title: Use of a support group for dermatologic patients.
abstract: Hospital nurses led weekly group sessions to provide dermatologic inpatients a supportive climate in which to share common concerns about skin disease and a forum for dissemination of dermatologic information. Session leaders kept a journal, noting themes and group dynamic patterns for each meeting. Participants also responded to a session evaluation questionnaire. Data from the journal and questionnaires were collected for one year to describe the issues and concerns raised in a support group for dermatologic patients and to assess the effectiveness of this approach in overall patient management. Three themes were consistently discussed: problems with stress, self-esteem, and social interaction; concerns with medical treatment; and coping with loss. Participants indicated that support and encouragement had been given and received. Need for a dermatologic patient support group was demonstrated. Location of such a group in an outpatient day-care setting was recommended.
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals of Cleveland, Medical/Surgical Nursing Department, Ohio 44106.
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Lombardo
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Cave
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naso
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D012649:Self Concept; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires