Support Group Activities Research Articles

Cooperative Learning Approaches and Students’ Performance in Mathematics in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda

The study investigated the impact of cooperative learning approaches on student performance in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda. It focused on three key areas: the role of face-to-face interaction, the influence of group accountability, and the effect of interpersonal skills on students’ academic success. The target population included 101 students, 95 math teachers, and 35 school leaders, totaling 231 respondents from public secondary schools in Nyaruguru, with a sample size of 146 determined using the Yamane formula. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, while secondary data were obtained via interviews and observations. The study employed purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Results indicated strong support for the benefits of cooperative learning. For face-to-face interaction, 71.9% of respondents strongly agreed that it promotes collaboration and problem solving, while 60.9% acknowledged it helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses quickly. Additionally, 61.3% felt that personalized support from teachers enhances their learning experience. Regarding group accountability, 71.9% noted that it motivates students to work harder and seek help, and 62.5% believed it fosters a sense of collective responsibility. Importantly, 73.4% agreed that group accountability contributes to a positive learning environment. The study recommends that educational planners create effective settings to enhance student achievement and encourage active engagement. Schools should integrate cooperative learning strategies into their curricula, and parents should be informed about their benefits to support group activities. Finally, the curriculum should allow flexibility to incorporate diverse cooperative learning methods, reflecting the varied impacts observed in the study.

P022 A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS FOR NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT IN KATHMANDU DISTRICT OF NEPAL

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the primary contributors to mortality and, therefore, considered a major public health problem. Community support group (CSG) interventions are advocated as cost-effective strategies for managing NCDs like diabetes and hypertension. While these interventions are globally popular in fostering self-help and motivation for adopting healthy practices, their effectiveness and feasibility in Nepal are poorly assessed. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of creating community support groups to manage NCDs, particularly diabetes and hypertension; conducting regular meetings; and understanding the preliminary impact of CSG meetings on NCD self-management behaviors. Methods: A pre-post interventional study was conducted in Kathmandu district, Nepal, using a mixed-method approach. CSGs were formed for individuals aged 40 and above, diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes. Each of these groups convened twice monthly over three months, focusing on self-management practices related to diet, physical activity, medication adherence, self-monitoring, and foot care. Baseline and end-line surveys measured the initial impact, while qualitative data from meeting discussions and in-depth interviews captured patient perspectives and meeting acceptability. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square, and t-tests, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. Results: Of the total 41 participants in the study, 80% (mean age: 60.1 years) were female. The attendance in the group meetings ranged from 70% to 90%. Post-intervention, significant improvements were noted in blood pressure and weight. Qualitative findings revealed strong acceptance of CSG meetings, fostering information exchange and shared learning that could motivate self-management behavior changes. While participants acknowledged potential challenges in regular meeting attendance, such as finding common interests for collaborative activities, most found facilitator-led sessions interesting and promising. Homogenous groups, due to shared demands, are more inclined to engage in collaborative activities. Conclusion: This study suggests the potential effectiveness of support group activities for self-managing NCDs in Nepal. Large scale randomized controlled trial are recommended to assess the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of this approach.

Abstract WP90: Participants With Complex Impairment Profiles Are Systematically Excluded From Stroke Psychosocial Support Research: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Disability after stroke often requires mental health treatment, but contradictorily, also restricts access to it. People with cognitive, motor, language, and perceptual impairments have been excluded from research on psychosocial supports like psychotherapy, support groups, and meaningful life activities. This exclusion adds to the inequitable distribution of benefits, including fewer treatment options and less knowledgeable providers. Very little is known about who is excluded from stroke psychosocial support research, why they are excluded, and how exclusion occurs. Methods: Exclusionary practices were investigated using a Johanna Briggs Institute-method scoping review. Independent reviewers screened searches of CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsychInfo, resulting in 101 included studies. Content analysis was used to analyze studies following an a priori coding framework, which included: Design, inclusion/exclusion criteria, stroke impairment, psychiatric comorbidity, and psychosocial support type. Results: Samples were commonly limited to mild cognitive impairment, with other subpopulations under-represented. Moderate-to-severe cognitive and language impairments were systematically excluded from psychotherapy studies. In contrast, support group and meaningful life activity studies more often included a range of impairments, but also more often excluded psychiatric comorbidity. Studies with rigorous designs rarely included complex impairment profiles. Reasons for exclusion were seldom provided, and participant characteristics were routinely underreported. Conclusion: By including only people with mild and uncomplicated impairment profiles, the field risks neglecting the complex realities of others who arguably have even greater need for support. This scoping review offers recommendations for stroke research and practice, including: The inclusion of a range of stroke impairments in research samples, adapting procedures using compensatory strategies to facilitate inclusion, and greater cross-pollination between mental health and rehabilitation disciplines. This review serves as a call to action to make psychosocial supports equitable and accessible for all people, regardless of ability.

