Patient and nurse perceptions of an innovative TV wellness channel in an acute medical ward: a feasibility study

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-94
Author(s):  
Suzy Russell ◽  
Vanya Ripley ◽  
Rosalind Elliott ◽  
Caryl Barnes

BackgroundThe Consultation Liaison Psychiatry service attends to the mental health needs of patients treated in a general hospital setting after referral by the treating team. Interventions may include psychoeducation and psychological treatment.A mindfulness focused ‘TV wellness’ channel was conceptualised as an innovative method of providing psychoeducation and mindfulness/relaxation. The objective was to explore the acceptability of a TV wellness channel to nurses and patients in an acute care inpatient setting and its effect on patient anxiety.MethodsThis was a before and after prospective feasibility study. The intervention was a 30 min audio–visual television programme containing activities designed to reduce anxiety such as breathing and mindfulness exercises, nature film clips and short videos of clinical staff providing well-being tips during hospitalisation. Adult medical patients were requested to report their state anxiety using the Faces Anxiety Scale (1, low to 5 high anxiety) before and after viewing the channel. Patients and nurses reported on the acceptability of the content.ResultsThere was a trend to lower state anxiety after patients (n=61) watched the TV wellness channel but this was not clinically significant (mean difference (95 CI) 0.60 (0.36 to 0.87)). The patients and nurses’ evaluations were positive with few areas for improvement.ConclusionPilot evaluation of this innovative adjunct to Consultant Liaison Psychiatry provides evidence of its acceptability and potential to reduce anxiety for medical inpatients. This evaluation confirmed the feasibility of the TV wellness channel and has informed continued development and subsequent clinical research.

2004 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro Yoshinobu Kiyohara ◽  
Lilian Kakumu Kayano ◽  
Lorena Marçalo Oliveira ◽  
Marina Uemori Yamamoto ◽  
Marco Makoto Inagaki ◽  
...  

PURPOSE: Patients preparing to undergo surgery should not suffer needless anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate anxiety levels on the day before surgery as related to the information known by the patient regarding the diagnosis, surgical procedure, or anesthesia. METHOD: Patients reported their knowledge of diagnosis, surgery, and anesthesia. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure patient anxiety levels. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-nine patients were selected, and 82 females and 38 males were interviewed. Twenty-nine patients were excluded due to illiteracy. The state-anxiety levels were alike for males and females (36.10 ± 11.94 vs. 37.61 ± 8.76) (mean ± SD). Trait-anxiety levels were higher for women (42.55 ± 10.39 vs. 38.08 ± 12.25, P = 0.041). Patient education level did not influence the state-anxiety level but was inversely related to the trait-anxiety level. Knowledge of the diagnosis was clear for 91.7% of patients, of the surgery for 75.0%, and of anesthesia for 37.5%. Unfamiliarity with the surgical procedure raised state-anxiety levels (P = 0.021). A lower state-anxiety level was found among patients who did not know the diagnosis but knew about the surgery (P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Increased knowledge of patients regarding the surgery they are about to undergo may reduce their state-anxiety levels.


1979 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles B. Corbin ◽  
Charles Nix

Elementary school children, 20 boys and 20 girls, served as subjects in this investigation designed to determine how children sex-typed each of three different motor activities and to study their success predictions before and after cross-sex competition. Results of the study indicated that both boys and girls sex-typed a motor task requiring strength, speed, and power as a “male” activity, while the two other motor tasks were characterized as “male-female.” The self-confidence levels of girls, as measured by success predictions were lower than boys prior to competition but only for the “male” activity. After cross-sex competition in which girls succeeded as often as the boys, self-confidence of girls was no different than for boys. There were no sex differences in postcompetition state anxiety levels. All subjects regardless of sex were more threatened after competing in a “male” as opposed to a “male-female” activity, and they experienced lower state anxiety following successful rather than unsuccessful competition.


