bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pen pals: correspondence as a method for data generation in qualitative research
Authors: Kralik Debbie , Koch Tina , Brady Beverley M. 
Published: March 2003

Pen pals: correspondence as a method for data generation in qualitative research The study aimed to understand the impact of chronic illness on the lives of midlife women and explore and share the ways in which women adapt to and/or tolerate chronic illness in their lives. In 1998, 80 women participated in a study in which data were generated by corresponding with the researcher. Guided by feminist principles of collaboration, reciprocity and disclosure, we created rich stories about what it is like to live with a chronic illness. In this paper we will discuss the first phase of this inquiry which utilized correspondence between the researcher and the women. The issues posed by the use of correspondence as an innovative data generation process will be analysed. Correspondence, at first glance, may appear to be a rather impersonal communication medium. However, we are committed to this method of data generation and believe we have unlocked the doors to a viable qualitative research process. The literature to guide this process is scarce so we are keen to share work in progress. We will describe the preparation phase in setting up the study; discuss some practical issues, share some of the researcher’s experiences in generating narratives from dialogues and hear from the women themselves what they consider to be significant about this research process.
The importance of ‘knowing the patient’: community nurses’ constructions of quality in providing palliative care
Authors: Luker Karen A. , Austin Lynn , Caress Ann , Hallett Christine E. 
Published: March 2003

The importance of ‘knowing the patient’: community nurses’ constructions of quality in providing palliative care This paper reports findings from a study conducted in one community health care trust where 62 members of the district nursing team (grades B–H) were interviewed. An adaptation of the critical incident technique was used to determine factors which contributed or detracted from high quality care for a number of key areas including palliative care. The centrality of knowing the patient and his/her family emerged as an essential antecedent to the provision of high quality palliative care. Factors enabling the formation of positive relationships were given prominence in descriptions of ideal care. Strategies used to achieve this included establishing early contact with the patient and family, ensuring continuity of care, spending time with the patient and providing more than the physical aspects of care. The characteristics described by the community nurses are similar to those advocated in ‘new nursing’ which identifies the uniqueness of patient needs, and where the nurse–patient relationship is objectified as the vehicle through which therapeutic nursing can be delivered. The link with ‘new nursing’ emerges at an interesting time for community nurses. The past decade has seen many changes in the way that community nursing services are configured. The work of the district nursing service has been redefined, making the ideals of new nursing, for example holism, less achievable than they were a decade ago. This study reiterates the view that palliative care is one aspect of district nursing work that is universally valued as it lends itself to being an exemplar of excellence in terms of the potential for realizing the ideals of nursing practice. This is of increasing importance in the context of changes that militate against this ideal.
Blurring boundaries: professional perspectives of the emergency nurse practitioner role in a major accident and emergency department
Authors: Tye Christopher C. , Ross Fiona M. 
Published: March 2003

Blurring boundaries: professional perspectives of the emergency nurse practitioner role in a major accident and emergency department The role of the emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) has increasingly become part of mainstream healthcare delivery in major accident and emergency departments in the United Kingdom. Although some research data are available in this field, there has been little attempt to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the ENP role from the perspective of those healthcare professionals most closely involved at local level. This paper describes one part of a case study evaluation of the role in an accident and emergency department in the South Thames English region. Nine face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were carried out with the key multidisciplinary stakeholders in the organization. Five major themes emerged from the data analysis: blurring role boundaries; managing uncertainty; individual variation; quality vs. quantity; and the organizational context. Whilst some professional consensus was evident regarding the benefits of the role, such as improved waiting times and patient satisfaction, there appeared also to be a degree of ambivalence, particularly regarding current role configuration, value for money, and the extent to which the role should be expanded in the future. These issues are discussed in terms of professional identity, changing role boundaries, and professional personhood. It is argued that the benefits and pitfalls of the ENP role need to be considered within the context of local service provision. The growing emphasis on clinical governance reinforces the need for ongoing audit of role effectiveness in order to meet the challenges and uncertainties of increasingly blurred professional boundaries.
The use of simulation and post‐simulation interview to examine the knowledge involved in community nursing assessment practice
Authors: Bryans Alison , McIntosh Jean 
Published: March 2003

