Clinical physiologists in Sweden are physicians (the majority with a PhD degree) with thorough training in system physiology and pathophysiology. They investigate patients in a functional approach and are engaged in basic and applied physiology teaching and research. In 1954, clinical physiology was founded as an independent academic and clinical…

Describes rehabilitation implications associated with psychosocial factors, patient reaction, and family adjustment to coronary heart disease. Patient education and counseling must stress specific long-term care and follow-up and deal with family anxiety and depression. The rehabilitation counselor can help patients incorporate medical…

Discusses the importance of accurate assessment of the patient's motivations for noncompliance and of wise planning of management to meet these needs. These are essential social work tasks that will enhance patient compliance. (Author/JAC)

This report from the Select Committee on Aging examines financial, medical, and social issues surrounding terminally ill patients with special emphasis on the elderly terminally ill. The first section discusses topics related to the medical treatment of the terminally ill. Two basic issues are important: the right to have medical treatment and the…

Presents typology of hope sources for patients with life-threatening illness. Details 10 sources of hope, including 5 major sources of hope: religion, medical science, fallibilism, self-discipline, and renewal and deception by others (false hope). Divides hope sources into cognitive and behavioral dimensions. Examines varying hope orientations…

Cross-validated findings of Ludenia, et al. (1984) from two independent but similar samples of alcoholic inpatients (N=219) with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Form Y. Results indicated that the STAI (Form Y) is a stable instrument across time when used to assess anxiety in an alcoholic population. (LLL)

Contrasts dreams of suicidal patients to those of nonsuicidal, depressed patients. Notes that dreams of suicidal patients often reveal wishes for revenge, punishment, reunion, fusion, and rebirth and that confusions between patient's body and that of others are suggested by dreams of some suicidal patients. Discusses phenomenon of transparency in…

Guided reflection by six nurses who completed a counseling and health course supported the distinction between using counseling skills and practicing counseling. In a nursing context, counseling means assisting patients in exploring feelings and discovering coping strategies for their focal problems. (SK)

This paper presents brief case summaries of four patient suicides; explores the reactions of each therapist; presents conclusions regarding the mourning process following patients' suicides; and puts forth implications and suggestions for training programs. (Author)

Reviews properties and pharmacological effects of medications for pain, including peripherally acting analgesics, centrally acting narcotics, and adjuvant analgesics including antidepressants. Discusses the role of the endogenous opioid system in pain and depression. Explores clinical management issues in both inpatient and outpatient settings,…

Reports on epidemic of six inpatient suicides in Finnish psychiatric hospital. Notes that suggestion and identification had effect on timing and method of four of six suicides. Views epidemic from individual, network, and organizational perspectives. Speculates on how such epidemics could be avoided. (Author/NB)

Considers ethical dilemmas inherent in health care decision making and in patients' advance directives. Describes PRACTICE (patient, relationships, advocacy, conflicts, treatment/nontreatment options, interests, consequences, ethical principles) model which allows health care practitioners to think about ethical issues in structured and systematic…

Examines the different roles of the volunteer: companion/friend, advocate, and educator. Draws a profile of the volunteer, lists qualifications and personal characteristics, offers suggestions on where to work, and discusses special training programs to prepare volunteers for work with the dying. (JAC)

Discusses the provision of counseling services for chronic pain patients within comprehensive, multifaceted treatment program. Describes the counseling process, including orientation, evaluation, and clarification of client concerns. Cites the use of coping techniques such as relaxation training, biofeedback training, and pain coping skills. (RC)

Several models of the dying process--the Dying as Stages Model, the Death Trajectory-Phases Model, and the Personality-Repetitive Alternation Model--are reviewed and evaluated. An Interpersonal Reactions Model, based on social psychological concepts, is presented to resolve the differences in findings based on the previous models. (Author)