Desarrollo de la entrevista ESNA: un instrumento para evaluar el sufri-miento en niños y adolescentes con enfermedades graves y necesidades paliativas / Development of the ESNA interview: An instrument to assess suffering in children and adolescents with serious illnesses and palliative needs

Introducción: Hay una carencia de instrumentos específicos para evaluar el sufrimiento de niños y adolescentes con necesidades paliativas. Objetivo: Describir el proceso de diseño y creación del instrumento para la Evaluación del Sufrimiento en Niños y Adolescentes (ESNA) con necesidades paliativas. Método: 1) Revisión sistemática de la literatura; 2) Establecer marco teórico; 3) Definir los criterios del instrumento; 4) Establecer temáticas relacionadas con el sufrimiento; 5) Validación de contenido por expertos; 6) Validez de facie por pacientes; y 7) Prueba piloto. Resultados: 1) De 750 artículos, se evalúan 161 y se incluyen 51; 2) el marco teórico incorpora el Modelo integrativo del Sufrimiento de Kriokorian, y el Modelo Ecológico de Afrontamiento del Estrés de Brofenbrenner; 3) los criterios priorizan brevedad, lenguaje claro y preguntas relevantes; 4) temáticas relevantes establecidas con 18 adolescentes: vivencia de la enfermedad, gestión de la información, impacto emocional, relación con los otros y el impacto en los otros; 5) 14 profesionales realizan juicio de expertos de la versión preliminar; 6) 8 pacientes realizaron valoración aparente de contenido; y 7) Prueba piloto y análisis cualitativo con 8 pacientes. El instrumento ESNA final es heteroadministrado, con 42 preguntas (26 son exploratorias y 16 ítems cuantitativos). Explora: Experiencia de Enfermedad Gestión de la Información; Esperanza y expectativas; Regulación Emocional; Impacto en los otros; y Aspectos relacionales. Conclusiones: El instrumento ESNA parece ser una herramienta apropiada para la identificación del sufrimiento en niños y adolescentes con necesidades paliativas estando pendiente la evaluación de sus propiedades psicométricas (AU)

Introduction: There is a lack of specific instruments to assess the suffering of children and adolescents with palliative needs. Objective: Describe the process of designing and creating the instrument for the Assessment of Suffering in Children and Adolescents (ESNA) with palliative needs. Method: 1) Literature review; 2) Establish theoretical framework; 3) Define the criteria of the instrument; 4) Establish themes related to suffering; 5) Validation of content by experts; 6) Validity of facie by patients; and 7) Pilot test. Results: 1) Of 750 articles, 161 are evaluated and 51 are included; 2) the theoretical framework incorporates the Kriokorian Integrative Model of Suffering, and the Brofenbrenner Ecological Model of Coping with Stress; 3) the criteria prioritize brevity, clear language and relevant questions; 4) relevant themes established with 18 adolescents: experience of the disease, information management, emotional impact, relationship with others and the impact on others; 5) 14 professionals carry out expert judgment of the preliminary version; 6) 8 patients made an apparent assessment of content; and 7) Pilot test and qualitative analysis with 8 patients. The final ESNA instrument is hetero-administered, with 42 questions (26 are exploratory and 16 quantitative items). Explore: Experience of Illness; Information management; Hope and expectations; Emotional Regulation; Impact on others; and relational aspects. Conclusions: The ESNA instrument seems to be an appropriate tool for the identification of suffering in children and adolescents with palliative needs, pending the evaluation of its psychometric properties (AU)

