bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endogenous and exogenous research? Findings from a bibliometric study of UK nursing research
Authors: Traynor Michael , Rafferty Anne Marie , Lewison Grant 
Published: March 2003

Endogenous and exogenous research? Findings from a bibliometric study of UK nursing research Aims of the study. This paper uses the findings of a recent bibliometric analysis of published UK nursing research to ask whether the field is characterized by a fundamental split between two underlying areas of research interest. These can be termed `endogenous' and `exogenous'. The former term describes research which tends to be concerned with problems and issues to do with nursing as a profession; the latter is concerned with problems and issues centring around the nursing of patients. Design/methods. Papers in the Wellcome Trust's Research Outputs Database (ROD), a database of UK biomedical research, were analysed. Nursing papers published between 1988 and 1995 numbered 1845, just less than 1% of the total papers in the ROD. Results/findings. Analysis of the subfield identified that nursing research was atypical of biomedical research as a whole in a number of ways. One difference was that usually in biomedical research there is a general correlation between numbers of funders acknowledged on a paper, numbers of authors, and esteem of the journal in which a paper appears. In nursing there was, if anything, a tendency for highly esteemed papers to have fewer authors and be less likely to have acknowledged funding. However, the apparently endogenous and exogenous papers have quite different characteristics. This paper explores this apparent difference and possible reasons for this difference and will briefly compare nursing research with some other newly emerging social and academic groups. Conclusions. Thinking of nursing research outputs in this way can provide insight into the existence of different reward systems influencing nurse researchers. However, it is impossible to draw too confident a differentiation without reading each individual paper and making judgements about whether they are `endogenous' or `exogenous', a practice generally beyond the scope of bibliometric practice.
Risk factors for citation errors in peer‐reviewed nursing journals
Authors: Lok Candy K.W. , Chan Matthew T.V. , Martinson Ida M. 
Published: March 2003

Risk factors for citation errors in peer‐reviewed nursing journals Background. Citation errors are common among nursing journals. But, there are no data regarding the factors that predispose to these errors. Objective. To determine the risk factors that predispose to citation error in peer‐ reviewed nursing journals. Methods. Five hundred and fifty references were selected randomly from articles published in eleven nursing journals for the year 1998. The incidences of major and minor citation errors were determined by comparing with the original articles. The relative odds of citation errors for the number of authors, collaborating institutions and the length of the reference list were calculated. The correlation between the scientific quality of the journal (by means of journal impact factor and immediacy index) and the incidence of citation error were also determined. Results. The incidence of citation errors is comparable to those reported previously. Long reference lists in articles written by a single author predicted strongly the occurrence of minor citation errors. Journals with a high impact factor and immediacy index tend to contain fewer minor mistakes. None of these factors affect the incidence of major errors. Conclusion. Contributors to journals should be aware of the various risk factors for citation errors. Citation accuracy may be improved by modifying these factors.
Finnish occupational health nurses’ work and expertise: the clients’ perspective
Authors: Naumanen‐Tuomela Paula 
Published: March 2003

Finnish occupational health nurses’ work and expertise: the clients’ perspective Aims. The aims of this study were to describe Finnish occupational health nurses’ functions, characteristics, prerequisites, consequences, changes, development areas and expertise from the point of view of clients. Methods. The background literature of this study is based on public health nursing models, Finnish social and health report, arguments of special education for occupational health nurses, and earlier studies concerning occupational health nurses’ work. The data were collected from volunteer clients (n=26) by interviews. Results. According to the qualitative content analysis, occupational health nurses’ activities include health promotion and secondary health care among workers and at workplaces. The main work characteristics are holism, client‐orientation, interaction and co‐operation. Occupational health nurses need an extensive knowledge base and practical skills, client‐orientation, courteous behaviour and a healthy and clean appearance. The outcomes of their work for clients are better health, healthier life habits and healthier working conditions. Nowadays, nurses are more client‐orientated than 20 years ago. They are expected to develop their practical and interaction skills and expand their knowledge base. The expertise of occupational health nurses consists of an extensive knowledge base with practical skills, working experience and confidence, and it appeared when advising clients and answering their questions. Conclusions. It is important to arrange continuing education for occupational health nurses to ensure that they are always up to date in order to be able to respond to specific clients’ needs. This study provides a foundation for further investigations into, for example, occupational health nurses’ work from the point of view of employers, students of occupational health nursing and other occupational health experts and co‐operative partners.
Intentional action
Authors: Burks Kathryn J. 
Published: March 2003

