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Biomedical subjects

E D Smith

Publications and source records attributed to E D Smith.

84 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Screening to predict complicated grief in spouses of cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: Grief is the expected reaction to the death of a family member or close friend and is accompanied by substantial distress for almost everyone who experiences it. For some the grief response becomes complicated. This pilot study sought to identify individuals at high risk for complicated grief, by 1) examining the relationships that exist between family functioning before the death, psychological distress, and the grief reaction of a family after the death, and 2) presenting the use of screening with standardized measures to identify those at risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This pilot study examined the relationships between family functioning, psychological distress, and grief reaction. A cross-sectional design was used and the instrument included the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES III), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG). Significant relationships were identified between the level of family functioning, psychological distress and grief reaction. Depression, anxiety, and general distress were significantly correlated with the two subscales of the TRIG. CONCLUSIONS: The findings clearly illustrate the merit of psychosocial screening of spouses and suggest the possible benefits of screening before the patient's death, using FACES III and the BSI to identify which spouses are at risk for complicated grief reactions.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Group process and childbirth education: a position paper.

Each childbirth education class has a group life of its own, and the responsibility for the group functioning is shared among all members. Experimental learning derived through group functioning has the potential for being as significant as the learning of specific skills. Formulating a contract between the teacher/leader and the members of the class can help in clarifying realistic objectives and goals. The teacher/leader can assist couples to learn new behavior and to confront their own feelings about becoming patents.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The needs and supportive networks of the dying: an assessment instrument and mapping procedure for hospice patients.

If institutional systems that provide end-of-life care are to survive the demands of managed care, they will need to tie together methods of assessing the needs of the dying, leading to a new understanding of the functioning of a patient's existing helping networks. This paper presents the preliminary findings of a research project conducted at a Midwest hospice. The study utilized a cross sectional correlational survey of patients' needs via the Early Risk and Resiliency Inventory (ERRI), while mapping their helping networks with a Circles of Care Ecomap. It addressed the question, "What is the relationship between the needs of the dying and the formal and informal support provided?" Study findings supported the contention that higher need patients utilized the more expensive institutional services rather than relying on available natural networks; and statistical analysis of the study instrument suggested the creation of a new conceptual domain of psychospiritual need.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hypertension management with church-based education: a pilot study.

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of an education intervention for people with hypertension who attended Black churches. The goal was achieved by preparing six registered nurses from six inner city Black churches as educational experts who successfully implemented the intervention at three churches. A sample of 32 subjects from three churches participated in an education intervention on the nature of and management strategies for hypertension. Data were collected before, immediately after, and three months following the intervention. Findings indicate there was a statistical difference in knowledge between pre and post #1 (p = < .001, n = 18) and post #2 (p = < .0001, n = 8) assessments. It was concluded that the educational intervention was effective in increasing knowledge. No significant changes were noted in blood pressure readings and sodium intake. It is questioned whether more than three months are needed to detect meaningful behavioral changes since behavior change is a complex and gradual process.

Adult↗