By analyzing the data of 459 patients who completed the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS), the prevalence, medical and non-medical predictors of unmet needs were investigated. Breast cancer patients in Korea experienced high levels of unmet needs across the needs domains, particularly in the health system and information domain (56.9%). Various medical and non-medical variables were identifie...

The literature on continuous quality improvement (CQI) has produced some evidence, based on nonrandomized studies, that its clinical application can improve outcomes of care while reducing costs. Its effectiveness is enhanced by a nucleus of physician involvement, individual practitioner feedback, and a supportive organizational culture. The few randomized studies, however, suggest no impact of...

A random sample survey of an online self-help group for people with hearing loss was conducted. Two factors predicted active participation in the group: a lack of real-world social support and being comparatively effective (having less disability, coping more effectively, and using real-world professional services). More active participation in the group was associated with more benefits from t...

Background Women known to carry a BRCA1/2 mutation have to make complex decisions regarding the management of their increased cancer risk, such as whether or not to undergo risk-reducing surgery and how to communicate this risk information to family members. These women may face a unique set of supportive care needs, although unlike the situation for breast and other cancer patients, few suppor...

INTRODUCTION Effective supportive supervision is widely recognized as essential for optimal management of medicines in government health facilities and also in contributing towards improved access and utilization of health services. This study sought to examine the extent supportive supervision for medicines management in government health facilities from a health worker perspective. METHODS ...

BACKGROUND Deinstitutionalisation in Europe has led to the development of community-based accommodation for people with mental health problems. The type, setting, and intensity of support provided vary and the costs are substantial. Yet, despite the large investment in these services, there is little clarity on their aims and outcomes or how they are regarded by staff and the clients. METHODS...

OBJECTIVE To describe family caregivers' experiences with palliative care services in rural communities. DESIGN Qualitative study. SETTING Manitoulin Island, Ont. PARTICIPANTS Thirteen family caregivers of 12 deceased patients who had received palliative care services. METHOD Twenty-five family caregivers were recruited by mail and local newspaper. Eight were excluded because they lived...