bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of diabetes on cognitive impairment and disability in elderly hospitalized patients with heart failure
Authors: Basile Giorgio , Crucitti Andrea , Cucinotta Maria D , Figliomeni Paolo , Lacquaniti Antonio , Catalano Antonino , Morabito Nancy , Buemi Michele , Lasco Antonino
Published: March 2013

Aim

Heart failure (HF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are each associated with cognitive impairment and disability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of DM on cognitive impairment and functional status in elderly hospitalized patients affected by HF.

Methods

A total of 79 elderly hospitalized patients with HF were enrolled in the present study. They underwent physical and instrumental examination, and geriatric multidimensional assessment including Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Differences between groups were established by t‐test, Spearman's correlation coefficient was searched to examine the relation between variables. All results were considered significant if P was <0.05.

Results

HF and DM coexisted in 43 patients (54.4% of cases); when they occurred together patients showed, compared with non diabetic patients, a greater clinical severity of HF (44.2% were in New York Heart Association class IV vs 16.7%, P = 0.017), a lower MMSE score (20.4 ± 3.6 vs 23 ± 3.8, P = 0.004), and a lower number of preserved functions in ADL (3 ± 1.6 vs 4 ± 1.8, P = 0.008) and in IADL (3.2 ± 1.7 vs 4.6 ± 2.3, P = 0.003). The correlation between DM and cognitive impairment, and disability was confirmed by multivariate and univariate analysis.

Conclusions

We confirm that DM is frequent in elderly hospitalized patients with HF, and we report that it has a negative impact on cognitive functions and functional status, worsening cognitive impairment, and disability observed in these patients. Comprehensive geriatric assessment is necessary for older adults with HF, especially when DM coexists. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 1035–1042.
RUTH KLÜGER, AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND REMEMBERING THE HOLOCAUST
Authors: Woods Roger
Published: March 2013

Recent debates among cultural studies specialists and historians on subjectivity in autobiography provide the background to an analysis of Ruth Klüger's accounts of her years in concentration camps and her post‐war experiences in the USA, Germany and Austria. These accounts are characterised by complexity and contradiction, but throughout her work she insists on the primacy of the individual experience and opposes an approach in academic research that turns Holocaust survivors into mere objects of study. These basic attitudes find growing support among historians who seek to do justice to autobiographical writing as a cultural source and as an assertion of individuality.

Vor dem Hintergrund neuerer Diskussionen zum Thema Subjektivität in der Autobiographie unter Kulturwissenschaftlern und Historikern werden Ruth Klügers Darstellungen ihrer Jahre in Konzentrationslagern und ihrer Erfahrungen in den USA, Deutschland und Österreich nach 1945 analysiert. Diese Darstellungen lassen sich durch Komplexität und Widersprüchlichkeit charakterisieren, aber konstant in ihrem Denken sind das Primat der individuellen Erfahrung und die Ablehnung eines Ansatzes in der wissenschaftlichen Forschung, der aus Holocaust‐Überlebenden bloße Untersuchungsobjekte macht. Diese Grundpositionen finden eine immer größere Resonanz bei Historikern, die versuchen, der Autobiographie als kultureller Quelle und als Selbstbehauptung des Individuums gerecht zu werden.
KILLING OFF MULTICULTURALISM: GERMAN NEWS REPORTING FROM BOSNIA 1991–1995
Authors: Von Oppen Karoline
Published: March 2013

The war in Bosnia in the early 1990s made it clear that the transformation of eastern Europe would not be an easy process. It also marked Europe's failure to agree on a foreign policy and end the war. Remarkably, reporters emerged from the conflict with their reputations greatly enhanced by their bravery and commitment to multicultural Sarajevo in particular. This paper challenges this view, arguing that German reporters at least did little to salvage the notion of multiculturalism from the battlefields of Bosnia. Torn by their desire to back a new German foreign policy, shocked by parallels to the Nazi extermination camps or quite simply ignorant of Bosnian society, German reporters in fact contributed to the aims of the warring parties by making ‘heterogeneous communities unimaginable’ (Robert Hayden).

