bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining chest pain patients’ suitability for transfer to a general ward following admission to a cardiac care unit
Authors: Quinn Tom , Thompson David R. , Boyle Roger M. 
Published: March 2003

Determining chest pain patients’ suitability for transfer to a general ward following admission to a cardiac care unit The objective of this study was to assess the performance of a consensus‐derived decision algorithm in determining chest pain patients’ suitability for early transfer to a lower dependency ward by predicting complications. The sample comprised 516 patients with chest pain presumed to be cardiac in origin, admitted to a cardiac care unit (CCU) in northern England from the community or from the accident and emergency department. A decision algorithm was designed following a review of the literature and amended to take into account a clinical consensus of consultant physicians. Patients were assessed on admission by CCU nurses using the algorithm, and ‘triage’ decisions recorded (keep on CCU or suitable for early transfer to a general ward). Admission ECGs (electrocardiographs) and baseline clinical data were recorded independently by a researcher ‘blinded’ to actual clinical course, and applied to the algorithm using statistical software. On discharge or death, patients’ case notes were retrieved and the hospital course examined for death or severe complications. Performance of the algorithm and CCU nurses were compared for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. The main outcome measures were death or severe complications occurring during hospitalization, and during the first 2 days following CCU admission. While sensitivity of both the algorithm (0·98) and CCU nurses (0·95) was high, specificity was low in both groups (0·11 and 0·21, respectively), making it unlikely that the algorithm would prove useful in clinical practice. Further studies are required to develop the optimal triage tool for the assessment of patients with acute chest pain.
The discursive construction of identity by community psychiatric nurses and family members caring for people with dementia
Authors: Adams Trevor 
Published: March 2003

The discursive construction of identity by community psychiatric nurses and family members caring for people with dementia This paper examines the discursive work undertaken by family members caring for people with dementia when interacting with community psychiatric nurses. The paper outlines the theoretical basis of this approach and brings it to bear upon data taken from a study of home visits to family carers by community psychiatric nurses. The paper provides insights into the way family carers and welfare agencies manage their interface through the use of language. In particular, the paper illuminates how these interactions construct the identity of people with dementia and their carers and locates them in a specific socio‐political context. The paper has important implications regarding the future development of dementia care nursing and also the future development of policy relating to dementia care.
Exploration of the concept of hope in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Holt Jeanie 
Published: March 2003

Exploration of the concept of hope in the Dominican Republic An ethnonursing study explored What is the meaning of hope (esperanza/esperar) to the Dominican people? What is the importance of the concept of hope to the people of the Dominican Republic? What are the universals and diversities in the meaning of hope for this cultural group and United States’ (US) mainstream culture? Hope has been considered universal and recent research has demonstrated the effect of levels of hope or hopelessness on health. Nurse researchers have explored the meaning of hope to patients in the US and have developed instruments to measure levels of hope. However, little research has explored whether hope has different attributes in various cultural groups. From data gathered in a rural Dominican village, a definition of hope and its attributes were developed: ‘Hope is an essential but dynamic life force that grows out of faith in God, is supported by relationships, resources and work, and results in the energy necessary to work for a desired future. Hope gives meaning and happiness’. This definition and its attributes were compared with definitions developed from research among mainstream US populations to propose universals and diversities of hope.
Psychometric evaluation of the Demands of Immigration Scale with Taiwanese–Chinese immigrants: a pilot study
Authors: Tsai Jenny Hsin‐Chun 
Published: March 2003

Background.

Each year thousands of people move across national borders and become immigrants of another country. They face several demands and sources of distress during resettlement. The Demands of Immigration (DI) Scale developed by Aroian
et al . (1998), is the only instrument available to nurses (and other clinicians and researchers) to measure immigration‐specific distresses. This scale, however, is written in English and has only been tested with former Soviet immigrants in the Boston area of United States of America (USA) for psychometrics. Aim.  This instrumentation pilot study is designed to evaluate the readability and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the DI Scale. Instrument.  This selected scale is a 23‐item, 6‐point Liket type scale. Six dimensions are included: loss, novelty, occupation adjustment, language accommodation, discriminations, and not feeling at home. High scores indicate high levels of distress related to the demands of immigration. Methods.  The study uses a descriptive, cross‐sectional design with a multimethod approach. Seventy‐three Taiwanese–Chinese immigrants (≥18 years) in the USA responded to the scale and a demographic questionnaire. Eighteen of them contributed to the interview data that were collected for assessing content validity of the scale. Observations during the interviews and participants' questions were also documented for the evaluation. Scale format, wording of items, distribution of responses, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, content validity, and construct validity are examined. Findings and conclusion.  Analyses suggest that the Chinese version is easy to read and understand. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability are satisfactory. This scale could be used with Taiwanese–Chinese immigrants as a generic measure of immigration‐related distress. Nonetheless, three main problems with its use with Taiwanese–Chinese immigrants and Chinese immigrants at large are revealed in the study. Each problem is discussed. Suggestions for further development of the Chinese DI Scale are addressed.
Antecedents to engrossment in Noddings’ theory of care
Authors: Crigger Nancy 
Published: March 2003

