scholarly journals COVID-19 Teleconferencing Experiences of Caregivers & Spouses with Dementia from QA/QI Support Group Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1006-1007
Author(s):  
Roscoe Nicholson ◽  
Maureen O'Connor ◽  
Andrew Nguyen ◽  
Rebecca Salant ◽  
Tiffany Donley ◽  
...  

Abstract In summer 2020, researchers conducted a Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement (QA/QI) assessment of the NYU Langone Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Family Support Program’s adaptations in response to COVID by interviewing 10 participating spouse caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD). The primary adaptations were shifting from in-person to online services, changing support groups from biweekly to weekly, and offering an arts-based group for PWD daily rather than weekly . In the course of these interviews, all respondents described their adaptation to remote teleconferencing programming, and five also contrasted their experiences with those of the PWD. Methods After transcription and de-identification, a codebook was created from the transcript content that included a priori topics of interest as well as emergent themes using framework analysis. These transcripts were then coded by two independent coders through an iterative process and consultation with the codebook creator, who also resolved any discrepancies between coders. Results Respondents reported largely successful transitions to teleconferencing for themselves, though missing the physical contact afforded by meeting in-person. However, they also described some interactional challenges related to participants talking over one another, and suggested more active moderating to facilitate greater turn-taking. The respondents’ descriptions of the PWD’s response suggested a much less successful transition to teleconferencing. Challenges and barriers included lack of interest, difficulty following or participating in conversation, and teleconferencing creating confusion, such making it “hard for her to separate out when everybody's in the same place or not."

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-28
Author(s):  
Rika Damayanti ◽  
Tati Hernawaty

Mental illness experienced by 96 people between 12,392 people in Bubulak District, West Bogor. At the same time, family knowledge and abilities are not going well, services for psychological health programs by Community Health Centers are not going well, and Family Support Groups are not there. The title of this research is the Effect of Supporting Family Groups on Family Ability in Caring for Clients with Mental Illness in Bubulak Regency, West Bogor. This study aims to obtain a comprehensive picture of the influence of the Family Support Group on the ability of families to care for clients with mental illness. The study design used a quasi-experimental pre-post trial with a control group using the intervention of the Family Support Group. The sample was selected using a single-stage cluster and consisted of 74 families with a client mental illness. This group is divided into two groups as follows: Group I (Care of family support groups, four meetings consisting of 2 weeks) and Group II (without Family Support Groups). Family cognitive abilities, affective abilities, and psychomotor abilities were assessed using a questionnaire, and then the results of the questionnaire were analyzed using the dependent t-test, independent t-test, Chi-Square, and Simple Linear Regression methods. This study shows a significant increase in family cognitive abilities, affective abilities, and psychomotor abilities in caring for clients with mental illness. The ability of the group handled by the Family Support Group is significantly and significantly improved compared to the group without the Family Support Group. It is recommended to form and to conduct a Family Support Group to families who have clients with mental illness in the community.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 959-965 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingela Henoch ◽  
Christina Berg ◽  
Inger Benkel

When a family member dies, a bereavement period is taking place for all family members. The death of a parent during childhood is a highly stressful event. This study evaluates families’ experiences of family support groups when a parent has died. Families were participate in groups for children, teenagers, young adults, and parents in seven sessions. The same topic which was discussed in all groups. The support groups were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. The participants were satisfied with the groups and experienced that the shared experience facilitated bereavement to proceed. The results indicate that families’ experiences is being more open about feelings in their own family. A support group can be one possibility to help the whole family in the bereavement.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 228-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross Spackman ◽  
Hannah Toogood ◽  
Jayne Kerridge ◽  
Jon Nash ◽  
Elizabeth Anderson ◽  
...  

