bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A relational approach to providing care for a person suffering from dementia
Authors: Greenwood Dennis , Loewenthal Del , Rose Theresa
Published: March 2003

A relational approach to providing care for a person suffering from dementia

Aims of the paper. This paper examines the care provision for people suffering from dementia and explores the potential benefits associated with an approach to care that emphasizes the importance of relationships.

Background. Recent research findings have provided an incentive to re‐evaluate the established approaches to care for this client group. Two separate studies identified education and intellectual stimulation as important determinants of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (Ott et al. 1995, Snowdon et al. 1996). These findings have encouraged the hypothesis that potential symptomatic benefits may be achieved by providing a more stimulating environment for people with dementia.

Methods. A case study is outlined which illustrates an approach to caring influenced by the Continental philosopher, Emmanuel Levinas. Primacy is given to the relationships that make up caring, and not to a method that sets out to achieve an identified objective. The issue of mutual responsibility within the provision of care is highlighted in the case study.

Findings. The hypothesis presented in this paper is that a person has more of an opportunity to develop to the limits of their potential by establishing the importance of relationships in providing care by means of education and training of the people involved. The beneficiaries might be the caregiver or the person in receipt of care.

Conclusions. An environment that attempts to educate people to recognize the importance of relationships will be more effective in achieving the potential benefits of symptom alleviation identified by the research into Alzheimer’s disease outlined in this paper.
The meaning of suicidal psychiatric inpatients’ experiences of being treated by physicians
Authors: Talseth Anne‐Greth , Jacobsson  , Norberg
Published: March 2003

The meaning of suicidal psychiatric inpatients’ experiences of being treated by physicians

Twenty‐one psychiatric inpatients who had thought about, expressed a wish to, or even attempted to commit suicide narrated their experiences of receiving treatment from physicians. The interview texts were transcribed and interpreted using a phenomenological‐hermeneutic method inspired by the philosophy of Ricoeur. Two main themes and eight themes were found. Participating Approach: being with the patients, listening to patients without prejudice, trusting each other, respecting patients’ integrity; and Observing Approach: leaving patients to themselves, listening to patients with prejudice, mistrusting each other, not respecting patients’ integrity. These findings were interpreted in the light of the writings of Hegel, Buber and Cissna and Sieburg. The suicidal patients expressed their need for confirmation in their interaction with physicians, that is they needed to meet with respect and interest when staying in the hospital with suicidal thoughts or after suicidal attempts.
Behaviour modification and gentle teaching workshops: management of children with learning disabilities* exhibiting challenging behaviour and implications for learning disability nursing
Authors: Gates Bob , Newell Robert , Wray Jane
Published: March 2003

Behaviour modification and gentle teaching workshops: management of children with learning disabilities exhibiting challenging behaviour and implications for learning disability nursing

Background. Challenging behaviours (behaviour difficulties) represent a problem of considerable clinical significance for learning disability nurses, and a source of much human distress. Gentle teaching is a relatively new approach to dealing with behavioural difficulties, and has been received with enthusiasm by clinicians, but has so far received little empirical support. The current study attempted to compare gentle teaching with a well‐established alternative (behaviour modification) and a control group.

Objectives. To examine the comparative effectiveness of gentle teaching, behaviour modification and control interventions for challenging behaviour amongst children with learning disabilities.

Design. Nonrandomized controlled trial.

Setting. Service users’ homes in East Yorkshire.

Participants. Seventy‐seven children who presented with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour (behaviour difficulties) and their parents.

Procedure. One‐day workshops in were offered by recognized authorities in either behaviour modification or gentle teaching that were not otherwise involved with the research project. Forty‐one participants were recruited to the gentle teaching condition; 36 to behaviour modification; 26 to the control group. Random allocation was not possible, because of the slow uptake by interested parents. Measures was preintervention, and at assessment points up until 12 months following intervention.

Analysis. Quantitative analysis of pre–post differences between the groups, using t‐test.

Results. In general, no significant differences were found between the treatment groups and controls. Significant improvements were found for both gentle teaching and behaviour modification children over controls on the AAMR ABS XVII (social engagement) subscale. Controls had more contact with medical practitioner (GP) services than behaviour modification children and less than gentle teaching children.

Conclusion. Although very few differences were found between the three groups, those that did exist generally favoured behaviour modification. Implications for service provision and learning disability nursing practice are described.
Achieving consensus about pain content for child branch curricula
Authors: Twycross Alison
Published: March 2003

Achieving consensus about pain content for child branch curricula

Aim. The aim of the study was to identify nurse educators’ and nurse managers’ perceptions of the educational needs of children’s nurses in relation to pain management.