Antecedents to engrossment in Noddings’ theory of care Background. Nel Noddings theorized caring as a universal social process comprised of three phases: engrossment or mental attentiveness, affective engagement or empathy and a mental imperative to act on behalf of another. If Noddings’ theory is correct, caring is a learned process. Aim. The goal of this research was to understand the process, particularly engrossment, and to facilitate students’ development of caring relationships. Design. This qualitative study of 13 baccalaureate nursing students uncovered six antecedents that facilitated student’s engrossment and extends Noddings’ theory. Conclusion. Further research, to deepen and synthesize understanding of antecedents and their influence on facilitating or inhibiting the caring process, is advocated.
Nursing staff members’ intentions to use physical restraints with older people: testing the theory of reasoned action
Authors: Werner Perla , Mendelsson Gady 
Published: March 2003

Nursing staff members’ intentions to use physical restraints with older people: testing the theory of reasoned action Aim of the study. To examine nursing staff members’ attitudes, subjective norms, moral obligations and intentions to use physical restraints, using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). Rationale. During the last two decades an extensive body of research has examined nurses’ attitudes as one of the main factors affecting the decision to use or not to use physical restraints with older persons. However, no studies have examined empirically the antecedents to nurses’ intentions to use physical restraints within a theoretically based framework. Method. A correlational design was used with 303 nursing staff members from an 800‐bed elder care hospital in central Israel. Participants completed a questionnaire including questions based on the TRA as well as socio‐demographic and professional characteristics. Results. Regression analyses found attitudes, subjective norms and moral considerations to be significantly associated to intention to use physical restraints with older people. The TRA explained 48% of the variance in nurses’ intentions. Conclusions. The TRA proved to be a useful framework for examining nurses’ intentions to use physical restraints. Nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and expectations of significant others should be examined before implementing educational programmes regarding the use of physical restraints.
Empirical validation of a teaching course on spiritual care in Taiwan
Authors: Shih Fu‐Jin , Gau Meei‐Ling , Mao Hsin‐Chun , Chen Ching‐Huey , Kao Lo Chi‐Hui 
Published: March 2003

Empirical validation of a teaching course on spiritual care in Taiwan Aim(s) of study. The aims of this study were threefold: (a) to develop the first spiritual care program for master of science in nursing degree students (MSNDS) in Taiwan, since most of these students are or will be nursing leaders in clinical practice, education, administration, or research; (b) to facilitate the MSNDS in applying the contents of this program to care of their clients; and (c) to understand the MSNDS’ appraisals of the usefulness of the program in helping them provide spiritual care in clinical settings. Background. The World Health Organization (WHO) (1998) proclaimed that health needs should include spiritual well‐being in addition to physical, mental, and social domains. Nevertheless, many dominant medical educational systems have not yet encompassed spiritual care as part of their comprehensive or core curricula. Design/methods. The methodological triangulation research design used in this project included various strategies of developing a novice course entitled ‘Spirituality in Nursing Practice’ which was given to the subjects over 18 weeks from September 1998 to February 1999. The course included classroom lectures, field trips, clinical implications, and presentation‐appraisal. A convenience sample of 22 female MSNDS who were or had the potential to be nursing leaders from two schools of nursing in northern Taiwan was obtained. Results. Four types of help were identified: (a) help in clarifying the theoretical concepts of spiritual care (100%); (b) help in providing a culturally bonded spiritual care plan (100%); (c) help in self‐disclosure of the nurse’s personal value systems and spiritual needs (91%); and (d) help in clarifying the symbolic meaning and the impact of religious rituals (86%). The explicit spiritual care plans and an empirical example of spiritual care were provided. Conclusions. This study presented the first spiritual care program for MSNDS in Taiwan. All subjects considered the course helpful in providing spiritual care for their clients in various clinical settings. The concept of spirituality is arousing great interest in the world, and this is evident in the spiritual care courses appearing in nursing curricula for nursing leaders in Taiwan.
The psychometric properties of the Chinese Dialysis Quality of Life Scale for Hong Kong dialysis patients
Authors: Suet‐Ching Weety Luk 
Published: March 2003

