Clowns in Paediatric Surgery: Less Anxiety and More Oxytocin? A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 229 (05) ◽  
pp. 274-280
Author(s):  
Tabea Scheel ◽  
Dorothea Hoeppner ◽  
Anne Grotevendt ◽  
Winfried Barthlen
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ward Round ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hospitalized Children ◽  
Paediatric Surgery ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Positive Effects

Abstract Background Hospital stays and medical interventions are accompanied by worries and anxiety in children and parents. Recent studies show that hospital clowns may reduce anxiety and enhance well-being. However, so far studies are based solely on subjective measures and clowns are usually not integrated in medical routine. With this pilot study, we aim to provide both psychological and physiological evidence of positive effects of clowns’ interventions in hospitalized children. Patients/Method In a consecutive randomized intervention-control group design with 31 children aged 4 to 13 years, 17 patients were accompanied by a clown prior to surgery or during ward round (intervention group) and 14 were not (control group). Saliva samples for oxytocin measurement were taken from all patients before hospitalization (T1) and prior to surgery or after ward round (T2). Self- and parents-reports were obtained at T1, T2 as well as at time of discharge from hospital (T3) regarding children’s anxiety (STAI), worries and well-being. Clowns evaluated their success in cheering up the child. Health professionals were asked for their acceptance of clowns in hospitals. Results Children in the intervention group had lower anxiety ratings and a higher oxytocin concentration at T2 as compared with T1; the control group showed no changes. Parents rated the well-being of their children higher if their child had clown’s contact and were more willing to recommend the hospital. The staff judged the clowns as helpful for patients. Discussion Consistent psychological and physiological results suggest the positive impact of a clown’s intervention in hospitalized children.

The Effect of Community Empowerment on The Implementation of Diabetes Mellitus Management in Malangsuko, West Java

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tavip Dwi Wahyuni ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Empowerment ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
West Java ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus Management

ABSTRACT Background: Efforts to deal with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) disease require support from various parties, especially the community and family apart from the sufferer himself. The community in an effort to reduce the risk of DM disease, among others, by providing knowledge and understanding to families and sufferers directly, including empowering the community. This study was carried out by empowering health cadres by training in knowledge and skills in medical examinations, starting from checking blood pressure, anthropometry, and blood sugar. This study aimed to analyze the effect of community empowerment on the implementation of DM management. Subjects and Method: This was an experimental study with a control group design. This study was carried out in Malangsuko Village, West Java. Total of 30 cadres were divided into 15 cadres in the control group and 15 cadres in the treatment group. The independent variable was community empowerment. The dependent variable was the implementation of DM management. Data were collected using questionnaire and observation sheet skills results. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon test. Results: After a post test, a total of 73% cadres had moderate knowledge and 80% had low skill in control group, while in intervention group, 73.3% cadres had good knowledge and 100% had good skill. Conclusion: The empowerment of health cadres in Malangsuko Village is effective because it has a positive impact on knowledge and skills in early detection of DM disease. Keywords: community empowerment, diabetes mellitus management Correspondence: Tavip Dwi Wahyuni. School of Health Polytechnics, Malang, East Java. Email: [email protected] DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/the7thicph.04.11

scholarly journals Anti-Heartburn Effects of Sugar Cane Flour: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1813
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. Beckett ◽  
Neeraj K. Singh ◽  
Jehan Phillips ◽  
Krishnakumar Kalpurath ◽  
Kent Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ◽  
Gastroesophageal Reflux ◽  
Reflux Disease ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Symptom Scores

