials for diverse populations. Identification of the existing diversity with the state was conducted using 2000 US Census data. Of the state's total population of 6.3 million residents, there were positive gains in the following racial/ethnic groups: 16% Black, 49% Latino, and 70% Asian or Pacific Islander. Utilizing reports of hospital discharge data from the Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy, as well as crash data from the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau, the incidence and mechanisms of injuries were examined. The project coordinator conducted online and telephone queries of state and national traffic safety organizations and outreach programs looking at prevention topics, languages available, and medium (such as brochures, cards, or other materials) to steer the project. The steady rise of traffic-related injuries and fatalities, coupled with the historically low safety belt use within the state, indicated a need for educational materials focused on the following 4 traffic topics: child passenger, restraint use, pedestrian, and bicycle safety. The languages selected were Haitian Creole, Khmer, Portuguese, Russian, and traditional Chinese. Based on the findings from the environmental scan, educational materials on the 4 priority topics were developed in each of the 5 languages identified. The educational materials are available in portable document format at http://bidmc.harvard.edu/injuryprevention. Accurate data regarding race and ethnicity of those injured in traffic-related events is very limited. Injury prevention programs may begin to identify populations at risk through the examination of readily available census data.

Development of a skin education program for secondary schools

Issue addressed: The skin education program was developed to improve the outlook for secondary school students who are affected by common skin conditions. Methods: Prior to development of pilot resources, a skin health questionnaire was distributed to a sample of Victorian secondary schools and focus groups were conducted with a sample of teachers, parents and students. Following a trial period in a group of schools, teacher interviews, student focus groups, teacher questionnaires and student questionnaires were conducted. Subsequently, the resource material was refined and distributed to all secondary schools in Victoria. Results: The skin health questionnaire found that schools considered teaching students about common skin conditions was important and there was a need for education material. In the initial focus groups, parents, teachers and students expressed a need for accurate information about skin conditions and made suggestions regarding the format for resources. Pilot resources comprised a teacher resource folder and student booklets. After piloting of the material, teachers and students suggested a number of changes. Conclusion: Consultation with the target group enabled appropriate educational material for all Victorian secondary schools to be produced. (author abstract)

Sharps injury recordkeeping activities and safety product use in California health care facilities:: Pilot study results from the sharps injury control program

Background: In 1999, licensed health care facilities in California (N = 2532) were invited to participate in a survey about occupational bloodborne pathogens exposure surveillance activities, recordkeeping methods, and use of safety-enhanced sharps devices. Results: A total of 1274 facilities responded to the survey from January 1999 through August 1999 (response rate = 50%). Sharps-related injuries were recorded for multiple departments on various forms in diverse manners. Only 66% of hospitals, 37% of home health agencies, and 33% of skilled nursing facilities reported sharps injuries on a mandated sharps injury log. More than 70% of facilities stated that they used some type of safety device or needleless system, but this figure varied by type of device and facility type. Eighty-four percent of general acute care hospitals, 28% of home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities each had evaluated at least 1 safety-enhanced device. Almost 90% of all facilities expressed a need for educational materials on topics such as device selection and evaluation. Conclusions: Standardization of surveillance and recordkeeping activities does not exist across facility types. Standards and regulations demand complex recordkeeping activities. Increased funding for distribution of educational materials and on-site training should accompany changes in mandated reporting activities when appropriate. Increased testing and evaluation of devices across facility types are necessary to ensure that safety-enhanced devices are protective of health care workers and patients. (Am J Infect Control 2002;30:269-76.)

Safe sex and student nurses in rural Australia: Nurses’ knowledge and practices (Part 2)

In this article, the second in a two-part series on a research study investigating student nurses’ knowledge and attitudes to safe sex in a rural university in Australia, the results are revealed. The major findings discussed in this article are focused on sexual preference, the need for safe sex, safe sex practices, the need for educational material regarding safe sex, exploration of sex/sexuality and, the need for study of conflict resolution, negotiation skills, and self esteem building. The article concludes with deliberations on educational recommendations associated with the research.

Educating Patients on Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection for Breast Cancer

This article reviews the current literature on lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) for breast cancer and presents educational information for patients who are considering undergoing this procedure. Lymphatic mapping with SLND has been tested widely in patients with breast cancer, primarily in the context of clinical trials. Research studies have found a high degree of accuracy, with the sentinel lymph node (SLN) predicting the status of the axillary node basin. The ability of the surgeon to identify the SLN and the accuracy of the technique correlate with the number of procedures conducted. With the increase in the number of patients having lymphatic mapping and SLND for breast cancer who may not be part of a clinical trial, there is a need for educational materials to help clinicians teach patients about the procedure. Because of the complexity of the information, patients need both written and verbal information to decide whether to undergo an SLND. In the setting of a clinical trial, patient education materials add to the informed consent document. As the use of SLND for breast cancer becomes more common, the need for clear, concise, informative patient education materials is even more imperative.

The Canadian Criminal Code provisions for mentally disordered offenders: a survey of experiences, attitudes, and knowledge.

