bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental myelitis caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 in C57BL/6N and BALB/cN mice
Authors: KINJO TAKAO , TSUHAKO KYOKO , SIRIRUNGSI WASNA , SUNAGAWA KAZUYA , NAKAZATO IWAO , IWAMASA TERUO
Published: November 2003

Intraperitoneal and intracranial inoculation of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2) into BALB/cN and C57BL/6N mice was carried out to induce experimental myelitis. The myelitis was clearly observed in C57BL/6N mice following intraperitoneal inoculation. Within 24 hours before death, the mice showed urinary and rectal incontinence and paraplegia of the hind legs. Randomly distributed, severe necrosis was demonstrated in the spinal cord, mainly at the lower cord. In BALB/cN mice the clinical symptoms were not clearly observed, as the mice died shortly after their onset. Although spinal cord necrosis was more prominent in C57BL/6N mice than BALB/cN mice, brain necrosis was only found in the latter, and not in the former. Both strains of mouse showed marked nuclear pyknosis of the nerve cells and slight nuclear pyknosis of the astrocytes in the brain where HSV 2 antigen was demonstrated immunohistochemically. The antigen was also detected in the necrotic spinal cord. In contrast, intracranial inoculation of the virus into both strains did not cause myelitis. Spinal cord necrosis was not demonstrated and virus DNA was not detected, by PCR, in spinal cord samples. In the brain, however, the virus was demonstrated by both PCR and immunohistochemistry.
Histopathological changes in Yucatan minipig skin following challenge with sulphur mustard. A sequential study of the first 24 hours following challenge
Authors: BROWN R.F.R. , RICE P.
Published: November 2003

Sulphur mustard (HD) or ‘mustard gas’ is a potent vesicant chemical warfare agent whose biological effects in man have been well documented. The histopathological features of the developing cutaneous HD lesion in female Yucatan minipigs up to 24 hours post exposure are reported. Following challenge with HD vapour at a concentration of 12.0 μmol/cm2 a sequence of ultrastructural changes to keratinocytes occurred which were initially seen in the stratum basale. Condensation of nuclear heterochromatin and loss of euchromatin was accompanied by cytoplasmic swelling and culminated in focal epidermal necrosis which was evident at 24 h after the challenge.

The melanocyte appeared to be the cell type most sensitive to HD challenge with a loss of cytoplasmic electron density in areas of the cytoplasm immediately surrounding the melanosomes, chromatin condensation, nuclear membrane blebbing with mitochondrial and generalized cytoplasmic swelling. Isolated complete cell necrosis and disruption were noted as early as 2 h following the challenge with generalized necrosis being seen from 12 h onwards. From 12 h onwards, areas of basement membrane degeneration were also observed. These appeared similar in ultrastructure to that observed in other animal model systems but did not progress to the large blisters so typical of the human lesion.

Damage to the upper dermis took the form of an inflammatory response typified by vascular endothelial swelling and vacuolation, dermal oedema and inflammatory cell (mainly neutrophil) infiltration.

There was some evidence of transitory epidermal damage outside the prescribed wound area. This finding may be of clinical importance when surgical treatments are being considered.
Resistance of TNF/LTα double deficient mice to bleomycin‐induced fibrosis
Authors: PIGUET PIERRE F. , KAUFMAN STEPHEN , BARAZZONE CONSTANCE , MULLER MATTHIAS , RYFFEL BERNHARD , EUGSTER HANS P.
Published: November 2003

In order to evaluate the role and mode of action of TNF in bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis, mice deficient for TNF and LTα (ΔTNF/LTα) were examined at 2 months of age and after 3 weekly i.v. injections of bleomycin. The body weight of the ΔTNF/LTα mice was 88±11% of that of the wild type littermates. Lung collagen, evaluated by its hydroxyproline content, was also lower (81±9%) in mutant than in wild type littermates. Bleomycin induced a diffuse alveolitis with focal areas of alveolar remodelling in wild type but not in ΔTNF/LTα, mice. Lymphoid infiltration was also prominent in wild type, but absent from ΔTNF/LTα, mice. Bleomycin injections increased collagen deposition, as evaluated by the lung hydroxyproline content, more markedly in wild type, than in ΔTNF/LTα, mice. Cell trapping in the alveolar capillaries was evaluated by semi‐quantitative electron microscopy. Bleomycin markedly increased platelet trapping in the alveolar capillaries of wild type, but not of ΔTNF/LTα, mice. This study indicates that the expression of TNF/LTα genes increases the deposition of collagen in both untreated and inflamed lung and that these genes may act, at least in part, by promoting platelet trapping.
Interleukin‐10‐ and corticosteroid‐induced reduction in type I procollagen in a human ex vivo scar culture
Authors: WANGOO A. , LABAN C. , COOK H.T. , GLENVILLE B. , SHAW R.J.
Published: November 2003