Im Bosnienkrieg der frühen neunziger Jahre zeigte sich erstmals, dass und wie sehr man die Probleme der Transformationsprozesse in Osteuropa unterschätzt hatte. Außerdem machte dieser Krieg deutlich, dass es der EU nicht gelungen war, eine gemeinsame Außenpolitik zu entwickeln und damit den Krieg zu beenden. Im Gegensatz zur Politik vermochten es die deutschen Auslandskorrespondenten allerdings vor allem durch ihr angebliches Engagement für die Sache des Multikulturalismus und der Toleranz in Sarajevo, sich das Ansehen und den Respekt der Öffentlichkeit zu verdienen. Dieser Beitrag stellt eine solche Sichtweise infrage. Er argumentiert, dass es gerade die deutschen Reporter waren, die auf vielfache Weise indirekt die Ziele der Kriegsparteien unterstützten. Ihre Befürwortung der neuen deutschen Außenpolitik, ihre Warnungen vor der Wiederkehr von Konzentrationslagern oder auch schlichtweg ihre pure Ignoranz trugen letztendlich dazu bei, die Möglichkeit von ‘heterogenen Gesellschaften unvorstellbar’ zu machen (Robert Hayden).
Dependence and Human Trafficking in the Context of Transnational Marriage
Authors: Tyldum Guri
Published: March 2013

Human trafficking is often associated with exploitation in prostitution. However, the UN Trafficking Protocol lists several other forms of exploitation as forms of human trafficking, including domestic and sexual servitude. These are forms of exploitation that can take place within the context of a marriage.

In this article I discuss issues of vulnerability, power and exploitation in the context of transnational marriage. It is based on a study of Thai and Russian women married to Norwegian men conducted in 2006–2008. Based on an analysis of the experiences, priorities and challenges these women face, I argue that systematic exploitation of the dependence created in transnational marriage in some instances can and should be conceptualized and prosecuted as cases of human trafficking.
Understanding the Socioeconomic Status of International Immigrants in Chile Through Hierarchical Cluster Analysis: a Population‐Based Study
Authors: Cabieses Baltica , Tunstall Helena , Pickett Kate
Published: March 2013

Immigration to Chile is not large (just under 2% of the total population) but has increased in recent years. This study aimed to analyse the socioeconomic status (SES) of immigrants in Chile and compare it with the Chilean‐born, by secondary data analysis of an anonymous nationally representative survey (CASEN, 2006). Immigrants are categorized into Low, Medium and High SES through hierarchical cluster analysis. Around 1 per cent of the total sample are international immigrants; an additional 0.7 per cent did not report their migration status. Self‐reported immigrants show great variability in their SES. Immigrants in the Low SES cluster appeared to be significantly younger than those in Medium and High SES, also more likely to be children, women and belong to an ethnic minority. Immigrants in the Low SES cluster appeared similar to the unemployed, poorest Chilean‐born but are more than eight years younger on average and more likely to be female. Immigrants to Chile are a unique group, with socio‐demographic characteristics that differ significantly from the Chilean‐born population, but there is great heterogeneity and complexity within this group. Cluster analysis provided a meaningful interpretation of the multidimensional concept of SES and allowed the identification of a vulnerable group of Low SES immigrants to Chile.
Outcomes of chemoradiation for patients with locally advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Spina R. , Chu S. Y. Y. , Chatfield M. , Chen J. , Tin M. M. , Boyer M.
Published: March 2013

Background

Historically, long‐term survival rates in locally advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been disappointingly low, and treatment toxicities have been significant.

Aims

To assess survival outcomes, treatment toxicities, patterns of disease recurrence and prognostic variables for patients with locally advanced NSCLC treated with concurrent chemoradiation.

Methods

Patients who completed treatment with chemotherapy and simultaneous chest irradiation for locally advanced NSCLC at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (Sydney, Australia) in the period January 1994 to July 2009 were identified. We retrospectively reviewed the patients' medical records to obtain patient demographic data, clinical data, information on tumour characteristics and treatment administered, and outcome data such as survival, treatment toxicities and tumour recurrence patterns.

Results

Our patient cohort consisted largely of urban‐dwelling male smokers with good baseline performance status. As of December 2012, 93/105 patients had died. Median overall and progression‐free survival was 20 months and 11 months respectively. The 5‐year survival rate was 17%. Eight patients had survived longer than 8 years, and 13 patients enjoyed progression‐free survival longer than 3 years. Locoregional tumour recurrence occurred most frequently, followed by brain and bone metastases. Adverse effects from chemoradiation included varying degrees of gastrointestinal, pulmonary and haematological toxicity. Three deaths occurred from radiation‐induced pneumonitis. Weight loss at presentation was statistically significantly associated with worse overall survival in univariate analyses (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our survival results are consistent with the recent international literature and indicate that a proportion of patients with locally advanced NSCLC can enjoy prolonged survival following treatment with concurrent chemoradiation.
Wage Cyclicality Under Different Regimes of Industrial Relations
Authors: Gartner Hermann , Schank Thorsten , Schnabel Claus
Published: March 2013

We analyze the effect of collective wage agreements and of works councils on the cyclicality of real wages. Using employer–employee data for western Germany (1995–2004), we find that wage adjustments to positive and negative shocks are generally not symmetric. Wage growth increases in all industrial relations regimes when unemployment is falling, but this inverse relationship is weaker when unemployment is rising. Moreover, in plants with individual‐level bargaining, wages do not adjust at all to rising unemployment. Works councils increase wage growth only in firms covered by sectoral agreements, but they do not affect the cyclicality of wages.
Alterssicherung der Frauen im spanischen Rentensystem
Authors: Cifre Concha Salvador
Published: March 2013

