bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic fatigue: an evolutionary concept analysis
Authors: Jorgensen Roberta 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTitle.  Chronic fatigue: an evolutionary concept analysis. Aim.  This paper is a report of a concept analysis of chronic fatigue.Background.  Fatigue is a prevalent symptom encompassing both acute and chronic manifestations. It is chronic fatigue that is most problematic because of its duration and impact on life quality. The rise in prevalence of chronic conditions will result in a need to address coexistent symptoms, clarification of which is needed. Chronic fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in chronic illness. Clarification of the concept and an understanding of its use by discipline are needed.Data sources.  The evolutionary method of concept analysis was used to ascertain the attributes, antecedents, consequences and surrogate terms for chronic fatigue. A review of the literature published between 1966 and 2007 was carried out to determine the contextual use of the concept of chronic fatigue among disciplines. Sources used for this analysis included CINAHL, Medline, PsychINFO and Social Work Abstracts and the search yielded 66 papers.Results.  The chronic fatigue experience is associated with a multitude of physical, psychological and social factors. The defining attributes of chronic fatigue are constancy, abnormality, whole‐body experience, inexplicability and disabling. The antecedents of chronic fatigue are physical disease, psychopathology, female gender and a history of abuse. Consequences found include social isolation and stigmatization, physical inactivity, psychological disturbances and a reduced quality of life.Conclusion.  Further research is needed to identify the aetiology of chronic fatigue and to address the social context of living with this disabling symptom.
Impact of an online course on infection control and prevention competencies
Authors: Atack Lynda , Luke Robert 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTitle.  Impact of an online course on infection control and prevention competencies. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to examine the impact of an online course on nurses’ and allied healthcare professionals’ competency in infection prevention and control and the influence of organizational climate on knowledge transfer.Background.  Nosocomial infection, globalization, international travel and bacterial resistance are among the factors contributing to heightened awareness of the importance of infection prevention and control in today’s healthcare environment. An online course in infection control was developed to facilitate the delivery of standardized training to large numbers of health providers.Method.  A quasi‐experimental, pre‐and post‐test study using questionnaires and open‐ended questions was conducted in 2006 with a convenience sample of 76 healthcare professionals, the majority of whom were Registered Nurses.Findings.  Participants made statistically significant increases in their perceptions of competency in infection control following the course. The majority were very satisfied with the course and reported that what they had learned was useful and relevant to their practice. Participants who worked in supportive organizations that were open to change reported a higher incidence of knowledge transfer activities. Two course design features in particular, video and interactive quizzes and games, motivated learners and enhanced the learning experience.Conclusion.  Online learning can provide ongoing, convenient and effective access to up‐to‐date information on best practices in infection control and prevention. This standardized delivery approach minimizes demand on limited training resources which are under strain and gives learners the opportunity to refresh ‘rusty’ infection control and prevention skills.
Roles and well‐being among healthy women and women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Coty Mary‐Beth , Wallston Kenneth A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTitle.  Roles and well‐being among healthy women and women with rheumatoid arthritis. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study examining the relationships among number of roles, role quality, role stress, role balance, and psychological well‐being in women diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.Background.  A substantial literature exists examining multiple roles in healthy women. However, less is known about multiple roles and well‐being in women with a chronic illness such as rheumatoid arthritis.Methods.  A questionnaire study was conducted in 2003 examining four role‐related constructs (number of roles, quality of roles, role stress, and role balance) and psychological well‐being in healthy women (n = 47) and women diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 50). Correlation coefficients and multiple regression analyses were calculated to determine the nature of the relationships among the variables.Findings.  The two groups were similar in demographics except for employment, with fewer women with rheumatoid arthritis employed. The two groups differed statistically significantly on psychological well‐being. Women with rheumatoid arthritis had a lower mean psychological well‐being score than healthy women. Regression analyses revealed that role stress was the only unique predictor of psychological well‐being in healthy women, while role balance was the sole unique predictor among women with rheumatoid arthritis.Conclusion.  Women with rheumatoid arthritis experienced lower levels of well‐being than their healthy counterparts. Examination of the relationships among the variables can facilitate the development of interventions to improve these women’s mental health. Nurses are in a position to assess the psychosocial needs of women with rheumatoid arthritis and assist those experiencing role stress and role imbalance.
A holistic programme for mothers with postnatal depression: pilot study
Authors: Buultjens Melissa , Robinson Priscilla , Liamputtong Pranee 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTitle.  A holistic programme for mothers with postnatal depression: pilot study. Aim. This paper is a report of a pilot study to identify women’s perceptions of participation in a holistic intervention for postnatal depression.Background. Approximately 10–15% of women suffer from postnatal depression following childbirth. Most programmes for women with postnatal depression include pharmaceutical interventions; however, evaluation of women’s perceptions of participation in holistic programmes for those suffering from postnatal depression show that non‐pharmaceutical programmes can also be effective.Method. In‐depth interviews were conducted in 2004 with a self‐selected sample of 10 women prior to and after an intervention to treat postnatal depression.Findings. The intervention seemed capable of encouraging and facilitating a positive mother–infant relationship while also effectively reducing the mother’s anxiety levels. Participants commented on the supportive environment of other mothers and said that they found playing with their babies difficult and needed guidance and facilitation to do this.Conclusion. The pilot programme was well accepted and could easily be used by midwives, maternal and child health nurses and other appropriately trained allied health professionals.
Beliefs about appropriate pain behaviour: gender differences between health care professionals and non‐health care professionals in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Siu Man , Chung Joanne 
Published: July 2008

