Single-session Group Research Articles

Combined Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Transcystic Common Bile Duct Exploration for Choledocholithiasis

Abstract Background: There is no consensus on the ideal approach for managing patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones. The combined approach is less popular, possibly due to the complexity of the surgical technique and the availability of choledochoscope. Aim: We aim to assess the safety and feasibility of transcystic (TC) CBD exploration using the flexible bronchoscope for choledocholithiasis. Methods: Forty patients with symptomatic calculus gallbladder with concomitant CBD stones were randomized into two groups. Single-session laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and laparoscopic TC CBD exploration were performed for one group using the flexible bronchoscope. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by LC after 4–6 weeks was conducted for the other group. Results: Twenty patients were randomized to each group. The clearance rate of CBD stones was significantly higher in the single-session Group A (95%) than in the two-session Group B (70%). Group B was associated with a significantly prolonged operative (P = 0.01). The total hospital stay and operative time were significantly longer in Group B than in Group A (P = 0.004). There was no significant difference between both groups regarding the intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusion: Combined LC and TC CBD exploration is a safe and feasible approach and is associated with significantly shorter operative time and length of hospital stay.

Project Sandman: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of a Group-Based Brief Sleep Intervention in Air Force Technical Training

ABSTRACT Objectives Approximately 70% of the military personnel experience chronic sleep insufficiency, which negatively impacts military readiness and health. Military sleep health does not appear to be improving despite targeted programs to optimize sleep. The present quasi-experimental study aims to evaluate a single-session sleep intervention in United States Air Force (USAF) Technical Training. Method A group-based Brief Sleep Intervention (BSI) was developed for the target population. Participants included 321 technical school students (Mean age = 21; 82% male; 67% White) who were assigned to the BSI (n = 203) or a control group (n = 118). Propensity-score-weighted multivariable logistic regression was employed to compare outcomes. Results At the 2-week follow-up, students in the BSI were significantly more likely to report sleeping 6 or more hours on weekdays (OR = 1.49, p < .001) and “Good/Very Good” sleep quality (OR = 1.50, p = .032) than those in the control group. In addition, 69.2% of the students in BSI reported having engaged in the self-selected “Action Step” chosen during the intervention. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to test a preventative sleep intervention in USAF Technical Training. Results suggest that a single-session group intervention can promote behavioral changes and improve sleep health.

Consecutive Dual-Session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Chronic Subjective Severe to Catastrophic Tinnitus with Normal Hearing.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is emerging as a promising non-invasive intervention for tinnitus by aiming to modulate abnormal brain activity. This study investigated the efficacy of dual-session tDCS for the relief of perception, distress, and loudness in patients with severe chronic subjective tinnitus and assessed the duration of tinnitus suppression effects compared to single-session and control groups over a 2-month follow-up. In a prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 30 participants with severe chronic subjective tinnitus underwent bifrontal tDCS. The control group (n = 9), single-session group (n = 10), and dual-session group (n = 11) received 2 mA stimulation for 20 min per session, twice a week for one month. The treatment response was monitored weekly using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), with additional assessments using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at the fourth and eighth weeks. The single- and dual-session groups showed statistically significant improvements in VAS, THI, and BDI scores compared to the control group. THI and BDI scores showed a significant difference between the single- and dual-session groups. The dual-session group demonstrated a more sustained tinnitus suppression effect than the single-session group. tDCS has been validated as an effective intervention for the suppression of tinnitus, with the dual-session protocol showing longer-term benefits. These findings support the potential of tDCS as a treatment for tinnitus, particularly in dual-session applications.

A roadmap to address stress in graduate students: How to develop and disseminate a student-led single-session evidence based intervention

Objective: This manuscript describes an evidence-based, student-led, single-session group intervention to support emotional wellbeing among graduate students. The present objective is to provide a roadmap for other universities. Participants: Key participants include clinical psychology graduate students (leader and workshop facilitators), faculty supervisor, representatives from receiving departments or schools, and institutional advocates. Methods: The two-hour workshop was based on four core transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral skills, including psychoeducation about emotions, mindful emotional awareness, cognitive flexibility, and behavior change. The workshop was designed and continues to be led by trained graduate students. Results: Key steps and lessons learned are presented for the exploration, preparation, implementation, and sustainment phases. Conclusions: This program has the potential to be flexibly replicated at other universities to assist with graduate student mental health. It provides unique supports for recipients and unique training opportunities for student facilitators.