To systematically survey Alberta psychiatrists and lawyers regarding their knowledge of, attitudes toward, and experiences with the Criminal Code provisions regarding mentally disordered offenders to better understand the lack of impact in practice patterns. A survey design was used, and 2 questionnaires, 1 for lawyers and 1 for psychiatrists, were developed and mailed out. Out of 245 surveys sent to psychiatrists, 141 were returned, giving a response rate of 57%. The number of lawyers practising criminal law could not be determined, and 5273 surveys were sent to all lawyers on the Law Society of Alberta mailing list. Of these, 564 were returned, giving an overall response rate of 11%. The response rate for lawyers practising criminal law is unknown. Overall, lawyers were younger than psychiatrists. Most of the respondents in both groups were men. Overall, attitudes toward offenders with mental illness were very similar among lawyers and psychiatrists. Compared with lawyers, psychiatrists had significantly more correct responses to the items assessing knowledge. With a highest possible knowledge score of 27, the average score was 16 (SD 5.7) for psychiatrists and 13 (SD 7.23) for lawyers. The lack of familiarity with many of the key provisions among psychiatrists and lawyers is worrisome and suggests the need for educational materials to improve knowledge of the Criminal Code provisions governing mentally disordered offenders.

Cross-Cultural Practice: Assessment, Treatment, and Training.

Cross-Cultural Practice: Assessment, Treatment, and Training.

The Misuse of Insulin by Body Builders: Raising Awareness of the Dangers of this Practice and the Need for Education Resources

Harm minimisation strategies aim to reduce the deleterious health and social consequences to the individual in drug use and abuse and the potential financial burden to the community. Harm minimisation is the guiding principle of the Steroid Peer Education Program (SPEP). This is an outreach program funded by the Department of Human Services (DHS) which provides counselling, education and needle exchange facilities for body-builders who inject with anabolic steroids. In 1998, SPEP became aware that a substantial number of clients were misusing insulin in an attempt to enhance muscle growth. It appears that these athletes were unaware of the dangers of insulin use, such as hypoglycaemia, and the potentially fatal consequences of this practice. Research was carried out which highlighted the need for education material as a harm reduction strategy. Such education material could be used to raise awareness of the dangers of non-medical insulin use and outline how to prevent and treat a hypoglycaemic episode. It appears pertinent to raise awareness of the non-medical use of insulin especially preceding the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. In addition to the dangers inherent in insulin use as an anabolic enhancement agent, its use cannot be detected by existing control measures. Finally, the long term health consequences of this practice are largely unknown and represent, therefore, an area for future investigation.

The multimedia CD ROM: an innovative teaching tool for endoscopic sinus surgery.

The recent explosive growth in the use of endoscopic techniques in the performance of surgical procedures has created an important need for educational materials on this subject. However, limitations of currently available teaching tools frustrate the user and hamper the teaching and spread of these procedures. To improve on currently available methods, we developed a CD ROM video atlas of techniques in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The multimedia CD ROM video atlas combines the best features of the surgical atlas with conventional videotapes. The component steps of procedures in ESS are presented to the viewer as brief, individual video sequences, accompanied by narration and a text of the highlights of each procedure. The use of digital video allows the user to access the segment of interest directly, in the order of preference, without having to sift through the other segments, as with conventional videocassettes. An interface allows control over playback of the video, and sequences can be reviewed instantly. Storage capacity of the CD ROM allows up to 60 minutes of video to be stored on each disk. The CD ROM combines the best elements of currently available educational tools and may represent a new approach for medical education.

Occupational biohazards affecting clinical engineers & BMETs. Part V: Skin and urogenital diseases.

BMETs and clinical engineers must be aware of the biological hazards they face in the hospital so they can take precautions to avoid work-related illnesses. A need for educational material on the subject prompted this series of papers examining various biohazards. This paper, the last in the series, reviews a variety of common diseases of the skin and urogenital systems. Common pathogens, their routes of transmission, isolation precautions, and infection control techniques are discussed. The precautions cited are not intended to constitute a full infection control program. Persons interested in further information are advised to contact the infection control officer at their facility, or the Centers for Disease Control.

Effectiveness of Advisory Committees in Community Resource Development

The purpose of this study was to find out how effective Extension Community Resource Development Advisory Committees are in achieving their purposes and functions. Data were gathered from 83 lay committee members and 52 Extension agents using a mail questionnaire. Both members and agents agreed that committees were meeting their purposes by making sound program decisions, securing community acceptance of programs and improving the programming skills of members. There was also a consensus that committees were effectively performing functions of analyzing community situations and legitimizing and communicating program decisions among community residents. Committee purposes and functions were significantly correlated, implying that when agents concentrate upon and achieve any purpose or function, other purposes and functions may be achieved simultaneously, thus increasing committee effectiveness. Members and agents indicated considerable need for educational material on how to establish community facilities and services and how to build leadership. Specialists should play a lead role, and agents should support this endeavor.