Auszug

Das Beispiel Spaniens bestätigt die verbreitete Meinung, dass beitragsabhängige Vorsorgepläne die Ungleichheit zwischen den Geschlechtern fortsetzen, was auf die Arbeitsmarktstrukturen und die Teilung der familiären Pflichten zurückzuführen ist. Generell haben Hausfrauen kein Anrecht auf eigene Renten und sind von tieferen Leistungen abhängig, so zum Beispiel von Hinterbliebenenrenten (abgeleitete Ansprüche) oder von beitragsfreien Renten. Frauen, die außerhalb ihres Heims arbeitstätig sind, erwerben wiederum niedrigere Ansprüche als Männer und erhalten in der Folge auch niedrigere Alters‐ bzw. Invaliditätsrenten (persönliche Ansprüche). Wir wollen hier die Rentenzahlungen in Spanien hinsichtlich des Geschlechts untersuchen, einzelne Rentenreformen seit dem Jahr 2000 beurteilen und Vorschläge unterbreiten, wie mit konkreten Maßnahmen der Übergang von abgeleiteten hin zu persönlichen Ansprüchen gefördert werden kann. Die Vorschläge möchten zur Gleichstellung der Geschlechter beitragen, die als Recht auf gleiches Wohlbefinden und finanzielle Sicherheit im Alter definiert wird.
Solving Patients' Information Problems by the Nursing Process and Collaboration between the Medical and Nursing Staff
Authors: Engström Birgitta
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. A model of a system for assessment and solution of patients' information problems has been developed. It is based on a survey of the literature and research on methods developed to satisfy patients' need for information during hospital stay. The system is a modified nursing process with built‐in collaboration and communication between medical and nursing staff. How the system functioned is reported as part II of this series.
Femininity, Masculinity, and Psychological Androgyny in Nurses
Authors: Carlsson Marianne
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The purposes of the present study were to delineate the personality of nurses in terms of femininity, masculinity and psychological androgyny compared with women in general and to compare nurses from different specialities in this respect. The method used was the Bern Sex Role Inventory, a questionnaire measuring sex‐typing. The questionnaire was answered by 202 persons (186 women and 16 men) representing six different specialities. No significant difference was found between the women investigated and women in general regarding the distribution of sex‐typing. But there were differences between the different specialities in that there were more androgynous women in technically orientated specialities and more feminine women in the person‐orientated ones. The men were too few to be regarded as representative of male nurses in Sweden.
Health and Illness: a Dialectical Concept Analysis
Authors: Häggman‐ Laitila Arja , Kalkas Hertta
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to describe and understand people's conceptions of health and illness. The analysis of the concepts is based on unstructured interviews with men and women aged 30 and 50. The approach of the study is hermeneutical, and the framework for the concept analysis is formed by Hegel's dialectical logic. The interviewees' definitions of health and illness were comprehensive, describing the physical, psychological and social aspects of human existence. The definitions of health ranged from holistic to one‐dimensional. Illness was understood as something more than a disease or its physical symptoms. The analysis also indicated that the interviewees did not equate non‐health with illness or non‐illness with health. Including the categories of non‐health and non‐illness added a new dimension to the analysis of health and illness, enriching the semantic content of the concepts studied.
Emotions and Attitudes in Insulin‐dependent Diabetes
Authors: Lundman Berit , Asplund Kjell , Norberg Astrid
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT We asked 192 well‐defined patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes (IDDM) and free of advanced complications, about their experiences of the influence of the disease on daily life and worries about complications. Semantic differentials were used to measure attitudes to diabetes. The patients were divided into quintiles according to their metabolic control. The groups did not differ significantly as regards the distribution of age, living conditions, absence from work, duration of the disease or number of insulin injections daily. Patients with good metabolic control (HbA1c < 6.7) had higher number of hypo‐glycaemic comata (7 vs. 1, p < 0.001) and somewhat higher levels of endogenous insulin production (NS) when compared with those in poor metabolic control (HbA1c > 9.0). There were more university graduate patients in the group with good metabolic control (p < 0.05). Patients in the poor‐controlled group more often reported that they were smokers (p= 0.003) and the women in fertile ages in this group more often reported problems with metabolic control during menstruation (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the experiences of being a diabetic or worries about complications. Patients with poor metabolic control gave expression to more positive attitudes on the semantic differentiales. Implications for nursing are discussed.
Impact of Organisational Culture on Use of Scientific Knowledge in Nursing Practice
Authors: Kinnunen Juha
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to answer the question: How does organisational culture influence nurses' use of scientific knowledge in practice? The culture of the health care organisation was analysed mainly in terms of professionals (nurses, physicians and managers). All three professional subcultures, medical, nursing and managerial, seem to be very important from the patients' point of view. Nursing subculture has, for example, different philosophy, knowledge and values about the purpose and practices of the work. Despite this, many nurses hold medical norms, values and expectations to be more important than those of their own subculture. Consequently, when caring for patients such nurses act and behave according to medical knowledge and cultural assumptions. The influence of cultural factors on use of scientific knowledge in nursing practice can be classified as follows: (1) the nursing subculture is strong but old‐fashioned and conservative, (2) the nursing subculture is weak and nurses are expected to act according to some of the competitive subcultures, (3) the content and construction of the process of work socialisation prevent the application of new scientific knowledge. These results must be confirmed in further empirical studies to determine their general validity for the primary health care system in Finland. The cultural analysis of health care system provides new information about why systematic scientific knowledge has not changed nursing practice as much as expected.