Trends in out of pocket payments and catastrophic health expenditure in the Kyrgyz Republic post "Manas Taalimi" and "Den Sooluk" health reforms, 2012-2018.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, the Kyrgyz Republic has implemented health reforms that target health financing with the aim of removing financial barriers to healthcare including out-of-pocket health payments (OOPPs). This study examines the trends in OOPPs, and the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) post the "Manas Taalimi" and "Den Sooluk" health reforms. METHODS: We used data from the Kyrgyzstan Integrated Household Surveys (2012-2018). Population-weighted descriptive statistics were used to examine the trends in OOPPs and CHE at three thresholds; 10 percent of total household consumption expenditure (Cata10), 25 percent of total household consumption expenditure (Cata25) and 40 percent of total household non-food consumption expenditure (Cata40). Panel and cross-sectional logistic regression with marginal effects were used to examine the predictors of Cata10 and Cata40. FINDINGS: Between 2012 and 2018, OOPPs increased by about US $6 and inpatient costs placed the highest cost burden on users (US $13.6), followed by self-treatment (US $10.7), and outpatient costs (US $9). Medication continues to predominantly drive inpatient, outpatient, and self-treatment OOPPs. About 0.378 to 2.084 million people (6 - 33 percent) of the population incurred catastrophic health expenditure at the three thresholds between 2012 and 2018. Residing in households headed by a widowed or single head, or residing in rural regions, increases the likelihood of incurring catastrophic health expenditure. CONCLUSIONS: The initial gains in the reduction of OOPPs and catastrophic health expenditure appear to gradually erode since costs continue to increase after an initial decline and catastrophic health expenditure continues to rise unabated. This implies that households are increasingly incurring economic hardship from seeking healthcare. Considering that this could result to forgone expenditure on essential items including food and education, efforts should target the sustainability of these health reforms to maintain and grow the reduction of catastrophic health payments and its dire consequences.

Associations among state-level physical distancing measures and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among U.S. adults during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify leading sources of stress, describe rates of mental health outcomes, and examine their associations among U.S. adults during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: In a cross-sectional, general population survey conducted from March 18 to April 4, 2020, U.S. adults (n = 10,625) were recruited through Qualtrics Panels using quota sampling methods. RESULTS: Life stressors, probable depression, past-month suicide ideation, and past-month suicide attempts were not elevated among participants subject to state-level stay-at-home orders and/or large gathering bans. Multiple life stressors were associated with increased rates of probable depression. Past-month suicide ideation was significantly higher among participants reporting ongoing arguments with a partner and serious legal problems. Past-month suicide attempt was significantly higher among participants reporting concerns about a life-threatening illness or injury, but was significantly lower among participants reporting an unexpected bill or expense. CONCLUSIONS: Results failed to support the conclusion that physical distancing measures are correlated with worse mental health outcomes. Concerns about life-threatening illness or injury were uniquely associated with increased risk of suicide attempt.

Catastrophic healthcare expenditure and coping strategies among patients attending cancer treatment services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: With the rapid increase in magnitude and mortality of cancer, which is costly disease to manage, several patients particularly in developing countries are facing a huge financial burden. The study aimed to examine the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), identify associated factors and coping strategies among patients attending cancer treatment services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey of patients with cancer was conducted in public and private hospitals between January and March 2018. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. All direct medical and nonmedical expenditures were measured and reported as expenditure (US$) per patient (1US$ equivalent to 23.41 Ethiopian Birr). The CHE was estimated using a threshold of 10% of annual household income. RESULTS: A total of 352 (response rate of 87.1%) participants were interviewed. Majority (73.3%) of the respondents were females; most (94%) from public hospitals and their mean (±SD) age was 48 ± 13.2 years. Vast majority (74.4%) of patients experienced CHE with mean overall expenditure of $2366 per patient (median: $1708). Medical expenditure shared the highest overall expenditure (83.6%) with mean medical and nonmedical costs of $1978 (median: $1394) and $388 (median: $222), respectively. Patients who took greater than six cycles of chemotherapy (AOR: 3.64; 95% CI: 1.11-11.92), and age (AOR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.06) were significantly associated with CHE. Household saving (85.5%) followed by financial support received (43.0%) was the main coping strategy. CONCLUSION: A substantial number of patients with cancer were exposed to CHE with a considerable medical expenditure. Hence, in addition to the popularization of the already introduced health insurance scheme, other better prepayment or insurance mechanisms should also be considered to ensure financial risk protection and realize universal health coverage for patients with cancer.