The use of simulation and post‐simulation interview to examine the knowledge involved in community nursing assessment practice This paper describes the development of an innovative research approach which used the complementary methods of simulation and post‐simulation interview to examine the knowledge‐base involved in community nursing assessment practice in the United Kingdom. The study commenced in 1994 and the main phase of data‐gathering took place over a 3‐week period in 1995. Having outlined the study’s aim, context and theoretical background, this paper focuses on the two main methods of data‐gathering used. Detailed description of the simulation method and the post‐simulation interview and the rationales for their use are followed by critical discussion which identifies their particular strengths and weaknesses. Threats to validity are also considered. It is argued that the combined use of a simulated assessment and a post‐simulation structured interview has great potential as a means of exploring the knowledge involved in community nursing assessment practice.
Is the complexity of care a paradox?
Authors: Stockdale Merren , Warelow Philip J. 
Published: March 2003

Is the complexity of care a paradox? This paper looks at the phenomenon known as care and the medium through which it is expressed — caring. It explores some of the meanings of these terms but focuses particularly on nursing care. Superficially, nurses and society have a broad understanding of what ‘care’ means but common usage of the word belies its complexity. When examined alongside the writings of scholars the inconsistent nature of care and caring emerges. We reflect on the difficulties this presents for both the nurse and the cared for when, on the one hand care is promoted as the essence of nursing, while on the other there is no acceptable definition of care on which to base this claim. Encompassed within our discussion is the underlying theme that although care is an appropriate ideal for nursing it does not capture all of the day‐to‐day realities and hence it is not an overriding ideal. Care in nursing in this sense is contradictory and we describe it as paradoxical.
Methodological issues in grounded theory
Authors: Cutcliffe John R. 
Published: March 2003

Methodological issues in grounded theory Examination of the qualitative methodological literature shows that there appear to be conflicting opinions and unresolved issues regarding the nature and process of grounded theory. Researchers proposing to utilize this method would therefore be wise to consider these conflicting opinions. This paper therefore identifies and attempts to address four key issues, namely, sampling, creativity and reflexivity, the use of literature, and precision within grounded theory. The following recommendations are made. When utilizing a grounded method researchers need to consider their research question, clarify what level of theory is likely to be induced from their study, and then decide when they intend to access and introduce the second body of literature. They should acknowledge that in the early stages of data collection, some purposeful sampling appears to occur. In their search for conceptually dense theory, grounded theory researchers may wish to free themselves from the constraints that limit their use of creativity and tacit knowledge. Furthermore, the interests of researchers might be served by attention to issues of precision including, avoiding method slurring, ensuring theoretical coding occurs, and using predominantly one method of grounded theory while explaining and describing any deviation away from this chosen method. Such mindfulness and the resulting methodological rigour is likely to increase the overall quality of the inquiry and enhance the credibility of the findings.
Perceptions of the role of the school in providing information and support to adolescent children of women with breast cancer
Authors: Chalmers Karen I. , Kristjanson Linda J. , Woodgate Roberta , Taylor‐Brown Jill , Nelson Fred , Ramserran Sagietta , Dudgeon Deborah 
Published: March 2003

Perceptions of the role of the school in providing information and support to adolescent children of women with breast cancer Little is known about the needs of adolescents of women with breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of adolescents (ages 12–20) about the role of the school in assisting them in dealing with the cancer experience. An exploratory, qualitative study was done to elicit detailed descriptions of adolescent’s needs for information and support in response to their mother’s breast cancer. A convenience sample of 31 adolescents of women in five illness phases participated in semi‐structured interviews. In addition, two focus group interviews were conducted. Interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using content analysis techniques. Findings specific to the adolescents’ perceptions of the role of the school were discussed according to content, type, amount, timing, provider and quality of information. Support needs were discussed as type of support, source of support, amount, timing and focus. Although school personnel attempted to be supportive and adolescents received generic information about cancer, overall the needs of the adolescents were not adequately addressed. Recommendations for schools and health services in assisting adolescents to cope with this major life experience are made.
Prevention as intervention
Authors: August‐Brady Michele 
Published: March 2003

Prevention as intervention Prevention as intervention is identified as a middle‐range theory consistent with the Neuman systems model. Through an examination of anxiety research using Neuman’s theory, prevention as intervention is examined for clarity, simplicity, generality, accessibility and importance. Conceptual clarity is in need of improvement to proceed with theory testing research. Until such concepts as the flexible and normal lines of defence, created environment, and the inter‐relatedness of core system variables are further understood, the theory of prevention as intervention remains unclear.
Patients’ and carers’ perceptions of factors influencing recovery after cardiac surgery
Authors: Davies Nigel 
Published: March 2003

