scholarly journals A feasibility study of the impact of a communication-skills course, ‘Empowered Conversations’, for care partners of people living with dementia

Dementia ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 147130122110189
Author(s):  
Lydia Morris ◽  
Anthea Innes ◽  
Emma Smith ◽  
Tracey Williamson ◽  
Phil McEvoy
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Good Communication ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Care Partners ◽  
The Impact

Objectives To examine the feasibility, acceptability and impact of an experiential course for family care partners of people living with dementia, Empowered Conversations (EC). This study aimed to assess the impact of participation in an EC course on care partner stress levels, communication and mentalization (a form of relational-based empathy). Method This study uses an uncontrolled pre–post-follow-up design. Follow-up was at 4-months after the initial EC session where baseline data were collected. One hundred and fifty-nine care partners were recruited. EC is a training course that has been designed to improve care partner communication, well-being and relationships. It is based on an integrative framework that targets the specific psychological, relationship and communication needs of carers. This framework informs targeted strategies and interactive exercises that facilitate carers to consider the goals and emotions of those they are caring for, alongside their own goals and emotions, and to use this to maximize good communication. Results Stress was significantly reduced across the three time points. Communication significantly improved across time. There were no significant changes in reflective functioning (mentalization). Discussion This study provides preliminary evidence that a communication-skills training course for care partners of people living with dementia is an acceptable and feasible intervention and has an impact both post-intervention and at follow-up. These findings require validation in a rigorous, randomized study.

scholarly journals LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL 55-PLUS: A COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTION FOR REDUCING DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S511-S511
Author(s):  
Nasreen Khatri ◽  
Stephen Perkovic ◽  
Tara Faghani Hamadani
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Living Life to the Full 55+ (LLTTF) was an 8-week, 12-hour, community educational program based on CBT principles. The program aim was to teach participant skills and techniques to cope effectively with life stress. Participants self-referred to the program by responding to advertisements or were otherwise referred to the program by local community centres. Following the promising results of the pilot study, a follow-up empirical study was conducted to assess the impact of the program on clinical measures and other notable measures over time. Study participants (N = 514) were recruited at partner sites hosting the program. Demographic and other data was collected to assess the impact of the program. Measures collected to assess the impact of the program were the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and a brief measure of loneliness/social connectedness. Participant data was collected pre/post-intervention, and at post-course follow-up periods (3/6/9-months). Preliminary repeated-measures ANOVA analyses found statistically significant changes in depression, anxiety, mental well-being, and loneliness scores, from pre- to post-intervention. Participant’ depression, anxiety, and loneliness scores significantly reduced from pre- to post-course. Participants also experienced a significant improvement in mental well-being from pre- to post-course. Observed decreases in loneliness and depression did not significantly change from post-course to any of the follow-up periods. Results suggest the viability of a nonclinical program for addressing depression and loneliness in older individuals, and have implications for community-based strategies attempting to address mental health issues in older Canadians

The Belgian experience in communication skills training

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Merckaert ◽  
Yves Libert ◽  
Darius Razavi
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Communication Skills Training ◽  
Design Studies ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The Impact

Communication is recognized as one of healthcare professionals’ core clinical skills. Even though many endeavours have been undertaken to help professionals acquire these skills, many questions remain unanswered in terms of the transfer of learned skills to clinical practice, and in terms of the impact of this transfer on patients’ care and well-being. In the last two decades, communication skills training programmes, designed for healthcare professionals working in cancer care, have been the focus of several research endeavours of a research group based in Belgium. The efficacy of designed programmes has been tested in studies using a controlled design. Studies varied in the type of teaching method, the length of training, and the outcome measures considered. Four programmes will be detailed in this chapter in terms of rationale and results. The conclusion will build upon these experiences to develop recommendations and discuss where we may go from there.

scholarly journals Simulation-based training in critical resuscitation procedures improves residents' competence

