Biomedical subjects

Andrea Mulkins

Publications and source records attributed to Andrea Mulkins.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Integrative health care: how can we determine whether patients benefit?

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of integrative health care (IHC) models is becoming increasingly important. One of the areas that requires further attention is the development of an appropriate set of outcome measures. The purpose of this study was: (1) to identify how cancer patients phrase and frame the beneficial outcomes they experienced from IHC, and (2) to develop recommendations for an appropriate outcome measures package for evaluation of IHC. DESIGN: This study involved two different parts: (1) a secondary analysis of qualitative data consisting of transcripts from 42 personal interviews and three focus groups from previous studies related to IHC use by cancer patients; and (2) a content analysis of goal-setting data collected from patients attending an IHC clinic to categorize the type and range of their treatment goals. RESULTS: Six types of benefits were identified: physical well-being, change in physiological indicators, improved emotional well-being, personal transformation, feeling connected, global state of well-being, and cure. Types of goals identified by patients confirmed these benefits and include: to improve state of being, to be cancer free, to have more energy, more effective pain management, and improved quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: A patient's perspective is crucial in understanding the process and outcomes of intentional selfhealing. Assessing self-identified goals suggests the need for patient empowerment through participation in outcome evaluation. We present recommendations for an appropriate outcomes package that is relevant, practical, and based on patient experiences.

Complementary Therapies↗

PubMed2003

Evaluation of the Tzu Chi Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine's Integrative Care Program.

OBJECTIVE: There are an increasing number of clinics providing integrative health care using new and innovative delivery models. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the Integrative Care Program offered at the Tzu Chi Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. DESIGN: At enrollment, data are collected on demographics, health history, current health concerns and diagnoses, quality of life/health status (SF-36) and patient satisfaction. The measures are repeated 6 months into the program. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the data. Focus groups were also included as part of the study design. RESULTS: Patients seeking integrative care are a highly complex population living with numerous comorbid chronic conditions. Although their baseline scores on the SF-36 are lower than Canadian population norms across all subscales, significant improvement occurred from baseline to 6 months. Qualitative data support that patients were pleased with the clinical care they received and aligned with the philosophical underpinnings of the program. DISCUSSION: This is one of the first studies to evaluate integrative health care. Studies like this are needed to develop appropriate methods to assess models of integrative health care delivery.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluating a yogic breathing and meditation intervention for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of a group program aimed at improving well-being among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate a residential program designed to teach breathing, movement, and meditation techniques. Sixty-two participants were recruited from community HIV/AIDS organizations. Fifteen withdrawals from the study left 47 study participants. Standardized measures used were the Mental Health Index (MHI), the MOS-HIV Health Survey (MOS), and the Daily Stress Inventory (DSI), along with qualitative interviews. RESULTS: A repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated positive changes in well-being on the MHI and the MOS, where the effect was primarily seen immediately following the program and disappeared at later data points. The DSI indicated an increase in experience and impact of stress over time for the intervention group postprogram. Alternatively, the qualitative interviews described positive changes in how participants were living their day-to-day lives. CONCLUSION: In order to capture the outcomes of this program properly, both qualitative and quantitative measures are needed.

Female↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Complementary therapy use in HIV/AIDS.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the social psychological aspects of complementary therapy use in HIV/AIDS health care and to identify what happens in a person's illness management process when incorporated into their care for HIV-related symptoms. METHODS: Grounded theory research method guided sampling, data collection and analysis with 21 males at various AIDS service organizations. FINDINGS: A grounded theory model Finding a Way to Live was developed. Participants experienced a six-stage process whereby the HIV served as a precondition for a profound self-transformation; a commitment to and rediscovery of the meaning of life. Complementary therapies, referred to as 'tools' by the participants, were cited as an integral part of how people living with HIV found wellness within their illness. The type of therapy, meanings attached to them, intention for and frequency of use corresponded to where individuals were in the six-stage process. As participants began to experience personal growth, the nature of the therapies shifted from those being highly tangible and focusing on the physical self to those facilitating inner awareness, such as meditation. CONCLUSIONS: The process of integration was a complex, ongoing process wherein complementary therapies were an integral part of facilitating learning, self-discovery and ultimately, healing.

Adult↗