Aims.  The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of participants’ gender on their beliefs regarding gender‐appropriate pain behaviour among health care professionals and non‐health care professionals.Background.  Gender may influence beliefs about appropriate pain behaviour among health care professionals and non‐health care professionals.Methods.  The study consisted of a survey of 152 participants, 38 male and 38 female health care professionals and 38 male and 38 female non‐health care professionals. Each participant completed both questionnaires, the Appropriate Pain Behaviour Questionnaire‐Female (APBQ‐F) and Appropriate Pain Behaviour Questionnaire‐Male (APBQ‐M).Results.  Occupation had a significant effect: the health care professionals rated pain behaviours as more acceptable in both genders than the non‐health care professionals, F(1, 148) = 13·636, p < 0·01. Gender also had a significant effect: female participants considered pain behaviours more acceptable than male participants, F(1, 148) = 5·056, p < 0·026. There was a significant effect between APBQ‐M and APBQ‐F: for both genders in both occupations, pain behaviours in women were rated as more acceptable than in men, F(1, 148) = 105·469, p < 0·005.Conclusions.  Health care professionals would consider overt pain‐related behaviours by both men and women to be more acceptable than non‐health care professionals. Both genders and both occupations would consider overt pain‐related behaviours to be more acceptable in women than in men.Relevance to clinical practice.  Health care professionals need to be aware that their attitude to pain behaviours may influence their management of patients and that different genders experience pain differently. This has clear implications in terms of clinical treatment and diagnosis.
Longitudinal biomonitoring of nurses handling antineoplastic drugs
Authors: Mader Robert M , Kokalj Alexandra , Kratochvil Elisabeth , Pilger Alexander , Rüdiger Hugo W 
Published: July 2008

Aims and objectives.  To assess a possible trend in the genotoxic risk of oncologic nurses during the working year, cytogenetic biomonitoring was performed.Background.  Exposure to cytostatic agents is a major occupational concern in oncologic personnel. In contrast to the controlled environment in oncology pharmacies, nurses may be subject to unexpected events of exposure due to the intensive contact with patients.Design and methods.  The entire nursing staff of an oncology inpatient ward (n = 15) participated in a biomonitoring study over a period of nine months using the sister chromatid exchange test and the comet assay to detect DNA strand breaks. Blood samples were taken after a three‐week summer break (base level), one, three, six and nine months thereafter. Airborne contaminations of cytotoxics were addressed by chromatographic methods.Results.  With regard to the single monitoring points, the comet assay revealed no significant alteration of the genotoxic burden within nine months. By contrast, the sister chromatid exchange levels were significantly increased after six and nine months when compared with base levels. A trend analysis covering the whole observation period revealed an increase in genotoxicity as shown by the sister chromatid exchange test and the alkaline but not the neutral comet assay. This increase, however, was small and reversible as shown by the trend analysis of sister chromatid exchange rates during the years of service. Air samples were negative for cytotoxic contaminants.Conclusions and relevance to clinical practice.  The small, but statistically significant genotoxic burden observed in oncologic nurses of an inpatient ward emphasises the need for a continuing effort to eliminate residual occupational risks. In comparison with historical controls, the current situation is characterised by beneficial safety improvements over the last years. Nevertheless, periodic training and awareness of the problems should be an integral part of advanced education.
Women of advanced maternal age undergoing amniocentesis: a period of uncertainty
Authors: Sun Jui‐Chiung , Hsia Ping‐Hui , Sheu Shuh‐Jen 
Published: July 2008

