Kritiese faktore vir ontwikkeling en groei by Parkinson-ondersteuningsgroepe

[摘要] English: The curative advantages of support groups are lauded in the literature andoffer every individual to grow in self-knowledge (Nichois & Jenkinson1991:16). Despite the physical, psychological and cognitive limitations ofParkinsons disease and old age, support groups offer positive outcome inmany ways (Manicorn & Viljoen 1992:37): Groups are time-effective andeconomical. Support groups enable multidisciplinary teams to becomeinvolved in consulting and rehabilitating roles. Every member becomes apotential helper and thus each person's status and self-worth is increased.Each member has own unique experience that makes belonging to a groupworthwhile (Haberman-Little 1991:165). Family, friends, life partners andcaregivers are included in a supportive environment where processes, whichare to everyone's advantage, can take place.Despite the advantages, the researcher found that Parkinsons support groupsin South Africa are stagnating or disappearing. The aim of this study was toidentify critical factors, which could initiate the growth and development ofParkinsons support groups. The information would enable the ParkinsonsAssociation to initiate successful support groups in the community.A descriptive study design was used. Individual questionnaires were sent to400 patients and caregivers who were drawn systematically from theParkinsons Association's alphabetical address list. All group leaders,identified by the association, and who could be found, also received thequestionnaire. Eventually, 312 completed questionnaires were returned (171patients, 126 caregivers and 15 group leaders).The literature and empirical study identified both socialising and increasingknowledge of pathology, as the respondents' most important needs.Parkinsons support groups fulfil both these needs. Additional factors areneeded to ensure the continued growth and development of Parkinsonssupport groups. The following critical factors that hamper development werefound:- The lack of community awareness and involvement concerningParkinsons support groups. The new health laws may possiblyimprove the situation by creating the relevant resources in thecommunity.- All three groups are not aware of a support group's potential and whatthe Parkinsons Association is able to offer.- Communication is lacking between support groups and with theParkinsons association, especially for the group leaders.- There are no specific group structure and aims (the internalmechanisms which develop and sustain a group). Program planningaccording to each individual group's needs and effective evaluationmethods are lacking.- Basic skills training and development of Parkinsons support groupleaders, in presentation and group management, should be done.- Patients are unsure of their own specific needs and which needs tochoose for group subjects. Thus, the democratic compilation of theyear program is affected.- The acknowledgement of the caregiver's role and needs in Parkinsonssupport groups is lacking. A multidisciplinary team involvement withgroups is needed.- Rehabilitation and maintenance programs are not emphasized.

[发布机构] University of the Free State