Fibroblasts act as the effector cells of the fibrotic response via production of collagen. In an attempt to understand the regulation of fibroblasts from areas of active human tissue fibrosis, we have developed an ex vivo model in which biopsies of scars from patients 6 weeks post thoracotomy were cultured. This model has been used to investigate whether interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and triamcinolone acetonide modulate the expression of type I procollagen mRNA and protein. In situ hybridization and a quantitative competitive RT‐PCR were used to measure type I procollagen mRNA. Type I procollagen protein was evaluated by immunochemistry. Viability of biopsies in culture using 3H‐uridine incorporation into RNA was observed to be > 80% for at least 96 hours. Following addition of either IL‐10 or triamcinolone acetonide there was a modest but significant decrease (P<0.05) in type I procollagen mRNA expression. Similarly, each agent added individually to biopsies reduced the proportion of cells staining positively for type I procollagen when compared to biopsies treated with medium alone (P<0.05). These results extend in vitro data that IL‐10 and corticosteroids down‐regulate collagen synthesis in skin fibroblast cell lines and suggest that this ex vivo model may offer a closer approximation to the post‐operative scarring process when testing new therapeutic agents for reducing an over‐exuberent fibrotic response.
Stressors, coping mechanisms and quality of life among dialysis patients in Australia
Authors: Lok Peter
Published: November 2003

The aim of this study was to determine the significant stressors and coping methods which are related to quality of life in dialysis patients A survey was conducted on patients in two dialysis centres in Sydney The response rate was 58% (n= 64) The results revealed that limitation of physical activity was the most troublesome stressor followed by decrease in social life, uncertainty about the future, fatigue and muscle cramps Although their ranking was not identical to that found in prior studies, these five stressors were considered to be compatible with the high stressors identified in previous studies Problem‐solving methods were considered to be more effective than affective measures in dealing with stressors Quality of life was perceived as below average in both haemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients However, CAPD patients were experiencing a higher quality of life than haemodialysis patients The length of time on the dialysis programme was not significantly related to coping behaviour The findings of this study can further facilitate nurse practitioners in providing support, information, alternative solutions and in assisting patients to better utilize problem‐solving methods to enhance their quality of life on dialysis
Making sense of it: a neuro‐interactional model of meaning emergence in critically ill ventilated patients
Authors: Lusardi Paula T , Schwartz‐Barcott Donna
Published: November 2003

Emphasis on meaning underpins a current thrust of knowledge development in nursing, especially in the client domain Examination of meaning in the interactional context and through varying levels of consciousness has not been examined Initially, an integrated model was developed deductively from philosophical, theoretical and research‐oriented sources This model was meant as a guide to begin examining how patients with varying levels of consciousness make sense of their intensive care unit experience Over a 10‐month period of fieldwork, this author observed patients twice daily through their intensive care unit stay to capture the nature and content of thinking processes The resulting neuro‐interactional model describes patients' thinking processes and scope of meaning as a function of levels of consciousness as well as factors which affect thinking and meaning Theory, research and practice implications are presented
The practitioner‐teacher: a study in the introduction of mentors in the preregistration nurse education programme in Wales: part 2
Authors: Phillips R M , Davies W B , Neary M
Published: November 2003

This paper is the second of two which together report on a 2‐year research project (Davies et al 1994) investigating the implementation and impact of introducing mentors in the Common Foundation Programme of the new scheme for preregistration nurse education The study was commissioned by the Department of Health and undertaken on an all‐Wales basis The first paper (Phillips et al 1996) set the scene by discussing some underlying issues to policy reforms in nurse education, then placing the study setting with in the context of a changing scenario in the National Health Service The key techniques of data collection were then outlined (interviews, diary accounts, questionnaires, observations in clinical settings) This second paper will present the key themes to emerge from the data and suggest some important issues which arise from the findings of the research, worthy of further consideration and debate
Biological sciences in Project 2000: an exploration of status
Authors: Trnobranskl Phllippa H
Published: November 2003

