bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysed interaction in a children's oncology clinic: the child's view and parent's opinion of the effect of medical encounters
Authors: Inman Christine E
Published: December 2006

Every effort is made to provide children affected by cancer‐related illness with advanced medical care This theory‐developing, hypotheses‐generating study focused on the child's view of the service provided in an oncology clinic The methodology included interviews, observations of medical consultations and children's drawings It also sought the parents' opinion of the effect of an impending appointment on the child's behaviour The population for this ideographic research consisted of a convenience sample of 10 children over the age of 5 years, attending an oncology clinic which served a medium‐sized city and its surrounding area Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from semi‐structured interviews, participant observations, transcribed audio‐tape recordings and gaze interaction charts Data were analysed using grounded theory The medical interview was not acknowledged as being very significant by the children their conscious attention centred on peers and play activities The data also suggest that clinic visits are more acceptable for children when staff invest personal attention, give appropnate adequate explanations and handle children sensitively Behaviour changes before appointments were reported by parents to be more prevalent in children who received less positive regard from the health team Clinic observations and transcripts demonstrated the doctor's ‘dominant role’ during consultations Interaction with the child centred around the examination and was frequently interrupted A more extensive study would confirm or refute these provisional findings
A decade of research in locus of control: what have we learned?
Authors: Oberle Kathleen
Published: December 2006

Locus of control has received considerable attention from nurse researchers over the past decade A review of nursing studies related to locus of control reveals that the collective results of this research have yielded little information that is useful for nursing practice It is noted that many of the criticisms levelled at locus of control research at the beginning of the decade are still problematic For example, most studies are correlational in design, instruments used to measure the construct suffer from reliability and validity problems, researchers have failed in many cases to consider the multidimensional nature of the construct, and in most studies the value of the reinforcer is ignored If future research in this area is to lead to useful results, nurse researchers must be prepared to move to experimental designs, and must pay greater attention to issues of reliability and validity
The work of a specialist AIDS home support team: the views and experiences of patients using the service
Authors: Mphil Kathryn McCann
Published: December 2006

The work of a specialist AIDS home support team whose role is to ensure continuity of care between hospital and community for patients with HIV infection is viewed from the patients' perspective Information comes from a wider interview study in which 265 gay men positive for HIV were asked about their perceptions of and satisfaction with a variety of different services Of the group, 119 (46%) reported involvement with the home support team The team was seen as providing links between patients, the hospital and the community, as well as offering security for those who expected to need help in the future For the most part, the team were seen in a favourable light when compared to other professionals and 53% felt they received a considerable amount of reassurance and support from them
Student nurses' attitudes to psychiatry: the influence of training and personality
Authors: Procter Nicholas , Hafner Julian
Published: December 2006

Fifty‐one second‐year students completed the Attitudes to Treatment Questionnaire (ATQ), the Conservatism Scale (CS), the Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ) and an open‐ended questionnaire before and after components of their psychiatric training programme, which included a 1‐week placement in a psychiatric hospital CS scores indicated that the nurses were moderately conservative ATQ scores and CS scores correlated significantly, with the more conservative nurses reporting more traditional attitudes to psychiatric nursing ATQ scores fell significantly after psychiatric hospital placement, indicating more progressive attitudes Mean scores on the DSQ were within normal limits, although men scored significantly higher than women on the Immature Defences Scale immediately after placement The open‐ended questionnaire revealed mainly positive comments about the psychiatric hospital placement Almost half the nurses expressed surprise at the relaxed, informal atmosphere on the wards, and as many stated that personal interaction with the patients rapidly removed any stereotyped attitudes that they held previously Over 40% of nurses stated that the patients were much less aggressive or dangerous than they had expected, although nearly 20% said they were concerned about the levels of aggression that they observed
Personality hardiness, ways of coping, social support and burnout in critical care nurses
Authors: Boyle Anne , Grap Mary Jo , Younger Janet , Thomby Denise
Published: December 2006

Hardiness, ways of coping, social support and burnout in 103 critical care nurses were addressed in this study Work‐related and nonwork‐related social support and hardiness were negatively related to burnout Use of emotion‐focused coping was positively correlated with burnout while hardiness was negatively related to the use of emotion‐focused coping and positively related to both types of social support After controlling for working nights, social support, hardiness, emotion‐focused coping and problem‐focused coping accounted for 44% of the variance in burnout scores
The professional values of English nursing undergraduates
Authors: Kelly Brighid
Published: December 2006

