Therapeutic Communication Methods Targeting Families and Family Members: A Literature Review

Background and Purpose: Therapeutic communication is a new term in family health care nursing, defined by Hohashi (2019) as a method of family intervention, and characterized by inclusion of not only verbal conversation but also nonverbal interaction. However, specific therapeutic communication methods have not been systematized. The purpose of this study was to clarify therapeutic communication methods for families/family members from the perspectives of verbal communication and non-verbal communication through a review of existing literature. Methods: We conducted a search using the medical literature databases PubMed and Ichushi-Web using the keywords “therapeutic communication”. Analysis was performed on seven articles from PubMed and 14 articles from Ichushi-Web that described therapeutic communication methods performed by healthcare professionals for families/family members. Through directed content analysis, therapeutic communication methods were subcategorized, and classified into three categories: verbal communication, non-verbal communication, and verbal/non-verbal communication. Results: A total of 23 subcategories were extracted. Verbal communication included 11 subcategories, such as “asking questions using the communicatee’s words as they are”. Non-verbal communication included five subcategories, such as “noticing changes in the content of the communicatee’s story”. And verbal/non-verbal communication featured seven subcategories, such as “making the communicatee aware of one’s own beliefs”. Conclusion: Therapeutic communication methods included basic care/caring in family interviews/meetings, as well as verbal communication and non-verbal communication that act on family/family members’ beliefs. It is believed that changes in family/family members’ beliefs can be used to eliminate, reduce, or improve problematic conditions in the family. .

Literature Review on Support for Children and Families Experiencing Parental Bereavement

Purpose: This study aimed to understand the actual nursing support in a wide perspective by reviewing overseas literature on support for children who have experienced parental bereavement and their families. The goal was to identify future challenges in nursing support in clinical practice in Japan. Method: Literature searchable as of May 2023 was retrieved using PubMed, resulting in 11 relevant articles. Result: The results revealed the following: 1) For support provided to children, 13 codes were condensed into 5 subcategories and 4 categories. 2) For support provided to families, 36 codes were condensed into 11 subcategories and 4 categories. Conclusion: Open communication was found to be essential for supporting children and their families who have experienced parental bereavement. Moreover, involvement of multiple professions facilitated the provision of specialized support to address diverse needs of children and families, playing a crucial role in overcoming grief. Additionally, the effectiveness of support systems for bereaved families highlighted the need for nursing professionals in Japan to gain knowledge through learning opportunities and to establish a multi-disciplinary approach to support, thus indicating future challenges in nursing support.

Analysis of the Effect of Family-Centered Empowerment Model(FCEM)Health Education Through WeChat on Medication Compliance and Blood Pressure of Elderly Hypertensive Patients in Rural Areas

Objective: To validate the effectiveness of a Family-Centered Empowerment Model (FCEM) health education through WeChat on medication compliance and blood pressure among elderly hypertensive patients in rural areas. Methods: One hundred and two rural elderly hypertensive patients aged 65-80 years were selected and randomly divided into an experimental and control group of 51 each. The control group implemented conventional health education, and the experimental group implemented FCEM health education through WeChat platform for 4 consecutive weeks. The Therapeutic Adherence Scale for Hypertensive Patients (TASHP) scores and blood pressure measurements were compared between and within the two groups. Results: After the intervention, there were significant differences in medication compliance and blood pressure between the two groups (P < 0.001). In the control group, before and after the intervention, there was a significant difference in medication compliance (P < 0.001), but no significant difference in blood pressure (P > 0.05). In the experimental group, there were significant differences in medication compliance and blood pressure before and after the intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The FCEM health education through an online social platform significantly improved medication compliance and led to effective blood pressure control in rural elderly hypertensive patients. Therefore, as an effective, safe, and economical model, it is also necessary to explore its effectiveness in improving health problems in other chronic diseases and other age groups.

Family resilience of cancer patients:a concept analysis

Objective:The concept of family resilience of cancer patients was discussed through literature review,which provided reference for nursing of cancer patients.Methods:China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Database,SinoMed,PubMed,Web of Science,and Embase were systematically searched,and the concept analysis method proposed by Walker and Avant was adopted.Results:In this study,we defined the concept of family resilience,identified attributes,and analyzed the antecedents and consequences.The proposed operational definition of family resilience was:After a family member is diagnosed with cancer,the whole family can actively explore its own unique internal and external resources and advantages,strengthen self-regulation,jointly cope with the crisis by establishing close family relationships,providing mutual support to family members,and interacting with the outside world.Conclusions:The definition of family resilience of cancer patients is conducive to the development of measurement tools and the improvement of family outcomes of adult cancer patients by intervening family resilience factors.

