Last in Line

The Group ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald L. Rosenstein ◽  
Justin M. Yopp
Keyword(s):  
Support Group ◽  
Inflection Point ◽  
Professional Work ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
Interpersonal Dynamics ◽  
Returning Home ◽  
Group Sessions ◽  
Line P ◽  
Shed Light ◽  
Profound Insight

Leaders of a support group often debrief after each meeting. So, when we started the group for widowed fathers, we made a point of scheduling time for this practice, even though it would make long days even longer. We used these conversations to reflect on any new themes that emerged during the session, the interpersonal dynamics between the men, and any changes we needed to make to the group. What neither of us anticipated was how moved we would be by these men and what they were building together. Month after month, as the two of us talked following each meeting, we marveled at the fathers’ willingness to share their fears and vulnerabilities. Their authentic exchanges with each other belied the stereotype that men are reluctant to talk openly about their feelings. Each time a father articulated a concern or newly discovered insight, the others responded with honesty and compassion. They were becoming part of something larger than themselves. We found this project as interesting and meaningful as any professional work either of us had ever done. It was also uncharted territory. Because no one had ever led a support group for widowed fathers whose wives died from cancer, there were no books, articles, or lectures to guide us as group leaders or to shed light on the unique challenges these men were facing. Like the fathers, we were participants in this experiment and were committed to giving it our best shot. The group sessions generated plenty of painful, awkward moments during which we had little or no comfort to share. They also sparked moments of profound insight, inspiration, and humor. Our post-meeting discussions gave us a chance to compare notes and appreciate the progress of each man and the group as a whole. Returning home after each session, we would tell our wives how great the group was that evening. Once a month we each felt especially grateful that we could share these successes with our spouses. During our debriefing session on the night “Ring Watch” ended, we sensed that the group was at an inflection point.

Stuttering-Related Podcasts: Audio-Based Self-Help for People Who Stutter

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1131-1138
Author(s):  
Lauren E. Dignazio ◽  
Megan M. Kenny ◽  
Erik X. Raj ◽  
Kyle D. Pelkey
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Group Members

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.

So, you want to lead an international student support group? Advice from group leaders

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Johnson ◽  
Jacob Ludlow ◽  
Lisa Takara ◽  
Zhen Li ◽  
Melissa Tingey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Support Group ◽  
International Student ◽  
Student Support ◽  
Group Leaders

scholarly journals Exploring the impact of training on the experience of Australian support group leaders: current practices and implications for research

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel D. Zordan ◽  
Ilona Juraskova ◽  
Phyllis N Butow ◽  
Afsaneh Jolan ◽  
Laura Kirsten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Support Group ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Current Practices

Support and training needs of cancer support group leaders: a review

2006 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 651-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Price ◽  
Phyllis Butow ◽  
Laura Kirsten
Keyword(s):  
Support Group ◽  
Training Needs ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Cancer Support Group ◽  
And Training

Abstract P825: Virtual Stroke Support Group: Innovative Approach to Continued Care in Times of Covid-19

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrienne Veenstra ◽  
Jamie DuVerneay ◽  
Laurel Packard ◽  
Muhib Khan
Keyword(s):  
Support Group ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Visual Cues ◽  
Innovative Approach ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Group Sessions ◽  
Stroke Support Groups ◽  
Virtual Platform

Background and Purpose: Post-stroke patients and their caregivers need continued physical and emotional support to adapt to the ‘new normal’. Stroke Support Groups are an effective educational platform for survivors and caregivers to discuss chronic post stroke issues. Stay at home orders and social distancing measures instituted to decrease the spread of COVID-19 made it difficult to conduct an in-person stroke support group. However, social isolation related to home quarantine would exacerbate the emotional toll associated with stroke. Therefore, we decided to proceed with a virtual stroke support group to provide continued education and emotional support to our stroke survivors and caregivers. Methods: Microsoft Teams Virtual Platform was utilized to conduct virtual stroke support group. Sessions were conducted once a month. Stroke Survivors and Caregivers were sent a link to their email to log into the virtual platform. The sessions were moderated by a recreational therapist and various speakers provided educational sessions. Results: Five virtual stroke support group sessions have been conducted. Topics discussed were COVID-19 check-in and discussion, Planning for an Uncertain Future, Brilliant Brain Party: Celebrating Neuroplasticity, Two Sides to Every Story: Left and Right Brain and How Humor Can Help Your Recovery. An average of 10 participants attend each of these sessions. Participants find these sessions valuable. It allows them to be part of the stroke community when they are unable to travel due to long distance, inclement weather and transportation availability. Challenges include lack of experience with technology, familiarity with conference call etiquettes and lack of visual cues related to emotional topics. Conclusion: Virtual Stroke Support Group is an innovative approach to keep stroke survivors and caregivers engaged in their care. We plan to have the option of virtual attendance available long term in addition to in-person attendance in the future.