Through Project 2000 preregistration nursing courses it was intended to establish a broad knowledge base for nurse education This is likely to affect the way biological sciences are viewed as subjects within the curriculum The aim of this study was to investigate the status of biological sciences in the curriculum following educational reform A small‐scale, descriptive study was undertaken investigating one institution Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered using a postal questionnaire, this was complemented by contextual information obtained from documents Findings indicated that there was a lack of consensus amongst teachers regarding what emphasis should be given to different subjects within the curriculum It was commented that ‘nursing’ may have been displaced by pure subject disciplines, and that application of biological theory to practice was inadequate Biological sciences, social sciences and behavioural sciences were allotted equal hours in the curriculum, concern was expressed, however, that there was insufficient time available for some subjects This appeared to foster competition and tension, in particular between proponents of biological and social sciences Teachers demonstrated subject loyalty, and promoted their own discipline within the curriculum In an attempt to explain findings a conceptual framework based upon the sociology of knowledge and conflicts and tensions between groups within a profession was employed Issues identified in the study suggest that there is cause for concern with respect to the structuring, teaching and learning of biological concepts, and their application to nursing practice
Role: a concept explored in nursing education
Authors: Clifford Collette
Published: November 2003

A number of research studies in nursing education have drawn on the concept of ‘role’ when defining differing aspects of both student nurse and nurse teacher experiences Despite the fairly wide use of the word, little attention has been given to the origins and development of the study of role Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to explore ‘role’ and to consider the implications of this concept when undertaking research into the work nurses do The subject will be explored from the perspective of nursing education and the role of the nurse teacher will be used as the working example in this paper
‘I love my work, but…’: the ‘best’ and the ‘worst’ in nurse educators'working life in Finland
Authors: Harri Marja
Published: November 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate nurse educators'perceptions of the quality of their working life Questionnaires were sent to 706 Finnish nurse educators and their spouses or other adult living with them The results concerning the structured part of the questionnaire have been described in detail in an earlier paper (Harri 1995) This paper describes the data collected by means of semi‐structured questions from 477 (68%) educators and 409 (58%) spouses) and open‐ended questions (309 nurse educators and 167 spouses), analysed using content analysis The seven categories that were identified as the best features of work were, in descending order of prevalence students, freedom, challenges, teaching, miscellaneous, colleagues, and physical environment Among the worst features of work, workload ranked first, followed by inadequacy of personal resources, administrative issues, changes, interpersonal relationships, miscellaneous, and physical environment In the open‐ended comments the nurse educators used 400 expressions to describe positive features of their working life, while they used 597 expressions to describe negative features The spouses made 90 positive comments about the working life of their teacher spouse, and 425 negative comments The importance of this kind of study was remarked on quite frequently both by nurse educators (22%) and their spouses (12%) The study provides important clues to understanding the present reality of nurse educators'working life It is hoped that the findings of the study will help focus attention on ways of developing the quality of nurse educators'working life
The grief experience of older women whose husbands had hospice care
Authors: Jacob Susan R
Published: November 2003

Grief is a universal phenomenon, affecting every age and culture However, the literature reveals that this concept is surrounded with ambiguity and conflicting research findings There are few studies which focus on the grief of older widows, and none which focuses on the grief of older women whose husbands received hospice care The purpose of this longitudinal study was to generate a conceptual definition and theory of grief for older adult women using grounded theory methodology Informants comprised six older widows whose husbands were enrolled in a hospice programme in a southern metropolitan setting in the United States Each informant was asked to respond to the initial question ‘What is your experience in dealing with the loss of your husband?’ Interviews were conducted in the widows' homes after the deaths of their husbands during the following three time frames of bereavement 1–4 months, 7–10 months and 13–16 months Interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed, coded and analysed using the constant comparative method Oracle, a text‐oriented database management computer program, was used to facilitate the creation, storage, coding, analysis and retrieval of data Cross‐comparisons of the findings from the three phases of data collection were made and these findings were compared with the literature The following core concepts emerged from the data ‘being aware’, ‘experiencing distress’, ‘supporting’, ‘coping’ and ‘facing new realities’ Core concepts were combined into a conceptual definition of grief and a grounded theory of grief of older adult women whose husbands experienced hospice care was developed The results of this study expand our knowledge of the grief process of older widows whose husbands received hospice care and have implications for the development of effective bereavement intervention programmes
Entry to care: positive choice or fait accompli? Developing a more proactive nursing response to the needs of older people and their carers*
Authors: Nolan Mike , Walker Gill , Nolan Janet , Williams Sion , Poland Fiona , Curran Monica , Kent Bridie C
Published: November 2003

A range of issues surrounding admission to either residential or nursing home care are considered from the perspectives of older people and their family carers Drawing on the literature and a number of studies conducted by the authors, the processes and perceptions that shape and influence admission to care are identified On the basis of the interaction of these factors a four‐stage typology of admission is suggested the positive choice, the rationalized alternative, the discredited option, and the fait accompli The characteristics of each admission type are discussed and the implications for professionals, particularly nurses, working with older people and their carers are addressed
Illness careers: the chronic illness experience
Authors: Price Bob
Published: November 2003

