scholarly journals 160. Reduction in the Spread of Hospital-Associated Infections Among Pediatric Oncology Patients in an Animal-Assisted Intervention Program from a Canine Decolonization Procedure

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S14-S14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Dalton ◽  
Kathy Ruble ◽  
Alexandra DeLone ◽  
Pam Frankenfield ◽  
Destiny Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Vital Statistics ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Therapy Dogs ◽  
Therapy Animals ◽  
Hospital Associated Infections

Abstract Background Animal-assisted interventions (AAI), the use of animals as a complementary therapy in holistic patient care, has shown many positive outcomes. However, therapy animals can serve as mechanical vectors of hospital-associated infections (HAI), e.g., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This pilot study assessed for transmission of HAIs among therapy animals, patients, and the hospital environment. We tested the effectiveness of a novel decolonization protocol for therapy dogs to reduce the risk of transmission of HAIs and enhance AAI program sustainability. Our hypothesis was that HAI transmission occurs from positive child to child, with the dog as an intermediary fomite. Methods Before and after child–animal interaction, we sampled patients, dogs, and the environment, and collected vital statistics and survey data from patients. MRSA was detected in samples by culture and molecular testing. Therapy dog handlers performed normal pre-visit practices for 2 control visits, then switched to a decolonization protocol (chlorhexidine-based shampoo prior to the visit, and chlorhexidine wipes on the fur during the visit) for 2 intervention visits. Results We evaluated 45 children and 4 therapy dogs over 13 visits. Children had decreased blood pressure and heart rate, and reported improved mental health scores post visit. MRSA conversion was identified from 10.2% of the children and 38.5% of the dogs, while 93% of the environmental samples were MRSA positive both pre and post. Patients that interacted closely with the dog had 8.01 times higher odds (95% CI 1.1–15.2) of MRSA conversion compared with patients who barely interacted with the dog. When stratified by intervention group, the MRSA conversation odds ratio of close interaction was 0.93 (95% CI 0.1–10.8) when the dog was decolonized versus 9.72 (0.9–99) when not decolonized. Conclusion This study showed the potential for AAI visits to improve physiological and mental health of pediatric outpatients. A risk of HAI exposure to patients from interaction with the dog was found, but this effect was nullified by the decolonization procedure. Future research is needed to increase the safety of this valuable alternative therapy. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Methodology for Development of a Community Level Intervention Module for Physical Illness in Persons with Mental Illness (CLIPMI)

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. S94-S98
Author(s):  
Ramanujam Govindan ◽  
Thara Rangaswamy ◽  
Sujit John ◽  
Sunitha Kandasamy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mental Health Program ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Health Delivery ◽  
Expected Outcome ◽  
Health Delivery System

Background and Objectives: Medical illnesses seen in persons with psychiatric disorders are important but often ignored causes of increased morbidity and mortality. Hence, a community level intervention program addressing the issue is proposed. Materials and Methods: Patients with severe mental illnesses will be identified by a door-to-door survey and assessed for comorbid physical illnesses like anemia, hypertension, diabetes, and so on. They will then be randomized into two groups. The treatment as usual (TAU) group will not receive intervention from the trained community level workers, while the Intervention group will receive it. Results: The two groups will be compared for the prevalence and severity of comorbid physical illnesses. The expected outcome is compared to the TAU group, the intervention group will have a greater reduction in the morbidity due to physical illnesses and improved mental health. Conclusion: If successful, the module can be incorporated into the community level mental health delivery system of the District Mental Health Program (DMHP).

Social Skills Instruction for Students at Risk for Antisocial Behavior: The Effects of Small-Group Instruction

2003 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen L. Lane ◽  
Joseph Wehby ◽  
Holly M. Menzies ◽  
Georgia L. Doukas ◽  
Sarah M. Munton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Social Skills ◽  
Antisocial Behavior ◽  
Small Group ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Group Setting ◽  
Students At Risk ◽  
Social Skills Instruction

