bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stress from working conditions among home care personnel with musculoskeletal symptoms
Authors: Brulin Christine , Winkvist Anna , Langendoen Stivia 
Published: March 2003

Stress from working conditions among home care personnel with musculoskeletal symptoms A large proportion of the working population experiences musculoskeletal symptoms, which affect the individual’s quality of life. Neck/shoulder and/or low back complaints are common among home care personnel. This occupational sector is characterized by high physical and psychosocial demands and the staff is typically female. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain a deeper understanding of those factors in the work environment of home care personnel that the individuals perceive as demanding and problematic. Eight employees in the home care service were interviewed in depth. Each interview was transcribed and Grounded Theory was applied. Stress, related to demanding physical and psychosocial working conditions, emerged as the core variable that probably contributed to the development and maintenance of musculoskeletal symptoms. Financial cut‐backs at the municipality was seen as a cause of the demanding working conditions. In future studies it is important to evaluate prevention programmes focused upon coping strategies against stress.
Do nurses and other professional helpers normally display much empathy?
Authors: Reynolds William J. , Scott Brian 
Published: March 2003

Do nurses and other professional helpers normally display much empathy?Empathy, the ability to perceive and reason, as well as the ability to communicate understanding of the other person’s feelings and their attached meanings, is held to be a core characteristic of a helping relationship. This paper examines some of the observations that motivated the authors’ interest in how registered nurses learn how to offer empathy to clients. First, while empathy is crucial to all helping relationships, professional helpers do not normally offer much empathy. Second, while nurses are meant to provide helping relationships, they do not tend to show much empathy to clients. The relevance of empathy to clinical nursing and the potential consequences of low‐empathy nursing for clients is considered. It will be shown that, in the past, a low level of empathy has been reported among the helping professions, including nursing, indicating that many professional helpers are not as helpful as they ought to be. While most studies of empathy in professional relationships are more than a decade old, more recent studies report similar results.
Family dynamics, parental‐fetal attachment and infant temperament
Authors: Wilson Margaret E. , White Marjorie A. , Cobb Brenda , Curry Ruthanne , Greene Diane , Popovich Deborah 
Published: March 2003

Family dynamics, parental‐fetal attachment and infant temperamentThe purpose of this longitudinal study of families having their first or second baby was to explore relationships among family dynamics, paternal‐ and maternal‐fetal attachment, and infant temperament. Data were collected from 156 women and 62 of their partners during the third trimester of pregnancy. One year later, when the infant was 8–9 months old, 75 of the women and 30 of their partners participated. In a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, after controlling for demographic variables, mutuality in the family was associated with greater maternal‐ and paternal‐fetal attachment. Family dynamics were stable across the transition to parenthood except for an increase in role conflict reported by mothers. Sensitivity to specific family experiences by clinicians can provide assistance to families during these periods.
Educational input and patient outcomes: exploring the gap
Authors: Jordan Sue 
Published: March 2003

Educational input and patient outcomes: exploring the gapOver the last two decades, the health care professions in the United Kingdom have seen an unparalleled expansion of continuing professional education (CPE) and development (CPD) programmes; however, there is little empirical evidence that these enhance the care delivered to patients. Further research is also needed to demonstrate that these initiatives are linked to improved patient outcomes. If health care educators are to move towards an ‘evidence‐based curriculum’, some restructuring of courses may be needed. Priorities should be set and decisions made, based on the results of reliable and valid research into the clinical outcomes of CPE. To evaluate courses and demonstrate educational effectiveness solely in terms of student satisfaction is not enough; to survive in the world of evidence‐based care, educators must also demonstrate their contribution to clinical effectiveness. However, the neoteric field of impact evaluation lacks not only validated research methods, but also an agreed agenda for future research. Drawing on interviews undertaken with nurses who have participated in education evaluations and the relevant literature, this paper discusses the available data collection instruments and the development of viable research designs and methods, which are urgently needed to assess the outcomes of professional education programmes.
Dreams that lie in tatters: the changing fortunes of nurses who left the British NHS to own and run residential homes for elderly people
Authors: Andrews Gavin J. , Kendall Sally A. 
Published: March 2003