The provision of skilful psychosocial care to patients suffering from chronic illnesses starts with an appreciation of what it is like to live with a chronic condition Definitions of self‐esteem may be realigned when patients encounter a prolonged problem, and reliance upon professional help Getting inside the experience of such illness may be key to understanding patient motivation, noncompliance with therapy and altered patterns of social engagement. Individuals' personal constructs may usefully then be used to explore the extent to which chronic illness sufferers share common problems and needs
Nursing attitudes to the care of elderly patients at risk of continuing hospital care
Authors: Carter Helen , MacInnes Pauline
Published: November 2003

This study assesses changes in nurses' attitudes to the process of decision‐making regarding the care of elderly patients identified as being at risk of continuing (long‐term) hospital care It was undertaken during the course of an evaluation of an intervention programme which involved a new approach to decision‐making concerning the long‐term care of dependent elderly patients Complementary components of the intervention programme were (a) an early discharge planning service, and (b) an extended home care programme The programme involved close liaison of specially trained community health nurses with staff members of the general medical wards of a large general hospital At the onset of the evaluation, it was perceived by management that the staff of the general medical wards favoured continuing hospital care for very dependent elderly patients rather than community care It was hypothesized that the intervention programme would result in a change in ward staffs' attitudes concerning the feasibility of home‐based care and how decisions about care should be made To test this, attitude changes of community health nurses and ward nurses were assessed over the period of implementation of the programme Following the introduction of the programme, the study found that some of the ward nurses' attitudes became closer to those of community health nurses There was a shift in ward nurses' attitudes away from a professional approach to decisions about the care and placement of very dependent elderly patients to a ‘patient choice’ approach Nurses felt more strongly that they had an important role in patient care Implications of the research are considered in relation to the process of discharge planning
Functional status of the oldest‐old in a home setting
Authors: Krach Peg , DeVaney Sharon , DeTurk Colleen , Zink Mary Helen
Published: November 2003

The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to examine six domains of functioning physical, mental, social, spiritual, economic and activities of daily living The primary inclusion criteria at the time of recruitment were that participants be over the age of 85, be cognitively intact, and be living in a home setting Instruments used for the study included the Older Americans Resource Survey (OARS), Mini‐Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Spiritual Well Being Scale (SWBS) Fifty subjects, mean age 89 years, lived alone (65%) or with their spouse (22%) in their homes Person's correlation analysis found significant relationships among physical, mental, social, economic and activities of daily living Good to excellent functioning was found in the mental (82%) and social (82%) domains Highest functional impairments were identified with ability to carry out activities of daily living (72%) and in the domains of physical functioning (55%) Common chronic illnesses reported were arthritis (56%), hypertension (46%) and cardiac problems (30%) The average daily use of prescribed drugs was three times and over‐the‐counter use was once per day Eleven per cent of subjects were mildly (7%) or moderately (4%) depressed Subjects reported that they needed visiting nurses (29%), home health aides (20%) and help with shopping (24%) and transportation (24%) The data suggest that multidimensional assessment is necessary to identify nursing interventions that will regain, maintain or enhance functioning among oldest‐old people
Health within illness: experiences of chronically ill/disabled people
Authors: Lindsey Elizabeth
Published: November 2003

The concept of health within illness is beginning to gain recognition in nursing However, there has been little research to explore and describe this phenomenon The results of a recent study investigating the meaning of the experience of feeling healthy for people living with a chronic illness and/or disability are presented An interpretive phenomenological study was undertaken with eight participants living with a variety of different chronic conditions The results provide a rich mosaic of themes describing the participants' health experiences These themes include (a) honouring the self, (b) seeking and connecting with others, (c) creating opportunities, (d) celebrating life, (e) transcending the self, and (f) acquiring a state of grace The significance of these results is that they provide for a reconceptualization of health and illness Such a reconceptualization calls for a transformation in nursing care, from a problem focus and a deficit perspective, to one which focuses on the client's capacity and the promotion of health and healing
General satisfaction and satisfaction with nursing communication on an adult psychiatric ward
Authors: Ricketts Tom
Published: November 2003

A client satisfaction survey was undertaken on an adult psychiatric admission ward in Sheffield, England, being sent to all clients discharged from the ward over 12 months The questionnaire consisted of a general satisfaction element, and two questions asking about satisfaction with nursing communication The response rate was 81 from 199 forms sent General satisfaction levels were lower than for a sample of 3120 mainly out‐patient psychiatric clients in the USA Satisfaction with nursing communication was significantly correlated with general satisfaction The survey allowed the number of dissatisfied clients to be identified, and their views highlighted One aspect often reported by dissatisfied clients was a perceived lack of time from staff The importance of nursing communication with respect to client satisfaction is highlighted by the study
Triangulation of communication skills in qualitative research instruments
Authors: Begley Cecily M
Published: November 2003