This study examined the effectiveness of social skills instruction for seven elementary-age students at risk for antisocial behavior who were unresponsive to a schoolwide primary intervention program. Students received instruction in social skills in a small-group setting over a 10-week period. A comprehensive list of acquisition deficits was generated for each student using an empirically validated assessment tool. These acquisition deficits became the core content of each intervention group. Results revealed lasting decreases in both disruptive behaviors in the classroom and negative social interactions on the playground. Students also experienced increases in percentage of academic engaged time. Findings from a social validity measure indicated that students viewed the intervention procedures as acceptable and reportedly used the newly acquired skills in multiple settings. Limitations are discussed, and directions for future research are provided.

scholarly journals A Group Intervention to Promote Resilience in Nursing Professionals: A Randomised Controlled Trial

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 649
Author(s):  
Gesche Janzarik ◽  
Daniel Wollschläger ◽  
Michèle Wessa ◽  
Klaus Lieb
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Nursing Professionals

In this study, a new group intervention program to foster resilience in nursing professionals was tested for efficacy. In total, 72 nurses were recruited and randomised to either an intervention condition or to a wait list control condition. The study had a pre-test, post-test, follow-up design. The eight-week program targeted six resilience factors: cognitive flexibility, coping, self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-care, and mindfulness. Compared to the control group, the intervention group reported a significant improvement in the primary outcome mental health (measured with the General Health Questionnaire) from pre-test (M = 20.79; SD = 9.85) to post-test (M = 15.81; SD = 7.13) with an estimated medium effect size (p = 0.03, η2 = 0.08) at post-test. Further significant improvements were found for resilience and other resilience related outcomes measures. The individual stressor load of the subjects was queried retrospectively in each measurement. Stress levels had a significant influence on mental health. The intervention effect was evident even though the stress level in both groups did not change significantly between the measurements. Follow-up data suggest that the effects were sustained for up to six months after intervention. The resilience intervention reduced mental burden in nurses and also positively affected several additional psychological outcomes.

Designing an intervention program for cancer survivors and work.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 23-23
Author(s):  
Dawn Aubel
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported

23 Background: Nearly two-thirds of cancer survivors return to work after their diagnosis, experiencing unique challenges as they strive to maintain health and career goals. Keeping the workforce healthy through innovative solutions is essential for employers and society. The purpose of this study was to describe the needs of cancer survivors who continue to work and to improve a navigation program designed to optimize well-being. The conceptual framework of the Cancer Survivorship and Work Model by Mehnert, de Boer, & Feuerstein (2013) was used to guide program development and outcomes measurement. Methods: Participants included cancer survivors who were employed at a company where a navigation-based program was offered. Two study groups included individuals who used the intervention program and non-users. There were a total of 7 participants in the intervention group and 17 participants in the non-user group. A mixed-methods design was used. Self-efficacy, emotional support, and informational support were evaluated using validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments. Patient satisfaction with the navigator relationship among program users was assessed. Open-ended questions were asked to gain a richer understanding regarding a supportive work intervention. Results: Among participants, there were deficits in self-efficacy and social support. There was no significant difference between groups. There was high satisfaction with the navigator relationship. Qualitative themes included a desire to maintain privacy, and the struggle to integrate health-related needs and high work demands. Conclusions: Population health challenges associated with cancer survivorship should be addressed by relevant interventions and further research. A dedicated work program is appropriate for work success. The navigation design should be further developed and available to employers aiming for a culture of health. Future research should include intervention evaluation using PROs, qualitative inquiry of cancer survivors regarding privacy and work, and applications to other chronic diseases.

Investigation of the implementation of a Communication Enhanced Environment model on an acute/slow stream rehabilitation and a rehabilitation ward: A before-and-after pilot study

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110326
Author(s):  
Sarah D’Souza ◽  
Erin Godecke ◽  
Natalie Ciccone ◽  
Deborah Hersh ◽  
Elizabeth Armstrong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Environment Model ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Rehabilitation Ward