The psychometric properties of the Chinese Dialysis Quality of Life Scale for Hong Kong dialysis patients Aims. This paper describes the process by which the Chinese Dialysis Quality of Life Scale was developed, and the preliminary testing and psychometric evaluation of the scale in a sample of dialysis patients. Background. Quality of life as a specific outcome variable has not been systematically and satisfactorily studied in Chinese dialysis patients in Hong Kong. A single global quality of life measure that is both reliable and valid for dialysis patients has yet to be developed. Without measurement tools, it is impossible to judge progress towards this goal. Design. A list of key issues was first derived from an in‐depth literature review, then verified by semi‐structured interview on seven patients. The initial list of 87 items was then further refined through two rounds of content analysis. The remaining 50 items were finalized by pilot test on seven patients. Of the refined 40 items, face validity was assessed by a team including one professor and ten patients.  The 40‐item scale was further evaluated by stability, internal consistency and criterion validity with a convenience sample of 164 patients. The scale demonstrated high internal consistency and good test–retest reliability and criterion validity when used. Conclusions. The psychometric evaluations suggest that the instrument is worthy of further development. Continued validation of this scale on larger sample and Chinese population living outside Hong Kong has the potential to provide nurses with a valid assessment and treatment guide, and researchers with a valid measurement tool.
Near death experience: a concept analysis as applied to nursing
Authors: Simpson Suzanne M. 
Published: March 2003

Near death experience: a concept analysis as applied to nursing Background. A concept is a thought or complicated mental illustration of a phenomenon. Concepts are essential in research development as they are described as the building blocks of theory. The occurrence of near death experiences (NDEs) is not an innovative subject. Parallels have existed as early as the Bible and Plato’s Republic. The NDE was given further consideration in 1975 by Dr Raymond Moody who initiated an interest from the general public and researchers alike, with his book Life after Life. Method. This paper will use the strategy of concept analysis to find a working definition for the concept of the NDE and the implications it has for nursing. Conclusion. This paper will attest that the number of people who have claimed to have a NDE is phenomenal and overwhelming. In addition, it claims that the numbers of those who have experienced this phenomenon may be underestimated because of the persons’ feeling of insecurity in talking with others about their paranormal incident. Therefore, it is vital that nurses become aware of the NDE and how to support the client who has had the experience. The following paper will summarize the different stages of a NDE, the consequences that one experiences, both positive and negative, and nursing implications.
Expert supervisors' views of clinical supervision: a study of factors promoting and inhibiting the achievements of multiprofessional team supervision
Authors: Hyrkäs Kristiina , Appelqvist‐Schmidlechner Kaija , Paunonen‐Ilmonen Marita 
Published: March 2003

Expert supervisors' views of clinical supervision: a study of factors promoting and inhibiting the achievements of multiprofessional team supervision Background. Only a few studies are available of team supervision and its challenges to supervisors. A multiprofessional team supervision project was accomplished in 1995–1998 in one university hospital in Finland. Eighty‐two practitioners from five wards participated in the project and 10 experienced supervisors implemented their team supervision. Aim. The aim of this qualitative study is to describe the experiences of five supervisor pairs (n=10) of multiprofessional team supervision. Methods. Data were collected by semi‐structured interviews from the supervisor pairs. The interviewing style was open and followed that of a guided conversation between supervisors and researcher. Interview data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings. The factors that influenced team supervision were as follows: advanced knowledge of supervision and confidence in supervisors, commitment and motivation, interaction and collaborative relationships and the arrangements of team supervision. The positive effects of team supervision as identified by the supervisors were as follows: influence on interaction and human relationships in the work community, supervisees' strengthened professional identity and the development of multiprofessional practice. Conclusions. Several factors can promote or inhibit the achievements of team supervision. Regardless of all the difficulties related to team supervision, its effects on a work community are positive. For the supervisors, team supervision is a demanding and challenging but also a rewarding process.
A review of symptoms of coronary artery disease in women
Authors: Miller Christine L. 
Published: March 2003

