scholarly journals Perceived Outcomes of Spiritual Healing: Results from a Prospective Case Series

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 265-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Teut ◽  
Florian Besch ◽  
Claudia M. Witt ◽  
Barbara Stöckigt
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Spiritual Healing ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Perceived Outcomes

Background: The aims of this pilot study were to observe perceived outcomes of spiritual healing in Germany. Patients and Methods: In this prospective case study, we performed qualitative interviews with clients and healers about perceived outcomes of spiritual healing treatments. A directed qualitative content analysis was used. In addition, we applied questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Sense of Coherence 13, SpREUK-15, intensity of complaints on visual analogue scale) at baseline and after week 1, month 2 and month 6 which were analysed descriptively. Results: Seven healers and 7 clients participated, 42 interviews were analysed. In the interviews, the clients described positive body sensations, greater relaxation and well-being as short-term effects of healing treatments. Perceived longer-term effects were related to making significant life changes, creating new meanings, activating resources and improving social relationships. Patients in pain described a reduction of pain intensity. In the questionnaires, the clients reported improvements in quality of life and self-efficacy, to a smaller extent improvements of intensity of complaints and sense of coherence. Conclusion: The results from this pilot study could be useful to choose outcomes of future prospective studies with a larger sample: qualitative assessments combined with global and broad quantitative outcomes such as quality of life, self-efficacy and intensity of complaints could be applied.

“I Would Like to Have a Normal Brother but I’m Happy With the Brother That I Have”: A Pilot Study About Intellectual Disabilities and Family Quality of Life From the Perspective of Siblings

2021 ◽  
pp. 0192513X2110428
Author(s):  
Raquel A. Correia ◽  
Maria João Seabra-Santos
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Quality Of Life ◽  
Adult Sibling ◽  
The Disabled

The relationships between siblings are the most long-lasting in families. When one of the siblings is a person with intellectual disabilities (ID), this relationship assumes an even more important role since this brother/sister will most likely become the disabled individual’s main caregiver. This pilot study had two aims: to explore the experience as an adolescent or adult sibling of a person with ID and to understand the perceptions of these siblings about quality of life as a sibling and about family quality of life. In-depth interviews were conducted with six siblings. The results showed that the experience of a sibling is positive and the acceptance process is of extreme importance. The domains which, from the sibling perspective, contribute to family quality of life are as follows: Family relationships, Acceptance, Health, Influence of values, Financial well-being, Support from others, and Leisure activities. The implications of these findings for intervention are pointed out.

scholarly journals “VelaMente?!” - Sailin in a Crew to Improve Self-Efficacy in People with Psychosocial Disabilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 200-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Sancassiani ◽  
Alessio Cocco ◽  
Giulia Cossu ◽  
Stefano Lorrai ◽  
Giuseppina Trincas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Waiting List ◽  
Treatment As Usual

Introduction:It has been proposed that sailing can improve quality of life, personal and social skills of people with severe psychosocial disabilities. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a psychosocial rehabilitative intervention focused on sailing on quality of life, self-efficacy and sense of coherence in people with severe psychosocial disabilities.Methods:The study was a randomized, with parallel groups, waiting-list controlled trial. Participants were 51 people with severe psychosocial disabilities. The intervention was a structured course to learn sailing in a crew lasting three months. A randomized group began the sailing course immediately after a pre-treatment assessment; the waitlist group began the sailing course after a three months period of treatments as usual. Participants were assessed before and after the sailing course, or the waiting list period, on the General Self-Efficacy scale (GSES), Sense Of Coherence scale (SOC) and Health Survey-short form (SF-12).Results:Self-efficacy significantly increased after the sailing course and decreased after treatment as usual (p=0.015). Sense of coherence and the levels of quality of life tended to improve after the sailing course, albeit below levels of statistical significance.Conclusion:When compared to more traditional psychosocial rehabilitative activities, an intervention focused on sailing in a crew positively impacts the sense of coherence and the levels of quality of life and significantly improves self-efficacy of people with severe psychosocial disabilities. Further longitudinal research is required.

scholarly journals A mixed-methods pilot study of ‘LIFEView’ audiovisual technology: Virtual travel to support well-being and quality of life in palliative and end-of-life care patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 954-965
Author(s):  
Monisha Kabir ◽  
Jill L Rice ◽  
Shirley H Bush ◽  
Peter G Lawlor ◽  
Colleen Webber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Preliminary Data ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Spiritual Well Being