Patients’ and carers’ perceptions of factors influencing recovery after cardiac surgery Stress and anxiety experienced by patients following myocardial infarction are well documented. Moreover, partners feel distress when they realize that they must assume responsibility for day‐to‐day care once the period of hospitalization is over. However, despite the trend towards early hospital discharge and the role which carers appear to be expected to undertake during the recovery of patients who have had cardiac surgery, few studies have been undertaken with this group outside the United States of America. This omission was filled by a descriptive survey with 60 patients and carers following cardiac surgery. Data were obtained during early recovery (1 week after hospital discharge) and 6 weeks later. The results indicated that carers assumed a heavy burden once the patient had left hospital and were less satisfied with the timing of discharge than the patients. Information provided by nurses was consistently rated more highly than information provided by doctors or physiotherapists but there was scope for increasing input with both groups. High levels of satisfaction with the information provided by health professionals were associated with lower scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. More qualitative, in‐depth studies to explore the precise needs of patients and their carers are needed to ensure that in future both groups are better prepared.
The needs of family caregivers of frail elders during the transition from hospital to home: a Taiwanese sample
Authors: Shyu Yea‐Ing Lotus 
Published: March 2003

The needs of family caregivers of frail elders during the transition from hospital to home: a Taiwanese sample This study explored the needs of family caregivers during the transition from hospital to home. Data from 37 face‐to‐face interviews with 16 caregivers before discharge and at 2 weeks and 1 month after discharge were subjected to constant comparative analysis. Findings revealed changes in family caregivers’ needs during the discharge transition. While preparing to take caregiving responsibility, caregivers reported a need for various types of information. After the discharge, but before home caregiving settled into a pattern, they needed help with caregiving practices. After reaching a pattern for providing family care, caregivers frequently reported needs for continuous emotional support. These findings provide a basis for transitional care services such as discharge planning and home health care services.
The interplay between social and cultural context and perceptions of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Murray Sarah A. , Manktelow Ken , Clifford Collette 
Published: March 2003

The interplay between social and cultural context and perceptions of cardiovascular disease This paper seeks to explore the impact of social and cultural factors upon perceptions of the patients’ cardiovascular risk and intended lifestyle changes. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. The sample was purposeful; matched groups of 10 first time post myocardial infarction (MI) patients, 10 informal (spouse, blood relative or partner) and 10 formal carers (nursing staff) were selected on a convenience basis. Personal interviews were conducted with participants, during which a semistructured questionnaire was completed. A combination of descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis of these data revealed that social and cultural factors formed the basis of patients’ and informal carers’perceptions of cardiovascular risks and social information networks provided the main source of information about cardiovascular risk. For the staff, known risk factors based on epidemiological evidence (lack of exercise and diet) formed the basis of their perceptions of the patients’ cardiovascular risk factors. However, for all the participant groups (i.e. patients, informal carers and staff) the risk factors – diet and exercise were indicated as being the patients’ intended lifestyle changes., The results illustrate potential interplay between ‘social’ and ‘cultural’ context and perceptions of cardiovascular risk and incongruency between perceptions of risk and perceptions of the patients’ intended lifestyle change. These results may assist nurses in giving effective advice to patients and relatives about lifestyle change following myocardial infarction and inform future policy for cardiac rehabilitation.
An exploration of the relationships between uncertainty, psychological distress and type of coping strategy among Chinese men after cardiac catheterization
Authors: Taylor‐Piliae Ruth E. , Molassiotis Alexander 
Published: March 2003