Health-related quality of life among congestive heart failure patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction

Objective:To determine factors that affect the health-related quality of life(HRQOL)of congestive heart failure(CHF)patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction.Methods:A cross-sectional study design was used for this study.The stratified random sampling was applied for each subgroup.HRQOL was measured with the Minnesota Living with Hear t Failure Questionnaire.The data were analyzed using chi-square,Spearman's correlation analysis,and independent t-test.Results:A number of 67 respondents participated in the recent study.The total mean scores of HRQOL were significantly different(P=0.001)between heart failure(HF)patients with reduced and preserved ejection fractions,41.07±7.54 and 54.97±4.36,respectively.It related with the physical(mean±standard deviation[SD]=10.4±2.14;t=-10.08,95%CI=-12.46 to-8.34;P-value=0.001)and psychological(mean±SD=3.5±0.5;t=-6.68,95%CI=-4.55 to-2.45;P-value=0.001)domain.Strong correlation was found between age(r=-0.898,P<0.05),NYHA functional classes(r=-0.858,P<0.01),duration of HF(r=-0.807,P<0.01),family support(r=0.927,P<0.01),and quality of life(Qo L).Conclusions:HRQOL in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction was higher than in those with preserved ejection fraction.Family suppor t is a fur ther determinant factor that has a positive correlation to the Qo L.

Analysis of the Degree of Psychological Distress of Elderly Patients with Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia and Its Influencing Factors

Objective:To analyze the degree of psychological distress among elderly patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia and its influencing factors.Methods:A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted on 126 elderly patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia who visited the Pain Department of our hospital from March 2022 to April 2024.Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the factors influencing psychological distress,based on general patient data,the Distress Thermometer(DT),the Perceived Social Support from Family Scale(PSS-Fa),and the Pitsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI).Results:Among the 126 elderly patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia,those with a DT score≥4(72 patients,57.14%)were more prevalent than those with a DT score<4(54 patients,42.86%).The average DT score for all patients was 4.35±1.72.Patients in the DT score≥4 group were older than those in the DT score<4 group(t=4.207,P=0.000),had lower PSS-Fa scores(t=5.925,P=0.000),and had higher PSQI scores(t=17.858,P=0.000).There were no statistically significant differences in gender,marital status,residence area,education level,disease type,or pain location(all P>0.05).Older age and poor sleep quality were identified as independent risk factors for psychological distress in elderly patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia(OR=1.258,OR=1.713,both P<0.05),while higher levels of family support were identified as a protective factor(OR=0.581,P=0.025).Conclusion:Elderly patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia experience psychological distress,and the degree of severity depends on age,quality of sleep,and level of family support.

Analysis of the Current Status and Influencing Factors of Family Members’Collateral Stigma in Schizophrenia Patients

Objective: To investigate the associated collateral stigma of the family members of schizophrenia patients and analyze its current status and influencing factors. Methods: The Link Depreciation-Discrimination Perception Scale was used to investigate the status quo of the associated stigma of the family members of 169 schizophrenia patients diagnosed in 4 hospitals in a certain province. The results of the investigation were analyzed and summarized. Results: The detection rate of stigma associated with the family members of schizophrenia patients was 72.78%, with a score of 28.41 ± 3.92 points. The main influencing factors were the family member’s education level, the patient’s illness duration, the family member’s occupation, and the family-patient relationship. Conclusion: The detection rate of stigma associated with schizophrenia was relatively high. This requires increased attention and appropriate nursing intervention.

Analysis of the Application Effect of Family Collaborative Care Model on Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Situation of Self-Care Ability

Objective: To study the application effect of the family collaborative care model on elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its influence on self-care ability. Methods: The elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (400 cases) treated in our hospital between March 2020 and July 2023 were divided into two groups by randomized grouping method;the control group received the conventional nursing program, while the observation group received the family collaborative nursing model. Blood glucose level, self-care ability, and quality of life were compared between the groups. Results: The blood glucose level of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The self- care ability and quality of life scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The family collaborative care model for elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus can promote their self- care ability, improve the effect of glycemic control, and improve their quality of life, and is suitable for further promotion and application.