Background: There is evidence that psychosocial and spiritual interventions of short duration, such as reminiscence therapy, provide positive impacts on quality of life and emotional and existential well-being in adults receiving palliative care. Aim: To determine (1) the feasibility of integrating ‘LIFEView’, a video-based software with >1600 videos of world destinations, in palliative care settings, and (2) positive, neutral or harmful effects of using ‘LIFEView’ videos. Design: A mixed-methods pre–post intervention pilot study was conducted to collect feasibility and preliminary data on physical and psychological symptoms, physiological indicators, spiritual well-being and aspects of quality of life. Setting/participants: Adult patients on an inpatient palliative care unit or receiving care from a community palliative care consultation team who were capable of providing consent and completing the outcome measures were eligible participants. Results: Overall, 27/41 (66%) participants took part in the study. Feasibility criteria, including participant acceptability, low participant burden, tool completion rate and retention rate, were fulfilled, though challenges were experienced with recruitment. Modest improvements, though non-significant, were shown on preliminary data collected on physical and psychological symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System–revised, spiritual well-being assessed by the 12-item Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Spiritual Well-Being scale and physiological measurements. Qualitative analysis revealed five themes: motivations for using ‘LIFEView’, perceptions of the technology, reminiscence, ‘LIFEView’ as an adaptable technology and ongoing or future use. Conclusion: A future adequately powered study to investigate the impacts of ‘LIFEView’ on patient well-being and quality of life appears to be feasible.

scholarly journals Quality of Life, Self-Efficacy and Psychological Well-Being in Brazilian Adults with Cancer: A Longitudinal Study

Psychology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 03 (04) ◽  
pp. 304-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Kern de Castro ◽  
Clarissa Ponciano ◽  
Bruna Meneghetti ◽  
Marina Kreling ◽  
Carolina Chem
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being

Quality of Life after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Biliary Dyskinesia in the Pediatric Population: A Pilot Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damian Maxwell ◽  
Stephanie Thompson ◽  
Bryan Richmond ◽  
Jillian McCagg ◽  
Adam Ubert
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Biliary Dyskinesia ◽  
Gallbladder Ejection Fraction

This pilot study examined symptom relief and quality of life in pediatric patients who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery at our institution for biliary dyskinesia. We used two validated questionnaires: the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ-PF28), to assess general well-being, and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), to measure gastrointestinal-related health. After Institutional Review Board approval, all patients under the age of 18 years who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia between November 2006 and May 2010 received mailed questionnaires. Preoperative and postoperative data were retrospectively collected from respondents and included age, race, symptoms, gallbladder ejection fraction values, pathologic findings, and clinical course. Of 89 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 21 responded. Mean age at surgery was 13.08 years (range, 8 to 17 years). The most common preoperative symptoms consisted of nausea (100%), postprandial pain (90.5%), right upper quadrant pain (81.0%), and vomiting (66.7%). Mean long-term follow-up interval was 18.9 months (range, 7 to 40 months; SD 10.37). Patients with long-term symptom relief reported significantly higher GIQLI scores than those with enduring symptoms. Examination of the results from the CHQ-PF28 revealed significantly lower scores than a general U.S. pediatric sample in both the Physical and Psychosocial Summary Measures ( P < 0.05). Children experiencing long-term symptom cessation after laparoscopic cholecystectomy reported higher quality of life than those who had incomplete or only short-term relief. However, regardless of the degree of symptom relief, the degree of quality of life experienced by our study sample of patients with biliary dyskinesia is lower than that of a comparable U.S. pediatric sample.

Does Illness Behavior Contribute to the Understanding of Self-Efficacy and Quality of Life Among People With Hearing Loss? A Test of Concept

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Kirsty N. Prior ◽  
Verity E. Bond ◽  
Malcolm J. Bond
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Illness Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reported Data

Purpose: The study sought to first confirm the mediating role of self-efficacy (SE) in the link between hearing loss and reduced quality of life (QOL) and introduce the construct of illness behavior (IB) as a further correlate of self-reported QOL that may itself be mediated by SE. Method: Cross-sectional data were attained using a questionnaire that was completed by 61 adults with self-reported acquired hearing loss. Results: Support was provided for low SE being a barrier to QOL, with hearing loss only predictive of emotional QOL when SE was an intermediary (mediating) variable. Cognitive and affective indices of IB also predicted QOL. Those participants with elevated emotional distress and, to a lesser extent, exaggerated concerns for their health, were found to have both lower SE and poorer QOL. Conclusions: Attempts to replicate these findings longitudinally and with larger and more diverse samples (e.g., congenital or illness-derived hearing loss) are encouraged. A more objective assessment of hearing loss may also reduce the potential for spurious associations that may arise from the use of self-reported data. Nevertheless, the analytical results provide encouragement for the continued consideration of IB in the evaluation of the well-being of individuals with hearing loss. It is proposed that IB could be a useful supplement to the study of motivation among this cohort, such as an addition to the commonly used Health Belief Model, to improve the predictive validity of appropriate health behaviors.

