bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nurses' attitudes toward palliative care in south-east Iran
Authors: Razban Farideh , Iranmanesh Sedigheh , Rafei Hossein 
Published: May 2014

Background: Nurses are the element of the palliative care team who spend the most time with patients. Nurses' attitudes toward palliative care affect their behaviour toward their patients. Aim: This study sought to examine oncology and intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' attitudes toward palliative care in south-east Iran. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the palliative care attitudes of 140 oncology and ICU nurses from three hospitals supervised by Kerman University of Medical Science. Results: Participants had moderately negative to neutral attitudes toward palliative care (2.99±0.29 out of 5). Among all categories, the highest mean score came from the category of ‘patient's preferences' (mean=3.66) and the lowest from the category of ‘withholding and withdrawing treatment’ (mean=2.42). A significant correlation was found between nurses' attitudes toward palliative care and some demographic characteristics, including marital status, type of ward, palliative care education, personal study about palliative care, level of education, and experience of caring for a dying family member. Conclusions: This study suggests that educational designers should include specific courses about death and palliative care in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing curricula. Educational programmes need to build on the specific experiences of death and dying among nurses and auxiliary nurses.
Changes in symptom severity in Taiwanese lung cancer patients after gefitinib treatment: a pilot study
Authors: Wang Shu-Yi , Tsai Chun-Ming , Lin Chia-Chin 
Published: May 2014

Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate symptom severity in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients prior to gefitinib treatment and at 1-, 3- and 6-month intervals after starting treatment. Methodology Fifty seven patients completed the Taiwanese version of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Friedman non-parametric test, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results Symptoms of nausea, difficulty remembering, lack of appetite, sadness, and vomiting increased at 1 month after treatment started, pain and shortness of breath increased at 3 months, and disturbed sleep, drowsiness, and numbness increased after 6 months. Fatigue and dry mouth increased at 3 months after treatment started and then decreased. Only distress decreased throughout the course of treatment. Conclusion The findings may lead to the development of better clinical guidelines and improved information for patients on when to expect the greatest impact from their symptoms during the course of treatment.
Patients’ experiences of ongoing palliative chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Cameron Jenny , Waterworth Susan 
Published: May 2014

Background Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in New Zealand. With new chemotherapy regimens, patients with metastatic colorectal cancer are now living longer with the condition and its treatment. Aim This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of extended palliative chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods A convenience sample of 10 outpatients who had been receiving palliative chemotherapy for more than 12 months from a teaching hospital and regional cancer centre in New Zealand participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using a general inductive approach. Findings Three key themes were identified: the importance of relationships, presenting a positive face, and life is for living. The importance of interpersonal relationships with health professionals and a sense of comradery with other chemotherapy patients positively affected the patients’ experiences of treatment. Positivity was a key coping strategy that also has negative implications as patients may not reveal their concerns and needs. Conclusion The key to improving the care of people with advanced cancer is understanding their experiences of care. Communication between the patient, family, and health-care team ensures assumptions that misinterpret attributes of positivity are not made.
Impact of the environment on role performance in older stroke survivors living at home
Authors: Reid Denise 
Published: May 2014

This article examines the experiences of older stroke survivors living in Ontario, Canada, in adapting to their changing life roles. A qualitative study using in-depth, focused interviews was conducted with a sample of 18 men and women who had suffered stroke and who lived at home. It aimed to explore interactions among the home environment and disability. Four major themes were uncovered in the data: role adjustment – occupational losses and gains; personal, physical and economical challenges; ‘life is worth living’; and resources and supports. Findings from this study show that stroke survivors lost occupations, modified old ones and regained new ones. There were challenges with which some individuals dealt through modifying the environment and through the use of assistive devices, personal assistance and family support. In other instances, the stroke survivor lived in a world that posed accessibility issues and financial restraints. The study points to the importance of recognizing that stroke survivors use many strategies to regain control over aspects of their home and community environments to enable greater autonomy and participation. This study has implications for health professionals, who can assist stroke survivors on their return to community living.
Physiotherapy management of fibromyalgia syndrome: a survey of practice in Northern Ireland
Authors: Mcveigh Joseph G , Baxter GD , Archer Susan , Hurley Deirdre , Basford Jeffrey R 
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to identify the physiotherapeutic management of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in Northern Ireland. A postal questionnaire was distributed to physiotherapists working in outpatient settings in this region (n = 106). A response rate of 71% (n = 75) was achieved. Patients with FMS featured in the caseloads of all respondents. The most important reported goal of treatment was to ‘increase daily function’ (n = 24; 32%). Exercise (n = 44; 58.7%) and hydrotherapy (n = 12; 16.0%) were the most common treatment approaches. A total of 45.3% (n = 34) of respondents stated that they did not believe they could adequately assess patients with FMS and 41.3% (n = 31) reported that they had no training in the management of FMS. Private practitioners were significantly (P = 0.05) more likely to believe that physiotherapy was beneficial for patients with FMS than their NHS counterparts. In conclusion, physiotherapy treatments for patients with FMS in Northern Ireland are consistent with current evidence. However, practice varies and physiotherapists are uncomfortable with their level of training in FMS.
Assessing clients for the correct hoist or sling: a practical guide
Authors: Rush Anita 
Published: May 2014