The purpose of the study was to examine and describe what English nursing undergraduates internalize as professional values The method was qualitative, specifically, a grounded theory approach was used The sample comprised 12 senior baccalaureate nursing students from two educational institutions in the north of England Informants were volunteers who gave informed consent having been briefed on the purposes of the study and how their confidentiality would be protected Data were collected through audio‐taped interviews and the constant comparative method was used to analyse data The findings revealed that informants perceived two concepts as central to their professional values These were respect for patients and ‘caring about the little things' They valued the rights of patients to be treated with respect, to know what was happening to them and to have a say in what happened to them They described the little things' as ‘an approach with patients that gets through to them, ‘getting out the mirror so they can see themselves’, ‘fixing their water so they can reach it’, worrying about someone's dentures or the cat they left at home They expected that their values would be in conflict with common hospital practice They valued ‘fitting in’ and ‘going along’ but retained their own ideas and values until such time as these could be implemented They perceived themselves as powerless to create change as new graduates They believed the overwhelming power resided in the hospital system and the ward sister/charge nurse. They were not inclined toward a career in hospital nursing
An analysis of caring: attributions, contributions and resolutions
Authors: Holden Robyn J
Published: December 2006

This paper presents a study of the particular dynamics within hospitals that act as counterproductive forces to caring To this end, the insights revealed by Isabel Menzies Lyth, following her observations of a large London teaching hospital, will be explored She argues that hospitals are environments conducive to the erection of primitive social defence systems that generate internal conflict and persecution anxiety within its staff These social defence systems, in turn, militate against efforts directed towards caring This results in feelings of guilt, depression and dependency that rapidly establish a negative cycle of affects Such negative affections, once set in train, are difficult to terminate and transform into a positive cycle of affections Following this analysis, it will be argued that the hospital environment is unequal to the task of caring for the caregivers because it is permeated with ontological, spiritual and moral anxiety, all of which act as serious impediments to the caring enterprise
Needs and anxiety levels in relatives of intensive care unit patients
Authors: Rukholm Ellen , Bailey Patricia , Coutu‐Wakulczyk Ginnette , Bailey W Bruce
Published: December 2006

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived needs and anxiety levels of adult family members of intensive care unit (ICU) patients The study was conducted over a 3‐month period, on a convenience sample of 166 subjects selected from the total adult population of family members visiting an ICU patient in three Sudbury hospitals Data were gathered using a self‐report questionnaire, the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) and Spielberger's State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Interviews were conducted in French or English according to the subject's preference The major variables examined were family needs, state and trait anxiety, on‐site sources of worry, spiritual needs, level of knowledge of ICU from past experience or pre‐surgery education, sociodemographic data The Situational Anxiety Scale yielded a mean score of 45 24 and the Trait Anxiety Scale a mean score of 37 3 Inferential statistics demonstrated that family needs and situational anxiety were significantly related (P< 0 0002) Furthermore, worries, trait anxiety, age and family needs explained 38% of the variation of situational anxiety As well, spiritual needs and situational anxiety explained 33% of the variation of family needs
Being friendly and informal: reflected in nurses', terminally ill patients' and relatives' conversations at home*
Authors: Hunt Maura
Published: December 2006

The aspect of the study discussed is part of the analysis of audio‐recorded, naturally occurring conversations between symptom control team (SCT) nurses, terminally ill cancer patients and their relatives in their own homes over a 3‐month period Using an ethnographic, extended case‐study approach, four ‘role formats' were identified as consistently used by the SCT nurses to carry out their work through conversation, one of them being ‘friendly and informal’ The SCT nurses explicitly made it known to patients and their relatives that they intended to be ‘friendly and informal’ How such a claim was translated into practice, both non‐conversationally and through conversation, is the focus of this paper Being ‘friends' and being ‘friendly and informal’ with patients and clients is frequently advocated in medical and nursing literature, but how this is achieved in practice and the responses of patients seems unstudied Therefore, the analysis discussed in this paper opens up for critical reflection an unquestioned, taken‐for‐granted aspect of practice where it is demonstrated how ‘friendliness and informality’ are conveyed through chatting and how it differs from ‘formal’ conversations
A double‐blind clinical trial to compare the efficacy of an active based cream F14001 against a placebo non‐active based cream for the treatment of pressure ulcers in a population of elderly subjects
Authors: Le Vasseur Sandra A , Helme Robert D
Published: December 2006