Background.  Research on heart disease has increasingly included information on women's experiences. A number of recent studies present frequencies and comparisons of symptoms between men and women and there appears to be some variability in the symptoms especially among women. Even with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) where anticipated symptoms are more clear‐cut, women can have vague or nonclassic symptoms. Aim and method.  Selected medical and nursing research on cardiac symptoms is examined for information on the cardiac warning symptom experiences unique to women. A search of the literature between 1995 and 2000 was done using CINAHL and MEDLINE . Terms used for the search included: cardiac symptoms, women's symptoms and symptom perception. The findings from this review are used to suggest implications for clinical practice. Findings.  Women experiencing AMI present with a variety of symptoms including chest pain. Less obvious symptoms include; fatigue, shortness of breath, back pain, oedema, and transient non‐specific chest discomfort. These less dramatic and non‐specific symptoms do not necessarily prompt further assessment for coronary disease in women. Conclusion.  Cardiac screening of women who present with cardiac risk factors and careful attention to less anticipated symptoms are critical factors that can improve the rapid identification of coronary disease in women. The unique physiological and sociological differences between women and men make further study of women's symptom experiences and perceptions important for health care providers. Further study of gender and ethnic differences in symptom patterns and recognition will help to improve screening and earlier identification of cardiac problems in women patients especially those without chest pain as a prodromal symptom.
Care of women with breast cancer on a surgical ward: nurses' opinions of the need for support for women, relatives and themselves
Authors: Ödling Gunvor , Norberg Astrid , Danielson Ella 
Published: March 2003

Background.  In Sweden women with newly diagnosed breast cancer are admitted to surgical wards in order to undergo surgery and receive postoperative care. On these wards, nursing staff take care of women both with newly diagnosed breast cancer and those with cancer in advanced stages. Nurses have to meet the varying needs of patients and their relatives. Aim.  To describe nurses' opinions of the need for care and support for women and their relatives in connection with surgery for breast cancer, as well as their own need for support on a surgical ward. Methods.  Thirty‐one nurses from a surgical ward participated in semi‐structured interviews. The interviews were tape‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thereafter a step‐by‐step, qualitative content analysis was carried out. Results.

The nurses described the need to talk and receive information as being the most important among women and their relatives, as well as among themselves. Only a few nurses mentioned the need for physical care among the women. Contact with relatives was described as being almost nonexistent. There was a discrepancy between
what
nurses described as important needs and
how these needs were provided for. Conclusion.

This study shows that what the nurses described as being the most important needs, and the way how these needs were provided for, was more often seen from a theoretical point of view with few examples of self‐experienced situations in the daily care
. Needs among women and their relatives seemed to be not fully known to nurses and therefore, possibly, were not met. Nurses themselves had a pronounced need for support, which was sometimes unsatisfactorily met.
Uncovering the secret: giving voice to the experiences of nurses who misuse substances
Authors: Lillibridge Jennifer , Cox Marion , Cross Wendy 
Published: March 2003

Aim of the study.  The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experience of being a nurse with a substance misuse problem. Rationale.  Several members of the research team work in a withdrawal programme specifically designed for nurses by nurses. Gaining insight into nurses' experiences will contribute to the development of appropriate guidelines to assist with prevention, identification and intervention strategies. Background.  Published research is almost exclusively from North America. Much of it represents work completed in the 1980s, with very few research‐based accounts from the perspective of nurses, highlighting that this is a poorly researched and understood problem in Australia. Research methods.  This phenomenological study used in‐depth, unstructured interviews either face to face or via the telephone with a purposive sample of 12 nurses who had experienced problem substance use. Findings.  Five major themes were identified: nurses' justification for using substances, the fear surrounding being ‘discovered’, the personal meaning for nurses, the professional impact and the turning point in their road to recovery. Discussion.  The five themes derived from the data are inextricably linked to the nature of nursing and of the nursing workplace. Information about potential risk factors and the experiences of nurses with substance misuse problems is critical to the development of prevention and treatment strategies. Conclusions.  Issues of occupational health and safety are raised due to the increasingly demanding and often traumatic nursing work environment. Fears about stigma and loss of their nursing identity highlight nurses' perceptions that treatment programmes are often punitive in nature. Guidelines for the workplace addressing issues such as confidentiality, stress reduction and strategies for handling situations where a colleague is suspected of having a problem are beginning steps that will help address the problem of substance misuse in the nursing profession.