The high incidence of injury among those who regularly transfer and lift patients and the growing emphasis placed on health and safety in the workplace has led to an increase in the use of mechanical devices. This article highlights the importance of training rehabilitation nurses and carers in the correct use of hoists and slings, respecting the client’s comfort and safety and minimizing their own risk of musculoskeletal injury. It offers some common examples of different types of hoists and slings, describing their advantages and limitations, and gives some practical advice on risk assessment.
Burnout and self-efficacy in Norwegian physiotherapists
Authors: Mandy Anne , Saeter Marthe , Lucas Kevin 
Published: May 2014

Professional and occupational burnout is a recognized syndrome among health-care professionals. Research within the physiotherapy profession, predominantly involving UK and Australian populations, has identified that burnout has a detrimental effect on both the practitioner and the employer. However, there is limited research concerning the effect of burnout in Scandinavia. The concept of self-efficacy has also not been investigated in relation to burnout in physiotherapists. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between burnout and self-efficacy in Norwegian physiotherapists. In total, 127 qualified physiotherapists were surveyed using the Bergen Burnout Inventory and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Significantly low levels of burnout were demonstrated (t=5.9; P <0.01). Burnout scores were positively correlated to length of time since qualification (rs=0.9). Self-efficacy scores were in the upper quartile, but no relationship between selfefficacy and burnout scores was shown.
Evaluating current practice in the provision of written information to stroke patients and their carers
Authors: Hoffmann Tammy , Mckenna Kryss , Worrall Linda , Read Stephen J 
Published: May 2014

This study aimed to determine current practice in the provision of written information to 57 stroke patients and their carers. It also explored their informational needs while in hospital and 6months later and examined the suitability of the written materials received, comparing readability levels to participants' general reading ability. While in hospital, 22.8% of patients and 41.7% of carers received written information, yet 91.2% of patients and 100% of carers wanted information. More than half of the participants wanted information on preventing strokes, causes and risk factors of stroke, recovery, what a stroke is, stroke-related medications and sources of further information. At 6months after stroke, 75.5% of patients and all carers wanted further information. The mean SMOG readability level of the written materials received was equivalent to a grade 11 level of education, compared to the patients' mean reading ability, which was equivalent to a 7th–8th grade reading level. The authors conclude that stroke patients and their carers want substantially more information than they are receiving, both while in hospital and 6months later. The majority of written information that is distributed to these people is unsuitable in terms of readability levels and other factors.
Development and design of equipment over the last 15 years
Authors: Collins Fiona 
Published: May 2014

