A Cognitive Problem-Solving Employment Readiness Intervention for Methadone Clients

1993 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome J. Platt ◽  
Stephen D. Husband ◽  
Jared Hermalin ◽  
Jacqueline Cater ◽  
David Metzger
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Methadone Treatment ◽  
Drug Abuse Treatment ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Cognitive Problem ◽  
Action Strategies ◽  
Abuse Treatment ◽  
Taking Action ◽  
Experimental Group

Employment has been identified as a major goal of drug abuse treatment yet few rigorous tests of employment-related interventions have been conducted. A10-session, manual-guided vocational cognitive problem-solving intervention was evaluated at five methadone treatment sites in an effort to reduce the high unemployment rate among methadone clients. The group intervention focused on helping participants explore the value they place on work, identifying social and psychological barriers to work, developing action strategies to overcome those barriers, setting realistic expectations of work, and taking action. At six months post-intervention, the experimental group (N = 67) demonstrated a significant increase in employment rate (13.4% to 26.9%); no significant change occurred for controls (N = 63). At 12 months post-intervention, however, overall employment gains declined in the experimental group, suggesting the need for additional intervention in order to maintain employment gains.

A self-care, problem-solving and mindfulness intervention for informal caregivers of people with motor neurone disease: A pilot study

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 726-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Ugalde ◽  
Susan Mathers ◽  
Nicole Hennessy Anderson ◽  
Peter Hudson ◽  
Liliana Orellana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Motor Neurone ◽  
Motor Neurone Disease ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Increased Risk

Background: Informal caregivers of people with motor neurone disease (MND) take on an extensive role. Caregivers are at increased risk of experiencing psychological distress and burden, yet, there is a lack of intervention programmes to support them. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a therapeutic group intervention promoting self-care, problem-solving and mindfulness to informal caregivers of people with MND. Design: Pilot study that utilised a one-arm pre- and post-design. Acceptability of the intervention was assessed 2 weeks post intervention with a questionnaire designed specifically for this study. Feasibility was assessed with consent, adherence and reasons for non-participation, refusal and attrition. Participants completed baseline and follow-up (6-week post intervention) questionnaires for psychological morbidity, burden, problem-solving, mindfulness and preparedness. Settings/participants: Caregivers of people with a diagnosis of MND within the past 12 months who were 18 years or older; who could speak, read and write in English and who were attending a progressive neurological diseases clinic were eligible. Results: A total of 13 caregivers participated in one of three group intervention sessions which were focused on self-care, problem-solving and mindfulness. The intervention appeared to be feasible and acceptable. All participants stated that they would recommend the intervention to others. The group format appeared to be highly valued. There was no significant change in measures between pre-intervention and 6 weeks post intervention. Conclusion: This pilot serves as an initial step for examining interventions for MND caregivers, with the hope of identifying effective, efficient and sustainable strategies to best support this group.

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