Assessing Wellness Needs of Breast Cancer Survivors in Vermont

Background: • In Vermont, 500 breast cancer diagnoses are made annually. • As of 2005, epidemiological data suggest that as many as 7,000 breast cancer survivors were living in VT. • Dragonheart Vermont’s “Survivorship NOW”4 initiative aims to bridge the gap between treatment and recovery. • A literature review, including the Taking Charge program and a survivor needs assessment done by Dr. Geller, supported conducting a needs assessment in three areas: exercise, nutrition, and emotional support. • UVM COM paired with Dragonheart Vermont’s “Survivorship NOW” initiative to determine how to best address these needs.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1073/thumbnail.jp

Patient experience of home and waiting room blood pressure measurement: a qualitative study of patients with recently diagnosed hypertension

Background Out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement is advocated to confirm hypertension diagnosis. However, little is known about how primary care patients view and use such measurement.Aim To investigate patient experience of out-of-office BP monitoring, particularly home and practice waiting room BP measurement, before, during, and after diagnosis.Design and setting A cross-sectional, qualitative study with patients from two UK GP surgeries participating in a feasibility study of waiting room BP measurement.Method Interviewees were identified from recent additions to the practice hypertension register. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded thematically.Results Of 29 interviewees, 9 (31%) and 22 (76%) had used the waiting room monitor and/or monitored at home respectively. Out-of-office monitoring was used by patients as evidence of control or the lack of need for medication, with the printed results slips from the waiting room monitor perceived to improve ‘trustworthiness’. The waiting room monitor enabled those experiencing uncertainty about their equipment or technique to double-check readings. Monitoring at home allowed a more intensive and/or flexible schedule to investigate BP fluctuations and the impact of medication and lifestyle changes. A minority used self-monitoring to inform drug holidays. Reduced intensity of monitoring was reported with both modalities following diagnosis as initial anxiety or patient and GP interest decreased.Conclusion Home and practice waiting room measurements have overlapping but differing roles for patients. Waiting room BP monitors may be a useful out-of-office measurement modality for patients unwilling and/or unable to measure and record their BP at home

Recovered memories, satanic abuse, Dissociative Identity Disorder and false memories in the UK: a survey of Clinical Psychologists and Hypnotherapists

An online survey was conducted to examine psychological therapists’ experiences of, and beliefs about, cases of recovered memory, satanic / ritualistic abuse, Multiple Personality Disorder / Dissociative Identity Disorder, and false memory. Chartered Clinical Psychologists (n=183) and Hypnotherapists (n=119) responded. In terms of their experiences, Chartered Clinical Psychologists reported seeing more cases of satanic / ritualistic abuse compared to Hypnotherapists who, in turn, reported encountering more cases of childhood sexual abuse recovered for the first time in therapy, and more cases of suspected false memory. Chartered Clinical Psychologists were more likely to rate the essential accuracy of reports of satanic / ritualistic abuse as higher than Hypnotherapists. Belief in the accuracy of satanic / ritualistic abuse and Multiple Personality Disorder / Dissociative Identity Disorder reports correlated negatively with the belief that false memories were possible

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues

People identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) often experience unique issues and needs in the context of cancer care. These include experiences and fear of discrimination within heteronormative healthcare environments, assumptions of cisgender/heterosexual identity, exclusion of same-sex partners from care, and a lack of relevant supportive care and information resources. There are also unique impacts of cancer and treatment on LGBT sexuality and fertility. To provide the best possible care for LGBT people living with and after cancer, providers must understand the specific needs of LGBT people and be aware of strategies to deliver inclusive healthcare services. This chapter presents key background information to contextualize the needs of LGBT people with cancer before discussing specific challenges that LGBT people may face when accessing cancer care. We provide guidance for general cancer care, as well as specific concerns regarding the sexual health and fertility needs of LGBT patients. Finally, we outline issues for consideration by healthcare services seeking to advance LGBT awareness and improve care for this patient group