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Objectives: Patient education materials regarding self-management of chemotherapy-related side effects are limited, which may result in patients using disreputable sources. We created a brochure that educates patients on common side effects, tools to address problems themselves, and guidance on when to contact their oncologist or seek emergency care. This mixed-methods study conducted at Penn State Cancer Institute evaluates the feasibility of using an educational brochure to improve patient outcomes through education. Methods: Chemotherapy naïve patients with breast or gastrointestinal (GI) cancer were enrolled in a single-arm clinical trial from December 2021 to 2022. Participants received the educational brochure and were asked to provide their initial impressions. They completed The Emotional Thermometer Scale (ETS) and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) to measure changes in patient symptoms and mental health throughout their chemotherapy course at 0, 6, and 12-week intervals. The drop-out rate was recorded as a measure of study feasibility. Results: The study participants were split between the following cancer types: 77.8% breast and 22.2% GI cancer. A significant decrease in overall mean ETS score was observed between baseline and week 6 (p = 0.001) and 12 (p = 0.0004), respectively. Moreover, the mean MSAS psychological symptoms decreased significantly at week 12 compared to baseline (p = 0.005), while no change was observed in physical symptoms (p = 0.101). Of the 40 participants who completed baseline surveys, 37 had at least one additional visit for a drop-out rate of 7.5%. Conclusion: This mixed-methods pilot study was successful in demonstrating the feasibility of distributing a standardized educational brochure as an intervention for chemotherapy patients. While participants' emotional scores and psychological symptoms decreased over time, physical symptoms did not, which aligns with side effect progression from cumulative chemotherapy burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective How Latino parents perceive and understand antenatal counseling for extreme prematurity, < 26 weeks of gestational age (GA), is not clear. We aim to characterize Latino parental perceptions of antenatal counseling in order to construct and validate a Spanish decision-aid (SDA) to improve parental knowledge of prematurity after antenatal consults. Methods This is a three-phased, prospective, multicenter study. First, interviews of 22 Latino parents with a history of birth < 26 weeks GA were conducted. Thematic analysis identified themes valued during antenatal counseling for decisions regarding neonatal resuscitation. Next, we incorporated these themes into the SDA. Finally, improvement in knowledge of prematurity in two Spanish-speaking groups, ‘experienced’ parents with a history of extremely premature birth and ‘naïve’ adult Latino volunteers, was measured using a multiple choice test before and after simulated counseling with the SDA. Result Twenty-two interviews generated seven unique themes. An SDA was constructed that preserved six themes paralleled by those found in a previously studied English population, and addressed a novel theme of “intercultural linguistic barriers” unique to our population. Knowledge scores rose in “naive” volunteers, 41 ± 12% to 71 ± 15% (P < 0.001), after simulated counseling with the SDA. ‘Experienced’ parents had a ceiling effect in knowledge scores, 62 ± 9% to 65 ± 11% (P = 0.22). The SDA was well received by participants. Conclusions for Practice Interviews of Latino parents with a history of premature birth generated similar themes to English-speaking parents, with intercultural linguistic barriers as a novel theme. An SDA for Latino parents facing extremely premature birth may improve comprehension of antenatal counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Patients with metastatic lung cancer experience high levels of distress related to their disease trajectory and treatment. Oncology nurses are experts in patient care and symptom management, giving them an opportunity to screen and treat patients' distress. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to screen patients for distress and manage their symptoms to positively affect their quality of life, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes, and to reduce healthcare costs. METHODS: This quality improvement project was conducted to pilot the Distress Thermometer (DT) into the care of patients with thoracic cancer and to evaluate the effect of a multifaceted intervention, consisting of a patient education pamphlet and a nurse coaching call, on distress levels. FINDINGS: Severe distress was reported in more than half the patients. A paired-sample t test revealed a significant decrease in distress scores following the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of culturally appropriate written health information is essential for promoting health in diverse populations. Lack of English fluency has been shown to negatively impact health outcomes for Latinos in the United States. The authors conducted a needs assessment at a clinic serving Latino immigrants, focusing on patients' health and previous experiences with written health information. Based on these results and a literature review, we developed 10 Spanish language brochures to better serve the target population. This article outlines the process of developing and implementing this intervention, which can serve as a model for similar projects targeting diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores representations of Scots-Irish Presbyterians appearing in pamphlets published in 1764 in Pennsylvania. The author compares and contrasts religious attitudes held by American colonists to those held by contemporary British people. The pamphlets considered were written in response to the actions of the Paxton Boys during the Conestoga Massacres of 1763 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and their subsequent march on Philadelphia. The political debates that ensued involved civic activist Benjamin Franklin, founder and Absolute Proprietor of the Province of Pennsylvania William Penn, and speaker of the legislature Joseph Galloway. The religious debate involved Quakers, Moravians, Mennonites, and Anglicans, as well as Presbyterians.

