Family-oriented patient care through the residency training cycle.

OBJECTIVE: Because family oriented patient care improves patient outcome and reduces family burden, clinical family skills of communication, assessment, alliance, and support are part of core competencies required of all residents. Teaching residents to "think family" as part of core competencies and to reach out to families requires change in the teaching environment. METHODS: This article advocates teaching residents family skills throughout the training years as an integrated part of routine patient care rather than in isolated family clinics or a course in "family therapy." It reviews family skills required of residents in all treatment settings and family skills that are specific to inpatient, emergency room, outpatient, and consultation-liaison services. RESULTS: Families can be seen in multiple treatment settings throughout resident training using recent research to support appropriate interventions for patients and caregivers. CONCLUSION: The process of establishing change in the training environment requires a commitment on the part of the training faculty to include families, but is possible within the current training framework.     

Communication and mental preparation issues for the epilepsy surgery patient

This paper reviews the importance of adequate communication between the treatment team and the patient and family in epilepsy surgery. Ensuring that patient and family adequately understand the diagnosis, natural history, management alternatives and the risks and outcomes of surgery is a challenge for each epilepsy team. Guidelines as to process and content from the authors' experience and the participants in the workshop are presented.     

Family attributions and coping in the prediction of emotional adjustment in family members of patients with first-episode schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: This study used a stress and coping framework to examine family members' emotional adjustment to caring for a patient with a first episode of schizophrenia. METHOD: One family member providing primary assistance to each of 63 patients with a first episode of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder was interviewed shortly after patient hospitalization. RESULTS: Overall, family members showed evidence of reasonably good emotional adjustment. Select indices of poorer emotional adjustment by family members were linked to (i) attributions in which the patient's psychiatric problems were viewed as a result of the patient's moral failings or psychological problems from earlier life, (ii) coping that was avoidant and (iii) patient management strategies that involved conflict avoidance and authoritarianism/reasoning. CONCLUSION: These findings are consistent with psychoeducational interventions that educate family members about psychiatric illness and assist them in their efforts to cope with and manage patient problems at home.     

A Patient Revoking Consent During Awake Craniotomy: An Ethical Challenge

Purpose. The ethical challenges posed when a patient requests the discontinuation of a procedure during awake neurosurgeries are seldom discussed. We present such a case with a very brief ethics discussion. Case. A patient with idiopathic parkinsonism requested the discontinuation of a surgery in the middle of the implantation of bilateral deep brain stimulator electrodes. In consultation with a clinical bioethicist and the patient's family, the surgical team decided that the patient's current wishes needed to be respected. Subsequently, the surgical team performed the steps necessary to safely halt the surgery. Conclusion. Even though the patient had the privilege of requesting a discontinuation, the surgeon had an obligation to keep the patient safe. Processes should be in place to assist decision‐making about the continuation of awake surgery after such a patient request.     

Posttraumatic stress state: a therapeutic lever

Chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a very complex syndrome which is hard to detect because of the multiplicity of its expressions. Further more, these clinical expressions are far from the "pure" syndrome described in the DSM IV. So, the clinician faces a dilemma: how can he account for the traumatic clues without using the PTSD as a ragbag of a diagnosis? We found the way to discard this dilemma when we decided to use what M. Struber said about her experience with cancer and PTSD. She suggests not to emphasize psychopathology and to use a post-traumatic stress framework. This way to reframe some psychiatric urgencies is very useful because it gives back ability to the patient. When using a post-traumatic stress framework we tell the patient and his family that we acknowledge he has defensible reasons for not managing with an event which, we acknowledge too, was traumatic for him. In that way we begin to explore what each person is experiencing, because the traumatic experiencing is generally shared by the patient and his family. The members of the family are often angry and fed up of the patient behaviour and think themselves as victims of him. On the other part, the patient feels himself as a misunderstood person, victim of the others. The primary trauma is forgotten for a long time or nobody make any link between it and what is happening in the present. The manifestations of the PTSD initiate subsequent aftermaths and suffering for everybody. When working with psychiatric emergencies, we have to manage with acute situations in which each people is both victim and aggressor and in which clinicians run the risk of being given the role of either victim or aggressor. The trial of strength played between the patient and his family is going to be played with the clinician. These situations are described by S. Lamarre when she speaks of "victimisation" and are overloaded with control stake. Each one tries to make the other guilty and disgraced, and the clinician is at risk to feel and/or make feel in the same way the patient and his family. These situations are blocked and the temptation is to resort to a kind of coup when the clinician decides it's enough! and forces his opinion and decision. What is not a very good way to create the essential therapeutic co-operation! In this article we show how using a post-traumatic stress framework is very useful to reframe the situation of "victimisation", give the opportunity to discard its trap, open a new sight which allows to find new solutions and promote a therapeutic co-operation. It's important to stress the fact that it's not efficient to use a post-traumatic stress framework as a formula. The clinician who uses it has to feel it, otherwise he will be unable to co-create this new reality with the system he entered, when receiving the emergency.     