Comparing Music Therapy Interventions in Adults with Substance Use Disorder on a Detoxification Unit as Measured by the Group Relationship: A Three-Group Cluster-Randomized Study

ABSTRACT Social connectedness and related relational constructs can facilitate recovery in adults with substance use disorder (SUD). To date, there is a lack of research differentiating music therapy interventions as measured by the group relationship among peers within an inpatient detoxification setting for adults with SUD. The purpose of this study was to compare three commonly used group music therapy interventions in adults with SUD by measuring the group relationship Participants (N = 103) were adults with SUD hospitalized on an inpatient detoxification unit. The researcher cluster-randomized participants to one of three single-session group music therapy conditions: lyric analysis (LA), recreational music therapy (RMT), or songwriting (SW). Participants completed pre- and posttest measures of the group relationship. All conditions had favorable mean group relationship changes from pre- to posttest. There were significant between-group differences in the positive bonding relationship and positive working relationship subscales between the SW and RMT conditions. There was a significant between-group difference in the negative relationship scale between the RMT and both the LA and SW conditions. Despite the temporal limitations of single-session therapy common on detoxification units, this study has clinical implications because of the relevance of social connectedness and group relationships among adults with SUD. As the SW condition outperformed the RMT condition in all three group relationship subscales and has support regarding other SUD-related constructs, SW may constitute an ideal intervention in adult detoxification settings. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.

The Effects of Practice Schedules on the Acquisition and Retention of a Grapho-Motor Skill in Young-Adults

Studies suggest that the amount of practice and practice protocols can affect the long-term retention of motor skills. We tested how a practice schedule affects young adults’ learning and retention of a simple graphomotor skill. Young adults trained on the construction of a letter-form by connecting dots (Invented Letter Task, ILT) in a single-session 24-blocks practice were compared to a distributed practice group afforded 6-blocks ILT practice on four consecutive days. The single-session practice outperformed the distributed practice group in the speed performance at the end of training but also 24-h post-training. However, the distributed practice group was comparable to the single-session group in terms of speed by 4–5 wk post-training and showed significant gains between 24-h and 4–5 wk post-training while the massed practice showed significant deterioration. Both groups were comparable in terms of accuracy at the three assessment time points. The results suggest that, even in a simple motor task, comparing single sessions to multi-session (distributed) practice could be a straightforward method for determining the efficiency of a practice schedule in young adults.

Reconceptualizing Music Therapy in Acute Mental Health Settings Part II: Clinical Applications of Single-Session Therapy

Abstract By championing the strengths, resources, and resilience of service users and increasing treatment access while limiting costs, single-session therapy (SST) represents a collaborative, direct, and transparent approach to providing treatment. In SST, service users have active and empowered roles in determining the focus, solutions, and extent of the therapy. SST practitioners note that all circumstances, settings, and contexts are unique and thus provide service users with autonomy to help them address the concerns that brought them to seek treatment. In Part II, I describe various ways to implement SST for music therapy clinicians in acute mental health settings. As Carr et al. (2013) noted a need for a music therapy model in acute mental health settings, I highlight Soo-Hoo’s (2018) Strength-Based Multicultural Integrative Therapy model as a potential therapeutic framework. To help music therapists apply aspects of SST to their clinical practice, I also provide questions for therapists to use in SST, describe how to conclude SST, provide suggestions for single-session group music therapy and other applications of single-session therapy in music therapy, and conclude with a critical reflection of SST.

Evaluation of clinical features and laboratory findings in critical intensive care unit patients with severe coronavirus disease-19 who underwent extracorporeal cytokine adsorption.

To evaluate the inflammatory parameters and oxygenation in severe coronavirus disease-19 patients who underwent extracorporeal cytokine adsorption (CA). Patients who underwent extracorporeal CA for cytokine storm were included in the study. The changes in oxygenation, laboratory parameters, and mortality rates were investigated. Thirty-six patients were included in the study. The hemoglobin, thrombocyte, and C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased, and PaO2 /FiO2 ratio increased (p < 0.001; p < 0.01; p < 0.001; p = 0.04, respectively). Twelve (33.3%) patients received a single session, 24 (66.6%) received 2 or more sessions. CRP and fibrinogen levels decreased, and PaO2 /FIO2 ratio increased in the single session group (p = 0.04; p = 0.04; p = 0.01, respectively). In the multi-session group, the hemoglobin, platelet, procalcitonin, and CRP levels decreased, and PaO2 /FIO2 ratio increased (p < 0.01; p = 0.02; p = 0.02; p < 0.01; p = 0.01, respectively). Day 15, 30, and 90 mortality rates were 61.1%, 83.3%, and 88.9%. CA with hemoperfusion reduced CRP and improved oxygenation; however, mortality rates were high.