The Last Period of Life of the Very Old
Authors: Andersson‐Segesten Kerstin
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. In a pilot study, the Weisman psychological autopsy was tested as a method of gaining information about the last period of life of patients age 85 and older. The main purpose for using this method is to obtain knowledge about patients' thoughts, feelings and reactions towards impending death. Twelve deceased patients were selected and the staff members who had cared for those patients were interviewed. A special guide for interviewing was followed and the interviews took place on the second or third day after death. In these twelve interviews a total of 32 staff members participated. It was shown that the staff members were well informed on issues concerning the patients daily life, health condition and medical treatment. On issues such as religious belief, perception of impending death, meaning of life and fear and joy, the staff members were mostly unaware of the patients' thoughts, feelings and reactions. The conclusion is that before using the psychological autopsy method in interviewing personnel, the level of knowledge about the patients must be tested.
The Modified Norton Scale and the Nutritional State
Authors: Ek Anna‐Christina , Unosson Mitra , Bjurulf Per
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The Norton scale was devised in 1960 as an additive scale to facilitate the prediction and prevention of pressure sore development. The scale has been used both in the original version and in modified versions both in practice and as an instrument in nursing research. In a previous study the reliability had been analysed. The present investigation comprises 501 patients who were examined weekly by registered nurses with regard to the variables in a modified Norton scale and on admission with regard to the nutritional status. There are significant correlations between the variables establishing the modified Norton scale and the different criteria included in the nutritional assessment form.
The Needs, Concerns and Coping of Mothers of Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Andersson‐Segesten Kerstin , Plos Kaety
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT The questionnaire CICI:PQ for measuring needs, concerns and coping of parents of chronically ill children was mailed to 85 families with children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Some questions about the parents' experiences of the health care system were also included. Fifty‐four per cent responded—in all cases but two the mothers. More than half of the mothers wanted help with or opportunities to discuss the state of health and the emotional development of the child and dietary issues. Many of them were concerned about the child's future. Shortage of time was another problem. The coping strategies used when having problems with the child were partly different from those used when problems arose with the spouse. Most mothers were satisfied with the hospital care and the CF paediatrician. They wanted further support from the physiotherapist and many of them missed a CF nurse. The project illuminated many areas for further investigation.
Surface Electromyography of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Healthy Children
Authors: Wennergren Hild , Larsson Lars‐Erik , Sandstedt Per
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT Pelvic floor muscle activity was recorded in ten healthy children, aged six to ten years, by using surface electromyography and a polygraph writer. The electromyograms were recorded simultaneously from four electrode pairs on the perineum and three electrode pairs on adjacent muscle groups, i.e. hip and abdominis muscles. The children performed ten different manoeuvres. Necessary prerequisites for this investigatory method include good electrode application, adequate instruction of the child and the child's adjustment to the method. Using the described procedure, it was possible to record pelvic floor muscle activity without any appreciably detectable electrical influence from adjacent muscles. The method sometimes allows selective recording of electromyographic activity between the ventral urogenital and the dorsal anal regions. Therefore both anal and urethral electrode pairs should be used to achieve functional information about the pelvic floor muscles. The envisaged method should be useful as a tool for assessment of pelvic floor muscle exercises in children with voiding disorders.
Patient—Nurse Interactions
Authors: Larsson Gerry , Starrin Bengt
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. Relationships between antecedent person variables (sex and age), empathic understanding, content of communication, and patients' emotional reactions were studied in 3200 patient‐assistant nurse dyadic interactions. The sample consisted of 32 psychiatric patients (20 males and 12 females, mean age: 61 years) and eight female assistant nurses at a nursing‐home in Sweden. Four assistant nurses were younger (25 years old or less) and four were older (45 years old or more). All interactions were regular morning meetings at which the patient's activity plans for the day were discussed. These meetings were held in each patient's private room, and lasted for about 15 min. High empathic understanding on part of the helper covaried with more communication of “everyday character” and communication dealing with “personal and emotional qualities”, with less communication dealing with “facts and practical issues”, and with a more cheerful emotional state among the patients during the encounters. Male patients were more cheerful during encounters with younger assistant nurses while female patients were more cheerful when interacting with older assistant nurses. Helpers with higher scores on empathic understanding seemed to have a higher awareness of relational history.
Sexual Problems in Women with Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Berglund Anna‐Lena , Fugl‐Meyer Kerstin S.