Rationale. Children continue to suffer unnecessary pain during hospitalization. This has been attributed, in part, to inadequate education among paediatric nurses with a number of studies demonstrating that nursing curricula need re‐evaluating with respect to the content relating to pain management. In order to equip nurses to manage pain within clinical practice nurse education needs to provide them with the knowledge and skills required. It is apparent that nurse education is currently failing students in this regard. In order to evaluate nursing curricula with respect to pain management it is necessary for there to be a degree of consensus, among paediatric nurses, regarding appropriate content.

Methodology. A two‐round Delphi study was used to ascertain the appropriate pain content for pre‐registration child branch courses. When undertaking a Delphi study a number of ‘experts’ in the field are identified, who complete a series of questionnaires. The first round is used to generate ideas, which are reconsidered in subsequent rounds (Hicks 1999, Reid 1988). Following analysis of the responses to each questionnaire anonymous feedback is sent to the respondents together with the next questionnaire (Walker 1994). Participants were either senior nurse educators or senior nurse managers.

Results. Positive correlations were found within the two groups as well as between the educators’ and managers’ rankings for the 14 categories identified.

Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that nurse educators and nurse managers have similar views about the pain management knowledge they would expect a newly qualified child branch nurse to have. The list of appropriate pain content derived from the results of this study provides a useful tool with which to evaluate the content of child branch curricula.
A review of older people’s experiences with residential care placement
Authors: Lee Diana T.F. , Woo Jean , Mackenzie Ann E.
Published: March 2003

A review of older people’s experiences with residential care placement

Background. Transition to the care and environment of a residential home has been identified in the literature as the most significant relocation affecting older people. However, little effort has been made systematically to review and synthesize the body of knowledge relating to older people’s experiences with such placement. This has led to lack of concerted effort in the development of strategies to help elders adjust to such placement with dignity and success.

Aim. This paper presents a critical review of the literature related to older people’s experiences with residential care placement, with an attempt to identify how knowledge in this area could be moved forward.

Conclusions. It is concluded that, while understanding of older people’s pre and postplacement experiences was abundant, there was a dearth of literature on the actual experiences involved as older people made their day to day adjustment after placement. There is a need for future research to identify the dynamic processes of how older people come to terms with residential living. Future research should also focus on developing an accurate understanding of the adjustment experiences of elders with different ethnic background.
Maintaining privacy on post‐natal wards: a study in five European countries
Authors: Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Välimäki Maritta , Dassen Theo , Gasull Maria , Lemonidou Chryssoula , Scott P. Anne , Arndt Marianne , Kaljonen Anne
Published: March 2003

Maintaining privacy on post‐natal wards: a study in five European countries

Aim. To describe how mothers’ privacy is maintained on post‐natal wards in five European countries: Finland, Spain, Greece, Germany and Scotland [United Kingdom (UK)]

Background. Privacy is an important concept in nursing and nursing ethics. Empirical studies in this field, however, are few. In this study, privacy is defined as comprising both physical and social‐informational dimensions and both the perceptions of mothers and professional were investigated.

Methods. The data were collected by a questionnaire from mothers (n=1192) and midwife/nursing staff (n=952).

Results. The results revealed differences both between the different countries and between patients’ and professionals’ views. Mothers in Finland, Germany and Scotland felt their privacy was maintained better than mothers in Greece and Spain. The differences in staff perceptions are less clear‐cut. Different background factors emerge as statistically significant in different countries.

Conclusion. Empirical studies in privacy are important and give ideas about the problems in nursing practice. Future analyses should look also at other areas of nursing.
The requirement for informed consent prior to nursing care procedures
Authors: Aveyard Helen
Published: March 2003

The requirement for informed consent prior to nursing care procedures

Aim of the paper. The aim of this paper is to examine the extent to which there is a requirement to obtain informed consent prior to nursing care procedures.

Rationale. The requirement for nurses to obtain consent prior to nursing care procedures is addressed in various nursing policy documents. It is important that nurses understand the legal and ethical rationale behind the principles of informed consent so that the principles are applied appropriately to the particular context of nursing care.

Argument. The ethical and legal rationale behind the concept of informed consent and its relevance to nursing practice are examined. In this paper, it is argued that the function of informed consent is to protect patient autonomy and to promote meaningful decision‐making. Given the potential for nursing care procedures to infringe patient autonomy, consent is clearly a relevant concept in nursing. Furthermore, in law, any touching without consent is a potential battery. Informed consent is often associated as a rigid procedure, only relevant to surgical or research procedures. Consent should be obtained prior to nursing care procedures whenever patient autonomy is at stake. However, information‐giving should be determined by the needs of the patient and approached in such a way as to facilitate meaningful decision‐making. Given the individual nature of infringements to patient autonomy, it is difficult to predetermine all those care procedures that require consent; any list of procedures would fail to be comprehensive.