Single-center real-world treatment outcomes of ablative fractional laser-assisted photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis.

Among various treatment modalities of actinic keratosis (AK), ablative fractional laser-assisted photodynamic therapy (fractional PDT) has shown higher efficacy despite shorter incubation time. However, there are lack of real-world studies on the therapeutic response of ablative PDT for AK and the factors that can predict the therapeutic response. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of fractional PDT. One hundred fifty-six patients who were histologically diagnosed with AK and treated with fractional PDT were retrospectively reviewed. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare treatment session differences according to grades. In multivariate analysis, the grade 2 category tended to be more clinically nonresponders than the grade 1 (OR, 5.17; 95% CI, 1.011-26.439; p=.048) and the group treated four or more times with ablative fractional laser-assisted PDT were more likely to show no response compared with the single treatment session group (OR, 8.78; 95% CI, 1.355-56.874; p=.023). Treatment sessions were significantly lower in grade 1 (1.72 ± 0.63, mean ± SD) when compared to grades 2 and 3, respectively (2.17 ± 0.76; 2.60 ± 1.60, mean ± SD). Recurrence was highest in grade 2, and most of them occurred after 1 year. On average, two treatment sessions are sufficient for AK lesions, but the thicker the lesion, the more treatment sessions may be required. Although there are relatively smaller number of grade 3 patients were included, recurrence was more frequent in higher grade of AK category, which needs special attention to thicker lesions.

Safety aid elimination as a brief, preventative intervention for social anxiety: A randomized controlled trial in university students

Although there are a variety of treatment options for social anxiety, effective prevention strategies for those with subclinical social anxiety are limited. This study evaluated a single session group formatted prevention program focused on the reduction of safety behaviors in both a proof-of-concept study and a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants (N = 59) were nontreatment seeking Japanese university students with high levels of social anxiety. Participants were randomized to either an active treatment focused on identification and elimination of safety behavior or a control group involving the discussion of healthy coping strategies. Both conditions met for 120 min in small groups (4 to 6 participants per group). The preliminary proof-of-concept study as well as the RCT demonstrated high levels of acceptability. Findings from the RCT indicated significant improvement in social anxiety symptoms among those in the active treatment condition at post-treatment, which was maintained at follow-up. In addition, participants in the treatment condition showed significant improvement in levels of depression. The effect size difference in symptoms between conditions was in the large range. The present study provides preliminary support for the efficacy of a newly developed treatment program targeting safety behaviors in students with subclinical social anxiety. The current results also illustrate the promise of a brief, indicated prevention strategy focused on safety behavior among those with subclinical social anxiety.

The inside-out group: A mentalisation-based choose-your-own adventure

This article describes the evaluation of a novel, single-session group intervention which was offered on an acute inpatient mental health unit. The intervention was based on the principles of Mentalisation Based Therapy. We called this intervention the inside out group.In the group, attendees used their mentalising skills to discuss and decide on the course of action taken by characters in a fictional story. Hence we referred to the group as a ‘choose-your-own adventure’.Our evaluation showed that attendees were less committed to critical, self-focused explanations for others’ actions after the intervention than they had been prior to the intervention. Our findings therefore suggest that Mentalisation Based Therapy principles can be successfully adapted to produce effective, short term talking treatments on acute inpatient mental health wards.

Comparative Analysis of the Efficiency of Two Treatment Protocols for Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Background and objectiveBenign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vertigo of labyrinthine origin, its social and healthcare impact is remarkable. It has recently been shown that single session treatment is as safe and effective as weekly treatment, which could have impact on direct and indirect costs related to the disease. The objective of this study is to determine whether single session treatment of unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis is more efficient than conventional treatment. Materials and methodsA prospective randomized controlled trial was performed in 53 consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis previously untreated: 26 patients were assigned to single session treatment and 27 patients to weekly treatment. Average and total cost of care, consultation time and the impact in terms of temporary disability and loss of productivity for the company due to patients’ medical visits were compared. ResultsAverage and total cost of care and loss of productivity for the company due to patients’ medical visits were significantly lower in the single session group. Consultation time was also better in this group when travelling time was considered. ConclusionsThe single session protocol is fast, effective and reduces direct and indirect cost of care related to disease justifying high resolution consultations.