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects approximately 20% of Australians. Patients suffer a burning sensation known as heartburn due to the movement of acidic stomach content into the esophagus. There is anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of prebiotic sugarcane flour in controlling symptoms of GERD. This pilot study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a prebiotic sugarcane flour in alleviating symptoms in medically-diagnosed GERD patients. This pilot study was a single center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial conducted on 43 eligible participants. The intervention group (n = 22) were randomized to receive 3 g of sugarcane flour per day, and the control group (n = 21) received 3 g of cellulose placebo per day. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were assessed before and after three weeks treatment using the validated Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire (GERD-HRQL). After three weeks there were significant differences in symptoms for heartburn, regurgitation, and total symptoms scores (p < 0.05) between the sugarcane flour and placebo. Mean GERD-HRQL scores increased in the placebo group for regurgitation (mean increase 1.7; 95% CI 0.23 to 3.2; p = 0.015) and total symptom scores (2.9; 95% CI 0.26 to 5.7; p = 0.033). In contrast, there were significant reductions in heartburn (mean decrease −2.2; 95% CI −4.2 to −0.14; p = 0.037) and total symptom scores (−3.7; 95% CI −7.2 to −0.11; p = 0.044) in the intervention group. This pilot study has shown significant positive effects of sugarcane flour in the reduction of GERD symptoms, and a larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.

scholarly journals Control Group Design in a Complex Intervention Study: Challenges, Dilemmas and Possible Solutions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margrete Mangset ◽  
Gabriele Kitzmüller ◽  
Anne Evju ◽  
Sanne Angel ◽  
Lena Aadal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Adjustment Process ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Design Assessment ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Critical Components

Abstract Background The use of a control group is one of the most critical components of an RCT. The control conditions may change over time and include assessment interviews and standard stroke treatment. Therefore, the control group should be monitored and described in as much detail as the intervention group. It is important to find ways to reduce the risk of study-induced influence on the members of the control group. The aim of this study was to explore the possible influence of the assessment interviews on the adjustment of the members of a control group in an RCT exploring psychosocial well-being following stroke. Methods Fifteen participants in the control group of the RCT, six women and nine men, aged 29-88 years, were interviewed in narrative semi-structured interviews. Ricoeur’s interpretation theory guided the analysis. Results The perceived influence of the assessment interviews on the control group varied considerably. Two different themes with subthemes were identified, describing the influence of the assessment interviews in the control group. Theme one described how participants emphasized the perceived influence of the assessment interviews that served as a safety net, enhanced their awareness and understanding, facilitated their adjustment after stroke, encouraged them to seek support, and allowed them to vent their disappointment of having been allocated to the control group. Theme two described participants’ experiences of handling their adjustment process on their own without describing any influence of the assessment interviews on their condition. These participants highlighted mild strokes, spontaneous recovery, setting own goals, support from family and friends and supporting research. Conclusions In view of the design challenges in RCTs, it seems important to explore in depth how to design assessment interviews with control group members without introducing risk of bias, and to uphold rigor and stringency in the trials.

scholarly journals The Influence of Forest Activities in a University Campus Forest on Student’s Psychological Effects

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2457
Author(s):  
Jin Gun Kim ◽  
Jinyoung Jeon ◽  
Won Sop Shin
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Forest Activities

This study aimed to examine the psychological effects of forest activities in a campus forest. A pre-test and post-test control group design was employed to evaluate the psychological effect of forest activities in a campus forest. A total of 38 participants participated in this study (19 in the forest activities group; 19 in the control group). The Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire, the Concise Measure of Subjective Well-Being (COMOSWB), and the modified form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF) were administered to each participant to assess psychological effects. This study revealed that participants in the forest activities intervention group had significantly positive increases in their mood, stress response, and subjective well-being, comparing with those of control group participants who did not partake in any forest activities. In conclusion, the implementation of forest activities in a campus forest is an efficient strategy to provide psychological well-being benefits to college students.

scholarly journals “Where-There-Is-No-Psychiatrist Integrated Personal Therapy” among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9514
Author(s):  
Shefaly Shorey ◽  
Ee Heok Kua ◽  
Wilson Tam ◽  
Valerie Chan ◽  
Yong Shian Goh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