The article focuses on evaluation of AIDS prevention brochures for students at the Pennsylvania State University in Pennsylvania. Respondents were randomly selected and given a letter explaining the study, the American College Health Association's Safe Sex brochure, the Penn State AIDS brochure, and the Importance-Performance questionnaire. The AIDS brochure was rated significantly higher on accurate information and appropriateness for parents and for teenagers, while the Safe Sex brochure was rated generally higher in its discussion of safe-sex techniques and condoms. The authors point out that health education brochures are likely to remain the most common intervention for AIDS prevention.

Background: Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is cited as an effective approach for improving blood pressure control. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of HBPM combined with a health education session in reducing blood pressure and improving medication adherence among adults with hypertension., Methods: Two hundred thirteen participants were enrolled in a 3-month study and randomized to receive HBPM or usual care. Participants were also randomized to receive an educational session delivered using a pamphlet or a computer-based program. Topics of the educational session included preventing hypertension, managing weight, staying active, and cutting down on salt and fat., Results: At the 3-month follow-up, there was a reduction in ambulatory blood pressure among the HBPM group. However, the differences found within the HBPM group were no greater than those found among the control group. We did not detect a statistically significant difference in adherence to medication when comparing the HBPM to the usual care group., Conclusions: HBPM and educational session did not lower blood pressure or improve medication adherence in our sample. A greater effect may have been seen if coupled with an enhanced educational intervention and if blood pressure measures were shared with the provided. The findings of this study provide useful insights for future HBPM studies.

The article presents a list of pamphlets related to consumers' cooperatives along with information about regional and national cooperatives affiliated with the Cooperative League of the United States. Pamphlets included are, "Short Introduction to Consumers' Cooperation," which is a simple, readable outline of cooperative history and principles; "Cooperation Between Producers and Consumers," that discusses the relation of producer, marketing and consumer cooperatives. Cooperatives included are "American Farmers Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Minnesota; "Central Cooperative Wholesale, Superior," Wisconsin; "Consumers Cooperative Association," North Kansas City; "Consumers Cooperative Wholesale," Los Angeles; "Eastern Cooperative Wholesale Inc.," Brooklyn, New York; "Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company," Columbus, Ohio; "Farmers Cooperative Exchange," Raleigh; "Indiana Farm Bureau Cooperative Association," Indianapolis, Indiana; "Pacific Coast Student Co-op League," Berkeley, California; "Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Cooperative Association," Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The article features an eight-page product bulletin from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania-based MAC-MOD Analytical. It showcases the fused-core particle technology from Advanced Materials Technology. Data illustrating the ability of HALO columns in high-resolution separations of columns packed with sub-2 μm particles is provided.

Objective: The present study explored the impact of a tailored telephone counseling intervention on increasing follow-up adherence after an abnormal Pap smear result among low-income, minority women, which may reduce cervical cancer disparity., Methods: Participants (N=211) were randomly assigned to receive: (1) a telephone reminder that included an assessment of barriers to adherence, as well as counseling tailored to the barriers elicited; (2) telephone reminder and barriers assessment, followed by a mailed home tailored barriers print brochure; or (3) enhanced standard care comprising telephone reminder and barriers assessment. Assessments were obtained at initial contact and 1-week later, as well as at 6- and 12-months after the initial colposcopy., Results: The telephone counseling group showed greater adherence to follow-up recommendations than did the combined other two groups (p<0.05). For the initial colposcopy, tailored telephone barriers counseling was more effective among women with a high school education or less., Conclusion: Tailored telephone barriers counseling improves adherence to initial colposcopy, as well as to longer-term medical follow-up, among low-income, inner-city women., Practice Implications: Dissemination of barriers counseling into ongoing telephone reminder calls and contacts may decrease disparities in cancer outcomes, especially among women with less than post-secondary education., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The article presents the Teacher Education Programs (TEPS), comprehensive policy and program guide, drafted by the TEPS Commission in Pennsylvania. The Program and Action section of the guide had included establishment of criteria for teacher competence and the process of upgrading the education practices.

