Moore to present work at spring research colloquium
Crystal Dea Moore, associate professor and director of the Social Work Program, will share her findings during the spring presentation of the Skidmore Research Colloquium Tuesday, Feb. 9. Titled "Family Functioning, Caregiver Burden and Health Care Costs for Veterans with Congestive Heart Failure," Moore's talk will draw on her cross-sectional study of 76 family caregivers of older veterans with congestive heart failure. Her work in this area has been generously supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation, which awarded her a grant of $100,000 for the period 2006-2008.
Moore examined the relationship between family functioning, caregiver burden, and the costs of health care, and discovered thatbetter family functioning is associated with higher outpatient costs as compared to families with problematic family functioning; family functioning was not related to inpatient costs. In addition, problematic family functioning predicted increased burden related to caregivers' feelings of being taken advantage of in the caring relationship. On the other hand, caregivers who felt more fulfilled in their caring responsibilities reported better family functioning. This data helps to provide a foundation for social work interventions to address caregiver burden and promote more effective communication with health care professionals.
The talk will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Murray Aikins Dining Hall (second floor) and will be followed by discussion and dinner. Zankel Professor of Management Pushkala Prasad, who coordinates the Research Colloquium, notes, "While these events are typically intended for faculty and staff, personal guests are most welcome. If you have a student with an interest in Crystal's research area, please ask him or her to come along."
Prasad added, "I would ask those who are planning to attend to RSVP me at your earliest convenience, and let me know how many guests you may be bringing. Make sure to let me know of any dieting restrictions as the dining staff is very good about accommodating everyone's preferences."