Conclusions. The principles of informed consent should underpin our approach to nursing care procedures, which should not be mechanistic but determined by the needs of individual patients.
From caring to managing and beyond: an examination of the head nurse's role
Authors: Drach‐Zahavy Anat , Dagan Efrat
Published: March 2003

From caring to managing and beyond: an examination of the head nurse's role

Aim. The aim of this study was to depict the essence of what head nurses do, and how they perform their managerial role.

Methods. To achieve this, the work behaviour of 48 head nurses was examined by a semi‐structured observation technique for 6 hours each.

Results. Results demonstrated that head nurses spent a large proportion of their time in clinical practice, followed by co‐ordinating care, operating the unit's functions, and leading staff. Personnel management and quality improvement occupied only a marginal share of head nurses' time.

Conclusions. These results implied that head nurses exhibited a management style orientated to maintenance rather than to re‐creation, focusing more on the `doing' and the `here and now' aspects of the job than on leading, planning, and proactive problem solving.
Nursing the clinic, being there and hovering: ways of caring in a British fertility unit
Authors: Allan Helen T.
Published: March 2003

Nursing the clinic, being there and hovering: ways of caring in a British fertility unit

Aim. To explore the meaning of caring in a fertility unit and to present the findings and discuss their implications for practice.

Background. Little research has been published internationally on the nature of nursing care in the fertility field. This study was intended to stimulate debate over the nature of care in fertility work.

Methodology. An ethnographic approach, which included part‐time participant observation and in‐depth focused interviews with staff and patients. Data were also collected using a field and a research diary. Data were analysed using a modified thematic analysis.

Findings. The data suggest that caring is strongly linked with nurses and that patients' expectations of nurses may be more practically than emotionally focused. I argue that the organization of nursing work, which I call `nursing the clinic and the doctor', facilitated this practical approach to caring. I discuss two features of nursing the clinic and the doctor: hovering and being there.

Conclusions. While there may be other factors that influence the practice of this form of non‐intimate caring, nursing in this way may be what patients desire and may be congruent with managing emotions. The findings have implications for the discourse on intimacy and caring within fertility nursing as well as in different outpatient settings.
Dilemmas of spiritual assessment: considerations for nursing practice
Authors: McSherry Wilfred , Ross Linda
Published: March 2003

Dilemmas of spiritual assessment: considerations for nursing practice

Background. Interest in the spiritual dimension of nursing has resulted in a proliferation of published research internationally that is very prescriptive, suggesting that nurses should be providing spiritual care. However, little research has been published that provides nurses with a potential framework for the assessment and subsequent delivery of spiritual care. It would appear that there is a consensus of opinion that nurses can and should be able to undertake an assessment of their patients' spiritual needs. However, such assumptions may be unfounded, inaccurate, misguided and potentially detrimental to patient care.

Aim. This article explores the area of spiritual assessment, drawing on the international literature, highlighting potential dilemmas in conducting a spiritual assessment. A review of some of the currently available spiritual assessment tools is also undertaken.

Design. A debate is presented based on the authors' experiences and opinions with regard to this aspect of care. The debate is informed by a review of the literature specifically addressing spiritual assessment. The authors use United Kingdom policy to illustrate drivers and provide a context for the debate. However the dilemmas presented and issues raised are of significance to a wider international audience.

Conclusion. It is argued that the area of spiritual assessment needs careful consideration, both nationally and internationally, by those professionals involved in the provision of spiritual care so that potential dilemmas can be identified and reviewed. Such consideration may prevent the construction and subsequent use of inappropriate assessment tools within practice. The article incorporates some considerations for practice.
The academic writing experiences of a group of student nurses: a phenomenological study
Authors: Whitehead Dean
Published: March 2003

The academic writing experiences of a group of student nurses: a phenomenological study

Aims. To investigate the academic writing experiences of a group of preregistration nursing students. To explore issues surrounding how academic writing skills were developed, integrated and received into the student's educational programme and how these skills impacted on various aspects of their educational and clinical experience.

Background. The development of an academic writing style is seen to be an integral skill that the student must be willing to learn and undertake within higher education settings. Academic styles of writing have been imported into nursing education as a consequence of its integration into higher education. I wanted to investigate the experiences of learning an academic style of writing for students early on in their nursing career. There is little, if any, research that seeks to investigate or measure these experiences of nursing students.