Abstract HUP13: Participants With Complex Impairment Profiles Are Systematically Excluded From Stroke Psychosocial Support Research: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Disability after stroke often requires mental health treatment, but contradictorily, also restricts access to it. People with cognitive, motor, language, and perceptual impairments have been excluded from research on psychosocial supports like psychotherapy, support groups, and meaningful life activities. This exclusion adds to the inequitable distribution of benefits, including fewer treatment options and less knowledgeable providers. Very little is known about who is excluded from stroke psychosocial support research, why they are excluded, and how exclusion occurs. Methods: Exclusionary practices were investigated using a Johanna Briggs Institute-method scoping review. Independent reviewers screened searches of CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsychInfo, resulting in 101 included studies. Content analysis was used to analyze studies following an a priori coding framework, which included: Design, inclusion/exclusion criteria, stroke impairment, psychiatric comorbidity, and psychosocial support type. Results: Samples were commonly limited to mild cognitive impairment, with other subpopulations under-represented. Moderate-to-severe cognitive and language impairments were systematically excluded from psychotherapy studies. In contrast, support group and meaningful life activity studies more often included a range of impairments, but also more often excluded psychiatric comorbidity. Studies with rigorous designs rarely included complex impairment profiles. Reasons for exclusion were seldom provided, and participant characteristics were routinely underreported. Conclusion: By including only people with mild and uncomplicated impairment profiles, the field risks neglecting the complex realities of others who arguably have even greater need for support. This scoping review offers recommendations for stroke research and practice, including: The inclusion of a range of stroke impairments in research samples, adapting procedures using compensatory strategies to facilitate inclusion, and greater cross-pollination between mental health and rehabilitation disciplines. This review serves as a call to action to make psychosocial supports equitable and accessible for all people, regardless of ability.

Cancer Peer Support Groups in Australia: A Review of Consumer Resources

Cancer patients and carers have a recognized need for ongoing social support outside the confines of the healthcare setting in which they have received their diagnosis and treatment. Peer support groups have come to be recognized as a crucial part of the cancer support domain. While psychosocial support for patients was always considered an important part of cancer survivorship, the significance of community self-help and peer-to-peer support, rooted in principles of patient empowerment, has gained increased recognition. This article reviews information available online on cancer peer support groups in Australia, focusing on the presentation of the relevant information on the websites of cancer support organizations. It provides a snapshot of cancer peer support group activity in Australia. It aims to serve the information needs of cancer support navigators, coordinators and advocates who may be working in roles that involve sharing information about cancer peer support groups with patients and carers, as well as the information needs of patients and carers themselves. It offers a representative overview of cancer peer support group activity in Australia with the aim of facilitating further exploration of this domain.

Effectiveness of the Global Surgical and Medical Support Group (GSMSG) activities in Ukraine.

Targeting of healthcare infrastructures in Ukraine has served as a tactical warfare strategy. The goal of the Global Surgical and Medical Support Group (GSMSG) is to provide sustainable, high quality medical and surgical care in war zones. GSMSG deployed United States (US) Special Operations veterans and highly specialized licensed medical experts. Training of Ukrainian civilians was implemented. Over 20,000 Ukrainians trained and over 100 major surgeries performed with assistance of world experts. Specialized medical equipment was also provided. GSMSG lays the groundwork for effective, high quality, and sustainable surgical interventions into a nation in conflict.