A double‐blind clinical trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of an active based cream against a placebo non‐active based cream in the healing of superficial pressure ulcers in a population of geriatric hospital patients and residents in community nursing homes The active group showed a small significant beneficial effect at week four The overall results of the trial also demonstrated a significant improvement in ulcer size over the duration of the trial period in both active and placebo groups
Linen in the hospital bed: effects on patients' well‐being
Authors: Larsson Gerry , Berg Vera
Published: December 2006

The aim of the study was to determine if using linen in hospital beds affects patients' well‐being An experimental group consisting of 52 patients (mean age 64 4 years) at a medical ward used linen in the bottom sheet, the protective sheet, the pillow‐case and the patient gown for 4 weeks A control group consisting of 40 patients (mean age 67 5 years) at the same ward was observed for 4 weeks using the conventional material (cotton, cotton/polyester) Marginal positive effects on patients' well‐being were noted when linen was used It was discussed that the relative importance of the bed material to patients' well‐being may be low, compared to medical treatment, nursing, etc Given the high cost of linen, about 15 times more than the conventional material, it was suggested that the health care system should refrain from large‐scale use of linen in hospital beds
Working capacity and quality of life after undergoing an ileostomy
Authors: Martinsson Ella Svantesson , Josefsson Marianne , Ek Anna‐Christina
Published: December 2006

The purpose of this paper is to describe the Me situation, the frequency of sick‐listing and the work situation of people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease who have undergone an ileostomy. The survey which was undertaken in Sweden included 53 people between the ages of 17 and 65 who had had their ileostomy for between 6 months and 25 years Personal interviews were carried out and information about the operation and complications was acquired from the medical records Half of the respondents felt themselves handicapped to some extent Despite this, most of them did not consider their daily activities to be adversely affected by the sickness/ileostomy. There were, however, individual variations depending on the sickness, how well the ileostomy worked and other factors affecting the individual's situation. Twenty‐two had been off sick once or several times during the previous 2 years, nine of them had been sick‐listed over a longer period. Most of them stated that their working capacity had not been affected by the operation/sickness, while 10 of them had some form of disability pension or part‐tune work A positive reaction noted was that when the sickness no longer steered one's life, it became easier to plan both work and leisure time.
Quality of life after organ transplantation
Authors: Molzahn Anita E
Published: December 2006

Organ transplants are being conducted with increasing frequency It is generally known that these procedures increase length of life, but less is known about the quality of that life In this paper, the literature pertaining to quality of life of patients with kidney, pancreas, heart, heart‐lung, liver and bone marrow transplants is reviewed On the basis of this review, it seems that quality of life after kidney and heart transplantation is very good, when compared to the pretransplant state However, more research is required to examine quality of life of recipients of other types of transplantation There are many issues that pertain to measurement of quality of life that remain to be addressed These include definitions of quality of life, dimensions of quality of life, expectations of quality of life and clinical assessment of quality of life
How accurately do nurses perceive patients' needs? A comparison of general and psychiatric settings
Authors: Farrell Gerald A
Published: December 2006

This paper examines to what extent nurses’perceptions of patients’needs correspond to the patients’views of their own needs A questionnaire was designed to assess patients’emotional and physical needs in general medical wards and in acute psychiatric wards Sixty patients, 30 psychiatric and 30 general, together with their‘key’nurses, took part in the study Results indicate that, despite there being no evidence of appreciable disagreement between the‘average’psychiatric nurse and the‘average’psychiatric patient, there is little evidence that individual nurses and their patients, whether psychiatric or general, agree The nurses’inability to perceive patients’needs on an individual basis is consistent with other studies which suggest that nurses use stereotypes when perceiving patients’needs Implications for nursing care are discussed
The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity on a coronary care ward
Authors: Shiell Jean , Shiell Alan
Published: December 2006

Numerous studies have documented the high prevalence of psychological and emotional disorders in patients seen m general medical settings However, despite the emphasis placed on holistic approaches to nursing care in all professional models of Nursing practice, much of this distress is still missed by nursing staff The Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale is an easy‐to‐use self‐administered screening instrument purportedly designed to detect psychological distress amongst hospitalized patients with physical illnesses On using the HAD scale on patients admitted to a coronary care ward of a district general hospital, 44% were found to be suffering high levels of anxiety or depression This figure is consistent with the results of similar studies in other cardiac wards and out‐patient clinics In most cases, the levels of distress found were not sufficiently severe to warrant seeking specialist psychiatric support Instead, there is much that the general nurse can do to alleviate the understandable fears and worries of patients being treated for cardiac disease However, to respond appropriately, Nursing staff must be able to identify psychological distress in patients The HAD scale, if it can be validated in cardiac in‐patient settings, provides an instrument which could easily become part of the routine assessment of patients’Nursing needs
The stressors and strains of health visiting: demands, supports, constraints and psychological health
Authors: Fletcher Ben (C) , McGregor‐Cheers Jean , Jones Fiona
Published: December 2006