There has been an enormous development in the design, function and appearance of equipment during the last 15 years. An increasing older population, clinical guidelines and demanding consumers have led to manufacturers providing more sophisticated equipment, enabling people to maintain their independence. Further, such design has reduced the risks associated with manual handling and pressure ulcer development. This article will consider a range of equipment currently in use, such as manual handling equipment, stairlifts, pressure-relieving devices and armchairs. New trends in equipment provision will be discussed, in addition to highlighting those items no longer recommended for use, and why.
Reliability and repeatability of the shuttle walk test in patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Armstrong M , McDonough S , Baxter D 
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the test–retest reliability and repeatability of the shuttle walk test in patients with chronic low back pain. This was assessed by comparing performance on two consecutive walk tests performed on ten patients with chronic low back pain. There were no significant differences in the visual analogue scale for pain, resting heart rate, resting oxygen saturation (SaO2) or resting Borg perceived rate of exertion scale between the two study days. There was a significant and strong correlation between trials for the distance completed and peak heart rate. There was a significant but moderate correlation for peak SaO2 and peak Borg rating of perceived exertion. The coefficients of repeatability for the repeated shuttle walk test were 2.5 shuttles for change in distance completed, 8 beats per minute for change in peak heart rate, 2% for change in peak SaO2 and 2.2 for change in Borg rating of perceived exertion. This study demonstrates that the shuttle walk test is a reliable and repeatable measure in patients with chronic low back pain and may be of value in establishing the impact of treatments on the functional disability associated with chronic low back pain.
Validation of a new measure for post-acute rehabilitation
Authors: Powell Theresa , Kalmus Ellis , Wright Liz , Plumb Jonathan , Atkins Rachel , Pantke Renata 
Published: May 2014

This study aimed to develop and validate a brain injury outcome measure with sufficient discriminatory power for use in a post-acute rehabilitation setting. A 56-item questionnaire – the Postacute Rehabilitation Measure (PARM) – covering disability and participation restriction was validated against the Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measure (FIM+FAM) using both carers and the rehabilitation team as respondents. Participants were 67 patients with acquired brain injury from 12 post-acute rehabilitation facilities. PARM showed a lower mean score than FIM+FAM on all sections except emotions. Correlations between sections of PARM and FIM+FAM ranged 0.63–0.89. Test–retest reliability ranged 0.84–0.97. Inter-rater reliability (carer vs team) was more variable. PARM is therefore a reliable and valid measure for post-acute outpatient rehabilitation that has the advantage of being completed by either the carer or the team. It shows fewer ceiling effects than FIM+FAM in this population.
Participating in a community theatre production: A dramatherapeutic perspective
Authors: Pyman Tina , Rugg Sue 
Published: May 2014

This phenomenological study was conducted with eight members of a community theatre group who recreated an old time music hall performance in January 2004. The study explored participants' experiences of taking part in this chosen leisure activity, focusing on any personal enrichment that might ensue. While personal enrichment is a term often used in dramatherapy, and in community theatre, few studies have investigated a potential link. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews conducted with a purposive sample of members of both the cast and the production team. Respondents' perceptions of their community theatre experience proved to be multi-faceted, relating to personal development and/or learning, challenge, compromise and co-operation, individual and/or collective validation, increased awareness of community identity, developing creativity and a sense of empowerment and/or escape. Participants also reported a range of tangible individual benefits from their experiences. These included friendship, improved confidence, a feeling of being valued, increased self-esteem, enjoyment, the opportunity to be ‘someone else’ and encouragement to learn new skills. Participants' experiences fostered their personal and collective creativity in many ways. Many of these findings have implications for drama used for therapeutic purposes. In conclusion, this study explored participants' experience and music hall experience. The results showed that, far from being a simple staging of old songs in a recreated historical setting, those who took part saw their experience as one of myriad opportunities, developing their knowledge, skills and attitudes, and enriching their lives.
Effectiveness of an adjustment group for brain injury patients: A pilot evaluation
Authors: Forman Alexandra CM , Lincoln Nadina B , Vesey Patrick A 
Published: May 2014

Mood disturbances are a common problem after brain injury (BI) and can affect rehabilitation. The aim was to evaluate a psychological support group to improve mood and to determine the effect on adjustment. A single case experimental design was used. Participants were assessed in baseline and intervention phases on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and Mental Adjustment to Brain Injury questionnaire. In the intervention phases, participants attended a group once a week for 16 weeks, aimed at helping adjustment and mood. Ten participants with BI (mean age 45.6 years) were recruited. Comparison of initial and final assessments showed a significant improvement on anxiety and depression scores. Visual inspection showed that participants improved with intervention and worsened with no intervention. Therefore, participants with BI attending the group showed an improvement in mood in response to intervention but there was no significant effect on adjustment.
Potential screening measures for depression and anxiety after stroke
Authors: Bennett Hazel E , Lincoln Nadina B 
Published: May 2014