Dreams that lie in tatters: the changing fortunes of nurses who left the British NHS to own and run residential homes for elderly people During the 1980s many nurses left the British National Health Service to own and run private residential care homes for elderly people. At the time, a public policy of guaranteed financial support for residents underpinned the rapid expansion in the sector and residential homes were considered as profitable low‐risk business ventures. However, since the introduction of the 1990 National Health Service and Care in the Community Act, this automatic funding has been withdrawn and residential homes have had to compete amongst each other for a finite number of clients funded by limited local budgets. The withdrawal of guaranteed state support and the introduction of social care markets have had negative impacts on many residential home businesses. Indeed, many homes are facing financial difficulties. This paper considers the actions and attitudes of former nurse proprietors under the new conditions based on a three‐stage survey in Devon, England. Proprietors are experiencing increased levels of stress and many are unhappy with their current work experiences. The paper concludes that although the small business private sector may seem attractive to nurses, any move into private sector ownership has an associated risk. Social policy conditions may change with concurrent consequences for businesses and business owners.
Clinical effectiveness in the post‐anaesthesia care unit: how nursing knowledge contributes to achieving intended patient outcomes
Authors: Prowse Morag A. , Lyne Patricia A. 
Published: March 2003

Clinical effectiveness in the post‐anaesthesia care unit: how nursing knowledge contributes to achieving intended patient outcomesThis paper reports part of an ongoing study on how nursing knowledge develops in practice and influences patient outcomes. The practice focus is post‐anaesthesia nursing, an area which has been under‐represented in nursing research. A qualitative approach was used to explore narrative data, collected by in‐depth interviews, with 32 experienced post‐anaesthesia nurses. Data analysis and interpretation were informed by a phenomenological perspective consistent with a research focus on individual experiences. Interpretation of the narratives gave rise to a description of knowledge development which occurred as nurses gained experience, drew on the available knowledge base, and used knowledge in practice. This led to the identification and description of ‘referential’ and ‘effective’ types of knowledge. Referential knowledge comprises the variety of external knowledge sources available to inform practice. When referential knowledge was incorporated into the personal knowledge of the individual nurse in everyday practice, it was transformed into effective knowledge which was used by nurses to achieve desired patient outcomes. The study findings indicate that nurses used effective knowledge as evidence for decision making and interventions in everyday practice. The key finding of the study is that effective nursing knowledge requires practice for its development.
Nursing scripts and the organizational influences on critical thinking: report of a study of neonatal nurses’ clinical reasoning
Authors: Greenwood Jennifer , Sullivan Jennifer , Spence Kaye , McDonald Margaret 
Published: March 2003

Nursing scripts and the organizational influences on critical thinking: report of a study of neonatal nurses’ clinical reasoningDuring 1995–1997 a study was undertaken to explore the extent to which theoretical knowledge acquired through a distance education programme in neonatal nursing was brought to bear in the real‐world clinical reasoning of course participants. The study utilized a think aloud technique and included both concurrent (on‐the‐job) and retrospective verbal reports at 0, 6 and 12 months into the programme. Participants (n=4) were also interviewed individually on completion of the study. Results indicated that important inconsistencies existed between participants’ theoretical knowledge and their practice; they also pointed to some organizational influences on these theory–practice inconsistencies. Script (or schema) theory provided a useful explanatory framework for these results. The paper includes a brief description of data collection and analysis techniques; its main emphasis, however, is on these theory–practice inconsistencies and their explanation in terms of the nature and acquisition of nursing practice scripts. The implications of nursing scripts for the promotion of critical thinking and evidence‐based practice are discussed.
Coping strategies and health‐related quality of life among spouses of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis, and transplant patients
Authors: Lindqvist Ragny , Carlsson Marianne , Sjödén Per‐Olow 
Published: March 2003

Coping strategies and health‐related quality of life among spouses of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis and transplant patientsIn the study reported here 55 spouses of patients living with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) were investigated with respect to coping strategies and health‐related quality of life. Findings from the study were compared to two random samples of the Swedish general population (n = 454, andn = 1200). The study design was correlational and comparative. Coping was measured by the Jalowiec Coping Scale, and quality of life (QoL) by the Swedish Health‐Related Quality of Life Survey (SWED‐QUAL). Data were analysed using a number of statistical tests including Pearson’s product moment correlations, Student’st‐test and two wayANOVAs. The combined sample of spouses used significantly more optimistic and palliative coping than the general population, but less confrontative, self‐reliant, evasive and emotive coping. In the study fatalistic, evasive and emotive coping was associated with low perceived efficiency in handling various aspects of the partners’ situation. The male spouses used significantly less optimistic, supportive and palliative coping than did the female spouses. The spouses of transplant patients had better overall quality of life than the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis spouse groups, most likely due to the lower age of the former group. The study findings suggest that emotive, evasive and fatalistic coping are less than optimal ways to deal with problems occasioned by the partner’s treatment.
Community nurses’ perceptions of patient ‘compliance’ in wound care: a discourse analysis
Authors: Hallett Christine E. , Austin Lynn , Caress Ann , Luker Karen A. 
Published: March 2003

Community nurses’ perceptions of patient ‘compliance’ in wound care: a discourse analysis As part of an interview study of community nurses’ perceptions of their work, 62 staff working within the district nursing service in one English National Health Service Trust (grades B–H) were asked to recount occasions when they had been involved in wound care and to discuss the ways in which working with patients who required such care could be either enhanced or made difficult. A large number of respondents expressed the view that non‐compliance could pose serious problems for the management of wounds. Data relating to compliance are presented here and are interpreted in the light of discourse analysis, an approach which permits the researcher to focus on the meanings underlying the communications of research participants and to interpret those meanings in the light of social and cultural mores and influences. The authors found that non‐compliance could be explained by nurses in a number of different ways. These ranged from passive resistance, which could be due to ignorance or lack of motivation, through overt refusal, to deliberate interference in order to prolong treatment. It also seeks to outline some of the factors that appear to motivate the nurses’ desire to achieve compliance.
South Asian patients’ lived experience of acute care in an English hospital: a phenomenological study
Authors: Vydelingum Vasso 
Published: March 2003

South Asian patients’ lived experience of acute care in an English hospital: a phenomenological study Studies on utilization of hospital services by South Asian patients in the United Kingdom have consistently demonstrated levels of dissatisfaction with care in relation to meeting religious and cultural needs, although there are few studies on minority ethnic patients’ utilization of acute hospital services. This study aimed to describe and interpret from the consumer’s view the ‘lived experience’ of acute hospital care from the perspectives of South Asian patients and their family carers. The purposive sample of 10 patients and six carers consisted of 13 females and three males (five Hindus, six Muslims and five Sikhs) who were interviewed at home 2 to 3 weeks after discharge from hospital. Data were gathered through semi‐structured interviews that were tape recorded and transcribed. A phenomenological approach was used, and data were analysed using the principles of Heideggerian hermeneutics. Five themes were identified, ranging from feelings of satisfaction with care, unhappy about the service, fitting‐in strategies and post‐discharge coping mechanisms. Patients seemed to want to cause as little disruption as possible to the ward environment and tried to fit in to what they refer to as an ‘English place’. The findings, although not generalizable, offer important insights into how South Asian patients survive their journey through their hospital stay and have implications for the provision of nursing care for minority ethnic patients.
The Roper, Logan and Tierney (1996) Model: perceptions and operationalization of the model in psychiatric nursing within a Health Board in Ireland
Authors: Murphy Kathy , Cooney Adeline , Casey Dympna , Connor Mary , O’Connor Jean , Dineen Brendan 
Published: March 2003

The Roper, Logan and Tierney (1996) Model: perceptions and operationalization of the model in psychiatric nursing within a Health Board in Ireland This study aimed to determine whether the Roper, Logan & Tierney model was an appropriate model for planning nursing care for clients who are mentally ill. Data were collected from two sources in one Health Board region in Ireland. A care plan audit was used to evaluate the extent to which the Roper, Logan & Tierney model was used to assess, plan and evaluate nursing care in nursing documentation. Qualitative interviews with nurses explored their experiences of using the model and their perceptions of the model’s usefulness and appropriateness for planning care. Both data sets were complementary, the qualitative data often providing contextual information which helped put the findings into perspective. It was found that there was little evidence that the Roper, Logan and Tierney model guided care planning and that goals and nursing interventions were frequently not explicitly documented. Interviews with nurses indicated that they lacked educational preparation for using the model and found the model constraining and physically orientated. The appropriateness of the Roper, Logan and Tierney model for planning care for clients who are mentally ill is questioned. It is suggested that nurses need to be adequately prepared if they are to use a model appropriately. Consideration should be given when selecting a model as to its ‘fit’ with the needs of the client group and the ward team philosophy.
British nurses in behavioural psychotherapy: a 25‐year follow‐up
Authors: Gournay Kevin , Denford Lindsey , Parr Ann‐Marie , Newell Robert 
Published: March 2003

British nurses in behavioural psychotherapy: a 25‐year follow‐up Background The National Service Framework for Mental Health has emphasized the need to prioritize the provision of cognitive behaviour therapy as the central evidence‐based non‐pharmacological intervention for mental health problems. For 25 years one programme (English National Board Course No. 650 — Diploma in Behavioural Cognitive Therapy, formerly called Nursing in Behavioural Psychotherapy) has trained nurses in such methods. This is the only programme in nursing which qualifies graduates to be fully certified as a cognitive behaviour therapist by the British Association of Behavioural Psychotherapy and by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy. The practice of these nurse therapists (most commonly known as nurse behaviour therapists, NBTs) is the most rigorously evaluated in mental health nursing, with several randomized controlled trials to testify to clinical and economic efficacy. Aim The aim of this study is to continue the systematic follow‐up of all NBT graduates previously undertaken in two earlier surveys published in 1986 and 1994. These previous surveys examined clinical practice, organizational context and career and professional development issues. This up‐to‐date picture of NBTs will provide useful baselines for the implementation of the National Service Framework, and may be used by the Department of Health, education providers and services. Method A postal survey (using the same template for categories of information as the two earlier surveys) was used and questionnaires were sent to 237 of the 274 trained NBTs whose name appears on the Central NBT Register, maintained at the Institute of Psychiatry/Maudsley Training Centre. Results One hundred and five of 230 eligible respondents (45·6%) returned questionnaires and additional data were obtained from 27 NBTs who provided information to the Register in the year before the survey. Thus, some data were available for 57% of the sample. As in earlier surveys, it was found that the majority of therapists remain in clinical practice, undertake substantial further education and training and are involved in research and teaching as part of their overall role. The two central developments are an increasing move towards working in primary care and an increased emphasis on cognitive interventions. NBTs complete a substantial number of treatments per year and increasingly treat clients with difficulties not encountered during their basic training. NBTs now receive much more supervision than in previous surveys and continue to use valid and reliable measures of change in practice. However, the number of NBTs remains small and the impact on potential populations who would benefit from effective psychological interventions is minimal. This paper discusses the implications for service delivery.
Stress, pre‐term labour and birth outcomes
Authors: Mackey Marlene C. , Williams Carol A. , Tiller Cecilia M. 
Published: March 2003

Stress, pre‐term labour and birth outcomes Preliminary studies have suggested that stress may be associated with the onset, treatment and outcomes of pre‐term labour; however, a systematic comparison of the stress of women with and without pre‐term labour has not been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory study was to compare the stress (daily hassles and mood states) and birth outcomes of black and white women who experienced pre‐term labour (PTL) during pregnancy with those who did not. The convenience sample consisted of 35 pregnant women hospitalized in 1996–1997 for the treatment of PTL (24–35 weeks gestation) and 35 controls matched on age, race, parity, gestational age and method of hospital payment. Women in the PTL group had significantly higher tension‐anxiety and depression‐dejection on the Profile of Mood States (POMS), lower mean birthweight and mean gestational age, and a higher percentage of babies born <37 weeks and weighing 2500 g or less. Black women in the PTL group and white women in the control group had significantly higher scores on the fatigue sub‐scale of the POMS and the work and future security sub‐scales of the Daily Hassles Scale. Women in the PTL group whose babies weighed 2500 g or less had significantly higher scores on the health, inner concern and financial responsibility sub‐scales of the Daily Hassles Scale. The findings from this study indicate the need for further exploration of the interaction of race and stress in understanding and preventing PTL and low birthweight and the need to examine the role of social support in preventing pre‐term birth after an episode of PTL.
Predicting well‐being among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Dirksen Shannon Ruff 
Published: March 2003

Predicting well‐being among breast cancer survivors The purpose of this descriptive study was to test a conceptual model that predicts well‐being among women who have survived breast cancer. The model was derived from empirical research findings that identified health care orientation, uncertainty, social support, resourcefulness and self‐esteem as significant predictors of well‐being in persons diagnosed with cancer. The convenience sample was of 84 women who had completed primary treatment for breast cancer and were currently disease‐free. After informed consent was obtained each woman completed six questionnaires which measured the study variables. Multiple regression techniques were used to empirically test the predicted conceptual relationships and to estimate predictive validity for the model. Findings indicated that uncertainty and social support were significant predictors of resourcefulness and explained 12% of the variance in resourcefulness. Resourcefulness and social support were significant predictors of self‐esteem and explained 33% of the variance in self‐esteem. In combination, social support, resourcefulness, and self‐esteem were significant predictors of well‐being and explained 42% of the variance in well‐being. Health care orientation was not a significant variable. This study confirmed hypotheses and provided insight into the variables that significantly influence well‐being in women who have survived breast cancer. Recommendations for practice are given with suggestions made for further research.