Intentional action Aim. The purpose of this paper is to present a concept analysis of intentional action. Background. Intentional action is a relevant concept for nurses because health behaviour involves action by the client of care. In addition, nurses take action when they assist their clients. Intentional action is a type of action distinguished by the presence of specific developmental skills and by intent or purpose. Design. This concept analysis reflects a comprehensive review of the action literature. Findings. This review revealed two views of intentional action: as social behaviour and as self‐regulated behaviour influenced by external and internal factors. Based on these findings, the antecedents and consequences of this type of action are identified and the process of action is described. Conclusions. The concept model illustrates the relationship of intentional action with external and internal factors and demonstrates its continuous nature. Areas for further inquiry include exploration of the effect of factors such as self‐efficacy, motivation, self‐esteem, managed care and reduced health care resources on intention and subsequent action; as well as the efficacy of nursing interventions designed to influence health behaviour such as health promotion education and treatment counselling.
A study of the impact of discharge information for surgical patients
Authors: Henderson Amanda , Zernike Wendy 
Published: March 2003

A study of the impact of discharge information for surgical patients Aim of the study. To establish whether the routine information surgical patients receive about the management of pain and wound care during their hospitalization is sufficient for them to care for themselves without seeking assistance from a health professional or health care agency. Background. While there has been considerable evidence suggesting cost benefits of discharge information the health care environment is constantly changing. Contemporary issues such as increased patient participation, extensive use of technology, reduction in health care expenditure, and greater awareness of consumer rights necessitate further inquiry into the appropriateness of discharge information. Method. One hundred and fifty‐eight adult patients discharged within a week of their operation participated in the study. A written questionnaire was distributed within 24 hours prior to discharge and a telephone interview conducted 1 to 2 weeks after discharge. At the time of discharge the majority of patients had received information. Findings. Those patients who had received information were less likely to access a health facility than those who had not received information. However, the telephone interview, revealed that there was no evidence that patients who believed they were well informed within 24 hours of discharge about the management of their wound, still felt well informed 1 to 2 weeks later. Conclusion. Nurses need to be aware that patients who leave the hospital with little or no discharge information may not be confident in the management of their health condition and therefore may access a health facility, if even just for reassurance.
Seniors’ decision making about pain management
Authors: Ross Margaret M. , Carswell Anne , Hing Malcolm , Hollingworth Gary , Dalziel William B. 
Published: March 2003

Seniors’ decision making about pain management Background. Muscoloskeletal pain is a problem with which many seniors must contend, many on a daily basis. Little is known, however, of the self‐care decisions that seniors make regarding the management and control of this pain. These decisions can influence in a significant manner the delivery of health care to seniors and their overall health and well‐being. Purpose. The purpose of our exploratory‐descriptive study was to investigate seniors’ decision making regarding the management and control of musculoskeletal pain by gathering data about the context of decision making, the types of decisions seniors made, their decisional conflict and the resources they used in decision making. Methods. Focus groups and a mail‐back questionnaire were used. Data were gathered in 1997 from a convenience sample of 50 seniors in Canada who experienced musculoskeletal pain of a noteworthy nature. Results. Findings revealed that participants made decisions within a context of ageing and the health and social consequences of advancing age. The types of decisions they made included to ignore their pain and to use distraction. They also used exercise, the application of heat and cold, and medications to manage pain. Decisional conflict was minimal and consultation with family and friends superseded that with professionals. Conclusions. This study contributed to knowledge of decision making in later life about health matters generally, and the management and control of pain specifically. Findings point to the resourcefulness of seniors with respect to self‐care and decision making. Seniors want to make informed decisions. However, they need information about the risks and benefits of decisions.
The Data Protection Act (1998): implications for health researchers
Authors: Redsell Sarah A. , Cheater Francine M. 
Published: March 2003