Objectives: Develop and implement a Communication Enhanced Environment model and explore its effect on language activities for patients early after stroke. Method and design: Before-and-after pilot study. Setting: An acute/slow stream rehabilitation and a rehabilitation ward in a private hospital in Perth, Western Australia. Participants: Fourteen patients recruited within 21 days of stroke. Seven recruited during the before-phase (control group: patients with aphasia = 3, patients without aphasia = 4) and seven recruited in the after-phase (intervention group: patients with aphasia = 4, patients without aphasia = 3). Intervention: The intervention group exposed to a Communication Enhanced Environment model had access to equipment, resources, planned social activities and trained communication partners. Both groups received usual stroke care. Data collection: Hospital site champions monitored the availability of the intervention. Behavioural mapping completed during the first minute of each 5-minute interval over 12 hours (between 7 am and 7 pm) determined patient engagement in language activities. Results: Seventy-one percent of the Communication Enhanced Environment model was available to the intervention group who engaged in higher, but not significant (95% CI), levels of language activities (600 of 816 observation time points, 73%) than the control group (551 of 835 observation time points, 66%). Unforeseen reorganisation of the acute ward occurred during the study. Conclusions: Implementation of a Communication Enhanced Environment model was feasible in this specific setting and may potentially influence patients’ engagement in language activities. The unforeseen contextual challenges that occurred during the study period demonstrate the challenging nature of the hospital environment and will be useful in future research planning.

scholarly journals Intervention Program on Adolescent's Creativity Representations and Academic Motivation

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (62) ◽  
pp. 289-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria de Fátima Morais ◽  
Saul Neves de Jesus ◽  
Ivete Azevedo ◽  
Alexandra M. Araújo ◽  
João Viseu
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Academic Motivation ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
And Control ◽  
Previous Training

AbstractCreativity and its promotion are widespread concerns in education. However, few efforts have been made to implement intervention programs designed to promote creativity and other related aspects (e.g., academic motivation). The Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI), aimed for training creativity representations and creative problem solving skills in young people, has been one of the most implemented programs. This intervention's materials and activities were adapted for Portuguese students, and a longitudinal study was conducted. The program was implemented during four months, in weekly sessions, by thirteen teachers. Teachers received previous training for the program and during the program's implementation. Intervention participants included 77 Basic and Secondary Education students, and control participants included 78 equivalent students. Pretest-posttest measures of academic motivation and creativity representations were collected. Results suggest a significant increase, in the intervention group, in motivation and the appropriate representations of creativity. Practical implications and future research perspectives are presented.

scholarly journals Risks Associated with Animal-Assisted Intervention Programs: A Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn R. Dalton ◽  
Kaitlin B. Waite ◽  
Kathy Ruble ◽  
Karen C. Carroll ◽  
Alexandra DeLone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
List Type ◽  
Zoonotic Pathogen ◽  
Therapy Animals

AbstractThe benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAI), to utilize companion animals as an adjunctive treatment modality, is well-established and a burgeoning research field. However, few studies have evaluated the potential hazards of these programs, such as the potential for therapy animals to transfer hospital-associated pathogens between individuals and the hospital environment. Here we review the current literature on the possible risks of hospital-based AAI programs, including zoonotic pathogen transmission. We identified twenty-nine articles encompassing reviews of infection control guidelines and epidemiological studies on zoonotic pathogen prevalence in AAI. We observed substantial heterogeneity in infection control practices among hospital AAI programs. Few data confirmed pathogen transmission between therapy animals and patients. Given AAI’s known benefits, we recommend that future research utilize a One Health framework to evaluate microbial dynamics among therapy animals, patients, and hospital environments. This framework may best promote safe practices to ensure the sustainability of these valuable AAI programs.HighlightsDespite the many benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) for patients, there is a risk of therapy animals becoming vectors of hospital pathogens.There is an absence of literature on transmission of hospital pathogens between patients and therapy animals during an AAI session.More research is needed to improve the safety and utilization of this important adjunctive therapy.

scholarly journals Microbial Sharing between Pediatric Patients and Therapy Animals during Hospital Animal-Assisted Intervention Programs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn R. Dalton ◽  
Kathy Ruble ◽  
Laurel E. Redding ◽  
Daniel O. Morris ◽  
Noel T. Mueller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Therapy Dogs ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Therapy Animals ◽  
Animal Assisted Intervention

