EFFECTS OF A SOCIAL SUPPORT INTERVENTION ON HEALTH OUTCOMES IN RESIDENTS OF A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER: A PILOT STUDY

This pilot study tested the feasibility and effectiveness of a social support intervention with women (n = 24) while they were in a domestic violence shelter. Health outcomes were examined pre and postintervention using a randomized control design. The intervention group had greater improvement (p = .013) in psychological distress symptoms and greater improvement in perceived availability of social support (p = .016) than the control group. The intervention group showed less health care utilization (p = .032) than the control group. Social support interventions for women in shelters are effective in improving health outcomes. Further research should be aimed at testing the effectiveness of different types of interventions on health and abuse outcomes in women who experience interpersonal violence.     

The Effects of Self-Care Intervention Programs for Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment

This study examined the effects of a self-care intervention program on self-efficacy, dementia-preventive behavior, cognitive function, depression, and quality of life in elderly with mild cognitive impairment. The study employed a quasi-experimental study design using a nonequivalent control group pre-post. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, independent t-test, and repeated-measures ANOVA. The results of the study showed that the program reduced dementia risk and strengthened self-care ability in older adults with MCI.     

Using an Ultrasound Elasticity Microscope to Map Three-Dimensional Strain in a Porcine Cornea

An ultrasound elasticity microscope was used to map 3-D strain volume in an ex vivo porcine cornea to illustrate its ability to measure the mechanical properties of this tissue. Mechanical properties of the cornea play an important role in its function and, therefore, also in ophthalmic diseases such as kerataconus and corneal ectasia. The ultrasound elasticity microscope combines a tightly focused high-frequency transducer with confocal scanning to produce high-quality speckle over the entire volume of tissue. This system and the analysis were able to generate volume maps of compressional strain in all three directions for porcine corneal tissue, more information than any previous study has reported. Strain volume maps indicated features of the cornea and mechanical behavior as expected. These results constitute a step toward better understanding of corneal mechanics and better treatment of corneal diseases.     

Work-related stressors and occurrence of adverse events in an ED

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between 12 work-related stressors and the occurrence of adverse events in an emergency department (ED).MethodsNurses and physicians, working in an ED at a Danish regional hospital, filled out a questionnaire on occurrence and emotional impact of 12 work-related stressors after each shift during a 4-week period. The questionnaire also instructed the participants to describe any adverse events that they were involved in during the shift.ResultsTwo hundred fourteen adverse events were reported during the 979 studied shifts. During the same period, only 27 adverse events were reported to the mandatory national reporting system, and only 10 of these were duplicates. A high variability of stressors and emotional impact among the different groups of participants was found. Linear regression analysis showed an association between involvement in adverse events and the occurrence and emotional impact of stressors across groups, whereas no significant association was found for age, seniority, shift type, or length.ConclusionThe study showed an association between the occurrence and impact of 12 work-related stressors and involvement in adverse events across the groups of participants. Furthermore, the study showed that most adverse events were not reported to the mandatory national reporting system.     

Consumer Participation in Identifying Research and Development Priorities for Power Wheelchair Input Devices and Controllers

A focus group comprised of persons who use power wheelchairs and professionals working in the field were asked to participate in a brainstorming session to determine priorities for the development and application of power mobility input devices and control concepts. The group consensus was that durability and reliability are the most important criteria. Essentially, the expectation is that a power wheelchair must work everyday in the way a person needs it and wants it. At the same time, there is a desire to enhance and advance the features of input devices and control systems. Many would say these changes constitute designing “smarter” power wheelchairs, such as systems that can independently detect obstacles and can provide users with more feedback. This paper presents the rationale behind forming this focus group and details of the results of a brainstorming session where ideas were generated and prioritized. The five most important issues as determined by the group are discussed in depth.