Methods. A phenomenological approach to investigate the academic writing experiences of a group of preregistration students.

Findings. There is an expectation that preregistration students will quickly acquire academic writing skills when most will have had little or no prior experience. There appeared to have been little emphasis placed on facilitating the development of these skills in the educational programme. The lack of emphasis and support proved to be problematical for these nursing students. The emergence of a theory‐practice divide also figured strongly. Students were, however, able to appreciate the need and place for academic writing skills and most were able to identify the structural processes that were integral to acquiring such skills.

Conclusion. A plethora of anecdotal evidence, supported by the findings in this study, suggests that most nursing students' struggle with the demands placed upon them when writing academic assignments. The need for greater emphasis and support throughout the whole period of training are highlighted in the findings of this study. It is known that nursing loses large numbers of its students to the academic rigors of its educational programmes. Where this is the case, the findings of this study support the need for nurse educationalists and curriculum planners to revise and reform the way that they approach and deliver the demands of an academic style of writing with their students.
Hardiness, work support and psychological distress among nursing assistants and registered nurses in Quebec
Authors: Harrisson Madelaine , Loiselle Carmen G. , Duquette André , Semenic Sonia E.
Published: March 2003

Background.  Although nursing assistants (NAs) represent a large segment of Canadian health care providers, little is known about psychosocial factors related to their physical and psychological well‐being and how these compare with their registered nurse (RN) counterparts.

Aim.  Guided by Maddi and Kobasa's theoretical framework of Factors Affecting Health‐Illness Status, the purpose of the present study was to examine relationships among hardiness, psychological distress and work support in NAs, and to compare results with those from a sample of RNs.

Method.  A random sample of 171 NAs in Quebec completed self‐report questionnaires. The study instruments included validated French‐Canadian versions of Kobasa's Hardiness Scale, Ilfeld's Psychiatric Symptom Index, and Moos' Work Relationship Index.

Results.
 As theoretically predicted, statistically significant correlations were found between hardiness and psychological distress (r = −0.42; P < 0.001), hardiness and work support (r = 0.27; P < 0.001), and between work support and psychological distress (r = −0.21; P < 0.001). Using a mediational model and multiple regression analyses, hardiness among NAs was found to be a significant mediator between work support and psychological distress. Comparative analyses revealed that whereas NAs and RNs reported similar levels of psychological distress (P = 0.25) and work support (P = 0.13), NAs reported significantly less hardiness (t = −5.58; P < 0.01). In addition, NAs and RNs reported significantly more psychological distress than the general population of Quebec, Canada (t = 9.07 and 22.84, P < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion.  Results add support to Maddi and Kobasa's theoretical propositions linking personal and contextual resources to health‐related outcomes and offer insights into specific factors that may affect the health and well‐being of both NAs and RNs as well as their work climate.
Clinical competence assessment in nursing: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Watson Roger , Stimpson Anne , Topping Annie , Porock Davina
Published: March 2003

Background.  The assessment of clinical competence has returned to centre stage of nurse education. However, there is little evidence to support the use of clinical competence and a wide variety of methods for its use.

Research question.  The present study was designed to investigate the evidence for the use of clinical competence assessment in nursing.

Design.  A review using systematic methods of literature pertaining to clinical competence in nursing was conducted using defined dates, databases and search terms.

Results.  There is still considerable confusion about the definition of clinical competence and most of the methods in use to define or measure competence have not been developed systematically and issues of reliability and validity have barely been addressed.

Conclusion.  The assessment of clinical competence remains almost universally accepted in the nurse education literature as a laudable pursuit yet there are aspects of it that remain at odds with the higher education of nurses.
The value of combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in nursing research by means of method triangulation
Authors: Foss Christina , Ellefsen Bodil
Published: March 2003

Aim.  The article contributes to the theoretical discussion of the epistemological grounds of triangulation in nursing research.

Background.  In nursing research, the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods is being used increasingly. The attempt to relate different kinds of data through triangulation of different methods is a challenging task as data derived through different methodologies are viewed as incommensurable.

Content.  Epistemological questions become a vital issue in triangulation of different methods, as qualitative and quantitative methods are built on philosophical differences in the structure and confirmation of knowledge. The epistemology of nursing is manifold, complex and multifarious in character. Contemporary nursing research should be developed on the bases of an epistemology that reflects this multiplicity. The benefits and problems of triangulation are discussed on basis of an epistemological position that acknowledges the need for various types of knowledge and that does not attempt to rank them in a hierarchical order or place different values on them.