Effect of a novel pilot support group on distress and quality of life in breast cancer patients in Nigeria.

To assess the effect of a new breast cancer support group (BCSG) on breast cancer patients' self-reported distress and quality of life. A single arm pre-post trial providing an eight session healthcare provider led BCSG. Primary outcome variables were distress and quality of life assessed using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (DT) and The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast plus Arm Morbidity (FACT-B+4), respectively. Topics in each session addressed a wide range of issues some of which were pre-selected by the patients themselves. Paired sample t-test was used for data analysis on International Business Machine Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 21. The participants (N=18) had a mean age of 51. Most had secondary school level education (54%), were traders (59%) and had stage 3 or 4 disease (67%). A larger proportion (78% or n=14) of the patients lived in rural areas, while 4 (22%) of the patients lived in Ibadan. Out of the 8 sessions, 12 (67%) of the participants attended 1-3 sessions while 6 (33%) attended 4-8 sessions. There were, significant improvements in emotional wellbeing (t=-4.253; p<0.05) and functional wellbeing (t=-2.191; p<0.05) on the FACT-B+4. There was a significant reduction in the DT score (t=2.345; p<0.05) but the number of items on the problem list were not significantly reduced (t=1.191; p>0.05). Majority (75%) of the patients rated the support group activities as satisfactory. These data show that the support group can benefit breast cancer patients in terms of reduced distress levels along with satisfaction and improvement in the functional and emotional wellbeing indices of quality of life.

Workshop Compiled

Aims: 1. To orient psychiatrists in understanding the increasing need of support groups for psychiatric disorders for various types of target populations.2. To train psychiatrists to design and structure support groups addressing the different concerns.3. To share tips on the practical logistical & social media aspects of conducting support groups in the Indian context.4. To enhance skills of reaching out to individuals with mental illness and their caregivers. Outline:Support groups or self-help groups for mental health are one of the most common types of research based support available. While qualitative research shows positive evidence and quantitative research shows mixed evidence when it comes to showing favourable effects on the symptoms and the social functioning of patients(1), there is still inadequate effort directed towards researching about and running support groups given the mental health burden and the treatment gap observed in the Indian context. Unfortunately, the processes which impact the recovery processes involvement in self-help groups are not fully understood and hence it stands as one of the major hurdles in being recommended as part of treatment.(2) Researchers and mental health consumer advocates argue that the approach to recovery from mental illness should emphasize not just on the symptoms of the disorder but also on the ‘life-context’ of these individuals.(3) Hence, recovery should be described not merely as some end-point, but a social-psychological process.(4) These trainer-facilitated but member governed groups provide social support and knowledge by interaction with peers probably experiencing similar symptoms and in many ways finding acceptance by their “own”. This important step provides cognitive changes that improve the quality of the stigmatized individual’s life.(5) Peer services allow very high levels of acceptance and understanding which no other professional relationship could possibly reciprocate. (6)The covid pandemic has been mentally exhausting for majority people and has also exacerbated or worsened a lot of psychiatric disorders. During this time, although psychological help was available, it was remote or difficult for everyone to approach and the need for support groups has surfaced. Considering this need, many poorly directed online support groups have mushroomed.Unfortunately in India, there is a paucity of peer support service in providing mental health service to a large extent. Surprisingly, there is no provision of peer support in either government programs like the National Mental Program or the National Health Policy of India considering the fact that it will require a good level of funding and investment. (6)With this aspect in mind, this workshop would include training psychiatrists to design and conduct well-functioning and professionally supervised support groups. This workshop would include presentations, personal experiences of conducting support groups, oral discussions and group activities to empower psychiatrists to tap into this much needed resource for recovery of patients with mental illness. 1. Pistrang N, Baker C, Humphreys K. Mutual help groups for mental health problems: A review of effectiveness studies. American Journal of Community Psychology. 2008;42:110–1121.2. Brown LD, Lucksted A. Theoretical foundations of mental health self-help. In: Brown L, Wituk S, editors. Mental Health Self-Help. Springer; New York: 2010. pp. 19–383. Ralph RO, Corrigan PW. Recovery and mental illness: Consumer visions and research paradigms. American Psychological Association; Washington, DC: 2005.4. Markowitz FE. Sociological models of recovery. In: Ralph RO, Corrigan PW, editors. Recovery and mental illness: Consumer visions and research paradigms. American Psychological Association; Washington, DC: 2005. pp. 85–1005. Jacobs MK, Goodman G. Psychology and self-help groups. American Psychologist. 1989;44:536–545.6. Goutam, Neeti. “IMPORTANCE OF 'PEER-SUPPORT'SERVICES FROM A MENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVE.” (2020).

