[Efficacy of an emotional-based psycho-educational strategy for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. An almost experimental pilot study]. / Efficacia di un intervento psicoeducativo a matrice emotiva per pazienti affetti da diabete di tipo 2. Uno studio pilota quasi sperimentale.

The authors discuss the creation of a psycho-educational course based on emotions in a group of diabetes type 2 patients. Its effects were assessed : biologically, by measuring blood sugar levels and body weight; cognitively, by behavioral tests; psycho-emotionally, by Moreno's Social Atom test that evaluates the patient's personal life in the light of his/her pathological conditions. 12 subjects were studied (10 patients and 2 spouses). Results showed: significant improvement in life-style; a marginal improvement of weight and level of coping with the illness; a non-significant improvement in blood sugar levels. The study showed that one particularly important aspect regards the role of nurses within the multidisciplinary team conducting the study.

[Breaking unexpected bad news: pilot study on communication style of physicians]. / La cattiva notizia inattesa: uno studio pilota sulle strategie comunicative dei medici.

The aim of this study was to explore the physician's communication pattern when breaking a bad unexpected news. 30 videotaped consultations (VRM) were collected in which the physicians met an actress as a patient. The doctors received the x-ray report in which an apical mass was detected before (condition A) or during (condition B) the consultation. The VRM were analysed through the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Data suggested in condition B a significant decrease in "process", "counselling" and "emotional" categories. In consultation where a bad unexpected news is communicated doctors seem to be less directive in the content and more emotionally defended.