A community was informed about cancer symptoms in a letter. Participants who observed the symptoms were encouraged to visit a health center. Fifteen previously unknown cancer cases were detected. Results indicate that it is possible to inform and educate the population about cancer symptoms without causing anxiety if there is an organization that…

Couples for whom in vitro fertilization (IVF) or gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) treatment failed (N=20) were followed up and compared with successful couples. Current mental-health status, quality of life, and marital adjustment were assessed via questionnaires; experiences were explored by interview. Results and recommendations for…

Presents a lecture delivered in July 1999 at a meeting on Communication in Medicine, underscoring the increasing importance of educating to ensure effective communication between health care providers and their patients. Among the factors cited are the decreasing amount of time available, the escalating complexity of medical information and…

Describes major medication-related problems of older adults and what can be done to reduce their incidence. Includes information on the proper use and administration of medications and how to simplify medication regimens. Includes an extensive list of high-risk and potentially inappropriate medications for older people. (JOW)

Patient education is an essential component of nurses' professional role. Research on effective patient teaching suggests the efficacy of a combined approach to behavior change: stages of change, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. (Contains 51 references.) (JOW)

Introduction: A search of the literature on the cost of patient education found that provider education time per patient per day was rarely reported and usually not derivable from published reports. Costs of continuing education needed by health professionals to support patient education also were not given. Without this information, it is…

Text, illustrations, and exercises are utilized in this set of seven learning modules designed to instruct diabetes patients in health care practices necessary for the control of their illness. The first module, by Barbara J. Cross, describes materials and procedures used in testing the urine for sugar and acetone. The second module, by Ruth…

Text, illustrations, and exercises are utilized in this set of three learning modules to inform members of the general public about the causes and treatments of the common medical ailments that they may have. The first module, "Understanding Ligation of Hemorrhoids as an Office Procedure" by Audrey E. Kidd, lists the symptoms of…

A study at the University of Alabama/Birmingham (UAB) compared adult asthma patients receiving a self-care workbook with those receiving only asthma pamphlets. Outcomes were assessed in five areas: (1) health care utilization, (2) functional status, (3) knowledge, (4) adherence, and (5) psychological reactions. (Author/CH)

A four-phased model for cardiac rehabilitation consisting of inpatient, outpatient, supervised, and unsupervised stages is reviewed and the role of the health educator in facilitating this recovery and prevention process is discussed. (DF)

The author discusses the use of adult education precepts in professional realms outside its mainstream, specifically patient education. He cites the effect of role playing on cardiac rehabilitation education. (JOW)

Discusses treatment alternatives which may alleviate problems in recovery following mild head injury, including providing education, cognitive stimulation, stress management training, individual counseling, group discussion, and physical activity in a day treatment setting. (Author/ABL)

Exercise may be a useful element in teaching diabetic children to control the disease. Controlling glucose levels during exercise requires close regulation of diet and insulin. Practical and medical aspects of exercise for diabetics are discussed, as well as its physical benefits, such as a strengthened heart. (JL)

The authors describe a course for senior nursing students in providing patient education to older adults who are no longer in the hospital. Topics covered in the class include body changes as a result of aging, pharmacokinetics, and patient adherence. (CH)

Presented four-hour multimedia workshop for 31 schizophrenic prison inmates to help them understand schizophrenia and its treatment. Comparison of pretest and posttest showed highly significant increase in knowledge about symptoms of schizophrenia, causes, and treatment. (Author)