An empirical study investigated the work stressors and psychological strains experienced by health visitors in three areas of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire A questionnaire, based on Payne's model of occupational stress, probed the perceived demands, supports and constraints of the work and the coping strategies used by the health visitors The research aimed to establish the extent and nature of strain using validated indicators of general anxiety and depression, to pinpoint specific features of the work which are associated with the strain measures, and to suggest possible changes to working practices While health visitors found their jobs generally satisfying, a significant number of staff were under strain even though the mean levels of strain were lower than those observed in social workers and hospital‐based nursing staff working with people who have a mental handicap, and little different from women who work in industry Many aspects of the job were perceived to be demanding yet the demanding nature of cases was not related to strain measures There were, however, interesting statistical relationships between strain scores and demands concerned with colleagues and managers and the amount of support a health visitor perceived
To protect the public and ensure justice is doné: an examination of the Philip Donnelly case
Authors: Long Tony
Published: December 2006

This paper constitutes a discussion of a case of sexual abuse of children by a nurse brought before the UKCC Professional Conduct Committee Judgement was first deferred, and later the nurse was allowed to remain on the register and to practise as a nurse The case is considered with reference to guidance from the UKCC in various documents The case for removal from the register is first established, drawing on the UKCC Code of Professional Conduct and the UKCC document' With a View to Removal From the Register'7, and found to be more than adequate The case for leniency is then considered with further reference to UKCC policy, but is rejected It is concluded that, on this occasion, the Professional Conduct Committee's findings were erroneous and indefensible
Professional ethics as perceived by American nursing undergraduates
Authors: Kelly Brighid
Published: December 2006

The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions of American nursing undergraduates about professional ethics The method was qualitative, specifically, a grounded theory approach was used The sample comprised 23 senior baccalaureate nursing students, from a possible population of 120, who were in their final clinical rotation prior to graduation Informants were volunteers who gave informed consent having been briefed on the purposes of the study and how their confidentiality would be protected Data were collected through audio‐taped interviews and clinical logs Analysis was conducted through the constant comparative method Findings revealed two concepts central to their view of good nursing These were (a) respect, and (b) caring Respect was described as respect for patients and families, respect for self, colleagues and the profession Caring was associated with showing ‘concern and love', providing psychological support, getting involved, being ‘cheerful and friendly’ and ‘taking the time’ to do a good job They did not evidence an ambiguous professional role They espoused values consistent with the professional code of ethics They perceived that respect for others was basic to good nursing They believed that good nurses cared about their patients and how nursing was done They appeared to link professionalism with good nursing
Family nursing research: precepts from paragons and peccadilloes*
Authors: Gilliss Catherine L , Davis Linda L
Published: December 2006

The authors present 10 precepts that address the successes, as well as complexities and shortcomings, found in family nursing research as it has been conducted over the past decade Problems with methodology, data collection and aggregation, random variables, and consistency with the unit of analysis all present challenges to the proper conduct of family nursing research The authors ate these and other concerns in a critical analysis illustrated by examples from the growing body of family nursing literature
Measuring patients' satisfaction with nursing care
Authors: Bond Senga , Thomas Lois H
Published: December 2006

Assessing patients’ satisfaction with the care they receive is assuming greater importance and satisfaction with nursing is no exception The kinds of study in which patient satisfaction has been used as an outcome are considered and show the range of conceptualizations and the general lack of rigour in its measurement It is argued that research methods are often flawed by using inappropriate measures and greater care is warranted in their selection Where appropriate measures do not exist, only then is the costly process of developing new assessments warranted Some of the necessary steps in arriving at reliable and valid measures of patient satisfaction are discussed in the context of asking particular research questions
The role of the paid non‐professional nursing helper: a review of the literature
Authors: Dewar Belinda‐Jane , Clark Jill Macleod
Published: December 2006

