scholarly journals Analysis of the Relationship Between the Content and Effectiveness of an Intervention based on the Layered Communication Model to Improve Communication

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Wolthuis ◽  
Gerard W. Bol ◽  
Alexander Minnaert ◽  
Marleen J. Janssen

The Layered Communication Model (LCM) describes intersubjective development based on eight different communicative behaviors in three consecutive layers. Earlier studies showed that when the model is used in an intervention, the presence of many LCM behaviors increases from before to after the intervention. The present study aims to relate the content of the intervention to its effectiveness to learn whether and how the LCM can be used to improve communication. 15-minute videos of four student-teacher dyads were coded in ten-second intervals for the presence and absence of the eight LCM behaviors before, during and after the intervention. The intervention was divided into two phases: self-assessment and video feedback coaching. Intervention content was described based on the behaviors that were targeted for improvement during the two phases. Effectiveness was measured by calculating the percentage increase in presence between phases and by calculating effect sizes using a nonoverlap of all pairs method. Results showed that the second intervention phase (video feedback coaching) was most effective in terms of increasing the presence of LCM behaviors and creating larger effect sizes. Effectiveness measures decreased during the follow-up phase but were still higher than at baseline. Furthermore, effectiveness was higher for targeted behaviors than for untargeted behaviors. In conclusion, the LCM can be used as a tool to improve communication, especially when specific behaviors are clearly targeted and video feedback coaching is used to clarify how to work on improving the presence of those behaviors. The self-assessment phase needs adjustments to increase its effectiveness.

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Wolthuis ◽  
Gerard W. Bol ◽  
Alexander Minnaert ◽  
Marleen J. Janssen

The Layered Communication Model (LCM) consists of three layers of intersubjective development divided into different communicative behaviors per layer. Earlier research showed that the LCM can be used to describe the communication level between teachers and their students with congenital deafblindness (CDB). This study analyzed whether the LCM can also be used to monitor the development of LCM behaviors over time. Videos of eight student-teacher dyads recorded at the start of this study (baseline phase) and 5 months later (follow-up phase) were coded using 10-s partial interval coding. The presence of the communicative behaviors at the three layers of the LCM during baseline and follow-up were calculated and compared between dyads and phases. The results on the presence of LCM behaviors were in line with earlier research. The presence of primary layer behaviors was comparable between dyads, confirming that this is a basic communication layer. The differences found between dyads in the presence of secondary and tertiary layer behaviors shows that these can be used to determine a dyad's communicative level. Results also showed that the LCM can be used to monitor communication development. Small increases were found in the presence of LCM behaviors between baseline and follow-up for the primary layer behaviors, but larger increases were found for secondary and tertiary layer behaviors, showing that development can be monitored. In conclusion, this study again showed that the LCM can be used to describe a dyad's communicative level. We also found increases in the presence of certain behaviors between baseline and follow-up for all dyads, which shows that the LCM can also be used to monitor communication over time. More insight into the period between the analyzed phases is suggested to analyze what might have caused the increase in presence of behaviors. This would reveal more about the use of the LCM as a tool to improve communication development.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Maxi Weber ◽  
Sarah Schumacher ◽  
Wiebke Hannig ◽  
Jürgen Barth ◽  
Annett Lotzin ◽  
...  

Abstract Several types of psychological treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are considered well established and effective, but evidence of their long-term efficacy is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes across psychological treatments for PTSD. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PTSDpubs, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX, and related articles were searched for randomized controlled trials with at least 12 months of follow-up. Twenty-two studies (N = 2638) met inclusion criteria, and 43 comparisons of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were available at follow-up. Active treatments for PTSD yielded large effect sizes from pretest to follow-up and a small controlled effect size compared with non-directive control groups at follow-up. Trauma-focused treatment (TFT) and non-TFT showed large improvements from pretest to follow-up, and effect sizes did not significantly differ from each other. Active treatments for comorbid depressive symptoms revealed small to medium effect sizes at follow-up, and improved PTSD and depressive symptoms remained stable from treatment end to follow-up. Military personnel, low proportion of female patients, and self-rated PTSD measures were associated with decreased effect sizes for PTSD at follow-up. The findings suggest that CBT for PTSD is efficacious in the long term. Future studies are needed to determine the lasting efficacy of other psychological treatments and to confirm benefits beyond 12-month follow-up.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 910
Author(s):  
Dorthe Djernis ◽  
Mia S. O’Toole ◽  
Lone O. Fjorback ◽  
Helle Svenningsen ◽  
Mimi Y. Mehlsen ◽  
...  

