Tomlinson, P. S., Harbaugh, B. L., Kotchevar, J., & Swanson, L. (1995). Caregiver mental health and family health outcomes following critical hospitalization of a child. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 16, 533-545.The purposes of this study were to assess changes in caregiver health status 9 weeks after an acute life threatening illness of the child, examine the effects of the potential for the child to have a chronic illness on caregiver health outcomes, and assess the changes in family health and health behaviors after a child has experienced a critical illness. The areas of health that were examined were perceptions of health, pain, physical functioning, social functioning, role functioning, mental health and lifestyle behaviors. Supportive theories that were cited included systems theory, the family health and stress model, and crisis theory. The sample was a convenience sample of the primary caregiver (all mothers) of children who had been admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Children in the study were between the ages of 2 days and 17 years. Family size and annual income were also examined. Children were excluded if they ahd previous PICU admissions, no one spoke English, abuse was suspected, or they were only in for overnight observation. Data was collected for four variables: the child's health status (acuity, stability, and potential for chronicity), caregiver health on admission and at 9 weeks postadmission (self-rated using the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form General Health Survey), caregiver reports of new health problems in the family after hospitalization (information obtained via interview), and "caregiver reports of change in family health patterns at 9 weeks postadmission (information obtained via interview). The results indicated a decline in all areas but not widespread changes. There were not any significant changes social and role functioning, caregiver health status, or health behaviors. The most significant findings indicated a deterioration in the mental health of mothers whose children had the greatest risk for chronicity, suggesting a need for mental health interventions. The small sample size was the most significant limitation of this study. The authors identified additional limitations and offered suggestions for further research.
I thought the study examined an important issue, however, the small sample size makes me cautious about their conclusions and certainly indicates the need for further studies. According to the authors, the findings did correlate with some previous studies about similar issues. It certainly suggests a need to assess this aspect of family life when working with clients to identify any previously unrecognized needs.
REVIEWER: Cynthia Kath, RN
November 1996
Hilton, B. A. (1996). Getting back to normal: the family experience during early stage breast cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 23, 605-614.The purpose of the study was to define the normalization process of families with individuals who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Family coping strategies were evaluated from the time the individual was diagnosed to one year later. The study defined normalization as "a process in which the individual uses strategies that minimize the effects of the impairment while still acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and its inherent dangers." The sample size was 55 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. Treatment varied among participants. Data was gathered during 5 interviews held with each family. Grounded theory was used to do a comparative analysis of the data. The authors found that getting back to normal was important for these families and multiple coping strategies were used to accomplish this. Several factors were identified that affected how each family went through the normalization process. The authors also discussed implications for nursing practice. Possible nursing interventions include assessment of family coping strategies, counselling or referral to counselling when appropriate, assisting families to get back to normal by providing information about what to expect and community resources that are available.
I thought the article was interesting in that it addressed this issue in a manner very similar to the issues we have discussed in class ie: looking at families from various perspectives such as through systems theory, health beliefs, and crisis theory.
REVIEWER: Cynthia Kath, RN
November 1996
Battaglia, M. & Bertella, S. (1995). Age at onset of panic disorder: Influence of familial liability to the disease and of childhood separation anxiety disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 1995(152), 1362-1364.
Reviewer: Brenda C. Lange, RN, C
Keitner, I.G., Ryan, E.C., Miller, W.I., Kahn, R., Bishop, S.D., and Epstein, B.N. (1995). Role of the family in recovery and major depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 152, 1002+.
Reviewer: DeAnna Noble, RN
Kufeldt, K. (1982). Including natural parents in temporary foster care: An exploratory study. Child Today, 11(5), 14-16.
Reviewer: Brenda C. Lange, RN, C
Long, P.J., & Jackson, L.J. (1993, May). The Addiction Letter, 9(5), 1.
Reviewer: DeAnna Noble, RN
Lopez-Fagin, L. (1993). Critical care family needs inventory: A cognitive research utilization model. Critical Care Nurse, 15(4), 21-26.
Reviewer: Donna B. Kinlaw, RN
Mellen, L. (1993). Combatting childhood obesity. Journal of the American Diabetes Association, 93, 265-273.
Reviewer: Bryan Hilbourn, RN
Sorrels, V. (1991). Nursing home fears. Geriatric Nursing, 18 (5), 237.
Reviewer: Lisa A. Aiken, RN
Last updated November 26, 1996