This paper presents an overview of research into the role of paid non‐professional nursing helpers This term refers to auxiliaries, ward clerks, healthcare assistants and support workers The focus of the review is on work earned out on attitudes of qualified staff to the role of the helper, role descriptions and the role of the helper in different organizational modes of work Some of the research reviewed in relation to the role description and attitudes to the helper date back to 1978 However, the emphasis of the paper is on research published in the past 3 years The research is reviewed against the background of two theoretical frameworks, both of which are perceived to be useful in analysing the division of labour between the nurse, the patient and the helper
The Gulf War: reaction and action in institutions for the aged in Israel
Authors: Golander Hava , Ehrenfeld Mally , Bergman Rebecca
Published: December 2006

In order to learn how geriatric centres were coping during the Gulf War (1991), questionnaires were distributed to 116 unit head nurses in 16 institutions in Israel Additional information was obtained from the directors of nursing and national supervisors in a meeting 3½ months after the cease‐fire Questions focused on organization of work, behaviour of staff, patients and their families, main problems, solutions and recommendations Data showed a very high level of commitment by staff, flexibility, initiative and creativity in meeting the emotional, physical and safety needs of the aged Stress level was highest in the ‘Scud’ areas and among the aged who are mentally alert Families visited less but increased contact by telephone Management was supportive with guidance, transport, child care facilities, etc They also provided beds and food for spouses of the aged residents Major problems related to safety measures (sealing rooms, moving patients during attacks), physical exhaustion and emotional stress of staff, and reorganization of care programmes Recommendations included development of a master plan for non‐conventional attacks, preparation of buildings with structural improvements, recruitment and training of volunteers, clarification of roles of staff and education for them
Participation of informal caregivers in the hospital care of elderly patients and their evaluations of the care given: pilot study in three different hospitals
Authors: Laitinen Pirjo
Published: December 2006

This action research is an ongoing study which will last from 1991 to 1993 The main purpose of the study is to increase the participation of informal caregivers in the hospital care of elderly patients without decreasing the quality of care The data reported here are from a pilot study This study had three aims (a) to test reliability and validity of the measure used, (b) to investigate the current participation of informal caregivers in the hospital care of elderly patients (aged over 75), and (c) to evaluate and compare the quality of care from both the patients’ and the informal caregivers’ point of view in three different hospitals The measure of quality of care was developed on the basis of need theories, mainly those of Maslow and Alderfer Patients and caregivers were also asked to rate the participation of the caregivers in the hospital care of elderly patients Participation consisted of 18 activities of daily living The pilot test with 18 elderly hospital patients and seven family members or significant others showed differences between the two groups in perception of care received Statistically significant differences (P < 0 001) were found in the following categories mainly social needs, psychic and spiritual needs and totals The results supported earlier findings that elderly patients are satisfied with and do not criticize their care The younger generation (i e their children) is more demanding and has precise perceptions about the care given Relatives could be used more in planning, evaluation and even implementation of care, however, their current participation in patient hospital care is minimal
Giving and receiving: an empirically derived theory on health visiting practice
Authors: Chalmers Karen I
Published: December 2006

The aim of this study was to uncover how experienced health visitors conceptualize and evaluate their health visiting work The grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis was used to develop a beginning midrange substantive theory about health visiting practice The beginning theory provides an explanation and understanding of how health visitors work with clients in the community during their day‐to‐day visiting practice Data were gathered from 45 experienced health visitors from 13 health authorities in the north‐west of England by means of the conversational interview The basic psychosocial problem uncovered in the data was health visitors’ need to provide a service and clients’ need to fulfil personal needs and goals The unifying theme of giving and receiving integrated the major categories into the key analytic framework in this study This key psychosocial process was the pattern of interaction between health visitors and clients, in which both parties control the interactions by regulating what they offer and accept from each other Each party both selectively ‘gives’ and ‘receives’ in order to manage the health visitor‐client encounters What gets offered and how the offer is received and acted on is a complex process involving many factors related to the health visitor, the client, and the context in which the interaction takes place
The deliberate self‐harming behaviour of patients within a British special hospital
Authors: Burrow Stephen
Published: December 2006