CJEM ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (06) ◽  
pp. 535-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor S. Langhan ◽  
Ian J. Rigby ◽  
Ian W. Walker ◽  
Daniel Howes ◽  
Tyrone Donnon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Procedural Skills ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Objective: Residents must become proficient in a variety of procedures. The practice of learning procedural skills on patients has come under ethical scrutiny, giving rise to the concept of simulation-based medical education. Resident training in a simulated environment allows skill acquisition without compromising patient safety. We assessed the impact of a simulation-based procedural skills training course on residents' competence in the performance of critical resuscitation procedures. Methods: We solicited self-assessments of the knowledge and clinical skills required to perform resuscitation procedures from a cross-sectional multidisciplinary sample of 28 resident study participants. Participants were then exposed to an intensive 8-hour simulation-based training program, and asked to repeat the self-assessment questionnaires on completion of the course, and again 3 months later. We assessed the validity of the self-assessment questionnaire by evaluating participants' skills acquisition through an Objective Structured Clinical Examination station. Results: We found statistically significant improvements in participants' ratings of both knowledge and clinical skills during the 3 self-assessment periods (p < 0.001). The participants' year of postgraduate training influenced their self-assessment of knowledge (F 2,25 = 4.91, p < 0.01) and clinical skills (F 2,25 = 10.89, p < 0.001). At the 3-month follow-up, junior-level residents showed consistent improvement from their baseline scores, but had regressed from their posttraining measures. Senior-level residents continued to show further increases in their assessments of both clinical skills and knowledge beyond the simulation-based training course. Conclusion: Significant improvement in self-assessed theoretical knowledge and procedural skill competence for residents can be achieved through participation in a simulation-based resuscitation course. Gains in perceived competence appear to be stable over time, with senior learners gaining further confidence at the 3-month follow-up. Our findings support the benefits of simulation-based training for residents.

scholarly journals Grandparent Resilience: Improving Self-Efficacy in Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 510-510
Author(s):  
Aimee Fox ◽  
Nathaniel Riggs ◽  
Loriena Yancura ◽  
Christine Fruhauf
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Post Test

Abstract Grandparents often protect against childhood trauma and promote resilience through their nurturance, love, and support when raising grandchildren. Despite the beneficial role grandparents have on their grandchildren, grandparents may experience challenges of their own, including physical, mental, and emotional health issues, lack of resources, and social isolation. Few interventions exist to help grandparents successfully adapt to the challenges they face as primary parenting figures. The purpose of this study was to test preliminary efficacy of a strengths-based intervention for grandparents raising grandchildren aimed at increasing self-care behaviors, managing emotions, and connecting to community resources. Grandparents (N = 137) providing primary care to grandchildren were recruited to participate in a single-group, pre- and post-test design, 6-week intervention. Self-efficacy was assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up. To evaluate who the intervention might be most beneficial for, grandparents’ service knowledge, perceived support from others, and length of care provided, measured at baseline, were analyzed for moderating effects. Results of paired-samples t-tests reveal significant increases in self-efficacy (p = .013) from baseline to post-test, which were maintained at the 6-month follow-up (p = .010). Hierarchical multiple regression showed interaction effects of the hypothesized moderators were not significant, indicating improvements in self-efficacy regardless of individual variability at baseline. As demonstrated, interventions can be effective at increasing self-efficacy in grandparents raising grandchildren and strengths-based approaches have the potential to provide universal benefits to grandparents, thus improving functioning in grandfamilies and promoting the health and well-being of grandparents and their grandchildren.

scholarly journals SOCIAL NETWORKS, HEALTH, AND WELL-BEING AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S71-S71
Author(s):  
Eleanor S McConnell ◽  
Kirsten Corazzini ◽  
T Robert Konrad
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Care Partners ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Although the impact of dementia on the health and well-being of those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related Disorders (ADRD) and their care partners has been widely studied, less attention has been paid to how the disease impacts individuals within the context of their larger social networks. This symposium presents findings from a series of integrated studies aimed at strengthening measurement of health and well-being among older adults with living with dementia and well-being among members of their social networks. Findings will be presented from five studies: (1) a scoping review of social network measurement in older adults in chronic illness, including dementia, that emphasizes the use of technology in measuring older adults’ social networks; (2) a simulation study to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of sensor technology to measure social interaction among a person living with dementia and others in their immediate surroundings; (3) development of a web-based application that allows older adults to map and activate their social networks; (4) a qualitative analysis of interviews from persons living with dementia, their unpaid caregivers, and paid caregivers from an adult day health program concerning well-being focused outcomes; and (5) a mixed methods analysis of the feasibility of using both traditional and novel measures of health and well-being deployed among networks of people living with dementia. Emerging technologies for measuring social networks health and well-being hold promise for advancing the study of the relationship-based nature of care for people living with dementia.