Aims.  To generate a descriptive model for understanding patterns and interpretations concerning women’s experiences of amniocentesis in Taiwan.Background.  In light of scientific technology and social change, it would be important to recognise the complexity of a woman’s situation and the meaning of her in‐depth experience while undergoing amniocentesis. Earlier studies on the experience of these women often relied on quantitative data obtained from questionnaires at only one point in time; however, the changes in older pregnant women, known to be at increased risk for foetal chromosomal abnormalities, from the time of pregnancy until test results of their amniocentesis has not been clearly understood.Design.  A grounded theory approach was applied.Methods.  Data were collected through in‐depth interviews and participant observation. Sampling and major coding continued from 2002–2003 until theoretical saturation occurred; 20 women (≥35 years of age) participated in this study; data were analysed using constant comparative and content analysis.Results.  A prevailing sense of uncertainty was the core category for describing and guiding the process of this study with five main stages identified: (1) ambivalence toward pregnancy; (2) decision to undergo amniocentesis; (3) concerns regarding maternal and foetal safety during procedure; (4) anxiety while awaiting results and (5) thoughts about a lifetime maternal commitment.Conclusions.  Identification and appreciation for emerging themes enables nurses to address women’s concerns in a meaningful way as they undergo amniocentesis. Also, it is hoped that understanding key themes allows nurses to facilitate constructive interactions between women, physicians and other members of the obstetric team.Relevance to clinical practice.  Women in Taiwan undergoing amniocentesis had concerns about safety and dealt with cultural taboos of pregnancy in advanced age; health education should include coping strategies and decision making in dealing with these issues. To facilitate constructive interactions between clients and health care teams, the ethical guidance of informed consent and respecting the women’s autonomy should be emphasised.
A systematic review of personality disorder amongst people with intellectual disability with implications for the mental health nurse practitioner
Authors: Pridding Andrew , Procter Nicholas G 
Published: July 2008

Aims and objectives.  This paper reviews and summarises the literature on assessment, diagnosis and management of personality disorder in people with intellectual disability. It will proceed to argue the implications of a mental health nurse practitioner in clinical practice.Background.  Personality disorder is a potentially severe and disabling condition causing significant distress as well as presenting considerable challenges for service providers. Diagnosis in people with intellectual disability is controversial. However, it is considered that this population is at greater risk of these disorders. There is, however, little research on which to base clinical interventions or service planning.Design.  Systematic review.Methods.  A literature search of electronic data was undertaken in April 2007 using CINAHL, AMED, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Other sources included Google Scholar, hand searching of reference lists and texts and search of relevant websites.Results.  The literature on personality disorder in intellectual disability is notable for its paucity. The limited evidence available suggests that this population is at greater risk of personality disorder and that assessment and diagnosis is complex and often overshadowed by the intellectual disability. Few papers address treatment, there are no trial‐based studies and it has not been established whether results can be extrapolated from research in the general population.Conclusions.  The issue of personality disorder in people with intellectual disability is shrouded in controversy with a dearth of robust evidence to inform assessment or therapeutic care. Personality disorder does, however, provide a basis for decisions on type and intensity of support required for this population who have significant levels of unmet need.Relevance to clinical practice.  Some people with an intellectual disability and personality disorder can live in the community with specialist support. The mental health nurse practitioner has the potential to provide people with dual diagnostic support needed to enhance the capacity of the service system to meet the needs of this complex and difficult population.
Mental health care: trust and mistrust in different caring contexts
Authors: Piippo Jukka , Aaltonen Jukka 
Published: July 2008