Outcomes of a pilot study exploring the role of digital health coaching for men with prostate cancer.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (28_suppl) ◽  
pp. 102-102
Author(s):  
Nathan Handley ◽  
Kuang-Yi Wen ◽  
Sameh Gomaa ◽  
Ayako Shimada ◽  
Benjamin Leiby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Health Coaching ◽  
Financial Toxicity

102 Background: As the most common cancer among men in the US, prostate cancer (PCa) affects nearly 250,000 men annually, accounting for over 13% of all new cancer cases. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during and post-treatment is impacted by sexual, urinary and bowel function which can persist for months or years after treatment completion. As individuals primarily manage such symptoms in the community setting there is a need for interventions that can address overall health and wellness concerns needs of men with PCa beyond the clinical setting. Digital health coaching (DHC) is one such solution that has potential to address HRQoL for individuals with cancer. Methods: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of a DHC program for individuals with PCa. One hundred English-speaking men with PCa requiring active treatment within the past 2 years were recruited from across the Delaware Valley. Consented individuals were enrolled in a 3-month DHC program, consisting of a weekly call from a health advisor along with delivery of evidence-based supplemental content via text or email focused on exercise nutrition, physical, emotional and sexual health, as well as financial toxicity. Secondary endpoints evaluated the relationship between the DHC intervention and health self-efficacy, as measured by the Cancer Behavior Inventory-Brief Form (CBI-B), quality of life (EPIC-CP), financial toxicity (COST) and global health (PROMIS- SF10). Results: 82 individuals enrolled in the study for which the mean age was 68 years old (1.2 % Black, 2.4% Rural). The feasibility threshold of 60% was met with 58 individuals completing the 3-month program (proportion = 70.7%, 90% CI: 61.4, 78.9). Health self-efficacy improved with a mean change in CBI-B of 4.1 (95% CI: 0.4, 7.8). The financial toxicity improved with a mean score change of 2.5 (95% CI: 1.0, 4.0). All symptom scores of EPIC-CP were improved by showing a decrease of mean scores. PROMIS-GH also improved in both mental and physical health domains with mean changes of 0.5 and 1.4 (95% CIs for mental: -1.6, 2.6, for physical: -0.1, 2.8). Conclusions: DHC demonstrated feasibility in a cross-sectional population of men with PCA recruited in the community setting. Data suggest that HRQoL, health-self efficacy and global health can be positively impacted by DHC. Results support the further evaluation of DHC in larger RCTs.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Impact of Tango Argentino versus Tai Chi on Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson Disease: A Short Report

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 398-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Désirée Poier ◽  
Daniela Rodrigues Recchia ◽  
Thomas Ostermann ◽  
Arndt Büssing
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Parkinson Disease ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Short Report ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with increasing impairments in disease progression. The aim of the pilot study was to investigate the influence of Tango argentino on the quality of life of people with PD compared to Tai Chi. Design, Setting, Interventions: In the two-arm, randomized controlled pilot study, patients with PD received a 10-week Tango argentino or Tai Chi intervention (once per week, 60 min each). Main Outcome Measures: The outcome parameters were assessed at three time points (after the 1st course, after the 5th course, and after the 10th course) using standardized instruments, i.e., Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), Brief Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale (BMLSS), Inner Congruence with Practices (ICPH). Results: Overall, 14 patients and their partners received Tango argentino (9 male, 5 female; mean age: 69 ± 8 years) and 15 received Tai Chi (3 male, 12 female; mean age: 69 ± 11 years). Four patients in each group were lost during the trial. No improvements were found in both groups for all outcomes. Patients in the tango group reported better emotional well-being (p = 0.039) after 10 weeks of intervention compared to the Tai Chi group. Conclusions: Further studies are needed taking into account findings from this study to improve recruitment and attrition of patients during the trial and to justify the potential implementation of Tango argentino into clinical care.

scholarly journals Understanding the impacts of care farms on health and well-being of disadvantaged populations: a protocol of the Evaluating Community Orders (ECO) pilot study

BMJ Open ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (10) ◽  
pp. e006536 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Elsey ◽  
R Bragg ◽  
M Elings ◽  
J E Cade ◽  
C Brennan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ethical Review ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Disadvantaged Groups ◽  
Effectiveness Of Care ◽  
Health And Well Being

IntroductionCare farms, where all or part of the farm is used for therapeutic purposes, show much potential for improving the health and well-being of a range of disadvantaged groups. Studies to date have been qualitative or observational, with limited empirical evidence of the effectiveness of care farms in improving health and well-being. Understanding the underlying mechanisms that lead to improvements for different disadvantaged groups is a further gap in the evidence. Participants in this study are offenders serving community orders. Their low socioeconomic status and poor health outcomes relative to the general population exemplifies disadvantage.Methods and analysisThis paper describes the protocol of a study to understand the impacts of care farms and to pilot the design and tools for a study to assess cost-effectiveness of care farms in improving the quality of life of offenders. As a pilot study, no power calculation has been conducted. However, 150 offenders serving community sentences on care farms and 150 on other probation locations (eg, litter picking, painting) will be recruited over a 1-year period. Changes in quality of life, measured by Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation–Outcome Measure, health and reconvictions of offenders at care farms compared to other probation locations will be analysed to inform the sample size calculation for the follow on study. The feasibility of recruitment, retention, collecting cost data and modelling cost-effectiveness will also be assessed. The study will use qualitative methods to explore the experiences of offenders attending care farms and perceptions of probation and care farm staff on the processes and impacts of the intervention.Ethics and disseminationFindings will be published and inform development of a natural experiment and will be disseminated to probation services, care farms and academics. University of Leeds Ethical Review Board approved: SoMREC/13/014. National Offender Management Service (NOMS) approved: 2013-257.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document