Effect of Communication Skills Training Program for Oncologists Based on Patient Preferences for Communication When Receiving Bad News: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (20) ◽  
pp. 2166-2172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maiko Fujimori ◽  
Yuki Shirai ◽  
Mariko Asai ◽  
Kaoru Kubota ◽  
Noriyuki Katsumata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Patient Preferences ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Communication Skills Training ◽  
Communication Performance

Purpose The aim of this study was to identify the effects of a communication skills training (CST) program for oncologists, developed based on patient preferences regarding oncologists' communication. Participants and Methods Thirty oncologists were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG; 2-day CST workshop) or control group (CG). Participants were assessed on their communication performance during simulated consultation and their confidence in communicating with patients at baseline and follow-up. A total of 1,192 patients (response rate, 84.6%) who had consultations with the participating oncologists at baseline and/or follow-up were assessed regarding their distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, satisfaction with the consultation, and trust in their oncologist after the consultation. Results At the follow-up survey, the performance scores of the IG had improved significantly, in terms of their emotional support (P = .011), setting up a supportive environment (P = .002), and ability to deliver information (P = .001), compared with those of the CG. Oncologists in the IG were rated higher at follow-up than those in the CG in terms of their confidence in themselves (P = .001). Patients who met with oncologists after they had undergone the CST were significantly less depressed than those who met with oncologists in the CG (P = .027). However, the CST program did not affect patient satisfaction with oncologists' style of communication. Conclusion A CST program based on patient preferences is effective for both oncologists and patients with cancer. Oncologists should consider CST as an approach to enhancing their communication skills.

A neuropsychological group rehabilitation program with institutionalized elderly

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s235-s235
Author(s):  
L. Lemos ◽  
H. Espírito-Santo ◽  
S. Simões ◽  
F. Silva ◽  
J. Galhardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Institutionalized Elderly ◽  
Group Rehabilitation ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionElderly institutionalization involves an emotional adaptation and the research shows that the risk of depression increases.ObjectivesEvaluate the impact of a neuropsychological group rehabilitation program (NGRP) on depressive symptomatology of institutionalized elderly.AimsNGRP influences the decrease of depressive symptoms.MethodsElderly were assessed pre- and post-intervention with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and divided into a Rehabilitated Group (RG), a Waiting List Group (WLG), and a Neutral Task Group (NTG).ResultsIn this randomized study, before rehabilitation, 60 elderly people (RG; 80.31 ± 8.98 years of age; 74.2% women) had a mean GDS score of 13.33 (SD = 9.21). Five elderly included in the NTG (80.13 ± 10.84 years; 75.0% women) had a mean GDS score of 10.60 (SD = 4.72). Finally, 29 elderly in the WLG (81.32 ± 6.68 years; 69.0% women) had a mean GDS score of 14.93 (SD = 6.02). The groups were not different in GDS baseline scores (F = 0.74; P = 0.478). ANCOVA has shown significant differences (P < 0.05) in GDS scores between the three groups after 10 weeks. Sidak adjustment for multiple comparisons revealed that elderly in the WLG got worse scores in GDS, comparing with elderly in RG (P < 0.01), and with elderly in NTG (P < 0.05).ConclusionsElderly that are not involved in a task get worse in depressive symptomatology. Being involved in a structured group task means lower depressive symptoms and being in a NGRP means even greater results.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Expectations, Prefitting Counseling, and Hearing Aid Outcome

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (05) ◽  
pp. 320-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle H. Saunders ◽  
M Samantha Lewis ◽  
Anna Forsline
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Digital Hearing Aids ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Unrealistic Expectations