Within more conventional discourse amongst health‐care professionals, ‘deliberate self‐harm’ is largely conceived in pejorative terms Unlike other so‐called ‘pathological’ behaviour for which the 'sick’ are not held wholly responsible, this particular behavioural mosaic carries within its very conception quite different connotations of ‘intentionality’ This project constituted a retrospective survey of the phenomenon amongst patients resident within a British special hospital, over a 6‐month period, in 1987, prior to the establishment of a unit for disturbed females in November of that same year It illustrated that the scale, and nature, of the problem was comparable to any of the other much‐publicized accounts that have emerged from other custodial establishments It is the contention, here, that patient characteristics alone are an insufficient explanation for the level of self‐harm that prevails and that significant, alternative considerations are available It is intended that this paper should contribute to the evaluation of the clients’ predicament, and the institutional management of their self‐harm, within an environment such as a special hospital in the hope that a clearer understanding, and strategy, may be elaborated
Towards the goal of providing culturally sensitive care: principles upon which to build nursing curricula
Authors: Lynam M Judith
Published: December 2006

Nursing has, in recent years, strongly argued that an individual's culture influences how illness events are perceived and managed Nursing has also identified the need for nurses to provide culturally sensitive care The literature, however, provides very limited direction for the integration of such concepts into nursing curricula In this paper, the author presents a theoretical perspective on culture that addresses cultural beliefs and values but also extends to consider caring and programmes of care delivery within the broader social context Using examples from the literature, the author identifies knowledge and skills deemed essential if nurses are to be capable of working effectively with individual clients and at the level of programme design and delivery
The relationship between knowledge, attitudes and degree of contact with AIDS and HIV
Authors: Robbins I , Cooper A , Bender M P
Published: December 2006

This study examined the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and degree of contact with AIDS and HIV for three groups of people nurses, psychology students and design students using a standardized questionnaire The questionnaire differentiated between the groups on all three dimensions with nurses having most knowledge but least positive attitudes There was no relationship between knowledge and attitudes for the three groups although contact and knowledge were related for the design students and attitudes and contact were related for the psychology students For all groups the strongest relationship was between attitudes and contact The implications of the results for training courses are discussed
Transition to being the mother of a new infant in the first 3 months: maternal problem solving and self‐appraisals
Authors: Pridham Karen F , Chang Audrey S
Published: December 2006

This study explored components of a model of transition to being the mother of a new infant during an infant's first 3 months Personal and situational conditions and maternal problem‐solving factors (issue formulating and the use of help with issues) that may influence transition markers (maternal appraisal of problem‐solving competence and evaluation of parenting) were examined for two study periods the first 30 days postpartum and the next 60 days For the second study period, variables contributing to maternal attention to infant growth, development and temperament (knowing issues) were also explored Questionnaires and a daily log kept by 62 mothers of healthy term infants were data sources Everyday supports (situational condition) contributed to use of lay help for the second period Caretaking issues positively influenced use of clinician help throughout the study The number of knowing issues a mother formulated contributed positively to problem‐solving competence and to parenting evaluation, the use of problem‐solving help had no effect More clinician help received during the first month meant higher need for maternal action for both knowing and caretaking issues in the second and third months Further study of the mechanisms of these relationships and examination of factors contributing to shifts in the transition process are needed
Mid‐range theory building and the nursing theory‐practice gap: a respite care case study
Authors: Nolan Mike , Grant Gordon
Published: December 2006

Nursing, with its historical roots in practice, has tended to have an uneasy relationship with theory Whilst the benefits of theory to nursing have been propounded by many commentators, it remains that theory all too rarely informs nursing practice This paper argues for the development and utilization of mid‐range theories as representing a solution to this problem The advantages of such an approach are illustrated by the application, testing and refinement of Chenitz's theory of relocation to a hospital‐based respite care scheme for the frail elderly
Social support in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: McHaffie Hazel E
Published: December 2006

That having a baby in hospital undergoing intensive care is a stressful experience is beyond dispute Every parent, no matter how well‐developed their own personal resources, depends to some extent on the support of others within their social system to cope with this stress Grandparents occupy a special place in support networks and their role was studied in families with a very low birthweight baby Both professional and lay perspectives were investigated and 93 families participated Questionnaires were sent to family members 1 month after the baby's birth and 1 month after discharge home There was a general consensus that the principal role of grandparents was to provide emotional support Many practical forms of help were seen to be expressions of their care and concern There were, however, discrepancies between professional and parental expectations where both protection from problems and obtaining information on behalf of the parents were concerned More was expected of grandmothers than of grandfathers and maternal grandmothers in particular were key figures There were a number of areas of potential conflict of needs and rights and a recommendation has been made to give parents a greater voice on who they choose to support them
The role of the nurse in the medical ward round
Authors: Busby Araceli , Gilchrist Brian
Published: December 2006

