Expectations and Self-Care of Family Members in Palliative Care. The Analysis of Needs and Workshop Plan

The practice has shown that it is the most emotional and difficult situation when family members care for their beloved ones, who suffer from cancer, all the time and without rest.During care of their ill family members they have not only different emotional reactions, but they have special needs in the field of care and support as well. The purpose of this study was to analyze and describe family members’ needs and expectations during the process of care, and according to the analysis, to create a training course for family members who look after relatives with cancer. The study involved both qualitative descriptive methods based on face-to-face interview focused on self-care, needs, problems and support to family members as well as expectations addressed at hospice staff. Ten family members of patients who were under palliative care (hospitalized in palliative care in-patient department) were asked to give interviews in the field of their expectations, needs and difficulties as caregivers while caring about their beloved ones with cancer. The results have shown, that among caregivers, 90% reported the need for self-care in the field: being listened to, information, ability to deal with stress, communications skills. Only one person did not think about her/himself while looking after their beloved ones suffering from cancer. All of the 90% family members needed: information about the clinical situation of their beloved ones with cancer, conversations about their experience while caring, and information on what they can do better for their relatives. Overall, caregivers preferred to receive knowledge and information about diet, physical and emotional self-care, communication with relatives about their illness, dying and death. According to that, the curriculum of workshops for family members was created including the course of communication, basic information about the illness and opportunities of care in terms of both physical and emotional health, interpersonal relations, and increasing the feeling of security as well. Conclusion of this study is that caregivers have their own needs and expectations while caring for their family members with cancer. The formal education for the family in the form of workshop may help them in both: caring for the patient and for themselves

The Identification of Recidivism Indicators in Intellectually Disabled Violent Individuals

The Assessment of Risk and Manageability in Intellectually Disabled IndividuaLs who Offend (ARMIDILO) was developed to address the need for assessment tests specifically designed for intellectually disabled (ID) individuals who offend. This is the first study focusing on the application of the ARMIDILO by using comparative current risk assessment tests to evaluate the ARMIDILO as an effective risk assessment tool. In this research 16 ID people who have recorded sexual and or violent behaviour offences were evaluated using the Violent Offender Risk Assessment Scale (VORAS), Static-99 and ARMIDILO risk assessment tests. The ARMIDILO, VORAS and Static-99 assessments were completed using individual history files kept within the Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service. The VORAS and Static-99 were adapted to incorporate reported, but not charged or otherwise litigated offences and convictions. The adapted tests were then compared against the ARMIDILO as a risk assessment tool. Analysis of the ARMIDILO showed strong validity in assessing ID people who offend. The main strength of the ARMIDILO is in identifying the risk needs of the ID person who offends and may be an effective management test when used in assessing individual needs and program implementation. Risk assessment through the ARMIDILO showed similar results to Static-99 but compared only moderately with the VORAS in measuring the risk of re-offending. Future research with a larger population may further validate the reliability of the ARMIDILO as an assessment tool. Adaptation of the current score sheet for use by non-clinical and correctional staff may prove cost effective

Characteristics of Viable and Sustainable Workers for the Year 2015

The purpose of the study was to forecast characteristics of valuable workers within Middle Eastern Tennessee for the year 2015. The following areas were studied as they related to the forecast: (1) the projected employment skill demands of business and industry; (2) the initiatives required and proposed by business and industry to meet their respective employment demands; and (3) the external support by education required for industry and business to meet their employment needs. The Delphi panel was composed of 22 business and industry leaders who were nominated by the county executive of the ten counties of the study, officials at Walters State Community College, and members of the Regional Private Industry Council. The major areas of industry, manufacturing, and health care were represented. In the first round of the study, panelists responded to a questionnaire consisting of 17 open-ended questions that related to the characteristics they perceive as needed by valuable workers for the year 2015. The narrative responses in round one revealed emerging consensus, which was narrowed by the second round iteration. In the second round of the Delphi, panelists responded to 55 items, each measured on a Likert scale and rank ordered the most critical characteristics or initiatives in each category. The results indicate a clear need for workers who possess a strong work ethic, an ability to adapt to the changing workplace, and the willingness and ability to learn, as opposed to purely technical expertise. The findings of the study suggest implications for better articulation between public school curricula and industrial needs

Understanding the ongoing learning needs of Australian metropolitan, rural and remote paediatricians: Evaluation of a neurology outreach programme

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a neurology outreach teaching programme delivered via video-teleconferencing (6 × 60 min live sessions every 6–8 weeks) is acceptable, contributes to understanding and meets the neurology learning needs of Australian paediatricians from metropolitan, rural and remote areas. Methods: A sample of six NSW sites that joined the neurology outreach programme between 2017 and 2019 (Arm 1) and six interstate sites from QLD, WA and TAS who commenced the programme in 2020 (Arm 2) participated. A mixed-methods survey explored participants' learning needs and value of the programme. Results: Forty-six participants submitted programme evaluation surveys (26 arm 1, 20 arm 2); 9 were removed due to insufficient data (n = 37). Quantitative and qualitative data showed the programme was acceptable in format, relevant to practice, appropriate for clinician learning needs, and engaging. Clinicians reported improvement in understanding and confidence. Participants felt more connected/less isolated and up-to-date. Participants reported a positive impact from the programme on approach to neurological problems and ensuing consults, and more differentiated and appropriate paediatric neurology referrals. Conclusion: This study validates the live video-teleconference outreach model as an acceptable, effective and important means of providing continuing neurology education for Australian paediatricians

Qualities of effective teachers who teach disadvantaged students: insights from the Varkey Teacher Ambassador Community

The goal of providing equitable quality education for every child will only be achieved if all children have access to a quality teacher. A shortage of effective teachers disproportionately affects children from poor and marginalized backgrounds. This study investigates the qualities, mindsets and behaviours of effective teachers who work with disadvantaged children using the Varkey Teacher Ambassador community. Our hope is that the findings from this study will inform policy makers across the globe and lead to improved policies to attract, develop, and retain effective teachers to serve the most disadvantaged students