Sufrir y crecer con la enfermedad / Suffering and personal growth in coping with illness

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Rare diseases and the associative dialogue: resignifications for moral experiences. / Adoecimentos raros e o diálogo associativo: ressignificações para experiências morais.

This paper aims to discuss the experience of relatives of children and adolescents with rare diseases as a moral experience. Moral experience is characterized by suffering that is socially interpreted as a catastrophic event, mobilizing resources for signification and meaning that allow the reconstruction of identity, the appreciation of itineraries from a rare diagnosis, as well as the search for peers. Thus, the construction of relationships of recognition, alterity, and belonging is fundamental. From a symbolic interactionist perspective, the results show two significant cores: (1) shock as a surprise in the face of an unexpected diagnosis, leading to the search for peers and promotion of social recognition; (2) the cost involved with the course of a rare disease that implies a care work and the acquisition of associative capital as a possibility of strengthening and building the social capital of health care.

Neste artigo, buscamos discutir a experiência de familiares de crianças e adolescentes com doenças raras como uma experiência moral. A experiência moral se caracteriza pelo sofrimento que é lido, coletivamente, como acontecimento catastrófico, mobilizando recursos para significação e sentido que possibilitem reconstruções identitárias, valoração de novas trajetórias a partir de um diagnóstico raro, assim como a busca de pares. Nesse sentido, é fundamental a construção de relações de reconhecimento, alteridade e pertencimento. A partir de uma perspectiva interacionista simbólica, os resultados mostram dois núcleos: (1) o susto como surpresa diante do diagnóstico inesperado, levando a busca de pares e promoção do reconhecimento social; (2) o custo envolvido com a trajetória de uma doença rara que implica um trabalho de care e a aquisição de capital associativo como possibilidade de fortalecimento e construção de capital social de cuidado à saúde.

Adoecimentos raros e o diálogo associativo: ressignificações para experiências morais / Rare diseases and the associative dialogue: resignifications for moral experiences

Resumo Neste artigo, buscamos discutir a experiência de familiares de crianças e adolescentes com doenças raras como uma experiência moral. A experiência moral se caracteriza pelo sofrimento que é lido, coletivamente, como acontecimento catastrófico, mobilizando recursos para significação e sentido que possibilitem reconstruções identitárias, valoração de novas trajetórias a partir de um diagnóstico raro, assim como a busca de pares. Nesse sentido, é fundamental a construção de relações de reconhecimento, alteridade e pertencimento. A partir de uma perspectiva interacionista simbólica, os resultados mostram dois núcleos: (1) o susto como surpresa diante do diagnóstico inesperado, levando a busca de pares e promoção do reconhecimento social; (2) o custo envolvido com a trajetória de uma doença rara que implica um trabalho de care e a aquisição de capital associativo como possibilidade de fortalecimento e construção de capital social de cuidado à saúde.

Abstract This paper aims to discuss the experience of relatives of children and adolescents with rare diseases as a moral experience. Moral experience is characterized by suffering that is socially interpreted as a catastrophic event, mobilizing resources for signification and meaning that allow the reconstruction of identity, the appreciation of itineraries from a rare diagnosis, as well as the search for peers. Thus, the construction of relationships of recognition, alterity, and belonging is fundamental. From a symbolic interactionist perspective, the results show two significant cores: (1) shock as a surprise in the face of an unexpected diagnosis, leading to the search for peers and promotion of social recognition; (2) the cost involved with the course of a rare disease that implies a care work and the acquisition of associative capital as a possibility of strengthening and building the social capital of health care.

Measuring Burden of Care After Catastrophic Illness or Injury.