Triangulation is a credible and useful method of conducting research which can result in an increase in both quality and quantity of data gathered The five documented types of triangulation (data, investigator, theoretical, methodological, unit of analysis) do not completely answer all the needs of nurse researchers, particularly m the field of qualitative research Using more than one method of data collection from within the same research tradition (within‐method triangulation) is an accepted and effective technique Extending the concept of tnangulation to include the development of research tools leads to the proposal that the conscious use of two or three types of communication within each qualitative research instrument would improve its effectiveness over a tool which used only one type This application of ‘tnangulation of communication skills’ is considered withm each of the major qualitative research tools, and the benefits outlined The implications for nursing research and nurse researchers of consciously using non‐verbal cues to supplement verbal information are described It is suggested that using tnangulation of communication skills in this way may improve the validity of data obtained and, if clearly documented, increase the credibility of the findings In particular, when conducting qualitative interviews, the expert use of tnangulation of communication skills will enhance the quality and quantity of data gathered To this end, novice researchers need education and practice in using communication skills to best effect, in order to ensure the validity and completeness of their findings
Analysis of Akinsanya's model of bionursing
Authors: Casey Georgina
Published: November 2003

A critical analysis of Akinsanya's theory of bionursing is presented This innovative model, designed to direct nursing education in the biological sciences, explores the link between nursing and these sciences and attempts to disassociate nursing from the dominance of the biomedical model The underlying assumptions of the model and its main concepts are examined in the light of current beliefs about professional nursing practice and education Links between the concepts in the model are explored The utility of the bionursing model for nursing education and practice is examined and some hypotheses for empirical testing of the model are suggested
The women's health agenda: evolution of hormone replacement therapy as treatment and prophylaxis for coronary artery disease
Authors: King Kathryn M , Kerr Janet Ross
Published: November 2003

The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the research literature on the connection between hormone replacement therapy and development of coronary artery disease as it pertains to women It is clear that research in this century regarding heart disease in general has been gender‐biased or inappropriately gender‐neutral Research initially focused on how the developing knowledge of the protective effect of female hormones could be used to benefit men It has only been in the last decade or so that gender‐based research has been appreciated, acknowledged, facilitated, and finally accepted for its contributions to advancing knowledge and for benefiting women with coronary artery disease
Nurses'perceptions of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and sufferers of IBS
Authors: Letson Sue , Dancey Christine P
Published: November 2003

The present study set out to discover nurses'attitudes towards, and beliefs about, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and IBS sufferers A 54‐item questionnaire was completed by 254 qualified nurses from 18 London hospitals Nurses rated statements relating to IBS on a scale from disagree (1) to agree (5) Questionnaire items fell into four broad categories The first related to the way nurses felt about the sufferers of IBS, the vast majority of nurses agreed with items stating that IBS patients are demanding, unable to cope with life, lazy and crave attention, and waste doctors'time The second category related to nurses'beliefs regarding their knowledge of the syndrome, only half the sample believed that they would recognize the symptoms of IB and that they had a good understanding of the disorder Ratings on items relating to the nurses'general knowledge of the symptoms showed that between a quarter and a half of the sample felt uncertain about the veracity of the statements A fourth category was the nurses'beliefs regarding the attitudes held by health professionals, with half of the sample believing that doctors and health professionals generally had a poor understanding of IBS Surprisingly, results showed that older, more experienced nurses, and those suffering from the syndrome were not more sympathetic and understanding than younger, non‐sufferers The present study shows that the majority of nurses hold negative attitudes towards IBS sufferers, which can only be detrimental to the treatment of those patients with IBS
Primary health care team workshop: team members'perspectives
Authors: Long Sarah
Published: November 2003

This study explored members ‘perceptions of team work in two primary health care teams (PHCTs) It also examined the effect of a team‐building intervention on members’ perceptions centred around five topics the PHCT, role perception, communication, leadership and conflict The study used a qualitative approach with semistructured interviews before and after the intervention It was found that members perceived each other's roles only in the light of their interactions with each other Issues of hierarchy in leadership and interpersonal conflicts were raised It is concluded that the team‐building intervention had some positive effects on team members' perceptions and behaviour However, further research is needed into management structures and conflict resolution in the PHCT
Ethnic differences in risk factors associated with genital human papillomavirus infections
Authors: Kenney Janet W
Published: November 2003