Relations Between School and Immigrant Families in Albertan Francophone School: Perspectives of Settlement Workers in Schools - A Secondary Publication

In recent years,Francophone schools in Alberta,a province in western Canada,have seen significant ethnocultural diversification of their school population,thus reflecting recent migratory changes in Canada.The population of a Francophone school board located in an agglomeration of Alberta reflects these new migratory trends.A partial ethnodemographic portrait carried out in 2003 in six of its schools indicates that 50%of the pupils come from an immigrant background and come from 23 different countries;mostly from sub-Saharan African countries.This demographic reality,confirmed more than a decade later,represents a major structural change for Francophone schools.In Alberta,as in other Canadian provinces,inclusion is at the heart of discourse and educational practices.With a transformative aim,it intends to promote ethnocultural diversity in the classroom and equal opportunities through school equity practices.This article focuses on the settlement workers in schools responsible for bridging family,community,and school cultures.The analysis of the interviews of the four workers sheds light on and questions both the institutional practices and the personal strategies put in place to face the challenges encountered in this tripartite collaboration.

Developing an evidence-based and theory informed intervention to involve families in patients care after surgery: A quality improvement project

Objectives: In the post-surgical setting,active involvement of family caregivers has the potential to improve patient outcomes by prevention of surgical complications that are sensitive to fundamental care.This paper describes the development of a theoretically grounded program to enhance the active involvement of family caregivers in fundamental care for post-surgical patients.Methods: We used a quality improvement project following a multi-phase design.In Phase 1,an iterative method was used to combine evidence from a narrative review and professionals' preferences.In Phase 2,the logic model underlying the program was developed guided by four steps: (1) confirm situation,intervention aim,and target population;(2) documented expected outcomes,and outputs of the intervention;(3) identify and describe assumptions,external factors and inputs;and (4) confirm intervention components.Results: Phase 1 identified a minimum set of family involvement activities that were both supported by staff and the narrative review.In Phase 2,the logic model was developed and includes (1) the inputs (e.g.educational-and environmental support),(2) the ultimate outcomes (e.g.reduction of postoperative complications),(3) the intermediate outcomes (e.g.behavioural changes),and (4) immediate outcomes (e.g.improved knowledge,skills and attitude).Conclusions: We demonstrated how we aimed to change our practice to an environment in which family caregivers were stimulated to be actively involved in postoperative care on surgical wards,and how we took different factors into account.The description of this program may provide a solid basis for professionals to implement the family involvement program in their own setting.

Study on the Relationship between Psychological Stress and Doctor-Patient Relationship of Cancer Patients and Their Families

Objective: To research the relationship between psychological stress and doctor-patient relationship of cancer patients and their families. Methods: The patients were randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group, and PDRQ-15, pcl-c, SAS and SDS scales were selected as evaluation indexes, and the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine were compared between the patients diagnosed with PTSD cancer and those without PTSD. Results: 1) The total score of PCL-C, SAS, SDS, PDRQ-15 scale of the cancer patients and their families after the intervention of clinical psychological care was significantly lower than that of before intervention and the control group. 2) The correlation coefficients between PCL-C, SAS, SDS and PDRQ-15 of cancer patients and their relatives were 0.971, 0.952 and 0.939 respectively. The significant test P value was less than 0.05 and the difference was statistically significant. 3) The plasma levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in cancer patients under stress were significantly higher than those in cancer patients without stress (P Conclusion: After psychological Intervention of cancer patients and their families, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and doctor-patient relationship were all improved.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Anxio-Depressive Symptoms of the Families of Patients in Intensive Care Unit at Gabriel Toure University Hospital, Bamako, Mali

Introduction: Hospitalization in intensive care is a source of stress and anxiety for close to the patients. Anxio-depressive symptoms appear to be common in intensive care and their prevalence is poorly evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anxio-depressive symptoms in families. Materials and method: Observational prospective study in families of patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit for a period of 5 months. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) during hospitalization. Anxiety and depression were defined by a score greater than 10. Factors associated with the onset of anxious-depressive symptoms were sought. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in close relatives was measured by the Impact Event Scale-Revised scale (IES-R). Results: A total of 107 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, of which 49 families agreed to participate in our study. Overall mortality was 32.2% during this period. Fifty-eight (58) patients were not included for the following reasons: death or hospitalization of less than 48 hours, refusal of families, institution, and lack of parents speaking French. Forty-nine (49) relatives completed the HADS questionnaire. Forty-three families completed the IES-R questionnaire, a return rate of 87.7%. The prevalence of anxiety was 61.2% among parents in early hospitalization. The level of anxiety was significantly associated with male parents (p = 0.035) and those with lower education (p = 0.046). The prevalence of depressive symptoms in parents was evaluated 53% at D3. Education level (p = 0.048) and male parents (p = 0.048) appeared to be a significant depression factor. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was 55.1% among the relatives of the patients. The lack of co-morbidity in admission patients was significantly associated with the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder in the family. Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms was high in our study. Men were at greater risk of developing these symptoms. The parents of the patients carburized appear as a population with higher risk manifestation of psychological disorders;further research is needed in this group.

