Cardiac rehabilitation program: An exploration of patient experiences and perspectives on program dropout.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) are effective evidence-based secondary prevention programs that reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, participation remains suboptimal, resulting in under-treatment and greater risk for recurrent cardiac events. Understanding the reasons behind CRP dropout is urgently needed to inform the development of programs that best meet patient needs and support sustained engagement.

Family caregiver support groups: spiritual reflections' impact on stress management.

Objectives: Caregiving for people with neurodegenerative disease (e.g. Alzheimer's disease (AD); frontotemporal dementia (FTD)) is provided primarily by the family care system.

Therapy Online: A Web-Based Video Support Group for Family Caregivers of Survivors With Traumatic Brain Injury.

Objective: This innovative descriptive study explores the benefits of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caregiver support group intervention provided using videoconferencing within a password protected Web-based platform.

Methods: Ten caregivers of family members with TBI were registered to a password-protected Web site (Caring for Others) that provided information about caring for a person with TBI and access to a videoconferencing support group intervention program. Where needed, caregivers were provided with computer equipment, Internet access, and training to negotiate the Web site links.

Acceptability of an e-learning program to help nursing assistants manage relationship conflict in nursing homes.

Background: Management of nursing assistants' (NAs) emotional stress from relationship conflicts with residents, families, and coworkers is rarely the focus of educational programs. Our objective was to gather feedback from NAs and their nursing supervisors (NSs) about the utility of our e-learning program for managing relationship stress.

Methods: A total of 147 NAs and their NSs from 17 long-term care homes viewed the educational modules (DVD slides with voice-over), either individually or in small groups, and provided feedback using conference call focus groups.

Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study.

Background: The primary objective of this pilot study was to demonstrate reliable adherence to a group cognitive behavioral (CBT) therapy protocol when delivered using on-line video conferencing as compared with face-to-face delivery of group CBT. A secondary aim was to show comparability of changes in subject depression inventory scores between on-line and face-to-face delivery of group CBT.

Methods: We screened 31 individuals, 18 of whom met the criteria for a DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition) diagnosis of mood and/or anxiety disorder.

Telerehabilitation for addressing executive dysfunction after traumatic brain injury.

Primary Objective: To investigate the feasibility of implementing the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance approach (CO-OP) in a telerehabilitation format and to examine its impact on community integration and executive dysfunction for adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Research Design: A pilot series of three case studies with 3-month follow-up was conducted.

Methods And Procedures: Three adults (all males, >10 years post-TBI) and their significant others were recruited.

Older adults' response to the loss of a spouse: the function of spirituality in understanding the grieving process.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the role of spirituality in helping older adults grieve the loss of a spouse in the context of a model of group psychotherapy.

Methods: Twenty-four older adults, ranging in age from 65 to 82, whose spouses had died in the previous year, were assigned, in groups of six, to a 14-week group therapy intervention facilitated by trained, experienced co-therapist social workers. All sessions were audio recorded.

Providing web-based mental health services to at-risk women.

Background: We examined the feasibility of providing web-based mental health services, including synchronous internet video conferencing of an evidence-based support/education group, to at-risk women, specifically poor lone mothers. The objectives of this study were to: (i) adapt a face-to-face support/education group intervention to a web-based format for lone mothers, and (ii) evaluate lone mothers' response to web-based services, including an online video conferencing group intervention program.

Methods: Participating mothers were recruited through advertisements.

Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the impact on dementia caregivers' experienced stress and health status of 2 Internet-based intervention programs.

Design And Methods: Ninety-one dementia caregivers were given the choice of being involved in either an Internet-based chat support group or an Internet-based video conferencing support group. Pre-post outcome measures focused on distress, health status, social support, and service utilization.

Evaluation of an assessment battery for estimating dementia caregiver needs for health and social care services.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine a battery of questionnaires for assessing the personal resources and vulnerabilities of family caregivers of persons with dementia (Alzheimer or other).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to obtain dementia caregiver responses to questionnaires that targeted caregiver stress response, physical/mental health status, self-efficacy, personality, and social support.