Conclusion.  We conclude that the complexity and diversity of reality provides the ontological basis for an alternative epistemological position. The various methods used should be recognized as springing from different epistemological traditions which, when combined, add new perspectives to the phenomenon under investigation. The different types of knowledge should not be seen as ranked, but as equally valid and necessary to obtain a richer and more comprehensive picture of the issue under investigation.
Caring conversations – psychiatric patients' narratives about suffering
Authors: Fredriksson Lennart , Lindström Unni Å.
Published: March 2003

Aim.  The aim of this study was to increase and deepen the understanding of how psychiatric patients in conversations with nurses narrate their experience of suffering.

Methods.  Data were obtained in the years 2001–2002 by audio recording of 20 individual caring conversations between eight patients and three psychiatric nurses at a psychiatric outpatient unit in Sweden. Before the data were gathered the study was approved by a local research ethics committee. The methodology is inspired by the hermeneutics of Paul Ricoeur. The data is given a naïve reading which is followed by two structural analyses which explain the text. Finally, the structural analyses and the pre‐understanding are confronted in a critical reflection.

Findings.  In the patients' narratives, suffering was at first concealed under a façade that helps the patient to cope with suffering and with shame. As they moved along to a turning point, something happened that made them able to risk everything, i.e. their very selves, but also gave them the possibility of regaining vital parts of themselves that where lost when the façade was constructed. As they took the suffering upon themselves, they grew to be fully visible as human beings and healing was possible as a re‐establishment of the interpersonal bridge. This not only meant that the sufferer became open for relationships with others or an abstract other, but also that an opening in the relationship with themselves occurred.

Conclusions.  If psychiatric patients are allowed to narrate freely they develop different plot structures, which can either hide or reveal suffering. Patients who could establish an answer to the why‐question of suffering could also interpret their suffering in a way that enabled growth and reconciliation. In order to do so, they had to abandon the shelter of the façade and confront suffering and shame. This turning point opened them up to life‐sustaining relationships with themselves as well as with abstract and concrete others.
Accommodative speech and terms of endearment: elements of a language mode often experienced by older adults
Authors: Brown Angie , Draper Peter
Published: March 2003

Aim.  To discuss the use of patronizing patterns of speech and modified forms of address in conversations between nurses and other health workers, and older people.

Rationale.
 The impetus for this paper was the publication of the
National Service Framework for Older People , which draws attention to the prevalence of age discrimination and the need to provide individualized care.

Approach.  The literature between 1990 and 2001 was reviewed in a systematic way. Certain key, older texts were also identified. Twenty‐four publications were found, which examine the ways in which nurses and other health workers modify their speech when conversing with older people, discuss what older people think about this practice, or otherwise contribute to this issue.

Results.  The paper uses speech accommodation theory to explain how the language addressed to older people is sometimes modified. The practice of over‐accommodation is also described. This happens when older people are addressed in a simplified vocabulary with a high‐pitched tone of voice and slow speech. The extent of over‐accommodation is discussed, and its impact on older people is considered in terms of fostered dependence and lowered self‐esteem.

Conclusion.  The findings of the review in the context of current policy related to older people and implications for nursing education are discussed.
Unfulfilled expectations and negative interactions: nonsupport in the relationships of women caregivers
Authors: Neufeld A. , Harrison M.J.
Published: March 2003

Background. Most research has viewed social support as unconditionally positive, but negative interactions such as conflict and dissatisfaction with support are present in caregivers' relationships and have a negative impact on their health.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe women's experience of nonsupport and identify the types of nonsupport present in their relationships with family and friends while caring for a family member with dementia.

Ethics. The study received ethical clearance from the university ethics review committee.

Methods. The theoretical perspective of symbolic interaction guided this longitudinal qualitative research. Included in the study were 25 in‐depth interviews with a group of eight women selected from a larger study of family caregiving because they described nonsupport in their relationships with family and friends.

Findings. The women experienced two types of problems in realizing support. Unmet expectations for support was the most pervasive difficulty and included unfulfilled or missing offers of assistance, unmet expectations for social interaction, mismatched aid, or incompetence on the part of the potential helper. Negative interactions, particularly with kin, took several forms: disparaging comments that belittled a caregiver's experience, conflict between the caregiver and others in their appraisal of the care recipient's health status, criticism of the caregiver's decisions in caring for the care recipient, and spillover from longstanding conflict and issues in the family history.

Limitations. This study was limited to women caring for an adult relative with dementia and included a relatively homogeneous sample of English speaking, North American women of European descent.