Computer-assisted stereotactic neurosurgery with framework neurosurgery navigation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mechanical registration in a stereotactic system with framework neurosurgery navigation, setting scalp markers as the mutual frame of reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The system can automatically convert the coordinates of the stereotactic device and CT or MRI images, and realize computer-assisted neurosurgery by the stereotactic system (framework neurosurgery navigation). We set targets in the skull; seven patients were operated on by open-skull stereotactic neurosurgery for clinical trials. Three cases were operated on by this method; the other four cases were treated by this method and the ASA620S operation plan system at the same time as a comparison. RESULTS: The targets were accurately located in seven patients. Four patients underwent the two different localization methods; the probe directed equally accurately (vector error: 3.96+/-1.90 vs. 3.26+/-1.22, P=0.06>0.05, paired t-test). All surgical procedures were successful. CONCLUSIONS: Framework neurosurgery navigation has equal localization accuracy compared with the traditional stereotactic device. Framework neurosurgery navigation does not require installation of a stereotactic framework before imaging or narcotic intubation; this differs from the traditional stereotactic technique. It can alleviate patient suffering, shorten preparation time, benefit anesthesia, and aid patient positioning during surgery.     

Family Interactions as Targets for Intervention to Improve Social Adjustment After Epilepsy Surgery

PURPOSE: To identify family interactions associated with psychosocial outcome of epilepsy surgery, to design interventions to improve patient outcome. METHODS: A cross-sectional, case series study of relations among observed family behavior and psychosocial outcome of 43 patients after temporal lobectomy. Videotaped family behavior during family discussion tasks was rated for predominant family affect, affective range, and support of patient autonomy. Multiple regression analyses tested the relation of observed family characteristics to outcomes, controlling for seizure control and other psychological and disease characteristics. RESULTS: Predominant family affect predicted patients' social adjustment independent of postoperative seizure status and other disease characteristics. The relation between predominant affect and social adjustment was stronger among patients with persisting complex partial seizures (CPSs; r = -0.91), versus patients with auras (r = -0.38) and seizure-free patients (r = -0.28; multiple R = 0.71; p < 0.05). Families with a positive affective climate supported patients' autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: Two potential targets were identified for family intervention to improve postsurgical social adjustment: (a) family interactions that support a predominantly positive affective climate, and (b) family interactions that support patient autonomy. These findings are consistent with findings in normal and other clinical populations. They identify specific interactions that give rise to positive versus negative affective climate and support versus undermining of autonomy. These results lay the groundwork for intervention studies targeting these specific family interactions. Such intervention studies would clarify the direction of effect of the observed relationships and would test the efficacy of family intervention for improving psychosocial outcomes for patients with epilepsy.     

Incorporating Evidence From Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenetic Studies of Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs Into Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Practice

PURPOSE. To present a conceptual framework for incorporating pharmacologic findings and pharmacogenetic evidence related to atypical antipsychotic drugs (AADs) into advanced psychiatric nursing practice. CONCLUSIONS. Three evidence domains lend important information about differential AAD response. These include the pharmacology of AADs, the molecular genetics of metabolizing enzymes, and the molecular genetics of neurotransmitter receptor drug targets. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. These evidence domains can be incorporated into nursing practice decisions related to medication planning, patient and family education, and medication monitoring processes. The central focus of the framework is patient outcomes, which include medication adherence, tolerability of the AADs, and demonstrated clinical effectiveness.     

A mnemonic for Parkinson disease patients considering DBS: a tool to improve perceived outcome of surgery

Patients considering deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson disease (PD) may be exposed to videotapes, media coverage, or literature which show dramatic improvements in PD symptoms after surgical intervention. Based on this information, patients may seek a medical center with expertise in DBS for an evaluation and assessment of their candidacy for surgery. If patients receive a device, they may be disappointed or despondent following surgery because of a failure to achieve a preconceived and unrealistic outcome. In order to address the important issue of patient misconception of potential outcome, we have introduced a simple mnemonic device. The device may be taught and then reviewed with patients and families both before and after surgery. Use of this mnemonic device may allow the patient and family the time necessary to alter the perception of perceived benefit. This education can help to ensure that outcome meets or exceeds expectation, and as a result they become a more satisfied and easy-to-manage DBS patient.     

