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  • Title: Development and pilot evaluation of a psychosocial intervention program for patients with age-related macular degeneration.
    Author: Birk T, Hickl S, Wahl HW, Miller D, Kämmerer A, Holz F, Becker S, Völcker HE.
    Journal: Gerontologist; 2004 Dec; 44(6):836-43. PubMed ID: 15611220.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: The psychosocial needs of patients suffering from severe visual loss associated with advanced age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) are generally ignored in the clinical routine. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a psychosocial intervention program for ARMD patients. This intervention program was based on six modules carried out in five weekly group sessions. These modules included (a) progressive muscle relaxation; (b) exchange of disease-related experiences; (c) understanding the connections among thought, emotion, and behavior; (d) description of and emphasis on the use of available resources; (e) improvement of general problem-solving skills, and (f) information exchange on ARMD-related treatment and rehabilitation options. DESIGN AND METHODS: A preliminary evaluation of this intervention program was performed with the aid of a preintervention-postintervention comparison-group research design, which included 14 individuals (mean age of 73.1 years) in the interventional group and 8 participants (mean age of 72.6 years) in the comparison group. The preintervention-postintervention assessment addressed a set of emotional (e.g., positive and negative affect) as well as behavioral (e.g., limitations to activities and instrumental activities of daily living) outcome measures. RESULTS: Although the sample size of the pilot evaluation test was small, our results demonstrate the usefulness of this pilot program. A statistical analysis comparing the interventional group with the comparison group revealed that the intervention group benefited from the program in five out of six outcome measures. IMPLICATIONS: Psychosocial group intervention is a promising approach to improve the quality of life in patients suffering from ARMD.
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