Describes a therapy group for cancer patients, conducted by cotherapists in an oncology waiting room. Group members provided mutual support and shared concerns and coping methods. Medical staff members became more involved and were more able to address the affective needs of the patients and their families. (JAC)

Four audiovisual programs about cancer and cancer treatment were evaluated. Cancer patients, their families, and friends were asked to complete questionnaires before and after watching a program to determine the effects of the program on their knowledge of cancer, anxiety levels, and perceived ability to communicate with the staff. (Author/MLW)

Cystic Fibrosis and its effects on children are described as well as one child's means of coping with a chronic illness such as this in a school setting. (JMF)

This research report examines the characteristics of patients and their compliance with drug prescriptions and suggests that there is a need for education among patients receiving medication so that they do not prematurely terminate the medication process. (JN)

Problems associated with prescription drug use and misuse are discussed. The role of the pharmacist in providing information that patients need to use drugs appropriately is emphasized. (SFJ)

The message-learning approach uses persuasive communication to encourage people to examine and change their beliefs and attitudes. It provides useful strategies for direct patient education and helps health educators promote change in the health behavior of their patients. (JOW)

Health care providers were trained using standardized patients (individuals acting as patients) to conduct AIDS risk assessment and posttest counseling. Evaluations involving over 500 participants determined it was an effective technique; however, participants in group formats experienced discomfort. (SK)

Evaluates an educational program for inner-city children designed to improve patients' knowledge and behaviors related to asthma, in order to improve their control of the disease and thereby reduce the number of emergency room visits. Discusses the failure of this program due to failures of implementation and program effectiveness. (JS)

Data from 104 participants in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Self-Help Course showed that patients had significant increases in enabling skills and use of relaxation/exercise and decreases in depression. Amount of time spent in class was correlated with significant changes over time. (SK)

A survey of 120 postal worker participants in a back safety course and 89 controls found (1) there was increased knowledge among experimentals but no significant behavior change; and (2) experimentals were less likely to report reinforcement for healthy behaviors. The complexities of worker social support show that it cannot be relied upon to…

A framework and concepts for developing inclusion criteria for meta-analysis are presented and illustrated in a meta-analysis of primary studies in patient education for preventive health services. Of 5,451 citations located and abstracts screened, 64 studies eventually met acceptability criteria. (SLD)

Patient-centered strategies derived from the stages of change model, and motivational interviewing are used to develop a structured, teachable, and acceptable intervention for clinicians to help patients consider their smoking during general medical consultations. The method is described. Results for the model, tested on 270 smokers, are…

Individuals who received genetic counseling for cancer (N=36) provided feedback on the quality of services and identified areas for improvement. Reasons for counseling and need for psychosocial support are also considered. Generally high levels of satisfaction with care provided were found. Four areas for improvement are identified and discussed.…

Hypertensive patients (N=21) were interviewed regarding their views and experience of information and communication with respect to antihypertensive medicines. Patients' attitudes toward hypertension and antihypertensive drugs, communication with pharmacist and physician, perceptions of drug information, and the information environment are…

The development of a videotape for patients considering treatment options for clinically localized prostate cancer is described. The effectiveness of videotape in improving short-term recall of treatment options and outcomes was assessed quantitatively; qualitative analysis was used to assess the likelihood of patient's active participation in the…