Assessment of peer-conceptualised, written and led single-session group interventions for carers supporting a person with borderline personality disorder

ABSTRACT Objective No research to date has investigated the utility of a single session peer-informed and peer-led intervention for carers of people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Two single session format group interventions – a 2.5-hour information session and an all-day (7-hour) workshop – were conceptualised, written, and facilitated by a carer peer with the assistance of a clinician experienced in supporting people with BPD. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. Method Participants completed the Burden Assessment Scale (BAS), Kessler-10 (K10) and the BPD attitude and knowledge survey (e-KALM) before and after the intervention as well as a set of questions seeking participants’ thoughts about the usefulness of the content of the intervention and their overall satisfaction. Results 225 carers who attended the 7-hour workshop and 100 carers who completed the 2.5-hour information session completed the pre-intervention survey. The carer participants’ e-KALM scores improved significantly following interventions. Following the 7-hour workshop, K10 (p < 0.05) and BAS (p < 0.001) scores had a statistically significant improvement. Participants from both interventions reported that they appreciated the opportunity to be heard and supported and were very satisfied overall with the format and content. Discussion Both single session carer intervention formats resulted in meaningful improvements in participants’ knowledge about and attitudes towards BPD. The full-day workshop also reduced the perceived burden associated with care-giving; highlighting the community need for longer-term carer support.

Single-session versus two-session placement of chest port and gastrostomy tube in patients with head and neck cancer: Is there any difference in the device-related early infection rates?

BackgroundIt is unknown whether placement of a chest port (port) and a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) in a single session increases the risk of the early device infections in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing chemoradiation.PurposeTo compare the incidence of early (≤30 days) port and G-tube infections placed in a single session compared to two separate sessions in patients with HNC.Material and MethodsBetween January 2012 and December 2019, 169 patients with HNC undergoing chemoradiation had a port and a G-tube placed in a single session (single-session group), while 25 had both devices placed in two separate sessions (two-session group) within 30 days of each other. The incidence of early device infections was compared between groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine if the number of sessions was a variable affecting device infections.ResultsA total of 6 (3%) early port infections and 13 (6.7%) early G-tube infections were identified. The two groups did not significantly differ in the incidence of early port infections (3.0%, 5/169 and 4.0%, 1/25, p = 0.59) nor early G-tube infections (7.1%, 12/169 and 4.0%, 1/25, p = 1.0). The number of sessions for device placement was not a variable affecting overall device infections in logistic regression analyses (odds ratio: 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 0.20–7.82, p = 0.82) after controlling for potential confounding variables.ConclusionsThe risk of early device infections in single-session placement appeared to be the same as two-session placement in patients with HNC undergoing chemoradiation.

Feasibility and acceptability of a single-session, videoconference-delivered group intervention for pain in multiple sclerosis.

Chronic pain is one of the most common and interfering symptoms experienced by people with MS. There is an opportunity to shift the paradigm from interventions delivered after pain has become chronic to early, proactive interventions to alter the impact of MS-related pain. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a remotely delivered single-session group intervention to modify the pain trajectory for individuals with early MS. Research Method/Design: This was a single-center 2-group pilot randomized (1:1) controlled trial comparing a novel videoconference-delivered single-session pain intervention to a waitlist control. Participants were N = 27 adults who were diagnosed with MS in the preceding 36 months and who had moderate or worse pain. The study team developed the intervention to introduce pain coping and commonly used cognitive, behavioral, and acceptance-based approaches for adaptive coping. Participants completed outcome assessments on pain intensity, interference, and coping at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 3-months posttreatment. Among participants in the treatment arm, the majority (54%) indicated satisfaction with treatment and all (100%) indicated continued use of strategies learned in the intervention. The 2 groups did not differ on any of the outcomes at any time point, and large standard deviations were found on most of the measures for both groups at all timepoints. This brief, highly accessible intervention targeting pain coping in individuals with early MS is feasible and acceptable. Further research is needed to better understand the effectiveness of the intervention both immediately and in positively impacting future coping in this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Análisis comparativo de la eficiencia de dos protocolos de tratamiento del vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno del conducto semicircular posterior