Decision-Making Process for the Place of Death of Elderly Patients with Advanced Cancer and Their Families

Purpose: This study aims to understand how elderly patients with advanced cancer and their families make a decision for a place of death for the patient. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 pairs of elderly patients and members of their family. The patients had finished anticancer treatment and made some decision about the preferred place of death. A modified grounded-theory approach was used for the data analysis. Results: Making a “tentative” decision for the place of death of the elderly patients is a process with the core category [carefully choosing the final place for self-fulfillment]. The patients were “conducting a comprehensive review of the place of death” and “embracing the wishes for a way of life without difficulty”. Involving the family in making a “tentative” decision about the place of death of the elderly patients is the process with the core category [realizing the wish of patients in the terminal condition for the way for death]. The families were “examining the place of death from different aspects” and “respecting the patient’s intention as far as possible”. Conclusions: When the patients [carefully choosing the final place for self-fulfillment], it was important to reconcile their wishes with the burden on the families. When the families were trying to [realize the wish of patients in the terminal condition for the way for dying], it was important to balance the respect for the patient intentions and homecare they can provide for the patient. For the patients and their families, it is essential to mutually understand the intentions and wishes of the other party in decision making about the place of death.

Nurses’ Recognition in Nursing for Patients and Families about Organ Donation after Brain Death, Care for Family Members and Supports for Nurses

Background: Globally, there a problem of disequilibrium between donation and organ transplantation, this equilibrium is remarkable in Japan. Especially there are few donations from brain death, and researches from the view point of nurses in clinical situation were needed. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the recognition of nurses in organ transplantation nursing, required care for families of patients, and required support for nurses to promote quality of nurses in organ donation. Methods: We conducted this research within 2 months in 2019 in Western Japan. A researcher conducted a semi-qualitative interview for nurses in organ transplantation nursing about their recognition of nursing, required care for family members, and required support for nurses once. Results: Nurses recognized that some family members who knew patients’ thoughts made decision easily and some who didn’t know had difficulties. Many nurses felt insufficiency for family cares and some confronted ethical problems. Though some nurses felt conflict about their own thoughts or religion, they took care of patients or family members with responsibility. As for care for families, nurses thought practice of care considering families’ feeling, support of decision making, and care for family to live positively after transplantation as required care. About support for nurses, nurses required education of transplantation, increase of staff members, chance to share dilemma, and mental care. Discussion: Nurses recognized the importance of decision making, and felt an insufficiency for family care or dilemmas. To propose high quality of nursing and organ donation or transplantation, education about transplantation including family care, management about resolution of dilemma or mental health may be required.

Acute Stress Symptoms in Families of Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit during the First 24 Hours Following Admission in Japan

Families of patients in the intensive care unit often experience sever stress. Understanding their experience is important for providing family-centered care during this difficult period. Little is known about the experience of families of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with acute stress symptoms among families of patients admitted to the ICU, we carried out a cross-sectional study at a teaching and advanced treatment hospital. The mean total Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) score differed significantly between planned and unplanned ICU admissions (t = 4.03, p < 0.05), indicating a main effect of admission type (F = 18.5, p < 0.05). There was no significant main effect of relationship (F = 0.05, p = 0.82) or interaction effect of admission type and relationship (F = 0.54, p = 0.47). Multiple regression analysis indicated that admission type was significantly associated with acute stress symptoms (B = 18.09, β = 0.47, p < 0.01), and explained 22% of the variance in total IES-R score. Whether a patient had a planned or unplanned admission to the ICU influenced symptoms associated with acute stress symptoms of family members more than did getting support from nurses, being the patient’s spouse, or the severity of illness of the patient.

Transient receptor potential-related risk model predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND Members of the transient receptor potential(TRP)protein family shape oncogenic development,but the specific relevance of TRP-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has yet to be defined.AIM To investigate the role of TRP genes in HCC,their association with HCC development and treatment was examined.METHODS HCC patient gene expression and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database,and univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression models were employed to explore the TRP-related risk spectrum.Based on these analyses,clinically relevant TRP family genes were selected,and the association between the key TRP canonical type 1(TRPC1)gene and HCC patient prognosis was evaluated.RESULTS In total,28 TRP family genes were screened for clinical relevance,with multivariate analyses ultimately revealing three of these genes(TRPC1,TRP cation channel subfamily M member 2,and TRP cation channel subfamily M member 6)to be significantly associated with HCC patient prognosis(P<0.05).These genes were utilized to establish a TRP-related risk model.Patients were separated into low-and high-risk groups based on the expression of these genes,and high-risk patients exhibited a significantly poorer prognosis(P=0.001).Functional analyses highlighted pronounced differences in the immune status of patients in these two groups and associated enriched immune pathways.TRPC1 was identified as a candidate gene in this family worthy of further study,with HCC patients expressing higher TRPC1 levels exhibiting poorer survival outcomes.Consistently,quantitative,immunohistochemistry,and western blot analyses revealed increased TRPC1 expression in HCC.CONCLUSION These three TRP genes help determine HCC patient prognosis,providing insight into tumor immune status and immunological composition.These findings will help design combination therapies including immunotherapeutic and anti-TRP agents.