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The medical records of a consecutive series of 421 women diagnosed at a Department of Gynaecology as having urinary incontinence were surveyed (in retrospect) in order to analyse how frequently sexual complaints had been registered. After exclusion for age above 60 years and for concomitant chronic somatic or psychiatric diseases, the charts of 193 women remained. Sexual problems had been registered in 28 (15%) of these. The complaints were dyspareunia, and in two cases decreased sexual desire. In this sample no significant associations between sexual complaints and type/treatment of incontinence, age or number of deliveries were found. As gauged by the available literature these patients have revealed—or have been noted to have—less sexual problems than somatically and psychiatrically healthy females have in the general population.
The Importance of an Introduction to Scientific Methodology and Research Evaluation in the Nursing Curriculum: An Icelandic Experience
Authors: Kristjánsdóttir Gudrún
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. This article briefly presents a total academic program for preparing professional nurses at the University of Iceland and discusses the reasons for teaching an introductory course in scientific methodology and research evaluation in its curriculum. It is argued that scientific methodology and research evaluation adds a necessary component to the qualification of the nursing graduate and an ability to participate in clinical research and advancement of research‐based practice.
Psychosocial Adjustment to Cystectomy for Bladder Carcinoma and Effects on Interpersonal Relationships
Authors: Månsson Åsa , Johnson Gunnar , Månsson Wiking
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. Postoperative adjustment and the psychosocial consequences of cystectomy were studied in 34 patients with bladder carcinoma. Urinary diversion was accomplished via a conduit in 20 patients and a continent caecal reservoir in 14. Interviews with the patients were conducted according to a semistructured outline. The great majority adjusted fairly well, mainly due to support from family members. Help was provided by medical staff in only a few cases. While relationships with friends were unchanged, those with spouse/partner were commonly disturbed by sexual problems and presence of a urostoma. The mode of urinary diversion had no influence on the studied variables. Despite a high acceptance level of their malignant affliction, several patients did not accept their present situation. Lack of psychologic support from the health services was a common experience.
The Fine Balancing Act of Managing Diabetes
Authors: Nyhlin Kerstin Ternulf
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. A major problem for people with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus is to manage their self‐care satisfactorily while living a normal life. This paper deals with the management of diabetes from the perspective of people with diabetes. It is based on the analysis of qualitative data, collected by means of informal interviews. This analysis made it apparent that the entire life of most people with diabetes is dominated not only by the fact that they have to maintain a metabolic balance but also that they have to find an equilibrium in their relationships with others. Walking a fine line was the data‐based core category, which analysis of the data singled out as being the most important for the understanding of the meaning and the management of diabetes.
Variation in Obstetric Interventions by Midwife
Authors: Hemminki Elina , Kojo‐Austin Hellevi , Malin Maili , Koponen Päivikki
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. This paper reports variation in birth interventions by 25 midwives among 2 135 births in a Finnish hospital. The rate of cesarean sections varied from 0 to 18%, and that of instrumental deliveries from 0 to 8%. Mother's and infant̂s characteristics and rates of vaginal breeches suggest that a low rate of cesarean sections was not explained only by selection to easy births. This study suggests that the skills, attitudes and routines of midwives may explain part of the variation found in birth interventions.
Diagnostic Reasoning in the Care of a Vocally Disruptive Severely Demented Patient
Authors: Lindgren Catharina , Hallberg Ingalill R. , Norberg Astrid
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. In order to investigate the effect of nursing investigations based on diagnostic reasoning and research findings on vocally disruptive behaviour in a severely demented patient a single subject study was set up. The nursing diagnoses described problems that seemed connected with sensory deprivation and care that had not been adapted to the patient̂s abilities. The vocally disruptive behaviour decreased when the nursing treatment plan was followed. When the caregivers stopped following the care plan the disruptive behaviour increased. Another intervention was made and once again the disruptive behaviour decreased. In conclusion the study showed that nursing diagnoses and orders were not enough. The caregivers must also understand the importance of following the care plan and cope with the emotional reactions evoked by the care. Effective leadership, regular supervision of and support to the caregivers seem necessary.
The Content of the Oral Daily Reports at a Long‐Term Ward before and after Staff Training in Integrity Promoting Care
Authors: Kihlgren Mona , Lindsten Inge‐Gerd , Norberg Astrid , Karlssor Ingvar
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. This study was based on the assumption that the daily report between different caregivers are of great importance for the quality of the care delivered and that they guide the content of it. The staff of a nursing home ward were given training in integrity promoting care and special training in reporting. After a three months' intervention period effects on patients and staff were evaluated and compared with a control ward. Positive patient outcomes have been reported earlier. The aim of this study was to describe the content of the oral daily reports between staff members in long‐term care and investigate whether some changes occurred after training that might have contributed to the positive results for the patients. Another aim was to assess whether the staff regarded the reports as satisfactory.