Communication between hospital staff and in‐patients, especially regarding the provision of information, has been found to be inadequate although improving information‐giving has been demonstrated to have a number of beneficial effects While the ward round might be a particularly valuable setting for communication, few studies have explored the multidisciplinary nature of rounds This study obtained the views of 33 consultants, 14 nurses and eight patients and observed three ward rounds in order to determine the nature of present round functioning, and the nurse's role in such a round The results showed that the rounds studied were not being conducted in a democratic fashion medical staff dominated and other health care professionals had little involvement Patients received few explanations and had great difficulty understanding the discussion The functions nurses were seen to perform involved primarily providing information for medical staff It is recommended that patients are more involved in rounds and are given more explanations and encouraged to ask questions Nurses should be educated to assert themselves in ward rounds in order to fulfil roles they prescribe for themselves, and all professionals should aim towards more democratic, equal discussion There is a need for further research to determine the effectiveness of nurse intervention on patient involvement and satisfaction with the round
The nurse's decision‐making process and the implementation of psychogeriatric nursing in a mental hospital
Authors: Liukkonen Arja
Published: December 2006

This study looks at the psychogeriatric nurse's decision‐making process and on this basis seeks to describe the implementation of psychogeriatric nursing in a mental hospital The subjects consist of 26 nurses working on the psychogeriatric wards of one hospital The data were collected using a questionnaire (n= 26), a 1‐week time‐usage analysis, content analysis of nursing plans (n= 56), and observation of planning meetings (n= 15) The results for different phases of the decision‐making process suggested that nurses had little difficulty with the identification of problems Data collection tended to concentrate on the physical side of nursing work The setting of explicit targets for nursing care proved to be difficult The vast majority of the nurses (85%) felt that decision‐making on different nursing alternatives was only moderately or not at all successful Over half of the nurses felt that their ability to evaluate the outcome of treatment and nursing was either satisfactory or poor Time‐usage analysis indicated that the nurses had frequent interaction with their patients in connection with basic care, although the nurses themselves did not regard this part of their work as active interaction with the patient
Some determinants that effect patient participation in decision‐making about nursing care
Authors: Biley Francis C
Published: December 2006

Until recently patients were expected to be the passive recipients of nursing care This passive role has been changing, and nurses are now being actively encouraged to promote the inclusion of patients in decision‐making However, this stance is being taken with very little empirical evidence to support it, and the evidence that does exist appears to indicate that patients do not always welcome this more active role A modified grounded theory approach was utilized in order to discover how patients feel about participating in decision‐making about nursing care Eight informants were interviewed informally, 7–10 days following discharge from hospital after undergoing surgical intervention A state of category saturation was not achieved and the analysis of the data can only tentatively suggest the existence of three 'second order’ categories that describe situations that effect patient choice and participation in decision‐making about their nursing care The first category, ‘If I am well enough‘, describes the states of ‘Being too ill’ to be involved in decision‐making to ‘Being well’ which allows greater involvement The second category, ‘If I know enough‘, describes situations that, first, require technical knowledge, ‘Nurse knows best', where patients prefer to take a passive role in decision‐making, secondly, less technical matters about which patients require information but still prefer to be passive, and finally an ‘I know best’ situation where patients prefer to be actively involved in activities of living The third category, ‘If I can ‘, describes the organizational constraints or freedom that can either restrict or encourage choice and participation in decision‐making. Limitations and recommendations that arise from the study are discussed
Medication compliance in elderly people: influencing variables and interventions
Authors: Cargill Julie M
Published: December 2006

This paper describes a study in which 70 elderly patients were assessed for risk factors in their medication regimen They were separated into three study groups, including two levels of teaching intervention focused on the home medication administration system, and a control group The intervention utilizing a follow‐up telephone call demonstrated a significant change in risk‐related behaviours such as verbalization of the regimen, congruence between instructions and usage of medications, and taking of medicines not currently prescribed or over‐the‐counter
Intrinsic factors associated with pressure sores in elderly people
Authors: Cullum Nicky , Clark Michael
Published: December 2006

As a preliminary to a larger, prospective study of intrinsic factors associated with pressure sore development in a population of elderly hospital in‐patients, this retrospective study of patients who had participated in an earlier, unrelated study was completed The results of biochemical and haematological analyses from admission, together with details of nursing care, were obtained from medical and nursing notes, and analysed in relation to the condition of the pressure areas of each patient, which had been documented by a single observer throughout the period of study The relationships between intrinsic factors such as serum protein concentration and systolic blood pressure, and the presence of, or tendency to develop pressure sores is examined and discussed in the light of a need for more specific and sensitive risk assessment tools
Toward a theory of touch: the touching process and acquiring a touching style
Authors: Estabrooks Carole A. , Morse Janice M
Published: December 2006