Author(s):  
Khamsiah Ismail ◽  
Nor Faridah Abd. Manaf ◽  
Farizah Jaafar ◽  
Che Noraini Hashim

Implementation of group therapy in Malaysian prison through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach is deemed important to improve the psychological well-being of the inmates. Numerous studies had been conducted but most of them provide statistical data based on cross-sectional studies but findings on effect of psychological treatment is still very scarce. This preliminary study aimed to examine the impacts of group therapy on psychological well-being of women prisoners, particularly in Malaysia. Sixteen women inmates from Women Prison in Selangor, Malaysia were chosen and assigned by the prison authority to receive eight group therapy sessions. The respondents in this study were of different race/ethnic groups, different faiths, socio-economical and criminal backgrounds, aged between 27 to 56 years old. Self-report measures DASS21 was utilized to examine their psychological well-being before and after eight sessions of group therapy in a duration of four months. This study employed a pre- and post-test design study without a control group. Statistical analyses used were descriptive statistics and paired-samples t-test. The results of this study revealed that there were significant differences in psychological variables as indicated by significant decrease level of depression and stress. Although not significant, their level of anxiety has also reduced. The findings of this study the self-belief and psychological well-being of the inmates. The findings could be used to add knowledge and to better understand the inmates and the rehabilitation methods that work for them. It also give some insights if group therapy can be considered as one of the programs that can support the rehabilitation process of the inmates


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-48
Author(s):  
Cindy Emanuela ◽  
Monty P. Satiadarma ◽  
Roswiyani Roswiyani

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations. Excessive anxiety can affect various aspects of life, especially in adolescents. Adolescents who have anxiety tend to experience sleep disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. Therefore, intervention is needed for adolescents who experience anxiety. One of the appropriate interventions for adolescents is art therapy with coloring techniques. Previous research has obtained evidence that coloring can reduce anxiety and improve psychological well-being (PWB). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of coloring activities in reducing anxiety and increasing PWB in adolescents. By using a quasi-experimental design pretest-posttest, total participants in this study were 26 students aged 15-18 years, were divided into two groups, such as mandala and other shapes coloring groups. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is used to measure anxiety and the PWB questionnaire is used to measure psychological well-being. Using paired sample t-test showed that both coloring groups experienced a decrease in state anxiety before and after the intervention, but there was no significant increase in PWB. Further analysis found that mandala coloring activities were more effective in reducing anxiety than other forms of coloring activities, and PWB of the two groups did not increase. It can be concluded that coloring activities can reduce state anxiety but has not been able to increase PWB.


Author(s):  
Lion D. Comfort ◽  
Marian C. Neidert ◽  
Oliver Bozinov ◽  
Luca Regli ◽  
Martin N. Stienen

Abstract Background Complications after neurosurgical operations can have severe impact on patient well-being, which is poorly reflected by current grading systems. The objective of this work was to develop and conduct a feasibility study of a new smartphone application that allows for the longitudinal assessment of postoperative well-being and complications. Methods We developed a smartphone application “Post OP Tracker” according to requirements from clinical experience and tested it on simulated patients. Participants received regular notifications through the app, inquiring them about their well-being and complications that had to be answered according to their assigned scenarios. After a 12-week period, subjects answered a questionnaire about the app’s functionality, user-friendliness, and acceptability. Results A total of 13 participants (mean age 34.8, range 24–68 years, 4 (30.8%) female) volunteered in this feasibility study. Most of them had a professional background in either health care or software development. All participants downloaded, installed, and applied the app for an average of 12.9 weeks. On a scale of 1 (worst) to 4 (best), the app was rated on average 3.6 in overall satisfaction and 3.8 in acceptance. The design achieved a somewhat favorable score of 3.1. One participant (7.7%) reported major technical issues. The gathered patient data can be used to graphically display the simulated outcome and assess the impact of postoperative complications. Conclusions This study suggests the feasibility to longitudinally gather postoperative data on subjective well-being through a smartphone application. Among potential patients, our application indicated to be functional, user-friendly, and well accepted. Using this app-based approach, further studies will enable us to classify postoperative complications according to their impact on the patient’s well-being.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
M Pires ◽  
A Antunes ◽  
C Gameiro ◽  
C Pombo