A cross-sectional study of COVID-19 impacts in culturally and linguistically diverse communities in greater Western Sydney, Australia

sBackgroundThis study explored the experiences of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in Greater Western Sydney, Australia, in selected livelihood items during COVID-19 and the perceived impacts of the pandemic on their lives.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was used to collect data between 25 August and 30 September 2020 among CALD communities in Greater Western Sydney. Information was collected on respondents’ experiences in selected livelihood items, including housing, finances, safety, accessing social services and activities, finding work, food, clothing, and relationships during COVID-19 and the pandemic’s perceived impact on their lives. Descriptive and non-parametric statistics were used to analyze the data.ResultsOne hundred and ninety-eight participants were included in the study, 45.5% male and 54.5% female. Many respondents reported their experience in the selected livelihood items as “worse” during COVID-19 at the time of the study. The feeling of safety was most disrupted, with 56% of respondents rating their experience as “worse”. This experience was followed by accessing social support group activities, with 50% of respondents stating their experience of using this service had worsened. The experience of accessing social services and financial situation was rated as “worse” by 41% of respondents. Experience in finding work, housing, and attending schools were all rated as “worse”. The median perceived impact of COVID-19 among respondents who rated their experience in the selected livelihood items as “worse” were statistically higher than those who rated their experience as the “same”. Respondents’ characteristics also predicted the perceived impact of COVID-19. Unemployed respondents were 3.53 (95% CI: 1.16–10.73, p = 0.026) times more likely to perceive the impact of COVID-19 on their lives as “high” compared to employed respondents.ConclusionsThe finding demonstrates that the “high” number of respondents had the same situation as before COVID-19 and highlights the level of resilience exhibited by CALD communities in the Australian context. It also suggests that services in Australia were good during the pandemic. However, enhanced policy and initiatives designed to meet the CALD population’s needs are required, particularly in the areas most reported to have been disrupted by changes associated with COVID-19.

Life is a rollercoaster: an exploration of a support group for parents and carers of those with children and young people with mental health difficulties

Abstract NHS Digital reported that one in eight children aged 5 to 19-year-old in England were identified with a mental illness, the most prevalent being emotional disorders. A diagnosis of a mental illness has a clear impact on children or young people and can also impact the health and wellbeing of family members, in particular parents and carers. We will share and discuss findings from a co-produced evaluation of a nationally recognized support group, Rollercoaster, a well-established and popular parent support group in the UK, for carers of children and young people with mental health difficulties. We will illustrate “what works” in setting up and running a support group for parents in the UK and more widely. The audience will learn what matters to the parents and carers regarding support and in terms of offering support, and how to effectively run a successful support group. Specifically, the evaluation focused on what principles could be drawn from Rollercoaster, given the wide gap in local services offering targeted support for carers. We therefore created a framework to aid in the development of other, unique support groups designed to meet the needs of their local populations. We carried out a parent/carer survey; interviews with parents/carers, support group workers and wider stakeholders; and observations of support group activities. Applying a “lesson drawing” method, we grouped what participants said around the following areas: 1) specific activities offered by Rollercoaster; 2) people who set up and run a parent/carer support group; 3) how to make a parent/carer support group successful. Engaging a wide range of parents/carers and stakeholders at every stage in the design of activities was seen as paramount. A range of skills are required by different people at various points in setting up and running the group. Success rests on constantly adapting to internal and external developments and having a bedrock of being parent led and professionally supported.

