Every year, 600,000 Americans die with cancer, most of whom experience pain, depressed mood, and poor sleep quality. And although 9 out of 10 cancer patients report using a complementary therapy such as massage to treat these symptoms, there have been very few studies demonstrating the effects of massage in cancer patients—particularly those in hospice care.

In response, The University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Nursing and Horizon Hospice and Palliative Care have partnered to begin a study to determine the effects of massage therapy in cancer patients. Throughout the four-year study, researchers from UIC College of Nursing will collect data from participants via touch-screen computers provided in the home. Participants in both experimental and control groups will rate symptom distress, pain intensity, mood state, and sleep quality on a daily basis. The study, which is funded by the NIH, is lead by Dr. Diana Wilkie and several other professors of Nursing Science from the UIC College of Nursing. Participation is voluntary, and all participants will be selected from Horizon’s hospice care program. Key staff at Horizon are: President, Mary Runge, BSN, MBA, Medical Director, Mike Marschke, M.D., Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) Coordinator, Jan Durham, RN, and Dr. Jeannie Forrest, a Horizon board member and faculty at the UIC College of Nursing.

While Horizon is dedicated to high-quality comfort care for all of their patients, not everyone can participate in the study. Fortunately, exclusion from the study does not mean that patients cannot receive massage or any other CAM treatments. Horizon’s CAM program is available for any patient, but in order to maintain the study’s integrity, inclusion in the study is highly selective. "(The study) has to be as objective as possible," states Jan Durham, Horizon’s CAM Coordinator.

Participants will be involved in the study for three weeks. During these three weeks, all must complete daily logs and the experimental group must complete self-reports before and after each massage therapy session. Participants agree not to divulge their involvement to Horizon staff.

In addition to patient outcomes, the study will attempt to determine the costs of massage interventions. Dr. Wilkie and her team hope to accomplish this by comparing the costs associated with hospice care alone versus the costs of hospice care with massage therapy. As an extension of this, the study will also explore the feasibility of caretakers giving patients massage therapy sessions. In determining the overall feasibility of caretaker massage, the study will take into account the caregiver’s proficiency, the frequency and length of massages, and self reports completed by patient and caregiver. Caregivers who are included as a part of the study will be taught the effleurage stroke—massage therapy’s most widely used stroke.

It makes sense that the University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Nursing chose Horizon as a partner in the study. Not only is Horizon Chicago’s first hospice, but it also boasts one of the most extensive CAM programs of any hospice in the area. On a monthly basis, Horizon performs 30 – 40 CAM treatments to various patients. These treatments focus on managing pain and symptoms. Treatments currently available to Horizon patients are: acupuncture, aromatherapy, art therapy, guided imagery, healing touch, massage, meditation, and music therapy.

The use of complementary and alternative medicines is on the rise in the United States. Despite their growing usage however, Jan Durham stresses that complementary and alternative medicines should be used in conjunction with western medicine. Just as some prescriptions may work well together, CAM works best when used as a part of an overall medical treatment plan.

If a patient decides utilize a complementary or alternative therapy as a part of their comfort care, Horizon’s team helps them determine which therapy would most beneficial to their relief process. It’s a patient-centered approach that augments Horizon’s mission to maintain dignity and comfort for those at the end of life.

CSI Staff, Inc. has just promoted Janet Blue to the position of Vice President, Business Development for this 15 year old Chicago Area based staffing firm. Janet has been with CSI Staff for three years most recently as Director, Business Development. Prior to that, she has had over 25 years of recruiting and human resources experience, much of it in medical and related fields.

Janet replaces Sue Smallwood, co-founder of CSI Staff, who has retired from the Company. Sue will be devoting much of her time to charitable activities. In retirement, she will be heavily involved with Rotary International where she will be District Governor for the district that includes 66 Rotary clubs in Chicago and many of its western and southern suburbs. She has been a Rotarian for over ten years and has recently been involved in supporting two humanitarian projects sponsored by the District: a burn rehabilitation unit in Panama City, Panama and cleft pallet surgeries in Shenyang China.

CSI Staff, Inc. is a provider of temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire personnel for UR/CM nurses and for medical claims processing. It is celebrating 15 years of service to Chicagoland.

Assisted Living Residents Learn Computer Skills in Center for Learning

Recent studies indicate that challenging mental activities, new experiences, and social interactions all contribute to brain health and can help reduce the risk of dementia. However, many seniors have few opportunities to engage in the stimulating activities recommended to maintain cognitive function. But now some members of the senior care industry are stepping up to meet those needs.

"Helping our residents remain active and engaged is a high priority, and we’re always looking for ways to improve and enhance our programs," said Beverly Chambers, COO for Belmont Village Assisted Living communities. "For example, we recently upgraded the Centers for Learning at our communities to give our residents all the tools they need to take full advantage of this educational program."

The Centers offer a senior-friendly computing environment to help residents stay connected with the world through the internet and e-mail. Residents can also use the computers to play games, pursue educational opportunities, and develop hobbies.

"We’ve designed the environment to be as accommodating of our resident’s interests and needs as possible. We wanted an interface that was very user friendly, especially for older adults who may have limited or no previous computer experience," said David Ellerbe, Belmont Village’s VP of Information Technology.

The standard equipment and services offered in a Belmont Village Center for Learning (CFL) include:

• High speed computers and internet access
• Large, 19" LCD screens
• Large type keyboards
• Special, senior-friendly desktop menu
• Computer classes
• An Assistive Mouse Adaptor for residents with tremors
• Continuous access to a color printer
• Easy-to-understand user guides
• Assistance and tips from Learning Coordinators

Additionally, the community has licensed nurses onsite around-the-clock to oversee resident care needs, and specially-trained Personal Assistance Liaisons (PALS) to assist residents with the activities of daily living.

Belmont Village currently operates 17 communities in Chicago, California and the southern US. Chicagoland communities are located in Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Carol Stream, and Oak Park.