Aims and methodThere is very little research into the challenges of training in intellectual disability psychiatry or into interventions which may address these challenges. Using focus groups, we explored the experiences of intellectual disability psychiatry trainees, and evaluated a leaderless trainee support group developed in Bristol.ResultsFive distinct themes were identified via framework analysis: that trainees felt unprepared for the difference from previous posts; the need for support; the value of the group; that trainees were concerned about judgement in supervision; that the group structure was valued.Clinical implicationsOur findings highlight the support needs specific to intellectual disability psychiatry trainees. Leaderless peer support groups may be a valued resource to address such issues, and may be a useful model to be considered by other training schemes.


2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 432-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizete Malagoni de Almeida Cavalcante Oliveira ◽  
Marcelo Medeiros ◽  
Virginia Visconde Brasil ◽  
Paula Malagoni Cavalcante Oliveira ◽  
Denize Bouttelet Munari

OBJECTIVE: To identifyg the evidence of Therapeutic Factors (TF) for the systematized evaluation of a support group. METHODS: Descriptive study developed in a hospital in Goiânia GO, in 2005/2006. Ten sessions of the Inpatient Family Support Group (GRAF) were registered with a digital recorder, field journal and a check list filled out by the coordinators in order to identify TF observed in the participation of each family member. Later, these records were cross-checked so as to analyze this participation. RESULTS: GRAF had an average of 6.9 participants per session. The following TF were identified: universality, imparting of information, cohesiveness, existential factors and instillation of hope. CONCLUSION: These TF were useful in the evaluation of the GRAF results, suggesting their convenience to evaluate results in other support groups.


2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (12) ◽  
pp. 4335-4350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth E. Tichenor ◽  
J. Scott Yaruss

Purpose This study explored group experiences and individual differences in the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings perceived by adults who stutter. Respondents' goals when speaking and prior participation in self-help/support groups were used to predict individual differences in reported behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Method In this study, 502 adults who stutter completed a survey examining their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings in and around moments of stuttering. Data were analyzed to determine distributions of group and individual experiences. Results Speakers reported experiencing a wide range of both overt behaviors (e.g., repetitions) and covert behaviors (e.g., remaining silent, choosing not to speak). Having the goal of not stuttering when speaking was significantly associated with more covert behaviors and more negative cognitive and affective states, whereas a history of self-help/support group participation was significantly associated with a decreased probability of these behaviors and states. Conclusion Data from this survey suggest that participating in self-help/support groups and having a goal of communicating freely (as opposed to trying not to stutter) are associated with less negative life outcomes due to stuttering. Results further indicate that the behaviors, thoughts, and experiences most commonly reported by speakers may not be those that are most readily observed by listeners.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1131-1138
Author(s):  
Lauren E. Dignazio ◽  
Megan M. Kenny ◽  
Erik X. Raj ◽  
Kyle D. Pelkey

Purpose It is known that people who stutter (PWS) benefit from self-help experiences, such as attending support groups or conferences. However, limited research has been done to explore the listening of stuttering-related podcasts as a form of self-help for PWS. This study seeks to understand the reasons why PWS listen to stuttering-related podcasts and provide descriptions of their listening experiences. Method Thirty-three PWS who have listened to stuttering-related podcasts were recruited to participate in an online survey that included multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Responses were analyzed and grouped into descriptive themes. Results Participants reported listening to stuttering-related podcasts as a way to gain information and perspective. They also reported experiences that fit themes of empowerment and camaraderie, as a result of listening. Conclusions Stuttering-related podcasts seem to be a positive self-help tool for PWS. Stuttering support group leaders and/or speech-language pathologists may consider introducing their group members or clients who stutter to this type of audio-based self-help experience.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osamu Kobori ◽  
Naoki Yoshinaga