Work, Health, and COVID-19

Work, Health, and COVID-19

The management of BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers in Singapore.

Singapore is a densely populated small island nation, with a multiethnic and multireligious population. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Singapore. The population is well educated and coupled with greater awareness, there is an increasing demand for genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. In Singapore, the Singapore Cancer Action Network (SCAN) guidelines for referral for genetic testing serves as a guide for clinicians on appropriate referral. We examined the important factors in genetic counselling in such a diverse population, such as acknowledgement of psychosocial impact of BRCA1/2, cultural sensitivity and upskilling of healthcare professionals. Access to genetic services in Singapore is widely available, though the number of patients who undergo testing is lower due to need for out-of-pocket costs and lack of funding from government agencies and insurance companies. The delivery of clinical care and research accrual is performed concurrently in our centre. All patients undergo pre-test counselling before giving informed consent for germline genetic testing and post-test counselling for interpretation of test results. Patients who test positive for BRCA1/2 continue to be on follow up with the cancer genetics clinic for risk-management. Predictive testing is discussed and facilitated for all at-risk relatives. Challenges faced by cancer genetics professionals in Singapore include the high rate of variant of uncertain significance (VUS) and low predictive testing rates. We hold regular support group activities for patients to seek mutual support and to raise overall awareness of BRCA1/2. We believe our comprehensive cancer genetics service serves as a useful model for other Asian countries looking to set up their own unit. We continue to aspire to empower patients, family members and healthcare professionals with cancer genetics knowledge to improve personal and public health.

“Why The Scale Goes Up Again?” A Socio-Ecological Exploration of Weight Loss Challenges among Female University Students

The purpose of this study was to explore the weight management and weight maintenance challenges experienced by obese female university students through a support group that acted as an intervention programme. The study is a phenomenological research involving four female students of a public university in Malaysia who were having problems with weight loss. They were selected with three inclusion criteria: female, had a body mass index of ≥ 30 kgm-2 and was currently seeking or had previously tried a method of losing weight. Interview protocols were used to guide interaction in the support group, and data were collected from regular focus group discussions occurring in the support group, journal writing, and products of the support group activities. Verbatims were transcribed and “meaning units” were derived from significant overlapping ideas. Using the socio-ecological model, the challenges of weight management among the participants were identified to exist at the individual, interpersonal and community levels. Of these three, the individual level was noted to have the most prominent number of challenge factors caused by poor self-control and the participants’ psychological states. Various issues related to poor self-control were the most frequently occurring themes among the participants who wanted to lose weight. In view of the findings, counsellors, dietitians or healthcare providers need to consider counselling techniques that can empower clients to manage their thoughts and emotions effectively as this will increase their self-efficacy in self-control. Keywords: Weight loss, weight management, challenges in sustainable weight loss, poor self-control, sabotaging thoughts, socio-ecological model

Project DiabEHT: An approach to improve self-care management of diabetes

To determine whether the project DiabEHT (Diabetic Electronic Health Tool) has significantly improved self-care management of participants with diabetes along with the aspects of general diet, physical activities, blood glucose monitoring, and foot-care; and their blood glucose level 6 weeks after the project implementation. Pre-experimental, one group pretest-posttest research study was conducted among 30 participants medically diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus regardless of type. The project which included weekly support group activities and lecture series on diabetes, installation and use of the DiabEHT mobile app, and diabooth in the health center was implemented for 6 weeks. Participants' blood glucose levels were obtained before the start of each weekly session for 6 weeks. A modified version of the "Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA)" measure was used to evaluate participants' self-care management before and after the intervention. After 6 weeks of project implementation, the participants have showed significant improvement on the following diabetes self-care activities: general diet (P=0.000), physical activities (P=0.007), blood glucose monitoring (P=0.000), and foot-care (P=0.000). Their blood glucose levels had also significantly reduced (P=0.005). Indeed, the project had improved the diabetic participants' self-care management and compliance, and glycemic control. Nursescan take advantage of this innovation and consider integration into patient care. However, further studies are recommended to ensure sustainable incorporation and application into various settings.