Burden of care (BoC) is the amount of time a patient requires direct, daily assistance from another person to meet basic needs in the home; it is based on a patient's functional level, obtained using the Functional Independence Measure. Inpatient BoC is a patient's projected resource utilization during a stay at an inpatient facility, assessed using the Northwick Park Dependency Scale. At the outpatient level, function and BoC can be assessed using the LIFEware System. Measuring and monitoring outcomes of all care result in reduced health care expenditures, more streamlined patient care, and improved quality of life for patients and families.

Evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Detección de la Soledad Existencial en pacientes con enfermedades avanzadas / Assessment of the psychometric properties of the Scale of Detection of Existential Loneliness in patients with advanced diseases

Objetivo: Analizar las propiedades psicométricas y la utilidad clínica de la Escala de Soledad Existencial (EDSOL) en enfermos hospitalizados con enfermedad avanzada. Método: Para determinar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala, se administró la escala EDSOL junto con otros instrumentos a 103 pacientes adultos con enfermedades avanzadas ingresados en 5 unidades de cuidados paliativos de hospitales catalanes. Resultados: La escala presenta una excelente fiabilidad medida a través del alfa de Cronbach (0,902) y una adecuada estabilidad temporal (r=0,71). La escala mostró correlaciones positivas y significativas con ansiedad y depresión de la escala HADS y con la suma total de la misma, así como con la valoración clínica psicológica (p<0,01). A través del análisis estadístico de las curvas ROC se determinó que la escala presentaba una sensibilidad del 79,8% y una especificidad del 74,6% y se sugiere que el punto de corte para la detección de la EDSOL sea una puntuación de 5. Conclusiones: La EDSOL presenta unas buenas propiedades psicométricas, es sencilla, breve, fiable y fácil de administrar. Consideramos que es una escala útil para detectar la presencia de soledad existencial en enfermos hospitalizados que padecen enfermedades avanzadas

Aim: To analyze the psychometric properties and the clinical utility of the Scale of Existential Loneliness (EDSOL) in hospitalized patients with advanced disease. Method: To determine the psychometric properties of the scale, the EDSOL scale was administered along with other instruments to 103 adult patients with advanced diseases admitted to 5 palliative care units of Catalan hospitals. Results: The scale presents an excellent reliability measured through Cronbach’s alpha (0.902) and adequate temporal stability (r = 0.71). The scale showed positive and significant correlations with anxiety and depression of the HADS scale and with the overall score of HADS, as well as with the clinical psychological assessment (p <0.01). Through the statistical analysis of the ROC curves, it was determined that the scale had a sensitivity of 79.8% and a specificity of 74.6% and it is suggested that the cut-off point for the detection of EDSOL be a score of 5. Conclusions: The EDSOL scale has good psychometric properties, is simple, brief, reliable and easy to administer. We consider that is an useful scale to detect the presence of existential loneliness in hospitalized patients suffering from advanced diseases

Preliminary Psychometric Evaluation of the Nurse Anesthesia and the Aftermath of Perioperative Catastrophes Survey and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire.

The National Academy of Medicine recognizes medical errors as a leading cause of death in the United States. Hospitals nationwide have acted to improve patient safety, quality of care, and system processes; however, no standards mandate assessment of the emotional impact of perioperative catastrophes on healthcare professionals. A cross-sectional descriptive study using a sample of 196 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) tested the psychometric properties of an adapted version of the Perioperative Catastrophes Survey and administered this survey along with the Ways of Coping Questionnaire to measure CRNAs' perceptions, experiences, and responses associated with perioperative catastrophes. The adapted survey demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability (α = .893) and construct validity (factor analysis), with 4 subscales explaining 68.1% of the variance in the measure. The CRNAs scored similarly to anesthesiologists in a prior study conducted by Gazoni and colleagues, showing that memorable perioperative catastrophes have a negative emotional, cognitive, and functional impact. On the 8 Ways of Coping Questionnaire subscales, CRNAs with less than 10 years of experience reported significantly higher Escape-Avoidance behaviors compared with more experienced CRNAs (P = .016). Future research must examine perceptions of perioperative catastrophic events and coping mechanisms to identify providers at risk of negative consequences.

