-
The Permanente Journal 2018This article explores the efficacy of writing and reading poetry as a means to help people living with chronic pain to explore and express their narratives in their own...
This article explores the efficacy of writing and reading poetry as a means to help people living with chronic pain to explore and express their narratives in their own unique way. Throughout our narrative we have interwoven poems from Eugene Feig, one of the authors of this article. His poetry is sent out almost weekly to the members of our pain support group as a method of sharing his own experiences of living with pain, as well as to support and to inspire hope in others. The style of poetry we are presenting is that of a person who is not knowledgeable about poetry in a formal sense but who has an understanding of how it has helped him learn to live with his own chronic pain and suffering. These poems are the author's expression of the meaning of living with chronic pain for over 20 years. This article is a philosophical hermeneutic conversation about pain and poetry.
Topics: Chronic Pain; Fear; Humans; Narration; Poetry as Topic; Reading; Self-Help Groups; Stress, Psychological; Writing
PubMed: 30005728
DOI: 10.7812/TPP/17-196 -
Computers, Informatics, Nursing : CIN Oct 2016The purpose of this article is to explore practical issues in developing and implementing a culturally tailored Internet Cancer Support Group for a group of ethnic...
The purpose of this article is to explore practical issues in developing and implementing a culturally tailored Internet Cancer Support Group for a group of ethnic minority patients with cancer-Asian Americans. Throughout the research process of the original study testing the Internet cancer support group, the research team made written records of practical issues and plausible rationales for the issues. Weekly group discussion among research team members was conducted, and the discussion records were evaluated and analyzed using a content analysis (with individual words as the unit of analysis). The codes from the analysis process were categorized into idea themes, through which the issues were extracted. The issues included those in (1) difficulties in using multiple languages, (2) collaboration with the information technology department and technical challenges, (3) difficulties in recruitment, (4) difficulties in retention, (5) optimal timing, and (6) characteristics of the users. Based on the findings, we suggest that researchers plan a workable translation process, check technical needs in advance, use multiple strategies to recruit and retain research participants, plan the right time for data collection, and consider characteristics of the users in the study design.
Topics: Asian; Breast Neoplasms; Cultural Characteristics; Humans; Internet; Language; Medical Informatics; Neoplasms; Pilot Projects; Research Design; Self-Help Groups; Translating
PubMed: 27379523
DOI: 10.1097/CIN.0000000000000261 -
BMC Family Practice Jul 2021Health services to date have inadequately addressed the physical and mental health needs of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. This qualitative study...
OBJECTIVES
Health services to date have inadequately addressed the physical and mental health needs of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. This qualitative study evaluates a piloted facilitated support group (FSG) developed for patients with medically unexplained symptoms to inform recommendations and resources for this patient population.
METHODS
Using a qualitative descriptive design, we conducted and thematically analyzed semi-structured interviews with participants (n = 8) and facilitators (n = 4) to explore their experiences of the facilitated support group. Common themes that captured strengths and challenges of the facilitated support group were identified.
RESULTS
The following key themes were identified through analysis of the data: Participants described 1) feeling validated through sharing similar experiences with peers; 2) learning practical symptom management and coping strategies; and 3) gaining new perspectives for navigating conversations with PCPs.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that a facilitated support group may provide additional forms of support and resources for patients with medically unexplained symptoms, filling a gap in currently available clinical care offered by health care professionals. Potential implications: This paper highlights lessons learned that can inform the design and delivery of future supports and resources directed toward optimizing patient care for this underserved patient population. Our findings are relevant to those who are involved in direct patient care or involved in designing and implementing self-management programs.
Topics: Health Personnel; Humans; Medically Unexplained Symptoms; Palliative Care; Qualitative Research; Self-Help Groups
PubMed: 34210272
DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01495-9 -
Journal of the International... 2021In Zambia, 84,959 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 are currently living with HIV. We explored the feasibility and acceptability of a 6-session,...
Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Efficacy of Tikambisane ('Let's Talk to Each Other'): A Pilot Support Group Intervention for Adolescent Girls Living With HIV in Zambia.
BACKGROUND
In Zambia, 84,959 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 are currently living with HIV. We explored the feasibility and acceptability of a 6-session, curriculum-based support group intervention designed to address key concerns of AGYW living with HIV.
SETTING
Urban Zambia.
METHODS
Surveys and in-depth interviews were collected pre- and post-intervention from participants enrolled from 2 health facilities. Eight participant observations of sessions were conducted. Descriptive statistics at baseline were reported only for AGYW who participated in the intervention (N = 21), while analyses comparing baseline and endline outcome measures were restricted to participants who had data at both time points (N = 14).
RESULTS
Support groups were feasible to conduct and acceptable to participants. Co-facilitation by an adult counselor and peers living with HIV raised confidence about session content. Sessions on antiretroviral therapy (ART), disclosure and stigma, and grief and loss were most in demand. We did not observe significant differences in key outcome measures between baseline and follow-up. However, qualitative data supported the positive impact of the intervention on ART adherence and hope for the future following the intervention among our participants.
CONCLUSION
A short-term, structured support group series holds promise for helping AGYW living with HIV safely navigate a complex time in their lives.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Feasibility Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Self-Help Groups; Social Stigma; Zambia
PubMed: 34212766
DOI: 10.1177/23259582211024772 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2022There is a lack of support for mental health professionals who experience a patient suicide or homicide. This is despite a high likelihood of such an occurrence and the...