The article focuses on the Geographical Leaflets released by William W. Rupert, superintendent of schools of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The Leaflets are accurately and judiciously edited and gives the latest geographical news to pupils and teachers. Interested parties may contact Rupert for samples and prices.

The article discusses developments in education in Pennsylvania. The York County Teachers' Institute published a pamphlet on the 1896 conference proceedings. There were more than 2,000 school children in six public schools under ten elementary school teachers in Philadelphia in the year 1818. The 1897 school year opened with 138,000 school children, 3,325 teachers, and 300 school buildings.

The article presents information on the pamphlet entitled "Planning Post-War Education," published in 1944 by the Philadelphia Public Schools, Pennsylvania. The pamphlet was issued for measuring Philadelphia's educational procedures after the war. The document reported that the extracurricular burdens of teachers would be increased.

Objective: It is essential to train health care providers to deliver care sensitive to the needs of diverse individuals with varying degrees of health literacy. We aimed to evaluate an innovative, theory-based, educational intervention involving social marketing and health literacy., Methods: In 2006 at a large medical school, all first-year students were exposed to the intervention. They completed pre- and post-test anonymous surveys including demographic data, covariates, and key outcome variables. Paired t-tests and multiple linear regression were used to evaluate the intervention and to determine independent associations among the key outcome variables., Results: Post-intervention scores were significantly higher than pre-intervention scores for social marketing (3.31 versus 1.90, p<0.001), health literacy (3.41 versus 2.98, p<0.001), and comfort in brochure development (3.11 versus 2.52, p<0.001) (N=83). After controlling for demographic and covariate data, health literacy and comfort in brochure development were independent predictors of comfort interacting with diverse populations., Conclusion: A brief intervention involving social marketing and health literacy can improve skills that improve medical students' comfort with patients of diverse backgrounds., Practice Implications: Health care providers can be taught educational principles and skills involved in developing effective patient education materials. These skills may improve providers' comfort with direct patient interaction.

St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, Pa., teams up with Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, N.J., in a cardiac awareness campaign focusing on healthful cooking. "HeadsUp on Heart Disease" is a newly trademarked name for a program that has expanded since its creation in 2003. It features a booklet of recipes, health tips and coupons from a number of advertisers. Thanks to sponsorship by healthy food product lines and Mastercard, those creating the project expect it to break even.

Developing positive attitudes and behaviors toward hearing loss prevention is more effective the earlier it begins. This study evaluated two training techniques for educating young children about noise and hearing loss. Third grade students from seven Pennsylvania elementary schools received either no intervention between the pre-tests and post-tests, a lecture about hearing loss, or an informational bookmark along with the same lecture. A 10 item quiz was administered as a pre-test and post-test to assess changes in knowledge. Scores on the quiz improved the most for the lecture intervention groups regardless of whether they received the bookmark. Adding the bookmark did not have a significant effect on knowledge gain. The findings reinforce the value of providing an educational foundation along with communication products.

St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, Pa., distributed a half-million copies of its copyrighted booklet, "Heart Healthy Living" as the first of a larger, long-term marketing initiative to raise awareness of the suburban medical center. In addition to the medical center and physicians' offices, St. Mary had the booklet distributed by regional food markets and Fleet Bank. These partnerships and those with food products manufacturers helped reduce expenses. St. Mary physicians appeared on a cable television cooking show as well as in selected grocery markets.

A randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of mailed psychoeducational materials on adherence to subsequent annual mammography among women with prior abnormal mammograms. The results showed a 13% increment in adherence among women who received this intervention. This effect was independent of all sociodemographic and medical variables examined. We conclude that mailed psychoeducational materials may be an effective mechanism to improve adherence among women with abnormal mammogram results.