精神分裂症患者的家庭照料负担研究

目的调查精神分裂症患者的家庭照料负担。方法采用家庭负担会谈量表（family interview schedule，FIS）和自编量表为工具，调查了男、女精神分裂症各50例家庭照料负担。结果照料者的负担明显，主要涉及家庭经济、家庭娱乐活动、家庭关系、家庭日常生活、照料者的心理和躯体健康；男性患者的照料者其家庭娱乐活动所受影响比女性患者的照料者明显；女性照料者感到负担重，且直接照料时问越多，负担越重；无工作的男性患者的照料者负担高于有工作患者的照料者。结论精神分裂症的患者对家庭照料者的影响和所造成的负担。应该引起社会足够重视。     

Objective and subjective dimensions of family burden

Summary In this article the consequences for those in close contact with a severely disturbed psychiatric patient, the burden of the family, are elaborated within an integrative framework. Burden areas are described and their objective and subjective dimensions are distinquished. The framework comprises three approaches: the systems approach, role theory and the stress process. An outline of the more important burden instruments developed up to now and suggestions for further research are given.     

骑跨横窦的硬膜外血肿临床诊疗分析

目的探讨骑跨横窦的硬膜外血肿的形成机制及临床治疗方法和疗效。方法对2007年1月至2011年1月间26例颅脑外伤致骑跨横窦的硬膜外血肿患者的临床表现、受伤机制、影像学资料、手术方式及疗效进行分析。手术清除血肿采用幕上骨瓣、幕下骨窗、保留骨桥,幕上、下骨窗和幕下骨窗三种手术方式。结果 26例患者有23例行手术治疗,2例血肿量少而保守治疗,1例家人放弃治疗。26例患者按GOS评分,23例手术患者中有22例恢复良好,中残1例,2例保守治疗的患者恢复良好,1例放弃治疗患者死亡。结论骑跨横窦的硬膜外血肿重在早期发现、早期诊断、早期治疗,有手术指征,尽早手术,预后较好。     

Quality of life following epilepsy surgery for children with tuberous sclerosis complex

Parents of children with tuberous sclerosis complex who underwent multistage resections for treatment of refractory seizures were offered a telephone questionnaire regarding quality of life (QOL) of child and family since surgery. Of 53 families, 39 responded. Age at epilepsy onset was birth to 3 months. Average duration of epilepsy before the first surgery was 5.1 years, and average age at surgery was 5.8. The average follow-up was 3.9. Seventy-seven percent had a >90% reduction in disabling seizures. In all outcome categories, 46-85% had at least a moderate improvement in QOL. There was a significant correlation between QOL variables and Engel outcome class. Despite the potential burden posed by the aggressive surgical approach, including multiple surgeries and long hospitalization periods, 94% of parents would choose the same course once again. We conclude that aggressive surgical treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex-related refractory seizures is associated with significant control of epilepsy as well as improved QOL for the patient and family.     

A view from Riggs: treatment resistance and patient authority--VI. Working with family resistance to treatment

Resistance to treatment is not only seen in the therapeutic dyad of patient and therapist. It can also be manifest in the interaction between the family, the patient, and the clinicians providing treatment. Psychodynamic and family systems perspectives can be useful in understanding the systemic and unconscious dynamics that comprise this form of resistance. Family therapy may be an effective modality for addressing family resistance, can be integrated with a psychodynamic approach, and may facilitate establishing a working alliance that allows therapeutic change and growth.     