Oral reports were tape‐recorded before and after staff training. A content analysis by a scheme based on Henderson's description of components of nursing care and a form analysis based on the nursing process were made. The reports were highly task oriented and the staff often discussed the patients' reaction in vague and general terms. The steps of the nursing process did not seem to be used. The answers to a questionnaire about the staff's satisfaction with the oral reports showed some increasing dissatisfaction and also comments about needs of more collaboration between different groups of personnel.

More messages were given per report after the intervention compared to the control ward and the messages with psychosocial content had doubled. Thus the oral reports between staff had gone through some changes that could have contributed to the positive effects for the patients and on the interaction between patients and staff.
The Alleviation of Suffering— The Idea of Caring
Authors: Eriksson Katie
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. Caring science is seeking a basic category or the primary form of caring, the focus of caring science which includes the meaning of caring. Caring science does not deny the presence of suffering, even though it aims at soundness and health; suffering is the point from which it begins. Not until the patient has come to terms with his suffering can he hope to recover. Suffering is the most important basic category of all caring. It gives caring a unique quality and soundness and is something which all forms of caring aim to alleviate. Real caring is not just an abstract idea, philosophy or ideology, it is concrete work confronting suffering in real situations.
Evaluation of a Swedish Version of the Arthritis Self‐efficacy Scale
Authors: Lomi Constantina
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. There is a great need today for clinically useful instruments in the rehabilitation of chronic pain patients. The Arthritis Self‐efficacy Scale measures patients' perceived self‐efficacy to cope with the consequences of chronic arthritis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a Swedish version of the Arthritis Self‐efficacy Scale with respect to factor structure and reliability. Twenty‐five chronic pain patients and twenty‐four rheumatology patients were given a Swedish version of the Arthritis Self‐efficacy Scale twice within a three week interval. The three factor structure of the scale was confirmed; Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency ranged between 0.82–0.91 and test‐retest correlations ranged between 0.81–0.91, showing that the instrument satisfactorily met psychometric standards.
Urinary Incontinence and Napkins
Authors: Månsson‐Lindström Ann , Dehlin Ove , Isacsson Åke
Published: March 2013

Abstract. This questionnaire study shows the view of four influential groups on urinary incontinence and the aids used to alleviate the problem. The findings indicated education needs for all studied categories of care personnel. Education is needed primarily in diagnosis, quantitative and qualitative evaluation of aids, facts about incontinence, and information to patients. Differences in views and actual knowledge between the studied groups are probably due to different frames of reference, priorities, and professional background.
Self‐reported Impact of Insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) on Daily Life and Quality of Life Experience
Authors: Hanestad Berit Rokne
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The aim of this study was to analyse living with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in a quality of life perspective with specific reference to the association between perceived impact of IDDM on daily life and quality of life experience. A self‐administered quality of life questionnaire was completed by 247 people with IDDM who consecutively visited a diabetes clinic in Norway. The subjects were categorized into two groups on the basis of perceived greater impact of IDDM on daily life. Between group comparisons showed that those perceiving greater impact of IDDM on daily life reported reduced quality of life experience.
Psychosocial Nursing in Radiotherapy Cancer Wards in Finland
Authors: Krause Kaisa , Munnukka Terttu , Väätäinen Anne‐Mari
Published: March 2013