Background: Data suggest that having high expectations about hearing aids results in better overall outcome. However, some have postulated that excessively high expectations will result in disappointment and thus poor outcome. It has been suggested that counseling patients with unrealistic expectations about hearing aids prior to fitting may be beneficial. Data, however, are mixed as to the effectiveness of such counseling, in terms of both changes in expectations and final outcome. Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether supplementing prefitting counseling with demonstration of real-world listening can (1) alter expectations of new hearing aid users and (2) increase satisfaction over verbal-only counseling. Secondary goals of the study were to examine (1) the relationship between prefitting expectations and postfitting outcome, and (2) the effect of hearing aid fine-tuning on hearing aid outcome. Research Design: Sixty new hearing aid users were fitted binaurally with Beltone Oria behind-the-ear digital hearing aids. Forty participants received prefitting counseling and demonstration of listening situations with the Beltone AVE™ (Audio Verification Environment) system; 20 received prefitting counseling without a demonstration of listening situations. Hearing aid expectations were measured at initial contact and following prefitting counseling. Reported hearing aid outcome was measured after eight to ten weeks of hearing aid use. Study Sample: Sixty new hearing aid users aged between 55 and 81 years with symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups, between which the prefitting counseling and follow-up differed: Group 1 received prefitting counseling in combination with demonstration of listening situations. Additionally, if the participant had complaints about sound quality at the follow-up visit, the hearing aids were fine-tuned using the Beltone AVE system. Group 2 received prefitting counseling in combination with demonstration of listening situations with the Beltone AVE system, but no fine-tuning was provided at follow-up. Group 3 received prefitting hearing aid counseling that did not include demonstration of listening, and the hearing aids were not fine-tuned at the follow-up appointment. Results: The results showed that prefitting hearing aid counseling had small but significant effects on expectations. The two forms of counseling did not differ in their effectiveness at changing expectations; however, anecdotally, we learned from many participants that that they enjoyed listening to the auditory demonstrations and that they found them to be an interesting listening exercise. The data also show that positive expectations result in more positive outcome and that hearing aid fine-tuning is beneficial to the user. Conclusions: We conclude that prefitting counseling can be advantageous to hearing aid outcome and recommend the addition of prefitting counseling to address expectations associated with quality of life and self-image. The data emphasize the need to address unrealistic expectations prior to fitting hearing aids cautiously, so as not to decrease expectations to the extent of discouraging and demotivating the patient. Data also show that positive expectations regarding the impact hearing aids will have on psychosocial well-being are important for successful hearing aid outcome.

scholarly journals WHO Parents Skills Training (PST) programme for children with developmental disorders and delays delivered by Family Volunteers in rural Pakistan: study protocol for effectiveness implementation hybrid cluster randomized controlled trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. U. Hamdani ◽  
P. Akhtar ◽  
Zill-e-Huma ◽  
H. Nazir ◽  
F. A. Minhas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Hybrid Cluster ◽  
Rural Pakistan

Background.Development disorders and delays are recognised as a public health priority and included in the WHO mental health gap action programme (mhGAP). Parents Skills Training (PST) is recommended as a key intervention for such conditions under the WHO mhGAP intervention guide. However, sustainable and scalable delivery of such evidence based interventions remains a challenge. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and scaled-up implementation of locally adapted WHO PST programme delivered by family volunteers in rural Pakistan.Methods.The study is a two arm single-blind effectiveness implementation-hybrid cluster randomised controlled trial. WHO PST programme will be delivered by ‘family volunteers’ to the caregivers of children with developmental disorders and delays in community-based settings. The intervention consists of the WHO PST along with the WHO mhGAP intervention for developmental disorders adapted for delivery using the android application on a tablet device. A total of 540 parent-child dyads will be recruited from 30 clusters. The primary outcome is child's functioning, measured by WHO Disability Assessment Schedule – child version (WHODAS-Child) at 6 months post intervention. Secondary outcomes include children's social communication and joint engagement with their caregiver, social emotional well-being, parental health related quality of life, family empowerment and stigmatizing experiences. Mixed method will be used to collect data on implementation outcomes. Trial has been retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02792894).Discussion.This study addresses implementation challenges in the real world by incorporating evidence-based intervention strategies with social, technological and business innovations. If proven effective, the study will contribute to scaled-up implementation of evidence-based packages for public mental health in low resource settings.Trial registration.Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as Family Networks (FaNs) for Children with Developmental Disorders and Delays. Identifier: NCT02792894 Registered on 6 July 2016.

scholarly journals Sadtong Panahon: Oral Storytelling Training Course for Pre-Service Teachers

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marigrace D. Carretero ◽  
Jackielyne M. Bosquillos ◽  
Jhonner D. Ricafort
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Developmental Research ◽  
Oral Storytelling ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Survey Questionnaires

Storytelling is an art that contributes not only to students’ academic success, but also to their emotional well-being. However, not many teachers have skills in storytelling. The reason maybe that they have not been trained in the art, or they lack knowledge of it. The study identified the different reactions of the students during storytelling sessions as observed by the students themselves and the teachers. The study is both quantitative and qualitative in nature. It made use of a descriptive developmental research design. The respondents were 60 students and 60 teachers. Survey questionnaires were used to gather data. Unstructured interviews were also conducted to validate their answers. Results showed that most of the students are bored and do not engage themselves during the storytelling session. This may be attributed to poor skills in forming connections and poor communication skills of the teachers. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that teachers’ way of telling a story affects the students’ understanding and interest in the story. However, this skill is lacking in most teachers. Varied problems related to these skills are met by the teachers. The researchers recommend that teachers need to improve their communication skills to become effective storytellers and a storytelling training course should be designed and implemented to train pre-service teachers and enhance their storytelling skills.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document