An exploration of the relationships between uncertainty, psychological distress and type of coping strategy among Chinese men after cardiac catheterization The experience of cardiac catheterization (CC) has included feelings of uncertainty, stress, fear and anxiety in many patients. However, conflicting findings from previous research have been reported. Chinese patients who undergo CC may experience psychological distress in a different way to other cultures as a result of traditional beliefs. Moreover, little research examining the impact of CC among Hong Kong Chinese has been carried out. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore relationships between uncertainty, psychological distress and coping strategy in Chinese men after CC, using Mishel’s model of uncertainty in illness as a framework. A convenience sample of 27 men hospitalized for cardiac catheterization participated in this study using a descriptive, correlational research design. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and from the Executive Committee of the hospital. Participation was on a voluntary basis with patient confidentiality assured. Self‐report questionnaires included Chinese versions of Mishel’s Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS), the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Chinese Coping Scale (CCS) for data collection. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. High mean scores for uncertainty (mean=101·4, SD=11·49) and variables measuring psychological distress (mood disturbance mean=36·6, SD=33·6, state‐anxiety mean=39·1, SD=8·95, trait‐anxiety mean=43·7, SD=8·1) among these participants suggest that Hong Kong Chinese men experience uncertainty and psychological distress when undergoing cardiac catheterization. Strong relationships between uncertainty and mood disturbance (r=0·57, P=0·01), trait‐anxiety and mood disturbance (r=0·65, P=0·01) and state‐anxiety and external coping strategies (r=0·50, P=0·05) were found. These findings suggest that relationships between uncertainty, psychological distress and external coping strategies exist in Chinese men hospitalized for cardiac catheterization. Moreover, these findings may help nurses’ design culturally specific interventions for their patients.
Validation of a questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life of nonprofessional caregivers of dependent persons
Authors: Gallego Carmen Fuentelsaz , Roger Montserrat Roca , Bonet Inmaculada Úbeda , Viñets Lourdes García , Ribas Assumpta Pont , Pisa Rosa López , Oriol Rosalía Pedreny 
Published: March 2003

Validation of a questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life of nonprofessional caregivers of dependent persons Aim of the study. To determine the acceptance, validity and reliability of the questionnaire for assessing the type of informal care that caregivers of dependent people give and the effects this care might have on the health of the carer. Background. In Spain, the formal health care system provides 12% of the total time dedicated to health care, the remaining 88% is carried out by the informal system within the home environment. The act of caring has effects on various areas of the life of the carer and on family functioning. This makes clear the existing risk when the principal carer becomes a secondary nurse. Methods. This research was a cross‐sectional design, carried out in municipalities in the province of Barcelona (Spain) from January to December 1997. The subjects of the study were 240 caregivers of dependent people. The questionnaire (ICUB97©) is based on the Virginia Henderson’s 14 Needs nursing model. The validity of the content was assessed through the consensus of a group of experts, validity of design by means of comparison with the hypotheses. Results. Test–retest reliability was completed for the three parts of the questionnaire and the κ index values was 0·89, 0·80 and 0·75 for each part. The higher the level of dependency of the person cared for, the more care tasks the carer had to perform. A correlation coefficient of 0·58 was obtained for the Barthel Index (P < 0·001) and 0·53 on the Philadelphia Index (P < 0·001). The care tasks performed by the carer showing greatest correlation with dependency level were; help with elimination (r=0·73, P < 0·001), help with feeding (r=0·55, P < 0·001) and help in personal development (r=0·55, P=0·001). Conclusions. This questionnaire provides a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the care given by caregivers to dependent people, to meet their basic needs as well as for assessing the needs of the carers who experience problems by the act of caring. It is therefore important for nursing practice, to have a validated instrument available for identifying the tasks performed by family carers and the effects on their health.
Further testing of the Mental Health Problems Perception Questionnaire
Authors: Angus Neil J. , Lauder William , Reynolds William 
Published: March 2003

Further testing of the Mental Health Problems Perception Questionnaire Aim of study. This paper reports a two‐part study relating to the further psychometric development of the Mental Health Problems Perceptions Questionnaire. Background. The instrument was developed and used originally in a study to investigate the role of district nurses in caring for people with mental health problems, who live in rural settings. It is underpinned by an explicit theoretical framework in which therapeutic commitment, role support and role competency are core concepts. Design. A two‐part study is described. Part One used a test–retest method to examine the stability of the instrument on repeated administration. Part Two examined the instrument’s internal reliability and construct validity by calculation of Cronbach’s alpha co‐efficients and exploratory factor analysis. Results. Satisfactory internal reliability for a new instrument was demonstrated. Exploratory factor analysis supported the previously proposed theoretical framework. Significant correlations were demonstrated between the scales which constitute the instrument, thereby providing further evidence of construct validity. Conclusions. The Mental Health Problems Perceptions Questionnaire provides a potentially useful instrument in relation to future educational, clinical and managerial research.