Results: A personality factor (neuroticism) explained over 20% of the variance in caregiver mental health status and depression.

The psychosocial impacts of multimedia biographies on persons with cognitive impairments.

Purpose: The purpose of this feasibility pilot project was to observe Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients' responses to personalized multimedia biographies (MBs). We developed a procedure for using digital video technology to construct DVD-based MBs of persons with AD or MCI, documented their responses to observing their MBs, and evaluated the psychosocial benefits.

Methods: An interdisciplinary team consisting of multimedia biographers and social workers interviewed 12 family members of persons with AD and MCI and collected archival materials to best capture the families' and patients' life histories.

E-health program for patients with chronic disease.

The aim of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility and benefits of a computer Internet-based videoconferencing healthcare support program for community-dwelling older adults with chronic disease. Eighteen participants (n = 18) who met inclusion criteria were recruited from a community health clinic, provided informed signed consent, and were assigned in groups of six to an Internetbased support group program. Where needed, participants were supplied equipment (computers, Web cams, audio headsets) and trained to access an easy-to-use, password-protected Web site that uses videoconferencing to support group member-facilitator interactive communication.

The role of coping humor in the physical and mental health of older adults.

Objectives: This study examined the associations among coping humor, other personal/social factors and the health status of community-dwelling older adults.

Method: Survey questionnaires were completed with 73 community-dwelling older adults. Included were measures of coping humor, spirituality, self-efficacy, social support and physical and mental health status.

Clinical practice standards and ethical issues applied to a virtual group intervention for spousal caregivers of people with Alzheimer's.

Advances in technology have improved access to health and social services by offering more abundant and convenient choices for clients. In particular, the use of technology for delivering services to older adults and their families offers new possibilities for service delivery, by reaching people who are often isolated, and have difficulty accessing traditional services. Despite the continued advances in technology development and its integration into healthcare delivery, health care practitioners need to consider how to adapt and uphold clinical practice standards and address ethical issues in an e-health environment.

Caring for others: Internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease.

Purpose: The aim of this pilot feasibility study was to evaluate the effects of an innovative, Internet-based psychosocial intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease.

Design And Methods: After receiving signed informed consent from each participant, we randomly assigned 66 caregivers to an Internet-based intervention or to a no-intervention control group. The intervention group received computers and training in order to access a password-protected Web site with links to information, e-mail, and threaded discussion.

Persistent family concerns in long-term care settings: meaning and management.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to understand institutional and family caregiver characteristics that contribute to the failure to resolve families' persistent complaints about nursing home care of their relatives.

Design And Methods: Key informant interviews with 9 family members who had persistent concerns about the care of their relatives were conducted. Two focus groups with 5 nurse managers provided staff perceptions of families whose persistent concerns remained unresolved.

A systematic review of practice standards and research ethics in technology-based home health care intervention programs for older adults.

Objective: The purpose of the review is to assess frequencies of reporting adherence to professional practice standards and research ethics in studies of technology-based home health care programs.

Methods: Key databases were searched to yield 2,866 abstracts that were independently rated by two reviewers using inclusion-exclusion criteria, resulting in 107 articles that were then reviewed for reports of practice standards and research ethics.

Results: Issues related to professional practice standards and research ethics were not well reported.

Negotiating relationship contexts in gerontological social work practice.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the role of social workers in addressing the complex relationship and problem solving contexts typical of practice in multi-service geriatric care settings.

Methods: We conducted a thematic analysis of the work of five social workers with five clients, their families, and the professional healthcare team, and extracted common themes across cases that illustrate the nature and timing of the interventions depending on the relationship context addressed.

Results: While there were problems and issues common across relationship contexts, intervention strategies that were essential for optimizing client care and wellbeing were specific to resolving relationship conflicts in one or more of the identified relationship contexts.