Conclusion. This study highlighted the utility of identity theory to explain the impact of unmet expectations for support and recognized disparaging comments as a form of nonsupportive interactions.
Health beliefs, perceived self‐efficacy, and breast self‐examination among Thai migrants in Brisbane
Authors: Jirojwong Sansnee , MacLennan Robert
Published: March 2003

Background.  Women in Thailand have a relatively low risk of developing breast cancer; however, death rates from breast cancer are increasing. Rates in many migrant groups are also known to be on the increase. Little is known about breast cancer screening, particularly breast self‐examination (BSE), among Thai migrant women in other countries. In Australia, non‐English‐speaking‐background migrants are known to be low users of preventive health services.

Aims.  To investigate, using the health belief model (HBM) and self‐efficacy as a theoretical framework, the use of BSE in a recent migrant group, Thai women in Australia, and to identify sociodemographic variables that influence the women's regular use of BSE.

Methods.  In 1998, a cross‐sectional study was conducted among 145 Thai women in Brisbane recruited through a snowball‐sampling method, which used personal contacts and key persons within the Thai community. The study was approved by the University Human Ethics Review Committee. Data were collected through designed closed‐ended questions.

Results.  Only 25% of the women performed BSE regularly. HBM indices were strongly associated with BSE. Beliefs in high personal susceptibility to breast cancer strongly increased the likelihood of BSE. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, cues or triggers to undertake BSE and self‐efficacy, or the ability to do BSE were found to be important determinants of regular BSE. Study limitations, including data collection methods, are discussed.

Conclusion.  A low percentage of women practised BSE regularly. The HBM is a useful framework for identifying factors influencing the use of BSE. Strategies that increase the confidence of women to undertake preventive health behaviour or increase self‐efficacy are likely to increase their regular screening for breast cancer.
Helping health and social care professionals to develop an ‘inequalities imagination’: a model for use in education and practice
Authors: Hart Angie , Hall Valerie , Henwood Flis
Published: March 2003

hart a., hall v. &henwood f. (2003) Journal of Advanced Nursing 41(5), 480–489

 Helping health and social care professionals to develop an ‘inequalities imagination’: a model for use in education and practice

Background. The ‘inequalities imagination model’ originated from our own research, and led to findings and recommendations regarding clinical and education issues. This article focuses on the creation of the model which, we suggest, could be used to facilitate the development of an ‘inequalities imagination’ in health and social care professionals.

Aim. To describe and critically analyse the thinking that led to the concept of an ‘inequalities imagination’ and provide the framework for the theoretical model.

Methodological approach. Influencing concepts from the fields of social work, sociology, nursing and midwifery, and debates around antidiscriminatory and antioppressive practice, cultural safety, cultural competence and individualized care are analysed.

Inequalities imagination model. Ideas generated from an analysis of the concepts of antidiscriminatory/anti‐oppressive practice and from the research data led us to conceptualize a flexible model that incorporated issues of individual and structural agency and a broad definition of disadvantage. The literature review underpinning the theoretical framework means that the model has the potential to be truly interdisciplinary.

Conclusions. Professional educators face a difficult task in preparing practitioners to work with clients in ways that take account of differences in background and lifestyle and which respect human rights and dignity. The model makes explicit a process that enables practitioners to think about their current practice and move towards a greater understanding and awareness of the way they work with disadvantaged clients, and ways in which they prepare others to do so. We suggest that professionals develop an ‘inequalities imagination’ in order to enhance equality of care. The development of an ‘inequalities imagination’ helps practitioners to bridge the gap between the challenges they face in day‐to‐day practice and what they need to achieve to aspire to provide equality of care to all.
The macroecology of Australian frogs
Authors: MURRAY BRAD R. , FONSECA CARLOS R. , WESTOBY MARK
Published: March 2003

1.  The Australian continent provides an important test of macroecological patterns given its unique biota and long‐term geographical isolation. However, macro ecological contributions from the Australian continent are rare. We explored the relationship between abundance and geographical range for Australian frogs (Order Anura) across complete geographical ranges, and investigated how adult body size relates to both abundance and the size of geographical ranges.

2.  Our analyses followed two complementary paths. First, we employed cross‐species correlations at a number of taxonomic levels to analyse present‐day ecological associations among the macroecological variables. Secondly, we tested whether there were correlated evolutionary divergences among the variables by use of the phylogenetic regression. In the event, cross‐species patterns and correlated divergence patterns proved quite similar for this dataset.

3.  For Australian frogs there is a strong, significant positive correlation between abundance and geographical range, that is not mediated through body size, and that is found for both cross‐species correlations and as correlated evolutionary divergences. Among biological mechanisms that have been proposed, some can be rejected. Feasible explanations would invoke resource use or intrinsic rates of increase or both.