In Singapore, many older adults suffer from subsyndromal depression and/or subsyndromal anxiety, which can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being if left untreated. Due to the general public’s reluctance to seek psychological help and the low psychiatrist-to-population ratio in Singapore, this study aims to examine the preliminary efficacy, perceptions, and acceptability of a trained volunteer-led community-based intervention on community-dwelling older adults. Twenty-one participants (control: n = 11; intervention: n = 10) completed the randomized pilot study. A mixed-methods approach (questionnaires, semistructured interviews, examining blood samples, intervention fidelity) was adopted. No significant differences were found between the intervention and the control groups in depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, friendship, and quality of life. However, there was a positive change in quality-of-life scores from baseline to 6 months in the intervention group. The control group had significantly higher cortisol levels and lower annexin-A1 levels at 6 months, while the intervention group did not. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) impact of the intervention on older adults’ well-being, (2) attitudes toward intervention, and (3) a way forward. However, intervention efficacy could not be established due to small sample size caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Future randomized controlled trials should evaluate volunteer-led, technology-based psychosocial interventions to support these older adults.

Fostering Self-Regulated Learning in Primary School Students: Can Additional Teacher Training Enhance the Effectiveness of an Intervention?

2021 ◽  
pp. 147572572110136
Author(s):  
Manuela Benick ◽  
Laura Dörrenbächer-Ulrich ◽  
Marie Weißenfels ◽  
Franziska Perels
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Fourth Graders ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
School Students ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Regulated Learning

Teachers play a key role in the development of self-regulated learning (SRL), especially in primary education. However, current results indicate that teachers are either inadequately or only moderately fulfilling this key function, as they spend little time in the instruction of SRL strategies. The objective of the current study was, therefore, to develop an intervention that guides teachers to provide students with SRL strategies and investigate if additional teacher training (ATT) can enhance the intervention effects. Data of 607 fourth-graders were used to analyze their SRL within a pretest/posttest control-group design using a questionnaire and a learning diary. Contrasting the data of the groups actively participating in the intervention (simple intervention group and trained-teachers intervention group) with the data of a passive control group revealed positive effects of the intervention in terms of an increase in their reported use of SRL strategies (questionnaire and diary data). However, we found no transfer effects on achievement, as well as that the ATT had no beneficial effect on results at the student level. For fourth-graders, the developed intervention seems appropriate to impart SRL strategies to them. For teachers, it represents a potential opportunity to instruct SRL strategies to their students in their classes.

scholarly journals EFEK RELAKSASI AUTOGENIC TRAINING TERHADAP KEBERHASILAN MASA AWAL LAKTASI PADA IBU POSTPARTUM

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Iis Sri Hardiati
Keyword(s):  
Relaxation Training ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
T Test ◽  
Autogenic Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Group Design