There is a lack of support for mental health professionals who experience a patient suicide or homicide. This is despite a high likelihood of such an occurrence and the heavy professional and personal toll the experience can take. We conducted 15 interviews with members of a facilitated peer support group run for consultant psychiatrists who have experienced a patient homicide or suicide. Our interviews explored the trauma of the experience as well as the effectiveness of the group in helping the clinician heal. Our results echoed previous research that the experience can be profoundly traumatic. A professionally facilitated, consultant-only peer group specifically dedicated to suicide and homicide were the key components helping participants to process their grief. Mental health trusts should consider setting up facilitated peer support groups for clinicians who experience patient suicide or homicide.
Topics: Humans; Homicide; Bereavement; Suicide; Self-Help Groups; Peer Group; Psychiatry
PubMed: 36361387
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114507 -
BMC Public Health Jan 2021Female Mexican Immigrants (FMIs) experience high rates of depression compared with other populations. For this population, depression is often exacerbated by social... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Female Mexican Immigrants (FMIs) experience high rates of depression compared with other populations. For this population, depression is often exacerbated by social isolation associated with the experience of immigration. Aim 1. To measure whether a culturally situated peer group intervention will reduce depression and stress associated with the experience of immigration. Aim 2. To test whether an intervention using a "women's funds of knowledge" approach results in improved resilience, knowledge and empowerment. Aim 3. To investigate whether a culturally situated peer group intervention using a women's funds of knowledge approach can give participants a sense and experience of social and physical connection ("emplacement") that is lost in the process of immigration.
METHODS
This mixed-methods study will implement "Tertulias" ("conversational gatherings" in Spanish), a peer support group intervention designed to improve health outcomes for FMI participants in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We will document results of the intervention on our primary hypotheses of a decrease in depression, and increases in resilience and social support, as well as on our secondary hypotheses of decreased stress (including testing of hair cortisol as a biomarker for chronic stress), and an increase in social connectedness and positive assessment of knowledge and empowerment.
DISCUSSION
This project will address mental health disparities in an underserved population that experiences high rates of social isolation. Successful completion of this project will demonstrate that health challenges that may appear too complex and too hard to address can be using a multi-level, holistic approach. Our use of hair samples to test for the 3-month average levels of systemic cortisol will contribute to the literature on an emerging biomarker for analyzing chronic stress.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 2/3/20, Identifier # NCT04254198 .
Topics: Depression; Emigrants and Immigrants; Female; Humans; New Mexico; Peer Group; Self-Help Groups; Social Isolation; Social Support
PubMed: 33430845
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09867-z -
European Journal of Cancer Care Mar 2018Across Australia, prostate cancer support groups (PCSG) have emerged to fill a gap in psychosocial care for men and their families. However, an understanding of the...
Across Australia, prostate cancer support groups (PCSG) have emerged to fill a gap in psychosocial care for men and their families. However, an understanding of the triggers and influencers of the PCSG movement is absent. We interviewed 21 SG leaders (19 PC survivors, two partners), of whom six also attended a focus group, about motivations, experiences, past and future challenges in founding and leading PCSGs. Thematic analysis identified four global themes: illness experience; enacting a supportive response; forming a national collective and challenges. Leaders described men's feelings of isolation and neglect by the health system as the impetus for PCSGs to form and give/receive mutual help. Negotiating health care systems was an early challenge. National affiliation enabled leaders to build a united voice in the health system and establish a group identity and collective voice. Affiliation was supported by a symbiotic relationship with tensions between independence, affiliation and governance. Future challenges were group sustainability and inclusiveness. Study findings describe how a grassroots PCSG movement arose consistent with an embodied health movement perspective. Health care organisations who seek to leverage these community resources need to be cognisant of SG values and purpose if they are to negotiate effective partnerships that maximise mutual benefit.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Australia; Focus Groups; Humans; Male; Patient Advocacy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Self-Help Groups; Social Support; Survivors; Survivorship
PubMed: 28145020
DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12644 -
American Journal of Public Health Jul 2021
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Death; Female; Grief; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Self-Help Groups; Social Support; United States
PubMed: 34314213
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2021.306379 -
Journal of Wound Care Apr 2017
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Foot; Humans; Internet; Self-Help Groups; Social Stigma; Social Support
PubMed: 28379103
DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2017.26.Sup4.S3 -
Journal of Child and Adolescent... Feb 2007Bereavement is considered by many to be among the most stressful of life events, and it becomes particularly distressing when it concerns the suicide death of a parent.... (Review)
Review
TOPIC
Bereavement is considered by many to be among the most stressful of life events, and it becomes particularly distressing when it concerns the suicide death of a parent. Such an event is especially traumatic for children.
PURPOSE AND SOURCES
The purpose of this paper is to present a case for support group interventions designed specifically for child survivors of parental suicide. The authors provide a theoretical framework for supportive group interventions with these children and describe the structure of an 8-week bereavement support group for this special population of suicide survivors.
CONCLUSIONS
A case is made for designing and implementing group interventions to meet the mental health needs of this important group of individuals.
Topics: Bereavement; Child; Child Psychiatry; Child of Impaired Parents; Depression; Goals; Humans; Life Change Events; Nurse's Role; Nurse-Patient Relations; Organizational Objectives; Psychiatric Nursing; Psychology, Child; Self-Help Groups; Social Support; Suicide
PubMed: 17284234
DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-6171.2007.00073.x