Developing and pilot-testing a Finding Balance Intervention for older adult bereaved family caregivers: A randomized feasibility trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to test the feasibility of a psychosocially supportive writing intervention focused on finding balance for older adult bereaved family caregivers of advanced cancer patients. METHOD: The Finding Balance Intervention (FBI) was tested for feasibility, acceptability and potential influence on increasing hope, coping and balance through a multi-method pilot study employing a randomized trial design with 19 older adults with an average age of 72 years. The intervention group received the FBI and a follow up visit from an RN-RA. The control group received the FBI at a second visit. The FBI, a theory-based intervention was developed from grounded theory qualitative data, applying Delphi methods to design a self-administered, psychosocially supportive, writing intervention for older adults who had lost a spouse after caregiving. RESULTS: Feasibility was assessed and specific modifications identified. The FBI was easy to use, acceptable and of benefit. The FBI offered validation of emotions and ways to discover new ideas to find balance, which may enable bereaved caregivers to move forward on a unique journey through grief. The treatment group showed a statistically significant increase in restoration-oriented coping and higher oscillation activity. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the FBI was easy to use, acceptable and of benefit. A full scale study, with specific modifications to the design, is needed to test the effectiveness of this innovative intervention.

The 15-Minute Family Interview as a learning strategy for senior undergraduate nursing students.

Nursing care of families continues to be a challenge within complex and demanding health-care systems. Educational strategies to bridge the theory-practice gap, connecting classroom learning with clinical experiences in undergraduate nursing education, enable students to develop the skills required to form meaningful partnerships with families. This article describes how undergraduate nursing students complete a 15-Minute Family Interview in a clinical practice setting, and document the interview process in a reflective major paper. Students integrate research and theory and identify ways to improve the care of families in the clinical setting while building communication skills and confidence in interacting with families in everyday practice. The implementation of the assignment and the evaluation of the process, including quotes from 10 student papers and 2 clinical faculty members, are discussed. Implications for education and ongoing research are offered.