Salah satu penyebab kegagalan menyusui pada ibu antara lain kurangnya kepercayaan diri pada ibu. Relaksasi autogenic training (RAT) merupakan metode untuk meningkatkan rasa percaya diri dan membangun pikiran positif ibu.  Hal ini sesuai dengan teori keperawatan self-care dari Orem yang bertujuan membantu ibu mencapai kemandirian untuk mempertahankan hidup, kesehatan, perkembangan, dan kesejahteraan. Tujuan penelitian: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efek RAT terhadap keberhasilan menyusui pada ibu postpartum.  Metode: Desain penelitian ini menggunakan quasi experiment dengan rancangan nonequivalent control group design.  Sampel terdiri dari masing-masing 15 responden untuk kelompok intervensi dan kelompok kontrol.  RAT diberikan melalui media audio voice selama 10-15 menit sebanyak 2-3 kali sehari selama 7 hari.  Posttest dilakukan dengan cara observasi melalui kunjungan pada hari ketujuh. Instrumen Via Christi Breastfeeding Assessment Tool yang telah valid dan reliabel digunakan untuk menilai keberhasilan menyusui. Analisis data menggunakan t-test. Hasil: ibu yang melakukan RAT bisa menyusui lebih efektif dibanding kelompok kontrol (p=0,000). Diskusi: RAT memberikan ketenangan dan kemudahan kepada responden dalam membantu meningkatkan keberhasilan menyusui karena memiliki efek relaksasi. Kesimpulan: RAT efektif terhadap keberhasilan menyusui. Oleh karena itu RAT dapat digunakan oleh perawat sebagai sebuah asuhan keperawatan dalam program dukungan ibu menyusui di rumah sakit atau fasilitas kesehatan.Kata Kunci: autogenic training, menyusui, relaksasi Relaxation Effects of Autogenic Training on Lactation Success in Post Partum Mothers ABSTRACTOne of the causes of failure to breastfeed, among others, is a lack of confidence in mothers. Autogenic relaxation training (RAT) is a method to increase self-confidence and build positive thoughts for mothers. This is in accordance with Orem's self-care nursing theory, which aims to help mothers achieve independence to maintain life, health, development, and well-being. Objective: This research aims to reveal the effect of RAT on breastfeeding success in postpartum mothers. Methods: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group design. The samples consisted of an intervention group and a control group, with 15 respondents for each. RAT was given through audio voice media for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day for 7 days. The posttest was conducted using observation through visits on the seventh day. A valid and reliable instrument of the Via Christi Breastfeeding Assessment Tool was used to assess breastfeeding success. Data were analyzed using a t-test. Results: Mothers who did RAT could breastfeed more effectively than the control group (p=0.000). Discussion: RAT provides comfort and convenience to respondents in helping to increase breastfeeding success because it has a relaxing effect. Conclusion: RAT is effective for breastfeeding success. Therefore, nurses can use RAT as nursing care in breastfeeding mother support programs in hospitals or health facilities.Keywords: autogenic training, breastfeeding, relaxation

scholarly journals Effects of percutaneous neuromodulation on the mechanical characteristics of the rectus femoris and the vastus lateralis in football players: a pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 086-087
Author(s):  
Padrón-Benítez A. ◽  
Rodríguez-Ruiz D. ◽  
Ortega-Puebla F. ◽  
Valdesuso-Domínguez R.
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Mechanical Characteristics ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Right

Abstract Background and Aims Percutaneous neuromodulation is an ultrasound-guided technique aimed at the peripheral nerve, using an acupuncture needle as an electrode for a TENS type current which has demonstrated to have positive effects for pain but not for muscle activity. Tensiomyography (TMG) is a non-invasive assessment technique, which is reliable and provides instant information on the mechanical characteristics of superficial muscles. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether percutaneous neuromodulation produces effects on muscle contraction parameters. Material and Methods A longitudinal, analytic and experimental study with a control group, comprising a sample of 11 football players in the 3rd Division, randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG = 5) and a control group (CG = 6). Athletes were assessed using tensiomyography (TMG-S2, EMF-FURLAN & Co.) parameters: maximum deformation (Dm), response time (Td), contraction time (Tc), relaxation time (Tr) and time of contraction maintenance (Ts) of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL). Both legs were assessed immediately after the training session (Pre), after 10' rest period post intervention (Post1) and after 12 hours of rest on the following day (Post2). Both femoral nerves were intervened with a needle on the long axis and in a transverse section just below the same. An Electrostimulator (ITO, model ES- 160), was applied to the IG during 5' using a TENS current of 200µs, 1 Hz and with sufficient intensity to achieve a visible contraction of the quadriceps without discomfort. The channel was closed with adhesive electrodes placed medial to the ASIS. The CG received a placebo treatment with needles and electrodes placed on the same anatomical points and connected to an electrostimulator without current during 5' (Physio Invasiva device). Results On the right RF the Td decreased in the IG (pre/post2: P = 0.005) and between groups (post1: P = 0.017 and post2: P = 0.014). For Tc we found differences between the IG (pre/post2: P= 0.008) and the CG (post1/post2: P = 0.019). The left RF increased Tc in the CG (P = 0.036) and pre/post2 and Ts in the CG compared to the IG (post2: P = 0.0480.048). In the left VL Dm increased (pre/post2: P = 0.046 and post1/post2: P = 0.018), Td (pre/post2: P = 0.010) and Tc (pre/post2: P = 0.051 and post1/post2: P = 0.003) for the CG. In the IG, the right VL, both Td (P = 0.024) and Tc (P = 0.021) decreased between post1/post2. For the intragroup analysis (pre, post1 and post2) the Student's t-test was used, whereas for the intragroup analysis, the ANOVA was used (significance > P 0.05). Conclusions Considering the characteristics of the sample and understanding that the decrease of TMG parameters represents an improvement in the mechanical characteristics of the muscle, the findings of this pilot study suggest that the intervention with percutaneous neuromodulation in the IG produces greater recovery and improved activation after 12 hours on the RF and VL. However, the increase of these parameters in the CG results in greater fatigue.