BACKGROUND Owing to the rapid development of social networking services, online support groups vary widely both in goal and structure. Several studies have shown the potential effectiveness of online support groups, such as reducing psychological distress (eg depression) among individuals with mental health problems. However, online support groups often do not aim at effectiveness regarding distress-relief-related outcomes. OBJECTIVE The U2plus.jp (hereinafter U2plus) is an online support group for individuals with depression; in it, people support each other in structured ways while engaging in simple cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises. This study aimed to examine if usage frequency of the U2plus functions are associated with decreased stigma and increased consumer. METHODS In total, 355 U2plus users took part in an online survey. They were asked what therapy they had ever received, how often they logged into it and used each of its functions, and completed the following questionnaires: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Perceived Devaluation Discrimination Scale, and the General Help Seeking Scale. RESULTS Regarding the therapy they received, 89.3% (n=308) had been on medication for mental health problems, and 67.5% (n=233) had received psychotherapy or mental health counselling. Regarding the usage frequency, approximately 20% of the participants signed in to U2plus and used its functions more than once a week. The usage frequency of U2plus functions was not associated with perceived stigma. However, usage frequency of some functions was correlated to help seeking intentions from formal sources (eg doctors and psychologists). Moreover, 90% of the participants had a history of medication for their mental health. Additionally, the more depressed participants were, the more frequently they used U2plus. CONCLUSIONS It was suggested that online support groups may serve as an alternative treatment option for those who are already undergoing pharmacological treatment and are willing to seek help from whatever source they deem helpful.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S52-S53
Author(s):  
Jooyoung Moon ◽  
Hanna Moon

Abstract Background In 2018, the American College of Gastroenterology published guidelines for Crohn’s disease management that emphasized the importance of addressing the patient’s quality of life (QOL). Due to the unique challenges that they face, afflicted patients and their families benefit from support groups that provide psychosocial support. Hospitals have traditionally preferred in-person support group meetings, but there has recently been a great increase in the need for online meetings amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With increasing usage of the Internet for health advice and assistance, it is important to assess the availability of information on support groups online. Methods Two independent investigators queried the terms “Crohn’s support group” using the Google search engine. The first 100 websites were analyzed and categorized into either informational websites (IW) or professional websites (PW) depending on their association. The mode of support group meetings was categorized as either online or in-person. Websites that included outdated events, were inaccessible, did not specify the mode of meeting, required additional contact, or were irrelevant were excluded. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-squared test of independence with significance level at p<0.05. Results A total of 56 websites (33 IW, 23 PW) met our inclusion criteria. IW offered online meetings more often than PW (60.6% and 39.1%, respectively; p=0.11). In contrast, PW offered in-person meetings more often than IW (73.9% and 69.7%, respectively; p=0.73). Excluded websites (30 IW, 14 PW) were further analyzed for their reason for elimination. For IW, the most frequent causes of exclusion in descending order were as follows: irrelevance (30.0%), outdated (26.7%), inaccessible (20.0%), did not specify the mode of meeting (13.3%), and redirected for further information (10.0%). Listing of outdated sessions was the most common reason for exclusion of PW from the study (57.1%), and the proportion was significantly higher than IW (26.7%) (p=0.01). Conclusion Crohn’s disease patients face unique challenges that require special attention. Support groups are an important means of alleviating stress, depression, and anxiety in order to improve their QOL. Yet, due to the COVID-19 social distancing policies, many are refrained from participating in in-person sessions. This study illustrates that more online support group meetings are needed and that professional websites should improve on making regular updates for future meeting sessions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Murray ◽  
Kelly Buttigieg ◽  
Michelle Todd ◽  
Vicky McKechnie

Abstract Background A subset of patients experience psychological distress following insertion of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and ICD support groups are recommended, however access to these groups is limited. This study aimed: to gauge a better understanding of patients’ key ICD-related concerns; to determine patient interest in a support group and topics deemed helpful to address in a support group; and to examine factors which affect patient inclination to attend. Methods One hundred and thirty nine patients completed the ICD Patient Concerns Questionnaire – Brief (ICDC-B) and a semi-structured survey. Non-parametric tests were used to examine associations and differences in the quantitative data. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results 42% of respondents said they would attend a support group and inclination to attend was associated with higher ICD concerns and a shorter time since implant. Topics considered important to address in a group were information about heart conditions and devices, the impact of an ICD on daily life and coping with fear of shocks. Conclusion We concluded that there is interest in further support amongst many patients and that ICD support groups may be delivered efficiently by targeting patients who have higher levels of ICD concerns and within the first few years after implant.


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