Fear of catastrophic health expenditures and unrealistic expectations from supplementary health insurance: ethnic differences.

BACKGROUND: In Israel, the whole population is covered by comprehensive universal health insurance. Despite that, most of the population purchases supplementary health insurance (SHI). It has been shown that individuals purchase more health insurance and preventive medicine when they are uncertain of their state of health, while a majority may not fully understand basic concepts in their health insurance coverage. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of fear of catastrophic health expenditures and unrealistic expectations in purchasing SHI, which does not cover expenses for life-threatening illnesses. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among random samples of 814 Jews and 800 Arabs in Israel. A structured questionnaire was administered by telephone using random digit dialling. Log-linear regression was used to identify factors associated with reasons for purchasing SHI and expectations from SHI. RESULTS: The most common reason for purchasing SHI was fear of catastrophic health-related expenditures (41%). The most important service expected from SHI was 'cancer medications' (mean 4.68 [standard deviation 0.87]). Differences in the reasons for purchasing SHI and in expectations from SHI were found according to population group, age, gender and education. CONCLUSIONS: Consumers' misconceptions and fear of catastrophic health expenditures are major factors leading to the purchase of SHI, despite universal health coverage. Improved and accessible information should help consumers make informed decisions as to whether or not to purchase SHI.

How affordable is TB care? Findings from a nationwide TB patient cost survey in Ghana.

OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis (TB) is known as a disease of the poor. Despite TB diagnosis and care usually being offered for free, TB patients can still face substantial costs, especially in the context of multi-drug resistance (MDR). The End TB Strategy calls for zero TB-affected families incurring 'catastrophic' costs due to TB by 2025. This paper examines, by MDR status, the level and composition of costs incurred by TB-affected households during care seeking and treatment; assesses the affordability of TB care using catastrophic and impoverishment measures; and describes coping strategies used by TB-affected households to pay for TB care. METHODS: A nationally representative survey of TB patients at public health facilities across Ghana. RESULTS: We enrolled 691 patients (66 MDR). The median expenditure for non-MDR TB was US$429.6 during treatment, vs. US$659.0 for MDR patients (P-value = 0.001). Catastrophic costs affected 64.1% of patients. MDR patients were pushed significantly further over the threshold for catastrophic payments than DS patients. Payments for TB care led to a significant increase in the proportion of households in the study sample that live below the poverty line at the time of survey compared to pre-TB diagnosis. Over half of patients undertook coping strategies. CONCLUSION: TB patients in Ghana incur substantial costs, despite free diagnosis and treatment. High rates of catastrophic costs and coping strategies in both non-MDR and MDR patients show that new policies are urgently needed to ensure TB care is actually affordable for TB patients.

Selling my sheep to pay for medicines - household priorities and coping strategies in a setting without universal health coverage.

BACKGROUND: The first month of life is the period with the highest risk of dying. Despite knowledge of effective interventions, newborn mortality is high and utilization of health care services remains low in Ethiopia. In settings without universal health coverage, the economy of a household is vulnerable to illness, and out-of-pocket payments may limit families' opportunities to seek health care for newborns. In this paper we explore intra-household resource allocation, focusing on how families prioritize newborn health versus other household needs and their coping strategies for managing these priorities. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in 2015 in Butajira, Ethiopia, comprising observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with household members, health workers, and community members. Household members with hospitalized newborns or who had experienced neonatal death were primary informants. RESULTS: In this predominantly rural and poor district, households struggled to pay out-of-pocket for services such as admission, diagnostics, drugs, and transportation. When newborns fell ill, families made hard choices balancing concerns for newborn health and other household needs. The ability to seek care, obtain services, and follow medical advice depended on the social and economic assets of the household. It was common to borrow money from friends and family, or even to sell a sheep or the harvest, if necessary. In managing household priorities and high costs, families waited before seeking health care, or used cheaper traditional medicines. For poor families with no money or opportunity to borrow, it became impossible to follow medical advice or even seek care in the first place. This had fatal health consequences for the sick newborns. CONCLUSIONS: While improving neonatal health is prioritized at policy level in Ethiopia, poor households with sick neonates may prioritize differently. With limited money at hand and high direct health care costs, families balanced conflicting concerns to newborn health and family welfare. We argue that families should not be left in situations where they have to choose between survival of the newborn and economic ruin. Protection against out-of-pocket spending is key as Ethiopia moves towards universal health coverage. A necessary step is to provide prioritized newborn health care services free of charge.