Background and objectiveBenign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vertigo of labyrinthine origin, its social and healthcare impact is remarkable. It has recently been shown that single session treatment is as safe and effective as weekly treatment, which could have impact on direct and indirect costs related to the disease. The objective of this study is to determine whether single session treatment of unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis is more efficient than conventional treatment. Materials and methodsA prospective randomized controlled trial was performed in 53 consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis previously untreated: 26 patients were assigned to single session treatment and 27 patients to weekly treatment. Average and total cost of care, consultation time and the impact in terms of temporary disability and loss of productivity for the company due to patients’ medical visits were compared. ResultsAverage and total cost of care and loss of productivity for the company due to patients’ medical visits were significantly lower in the single session group. Consultation time was also better in this group when travelling time was considered. ConclusionsThe single session protocol is fast, effective and reduces direct and indirect cost of care related to disease justifying high resolution consultations.

Single Session Group Counseling: One Practical Study About the Demand of Mental Health Service of Employees in Enterprises and Institutions

Single Session Group Counseling: One Practical Study About the Demand of Mental Health Service of Employees in Enterprises and Institutions

Assessing Interobserver Agreement (IOA) with Procedural Integrity: Evaluation of Training Methods among Classroom Instructors

This study evaluated training methods to improve procedural integrity of classroom instructorswhen assessing interobserver agreement (IOA) with their students. Compared to baseline conditions in a multiple baseline across settings design, training that included a memo-task analysis review did not improve procedural integrity. Subsequent intervention consisting of single-session group administered behavioral skills training (BST: instruction, demonstration, role-playing, performance feedback) increased and stabilized procedural integrity of all instructors. These findings support previous training research concerned with procedural integrity of care providers and a competency-based approach towards improving IOA assessment.

Regional Exposure to Air Pollution and Health Behaviors as a Risk Factor for Suicide Attempt: The Seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2016-2017, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to identify the influencing factors of fine particleconcentration levelby region and health behaviors on suicide attempts.Method/Statistical Analysis: This study used the 7th (2016-2017) primitive data disclosed by the NationalHealth Nutrition Examination Survey. Considering the design features of the sample data, it is analyzed witha complex sampling method by reflecting stratas, clusters, and weight. The data were analyzed using logisticregression analysis of the complex sampleusing the SPSS/WIN 18.0 program.Findings: As a result of logistic regression analysis, the provability of suicide attempt was 12.32 times(95% CI 5.33-28.49, p&lt;.001) higher in depression diagnosis group, 5.55 times (95% CI 1.87-16.46, p=.002)higher in 10 or more drinks in single session group, 2.48 times (95% CI 1.07-5.73, p=.003) higher in highperceived stress group, and 0.1 unit increase in Health-related Quality of life (? = -2.35, p=.030) resulted in0.79 times factor on suicide attempt rate.Improvements/Applications: This study can provide basic data to develop an intervention program that canreduce suicide attempt rate by analyzing environmental and health related factors affecting suicide attempts.

All Good Things Must Come to an End: a Potential Boundary Condition on the Potency of Successive Relearning

Successive relearning involves practicing to-be-learned content until a designated level of mastery is achieved in each of multiple practice sessions. As compared with practicing the content to the same criterion in a single session, successive relearning has been shown to dramatically boost students’ retention of simple verbal materials. Does the documented potency of successive relearning extend to the learning of mathematical procedures? Across three experiments, 431 college students read instructions about how to solve four types of probability problems and were then presented with isomorphic practice problems until they correctly solved three problems of each type. In the successive relearning group, students engaged in practice until one problem of each type was correctly solved in each of three different practice sessions. In the single-session group, students engaged in practice until three problems of each type were correctly solved in a single practice session. Both groups completed a final test involving novel problems 1 week after the end of practice. When an effect size was estimated across all experiments, final test performance showed a significant but only small advantage of successive relearning over single-session learning (pooled d = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.08, 0.49). Secondary analyses revealed that correctly solving a problem did not significantly boost the likelihood of subsequent success, which also could explain the relatively low level of test performance for both groups. These outcomes identify a potential boundary condition for the benefits of using successive relearning to enhance student achievement when learning mathematical procedures.