Here, we developed and examined a new way of disseminating mindfulness in nature to people without meditation experience, based on the finding that mindfulness conducted in natural settings may have added benefits. We evaluated a 5-day residential programme aiming to reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes. We compared an indoor and an outdoor version of the programme to a control group in a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT). Sixty Danish university students experiencing moderate to high levels of stress were randomised into a residential mindfulness programme indoors (n = 20), in nature (n = 22), or a control group (n = 18). Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale (primary outcomes) along with additional secondary outcome measures at the start and end of the program and 3 months after. Stress was decreased with small to medium effect sizes post-intervention, although not statistically significant. Self-compassion increased post-intervention, but effect sizes were small and not significant. At follow-up, changes in stress were not significant, however self-compassion increased for both interventions with medium-sized effects. For the intervention groups, medium- to large-sized positive effects on trait mindfulness after a behavioural task were found post-intervention, and small- to medium-sized effects in self-reported mindfulness were seen at follow-up. Connectedness to Nature was the only outcome measure with an incremental effect in nature, exceeding the control with a medium-sized effect at follow-up. All participants in the nature arm completed the intervention, and so did 97% of the participants in all three arms. Overall, the results encourage the conduct of a larger-scale RCT, but only after adjusting some elements of the programme to better fit and take advantage of the potential benefits of the natural environment.


2021 ◽  
pp. EMDR-D-20-00053
Author(s):  
Philip E. Manfield ◽  
Lewis Engel ◽  
Ricky Greenwald ◽  
David G. Bullard

The flash technique (FT) is a low-intensity individual or group intervention that appears to rapidly lessen the distress of disturbing and traumatic memories. This paper reports on the safety and effectiveness of group FT with 77 healthcare providers and 98 psychotherapists impacted by working with COVID-19 patients. One-hour webinars included 30 minutes of psychoeducation and two guided 15-minute FT interventions, focused on participants’ most distressing pandemic-related memory. Before and after each 15-minute FT intervention, they rated that memory using the 11-point zero-to-ten subjective units of disturbance (SUD) scale. Results from both interventions were highly significant with large effect sizes (p < .001, Hedges’ g = 2.01, Hedges’ g = 2.39). No adverse reactions were reported. For 35 participants who processed the same memory in both interventions, the pre–post SUD scores from the beginning of intervention #1 to the end of intervention #2 showed a significant reduction with a large effect size (p < .001, Hedges’ g = 3.80). For this group, both intervention #1 and intervention #2 showed significant reductions with large effect sizes (p < .001, Hedges’ g = 2.00) (p < .001, Hedges’ g = 1.18). Follow-up SUD scores were obtained from 58 participants, with the mean disturbance level showing a significant further decrease. These findings provide preliminary evidence that group FT appears to safely provide rapid relief from disturbing memories. FT merits further research.


2010 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
S M Powell ◽  
M Tremlett ◽  
D A Bosman

AbstractObjective:To assess the quality of life of UK children with sleep-disordered breathing undergoing adenotonsillectomy, by using the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea 18 questionnaire and determining score changes and effect sizes.Design:Prospective, longitudinal study.Setting:The otolaryngology department of a university teaching hospital in Northern England.Participants:Twenty-eight children for whom adenotonsillectomy was planned as treatment for sleep-disordered breathing, and who had either a clinical history consistent with obstructive sleep apnoea or a polysomnographic diagnosis.Main outcome measure:The Obstructive Sleep Apnoea 18 questionnaire, a previously validated, disease-specific quality of life assessment tool; changes in questionnaire scores and effect sizes were assessed.Methods:The Obstructive Sleep Apnoea 18 questionnaire was administered to each child's parent pre-operatively, then again at the follow-up appointment. Questionnaire scores ranged from 1 to 7. Score changes were analysed using the paired t-test; effect sizes were calculated using 95 per cent confidence intervals.Results:Complete data were obtained for 22 children (mean age, 61 months). Ten had undergone pre-operative polysomnography. Twenty-one children underwent adenotonsillectomy (one underwent tonsillectomy). Median follow up was eight weeks (interquartile range, six to 11 weeks). Following surgery, the overall mean score improvement was 2.6 (p < 0.0001) and the mean effect size 2.4 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.9 to 2.8). There were significant improvements in each of the individual questionnaire domains, i.e. sleep disturbance (mean score change 3.9, p < 0.0001), physical suffering (2.2, p < 0.0001), emotional distress (2.0, p = 0.0001), daytime problems (1.8, p = 0.0001) and caregiver concerns (2.6, p < 0.0001).Conclusion:In these children with sleep-disordered breathing treated by adenotonsillectomy, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea 18 questionnaire results indicated significantly improved mean score changes and effect sizes across all questionnaire domains, comparing pre- and post-operative data.


