PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M A Sweeney

Publications and source records attributed to M A Sweeney.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1988

Interactive video in health care: blending patient care, computer technology, and research results.

This article illustrates one method of combining research results and computer technology to produce a "high-tech" patient-education program that has demonstrated its applicability in clinical practice. A videodisc entitled The Story of Maria was produced as part of a large primary care research project along the southwestern U.S.-Mexico border. A needs assessment of approximately 200 Hispanic mothers preceded the scripting of the videodisc. The paper presents an overview of the production process, as well as a description of some special technological features, including the bilingual soundtrack, touchscreen control, and careful design of instructions to eliminate the need for literacy. Pilot testing of the interactive video program in two community health centers in the U.S.-Mexico border area indicates that the program is not only fulfilling its purpose, but also being enthusiastically received by the patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

The health belief model as an explanation for breast-feeding practices in a Hispanic population.

Pender's modification of the health belief model was used to examine the motivations for breast-feeding in a group of 140 primiparous women along the US-Mexican border. The backward elimination technique of linear regression was used to order the variables in the model. The findings indicate that the three components of the health belief model--individual perceptions, modifying factors, and likelihood of action--are useful in predicting health-related outcomes. Each component of the model made an independent contribution to the breast-feeding decision but varied in the strength of the contribution. The only significant interpersonal influence on the feeding decision was that of the husband or partner. More empirical research with the model is necessary, however, in order to develop it as a paradigm for prenatal health.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Evaluating the nonverbal communication skills of nursing students.

This study examined the accuracy rate of judging nonverbal skills used by nursing students in communicating with patients. Self-ratings of the students were compared with composite instructor ratings to find areas of disagreement regarding the quality of the nonverbal skills. Students who rated their nonverbal acuity higher than the instructors and students who rated their nonverbal acuity lower than the instructors were parceled out of the total sample of 92 senior nursing students enrolled in a baccalaureate program. Nonverbal acuity was measured by asking subjects to identify nonverbal information about emotional states from pictures. A November Picture Test consisting of 120 pictorial items was utilized as the dependent variable. Results showed that almost one half of the sample disagreed with the instructor rating applied to their nonverbal skills with patients. The differences between the groups was significant at the 0.05 level and the students were accurate in designating the direction of difference. Results are discussed in relation to clinical evaluation by both faculty and students in appraising communication skills. Implications such as grade inflation are discussed and recommendations for further study are covered.

Boston↗
PubMedDate not supplied

An investigation of breast-feeding practices in a binational population.

Too few Mexican and Mexican-American mothers breast feed their babies. Results of a study of breast-feeding attitudes in Tijuana and San Diego point to the need for education, guidance, and support at the community level if more young mothers in this population are to give their newborns the advantages of breast feeding.

Adult↗