Depression and anxiety are common problems after stroke. The National Clinical Guidelines for stroke (Royal College Physicians, 2004) recommend that all patients are screened for low mood. The aim of the review was to identify measures which could be used for this purpose and to review the evidence for their sensitivity and specificity with stroke patients. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, PsycInfo and CINAHL, to identify articles published in peer reviewed journals on mood assessment after stroke. Questionnaire measures were identified which were appropriate only for those able to communicate verbally. In addition visual analogue and observer rating scales were identified which were considered appropriate for all stroke patients. The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and general health questionnaire (GHQ) had most evidence to support their use as screening measures for people without communication problems. The stroke aphasic depression questionnaire–hospital version (SADQ-H) had best support for use as a screening measure for those with communication problems. No measures were identified that had been validated as screening measures for anxiety after stroke. The HADS, GHQ12 and SADQ-H10 were recommended as short screening measures suitable for detecting depression after stroke. However the cut-offs giving good sensitivity and specificity were not well established for stroke patients and measures need to be developed for detecting anxiety.
Choosing support equipment in children's therapy
Authors: Bakewell Joanna 
Published: May 2014

During normal development, children learn how to position themselves so they can mobilize, participate in play and perform activities of daily living. Disabled children may have problems in the development process, which make achieving these positions difficult. Therapy can help these children develop the skills and muscle strength to position themselves as a precursor for learning activities such as sitting, crawling and standing. Equipment is necessary when children need more support in therapy or when they require continual positioning to prevent muscle contractures for example. Equipment such as wedges and standing frames also enable children to interact more easily with people and their environment, and provide important benefits to body systems. This article will explore the support equipment available for use in therapy sessions.
How much physical activity do people recovering from stroke do during physiotherapy sessions?
Authors: Elson Tony , English Coralie , Hillier Susan 
Published: May 2014

Aims This study investigated the amount of time people recovering from stroke spend engaged in physical activity during physiotherapy sessions, and the types of activities included in physiotherapy sessions. Design An observational study was conducted with 15 people receiving inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Participants were video-taped in one circuit class therapy session and one individual physiotherapy session. The proportion of session time participants spent engaged in physical activity within circuit class therapy and individual physiotherapy sessions and the proportion of session time participants spent engaged in specific activities during therapy sessions was measured. Findings There was little difference in the percentage of the total session time that participants spent engaged in physical activity (mean difference=1.7 (standard deviation 13.9%; 95% confidence interval −6.0 to 9.4) between the two modes of therapy delivery. The most prevalent activity engaged in during individual therapy sessions was walking (44%). The most prevalent activity engaged in during circuit class therapy sessions was activities in standing (25%). A large percentage of therapy session time was spent resting in sitting in both circuit class therapy (30%) and individual physiotherapy sessions (21%). Conclusions Participants spent a similar percentage of the total therapy time in circuit class therapy and individual therapy sessions engaged in physical activity. As circuit class therapy sessions ran for longer each day, and involved a lower staff to patient ratio they may be a more resource efficient means of providing therapy. This requires further investigation. In both types of physiotherapy sessions, participants spent a large amount of time inactive. Physiotherapists should consider strategies to maximize the time patients spend engaged in physical activity, regardless of the form of therapy delivery.
The lived experience of mental health service users in a UK community rehabilitation scheme
Authors: Kowlessar Omar A , Corbett Kevin P 
Published: May 2014

Aims There is a paucity of research on the lived experience of mental health service users in community rehabilitation services. This exploratory study researched this phenomenon within one UK community rehabilitation scheme. Methods A non-experimental phenomenological design and analysis of semi-structured interviews enabled an exploratory description of the phenomenon. Use of this design was based on policy recommendations and gaps in the literature on the lived experience of users. Findings Interpretative phenomenological analysis of data yielded five overarching themes not previously reported: belief about mental illness; the value of independence; community rehabilitation scheme accommodation/peer relationships; adjusting to a community setting; and feeling involved in care; all of which emerged from 64 sub-themes related to the phenomenon. Conclusions The study revealed shared and unique experiences and highlighted how being cared for within a community mental health rehabilitation service involved users carefully/logically weighing up gains/disadvantages; such as being provided with accommodation/financial benefits together with feeling ‘labelled’/coping with a potentially stigmatising diagnosis. The study yielded rich and varied data as individual experiences are posited as differing according to users' own perceptions, experiences and social context. Implications are discussed for professionals working in community mental health rehabilitation settings.