Functional limitations and associated psychological factors in military personnel with chronic nonspecific neck pain with higher levels of kinesiophobia.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is one of the largest health problems in the military sector. OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in the strength and endurance of the cervical muscles between military personnel with chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP) with higher level of kinesiophobia (CNSNP-K) and individuals with lower levels of kinesiophobia (CNSNP-NK). METHODS: We used kinesiophobia as a classification method: (1) CNSNP-K and (2) CNSNP-NK. The variables measured were endurance and strength of cervical muscles; range of motion (ROM), disability, pain intensity and psychological factors. RESULTS: Eighty-three military personnel (26 CNSNP-K; 20 CNSNP-NK and 37 asymptomatic). Statistically significant differences in endurance and ROM were only found between the CNSNP-K group and the control group. In strength and disability differences were revealed between both symptomatic groups and the control group [CNSNP-K vs. control (flex-ext p <  0.001); CNSNP-NK vs. control (flex p = 0.003) and (ext p <  0.001)]. For psychological variables, the CNSNP-K group showed differences compared with the CNSNP-NK (pain catastrophizing, p = 0.007; anxiety and depression, p <  0.001) and with the asymptomatic group (pain catastrophizing, p = 0.008; anxiety and depression, p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Military personnel with CNSNP-K have functional limitations and associated psychosocial factors compared with asymptomatic subjects, and showed greater associated psychological factors than CNSNP-NK group. Military personnel with CNSNP-NK only showed decreased strength with respect to those who were asymptomatic.

Tailored disconnection based on presurgical evidence in catastrophic epilepsy: report of 2 cases.

Catastrophic epilepsy in infants, often due to extensive cortical dysplasia, has devastating consequences with respect to brain development. Conventional lobar, multilobar, or hemispheric resection in these infants is challenging, carrying an increased operative risk compared with that in older children. Removing a larger tissue volume versus removing or disconnecting the epileptogenic region does not always guarantee better seizure outcome. The authors describe 2 infants with catastrophic epilepsy who benefited from individually tailored disconnections based on a hypothesized epileptogenic zone following intensive presurgical evaluation. Two infants with catastrophic epilepsy and epileptic spasms underwent leukotomies between 3 and 12 months of age. They were followed up postoperatively for 19-36 months. Both patients had 90%-100% seizure reduction and a significantly improved neurodevelopmental outcome without postoperative complication. Cortical malformation was seen in both patients. Modifications of established surgical disconnection techniques, tailored to each patient's specific epileptogenic zone, optimized seizure and neurodevelopmental outcomes while minimizing the risks associated with more extensive resections.

Tools to Promote Shared Decision Making in Serious Illness: A Systematic Review.