AbstractBackgroundMicrobial sharing between humans and animals has been demonstrated in a variety of settings. However, the extent of microbial sharing that occurs within the healthcare setting during animal-assisted intervention programs, a validated and valuable part of holistic patient wellness, is unknown. Understanding microbial transmission between patients and therapy animals can provide important insights into potential health benefits for patients, in addition to addressing concerns regarding potential pathogen transmission that limits program utilization. This study evaluated the potential for microbial sharing between pediatric patients and therapy dogs, and tested whether patient-dog contact level and a dog decolonization protocol modified this sharing.Methods and ResultsPatients, therapy animals, and the hospital environment were sampled before and after every group therapy session and samples underwent 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize microbial communities. Both patients and animals experienced changes in the relative abundance and overall diversity of their nasal microbiome, suggesting that exchange of microorganisms had occurred. Increased contact was associated with greater sharing between patients and therapy animals, as well as between patients. A topical chlorhexidine-based dog decolonization intervention was associated with decreased microbial sharing between therapy dogs and patients, particularly from the removal of rarer microbiota from the dog, but did not significantly affect sharing between patients.ConclusionThese data suggest that the therapy animal is both a potential source of and a vehicle for the transfer of microorganisms to patients but not necessarily the only source. The relative contribution of other potential sources (e.g., other patients, the hospital environment) should be further explored to determine their relative importance.

scholarly journals TIVA - A mobile app-based intervention program for caregivers to promote positive mental health: A randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carme Ferré-Gau ◽  
Laia Raigal-Aran ◽  
Jael Lorca-Cabrera ◽  
Maria Teresa Lluch-Canut ◽  
Maria Ferre-Bergada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Control Group

BACKGROUND Caregivers focus on the caregiver and not themselves. This can negatively affect the caregiver and the person being cared. Intervention programs can help empower caregivers of people with chronic diseases and can develop solutions to decrease the physical and psychological consequences resulting from caregiving. However, most of intervention programs for caregivers clinically tested are presential and many of the caregivers don’t have time to assist. This make important to create internet-based intervention programs and test their efficacy. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone app-based intervention program to increase Positive Mental Health (PMH) compared. METHODS This study was a 3-moth long, randomized trial. A total of 152 caregivers over 18 with a minimum of 4 month of experience as caregivers were included. The caregivers were randomly divided into two equal size groups. In the intervention group, each caregiver installs a smartphone app and uses it for 28 days. This app offers them a daily activity related to the Decalogue of PMH. The level of PMH and caregiver burden was the primary outcome and the secondary outcome will be related to the satisfaction with the app by the intervention group RESULTS 113 caregivers completed the study. After the 1st month intervention, although no significant mean changes were obtained between groups, the intervention group obtained higher mean change than the control group. The mean change of the burden in the control group was higher after the first month and lower in the intervention group. A significantly mean change was obtained after the third month, with an increase of 14.94 in the intervention group in the total score of the PMH questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS The app-based intervention program analyzed in this study can be considered effective promoting PMH and decreasing burden and with a high range of satisfaction from the users. Evidence from this study shows that mobile phone app-based interventions program may be useful tools for increasing caregiver’s wellbeing. Interventions programs evidence assessed by a clinical trial should be a focus to promote internet-based programs in health policies. CLINICALTRIAL ISRCTN14818443 (date: 24/05/2019) INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7264-5

Physical and Psychological Benefits of Written Emotional Expression

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 242-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Éva Kállay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Expressive Writing ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Cost Effective Treatment ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract. The last several decades have witnessed a substantial increase in the number of individuals suffering from both diagnosable and subsyndromal mental health problems. Consequently, the development of cost-effective treatment methods, accessible to large populations suffering from different forms of mental health problems, became imperative. A very promising intervention is the method of expressive writing (EW), which may be used in both clinically diagnosable cases and subthreshold symptomatology. This method, in which people express their feelings and thoughts related to stressful situations in writing, has been found to improve participants’ long-term psychological, physiological, behavioral, and social functioning. Based on a thorough analysis and synthesis of the published literature (also including most recent meta-analyses), the present paper presents the expressive writing method, its short- and long-term, intra-and interpersonal effects, different situations and conditions in which it has been proven to be effective, the most important mechanisms implied in the process of recovery, advantages, disadvantages, and possible pitfalls of the method, as well as variants of the original technique and future research directions.

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