Methods of grounded theory were used to explore the questions How do intensive care nurses perceive touch and the process of touching? How do intensive care nurses learn to touch? Data were collected by in‐depth interviews with eight experienced intensive care nurses from the same intensive care unit of a large urban Canadian hospital Findings revealed two substantive processes, the touching process and acquiring a touching style, neither of which has been previously reported The stages and phases of these processes are described as well as cueing, the core variable Based on the data analysis, touch was conceptualized as a gestalt with multiple dimensions, suggesting that valid operational definitions of touch must incorporate more than skin‐to‐skin contact
The relationship of values to adjustment in illness: a model for nursing practice
Authors: Harvey Rose Mary
Published: December 2006

This paper proposes a model of the relationship between values, in particular health value, and adjustment to illness The importance of values as well as the need for value change are described in the literature related to adjustment to physical disability and chronic illness An empirical model, however, that explains the relationship of values to adjustment or adaptation has not been found by this researcher Balance theory and its application to the abstract and perceived cognitions of health value and health perception are described here to explain the relationship of values like health value to outcomes associated with adjustment or adaptation to illness The proposed model is based on the balance theories of Heider, Festinger and Feather Hypotheses based on the model were tested and supported in a study of 100 adults with visible and invisible chronic illness Nursing interventions based on the model are described and suggestions for further research discussed
Attitude and assessment in nurse education
Authors: Dawson Kevin P
Published: December 2006

This paper considers the difficulties and dangers inherent in attempts to assess attitude as an aspect of learning It considers the definition of the concept, some implications for educational programmes, and the means and validity, in this context, of different assessment techniques Finally, a form of learner profile is proposed as a possible means of assessing this aspect of learning—but it is emphasized that this will only have the status of a formative assessment The importance of appropriate attitudes in the professional nurse is acknowledged, but the danger of simplistic behavioural tools is highlighted
Preferred sources of information on AIDS among high school students from selected schools in Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndlovu Rose J , Sihlangu Ruth H
Published: December 2006

Following various national HIV and AIDS awareness campaign activities under the auspices of the Ministries of Health and Education, Zimbabwe, an AIDS KABP survey was undertaken The study sample comprised 478 high school students randomly selected and stratified to represent sex and Forms 1 through to 6 The study instrument was a 31‐item questionnaire designed to assess the students’ knowledge, attitudes, practices and sources of information in relation to HIV syndrome This report reviews only that part of the study dealing with sources of information Newspapers, television, radio and magazine were the most frequently cited sources of first information Classmates were Cited by 20% to over 30% of respondents as first sources of information Authority figures like health workers, parents, teachers, the Church did not emerge as significant sources of first information Doctors were identified as the most preferred source of information m future Sources of first information were related to age, form level, sex and location of school attended There were notable differences between boarding school respondents and day scholars No regional differences were noted
The experience of receiving therapeutic touch
Authors: Samarel Nelda
Published: December 2006

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the patient's experience of receiving therapeutic touch (TT) treatments The design was informed by phenomenology in the sense that it was searching for a definition of the lived experience of the phenomenon of TT Data were obtained through one open‐ended interview and a second clarifying interview of each subject All data were subjected to content analysis For participants, the lived experience of TT was described as a linear process that began with the perceived need for and decision to seek treatment It progressed through one or more treatments and continued to have an impact upon the participants’ lives These findings were examined within the context of Martha Rogers’ conceptual system This study has shown that, for 20 participants receiving treatment, TT was a fulfilling multidimensional experience that facilitated personal growth Such an experience can only enrich the lives of those who receive treatment Certainly, a nursing intervention that can achieve such a positive influence has potential for use in all areas of nursing care and needs to be explored further
Validation therapy: extracts from 20 groups with dementia sufferers
Authors: Bleathman Christine , Morton Ian
Published: December 2006

Validation therapy, an interactive and group technique for people with dementia, is described Excerpts from the transcripts of 20 validation therapy groups are presented These demonstrate the surprising ability of the group members (all moderately demented) to share feelings and problems, follow a theme and utilize facilitating skills in the group setting The contrast between the group members’ behaviour outside the group and that in the group is discussed and future research is proposed The authors conclude that such groups constitute an exciting new therapy for those with dementia