The Attainment Level of Economic Empowerment of Transgender: Flesh Trade Vs. SHGs Activities, Tamil Nadu is a Reference State in India

The ultimate function of the post is to assess the accomplishment degree of economic permission of the Transgender community after they have actually begun Self Support Group (SHG) activities in Tamil Nadu. The research study made a try to review the success of economic empowerment while they are actually performing the physical nature field as well as began SHGs activities. For this purpose, 506 Transgender participants were actually collected coming from 52 SHGs in 32 districts of Tamil Nadu. This study recognized that in what technique the Transgender individuals can remedy for the links from physical nature field as well as exactly how they can create the reasonable earnings coming from the SHGs service started as opposed to doing flesh business and also has sustained their social-economic empowerment in the state.

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY HONORS COURSE ON AGING

With the aging of Baby Boomers, 2030 will mark the first time in U.S. history that those aged 65 and older will outnumber children. This population shift is expected to place unprecedented demands on the healthcare system in terms of both volume and complexity of care. Given these population shifts and emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to care, a 4-credit Honors aging course was developed for Honors students in nursing and other health-related majors. Aging Reexamined, Reimagined is offered in a discussion/seminar format with limited enrollment to allow for deep reflective discourse about pertinent issues affecting older adults. Topics include physical/cognitive changes, ageism, Alzheimer’s disease, sexuality, aging in place, polypharmacy, addiction, depression, caregiving, elder justice, and end-of-life care. Guest speakers share their expertise on selected issues, otherwise students alternate leading discussions on remaining topics. There are three focused reflections on assigned experiences which include conducting a videotaped interview with a retired community-based older adult, attending a support group or senior center activity, and visiting a center to view various physical/technological adaptive aids that maintain mobility and independence in the home. There is also a culminating research paper on an issue of their choice. Student evaluations are overwhelmingly positive; comments include gaining in-depth knowledge about the unique needs of this population and the importance of healthy aging with an emphasis on a positive, inter-professional approach to care. It is incumbent upon educators to better prepare students to recognize ageist attitudes, as well as address the significant impact of this “longevity revolution”.

Application of a caregiving self-management support program in patients with dementia and their caregivers

Objective To examine the effect of a Caregiving Self-Management Support (C-SMS) Program on self-efficacy, social support for family caregivers of people with dementia and psychological symptom of patients. Methods Using the convenient sampling method, 41 caregivers of dementia patients were selected as the study objects from September 2016 to September 2017 in the Memory Disorders Outpatient Department of two ClassⅢ Grade A hospitals in Shanghai. They were divided into the experimental group (n=26) and control group (n=15) according to their willingness. Totally 4 participants in each of the two groups dropped out of the study in the middle. In the experimental group, a total of 6 times, once in 2 weeks social support group activities were carried out; in the control group, a total of 3 telephone instruction, once a month was carried out, all participants were distributed with the Caregiver Educational Booklet prepared by the research team and participated 3 education seminars during the follow-up visit. Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Chinese Family Caregivers (SEQCFC) and Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) and Revised Memory and Behaviour Problems Checklist (RMBPC) were used to compare the effect of intervention. Results The time effect of the total score of SEQCFC was significant (P<0.01) . There was a statistically significance in the interaction on social support score between groups and time (P<0.05) . After intervention and follow-up, the self-efficacy scores of family caregivers in the experimental group were higher than the baseline (P<0.05) . There were significant time effect in the total score of behavioral and psychological symptom behavioral symptoms, memory and depression related problems (P<0.05) . The total score of behavioral and psychological symptom, score of the disruptive behaviour dimension after follow-up visit, scores of the depression dimension after intervention and follow-up visit in the experimental group were all lower than the baseline (P<0.05) . Conclusions The self-management support project of caregivers can improve the self-efficacy of family caregivers and alleviate the behavioral and psychological symptom of dementia patients. Key words: Dementia; Caregiving self-management support program; Behavioral and psychological symptom; Self-efficacy; Social support