scholarly journals The effect of an online individualized program to prevent nurse burnout – a mixed method study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Geuens ◽  
Erik Franck ◽  
Peter Vlerick ◽  
Peter Van Bogaert
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Preventive Program ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nurse Burnout

PurposePreventing burnout and promoting psychological well-being in nurses are of great importance. In this study the effect of an online, stand-alone individualized preventive program for nurse burnout based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is described and explained.Design/methodology/approachA mixed method study with an explanatory sequential design was applied. Quantitative data were collected from September 2015 to March 2016 during an intervention study with a pretest-posttest wait-list control group design within a population of hospital nurses in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium. Consecutively, 13 nurses from the intervention group who fully completed the program were interviewed.FindingsAll interviewed participants experienced some sort of effect due to working with the program. Emotional exhaustion remained stable in the intervention group and increased in the control group. However, this difference was not significant. Personal accomplishment decreased significantly within the intervention group when compared to the control group. This might be explained by the self-awareness that was created through the program, which confronted participants with their weaknesses and problems.Originality/valueThis study adds to the understanding of online individual burnout prevention. The results suggest the feasibility of an online program to prevent nurse burnout. This could be optimized by complementing it with organizational interventions, introducing refresher courses, reminders and follow-up. Furthermore, additional attention should be devoted to preparing the implementation in order to minimize attrition rates.

scholarly journals Technology-Enhanced 4Active Intervention Impacting Psychological Well-Being and Physical Activity among Older Adults: A Pilot Study

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 556
Author(s):  
Weiyun Chen ◽  
Zhanjia Zhang ◽  
Bruno Giordani ◽  
Janet Larson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Over Time

Background: To increase psychological well-being and physical activity (PA) behaviors, our pilot study used the social ecological model as the framework to design the 4Active intervention, focusing on multicomponent exercise group lessons at the interpersonal level and self exercise enhanced by activity trackers at the individual level. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of the two-level 4Active intervention in improving psychological well-being and PA participation in older adults living in retirement communities. Methods: Participants were 27 older adults with a mean age of 85.9 ± 9.3 years. Based on the two-arm, quasi-experimental study design, fourteen older adults (2 men, 12 women) living in one retirement community (RC) were assigned into the intervention group receiving the two-level 4Active intervention, whereas 13 older adults (1 man, 12 women) living in another RC were allocated to the active control group receiving group exercise intervention alone for eight weeks. One week before and after the interventions, the participants were pre-tested and post-tested in psychological well-being (i.e., life satisfaction, subjective happiness, positive affect, and negative affect) and weekly PA minutes (i.e., weekly walking, vigorous, moderate, and total PA minutes). The data were analyzed be means of descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and ANCOVA repeated measures. Results: The results of ANCOVA repeated measures indicated that both groups maintained their slightly high or very high levels of life satisfaction, happiness, and positive affect over times. However, the two-level 4Active intervention group showed significant decreases in negative affect (F = 4.78, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.23) and significance increases in weekly moderate PA (F = 10.355, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.310) compared with the active control group over time. Conclusion: It is concluded that engaging in the two-level 4Active intervention including group-based multicomponent exercises and technology-enhanced self-exercises is more effective in decreasing negative affect and increasing weekly moderate PA METS-min in physically and cognitively frail older adults over time, compared with attending the group exercises alone.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document