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PubMed2006

[Qualitative research: an introduction to focus group methodology and its application].

The focus group interview, an increasingly popular method in qualitative research, is used to obtain information that is highly accurate and relevant through a dynamic group interactive technique. Focus groups are used to gather ideas, opinions, perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs based on participants experiences in a defined area of interest. Focus groups can be used during the preliminary or exploratory stage of a study; during the course of a study (e.g., to develop or evaluate a particular / interesting program of activities); or after a program has been completed (e.g., to assess impact or generate further avenues of research). Focus group interviews can be used either as a method in their own right or as a complement to other methods, especially to check triangulation and validity. While our study concluded that focus group interviews are an "easy and cost efficient" method to collect quality data, validity and relationship issues between focus group data and other data must be determined and considered in the results. This article introduces the background, definitions, focus group process, participants, interview guidelines, moderator responsibilities, and data collection and analysis related to the focus group methodology.

Focus Groups↗
PubMed1983

Early adolescent deaf boys: a biopsychosocial approach.

In this chapter I have reviewed observations from clinical consultation and group-therapy work with early adolescent deaf boys in a special day school for the deaf. I have stressed how problems in communication exert a profound effect on the lives of these youngsters, both by virtue of their past and present influence on family life and by their ongoing effect on peer-group processes and academic adjustment. Primary consideration was given to certain "here and now" aspects of these boys' lives: ongoing problems in the social fabric of their home and school; narcissistic vulnerabilities and defenses against shame; and language-processing difficulties. The ways in which these problems undermine the supportive effect of the peer group at a time when it plays a particularly important role in development were reviewed. By emphasizing current sources of difficulty, using a biopsychosocial approach, I hope to point out fruitful opportunities for significant psychiatric intervention in a psychiatrically vulnerable population whose needs for professional service have never been met.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Team work in a family health care program: the team process concept and operational teams].

This work is a theoretical revision of team work in a family Health Care Program. We define team work in the health care field as a relationship network among people, power, knowledge, affection, and wishes, when there is a possibility of identifying group processes. We deal with concepts of Operational Group from the Argentinean School, which might help health professionals to get training in team work. We have visible (spoken) and invisible (unspoken) tasks within teams, which are modified and need to be combined and known. Communication, learning, the feeling of belonging, the atmosphere, the actions' pertinence for the team's purpose and power relations may help the team to get to know and analyze each other and to build a team. External supervision may help the team to turn itself into an operational team, working towards a life care project.

Cooperative Behavior↗
PubMed1999

Countertransference problems in the treatment of a mixed group of war veterans and female partners of war veterans.

AIM: Analysis of countertransference problems in the treatment of a heterogeneous group of war veterans. METHOD: The method used in this work was psychodynamic clinical observation and analysis of countertransference phenomena in group therapy. RESULTS: In the beginning of our work, we faced with a regressive group, which was behaving as it was re-born. The leading subject in the group was aggression and the need for hospitalization to protect them and their environment from their violence. With the development of group processes, a feeling of helplessness and lack of perspective appeared, together with suicidal ideas, which, because of the development of group cohesion and trust, could be openly discussed. With time, the group became a transitional object for its members, an object that gave them a feeling of safety but also a feeling of dependence. CONCLUSION: The role of the therapist is to support group members in becoming independent. The therapist's function is in controlling, containing, and analyzing of the destructive, regressive part and in encouraging the healthy parts of the patient. With the integration of good therapeutic process, the healthy parts of the patient gain control over his or her regressive parts.

Countertransference↗
PubMed2005

Attentional modulation of perceptual grouping in human visual cortex: functional MRI studies.

When presented with a complex visual scene, our visual system has to organize the discrete entities present into useful perceptual units. The current work investigated the neural substrates of perceptual grouping defined by Gestalt laws of proximity and similarity of shape, and whether the neural substrates underlying perceptual grouping are modulated by task relevance and spatial attention. In visual discrimination tasks, subjects identified the orientations of perceptual groups formed by proximity or similarity of local elements or alternatively identified colors of either dots around the grouped stimuli or the fixation cross. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we identified that the calcarine cortex was involved in proximity grouping but not in the grouping process defined by similarity of shape. Moreover, we showed evidence that the neural correlates of proximity grouping in the calcarine cortex were weakened when the elements were of low task relevance and fell outside an attended area of field. The findings reveal the neural basis for basic grouping operations, as well as illustrating how attention and proximity grouping interact in human visual cortex.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The effectiveness of a mutual support group for family caregivers of a relative with dementia.