Profiling the evolution of depression after epilepsy surgery

Purpose: Both neurobiologic and psychosocial factors have been proposed to account for the high prevalence of depression surrounding epilepsy surgery. Using a prospective longitudinal approach, this study aimed to profile the evolution of depression after epilepsy surgery at multiple time points, including early and longer‐term follow‐up. We also sought to identify neurobiologic and psychosocial predictors of depression before and after surgery, including whether patients undergoing mesial temporal lobe resection (MTR) were at greater risk of depression than patients undergoing nonmesial temporal lobe resection (NMTR). Methods: Sixty patients undergoing epilepsy surgery (38 MTR, 22 NMTR) for the treatment of medically intractable seizures were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively in the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program of Austin Health. The diagnosis of depression was based on DSM‐IV criteria for major depressive disorder, as assessed from a mental state examination. The Austin CEP Interview was used to obtain a detailed psychosocial assessment of each patient and family members. Key Findings: Before surgery, 43% of patients had a lifetime prevalence of depression, with no difference between the proportion of patients in the MTR (40%) and NMTR groups (50%). Predictive factors included a family history of psychiatric illness (p = 0.015) and financial dependence of either family members or government income benefits (p = 0.024). Discriminant function analysis indicated that these factors classified 69% of cases correctly (p = 0.006, partial η² = 0.06). In the 12 months following surgery, 37% of MTR and 27% of NMTR patients experienced major depression, with no significant difference between the two groups. The majority of depressed patients (70%) were diagnosed in the first 3 months and in 65% of diagnosed cases, the depression persisted for at least 6 months within the follow‐up period. The pattern of recurrent and de novo depression differed significantly between the groups, with 13% of MTR patients developing de novo major depression in comparison to no NMTR patients (p = 0.05). A preoperative history of depression (p = 0.003) and poor postoperative family dynamics (1 month, p < 0.001; 3 months, p = 0.007; 6 months, p = 0.021; 12 months, p = 0.097) were predictive of depression after surgery. These factors correctly classified 78% of cases (p = 0.000, partial η² = 0.19). Significance: The findings of this study confirm high rates of major depression before and after epilepsy surgery, the etiology of which is multifactorial. They highlight the need for thorough assessment and diagnosis before surgery, as well as the provision of routine follow‐up and psychological support, particularly early after surgery. When estimating level of risk for depression, patients should be counseled about the role of both neurobiologic and psychosocial factors. Before surgery, these include a family history of psychiatric illness and financial dependence, whereas poor family adjustment to life after surgery and a patient preoperative history of depression were risk factors for postoperative depression. Finally, disruption to mesial temporal structures known to play a role in mood via MTR may place patients at increased risk of new‐onset depression after surgery.     

Cerebral lateralization in two cases of crossed dextral aphasia with right-hemisphere arteriovenous malformation

This paper reports two cases of crossed dextral aphasia. The first patient was a 60-year-old right-handed male with no family history of sinistrality. He experienced sudden onset of left hemiplegia and loss of consciousness. A CT scan showed high-density area in the right fronto-parietal region. An angiography revealed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the right parietal lobe. It was fed by a branch of the middle cerebral artery and drained through a cortical vein. Neuropsychological examination one week after the surgery showed severe defects of all language moderalities. He was alert and cooperative, but completely mute. He recognized common words by auditory and visual stimuli, but could not perform simple command. He wrote some meaningless letters when asked to write his own name. Auditory and reading comprehension gradually improved thereafter, but Broca's type of aphasia with non-fluent hesitant and effortful output was still present four months after the surgery. The second patient was a 38-year-old right-handed male. All members of this family are right-handed except for one sister who is left-handed. He suddenly suffered left hemiparesis and loss of consciousness. A CT scan disclosed a right parietal intracerebral hematoma. And an AVM which was fed by the angular artery and drained through a cortical vein was angiographically demonstrated in the same area. Postoperatively the left hemiparesis rapidly disappeared, but left homonymous hemianopsia and anomic type of aphasia still persisted. His speech was fluent and daily communication was possible in spite of circumlocutory paraphasic output.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Scoliosis in cerebral palsy

Spinal deformity is a common musculoskeletal problem for individuals with cerebral palsy. Severe scoliosis may impair physical function and may be a source of pain. Spine braces and carefully constructed seating arrangements may moderate the behavior of these deformities but do not seem capable of stopping progression, which often continues in adulthood. Spine fusion surgery can produce a stable, durable trunk shape that improves sitting and positioning but the process of surgery is arduous and outcomes can be compromised by numerous serious complications. Despite complications, many families and caregivers express satisfaction with the results of surgery. Careful patient evaluation, studious attention to surgical planning and performance, and a good relationship with patients, family members, and other providers is essential.     

On letting go: the patient, haemodialysis and opting out

The title of this article refers not only to the patient who decides to let go of life, the quality of which on dialysis is such that death is preferable, but also to the family and the renal unit staff who have to let go of the patient who makes this decision. One such case is described in detail since the problem is not one restricted to the treatment of end-stage renal failure alone, but occurs more and more frequently in other branches of medicine and surgery.