PURPOSE: The overall purpose of this project was to establish a community-based educational model on pain and fatigue management for individuals with cancer. The specific aims were: 1) to develop an appropriate educational program; 2) to pilot test this program in a community setting that supported a self-care approach; and 3) to evaluate the program process and outcomes. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: The I Feel Better program was implemented through a two-session educational workshop taught by masters-prepared oncology nurses and was held at four Southern California sites of The Wellness Community. The focus of the sessions was to provide participants with general information about each symptom, assessment and management of those symptoms, and strategies for effectively communicating with their healthcare providers. Sessions of 2.5-hour duration were held on Saturday mornings and required preregistration. RESULTS: The participants were primarily female and White, with an average age of 58 years. Participants reported considerable pain and fatigue. They also lacked accurate information about pain management. Program evaluation revealed that the content and format were well received by the participants. They rated the program as extremely useful and reported positive outcomes after the first session. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This pilot educational intervention program has strong implications for multidisciplinary educational approaches for patients with cancer. Limitations resulted from the setting selected and the possibility that participants were already active in their fight against cancer. Generalization to other community settings may not be as successful. Programs could be cosponsored by several collaborating institutions to share resources. Referral to community programs by physicians, nurses, and social workers can occur as needed when identified during patient interventions. The voluntary participation of health professionals in community education programs could provide a valuable service for patients and a rewarding experience for educators.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A multicentre comparative evaluation of catheter valves.

Catheter valves are an alternative to leg bags for urine drainage, but no studies have yet been published which have compared the performance of different valves. This study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of the seven catheter valves available on the UK market in April 1996. The study was carried out by the Continence Products Evaluation (CPE) Network funded by the Medical Devices Agency (Department of Health). Each valve type was tested for 1 week by 19-36 cognitively unimpaired and manually dextrous subjects recruited from 11 test centres. At the end of each week, subjects completed an evaluation form (based on a three-point rating scale) to record product performance. The same catheter valves were also tested for ease of opening/closing by 33 subjects (mostly catheter users) who had some manual impairment. Performance scores varied widely between products. It was found that, to be successful, a valve needs to be easy to manipulate, leak-free, comfortable and inconspicuous. Prescribers need to be aware of the strengths and limitations of different valves for appropriate product selection.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The selection of female urinals: results of a multicentre evaluation.

Female urinals are designed to enable women to empty their bladders while not on the toilet and are therefore potentially useful in preventing incontinence. However, there is little published information to guide product selection. Therefore, an evaluation of these products was undertaken by the Continence Products Evaluation Network (funded by the Medical Devices Agency). All 13 reusable female urinals available in the UK in March 1997 were evaluated. Each urinal was evaluated by 28-32 community-based women. Preliminarily, each subject tested all urinals by trying to place them in one or two of their preferred positions, to establish if the urinals were suitable for full testing. Each of the urinals that were selected for full testing were then used for 1 week each. During this week the subjects kept a diary to record leakage or spillage when using the urinal. At the end of the week a product evaluation form was filled in to record product performance. The results from full testing indicate that all urinals were successful for some subjects. However, some urinals were found to be successful for all four main positions (e.g. Petal Female Urinal) while others were successful mainly in one or two positions (e.g. Bridge Saddle Pan and Subaseal). Many urinals were successful in the standing/crouching and sitting on the edge (of chair or bed) positions, while comparatively few urinals were successful in the lying position. It was found that the chances of finding a suitable urinal increased with levels of independence. This means that subjects with higher levels of dependency found fewer urinals to be suitable for their needs when used without assistance. The results of this evaluation provide guidance for product selection. However, it is recommended that continence specialists keep samples of the full range of female urinals to enable women to experiment with urinals in order to find one that best suits their needs.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

MS prevalence among health-care workers.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Female↗