Author(s):  
Alexander M. Keppler ◽  
Jenny Holzschuh ◽  
Daniel Pfeufer ◽  
Johannes Gleich ◽  
Carl Neuerburg ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Physical activity is a relevant outcome parameter in orthopedic surgery, that can be objectively assessed. Until now, there is little information regarding objective gait parameters in the orthogeriatric population. This study focuses on the first 6 weeks of postoperative rehabilitation, and delivers objective data about gait speed and step length in typical orthogeriatric fracture patterns. Methods Thirty-one orthogeriatric fracture patients [pertrochanteric femur fractures (PFF), femoral neck (FN), and proximal humerus fractures (PHF)] were consecutively enrolled in a maximum care hospital in a prospective study design. All patients wore an accelerometer placed at the waist during the postoperative stay (24 h/d) and at 6-week follow-up, to measure real gait speed and step length. In addition, self-assessment of mobility (Parker mobility score) and activities of daily living (Barthel index) were collected at baseline, during the inpatient stay, and at 6-week follow-up. Results During postoperative hospitalization, significantly higher gait speed (m/s) was observed in the PHF group (0.52 ± 0.27) compared with the FN group (0.36 ± 0.28) and PFF group (0.19 ± 0.28) (p < 0.05). Six weeks postoperatively, gait speed improved significantly in all groups (PHF 0.90 ± 0.41; FN 0.72 ± 0.13; PFF 0.60 ± 0.23). Similarly, step length (m) differed between groups postoperatively [FN 0.16 ± 0.13; PFF 0.12 ± 0.15; PHF 0.31 ± 0.05 (p < 0.005)] and improved over time significantly (FN 0.47 ± 0.01; 0.39 ± 0.19; 0.50 ± 0.18). Self-assessment scores indicate that the majority of the patients had minor restrictions in mobility before the fracture. These values decreased immediately postoperatively and improved in the first 6 weeks, but did not reach the initial level. Conclusions Gait speed, step length, and self-assessment in terms of mobility and activities of daily living improve significantly in the first 6 postoperative weeks in orthogeriatric fracture patients. As very low postoperative mobility during hospitalization was observed, this collective shows great potential in postoperative rehabilitation regardless of their fracture pattern. For this reason, specific aftercare concepts similar to the “fast track” concepts in primary arthroplasty are crucial for orthogeriatric patients in clinical practice. Level of evidence Prospective cohort study, 2.


2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-130
Author(s):  
Danelina E. Vacheva ◽  
Verjinia K. Simeonova ◽  
Boyko St. Stamenov

Summary Bulgaria ranks first in the world in incidence, morbidity and death associated with cerebrovascular disease. The aim of the study was to investigate, follow-up and register recovery of activities of daily living (using the toilet and maintaining personal hygiene) in patients with sequelae from cerebrovascular disease in a subacute stage, who underwent physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Sixty-one patients were included and followed up. They were given tailored physiotherapy and rehabilitation. This included kinesitherapy, occupational therapy and electrotherapy. All the patients filled in self-assessment questionnaires before and after the rehabilitation course. Major parameters were assessed, irrespective of the limb affected -dominant or non-dominant. Results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank test. At the end of the rehabilitation course, the Wilcoxon curves were driven to the right, confirming improvement concerning independence, irrespective of involvement of dominant or non-dominant limb.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari Landsverk Hagtvedt ◽  
Tine Schauer Eri

<p>Newly qualified midwives’ self-assessment of education, clinical competence and working conditions</p><p>In Norway, post-graduate nursing programmes are being transformed into master programmes. This occurs without previous evaluation of the study programmes. The level of competence and the requirements of newly qualified are being discussed, and a mentoring programme has been suggested to ensure follow-up and development of clinical competence. In central parts of the country, newly qualified midwives have difficulties getting a permanent full time position, which affects their possibilities to develop clinical competence. An evaluation study of the midwifery program at Vestfold University College has been performed to assess its relevance for professional work, as well as mapping the respondents’ working conditions and their self-assessment of clinical competence. The method used was a survey. The respondents rate the program as good. They lack competence to manage complicated conditions related to the perinatal period, and are inadequate when it comes to issues related to women’s sexual heath. These midwives work part-time, and it may take years to get a permanent position. They rate the follow-up as newly qualified as satisfying, yet they do not feel sufficiently confident during clinical practice. Comprehensive national midwifery competence will require more full time positions and better follow-up of newly qualified. To lay the basis for the content in master programmes, there is a need for a national evaluation of the midwifery programmes and a review of the professional competence of newly qualified.</p>


2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ving F. Chan ◽  
Hasan Minto ◽  
Eden Mashayo ◽  
Kovin S. Naidoo

Purpose: Vision Champions (VC) are children trained to perform simple eye health screening and share eye health messages among their community. Our objectives were to assess the ability of VC in identifying and referring children and the community with refractive error and obvious ocular disease and to assess the change in knowledge and practice of eye healthseeking behaviour of the community 3 months after the introduction of the Vision Champion Programme.Methods: We purposively sampled 600 households and interviewed 1051 participants in two phases with a close-ended questionnaire. The numbers of children screened, referred by the VC and those who attended the Vision Centre were recorded. The percentage of people who answered the questions correctly were compared between Phase 1 (P1) and Phase 2 (P2).Results: The VC shared their eye health messages with 6311 people, screened 7575 people’s vision and referred 2433 people for further care. The community were more aware that using eye ointment not prescribed by doctors (P1 = 58.96% vs. P2 = 72.75%) can lead to blindness. Participants were more aware that they should not administer eye drops in stock (P1 = 44.18% vs. P2 = 61.37%) or received from a friend or relative (P1 = 53.23% vs. P2 = 72.35%) if their eyes are red and painful.Conclusion: Children have the potential to effectively share eye health messages and conduct simple vision screening for their families and peers. Efforts are needed to sensitise the community to improve the referral or follow-up rate.


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