Evelyn R. Hayes

Measurement of hope in a community-based older population.

This study conceptually and empirically examined two hope scales with a community-based sample of older adults. These findings suggest that the two hope scales used in this study measure Global Hope and Interactive Hope. However, these results also suggest unique characteristics of hope that should be incorporated into future studies of hope with older adults.

Online support for employed informal caregivers: psychosocial outcomes.

The overall objectives of this project were to evaluate whether psychosocial outcomes in employed family caregivers of people with chronic disease, who participate in online support, differ from nonactive participants and whether psychosocial outcomes differ based on the format of online group support. A randomized longitudinal design comparing two types of online support groups and nonactive participants, on the basis of three principal measures, was utilized. Eighty-six self-reported family caregivers of people with chronic disease, who spoke English and had Internet access, took part in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to professionally facilitated/psychoeducational or moderated/peer-directed online support groups for a period of 12 weeks. The setting was a password-protected Web page housed on a university server. Independent variables were type of online support groups and level of participation; the dependent variables were depressive symptoms, caregiver burden, and caregiver quality of life. There were significant differences in depressive symptoms and quality of life among nonactive participants and either of the two intervention groups, but not between the two intervention groups. Results suggest that professionally facilitated/psychoeducational and moderated/peer-directed online support groups help reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life for those who actively participate and that both types of online support groups provided similar benefits. Men and minorities should be targeted in future caregiver research.

Student-centered outcomes evaluation of the Clinical Immersion Program: five years later.

Curricular innovation is an ever-present element of nursing education. It is incumbent for nurse educators to evaluate their curricula and its outcomes to ensure quality nursing education. This article describes a comprehensive student-centered outcome evaluation of the Clinical Immersion Model. This model and the foundational components unique to the curricular design and the senior clinical immersion are described. Several methods of evaluation, including National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses pass rates, exit surveys, alumni surveys, and a senior nursing student focus group, are presented. Implications of this evaluation and future directions are explored to inform potential implementation and adaptation of this effective curriculum by other schools of nursing.

First-Time Mothers' Perceptions of Prenatal Care Services

This study sought to uncover information regarding prenatal care services as reported by primiparas. Inadequate prenatal care has been linked with the delivery of low birth weight (LBW) infants and infant mortality. This secondary analysis of a larger study (N = 426) examined the need for and availability, accessibility, and use of prenatal care services by primiparas (n = 141). Results indicated that primiparas delivering LBW infants reported less satisfaction with information on birth control and less information on infant feeding. In addition, mothers of LBW infants reported more often than mothers of normal birthweight infants that transportation and finances were barriers to prenatal care. Childbirth preparation class was the only predictor variable for birth weight in this study.

Emergence of Yalom's Therapeutic Factors in a Peer-Led, Asynchronous, Online Support Group for Family Caregivers

Support groups fill a critical void in the health care system, harnessing the power of shared experiences to provide support to group members. Likewise, family caregivers fill a void in the health care system, providing billions in unpaid care to the chronically ill. Caregiver support groups offer an opportunity for alleviating the psychological burden of caregiving. The power of any group, including a support group, to foster psychological well-being lies in its ability to cultivate Yaloms therapeutic factors. Gaps in the literature remain regarding the ability of non-prototypical groups to promote therapeutic mechanisms of change. The purpose of this study was to determine if and when Yaloms therapeutic group factors emerged in a peer-led support group delivered in an asynchronous, online format. Qualitative content analysis utilizing deductive category application was employed. Participants’ responses were coded and frequency counts were conducted. Results revealed that 9 of 11 therapeutic factors emerged over the course of the group, with Group Cohesiveness, Catharsis, Imparting of Information, and Universality occurring most often. Several factors, including Interpersonal Learning, Corrective Recapitulation of the Primary Family Group, Imitative Behavior, and Development of Socializing Techniques were absent or virtually absent, likely due to the peer-led format of the group. Progression of therapeutic factors over the course of the group is presented. Findings demonstrate the presence of a variety of Yaloms therapeutic factors in an asynchronous, peer-led online support group.

Assessing students' perceived threats to safety in the community: instrument refinement.

The shift to community-based practice presents challenges to traditional nursing education. One such challenge is that of student safety. The authors discuss the continuing efforts to develop an instrument to assess student perceptions of threats in the community as well the findings of a pilot study. Analysis of the data indicates that the Environmental Comfort Scale III is valid, reliable, and easy to administer and interpret.

Preparedness for Clinical: Evaluation of the Core Elements of the Clinical Immersion Curriculum Model

The Clinical Immersion Model is an innovative baccalaureate nursing curriculum that has demonstrated successful outcomes over the past 10 years. For those intending to adopt the model, individual components in isolation may prove ineffective. This article describes three core components of the curriculum that form the foundation of preparation for the senior-year clinical immersion. Detailed student-centered outcomes evaluation of these critical components is shared. Results of a mixed-methods evaluation, including surveys and focus groups, are presented. Implications of this curricular evaluation and future directions are explored.

“Anonymous Meltdown”: Content Themes Emerging in a Nonfacilitated, Peer-only, Unstructured, Asynchronous Online Support Group for Family Caregivers

By providing care for loved ones in the home, family caregivers save millions of dollars for our overtaxed healthcare system. Support groups can lighten the psychological burden of caregiving. Nonprofessionally facilitated (or peer) online caregiver support groups can help meet a critical need in healthcare as a low-cost resource for caregivers. Online caregiver peer support groups can promote the health and well-being of family caregivers and, by extension, the patients themselves, resulting in cost-savings for society. A better understanding of these types of groups is of critical importance, given the unrelenting pace of demographic shift in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine content themes emerging from an unstructured, asynchronous online peer support group for family caregivers of people with chronic illness. Qualitative content analysis was used, yielding six themes: “experiencing the emotional toll,” “need for catharsis/venting,” “finding the silver linings,” “seeking specific advice/problem solving,” “realizing home is no longer a haven,” and “adapting to the caregiver role.” The themes reflect what emerged organically in an online support group that was not professionally facilitated or structured in any way. Heterogeneity in the relationship between caregivers and care recipients may negatively affect outcomes and requires further study.