This study was a cross‐sectional analysis of different risk and cofactors for genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among 302 women in four ethnic groups at 10 clinic sites Ethnicity, rather than HPV status, accounted for most of the differences among the groups on five risk factors age at first sex, number of lifetime sexual partners, number of partners' sex partners, number of ‘once only’ sex partners, and number of ‘long‐term’ sexual relationships There were also ethnic differences in three of four cofactors, which may contribute to progression of HPV infections, namely, age when women began taking oral contraceptives and duration of use, number of years smoked cigarettes, and number of other sexually transmitted diseases Women with more than four lifetime sex partners, more than two ‘once only’ sex partners, and/or women who took oral contraceptives for more than 4 years had a higher prevalence of HPV infection Major risk and cofactors for HPV infection of each ethnic group are described and compared with other HPV studies
Work‐related back pain in nurses
Authors: Hignett Sue
Published: November 2003

This summary draws together the findings from over 80 studies published over three decades The studies reviewed are categorized into three groups (a) epidemiological, (b)‘testing out’, and (c) exploratory There has been agreement on a number of points, in particular that nursing is among the high risk occupations with respect to low back problems, with a point prevalence of approximately 17%, an annual (period) prevalence of 40–50% and a lifetime prevalence of 35–80% When considering the contributory factors there is some divergence, but one of the popular notions is generally proven, that more frequent patient handling appears to correlate with increased incidence of low back pain However, the traditional approach of training in lifting and handling techniques alone has been shown to be of little, or no, long‐term benefit and the value of ergonomics remains to be seen Much work has also been done by taking aspects of nursing work into the laboratory, using experimental studies which have mostly focused on specific sub‐tasks (of the generic task of patient handling), looking at specific transfers and procedures (e g bed to chair) or transfer techniques (‘stoop versus squat’) Although a level of quantification can be made about the different techniques, it is questionable whether this is of any practical use, especially when considering the wide variation of loads encountered during manual handling of patients The limitations of using quantitative methodologies is revealed in the very small number of exploratory studies All of the studies cited in this review used methodologies based in the positivist paradigm There does not appear to be any published work using participative or interview methods to obtain qualitative data which might identify contributory factors in the onset of occupational low back pain in nursing staff
Using triangulation in nursing research
Authors: Begley Cecily M
Published: November 2003

Triangulation is proposed by many nurse researchers as a means of solving the quantitative/qualitative debate and integrating the two approaches While this view is accurate, it does not take into account the possible complexity and usefulness of triangulation, nor does it fully recognize the two goals of triangulation confirmation and completeness of data In this paper the five types of triangulation (data, investigator, theoretical, methodological, and unit of analysis) are described and the advantages and disadvantages of using this method are discussed It is argued that the view that triangulation is merely the combination of different methods of investigation is a narrow one, and it is recommended that nurse researchers increase their utilization of the four less frequently used types of triangulation data, investigator, theoretical and unit of analysis When using triangulation of methods, researchers should also consider whether the use of within‐method triangulation would be beneficial to their study Sequential use of quantitative and qualitative methods to develop and refine tools of enquiry may also be more effective for certain studies than the more usual simultaneous use The ‘triangulation state of mind’, the conscious employment of multiple data sources and methods to cross‐check and validate findings continuously, should permeate all studies and lead to the goal of confirmation Above all, triangulation must be chosen deliberately, for the correct reasons, and an adequate description of the rationale, planning and implementation of procedures should be given in reports, to give credence to this emerging method of research
Dementia and personhood: a focus for care?
Authors: Jenkins David , Price Bob
Published: November 2003

The philosophy of nursing emphasizes the importance of holistic care delivered to an individual and their significant others through a shared understanding of the person Dementia, however, strikes at the very nature of personhood, and carers are challenged to re‐evaluate how care can be adjusted to help preserve dignity and independence during a very variable span of deteriorating mental function This paper explores the impact of dementia on patients and carers through the meanings of self and body image which give individuality to each of us It concludes by highlighting how recognition of this may assist carers to accommodate the necessary changes associated with the illness
The telephone survey method: a discussion paper
Authors: Barriball K Louise , Christian Sara L , While Alison E , Bergen Ann
Published: November 2003

The telephone survey method is discussed in the light of the experiences of one research team investigating case management practices among nurses working in the community using a multiple‐method design An account is given of the strategies employed to recruit a study sample, minimize non‐response and bias and ensure the use of sound practices during data collection The findings highlight the benefits of using the telephone survey method when recruiting respondents across a wide geographical area and/or working within a continually changing environment However, the findings also highlight the challenge of non‐response caused by non‐contact and the resource implications of ‘doing more’ to recruit key informants via the telephone
Effect of preparatory information prior to elective total hip replacement on psychological coping outcomes
Authors: Gammon John , Mulholland Clive W
Published: November 2003