Effect of cognitive behavioral group therapy on rehabilitation of community patients with schizophrenia:A short-term randomized control trial

BACKGROUND The efficacy of cognitive behavioral group therapy(CBGT)for cognitive dysfunction and negative symptoms of schizophrenia is established,but more evidence is required.AIM To assess the effectiveness of CBGT combined with mental health education as a treatment for schizophrenia compared with mental health education alone.METHODS In all,120 schizophrenia out-patients were randomized into CBGT combined with mental health education or single mental health education.The primary outcomes were positive and negative symptoms,cognitive function,excitatory factor,anxiety and depression symptom improvements on the positive and negative syndrome scale score.Secondary outcome measures included social function and drug compliance.RESULTS There were significant differences between CBGT combined with mental health education and single mental health education on measures of positive and negative symptoms,cognitive functions,excitatory factor,anxiety and depression symptoms,and social functions.No other significant difference in outcomes was observed.CONCLUSION CBGT combined with mental health education may be relevant beneficial treatment method in reducing symptoms,cognitive and social functions of patients with schizophrenia.

Study on the variation in and selection of Fraxinus mandshurica provenances and families in northeast China

Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.is one of the main afforestation species in northeast China,and there is great demand for improved F.mandshurica varieties.The results of an investigation into and analysis of the growth traits of F.mandshurica provenances and families showed that there were significant differences in different periods.However,variations in growth traits decreased year by year.There was a significant negative correlation between tree heights of the provenances and sunshine hours in their areas of origin.The provenances of Xinglong,Hailin and Wuchang were selected based on the volume of 18-year-old trees.The average genetic gain from the selection of fast-growing provenances was 19.4%.Ten superior fast-growing families were selected.The average volume of the selected families was22.6%,higher than that of all families.The correlation coefficient between heights at 6-year-old and at 18a was 0.838for provenances,and between heights at 4-year-old and at 18-year-old was 0.303 for families.These results indicate that early selection for height in provenances or families could be performed at 6 years or 4 years,respectively.Early selection for DBH and volume in families could start at 8 years.

The Prevalence of Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia among Adult Filipino Patients with Dyslipidemia at Universidad de Santa Isabel Health Services Department: An Observational Descriptive Prospective Study

Objectives: It is to determine the prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) among adult Filipino patients with dyslipidemia at Universidad de Santa Isabel Health Services Department in one year. Methods: An observational descriptive prospective study involves Filipino patients, aged 19 years and older, with dyslipidemia. The Dutch Lipid Network (DLN) Criteria was used to diagnose FH. Prevalence data and categorical variables were expressed as percentages, while continuous variables were reported as mean and standard deviations. Results: 529 patients were included in the study. 302 were females, and 227 were males. 180 (34%) scored Unlikely, 100 (19%) scored Probable, 185 (35%) scored Possible, and 64 (12%) were classified under Definite Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Most of the patients diagnosed with definite FH did not have diabetes, cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and coronary artery disease (CAD). The diagnosis was not affected by gender, BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Hypertension was significantly correlated to the diagnosis of FH, as most of them were already hypertensive at diagnosis. It was noted that hypertension, diabetes, CVD, and CAD were seen at an earlier age among patients with definite FH. Conclusion: The prevalence of heterozygous FH at 12% among dyslipidemia patients and 1.3% among the general population was described for the first time in our region. This result should raise the awareness of our healthcare providers that FH, which is a major risk factor for premature CAD and CVD, exists, and early detection and management are important.

A Review of Grief Counselling Practices for Family Members of Oncology Patients in Hospice Care

In cancer patients, especially terminal patients, the family members of the patients will develop more serious sadness and find it difficult to face death rationally, which affects the quality of life and activities. Because of this, in the clinical treatment of oncology patients, strengthening hospice care for family members, doing a good job of death education, assisting them to face and participate in the clinical treatment of oncology in a positive way, and avoiding excessive grief can simultaneously improve the quality of life of patients and their families.