Abstract. In this study the specialized nurses, nurse generalists and practical nurses working in radiotherapy cancer wards in Finland are estimating their capabilities for responding to the psychosocial needs of cancer patients. The methods they use to respond to their patients and the results achieved are also estimated. Details were also elicited of the barriers to the provision of high standard nursing which these people perceived. The length of education correlated significantly with the estimated capabilities of nursing personnel to meet the psychosocial needs of the cancer patients. The practical nurses estimated their capabilities to be in all respects at a lower level than did the nurse generalists and specialized nurses.
The Characteristics of Clients and Public Health Nurses in Child Health Services Interactions
Authors: Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics of clients (i.e. mothers) and public health nurses in child health services based on interviews of the mothers and the public health nurses. In addition, the meaning of the visit to the participants is described. The data were collected by interviewing 20 mothers in their homes and 20 public health nurses. Grounded theory was used in the data analysis. Four categories describing the clients were found: disengaged clients, interested but shy clients, interested but disappointed clients and eager and responsible clients. Three types of public health nurses were identified according to their own descriptions: families' needs are the more important, balancing and orders are the most important. Client's satisfaction depended on the mother's mood, the child's behavior during the visit, having the same nurse and especially the public health nurse's character or personality. The paper emphasizes the importance of nursing research on interactions in health care, especially client‐public health nurse relationships and their consequences for both parties.
The Psychogeriatric Nurse's Decision‐making Process in a Mental Hospital
Authors: Liukkonen Arja
Published: March 2013

This article looks at the psychogeriatric nurse's decision‐making process in a mental hospital. The subjects consist of 26 nurses working on the psychogeriatric wards of one hospital. The data were collected by a questionnaire (N= 26), content analysis of nursing plans (N= 56), and observation of nursing plans meetings (N= 15). The results on the 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.
Female Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Sandvik Hogne , Kveine Eldri , Hunskaar Steinar
Published: March 2013

One hundred and eighty‐seven Norwegian women with urinary incontinence (UI) were interviewed after having responded to a marketing campaign for incontinence aids.

Nineteen per cent stated that UI was a negligible problem. Urge incontinence was associated with more mental distress, practical inconveniences, and social restrictions than stress incontinence. Young women were more handicapped by stress incontinence than old women. Severe incontinence was associated with more mental distress and practical inconveniences than slight incontinence.

A wide variety of control measures was used, the most popular being absorbent products. Only four had not used any control measure.

Fifty‐seven per cent had mentioned their UI‐problem with a doctor. The consultation rate increased with the severity and duration of UI. Only 36% were satisfied with the outcome of the consultation.
Complications after Surgery as Expressed by Patients and Health Care
Authors: Johanson Marita , Larsson Ullabeth Sätterlund , Säljö Roger , Svärdsudd Kurt
Published: March 2013

In the present study, which is a part of a clinical‐epidemiological study of complications, (the Project Peri‐Operative Risk, PROPER), 510 patients, admitted for elective surgery, participated. During their time in hospital, the incidence of complications was registered by nurses. Three months after surgery, the patients were asked in a questionnaire if they had, during their time in hospital or during their convalescence at home, suffered from postoperative complications. Statements by patients and health care professionals regarding the nature and frequency of complications have been compared. Our results confirm the findings that a prospective method in registering complications results in the detection of a higher incidence than if a retrospective method is used. The analysis also reveals that patients and professionals report different types of complications. They also describe complications from different perspectives and present identical complications in different terms.
Careprovider and Obstetrical Interventions
Authors: Malin Maili , Hemminki Elina , Stephenson Patricia , Mäntyranta Taina , Zupan Jelka , Tiba Janos , Stembera Zdenek
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment recommendations of obstetricians and midwives in four European countries: the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, and Slovenia. Intervention orientation was examined with six hypothetical patient cases. We wanted to learn whether midwives differ from obstetricians in their choices, and whether there is any variation among countries regarding the willingness of staff to intervene. In Finland the two professions were quite similar in their recommendations for interventions, but in Hungary and Slovenia, midwives and obstetricians differed from each other. There were also differences between the countries in the treatment recommendations, and there was disparity between opinions and actual obstetrical practices. Slovenian obstetrical staff were the most interventionistic in many cases, compared with others, although the actual frequency of interventions was no greater than in other countries. In Finland the staff were the most passive in their opinions, yet the actual proportion of interventions was greatest.
Attitude of Medical Staff Towards Victims of Violence and Assaults
Authors: Renck Barbro
Published: March 2013

Crimes of violence have effects on health care, but have received insufficient attention as regards the questions of identifying hidden violence. What factors could be of relevance to the reception and help given to victims of violence? How much importance should be attributed to the sex factor in staff attitudes? The aim of the present study was to elucidate the attitudes of medical staff towards patients who were the victim of violence or assault. The study covered staff working in the emergency ward at the Central Hospital in Karlstad and at all the health care centres in Karlstad Police District. A questionnaire was sent out to all doctors and nurses at the units involved. In general, the results showed a great commitment and sense of responsibility, and a specific concentration of resources on female patients on the part of the female staff. The explanatory model revealed that attitudes of staff to victims of violence and assault are partly determined by the sex of the staff but that the place of work was definitely not without importance as an explanatory factor.
A Comparison of Nursing Implications for Elder Care in Sweden and the United States
Authors: Sigsby Linda M.
Published: March 2013