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of preparatory information on psychological coping outcomes among total hip replacement (THR) patients A quasi‐experimental design within an ethnographic clinical context was used Eighty‐two healthy individuals, scheduled for elective THR were recruited for the study and nonrandom selection techniques were used The subjects in the experimental group were given procedural, sensory and coping information relating to the whole surgical procedure of a THR In addition, written information was given to support the verbal information Subjects in the control group received only the advice and support that would routinely be given to THR patients by ward, medical and nursing staff The main outcomes were measured using standard questionnaires, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) measuring anxiety and depression, Rosenburg Self‐Esteem Scale measuring self‐esteem, and Health Illness Questionnaire measuring sense of control Lastly, a Linear Analogue Coping Scale was developed and applied to assess a subject's personal perception of coping with a THR Providing information had positive effects on the psychological coping outcomes measured Subjects in the experimental group had significantly less anxiety and depression with a high self‐esteem and sense of control The Linear Analogue Coping Scale demonstrated a strong correlation between how subjects believed they were coping and that measured using the standard questionnaires The study concluded that preparatory information of various types and in different forms appears to have positive effects on psychological coping outcomes for THR patients, which may have influenced postoperative recovery
Criteria for concept evaluation
Authors: Morse Janice M , PhD Carl Mitcham , Hupcey Judith E , Cerdas Maritza
Published: November 2003

One of the roles of qualitative enquiry is the utilization of qualitative methods for the development, refinement or modification of concepts Yet, to date, there are no criteria for evaluating the adequacy of a concept In this paper, the anatomy of a concept is presented, methods of concept analysis critiqued, and criteria for evaluation of the level of maturity of a concept suggested Evaluation of criteria include assessment of the definition of the concept, the characteristics of the concept, the conceptual preconditions and outcomes, and the conceptual boundaries The authors argue that evaluation of a concept must necessarily precede concept development research (using a Wilsoman‐derived method, a critical analysis of the literature, or qualitative enquiry) and precede more formal research procedures (such as operationalization or identification of the variables)
Violence to staff in a general hospital setting
Authors: Whittington Richard , Shuttleworth Stewart , Hill Lynda
Published: November 2003

The problem of aggression to staff in a general hospital was examined from the perspective of Poyner & Warne's (1986) model of workplace violence A total of 396 staff (39% response rate) provided information on their experience of violence in the past year and a subsample were additionally interviewed about their current levels of mental health (GHQ) Some 72 staff (21% of respondents) had been physically assaulted and 90% of these assaulted staff worked beyond the accident and emergency department, e g in medical wards Nurses were physically assaulted, threatened and verbally abused at higher rates than other professionals Employee factors (younger age, shorter National Health Service experience and attendance at violence training) were significantly associated with assault (P < 0 05) Postoperative confusion, receiving treatment and delayed treatment were common precursors of aggression Mental health was significantly worse amongst staff exposed to threats (P < 0 01) This exploratory study establishes that violence is a problem across a number of general hospital departments and occupations and we argue that effective training should be made more available for staff at risk of assault
Effects of group discussion and guided patient care experience on nurses'attitudes towards care of patients with AIDS
Authors: Kemppamen Jeanne K , Dubbert Patricia M , Williams Peggy Me
Published: November 2003

Nurses with limited experience in caring for persons with AIDS (PWAs) were randomized into three groups receiving an educational session on universal precautions and (a) three group discussion sessions, (b) three sessions of caring for a PWA, or (c) assessment materials only Both interventions were conducted by a nursing instructor experienced in care of PWAs and infectious diseases over a 3–4 week period Measures included instruments for assessing prejudicial attitudes towards homosexual PWAs, self‐ratings of infectious disease knowledge, ratings of perceived comfort and confidence in caring for PWAs, and a measure of willingness to provide care to PWAs Results showed no significant change in willingness to provide care over time in any of the groups Multiple regression exploring predictors of willingness to provide care found only the measure of AIDS prejudice to be an independent predictor of willingness to provide care to PWAs 6 months after completion of the intervention phase
The treatment of decubitus ulcers: a century of misinformation in the textbooks
Authors: Anthony Denis
Published: November 2003

Decubitus ulcers are slow healing, in many cases they stagnate and fail to heal Examination of the literature concerning decubitus ulcers reveals that there is a large body of treatments which have been suggested to stimulate the healing wound This study examines the clinical effectiveness of the various treatments, and the scientific basis behind them The treatments currently available are compared with those discussed in the literature over the last century, and common threads emerge which have a bearing on how literally one should accept the advice offered in current textbooks
The relevance of health visiting policy to contemporary mothers
Authors: Machen Ina
Published: November 2003