Aims and objectives.  To identify the factors that make trust within the context of public mental health possible. We also consider the question of patients’ trust in the whole caring system. The study is based on individual interviews with 22 psychiatric patients, who were also users of social services.Background.  There are theoretical studies concerning trust between human beings in several disciplines within psychiatry and social services but few studies investigate how trust can be created and what makes it possible. The literature reveals that there is need for research concerning trust in psychiatry. In this study we examined two different caring contexts and investigated what makes trust possible in these contexts. The contexts are termed the Integrated Network and Family Model and the Traditional Model.Design.  A qualitative method based on the grounded theory approach was used.Methods.  The main focus in the analysis was on how the patients had experienced the contexts of the caring systems and how trust was created or not within them.Results.  Three categories creating trust were found in the Integrated Network and Family Model and two in the Traditional context. Acceptance of the patient’s expertise concerning his/her life situation, openness and joint discussions concerning knowledge are important. Trust is closely connected to autonomy and power: patients feel that trust increases as their experience of autonomy increases and in such situations power is not owned by any one person.Conclusions.  Trust between psychiatric patients and personnel can be created in both the Integrated Network and Family Model and traditional context, but in different ways.Relevance to clinical practice.  Clinical workers and nursing personnel can use our findings in their practical work with psychiatric patients. Our findings support theoretical considerations concerning trust and can be used as guidelines for nursing personnel in their work.
Nursing practice and oral fluid intake of older people with dementia
Authors: Ullrich Sandra , McCutcheon Helen 
Published: July 2008

Aim.  This paper describes the findings of a descriptive study about what nurses do to ensure that older people with dementia have adequate hydration.Background.  Frail nursing home residents, particularly those who cannot accurately communicate their thirst as a result of Alzheimer’s disease and who depend on nursing staff for their fluid intake, are at risk of dehydration. While the interventions that promote nutrition in older people with dementia are documented, the specific interventions for improving oral hydration in older people with dementia remain poorly studied and understood.Design.  Observational study.Methods.  Ten care workers and seven residents were observed for the types of behavioural nursing interventions and assistance provided to residents when promoting oral fluid intake. Observational data were compared with resident‐care plans to determine whether what was carried out by care workers was consistent with what was being documented.Results.  Care workers provided a wide variety of behavioural interventions to the residents when promoting oral fluid intake. The resident‐care plans did not sufficiently represent the specific interventions implemented by care workers.Conclusions.  A more rigorous approach is required in defining the specific behavioural interactions practised by care workers, which promote oral fluid intake in older people with dementia. Nurses determined the content of care documented in care plans, yet they were not the predominant implementers of that care. Care plans need to be accurate in terms of the specific nursing actions that respond to the level of assistance required by the resident, both behaviourally and physically.Relevance to clinical practice.  Sound knowledge and reflective practices should be implemented by care workers of the nursing interventions that promote adequate oral fluid intake. Care plans should serve a dual purpose and facilitate communication between staff members and provide sufficient flexibility to allow for the contribution of novel ways in which to promote oral fluid intake while also being educative.
Evaluating effects of a prenatal breastfeeding education programme on women with caesarean delivery in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chien‐Hui , Kuo Su‐Chen , Lin Kuan‐Chia , Chang Tse‐Yun 
Published: July 2008

Aims.  The aims of this study were: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of a prenatal breastfeeding education programme for primigravida women who have elected caesarean section as a model of delivery and (2) to evaluate its effectiveness for encouraging a positive attitude to breastfeeding and rooming‐in and to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates within hospital and at one month postpartum.Background.  Prenatal preparation for pregnant women about breastfeeding enhances their practical knowledge and skills about breastfeeding techniques, which prepares them when encountering possible difficulties.Design.  A quasi‐experimental design was used.Methods.  The targeted population was primigravidas at 36–39 weeks and who had chosen to deliver by caesarean section. The study consisted of approximately 100 individuals; the control group consisted of 46 subjects and the following 54 made up the experimental group. The study was conducted at a hospital in Taiwan.Results.  The results of the study show that the subjects of the experimental group exhibited a more positive breastfeeding attitude (88·9 vs. 79·8, t = 7·40, p < 0·001), a higher 24 hours rooming‐in rate (87% vs. 63%, χ2 = 16·06, p < 0·001) and a higher exclusive breastfeeding rate (79·6% vs. 52·2%, χ2 = 8·38, p = 0·004) during hospital stays and a higher exclusive breastfeeding rate (75·9% vs. 34·7%, χ2 = 16·98, p < 0·001) for the one month postpartum period.Conclusion.  Results suggest that providing education booklets, videos and telephone interview on breastfeeding prior to a caesarean delivery may contribute to breastfeeding attitude and improved rooming‐in and exclusive breastfeeding rates.Relevance to clinical practice.  This breastfeeding education programme has proven to be successful in aiding women breastfeeding after a caesarean delivery and provides health care professionals with an evidence‐based intervention.