Co-creating a knowledge base in the \u201c22q11.2 deletion syndrome\u201d community

22q11.2 DS is characterised by its variability, rarity and variety of features ranging from congenital heart conditions to psychiatric and behavioural issues. As a result, health information–seeking behaviour is different from other more common conditions. An exploratory study was carried out to understand how parents access information and support, and how that information is shared. Qualitative interviews were carried out with families and support group representatives, and thematic analysis was applied. Four main themes emerged from our findings: perceptions of clinical expertise, parent empowerment, support group activities and community building via an Internet platform. Our thematic analysis enabled the construction of a possible model of information-seeking behaviour in parents and carers of children with 22q11.2 DS. We discuss the model and how the understanding of how information is shared and gathered can aid in clinical practice.

Benefits of Diabetes Support Group in Chronic Disease Management Program (Prolanis) in Puskesmas Jetis II, Bantul District: a Case Study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease and has the potential for complications that affect the entire body so that it requires a comprehensive approach. This means that the management of DMT2 must involve various parties, both medical, paramedic, patient, family and community. One strategy for managing DMT2 is Prolanis (Chronic Disease Management Program) which is a diabetes support group at Jetis II Health Center. To find out the success of Prolanis implementation, an evaluation of the benefits of the diabetes support group is needed.Objective: To find out the benefits obtained from participating in the diabetes support group in Prolanis at the Jetis II Bantul Health Center.Method: A qualitative descriptive study with a case study approach. Data were obtained from patients with DMT2 members of Prolanis (Chronic Disease Management Program) and officers of the Jetis II health center in Bantul Regency. Retrieval of data in patients with focus group discussions on 30 resource persons divided into 3 groups. Other data is by conducting independent interviews with 6 informants of the puskesmas staff involved in the diabetes support group activities of Prolanis.Results: The benefits obtained from the diabetes support group are grouped into 3 categories namely biopsychosocial support, information, and individual empowerment. Most patients benefit from obtaining biopsychosocial support from the Prolanis group. Benefits for DMT2 patients Prolanis members get information in the second place and the last is individual empowerment at least the benefits are felt.Conclusion: The benefits of a diabetes support group for DMT2 patients in Prolanis members are to get biopsychosocial support, information, and individual empowerment.

Implementing an Integrative Survivorship Program at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: A Multimodal Approach to Life After Cancer.

This article describes the development of an integrative survivorship program at an urban National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center with three closely linked components: a Survivorship Clinic with dedicated staff, a network of Support Services including Wellness, and an Integrative Medicine Program. We first defined the parameters of survivorship care and developed a patient-centric model that determined the optimal timeframes for transitioning these patients from the oncology clinic to a centralized survivorship clinic. Survivorship care includes the development of a survivorship care plan (SCP) for each patient at their initial visit to the program. Quality-of-life assessments are used in real time to guide clinical decision making to referrals to supportive care services, including educational events, expert consultations, and treatment using integrative and complementary therapies, access to legal services, community resource information, and support group activities for cancer survivors and caregivers. Integrative therapies were added to support the needs of this new program, including recruiting a nutritionist and acupuncturist, and developing a yoga, mindfulness, and Reiki program. Population served: As of June 2018, 908 people have accessed our survivorship clinic, receiving a complete clinical assessment and SCP. Patients are routinely referred to support services based on the individual needs and ongoing symptoms from treatment. The majority of referrals are made to acupuncture, Healing Touch or Reiki, nutrition, psychosocial oncology, and yoga. Developing a successful integrative survivorship program requires some essential features, including institutional support, strong leadership, a clear vision of how the clinical program will function, a dedicated team that is willing to do what it takes to get the program off the ground, and clinical oncology champions to refer patients into the program. With the development of this program, this multimodal approach to patient-centric care is maintained throughout the spectrum of care, from diagnosis to survivorship.