4.  There is also a significant positive correlation between adult body size and geographical range. We were able to discard four of the five proposed mechanisms describing this relationship. The remaining mechanism relates to homeostasis and environmental variability.

5.  Previous studies of the relationship between adult body size and abundance have revealed a strong negative correlation when studies are performed over areas that encompass most or all of the geographical ranges of the species in question. Contrary to these studies, a negative relationship was not found for Australian frogs. None of the eight explanations postulated from other studies can account for this discrepancy, leading to the conclusion that Australian frogs provide a contrast to macroecological patterns prevailing elsewhere.

6.  Body size could not explain directly the relationship between abundance and geographical range. While there was a significant positive correlation between body size and geographical range, there was no relationship between body size and abundance. If a mechanism incorporating the intrinsic rates of increase of species is to explain the positive relationship between abundance and geographical range, then ecological factors other than body size must be determining differences in intrinsic rates of increase.
Assuming reproduction to be a function of consumption raises doubts about some popular predator–prey models
Authors: Ginzburg Lev R.
Published: March 2003

1.  Predator−prey models that abide by the conversion rule (reproduction rate of predators is a function of the consumption rate) are more plausible.

2.  Although the conversion rule is quite general, many predator−prey models in current ecological literature fail to coordinate the arguments of the functional and numerical responses.
Predicting numbers of an insect (Neophilaenus lineatus: Homoptera) in a changing climate
Authors: WHITTAKER J.B. , TRIBE N.P.
Published: March 2003

Measurements of the density of an upland population of the spittlebug Neophilaenus lineatus (L.) (Homoptera, Auchenorrhyncha) were made from 1961 to 1997.

Population change from year to year is shown to be largely density‐independent.

Analyses of meteorological records over the 37‐year period showed that the weather variable with the highest correlation with population change was mean minimum temperature in September.

A simple model was constructed relating numerical changes from 1961 to 1992 to temperature, and this was found to explain 75% of the change in this population.

The model was used to predict numerical change from 1993 to 1997 over which period it explained 70% of the change.

The model predicts that a projected rise in mean temperature of 1°C would increase the mean population density of N. lineatus by 50%.

Experimental cloches at the upland site which raised mean temperature by 1°C, had N. lineatus densities which were 157% higher than in adjacent control quadrats.

An experimental raising of field temperature at a lowland site where population change had been shown to be density dependent did not result in density changes, although dates of hatching were earlier.
Specificity and host predictability: a comparative analysis among monogenean parasites of fish
Authors: Sasal P. , Trouvé S. , Müller‐Graf C. , Morand S.
Published: March 2003

1.This article compares generalist (parasite species found on two or more host species) and specialist (found on only one host species) monogenean parasite species of fish. The reduction of the host range – that is an increase in host specificity – may correspond with a better adaptation of the parasite to a more predictable host environment. A more predictable environment may allow the parasite species to develop specific adaptations.

2.We assume that the more predictable host environment can be evaluated by host body size, since numerous life‐traits, such as longevity, are positively correlated with size.

3.We found that specialist parasites parasitize larger hosts species than generalist parasites. We also found a good relationship between host body size and parasite body size for specialist parasite species.

4.An adaptation to the mechanical problems encountered in the host's gill chamber may lead to an increase in parasite body size. The infection of a larger part of the host population in order to decrease the chances of local extinction due to fluctuations of host abundance may be another adaptive mechanism.

5.We found a negative correlation between parasite body size and prevalence for generalist parasite species. This relationship disappeared when using the comparative method controlling for phylogeny, which proved that it was a phylogenetic effect.
Spatial and temporal variation in demography of a house sparrow metapopulation
Authors: Saether Bernt‐Erik , Ringsby Thor Harald , Bakke Øyvind , Solberg Erling Johan
Published: March 2003

1. In order to compare spatial and temporal variation in the demography of a metapopulation of house sparrows living on four islands off the coast of Northern Norway, we computed the asymptotic population growth rate (λ) for three transitions between years, using a projection matrix model.

2. The mean growth rate of the metapopulation was positive (λ = 1·05).

3. Large variation was found in space and time in the asymptotic growth rate. Even though the standard deviations of the estimates were large, λ was significantly greater than 1 on one island in 2 out of 3 years. In contrast, λ significantly less than 1 occurred on an island on five occasions.

4. Decomposition of the magnitude of the spatial and temporal components of λ showed that one year (1995) had a particularly negative impact on λ. In contrast, one island had a great positive effect.

5. These differences in λ were most closely related to variation in the juvenile survival rate and in the fecundity rate, which, in turn, was closely related to variation both in space and time in the proportion of the eggs that produced a fledgling.