The Data Protection Act (1998): implications for health researchers Aims. This paper reports on the methods used in two studies to obtain access to subjects to comply with the common law duty of confidence laid out in the Data Protection Act (1998) and discusses the researchers’ problems in interpreting the procedures. Rationale. The amendments to the United Kingdom (UK) Data Protection Act (1998) are causing confusion within the health service and academic institutions. There is a need to balance patient confidentiality with the requirement to conduct vital, unbiased research in which health service professionals are not subject to ethical dilemmas. This paper examines the recruitment methods used in two studies in which the researchers’ attempts to adhere to the requirements lengthened the study costs and may have produced less reliable results. Methods. The methodological difficulties in two studies are presented. In Study 1, the difficulties encountered when the Multicentre Research Ethics Committee refused permission for researchers to recruit patients directly to a multicentre randomized controlled trial are discussed. In Study 2, the method used to compile a sampling frame for a national questionnaire survey following the eight principles of the Act are described. Findings. Our experience has shown that health care professionals are increasingly required to recruit patients to intervention trials, and that researchers are not allowed access to the names of patients or other subjects to ask them for consent to participate in a study. The requirement for researchers to use ‘intermediaries’ to obtain consent from and recruit subjects to studies increases the risk of selection bias, may expose the practitioner to ethical difficulties and may compromise the external validity of trial results. There is also a danger that research costs will soar when the Data Protection Act (1998) is fully realized. Conclusion. The Data Protection Act (1998) is currently being interpreted in a number of different ways. We conclude there is an urgent need for consensus within the health service and academic communities.
Eating difficulties, complications and nursing interventions during a period of three months after a stroke
Authors: Westergren Albert , Ohlsson Ola , Hallberg Ingalill Rahm 
Published: March 2003

Eating difficulties, complications and nursing interventions during a period of three months after a stroke Aim. The aim of this study was to describe eating difficulties and especially swallowing in patients with dysphagia, types of nursing intervention, and the development of complications over 3 months. The aim was also to explore common characteristics of eating difficulties that influenced the ability to finish meals. Methods. Twenty‐four consecutive patients admitted because of stroke and dysphagia were included. Nursing interventions, based on assessments, were individually designed. Results. Three subgroups could be identified: those (n=9) who were unable to complete a meal, despite assisted feeding, because of reduced alertness/energy and impaired swallowing function; those (n=5) who could complete a meal, despite suffering from reduced alertness/energy; and those (n=10) who could complete meals with minor difficulties. Patients in the first two groups developed complications such as respiratory infections and/or malnutrition. There was a tendency towards that complications in the third group were less frequent and the hospital stay was significantly shorter than in the other groups. Conclusion. The level of alertness/energy in patients with dysphagia after stroke was important for the ability to eat and swallow and the development of complications over time, and thus of great importance for the interventions applied.
A critique of research on the use of activities with persons with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic literature review
Authors: Marshall Melody J. , Hutchinson Sally A. 
Published: March 2003

A critique of research on the use of activities with persons with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic literature review Topic. The topic of this paper concerns the use of therapeutic activities with persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Purpose. The purpose is to present a critique of the research on these activities, with an emphasis on methodology. Organizing construct and scope. Nursing literature identifies a number of purposes for activities for persons with AD. Activities should be therapeutic, enhance quality of life, arrest mental decline, and generate and maintain self‐esteem. Other purposes of activities for this population are to create immediate pleasure, re‐establish dignity, provide meaningful tasks, restore roles, and enable friendships. Activities may be more important to the psychological state of well‐being of persons with dementia than the general physical and social environments in which they live. Sources. The literature reviewed was identified with the use of computer data bases (Medline – 1991–March 2001; Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) – 1991–March 2001; and PsychLit – 1988–March 1999). In addition, data bases of Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation Indexes as they appear in the computer base, Web of Science, were searched for 1992–2001. The time period for each search was determined by the manner in which the literature was grouped for inclusion in the particular database. Hand searches of 11 selected journals included the years 1993–2001. The search dates were selected to reflect the time period when the largest number of studies on activities and AD have appeared in the professional literature. We critique a total of 33 studies. Conclusions. While researchers have demonstrated interest in the use of activities with persons with AD, theoretical and methodological difficulties, unclear findings and gaps exist, including a lack of emphasis on gender, ethnic, racial or cultural differences. Sampling issues involving diagnosis and staging complicate the research on individuals with AD. Case studies, single subject experimental designs, and tightly controlled quasi‐experimental and experimental designs are needed to advance knowledge in this important area.
Using a management perspective to define and measure changes in nursing technology
Authors: Alexander Judith W. , Kroposki Margaret 
Published: March 2003