The number of elderly are increasing at a rapid rate in both Sweden and the United States. Despite differences in governance, size, and health care systems, the two countries share similar problems and, perhaps, similar responses to care of aging persons. International educational exchange of successful interventions can promote better delivery of nursing care in both countries.
Science and Tradition in the Nursing Discipline
Authors: Sarvimäki Anneli
Published: March 2013

The purpose of the article is to argue for a conception of nursing knowledge that stresses theoretical and practical knowledge as equally important, and to analyze the roles of nursing science and nursing tradition in the discipline of nursing. Nursing knowledge is characterized as involving values, sets of beliefs, and procedural knowledge. Practical nursing knowledge is viewed as an integration of values, beliefs and procedural knowledge into action, whereas theoretical knowledge is viewed as a conception of nursing. Nursing tradition is described as the main organizer of practical nursing knowledge at the collective level, and nursing science as the main organizer of collective theoretical knowledge.
Health‐Care Screening among the Elderly
Authors: Johansen Grethe
Published: March 2013

Geriatric screening at health clinics has become a regular feature of the health‐care services offered in some Norwegian municipalities. Normally there is good participation in such screening programmes, but there are always some non‐attenders. There is little published material showing the intervention needs among non‐respondents. In a municipality in the middle parts of Norway, screening was offered to the municipality's elderly inhabitants at the local health clinic. Those who did not attend were offered a domiciliary visit. The findings indicate that there is a category of people among those who do not attend for screening at the health clinic who have less need of a medical examination and socioeconomic support than those who do attend the screening. There is also a category in need of community nursing, technical aids and health care because of senile dementia, depression and unsought social isolation.
Historical, Cross‐cultural, Biological and Psychosocial Perspectives of Ageing and the Aged Person
Authors: Bondevik Margareth
Published: March 2013

This paper analyses the concept of ageing and old age from various perspectives. From a historical perspective, people in Antiquity and the Middle Ages explained the ages of man in different schematic terms, related to the physical causes for the processes of human growth and decline, or related to daily, annual or historical time. From a cross‐cultural perspective, the predominant view has been that older adults in developing societies were better situated socially and psychologically than their counterparts in developed societies. The process of ageing can be seen from separate biological, psychological and social perspectives. Regarding the individual aged person, these mutually interactive processes, must be considered together, along with the cultural conditions and historical times in which they occur. Increased awareness of the positive contributions to modern society made by the aged as upholders of cultural heritage and traditions may help to counteract the derogatory of references to the elderly as ‘the rising tide’, associating this group of the population with heavy financial burdens on society.
Impact on Health Care Consumption of an Experimental Daycare Intervention
Authors: Lökk Johan , Arnetz Bengt
Published: March 2013

The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact on health care utilization of a controlled intervention programme for geriatric daycare patients. Sixty‐five patients referred to daycare were allocated to an intervention and control group respectively. The 12‐week programme was added to the ordinary daycare agenda and was designed in active collaboration with the patients in order to counteract passivity and enhance active patient involvement. Evaluations were made before and after 6 and 12 weeks of intervention, as well as 3 and 9 months after the conclusion of the programme. No extra resources were allocated to either the intervention or the control group. During the intervention period there were no changes in the utilization of home care for either group during the whole study period. Noticeably, there was a significant difference in the number of patients readmitted to hospital between the intervention and control groups (13/33 and 21/32 respectively). There was also a significant difference in favour of the intervention group concerning mean length of hospital stay (22.1 and 61.9 days respectively). The mean corresponding saving for each 12‐week intervention patient during a one‐year follow‐up was calculated at 57 500 SEK. Even if our calculations are tentative and do not cover all aspects of the total cost, they indicate the importance of further studies of elderly patients discharged from daycare units and institutional settings.
Drug Consumption Among Elderly—A Four‐Year Study
Authors: Wagner Lis , Wahlberg Vivian , Worning Anne Marie
Published: March 2013

The aim of the study was to analyse whether a radical structural change in the provision of care for the elderly, including changes in the pattern of drug administration, might influence drug consumption among residents in a Danish nursing home. A comprehensive reorganization of the care of the residents took place in the mid‐1980s. The general approach to self‐care, with greater autonomy and influence over one's own life was also disseminated to the area of administration of medication. Previously the nurses had been responsible for this area but a new model was introduced in 1986 in principle permitting all residents to be in charge of their own medication. The study was carried out as a survey over four consecutive years from 1985 to 1988, and included 48 residents in a nursing home of whom 24 participated in all four surveys. A minimum of drugs were administered immediately after the change in regimen. Although a slight increase was recorded in the subsequent years, the level of drug consumption did not reach pre‐intervention levels. The total number of regularly administered drugs per day in survey 1 averaged 4.6 drugs/person. In survey 2 this had decreased to average 3.6 (p <0.05).