ABSTRACT
This presentation provides an overview of the functions of the Oncology Clinical Information System (OCIS) focusing on three new applications. The first part of the presentation will describe the structure of OCIS and show the basic clinical decision-support aspects of the system on-line. The second part of the presentation will provide on-line demonstrations of three new applications: a sophisticated blood products ordering systems, a chemotherapy and treatment scheduling system, and a radiation therapy scheduling system.
Subject(s)
Decision Making, Computer-Assisted , Medical OncologyABSTRACT
A comparison of peer led and professionally led support groups for caregivers of frail older persons living in the community demonstrates that both types of groups are effective. Findings reveal that it was the opportunity to ventilate pent-up feelings and emotions, the validation of caregiving experiences, the affirmation of coping abilities, the encouragement for continuing to provide care and cope with the situation, the exploration of alternative caregiving arrangements, the mutual support, and the mutual sharing of information about community resources and coping strategies that appeared to be the most helpful therapeutic ingredients of both types of groups. The greater attention to problem solving work and the learning of specific coping skills in the professionally led groups was not reflected in differential outcomes in the two support group conditions.
Subject(s)
Home Nursing/psychology , Peer Group , Professional-Patient Relations , Psychotherapy, Group , Self-Help Groups , Adaptation, Psychological , HumansABSTRACT
The comparative effectiveness of individual and group interventions in supporting family caregivers of frail older people was examined. An individual intervention produced more positive effects on caregiver psychological functioning and well-being than did a group intervention, whereas a group intervention produced greater improvements in caregivers' social supports. Participants in both interventions experienced significant improvements in coping with caregiving stress. Process differences are proposed as an explanation for the differential effects of the two intervention modalities. Psychological issues respond best to individual intervention, and social support issues respond best to group intervention. Therefore, the most appropriate type of intervention might be determined by the types of problems and issues specific to an individual caregiver.
Subject(s)
Home Nursing/psychology , Self-Help Groups , Social Environment , Social Support , Counseling/education , Female , Group Processes , Humans , Middle Aged , Random Allocation , Stress, PsychologicalABSTRACT
A review of 29 evaluative studies published through 1987 reveals that no clear link has yet been established between participants' satisfaction and such other important outcomes for caregivers as improving coping skills, preventing psychological disturbances, increasing caregiver support systems, or improving caregivers' ability to care for themselves.
Subject(s)
Aged , Caregivers/psychology , Social Support , Adolescent , Adult , Aged, 80 and over , Alzheimer Disease/nursing , Consumer Behavior , Family , Female , Home Nursing , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Self-Help GroupsABSTRACT
Participants in both professionally led and peer-led groups experienced significant improvements in psychological functioning, increases in informal support networks, and positive personal changes in handling of the caregiving role when compared with control participants. Professionally led groups produced the greatest improvement in psychological functioning, and peer-led groups produced the greatest increases in informal support networks.
Subject(s)
Caregivers/psychology , Peer Group , Self-Help Groups , Adult , Aged , Consumer Behavior , Demography , Family , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Sampling Studies , Social Support , Stress, Psychological/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Participants in two types of professionally-led groups and one peer-led group reported significant changes in personal problems related to caregiving as compared to controls. No significant changes were found on measures of psychological status and caregiving burden.
