scholarly journals “There’s Somebody Like Me:” Perspectives of a Peer-to-peer Gynecologic Cancer Mentorship Program 

Author(s):  
Hannah Kang Moran ◽  
Joanna Veazey Brooks ◽  
Lori Spoozak

Abstract Purpose: The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance’s Woman to Woman (W2W) program is a peer mentorship program for women with gynecological cancer that was founded in 2004 and has expanded to 43 sites nationwide. An initial program survey was conducted in 2013, but no qualitative studies have investigated patient experiences with peer support programs for gynecologic cancer in the United States. The aim of this qualitative study was to capture mentor and mentee experiences giving and receiving peer support, including how relationships were initiated and developed.Methods: Hour-long, semi-structured interviews were conducted with both mentors and mentees. Interviews focused on the dynamics of the mentor-mentee relationship. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and open-coded. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to organize findings into themes. Results: Sixteen participants (N=16) were interviewed (seven mentors and nine mentees.) Three broad themes emerged: (i) pathways to the program; (ii) how connection occurred; (iii) themes of compatibility. While program participants universally valued their match experience, frequency and mode of communication, as well as expectations of the match relationship were widely divergent among the program participants. Conclusion: The W2W peer mentorship program is a valuable resource for patients with gynecologic cancer. Refining the wants and needs of mentees including mode of communication, frequency of communication, type of support desired, identifying topics of mutual interest, and introducing the concept of recurrence may improve the connectivity experienced by mentor-mentee dyads.

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110041
Author(s):  
Candidus C. Nwakasi ◽  
Kate de Medeiros ◽  
Foluke S. Bosun-Arije

Some Nigerians, in their effort to make sense of dementia symptoms, use descriptions that may stigmatize people with dementia and their families. This qualitative descriptive study focused on the everyday understanding of dementia and the impact of stigma on the caregiving experiences of informal female Nigerian dementia caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 adult informal female caregivers in Nigeria and analyzed for themes. Afterward, results were presented to focus groups of 21 adult Nigerians residing in the United States for more contextual insight on the findings. The three major themes were misconceptions about dementia symptoms, caregiving protects against stigmatization, and stigma affects caregiving support. Overall, we argue that knowledge deficit, poor awareness, and traditional spiritual beliefs combine to drive dementia-related stigmatization in Nigeria. Strategies such as culturally appropriate dementia awareness campaigns and formal long-term care policies are urgently needed to help strengthen informal dementia caregiving in Nigeria.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 200-201
Author(s):  
Christiana Oyewusi ◽  
Jane Armer

Abstract Despite advances in cancer treatment, many survivors face a significant challenge of cancer-related lymphedema, together with aging. Aging results in structural changes in the lymphatic system. Beginning in 1998, tools have been developed at the University of Missouri to assess symptoms of lymphedema in cancer patients. The objective of this review was to synthesize evidence regarding use of Missouri lymphedema symptom assessment tools in original research and review articles. A search of six electronic databases was conducted for articles published within 1998 and 2018 on review and use of the tools which are Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Questionnaire (LBCQ), Melanoma and Lymphedema Questionnaire (MELQ), and Gynecologic Cancer and Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ). In all, 210 articles were retrieved, and 32 full-text articles meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The studies reported a cumulative number of 5,872 study participants. Most manuscripts (70.97%) reported data on breast cancer lymphedema, 19.35% on gynecological cancer lymphedema, 3.23% on breast cancer and melanoma lymphedema, and 6.45% on melanoma. The use of LBCQ was reportedly more than the use of GCLQ and MELQ. Tool reliability ranged from r = 0.785 - 0.82 for LBCQ and 0.95 for internal reliability for GCLQ. The tools have been used in many countries including the United States of America. The importance of using valid and reliable quantitative measures in lymphedema symptom assessment across diverse populations and sites cannot be overstated. The tools have been modified and used over the past 20 years in various settings and across languages and cultures.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Thomas Pallaria ◽  
Chase Parrish ◽  
Alexandra Stillwell

Abstract Nurse anesthesia residents experience high levels of stress while being enrolled in a post-baccalaureate nurse anesthesia program. Elevated levels of stress have been proven to limit one’s ability to learn and commit new material to memory, all while inhibiting their academic and clinical performance. This study represents a quality improvement project that implements a Peer Mentorship Program (PMP) into a major University in the New England area of the United States. The study utilizes descriptive statistics to determine if implementation of a peer mentorship program can help to decrease nurse anesthesia resident’s stress, while simultaneously increasing academic and clinical performance. Data gathered by the investigators of this study was composed of a Critical Action Point Checklist (CAPC); a set of objectives that were meant to be completed by the participants in order to help run a successful mentorship program. Additional data was collected using a Peer Mentorship Reflection Questionnaire at the end of the study to receive feedback about the Peer Mentorship Program. 56% of participants agreed that the Peer Mentorship Program helped to decrease stress during the study and 83.4% of participants agreed that they would like to see the Peer Mentorship Program continue for future cohorts at their nurse anesthesia program. The findings of this study suggest that more Nurse Anesthesia Programs should work to incorporate a Peer Mentorship Program for their nurse anesthesia residents to help develop safe, high-quality anesthesia providers for the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 689-689
Author(s):  
Manka Nkimbeng ◽  
Janiece Taylor ◽  
Laken Roberts ◽  
Peter Winch ◽  
Yvonne Commodore-Mensah ◽  
...  

Abstract Discrimination is implicated in the disproportionate burden of disease and health disparities in racial/ethnic minorities. This qualitative descriptive study explored the experiences of discrimination and its impact on the health of older African immigrants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants. Three main themes and six sub-themes were identified. These included: 1) types of discrimination: a) accent-based, b) unfair treatment during routine activities, c) experience with police and other systems; 2) costs of discrimination; 3) surviving and thriving with discrimination: a) “blind eye to it”, b) reacting to it, c) avoiding it. These themes describe common forms of discrimination that these older adults have experienced, current strategies used to deal with discrimination, and the impact of discrimination on the wellbeing of this sample. To improve the emotional and mental health of older African immigrants, providers serving them should assess for perceived discrimination, and refer participants with any concerns for treatment.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Frances Haynos ◽  
Kathryn Coniglio ◽  
Helen Burton Murray ◽  
Linsey Utzinger ◽  
Andrea B. Goldschmidt

Mentorship is critical for career enhancement and professional development among early career researchers in the behavioral sciences. However, many barriers exist to securing appropriate mentorship, including inadequate supply of advanced mentors, inconsistent quality of mentorship, and diverse mentorship needs. Additionally, there are few training experiences that provide an opportunity to learn effective mentorship approaches and techniques. Vertical peer mentorship programs can provide one potential solution to these common mentorship pitfalls. In this approach, slightly more advanced early career professionals (e.g., post-doctoral fellows) provide mentorship to more junior colleagues (e.g., graduate students), permitting opportunities for both mentorship and mentorship training within the same dyad. Here, we detail one such early career vertical peer mentorship program developed within a subspecialty of psychology (eating disorders). We provide details about the iterative process of developing and refining this program to support mentor and mentee goals. We also provide initial program evaluation data from a subsample of participants completing post-program assessments (n = 109) that indicates that the program was highly acceptable (M = 8.22, SD = 4.25 acceptability on a 10-point Likert scale) and generative of early career productivity (producing > 25 manuscripts published or under review and > 21 conference abstracts) in its initial four years. This manuscript serves to provide a model for developing a successful vertical peer mentorship program and to encourage research in the under-investigated area of efficacious mentorship practices.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942110157
Author(s):  
Janice L. Farlow ◽  
Jenna Devare ◽  
Susan E. Ellsperman ◽  
Catherine T. Haring ◽  
Molly E. Heft Neal ◽  
...  

Objective: To create a longitudinal near-peer mentorship program for medical students applying to otolaryngology. Methods: A program for longitudinal near-peer mentorship was designed based on a needs analysis of senior medical students. Program objectives were to (1) provide didactic education on common otolaryngology consults, (2) facilitate resident-student networking, and (3) enable applicants to meet other students. Senior otolaryngology residents were matched with medical students from across the United States applying to otolaryngology for a series of online small group meetings. Sessions included resident-designed didactics covering high-yield clinical scenarios and a mentorship component focused on transition to residency topics. Program evaluation included anonymized pre- and post-tests for each didactic session and an anonymous post-program participant survey. Results: There were 40 student participants from across the United States, with an average attendance of 73% of sessions per participant. Performance on didactic testing improved for 2 of the 3 sessions. Participants stated they would be very likely to recommend each session to another student in the future (4.96/5.00, obs = 155). Participants stated the most valuable part of the program was interacting with residents (82% of responses), transition to residency advice (28%), and learning about otolaryngology consults (28%). Suggestions for improvement included expanding content, increasing the number of sessions, and involving additional faculty and residents. Conclusion: A longitudinal virtual experience can be valuable for near-peer mentorship for medical students applying to otolaryngology.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-114
Author(s):  
Muhammad Saiful Haq AlFaruqy ◽  
Ahmad Sarbini ◽  
Asep Iwan Setiawan

