Effect of psychoeducation and telepsychiatric follow up given to the caregiver of the schizophrenic patient on family burden, depression and expression of emotion

Objective: This randomized-controlled experimental study was conducted to determine the effects of psychoeducation in the inpatient clinic and regular telepsychiatric follow-up [via telephone] after discharge on emotional expression, depression and family burden of primary caregivers of the schizophrenic patients

Methods: This study was performed on 62 caregivers of the schizophrenic patients, assigned to experiment [n=32] and control [n=30] groups, from 1[st] July 2010 to 31[st] May 2011. The Scales for Expressed Emotion, the Beck Depression and the Zarit Family Burden were applied for the caregivers in experiment and control groups before education, after education and after 6-months telephone follow-up

Results: The mean scores of the caregivers in experiment group on family burden, emotional expression and depression were decreased after education and after telephone follow-up and difference was significant [p < 0.001]

Conclusions: Psychoeducation and telepsychiatric follow-up via telephone induced decrease in family burden, emotional expression and depressive symptoms for their caregivers and was a support for the family in the patient care

Can ratio of blood/curettage material HCG be used as a reliable method for differentiating miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy?

Objective: There is an increasing rate of ectopic pregnancy with the use of assisted reproductive techniques. There is currently no serum test to differentiate ectopic pregnancy from miscarriage. Early and accurate detection of ectopic pregnancy may prevent the development of complications. The aim of this study was whether the ratio of serum/curettage material hCG could provide us with reliable and early diagnosis in distinguishing miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies and also to measure the diagnostic accuracy rate of this method

Methods: A total of 24 patients were evaluated. Twelve of them were diagnosed as an ectopic pregnancy and 12 of them were diagnosed as a miscarriage. All the patients' diagnoses were confirmed pathologically. Non-of the patient had viable fetus. All participants underwent curettage protocol. Serum and curettage material were obtained at the same time. HCG measurements were done from blood and curettage material

Results: Ratio of Blood/Curettage Material HCG provides fast and reliable results within a few hours with 91.7% accuracy rates

Conclusion: Ratio of blood/curettage material HCG can be used as a reliable method for differentiating ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage