An exploration of the value of social interaction in a boys' group for adolescents with muscular dystrophy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Engagement in peer-based social activities is a normal and important aspect of adolescence. Adolescent boys with muscular dystrophy typically lack opportunities for participation in peer-based recreation and socialization activities. 'MD Mafia' is a group which aims to reduce social isolation and offer social and recreational opportunities for adolescent boys with muscular dystrophy. This research is a qualitative exploration of the value of 'MD Mafia' and seeks to answer the question: "what does the experience of participating in 'MD Mafia', a group for adolescent boys with muscular dystrophy, mean to the boys and their parents?". METHODS: This research sought the views of the boys who participate in MD Mafia and their parents. The sample included seven boys and four mothers. Data collection methods included creative group activities, specifically chosen to match the participants' age, interests and skills, and online data collection. The theoretical perspective of symbolic interactionism guided the theoretical analysis of the data. RESULTS: Analysis of the data provided a description of the meaning and value of 'MD Mafia' from the participants' perspective. MD Mafia has a strong collective identity, which reflects ideals of masculinity and common interests. The group provides much valued opportunity for socialization in a safe and familiar environment, but parents also felt that MD Mafia could offer greater opportunities for skill development by increasing the challenge level of the activities and social environment. The theoretical analysis provides insight into the value of social interactions between participants in a group which has had positive implications for the boys as individuals and for MD Mafia as a group. CONCLUSIONS: The research supports a group model of service delivery for boys with muscular dystrophy and has implications for the development of the group into the future.

Evaluation of ready-to-use and multi-dose influenza vaccine formats in large clinic settings.

Large immunization clinics are commonly held to deliver influenza vaccine to seniors and others. Vaccine is typically dispensed from multi-dose vials but pre-filled syringes are now available, offering time savings for vaccinators. To determine if the higher purchase price of such syringes is offset by savings in time and injection supplies, we did a controlled comparison of syringe and vial formats in two large, concurrent, community-based influenza vaccination clinics. Vaccine preparation and immunization times were carefully documented along with costs for vaccine purchase, storage and injection supplies. Servicing 1,000 clients required 27 nurse hours using syringes and 36 hours using vials but the savings for personnel ($234) and supplies ($1,190) using syringes were exceeded by higher vaccine cost ($2,090 premium) and extra storage costs ($260) for bulkier packaging. Depending upon product and packaging style, programs using vials are cheaper by $709-$926 per 100 doses delivered compared to using pre-filled syringes.