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengentahui tugas pokok Bidang Kaderisasi DPW PKS Jawa Barat, untuk mengetahui proses tahapan dan sistem model kaderisasi PKS yang marhalah (berjenjang), untuk mengetahui dan mendapatkan data dalam memebentuk kader pemimpin Islami Bidang Kaderisasi DPW PKS Jawa Barat. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini ialah deskrptif kualitatif dengan tekinik pengeumpulan data berupa wawancara terstrurktur, observasi, dan studi dokumentasi.. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa model kaderisi dalam menciptakan pemimpin Islami melalui tahapan-tahapan pembinaan kader yang marhalah (berjenjang). Yaitu, Pertama, ta’lim proses pembelajaran yang mana bertujuan para kader diberikan kurikulum kaderisiasi partai. Kedua, Tandzhim yang mana setelah pembelajaran diharapkan para kader dapat mengasah dan mengimplementasikan hasil kurikulum kaderisasi. Ketiga, taqwin para kader harus dapat menginternalisasi ajaran Islam dalam partai maupun kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegara. This research was conducted to identify the main tasks of the West Java PKS DPW Cadre Field Division, to find out the stages and stages of the PKS cadre model model that is marhalah (tiered), to find out and obtain data in forming the Islamic leaders cadre of the West Java PKW DPW Cadre. The method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive with data collection techniques in the form of structured interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The results of this study indicate that the cadre model in creating Islamic leaders through the stages of training cadres who are marhalah (tiered). That is, First, ta'lim the learning process in which the cadres aim to be given a party cadre curriculum. Second, Tandzhim which after learning is expected that the cadres can hone and implement the results of the regeneration curriculum. Third, taqwin of cadres must be able to internalize the teachings of Islam in the party and the life of the nation and state.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Pudlinski

This study stems from an interest in peer support talk, an underexplored area of research, and in how supportive actions such as formulated summaries function in comparison to more professional healthcare settings. Using conversation analysis, this study explores 35 instances of formulations within 65 calls to four different ‘warm lines’, a term for peer-to-peer telephone support within the community mental health system in the United States. Formulations can be characterized across two related axes: client versus professional perspective, and directive versus nondirective. The findings show that formulations within peer support were overwhelmingly nondirective, in terms of meeting institutional agendas to let callers talk. However, formulations ranged from client-oriented ones that highlight or repeat caller reports to those which transform caller reports through integrating past caller experiences or implicit caller emotions. These tactics are found to have similarities to how formulations function in professional healthcare settings.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlene C Quinn ◽  
Sarah Chard ◽  
Erin G Roth ◽  
J. Kevin Eckert ◽  
Katharine M Russman ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affects 1 to 3 million people in the United States. Telemedicine has shown promise in IBD. The objective of the parent study, TELE-IBD, was to compare disease activity and quality of life (QoL) in a one-year randomized clinical trial of IBD patients receiving telemedicine versus standard care. Treatment groups experienced improvements in disease activity and QoL but there was not significant differences between groups. Study adherence to the text-based intervention was less than the 80% of the targeted goal. OBJECTIVE To understand adherence to remote monitoring, the goal of this qualitative assessment was to obtain TELE-IBD trial participants’ perceptions of the TELE-IBD system, including their recommendations for future TELE-IBD monitoring. METHODS In the parent study, patients attending three tertiary referral centers with worsening IBD symptoms in the previous two years were eligible for randomization to remote monitoring via texts every other week (EOW), weekly (W) or standard care. Participants (n=348) were evenly enrolled in the treatment groups and 259 (74.4%) completed the study. For this study, a purposive sample of adherent (N=15) and non-adherent (N=14) patients was drawn from the TELE-IBD trial population. Adherence was defined as the completion of 80% or more of the W or EOW self-assessments. Semi-structured interviews conducted by phone surveyed 1) the strengths and benefits of TELE-IBD; 2) challenges associated with using TELE-IBD; and 3) how to improve the TELE-IBD intervention. Interviews were recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded based on a priori concepts and emergent themes with the aid of ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software. RESULTS Participants' discussions centered on three elements of the intervention: 1) self-assessment questions, 2) action plans, and 3) educational messages. Participants also commented on: text-based platform, depression and adherence, TELE-IBD system in place of office visit, and their recommendations for future TELE-IBD systems. Adherent and non-adherent participants prefer a flexible system that is personalized, including targeted education messages, and they perceive TELE-IBD as effective in facilitating IBD self-management. CONCLUSIONS Participants identified clear benefits to the TELE-IBD system, including obtaining a better understanding of the disease process, monitoring their symptoms, and feeling connected to their health care provider. Participants' perceptions obtained in this qualitative study will assist in improving the TELE-IBD system to be more responsive to patients with IBD. CLINICALTRIAL NCT01692743


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