Community-focused programs that promote active and healthy aging can help preserve cognitive capacities, prevent or reverse cognitive deficits. Computer-based cognitive training (CCT) is a promising non-pharmacological, cost -effective and accessible intervention to face the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Previous studies proved CCT to have equal or better efficacy compared to traditional interventions. This comparative multifactorial study aims to test the efficacy of a CCT in a non-randomized community sample of 74 older adults: G1-CCT Experimental group (n=43) (Mean age M=72.21, SD=12.65) and G2- Paper-Pencil Control group (n=31; M=77.94, SD=10.51). Pensioners (97.3%), mostly women (83.8 %) with basic education (51.4%) and without dementia diagnosis, completed a cognitive training program of 17 or 34 group sessions (twice a week). G2 undertook a classic cognitive paper-pencil stimuli tasks. G1, performed, additionally, individual CCT with COGWEB® in a multimodal format (intensive training of attention, calculation, memory, gnosis, praxis, executive functions). Both groups completed Portuguese versions of Mini -Mental State Examination (MMSE),Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA); Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS); Mini Dependence Assessment (MDA); WHOOQL 5 and Social Support Satisfaction Scale (ESSS) before and after participating in the program. Both groups reported better post-test scores on basic cognitive functions (MMSE, MOCA), Depression symptoms (GDS-30), subjective well-being and quality of life (WHOOQL-5). G1 presented higher MOCA and lower GDS scores before and after CCT, although, group differences become less expressive when interaction effects are considered. Results are in line with findings from past studies, CCT supported by the new technologies, is as a relevant cost-effective therapeutic tool for health professionals working with older adults. Particularly for preventive purposes of neuro-cognitive disorders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S81-S81
Author(s):  
Sarah Norman ◽  
Sara Jones ◽  
Cara Acklin ◽  
Christian Cheatham

Abstract Background Antimicrobial stewardship initiatives and efforts have historically had a greater emphasis in the inpatient hospital setting. There is a need for outpatient stewardship, and additionally, accreditation standards are starting to require antimicrobial stewardship efforts in the ambulatory care setting. Fluoroquinolones are a target for antimicrobial stewardship based on their broad-spectrum activity, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, safety profile, downstream resistance, and risk of super infections. The objective of this study was to compare outpatient fluoroquinolone prescribing rates before and after pharmacist led initiative. Methods This was a prospective, quality improvement initiative between October 1, 2019 to June 1, 2020 at a community-based physician network across Indiana. The pharmacist initiative incorporated a live, educational presentation with intervention 1 and an informational letter to healthcare providers across the outpatient physician network with intervention 2. Data was collected from a computer-generated, prescription report. The primary outcome was fluoroquinolone prescribing rates at Central Indiana (CI) sites before and after pharmacist led interventions. Rate of fluoroquinolone prescribing was defined as total number of fluoroquinolone prescriptions per month. The secondary outcome included percentage of fluoroquinolone use at CI sites. Percentage of fluoroquinolone use was defined as monthly number of fluoroquinolones prescriptions compared to monthly number of all oral antibiotic prescriptions. Results There was a 29.8% decrease (382 vs 268 prescriptions) in outpatient fluoroquinolone prescriptions at CI sites after intervention 1 compared to same month of previous year. There was a 43.7% decrease (428 vs 241 prescriptions) in outpatient fluoroquinolone prescriptions at CI sites after intervention 2. There was an overall 2.4% decrease (4.9% vs 2.5%) in percentage of fluoroquinolone use compared to all oral antibiotics at CI sites after intervention 2 compared to same month of previous year. Conclusion These findings suggest the pharmacist led outpatient antimicrobial stewardship initiative successfully decreased fluoroquinolone prescribing rates across the network. Disclosures Christian Cheatham, PharmD, BCIDP, Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (Shareholder)


2021 ◽  
pp. 026988112098634
Author(s):  
Harriet Dempsey-Jones ◽  
Susann Steudte-Schmiedgen ◽  
Michael Browning ◽  
Tamar R Makin ◽  
Marcella L Woud ◽  
...  