6. As expected from the large spatio‐temporal variation in λ, the sensitivities and the elasticities of λ to variation in the different elements in the projection‐matrix also differed both in space and time. When λ was small, it was most influenced by variation in adult survival rate. In contrast, for large λ, it was most sensitive to variation in the recruitment rate.

7. We suggest that conditions during the breeding season determine whether a population acts as a source or sink in this temperate small passerine metapopulation, and that the ratio of juveniles to adults can be used to characterize populations as sources or sinks.

8. These results demonstrate large variation in space and time in the demography of a small passerine metapopulation. These differences result from a combination of regional effects on the whole metapopulation, and factors that occur at one particular island in a single year.
Juvenile migration in brown trout: a consequence of energetic state
Authors: Forseth Torbjørn , Nesje Tor F. , Jonsson Bror , Hårsaker Karstein
Published: March 2003

1. We explored the mechanisms determining age and size at juvenile migration in brown trout Salmo trutta L. A 133Cs tracer methodology was used to estimate food consumption of juvenile brown trout in a Norwegian stream, and the energy budgets of early migrants and stream residents were compared.

2. Fast‐growing brown trout migrated to the lake earlier and at a smaller body size than slower‐growing individuals. The 2+ migrants were significantly larger than those that remained 1 or more years longer in the stream. The 3+ migrants were significantly larger than the 2+ migrants. Some fast‐growing males matured in the stream, whereas all females left the stream before maturing sexually.

3. The food consumption and the energy budgets for 2+ migrants were more than four times higher than those of the resident 2+ fish. Total energy allocated to growth was also higher among migrants, and the total metabolic costs were five times higher among migrants than among resident fish.

4. The proportional energy allocation to growth among the 2+ migrants was much lower (about half) than that of those remaining longer in the stream. The reduction in the proportion of energy available for growth from age 1+ to 2+ was larger among migrants (88%) than among resident fish (68%). Reduction in the proportion of energy available for growth is a probable explanation for why migrations are initiated at age 2.

5. Our study supports the hypothesis that fast‐growing individuals shift their niche earlier and at a smaller body size than slower‐growing individuals because they maintain higher metabolic rates and are energetically constrained at a younger age by limited food resources than slow growers.
Threat from deforestation to montane and lowland birds and mammals in insular South‐east Asia
Authors: Brooks Thomas M. , Pimm Stuart L. , Kapos Valerie , Ravilious Corinna
Published: March 2003

1. A reduction in forest area should result in a reduction of its number of species and, moreover, do so in a characteristic way according to the familiar species‐area relationship.Brooks, Pimm & Collar (1997)applied this formula to the losses in forest area in the Philippines and Indonesia. Independently derived totals of the number of endemic bird species that are threatened with extinction broadly agree with these predicted losses. In some cases, however, predicted losses overestimate or underestimate the actual numbers of threatened species.

2. Within an island, the proportionate deforestation to date might be most extensive where there are many endemic species, or where there are few. To test this possibility, we obtained recent forest cover data for the region. We separated lowland (< 1000 m a.s.l.) from montane (> 1000 m a.s.l.) forest cover by overlaying topographic maps. From these data, we predict separately the numbers of montane and lowland endemic bird species likely to become extinct as a result of deforestation. We then compared these totals with the numbers considered threatened in the latestRed List.

3. Our predictions based on deforestation closely match the numbers of threatened endemic birds in the lowlands, but underestimate them in montane regions.

4. Our predictions based on deforestation underestimate the number of threatened montane mammal species even more seriously.

5. Lowland faunas of insular South‐east Asia are under extreme threat because of massive deforestation. The region's montane faunas appear seriously threatened even by low levels of deforestation.
What causes generation cycles in populations of stored‐product moths?
Authors: Briggs C. J. , Sait S. M. , Begon M. , Thompson D. J. , Godfray H. C. J.
Published: March 2003

1. Populations of stored‐products moths such as the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) frequently show generation cycles, fluctuations with a period of approximately one generation.

2. Three age‐structured models of stored‐product moth dynamics were investigated to see which best accounted for the observed period and pattern of Plodia dynamics.

3. A model of
Gurney, Nisbet & Lawton (1983) was modified to match Plodia biology. The model assumes uniform competition amongst larvae. It predicted generation cycles, but of too long a period and with the wrong larval cohort structure.

4. The introduction of asymmetric competition (young larvae more sensitive to resource depletion but exerting weaker competitive effects) could produce generation cycles but for parameters appropriate to Plodia predicted cycles with a period of half a generation.

5. Introducing egg cannibalism to the asymmetric competition model led to the prediction of generation cycles of the right period and cohort structure for Plodia parameters.