Evaluating a support group for perinatal loss.

PURPOSE: This study attempted to determine if a support group intervention makes a difference in grief reactions of parents who have experienced a perinatal loss, and describes what parents perceived as being helpful and not helpful in handling the loss. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, retrospective, two-group research design was used. The independent variable was having attended or not having attended a perinatal loss support group. METHODS: A convenience sample of 121 participants (n = 67 in support groups; n = 51 not in support groups) was obtained from a mail survey to families who were on a perinatal loss support newsletter mailing list. The participants completed the Hogan Grief Reactions Checklist and a demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in parents' grief reaction scores between the two groups, but there were some differences in grief scores by gender and ethnicity. In both groups, the parents perceived their spouse, their extended families, and their friends as "most helpful." Physicians were perceived as "least helpful." CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Grief is very individual, and not all individuals may benefit from a support group. When suggesting a support group or any intervention, timing and a caring approach are essential.

Faculty practice at a homeless shelter for women and children.

Homelessness in America has significantly increased in recent years. Exact numbers of homeless persons in the United States are difficult to assess, though estimates of homeless persons range from 250,000 to 3 million. The homeless population has shifted to include women and children, including two parent families. Providing health care for the homeless is one of the most important and challenging health issues today. There are many barriers to providing adequate health care. The purpose of this article is to describe the complexity of the role and the experiences of a pediatric nurse practitioner at a clinic in a homeless shelter that houses approximately 30 women and children.