Regional Support Groups Research Articles

A Narrative Analysis of the In Vitro Fertilization Experiences of Survivors of Sexual Abuse

ObjectiveTo explore the lived experience of in vitro fertilization (IVF) from the perspective of survivors of sexual abuse. DesignIn this qualitative study, narrative analysis provided the framework to understand participants’ IVF experiences. SettingParticipants were recruited through a regional support group for women with infertility. ParticipantsThree women (mean age = 33.3 years) who self-identified as a survivor of sexual abuse and had at least one IVF experience participated in this study. MeasurementsEach participant wrote a narrative text of her experience. Burke’s method was followed for analysis of the narratives. ResultsThe most frequent imbalance was between what is happening (i.e., IVF procedures) and how the health care team provided the care. The repercussion was a negative experience for survivors, stemming from an insensitive manner in which their physical and verbal care was delivered by health care teams. These women were also deeply protective of their oocytes (eggs), embryos, and children. ConclusionHealth care providers may use these findings to better meet the physical and psychological needs of survivors of sexual abuse who are coping with infertility. Providers can have a more positive effect on the IVF experience of survivors by ensuring that the procedures they perform and the information they share are explained fully and delivered in a trauma-informed manner.

Evaluation of Organisational Structures of Self-help Groups in the Field of Paediatric Orthopaedics.

There have been few publications on the organisational structures of self-help groups that handle orthopaedic disorders in children. A standardised questionnaire was sent by post to the corresponding support groups. The aim was to evaluate the self-help group's structure, use of social media and financial background. Support groups for dwarfism, infantile cerebral palsy and Down syndrome responded and sent the questionnaire back to our department. Most self-help groups were incorporated societies and belonged to an umbrella organisation. The founding year was predominantly in the decade 1990 - 2000 (n = 15). The founders were predominantly parents (n = 28; 77.8%), concerned individuals (n = 11; 30.6%) and - in two cases - physicians (5.6%). 29 support groups (80.6%) received donations for financial support. The aims, activities, and manner of contact were presented in the home page (n = 35; 97.2%). Most self-help group focussing on paediatric orthopaedic disorders cooperate with physicians in different specialisations to obtain information and recommendations. The study presents the first information on self-help groups and documents the multidisciplinarity of paediatric orthopaedics. Close collaboration between paediatric orthopaedic surgeons and regional support groups might contribute to the reduction of uncertainty and fears and improve of medical provision.

67 - Our research priorities in mesothelioma: differences between patients and carers attending a regional support group and the final outcomes from A James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership

67 - Our research priorities in mesothelioma: differences between patients and carers attending a regional support group and the final outcomes from A James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership

Protection for Lives of Mothers and Children by Utilizing Regional Supports in the Event of a Natural Disaster

Severe natural disasters occurred, according to progress of global warming. For recent years in Japan, seasonal heavy rains have occurred in several areas and many people have been affected by disaster damages. In the Great East Japan earthquake and its tsunami, killed and missing people reached over 20,000 and about 500 children were included among these dead people. For protecting big and unpredictable disasters under climate change, we have to change the concept of complete protection by hard measures into the concept of how to reduce the human damage and of how to reduce the damage risk. It is very important to balance the hard and soft measures. Capacity building for protecting the life of mothers, children and elder people by utilizing the regional support groups is important. I focused on disaster preparedness such as disaster prevention activities and investments for risk mitigation, to protect the lives of mothers, children and elder people. A study meeting for disaster prevention with nurses, doctors and students in nursing schools will establish the sustainable capability of and the knowledge for disaster prevention. The physical power of mothers and children is weak and moreover mothers are very busy. Therefore, their participations in disaster prevention activities are limited. I proposed a new support system by the cooperation with regional support groups.

Social Interactions of School-Aged Children with CFA: Mothers' Perspectives and Advice

Objective : To learn about (1) mothers' perspectives on their children's social experiences and (2) how mothers interpret social situations and provide guidance to their children in challenging situations. Design : This was a qualitative study analyzing narratives. Mothers participated in a semistructured interview; mothers and their children participated in a social coaching task involving responses to hypothetical situations. Transcripts of audio recordings were used to create thematic coding categories, and transcripts were reviewed and coded. Setting : Children were patients at a reconstructive plastic surgery center in an urban hospital and medical school; families were recruited from a regional support group associated with the hospital. Participants : Mothers of nine children with congenital craniofacial anomalies, aged 9 to 14 years. Main Outcome Measures : Thematic narrative coding categories, focusing on mothers' perspectives on children's actual social experiences (from the interview) and mothers' advice and interpretations regarding challenging hypothetical social tasks (from the coaching task). Results : In the interviews, mothers reported positive and negative social experiences for their children. Multiple approaches were used by mothers to interpret social interactions experienced by children (interview) and hypothetical social situations (coaching task). These included consideration of situational factors, motivations of others, and factors within own child. Mothers' hypothetical advice was often prosocial, including concrete strategies to resolve conflict, to plan ways to avoid problems, to foster self-reliance, and to avoid hurtful situations. Conclusions : Mothers showed active interest and concern in their children's peer relationships and were thoughtful in devising strategies to successfully manage potential social challenges.

Peer Interactions and Their Benefits during Occupational Therapy Practice Placement Education

Peer collaboration is believed to assist in the development of critical thinking and reflection skills. However, collaboration may be difficult to achieve in the practice placement environment because students often experience placements away from peers. This study aimed to establish the frequency and types of peer contact experienced by first year occupational therapy students during practice placement education, in order to identify any benefits from interactions during this time and to establish any unmet needs that may arise from restricted peer contact. The data from responses to a survey by 53 of a cohort of 121 students demonstrated the diversity and disparity in the opportunities available. Many interactions provided support and reassurance and made a positive contribution to learning. Return-to-university days during practice placements and regional support groups to facilitate collaboration were suggested. The analysis of an online discussion board made available to all 121 students showed that only 12 students contributed to the discussions. The perceived benefits included contact with peers and practical support from tutors. Improved education and increased input from tutors were suggested as methods to encourage more effective use of this tool, in order to meet the learning and social needs of students with limited opportunities for peer interaction during placement modules.

Women with breast cancer decided whether to use complementary/alternative medicine through a process of discovery and investigation

Boon H, Brown JB, Gavin A , et al. Breast cancer survivors' perceptions of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM): making the decision to use or not to use. Qual Health Res 1999...