IMPORTANCE: Serious illness impairs function and threatens survival. Patients facing serious illness value shared decision making, yet few decision aids address the needs of this population. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of evidence about decision aids and other exportable tools that promote shared decision making in serious illness, thereby (1) identifying tools relevant to the treatment decisions of seriously ill patients and their caregivers, (2) evaluating the quality of evidence for these tools, and (3) summarizing their effect on outcomes and accessibility for clinicians. EVIDENCE REVIEW: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychInfo from January 1, 1995, through October 31, 2014, and identified additional studies from reference lists and other systematic reviews. Clinical trials with random or nonrandom controls were included if they tested print, video, or web-based tools for advance care planning (ACP) or decision aids for serious illness. We extracted data on the study population, design, results, and risk for bias using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Each tool was evaluated for its effect on patient outcomes and accessibility. FINDINGS: Seventeen randomized clinical trials tested decision tools in serious illness. Nearly all the trials were of moderate or high quality and showed that decision tools improve patient knowledge and awareness of treatment choices. The available tools address ACP, palliative care and goals of care communication, feeding options in dementia, lung transplant in cystic fibrosis, and truth telling in terminal cancer. Five randomized clinical trials provided further evidence that decision tools improve ACP documentation, clinical decisions, and treatment received. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Clinicians can access and use evidence-based tools to engage seriously ill patients in shared decision making. This field of research is in an early stage; future research is needed to develop novel decision aids for other serious diagnoses and key decisions. Health care delivery organizations should prioritize the use of currently available tools that are evidence based and effective.

A pilot validation of a modified Illness Perceptions Questionnaire designed to predict response to cognitive therapy for psychosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Clinical responsiveness to cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) varies. Recent research has demonstrated that illness perceptions predict active engagement in therapy, and, thereby, better outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of a modification of the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire (M-IPQ) designed to predict response following CBTp. METHODS: Fifty-six participants with persistent, distressing delusions completed the M-IPQ; forty before a brief CBT intervention targeting persecutory ideation and sixteen before and after a control condition. Additional predictors of outcome (delusional conviction, symptom severity and belief inflexibility) were assessed at baseline. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at follow-up four to eight weeks later. RESULTS: The M-IPQ comprised two factors measuring problem duration and therapy-specific perceptions of Cure/Control. Associated subscales, formed by summing the relevant items for each factor, were reliable in their structure. The Cure/Control subscale was also reliable over time; showed convergent validity with other predictors of outcome; predicted therapy outcomes; and differentially predicted treatment effects. LIMITATIONS: We measured outcome without an associated measure of engagement, in a small sample. Findings are consistent with hypothesis and existing research, but require replication in a larger, purposively recruited sample. CONCLUSIONS: The Cure/Control subscale of the M-IPQ shows promise as a predictor of response to therapy. Specifically targeting these illness perceptions in the early stages of cognitive behavioural therapy may improve engagement and, consequently, outcomes.

Empirical support for the definition of a complex trauma event in children and adolescents.

Complex trauma events have been defined as chronic, interpersonal traumas that begin early in life (Cook, Blaustein, Spinazzola, & van der Kolk, 2003). The complex trauma definition has been examined in adults, as indicated by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) field trial; however, this research was lacking in child populations. The symptom presentations of complexly traumatized children were contrasted with those exposed to other, less severe trauma ecologies that met 1 or 2 features of the complex trauma definition. Included in this study were 346 treatment-seeking children and adolescents (ages 3­18 years) who had experienced atraumatic event. Results indicated that child survivors of complex trauma presented with higher levels of generalized behavior problems and trauma-related symptoms than those who experienced (a) acute noninterpersonal trauma, (b) chronic interpersonal trauma that begins later in life, and (c) acute interpersonal trauma. Greater levels of behavioral problems were observed in children exposed to complex trauma as compared to those who experienced a traumatic event that begins early in life. These results provide support for the complex trauma event definition and suggest the need for a complex trauma diagnostic construct for children and adolescents.

From the other side of the curtain: the nurse as patient.

Anticipatory grief experienced by patients while awaiting a life-threatening medical diagnosis was explored through the personal experience of a nursing faculty member. The patient's emotional journey from diagnostic testing to result-reporting provided a background from which nurses can recognize the value of a support system and caring interventions. Recommendations for nursing faculty members, nurse practitioners, and students of nursing were made to help mitigate the uncertainties patients experience during this critical period.