Background: The optimisation of learning has long been a focus of scientific research, particularly in relation to improving psychological treatment and recovery of brain function. Previously, partial N-methyl-D-aspartate agonists have been shown to augment reward learning, procedural learning and psychological therapy, but many studies also report no impact of these compounds on the same processes. Aims: Here we investigate whether administration of an N-methyl-D-aspartate partial agonist (D-cycloserine) modulates a previously unexplored process – tactile perceptual learning. Further, we use a longitudinal design to investigate whether N-methyl-D-aspartate-related learning effects vary with time, thereby providing a potentially simple explanation for apparent mixed effects in previous research. Methods: Thirty-four volunteers were randomised to receive one dose of 250 mg D-cycloserine or placebo 2 h before tactile sensitivity training. Tactile perception was measured using psychophysical methods before and after training, and 24/48 h later. Results: The placebo group showed immediate within-day tactile perception gains, but no further improvements between-days. In contrast, tactile perception remained at baseline on day one in the D-cycloserine group (no within-day learning), but showed significant overnight gains on day two. Both groups were equivalent in tactile perception by the final testing – indicating N-methyl-D-aspartate effects changed the timing, but not the overall amount of tactile learning. Conclusions: In sum, we provide first evidence for modulation of perceptual learning by administration of a partial N-methyl-D-aspartate agonist. Resolving how the effects of such compounds become apparent over time will assist the optimisation of testing schedules, and may help resolve discrepancies across the learning and cognition domains.


Author(s):  
Alessio Gori ◽  
Eleonora Topino

This study aimed at investigating the psychological effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy by analysing the trends of perceived stress, post-traumatic symptoms, state anxiety, worry, and civic moral disengagement in four different moments from March 2020 to March 2021. The study involved a total of 1827 Italian participants (30% men and 70% women; Mage = 34.72; SD = 12.40) divided into four groups to which an online survey was administered. The first group completed the survey in March 2020, the second one in August 2020, the third one in November 2020, and the fourth one in March 2021. Results highlighted significant decreases in post-traumatic symptoms and a significant increase in civic moral disengagement over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The levels of perceived stress, worry, and state anxiety remained constant. The correlations between the variables at different times were also explored, as well as gender differences over the year. The COVID-19 emergency has had significant effects on the mental state of the population, with important repercussions for individual and collective well-being during but probably also after the pandemic. This study offers a clear snapshot of the psychological outcomes over one COVID-19 pandemic year, providing important information that may contribute to tailor more effective interventions for mental health.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 584
Author(s):  
Sun-Young Joo ◽  
Chang-Bae Lee ◽  
Na-Young Joo ◽  
Chung-Reen Kim

The development of technology-based home fitness has emerged from the booming digital healthcare market and recent demands for at-home fitness and health equipment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital healthcare company Alyce Healthcare recently developed Weelo, which is a web-based online fitness program. Weelo recommends an exercise protocol through machine-learning-enabled recognition of the user’s motion and provides visual and auditory feedback. We evaluated whether Weelo improves physical and mental well-being to assess its capabilities and effectiveness. Thirty-two participants performed a total of 20 exercise sessions following the Weelo guide on a laptop. The participants were evaluated using a before and after exercise program, body composition, handgrip strength, six-minute walk test, modified star excursion balance test, short form 36, fatigue severity scale, Beck depression index, and a satisfaction survey. Overall, there was a significant improvement in muscle strength, endurance, and balance ability, as well as an improved quality of life and significant reduction in fatigue and depression. Participants showed high motivation to continue following the Weelo exercise program. In conclusion, utilizing Weelo improved physical and mental well-being and is considered to be an individual-use indoor exercise program that serves as an alternative to traditional face-to-face exercise.


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