This research project examines whether health visiting policy, which developed at the beginning of the twentieth century, is relevant to contemporary mothers Although previous studies have looked at clients' perceptions of the health visiting service, the fundamental question of whether or not such provision is needed or wanted by mothers of today has not been addressed This research provides evidence that a client‐centred health visiting service is very relevant to the needs of contemporary first‐time mothers and is a service which they greatly value
The family interview: exploring experiences of family health and well‐being
Authors: Åstedt‐Kurki Pävi , Hopia Hanna
Published: November 2003

Health and well‐being are basic concepts to nursing science and also important to practical nursing care to provide effective nursing we need to have a good understanding of both health and well‐being Experienced health has been studied quite extensively at the individual level, but the family's point of view has been very much neglected

This study collected data on families' views on health and well‐being in interviews with nine families The interviews were held in a group situation, with all family members present, and they were structured around the three core themes identified by Åstedt‐kurki in her doctoral dissertation ‘doing, knowing, feeling’ The emotional bonds that the together family members may be a factor in the family's tendency to produce rich and detailed knowledge about their well‐being in interview situations On the other hand it is also possible that the family will try to convey as positive and image of itself as possible For reasons of reliability the nine families taking part in this study were interviewed twice
Perceived professional support and the use of blocking behaviours by hospice nurses
Authors: Booth K , Maguire P M , Butterworth T , Hiller V F
Published: November 2003

A prospective study of the impact of training 41 hospice nurses in assessment skills was used to test hypotheses that blocking behaviours would be used more when patients disclosed feelings and used less when nurses perceived that they had satisfactory professional support Each nurse was asked to assess a patient's current problems before and after feedback training and 8 months later Audiotape recordings of these interviews were rated by trained raters They determined the frequency of nurses' responses which had the function of blocking patient disclosure and the emotional level of patient disclosure Before each patient assessment each nurse was interviewed and questionnaires administered to measure her perceptions of the support she received Blocking behaviours were most evident when patients disclosed their feelings (Kendalls r=0 36, P < 0 001) In interviews containing most patient disclosure of feeling, blocking was significantly less (r= ‐ 0 24, P < 0 5) when the nurse felt that practical help would be available if needed and when the nurse felt that her direct supervisor was concerned about the nurse's own welfare (r= ‐0 37, P < 0 005)
Making information accessible: developing plain English discharge instructions
Authors: Robinson Andrew , Miller Mary
Published: November 2003

Discharge education has always been an important role for nurses working in acute care contexts With the advent of case mix funding and subsequent trends towards early discharge from hospital, this educational role is assuming increasing importance This paper addresses one aspect of a participatory action research study where a group of nurses, working in a paediatric orthopaedic ward, explored their discharge education practices and resources The seemingly large number of post‐discharge telephone queries received from parents of children treated on the ward prompted these nurses to question whether their discharge teaching practices were effective Data collected on these telephone queries identified parental concerns regarding the care of their child at home in a plaster This finding prompted group members to explore the ways that written information relating to care of the plaster at home might be implicated in the situation An analysis of an existing ‘home cast care’ discharge instruction sheet raised issues concerning the content and language used in such resources The paper describes the subsequent development of a plain English ‘plaster care’ discharge instruction sheet and argues the importance of using plain English in such resources
Humans, information and science
Authors: Jones Peter
Published: November 2003

The use of information forms the basis of nursing policies, standards and professional codes of conduct Although used intuitively, nurses must now also grapple empirically with information needs often defined by others, and with the technology used to capture and process it Even the briefest contemplation of ‘information’ reveals a truly pervasive concept Information is ubiquitous In order to care effectively in the so‐called ‘information age’ health care professionals need to understand information This paper is a small contribution to that effort, attempting to conjoin the disparate fields of health and the information sciences, and the basic sciences upon which they are based This paper explores how definitions of information formulated in computing and communication theory relate to health and other aspects of human experience The strategy adopted to achieve this is threefold First, there is the vexed question of defining data, information and knowledge Second, I consider how communication — that essential nursing activity — relates to information, meaning and the messages people seek to convey to each other Thirdly, clinical situations are described in an information‐oriented manner, using the concepts of ‘redundancy’ and ‘entropy’ The conclusion provides an historical perspective
Managing policy research in nursing*
Authors: Meerabeau Liz
Published: November 2003

This paper draws on the author's experience as a liaison officer in the Department of Health, England, to explore the topic of using research in policy making The relationship between the worlds of the researcher and the policy maker is discussed, and an example, the research initiative on human resources and effectiveness, is chosen to illustrate how research topics are formulated