Abstract P851: Embracing Virtual Connection: An Innovative Systemwide Approach to Support Groups

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly J Rossi ◽  
Nicole Westensee ◽  
Dienst Elizabeth ◽  
Danielle Hagedorn ◽  
Julie Schafer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
High Risk Patient ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Stroke Population ◽  
Virtual Platform ◽  
Problem Solve ◽  
Virtual Support

Background: Following a statewide stay-at-home order, Centura Stroke Support Group meetings were postponed indefinitely due to our high-risk patient population. Throughout the organization, stroke coordinators and support group leaders recognized the importance of community and continued support for the stroke population. The objective was to develop a creative survivor & caregiver support offering following social distancing guidelines given the Covid-19 restrictions, while collaborating & expanding opportunities for stroke support across the Centura system. Purpose: We hypothesized that we could successfully support stroke survivors & caregivers through a virtual platform during the pandemic & improve accessibility regardless of participant location or transportation. Methods: Group leaders assessed stroke survivors & caregivers ongoing needs through weekly outreach identifying the importance of the support group and a need for continued group access during the Covid-19 pandemic. Attendee’s indicated an interest in virtual support & a willingness to learn the required virtual platform. Leaders collaborated across the system to organize efforts in reaching survivors & caregivers at each hospital while sharing group curriculum & education systemwide; thus, allowing groups to meet at different times and increasing overall accessibility. Facilitators worked with individuals to problem solve potential issues navigating a virtual format. Results: The virtual format successfully provided support from the comfort & safety of home. Attendance increased in comparison to an in-person format. When asked about preference for an in-person setting only vs. a combination of in-person & virtual format, 80% selected a combination format. Working together across the system, stroke coordinators & group facilitators benefitted from a broader range of resources and connected the greater stroke community across Colorado. Conclusion: Regardless of future restrictions, hospitals should consider virtual support groups to increase accessibility for survivors & caregivers. There are benefits of the virtual platform which expand access to support by reducing barriers such as community availability and transportation.

scholarly journals Protocol for a partially nested randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network Support Group Leader EDucation (SPIN-SSLED) Program

Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett D. Thombs ◽  
◽  
Kylene Aguila ◽  
Laura Dyas ◽  
Marie-Eve Carrier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Group Leader ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Patient Support Group

Abstract Background Some people with rare diseases rely on peer-led support groups for disease-specific education and emotional and practical support. Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease. Many people with SSc cannot access support groups, and, when support groups exist, they may not be sustained due to challenges that could be addressed via leader training. The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN), along with SSc patient organization partners, developed a training program for SSc patient support group leaders, the Scleroderma Support group Leader EDucation (SPIN-SSLED) Program. We recently completed a feasibility trial in which we successfully delivered the program to two groups of support group leaders who reported a high level of satisfaction with the program and its delivery. The primary objective of the full-scale SPIN-SSLED trial is to evaluate the effect of the program on support group leaders’ self-efficacy for carrying out their leadership role. Secondary objectives include evaluating effects on leader burnout, leader satisfaction (participation efficacy), and emotional distress. Methods/design The SPIN-SSLED trial is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which 180 support group leaders will be randomly allocated to training groups of 6 participants each or to a waitlist control. We will use a partially nested RCT design to reflect dependence between individuals in training groups, but not in the waitlist control. Participants allocated to the training program will receive the 13-module SPIN-SSLED Program, delivered via webinar over the course of 3 months in weekly 60–90-min sessions. The primary outcome is leader self-efficacy, measured by the Scleroderma Support Group Leader Self-efficacy Scale post-intervention. Secondary outcomes are leader self-efficacy at 3 months post-intervention, and leader burnout, volunteer job satisfaction (participation efficacy), and emotional distress post-intervention and at 3 months post-intervention. Discussion The SPIN-SSLED trial will test whether a training program for SSc patient support group leaders increases the self-efficacy of group leaders to carry out leadership tasks. The program has the potential to significantly improve the effectiveness and sustainability of existing SSc support groups, to increase the number of available support groups, and to be adapted for other chronic diseases. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03965780. Registered on 29 May 2019.