This experimental study compared the effectiveness of providing a mutual support group program for family caregivers of a relative with dementia with that of conventional family service available to this group in Hong Kong. Fifty-two family caregivers from two centers participated in the study. A protocol, specifically designed to guide the mutual support group process and the facilitator and peer leader training, was based on evidence from other family support group intervention studies. Significant differences were found for distress levels and quality of life, with the mutual support group having greater improvements than the control group. The results of this study show the importance of psychosocial support beyond conventional services generally offered to family caregivers in dementia care.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

An investigation of weak syllable processing in deaf children with cochlear implants.

In this study the influence of prosodic foot structure on the processing of weak syllables in children with cochlear implants (CI) was investigated. A battery of tests investigating processing of weak syllables in single and multi-word utterances was carried out on four groups of children: 15 children with CI developing spoken language as expected (Main CI); five children with CI reported to have additional speech and language problems; 15 age matched; and 15 language matched (LM) children with normal hearing (NH). Children in the main CI and, to a lesser extent, the LM groups processed footed weak syllables preferably over unfooted weak syllables (particularly as memory load increased). Thus, these children with CI appear to possess a similar Prosodic Hierarchy (PH) to their LM peers with NH, and possibly due to the impact of delayed and constrained exposure to audition on the development of linguistic processing and short-term memory, are influenced by its foot structure in the processing of weak syllables.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2002

Responses of two strains of female broiler breeders to a midcycle increase in photoperiod.

The influences of strain and a midcycle increase in photoperiod on the reproductive performance of broiler breeder hens were evaluated. At 22 wk of age, Strain X and Y pullets were randomly assigned to one of five groups [processed at 22 wk of age (A), processed after third oviposition (B), processed at 32 wk of age (C-32), processed at 40 wk of age (C40), and processed at 54 wk of age (C-54)] and were placed into individual laying cages. These groups were euthanized at different ages to analyze reproductive and carcass parameters. Photostimulation occurred at 22 wk of age when the photoperiod was increased from 8L:16D to 14L:10D. A light-tight wall partitioned the room into two halves. At 33 wk of age, half of the birds received an increase in photoperiod to 18L:6D, whereas the other half remained at 14L:10D. Body weight and abdominal fat pad weight increased with age. The number of large yellow follicles (LYF) decreased from 8.78 at sexual maturity to 4.60 at 54 wk of age. The number of atretic white follicles (WF) and small yellow follicles (SYF) also increased with age. Although there were no differences in BW, Strain Y had a greater egg weight throughout the laying cycle than Strain X. Peak hen-day egg production was 93.0%, and, overall, egg production was not affected by strain. Reproductive performance and ovarian morphology were not affected by the increase in photoperiod, presumably because peak egg production was so high. Carcass data demonstrated that frame size was determined by sexual maturity, whereas organ weights changed in response to reproductive status.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1990

Mothers' perceptions of a postpartum support group.

A descriptive study was conducted to identify: (1) factors that contributed to continuation of a postpartum support group as perceived by mothers who attended the group and (2) how the group was helpful as perceived by mothers who attended. Twelve mothers who attended at least one postpartum support group meeting participated in an open-ended interview about the support group process and function. Data were content analyzed. Specific factors that contributed to the continuation of the group were identified by the mothers. Factors were: (a) support and reassurance received; (b) group leader(s) knowledge, experience, and dedication; (c) needs of the mothers were met; and (d) provided networking with other mothers. Mothers perceived the support group as helpful as it: (a) offered information and support; (b) provided the opportunity to network about similar problems; (c) helped with the transition to motherhood; and (d) offered the opportunity for mothers to see other children of ages similar to their own. Findings may be helpful to perinatal nurses involved in planning postpartum follow-up visits or a postpartum support group. Use of the information described in this study could help nurses recognize needs and concerns of postpartum women.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

A feedback model for applied research on tobacco control.

Although the health communication program feedback cycle is frequently referenced, the steps for moving between or within the sections of the model in a public health environment are rarely described. We detail the process by which the Texas Tobacco Research Consortium implemented the stage of "assessing effectiveness and making refinement" and expanded it to include a program assessment feedback model. Tools were developed to move the consortium through five stages of the expanded program assessment feedback model: 1) formulate research questions using logic models to identify key evaluation items, 2) format data displays from multiple data sources to address research questions, 3) use a facilitated group process to present and review research findings, 4) prepare group recommendations, and 5) involve local partners to translate recommendations into practice. The process allowed us to sift through a large volume of information and prepare data-based program recommendations. A Web-based reporting system provided timely access to community-based program activity data and process indicators that, when linked to logic models, provided actionable items for program improvement. Partnerships among researchers and state and local practitioners created the conditions for implementing the recommendations. Program changes included revisions to program materials, target audiences, and evaluation instruments for a community-based tobacco-cessation campaign. The systematic approach allowed translation of research into practice and should be applicable to other areas of population-based health promotion.

Health Education↗
PubMed2003

Sibling dynamics and group psychotherapy.