Using a management perspective to define and measure changes in nursing technology Aims. The aims of this paper are to discuss the uses of the concept of technology from the medical science and the management perspectives; to propose a clear definition of nursing technology; and to present a study applying the use of the concept of nursing technology on nursing units. Background. Nurse managers must use management terms correctly and the term technology may be misleading for some. A review of the nursing literature shows varied uses of the concept of technology. Thus a discussion of the dimensions, attributes, consequences, and definitions of nursing technology from the management perspective are given. Design. A longitudinal study to measure the dimensions of nursing technology on nursing units 10 years apart. Results. The findings suggest that the dimensions of nursing technology change over time and support the need for nurse managers to periodically assess nursing technology before making management changes at the level of the nursing unit. Conclusions. This study helps health care providers understand the unique role of nurses as healthcare professionals by identifying and measuring nursing technology on the nursing unit.
Nursing the patient with severe communication impairment
Authors: Hemsley Bronwyn , Sigafoos Jeff , Balandin Susan , Forbes Ralph , Taylor Christine , Green Vanessa A. , Parmenter Trevor 
Published: March 2003

Nursing the patient with severe communication impairment Background.  Effective communication with patients is critical to effective nursing practice. Surprisingly, there is little information on nurses’ experiences in caring for patients who are unable to speak. Purpose and method. This study provides descriptive information from interviews with 20 nurses who cared for patients with severe communication impairment. The interview protocol explored positive and negative experiences of nursing patients with severe communication impairment. Frequency counts and descriptive analyses were conducted to identify the major themes emerging from the interviews. Results. The results suggest that nurse–patient communication is difficult when the patient has severe communication impairment, although some nurses discovered effective strategies to facilitate communication with such patients. Many of the difficulties could be viewed as a breakdown in understanding arising from the lack of a readily interpretable communication system that could be used by nurse and patient. Conclusions. The results suggest a need for training nurses in the use of alternative modes of communication. Nurses also need access to a variety of simple augmentative communication devices for use with patients who are unable to speak. Finally, nurses should collaborate with speech pathologists on the development of preadmission information and bedside training for people who are admitted to hospital with severe communication impairment.
Health perceptions and health behaviours of poor urban Jordanian women
Authors: Mahasneh Sawsan Majali 
Published: March 2003

Health perceptions and health behaviours of poor urban Jordanian women Background. The economic recession and stringent economic adjustment programme that Jordan has gone through since the early 1980s have resulted in lower living standards and higher rates of poverty and unemployment. Poverty debilitates women and impairs their access to health care, proper nutrition and well‐being in general. Rationale. Women’s health behaviours and problems need to be analysed from the perspective of women themselves. The purpose of this study was to describe the health perceptions and health behaviours of poor urban Jordanian women aged 15–45 years in the context of the family and community in which they live. The sample consisted of 267 Jordanian women aged 18–45 years, whose household income was below the poverty line. Method. This was a community‐based study that collected data using semi‐structured interviews with women. Health perceptions were measured by asking the women to describe their health status, as they perceived it. Health behaviours were measured by asking the women about their personal hygiene, diet, activity and exercise, sleep, smoking, drinking alcohol, and safety and security. Results. The average age of women was 33 years, 93% were or had been married, and 87·5% had received some form of education. Although the mean age at marriage was about 20 years, 13·6% were married when they were less than 16 years of age. Study women gave a lower rating of their health status than those reported in national studies. Although they reported bathing once a week, eating about three meals a day, and getting 8 hours sleep, there remain areas for improvement in their health behaviours in terms of performing regular exercise, carrying out regular health examinations, and the type and amount of food consumed. Recommendations. Implications for nursing, with a special focus on health education and meeting the health needs of these women, are presented.