ICU family support group sessions: Family members' perceived benefits

1989 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn A. Sabo ◽  
Christine Kraay ◽  
Ellen Rudy ◽  
Therese Abraham ◽  
Michele Bender ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Group Sessions

scholarly journals Functional Politicization in the Dutch Senior Civil Service: Evidence from Longitudinal Surveys and Qualitative Research (2007 – 2019)

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-73
Author(s):  
Alexandre Belloir ◽  
Caspar van den Berg
Keyword(s):  
Procedural Knowledge ◽  
Civil Servants ◽  
Political Polarization ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Dutch Politics ◽  
Longitudinal Surveys ◽  
Interpersonal Dynamics ◽  
Shed Light ◽  
Made In ◽  
Do So

AbstractAlthough substantial advances have been made in our comprehension of functional politicization – political capacities and activities being taken on by bureaucrats in their administrative duties – questions surrounding its causal mechanisms remain. To shed light on these questions, we here explore increasing political polarization (and fragmentation) in Dutch politics and functional politicization over the period 2007 – 2019 to see how the two are related. To do so, we adopt a cross-time approach that observes which skills – political-strategic insight, substantive expertise (Fachwissen), or procedural knowledge (Dienstwissen) – senior civil servants perceive to be the most relevant to successfully and correctly exercise their profession in a period of increasing polarization in the Dutch political landscape. Drawing from surveys conducted with senior civil servants in 2007, 2013 and 2019, combined with semi-structured interviews conducted in 2019, the data depicts the prevalence of political astuteness in the profession and highlights the factors for its causes: institutional, organizational, and interpersonal dynamics. This indicates an (in)direct link between political polarization and functional politicization of the administrative apparatus that serves as a basis for further cross-time and cross-country investigation.

scholarly journals The feasibility and acceptability of a virtual six-week psychoeducational intervention for carers of patients with heart failure

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Cassidy ◽  
L Hill ◽  
D Fitzsimons
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Psychoeducational Intervention ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Group Sessions

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Queen"s University Belfast Background Globally, the number of individuals living with heart failure (HF) is increasing, with many living with additional comorbidities and complex health needs. Carers play an invaluable role in helping the patient with self-care at home, taking on the key responsibility for tasks critical in the management and monitoring of HF symptoms. As a result, carers can frequently experience poor quality of life attributed to this caring role, whilst simultaneously managing health problems of their own. Evidence has shown that many of these carers have unmet educational, social and emotional needs, that require urgent support and information. Purpose To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a six-week psychoeducational intervention tailored towards carers of patients with HF. Methods   The psychoeducational intervention was co-produced with involvement of carers, HF professionals and researchers. It was delivered over six weeks, with four support group sessions and an information booklet tailored specifically to the needs of carers. Carers were identified by the clinical HF team or through social media, with informed consent obtained before inclusion. Due to COVID-19 regulations, the support group sessions were delivered virtually via a secure online app (Zoom). Each session involved a member of the interdisciplinary research team and covered topics including: 1. Understanding HF, 2. Personal wellbeing, 3. Communication and Support, and 4. Practical skills to help manage HF. Validated questionnaires (SF-12, HADS,ZBI,PSS,MSPSS,CPS) measuring carer related outcomes were completed at baseline, at 6 weeks and 3 months post intervention. Qualitative data from focus group post-intervention explored the acceptability of the intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS (version 27) and NVivo (version 11). Results  Nine participants consented to participate, six of which were recruited from heart failure clinics, and three volunteered in response to social media advertisements. Two participants, due to personal health reasons, withdrew consent and did not attend the support group sessions. All carers were female, mean age 61 years, four spouses and three adult children. Preliminary qualitative findings show carers recalled information and advice included in the intervention as useful and easy to understand. With the intervention being described as, "a dimension that doesn’t already exist". The majority of participants (n = 5) preferred the convenience and flexibility of the online approach to the intervention, however some participants (n = 2) felt that they would have benefitted more from an in-person approach. A second  support group is currently underway.  Conclusions Preliminary results are promising and indicate that carers responded well to an online psychoeducational intervention.

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