The role of sibling dynamics in group psychotherapy has received relatively little attention in the literature. Our clinical experience suggests that sibling issues regularly arise in the practice of group psychotherapy. This article provides an integrative view of sibling relationships from a family systems and self psychology orientation to group therapy. Special emphasis is placed on developmental and cultural differences as they affect sibling dynamics and the group leader's role. A number of case examples are offered to illustrate ways to view clinical challenges in a manner consistent with the influence of sibling relationships on group members and group process.

Culture↗
PubMed1991

A typology of the here-and-now: issues in group therapy.

This article categorizes the range of here-and-now issues and behaviours that occur in group therapy and are the legitimate concern of the group. It distinguishes those internal events that occur as an integral part of the group process from those external issues that occur in members daily lives and that they bring to the group for its attention. These problems are further categorized by whether they are structural in nature or interactionist in nature. Thus here-and-now group behaviors can be categorized by whether they are (1) internal structural, (2) internal interactionist, (3) external structural, or (4) external interactionist.

Humans↗
PubMed1999

[Efficient learning with data from own practice--experiences from the SATS-project].

Between 1995 and 1998 the Norwegian Medical Association carried out a project to develop and assess a quality improvement tool for use in general practice (SATS). This method combines self-directed learning, documentation of practice and peer group support. SATS defined performance indicators for registration of practice by means of computerised patient records. Groups of four to ten general practitioners used their own consultation data as a basis for learning cycles. The practice evaluation indicates significant improvement in clinical work. Participating doctors found that having their own recorded data examined in a supportive peer environment was a major force for change. They reported satisfaction with the method, and expressed an interest in trying out new topics. However, the project demonstrated the need for simplification of terminology, further development of group process methods and computer software. There is also a need for strong local support of peer review groups.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed2002

[Discussion group upon unemployment. The report of an experience].

The present paper is the outcome of a Discussion Group focused on unemployment. The experience was carried out in an institution of Ituzaingo, Provincia de Buenos Aires. The Group activities were designed to prevent social damage. The Group was designed as a space to contain the participants, generate their reflection and make possible new alternatives to their situation. This paper describes the main psychosocial indicators emerging along the Group process, outlining stigmatization and guilt as dominant representations. The paper highlights the importance of the above mentioned groups regarding social damage recomposition, as well as the elaboration of alternatives to face social problems such as unemployment.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1993

Using standard treatment protocols to manage costs and quality of hospital services.

The current health care environment has made it critically important that hospital costs and quality be managed in an integrated fashion. Promised health care reforms are expected to make cost reduction and quality enhancement only more important. Traditional methods of hospital cost and quality control have largely been replaced by such approaches as practice parameters, outcomes measurement, clinical indicators, clinical paths, benchmarking, patient-centered care, and a focus on patient selection criteria. This Special Report describes an integrated process for strategically managing costs and quality simultaneously, incorporating key elements of many important new quality and cost control tools. By using a multidisciplinary group process to develop standard treatment protocols, hospitals and their medical staffs address the most important services provided within major product lines. Using both clinical and financial data, groups of physicians, nurses, department managers, financial analysts, and administrators redesign key patterns of care within their hospital, incorporating the best practices of their own and other institutions. The outcome of this process is a new, standardized set of clinical guidelines that reduce unnecessary variation in care, eliminate redundant interventions, establish clear lines of communication for all caregivers, and reduce the cost of each stay. The hospital, medical staff, and patients benefit from the improved opportunities for managed care contracting, more efficient hospital systems, consensus-based quality measures, and reductions in the cost of care. STPs offer a workable and worthwhile approach to positioning the hospital of the 1990s for operational efficiency and cost and quality competitiveness.

Clinical Protocols↗
PubMed1982

Defense mechanisms in reactive and process schizophrenics.

Divided schizophrenics into reactive and process groups (20 males and 20 females in each group) on the basis of three criteria: Premorbid adjustment, role orientation, and paranoid-nonparanoid status. All were administered the Defense Mechanism Inventory, which measures five clusters of defenses. Reactives had significantly higher scores than process patients on Turning against Self and Projection. Process patients had significantly higher scores on Reversal. No significant differences between groups were found on Turning against Object and Principalization, nor were there significant sex differences. The results support the probability of different defensive preferences for the reactive and process syndromes.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Changes in personal construing in three psychotherapy groups and a control group.

Two repertory grids were administered at four-weekly intervals to members of three psychotherapy groups and one waiting-list control group. Individualized and general predictions of possible therapeutic change were made. More individualized than general predictions were confirmed, adding further support to the use of client-centred outcome measures. The outcome data indicated significant improvement in each therapy group. Process results were consonant with Yalom's (1970) curative factors of universality, modelling and family re-enactment and Malan's (1979) resolution of triangle of person. Finally, a model for further evaluation of group psychotherapy is outlined developing personal construct methodology within a group setting.

Adult↗